The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1823-06-20
MISCELLANY.
From the National lntellirencerl..

can result to the district of Columbia, or
the Inhabitants thereof, from a retroces-
sion ofjurisdiction over the same by the
United States to the states of Virginia and
Maryland, from which 1t was taken2
Will it be injured in its commercial
transactions ; Fortunately for it and
every other portion of the nation, in com.
merce tho constitution of the United
States prohibits preferences. In this re-
spect, every state and territory, and all
the Inhabitants thereof, enjoy equal ad-
vantages and equal protection and the
effect OF this just principle is every where
felt, producing harmony, confidence, ia.
cility of intercourse, and general conye.
aience. The commerce of the district
therefore cannot DO injured by the pro-
posed retrocession: it will continue to
receive the same equal protection which
ia now afforded. But may it not be
much benefited !? What could eonduoe
SO much to increase the commerce ofthe
district of Columbia what would so ei-
| fectually revive its almost expiring EN-,
bers. and give new vigor and force to its
depending, nay, despsiring inhabitants,
as the completing Of canal, navigable at
all seasons of the year, from the sources
of the Potomac river, in the Allegany
mountain, to its tide water in it /? And
either by locks or short portage con.
Meeting this navigation with the waters
OF the Monongahela, improved ina SINH,
lar manner 10 the Ohio thus bringing
the towns of Georgetown, Washington
and Alexandria, the pr oduce of the rich.
est districts, not only of Virginia and Ma.
| ryland, but Of the states of Pennsylvania
and Ohio an immense country, not ex.
celled in any region of the world for fer.
tility. salubrity, the value of its p:oduc-
tons, or the industry, ingenuity, and
morality of its people, and capable of sup.
porting the densest population.
Will not the chance of making this
important navigable communication with
the west be increased, if the county OF
Alexandria were resloredto. the state Of
Virginia, and the county of Washington
to the state of Maryland ! In that event,
would not Virginia feel additional motives
to put forth all her mighty strength to ef-
feet the object would she not feel her
power enlarged in the growing wealth,
numbers, and importance, of the town of
Alexandria, and Of her southern empori.
um Norfolk-foT to that port must the
valuable products brought from the re-
motest west, in part find their way, and
be thence waited to the farthest corners
ofthe globe. While another part, thre' the
same channel of tho mighty Chesapeake,
will seek the rich mart of Maryi and, the
flourishing city Of Baltimore, which will
draw wealth from this source, as we'll as
from the vast country watered by the
majestic Susquehannab, which paturally
pours into its lap its countless treasures.
Will not the rich and generous state of
Maryland find Its wealth, its power, and
prosperity also increased, in the growth
and prosperity Of Georgetown and Wash
ingfon, The METROPOLIS Of the nation -
Would not both states too find their pub
lie councils benefned, by drawing to
them in Maryland, Mason, JONES' and
Key, and in Virginia, Swami and a
Taylor-men qualified for the highest
Offices in either state Would not the
talents and weight Of such men contribute
much to the preparation and adoption Of
awell digested system to effect this all
important canal, but most arduous enter.
prize In this view a retrocession of
the district Of Columbia to the states of
Virginia and Maryland 10 replete with
the most beneficial consequences to the
commerce and general prosperity Of it /:
and with the increase Of its commerce
and prosperity, is there single inhsbi-
tant holding the smallest portion Of its