The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-06-03

tnat a less sum being subscribed at first, than
Is actually requisite for compiling the work,
this proceeds slowly the capital applied re-
mains unproductivc for nluth longer time
than was necessary, and the Interest acern-
ing during that period, bccdnes in fact an
injurious addition to the real apence of the
undertaking.
States compared with the extent OF erritory
over which it is spread, does not, except in
the vicinity uf the seaports, sitiIlit mat cn-
tensive commercial intercourse within short
distances, which in England and sohe other
countries, forms the principal suppdt of ar
titicial roads and canals. With a'ew ex-
ceptions, canals particularly, cannot n Ane-
RIGA be undertaken with view solcy to the
intercourse between the two extremo of, and
along the intermediate ground whih they
occupy. II is necessary, IN order tobe pro-
ductive, that the canal should opera COM
muncation with a natural cxtensivcnavig
ton which will f1ow through tI,at rs4s chan
uEf. III follows that whenever that Iasigati-
on requires to be improved. or When Knight
at some distance be Connected by2alotier
canal to another navigation, the fist. canal
VIII remain comparatively unprodudve, I'M
TIL the ether improvements are efe{ed, nm
il the other canal is completed. 'hus the
intended canal between the Chesapake and
Delaware, viii be deprived of the 3ldition-
al benefit arising from the intercotse be-
tween New York and the Chesapeake, until
an inland navigation; shall have bee opened
between the Delaware and New YlF.
Thus the expensive canals domp,ting the
fails of Potomac viii become more aid more
productive proportion to the imprS ement,
first OF the navigation of the upperbrancl-
cheS OF the river, and then of its chnmuni-
cation with the western waters Sora works
already executed are unproftabl many
more remain uninterrupted, becausdheir Ill
innate proiluctivencss depends on ther i'm
Provcrnents, too extensive or too dishnt to be
embraced by the same individuals,
The geueraigovernmea can alon remove
ifhese obstacles.
RESOURCES amply suiiiGi chi for the.
completion ofevery practicable Improvement
1T viii always supply the capital wntcSl for
any work which it NAV undertake, Is fast as
the work itself anprogress, avoidig there
by the ruinous loss Of interest on adormart
capital, and reducing the real expase TO its
lowest rate, "a
With these resources, and embpcing the
whole union, it viii complete on Inv given
line all the improvements, howcvd. distant,
which may be necessary to render lie whole
productive, and emineutly bencfcia.
The early and efficient aid OF TIL. federal
government is recommended by sill more
! important considerations. The hconveni-
enccs, complaints, and perhaps dangers
which may result from a vast extent OF ter
ritory, can no otherwise be radically remov.
ed, or prevented, than BY opening speedy
and easy communications though ali its parts
Good roads and canals, will shorten dis
tances, facilitate commercial and personal
intercourse, and unite by sill more intimate
com immunity OF interests, tie most remote
quarters of the United State. No other sin.
gle operation, within the Ibwer of govern
,ment, can more effectually lend to strength
en- and perpetuate that unioi, which secures
external independence, douestic peace, and
internal liberty.
With that view Of the stbject, the fact.
respecting canals, which have been collect.
cd in pursuance of the resolution of the Sc
nate, have been arranged under the follow.
ing heads:
1. Great canals from north to SOUTH. alcne
the Atlantic sea coast
2. Communications between the Atlantic
and wester waters.
8. Communications between the Atlantic
waters and those Of the great lakes, and ri
yer ST. Lawrence.
4, Interior canals.
(To be Continual J -