American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1822-11-22
FROM THE AURORA.

yer Delaware-a measure so long agitated, and I'M
fortunately for the credit and prosperity OF the state
so long delayed, are Submitted TO the consideraon
of the readers OF the Aurora. IN the hope, tmay III
not prove delusve) of exciting degree OF exertion
for the Accomplishment of that grand object, pro-
poroned to its Importance, and 10 the >alu,ary ei-
iects which it would produce on the city OF Phila-
de'phia and On those countries adjacent to the Sus-
quehanna.
Il has long been subject Of deep regret, not
merely with the citizens OF Pennsylvania, but with
the enlightened citizens OF other states, that COM
rnunicatioD by canal has not been effected between
the great body OF waters Of the Chesapeake Bay,
and those OF the river Delaware.
This communication at all times immensely i'm
portant TO the citizens of Philadelphia and to those
residing on or contiguous to, the banks of the Sus
ouehsnna the waters emptying into 1t, and the
shores Of the Chesapeake, with its tributary streams
would, in tine Of war, afford ncalculabe advanta-
gss TO the government Of the United States, and
greatly aid in the general protection and security Of
the middle states.
The expenses of the late war were enormously
enhanced by the want Of canal communications II
was stated some time since, in Congress without
any contradiction, that " the munitions of war for
the armament on lake Erie were sent from the seat
OF government, end that the expense OF transport
ing cannon, which cost four hundred dollars,
amounted to from fifteen hundred to two thousand
II also stated il the same respectable assembly,
while they were debating on the expediency Of
opening communications which would lessen the
price of Importation, that the government was
paying one hundred and twenty dollars per
barrel for pork TO support the western garrsons;
and that as much money had been wasted, during
the war, for want of military roads and canals, as
would have turnpiked the whole western country"
The expense is not only not the sole cousidrra-
ton, but is frequently minor one.-Ihe DELAY
may be a more serious evil. Supplies Of arms and
communion, or OF soldiers, which water cummu-
licaton would carry to the OF action in season
TO secure the defeat Of the enemies Of our country
might, by the delay attendant on land trsnsporta
lion, arrive just in time 10 fall into their possession.
New-Otleans affords splendid illus,raton of the
Isl Of these important positions.
1t is believed thels is net in the United States
another situation in which canal could be cut; for
short distance, and at so small expense, which
would so amply repay the funds dsbursed in its for
nation, and produce such copious harvest Of pub
lie benefit.
Whenever the canal between the Delaware and
Chesapeake--that between the Delaware and the
Rariton, now likely 10 he soon undertaken-andt the
great canals in successful progress 10 the OF
New York, shat. be completed, there will be an in
lard water communication, with very moderate
pcrtages, from The ST. l.a~fe nce on one side and
lake Michigan on the other, to the Interior Of North
Carolina.
In the early stages Of the history Of Pennsylvania
she stood pre-eminent among the British Colonies
for enterprise, energy and public spirit; but is 10
be regretted that she has fallen from tlis proud ele
walton, so Tar as regards the important branch Of
national improvement, the intersection Of hei terri
tory by canals, 5=ns present greatly eclipsed BY
some OF her sister states, particularly New York
hat state has acquired the highest honor by her
lioerality and public spirit, having in about Eve
II Oh -, IL e J.
and magnificent canal, exceeded By very few in the
word, whereby she will soon be enabled TO convey
10 her Capital, By water, the produce oil the widely
extended territories washed by those great inland
seas, Ontario, Erie, Huron, ard Michigan, and to
transport in return the merchandise necessary for
the supply OF those remote quarters Of this vast con
iinent, thereby intellectually enrlchng her citizens
and aggrandizins the state.
The great state Of Pennsylvania, whose popula-
ton exceeds one million, has too long slu bered
over an undertaking inferior in point Of expense
10 the great western canal of New York which will
probably be completed within seven years from the
lime when It was first commenced, viz. July I .
lSl9-Whereas nineteen years have elapsed since
The subscription was opened for the Chesapeake and
Delaware canal and above one hundred thousand
dollars were expended in cutting feeder and maS-
ing other preparatory arrangements.
The completion Of the communication 10 which
We thus respectfully solicit your attention, at all
times an object OF primary importance, becomes
daily more and more essential 10 the prosperity of
the s;ate-as the grea; extension Of steamboat ma
rigaon 90 the Mississippi and the Ohio, is s,eadi
" and rapidly diminishing the trade Of Philadelphia
TO the western country the most fertile source
Of its wealth, and must eventually, at no very dis
tan. day, wholly cut il off Pennsylvania, once the
frst in the Union for exports foreign and do
1nestic, has sunk down to the eighth in respect Of
domestic exports. 1t therefore becomes imperious-
ly necessary TO call into activity such resources as
are at the command Of the state. not merely TO pre-.
vent any further Decline but, as far as possible
regain The ground We have unfortunately lost.
The benefits If h.. 0ro1oSpd ranaI ,yo,t1 -.