American watchman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1814-1822, 1822-01-25


this kind, without entering into some understanding
Tor compact in the nature of treaty, IN the charac
tier of independent states; but serious doubts ma
Inow exist on the subject as states are not aowe
by the constitution, to enter into any agreement
compact with each other, it will at least be dittcul
to say how such power can be exercised by tn
states, which could be enforced, unless by corpora
tons, in perpetuy, or by the consent OF Congress
II The Committee will not undertake 10 make re-
searches into the history of the rise and progress
of canals and internal Improvements IN ancient o
modern times, in foreign countries; but the task !
an agreeable one, to pursue even partially, the pub
lie spirit that has prevailed on this subject in man,
of the states. The works that have already beer
constructed, are so many evidences of the opinion
of the people in favor OF their utility beyond the
expense, and from them much experience has beer
derived to skill and economy, that will be very
useful hereafter. Their influence should operate a
a persuasive inducement to the General Govern
ment to begin her own great work for her own be
Ineft.
j AS to most Of the Improvements that were per
fected prior 10 1908, the Committee will refer The
i House to report Of the secretary of the treasury
dated the 4th Of April of that year. This plain s
valuable document contains more information on the
subject in general than is to be found any where
/ else. Since that period great efforts have been
made towards internal improvements, but the COM
mittee do not possess an accurate knowledge as to
their extent and even if they were to embrace all
the public Improvements that within their recol-
lection, it would too much enlarge this report; a
few objects will therefore be selected.
In Massachusetts, magnificent work or dam, a
mile and three quarters in length, has been con-
structed to connect the town of Boston with the
main land, at an expense of about six hundred thou
sand dollars. An allusion need only be made to the
patriotic and laudable efforts Of the state of New
York. as to grandeur in the designs and the execu-
ton OF so great part Of their immense undertake
Iings Pennsylvania has made great advances in the
construction of permanent bridges over her large
rivers, and in the making Of artificial roads; and is
now engaged in the grand object of connecting the
Susquehannah with the Schuylkill, by the Union
Canal. Maryland has made expensive roads in
many directions for the accommodation Of her cit-
zens, and to bring trade to her capital Virginia,
IN 1916, enacted a law, creating board of public
works, with power to appoint engineers and survey.
ors' and, also creating fund.- to be applied excu.
siyely to the rendering navigabe, and uniting by
canals, the principal rivers and more intimately
connecting, by means Of public highways, the diff.
ferent parts of the Commonwealth North Caro-
lima has made many and expensive improvements
in roads and canals. In the state Of Georgia. it APP
pears, from official documents, that hundred &
eighty nine thousand dollars have lately been ex-
red thousand dollars for free schools In the state
OF Tennessee, the Legislature has unanimously ap
propriated FIVE hundred thousand dollars for the
purpose of improving the navigation Of the rivers in
the state
Public exam ,es need not at present be farther
traced.
The national objects, which, in the opinion Of
the Committee claim the first attention of the go.
vernment, are
1st. The great line of canals from the harbor Of
Boston to the South, along the Atlantic sea coast.
A road from the city of Washington to New
Orleans.
s. Canals to connect the waters OF the Ohio, a.
boVe, with those below the falls at Louisville; lake
Erie with the Ohio river and the tide waters Of
the Potomac with the same stream at Cumberland. i
4. Communications between the SusquehannahI
and the rivers Seneca and Genessee, which empty
into lake Ontario
5. Communications between the Tennessee and
Savannah, and between the Tennessee, Alabama
and Tombeckbee rivers.
For the more particular information relating to-
these Objects and for their magnitude and the many
and high advantages which they would produce to
the Union, either in times of war or peace,.--the
House are referred to the above report of the Sc
cretary OF the treasury, and to the very interesting
and convincing report Of the secretary Of war, da.
ted January 7, 1919, which reports the committee
beg may be annexed to their present report AS
to some Of the objects mentioned, or parts of hem
It will be important, previous to the commence
ment of any general system, to form the basis Of it
upon the best information that be obtained by sci
entliic men; the committee therefore beg leave to
report bill entitled /" An act to procure the neces-
sary surveys plans and estimates, the subject of
roads and canals"
The committee will make separate reports on
the subject OF the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal,
and the other objects referred 10 them.
/ The following Editorial remarks from the Bal
timore Morning Chronicle, are so consonant with