Mr. HENDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the House, and especially to the Gentfrom Ohio, [Mr. LeBLoND, who has just taken his seat, that I have no doubt if he under stood the nature of the country through which this road is to pass, and the necessity of a road through it, he would have no sort of objection to it. But a man who has never been in that country, who knows nothing of the circumstances there, cannot appreciate the importance of a measure like this. I desire to say to members of this House that formerly it was the custom to ask for an appropriation of money to build such roads as these. We have lately come to the conclusion that money cannot be obtained for such purposes, and so we are not disposed to ask for it. but knowing that the building of such roads as this not only facilitates commerce and intercourse, but also enhances the value of the public lands, we feel that we have the right to ask Congress for liberal grants for this purpose. Now, I would say to gentlemen here that they cannot expect new countries like Oregon, Washington Territory, and the other Territo ries west of the Rocky mountains to build these roads without the assistance of the General Government. How is a sparse population like that in these countries to roads of 275 or 300 miles in length, through a mountaine us country, infested with Indians all the time, and to sustain themselves without other assistance? I want to inform gentlemen that in the eastern part of the State of Oregon for the last 5 or 6 years, and I might say almost from the 1st settlement of the country, there has been a perpetual warfare between the Indians and the white people there. The route of this road, with the map of that country, was drawn by the military commander on the Columbia river and sent here with a request of that officer that Congress should make an appropriation to build that road to facilitate the transportation of arms and munitions of war, so that the ravages of the Indians may be stopped and the lives of white settlers and traders be preserved. A bill was drawn and referred to the ComMilAffrs. It was carefully examined by that committee, who reported in favor of its passage. The bill was printed and referred to the ComPubLands. The latter committee also carefully investigated the subject. In order to satisfy themselves fully they sent a draft of the bill to the SecyWar, asking his opinion upon it. The SecyWar not being so conversant with thy subject as he 2supposed GenlGrant to be, sent the bill to that officer, who, after investigating the subject, reported favorably upon it. I wish to say to members of this House that the warfare by the Indians on that route is now carried on to such an extent that trade between the settlements and the mining region of the country is almost entirely broken up. By this warfare of the Indians 100s of lives have been destroyed and tens of 1000s of dollars' worth of property have been wasted within the last 2 or 3 years. These lives and this property are worth infinitely more than it would cost to build this road. This warfare by the Indians is now going on in the very country through which the road is to pass, although there are 2 or 3 military posts upon it. It will be far cheaper for this government to donate a few sections of land to open a military road than it will be to fight the Indians there for years to come, which will have to be done if things continue as at present, unless the Government intends to leave the people of Oregon to fight their own battles and foot their own bills, as they have been obliged to do to a great extent since the settlement of that country. I do hope that the House will take a liberal and just view of this matter and pass this bill.