Portland gazette and Maine advertiser. (Portland, Me.) 1805-1818, 1817-12-16

the Indian tribes are, will shun even moder-
ate works, which are defended by cannon.
Great forti.ications will, therefore, he requi
site only, in future, along the coast, and at
some points in the interior, connected with
with it. On these will the safety OF our
towns, and the commerce OF our great nv
ers, from the bay of Fundy to the Mississip-
pi, depend. On these, therefore, should the
utmost attention. skill and labor,be bestowed.
A considerable and rapid augmentation in
the value Of all the public lands, proceeding
from these aud other obvious causes, may
be expected. The difficulties
attending early emigrations, will be dissipat-
ed even IN the most remote parts. Several
new states have been admitted into our I'm
ion, to the West and South, and territorial
governments, happily organized, established
over every other portion in which there i
vacant land for sale. In terminating Indian
hostihies, as must soon be done, in a torIni-
dable shape at least, the emigration which
has heretofore been great, will probably en-
crease, and the demand for land, and the
augmentation in its value, be in like proper
ton. The great increase Of our population
throughout the Union will alone produce an
important effect, and IN no quarter will it be
SO sensibIy felt as in those in contemplation.
The public lands are a public stock,
which ought to be disposed of to the best
advantage for the nation. The nation
should, therefore, derive the profit proceed
ing from the continual rise in their value.
Every encouragement should be given to
the emigrants, consistent with tair cOmpe-
tition between them, but that competition
should operate, in the first sale, to the ad-
vantage OF the nation rather than OF individ-
uals. Great capitalists will derive all The
benefit incident TO their superior wealth, an
der any mode OF sale which may be adopted.
But if, looking forward to the rise in the val
ue Of the public lands, they should have The
Of amassing, at low price, vast
bodies IN their hands, the profit will accrue
TO them, and not to the public. They would
also have the power, il, that degree, to con
troll the emigration and settlement in such
manner as their opinion of their respective
interests might dictate. / submit this sub
jeCt to the consideration of Congress, that
such further provision may be made in the
sale OF the public lands, with a view to the
public interest, should any be deemed expe-
dent, as in their Judgement may be best
adapted to the object.
When we consider the vast extent of terri
ry within the United States, the great amount
and value Of its productions, the connection
OF its parts, and other circumstances, on
which their prosperity and happiness de-
pend, we cannot tail to entertain a high
sense Of the advantage to be derived from
the facility which may be afforded in the in
lercomse between them, by means Of good
roads and canals. Never did country of
such vast extent offer equal inducements to
of this kind, nor ever were
Of such ma anitude involved in
them. As thus subject was acted on BY
Congress at the last session, and there may
be disposition 70 revive it at the present,
have brought 1t into view, lor the purpose
If communicating my sentiments on very
important circumstance connected with it. |
With that freedom and candor which re-
gard for the public interest, and proper
respect 1Ur Congress require. A difference |
Of opinion has existed, from the first lorna |
lion OF our constitution TO the present time, |
among our most enlightened and yirtuous
citizens, respecting the right Of Congress to !
establish such system of nprovcment-I
Taking into view the trust with which | |
ann now honored, it would be improper, al |
ter what has passed, that this discussion |
should be revived, with an uncertainty Of |
my opinion respecting the right. Disre- |
garding early impressions, | have bestowed |
on the subject all the deliberation which it's |
great importance, and a just sense OF NY du- |
W, reqnired-and the result is, a settled con-
viction in my mind, that Congress do not
possess the right. 1t is not contained In any |
Of the specified powers granted TO Congress |
nor can consider it Incidental to, or a ne !
cessary mean, viewed on the most liberal |
scale, for carrying into effect any Of the |
powers which are specifically granted. In
communicating this result, | cannot resist
the obligation which | feel 10 suggest to
Congress the propriety OF recommending to
the states the adoption of an amendment to |
lie constitution, which shall give to Con-
9ress the right in question. IN cases ot
doubtful construction, especially Of such NJ
al interest, il COMFORTS with the ma 'ure and \
origin IF our institutions, and viii contrib
Ite much TO preserve them, to apply to our
for an eynlicif rrapt 04' ~ a