244 NEW TRACKS IN NORTH AMERICA. 
and a large subsidy, increasing in amount as the | 
advanced westward, were granted, but no definite ci 
clusion was arrived at as to the eastern starting-poin 
the route. The great precedent, however, was establishec i 
that Government aid, to the extent of about half the tq 
amount necessary, would be provided out of the natio; 
treasury to assist a Pacific Railroad enterprise. 3B il 
succeeded each other in rapid succession, and party contests 
raged hotly at every session; until, finally, the follow 
programme was definitely adopted: and the undertaking wai 
actually commenced. 
The main line was to extend from Omaha on the Missourt 
River to Sacramento, in California, 1,721 miles. St. Louis 
was to be provided for by a deaidided branch line to connect 
were to prosecute these works, and to stand on an eq al 
es as — land grants, loans, Sisal &e. | 
the line ‘wnat from Omaha. 4 ; 
Second: the Central Pacific Railway of California, pro- 
ceeding eastward from Sacramento. These companies were | 
and to meet at an intermediate point not fixed. Thus it was 
to the advantage of each to lay as much track as possible ; for ~ 
the amount of Government subsidy, as well as the share % 
managemental influence, depended upon the proportion of : 
line laid. | 
_ Third: the Union Pacific Railway Company (Eastern Divi- | 
: sion) obtained the Government subsidy for a distance of 400 
2 = west of Kansas City. Thus it is evident that Chicage 
— had poe the day. If the civil war had not intervened : 
