The Arkansas Whig

THE PACIFIC RAILROAD,

A very interesting controversy is going on in Northern and Western Democratic journals in relation to the power of the government to aid in the construction of this important work. The Cincinnati Enquirer looks upon the Pacific railway as a great national work, and takes issue with the Louisville Democrat and others of the strict construction school, who deny power in the general government to construct it: for, in its judgment, neither its expediency nor constitutionality can be justly called in question. The Democratic press and the Democratic party in the Northern States (the Enquirer says) are nearly or quite unanimously convinced that there is nothing in the Democratic creed upon the subject of internal improvements that conflict with the General Government building a railroad through the territories of the United States: that it is as clearly authorized by the Constitution to do it, as it is to constitute a military post or a ship of war. With the "exception of a few in Virginia, a great majority of the Democratic editors in the Southern States" accord with the views expressed by Col. Jeff. Davis and Mr. Guthrie in their Crystal Palace tour. The Pacific railroad is certainly a national work, and is clearly within the constitutional power of the government. There is a general acquiescence by the people in favor of both of these positions. But we remember that there was a similar belief in the nationality and constitutionality of the Maysville road, and we also recollect that Gen. Jackson's interposition of the veto made that road sectional and "decidedly unconstitutional" in the minds of his partizan friends. Thus remembering, we venture the prediction, at this early day, that President Pierce will array himself against the Pacific railroad, and that the work will suddenly get to be unconstitutional with the party. The strict constructionists embody the influence of the Democratic party. They mould its policy, and they will force it to oppose the Pacific railroad. The currents are already setting in that direction.-Memphis Eagle & Enquirer.