The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1823-11-12

riss TO this meeting
Mr., Herbert of Maryland, desired thai
the committee should also be instructed
10 accompany their report with pream-
Die, setting forth all the information they
could obtain (and he knew there was
much IN the possession of some of the
delegates presenD on the subject of the
praciicability of the contemplated canal.
MT. Ii made number of very pertinent
remarks. to show the propriety OF the
course lie suggested. Such sta,emen,
founded on authentic data, would satisfy
The public mind that this great national
OBJECT could be not only easily effected,
Out effected at a cost that would surprise
those who, had examined the subjec,
slightly. IL would defeat the objections
urged against the scheme by prejudice
and local Jealousy and by showing to
capitalists, at home and abroad. il would
be an advantageous work in which 10
invest their money, itwould enlist friends
and draw 10 it valuable support. This
was an important consideration, when
any thing like an effective support from
The general or state governments was so
Precarions, sc. sc.
Gen. Mason, Of Georgetown, concur,
red IN the propriety of such an expose,
and spoke in its support. He made
some statements in relation to the procee
dings ofth old Potomac company, which
had been adverted into debate; and
remarked considerably at large as 10 the
extent OF country which the canal would
oeneht; :he Publications which might be
opened 10 il towards the lakes the facil.
tiles which certain water courses affor.
dcd, Jc.
MIR. Mercer thought instead, of prefix
ing such statement as Mr. Herbert
proposed, to the report, j, would be better
that the committee who wouIdbe appoint
ed to draft memorials to the states, should
embody that information in their memo
rails. for which they would have more
time, and could perform the duty more
satisfactorily than could be done by
committee now.
A good deal of discussian followed on
this point and others touched on in
debate, in which Powell,of Virginia, MIR
A Lee, of Maryland, Mr.. Caldwell, of
the district, Mr. Colslon, Mr.. Opie, Of
virginia, MIR. Briggs, of Maryland, and
Mr.. Shannon, OF Virginia, Joined.
The resolutions having been referred,
Mr.. Fenwick, OF Md. submitted the
following, which he moved should go
to the same committee, and agreed to.
Resolved, That this meeting and the
friends OF the Ohio and Chesapeake Ca
nal generally, disclaim and disavow all
opposition to any lateral canal which il
is practicable TO make, leading to or
from the said canal, or to any future ex-
tension through any of the states adjacent
thereto-that, on the contrary, they hear
lily approve and are disposed TO CO oper.
ate in everyimrrovement in the navigation
OF the water courses leading to or from the
said canal Las teDdingt to increase its general
utility, and to enhance the profits Of the
undertakers thereof
MIR. Shriver, of Pennsylvania, who had
been often referred 10 in the course of
the proceedings to-day as possessing
much information on this subject (he,in
fact, having prepared for the press from
actual survey and observation of great
part oft, map of the country, through
which it is proposed to pass the canal)
requested MIR. Mercer, who could do il
With more facility, to make such use of
the notes with which he had furnished
him, as should pu, the convention in pos
session of the leading facts within his
knowledge.
MIR Mercer accordingly read from a
paper summary Of very interesting facts
which he accompanied by numerous
illustrations, drawDfrom his own personal
acquaintance with the country and with
the subject. From the notes of MIR.
Shriver, ard the remarks of MIR. Mercer,
we gather these leading particulars =
that there is furnished by the h cad waters
OF the Ohio, superabundant supply, in
the dryes. seasons, for all the p rposes
required by canal, as well as evapora-
tiob, leakages sc. a supply so great that
SIX boats, could pass the locks, per hour,
both day and night that, in truth, By
extending TO the reservoir, the supply of
the heads of Cheat river, which can rea.
Oily be done, a supply Of waller will be
obtained to pass twelve boats per hour
1t being ascertained that in lock of ten
ieet lit boat can pass in FIVE minutes,
and thus give boats passage as rapidly as
they can move though lock Further
that, by embracing other advantages
which the nature of the country offers.
double set Of locks can be supplied with
water, and even twelve boAls passed up
and twelve down every hour. These i'm.
r,rnver IN aate aul 81 ;I;,;o. - - -. .