Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1822-07-27

CeSSlOn OF Captai-a great fcuht' iOn II
the hazard, the time consumed, and the
price of transportation, OF imports and
exports, and a great and growing re-
venue 10 the state, are points conceded,
would be amongst its many benefits
The opening of the fisheries on the
lakes, which are known to abound with
vast quantities Of white fish and lake her
ring, with many other kinds, would form
new and lucrative employment to ma
ny of our citizens. One state has alone
exported from the lakes, during single
year, 10000 barrels, estimated TO be
worth $4,000. An increase and greater
participation in the fur trade, which is
now so much enjoyed by the British
Discoveries in geology and mineralo-
gy, during the excavation along the line
of the canal will probably be among
other beneficial results.
On more than one occasion have the
advantages been pointed out even byie-
sidents in other states, who emphasical-
| ly inquire " How long will the western
people slumber Their moral and ply
steal strength is sufficient to ann;h:late
obstacles of every description. There
are statesmen and financiers, there are
civil engineers and laborers, there is
nothing wanting but resolution and per-
severance" There are those who are
doubtful, as to the means, and whose
honest fears of expense, would induce
them to procrastinate measure, OF the
advantages of which, they are well con-
vinced. The same fears existed four
tyears since. If we never make the at
tempt, we shall of course never succeed.
The expense Of a survey and estimate,
which must by the acl be entered on and
completed within three years, will be
triflng, and who is prepared to say that
this state will not be capable OF complet-
| ing it within twelve years thereafter, (the
time allowed y work which would not
cost many Of the states in the union, the
efforts of single month. Independent
of calculations of pecuniary benefit to the
state, in the accession which it would
yield to its revenue, are there no con-
siderations Of pride, TO which an appeal
might be made ? Would it not be new
era in our civil policy, and who can pre-
dict the extent of the advantages, which
would grow out OF The new intercourse
and relations it would produce? But
above all it would add an additional link
in the chain of our union, and tend 10
preserve it bright and unbroken. No
Thing can have greater tendency to
contribute to the duration and perpctui-
~, OF our happy form OF government,
than constant communications, between
different sections OF the union. The dis
cordant views, sympathies, habits and
feelings, OF individuals, are by these
communications amalganla,ed, end Sec
tional lealousies allayed. Local barriers
proslrated, and new ties and lisaments
formed reciprocity Of feelings and in
terest are created, which would in time
pervade a state " which God has made
great, and which man, under his protect
ing arm, can make greater"
The parting words of Washin; ton best
illustrate my views -" The cast, in an
unrestrained intercourse with the west,
already finds, and in the progressive i'm
provenents of interior communications,
| Df IdINi atlQ HGlCt3 VIII UiUIC d!tu MORO
find, valuable vent Tor the commod-
ties which it brings from abroad, or ma
nnfacturcs al home. The west derives
from the east supplies requisite to its
growth and comfor--ond what is still OF
greater consequence, ii must of necessl-
~ owe the secure enjoyment Of indis-
pensable outlets for its productions 10
the weight, influence, and future mara
time strength of the Atlantic side of the
union, directed by an indisso!uble COM
munity of interests, as one nation"
The school fund may also form a sub
ect of legislative consideration. On the
ludicious disposition of this fund, much
of the future character of this state, in
point of learning and intellectual i'm
provemcnt, may depend. VIVA: plan, it
any has been thought of, is to me un-
/, known; but certain it is that some ofthe
best interests of the state are involved in
this question. Early instruction and
early habits, will contribute to establish
more firmly, those principles, which pro-
duced the erection OF our political fabric,
and the diffusion of education will prove
the best guarantee of its protection and
sec r.ty.
4 A system of elementary instruction
might be adopted which would almost
preclude the possibility of solitary
child, being brought up in ignorance
within the state. Important as this sub
iect is, much Of its success will depend
on the course which may be eventually
pursued, and the future character of the
state elevated or denressed by whatever