Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1823-10-17

every practicable cas<: which by creating I
competition, brought into action the ingenuity, |
and hardy industry great bodies of men,
| and that at the lowest possible rate Of COM
pensation.
The citizens ofAlbany have full confidence
IN the signal benefits which the inhabitants Of
this state will derive from the completion of
| canal navigation from lakes Erie and Cham
plain to the Hudson and they are not insen-
sibe ofthe happy location of their own city
ut the termination ofthe Grand Canal, and on
the margin ola noble river Ii is with feel
ngs ofpride that they have witnessed the de-
velopement OF the physical, financial and mo-
raj energies OF this state, manifested i'm the
commencement and accomplishment of the
greatest work Of art in the western world a
work which eleva tes the character Of the state,
advances the glory of the nation, and contri-
butes to the preservation and permanency of
the Union OF the states, which was considered
by the immortal Washington, the primary
object of patriotic desire"
The present day will form one of the most
important eras in the annals ofthis state 1.-THE
anniversary Of which, next to that Of our ma
tionai independence, will ever be remembered
with emotions of gratitude, and celebrated
with demonstrations of JOY ; for SD long as our
fields shall be cultivated SO long as our cities
and villages shall be inhabited and so long as
the waters of the majestic Hudson shall min
gle with those of the Atlantic Ocean; will
these canals continue as imperishable monu-
ments of the wisdom and public spirit of those
illustrious men, who by the influence of their
talents, gave the first impulse to the under
taking, -ofthe skill, energy and perseverance
OF the commissioners and engineers, under
whose direction the work has been executed,
and more especially of the patriotism of the
people of the state of New York, who, by
their appreciation, sanctioned the munfcent
appropriations, made by successive legsla-
lures, for carrying into effect the grand de-
sign.
CONFERENCE.-The citizens Of Albany are
not unmndful of the arduous duties, and of
the fearful responsibilities, which have been
limposed on the canal commissioners nor of
the great ability and faithruness with which
their services To the state have been perform
ed: In the exercise of power almost despo-
TIC, no act OF injustice or oppression is alleged
10 have been committed by them. Ia behalf
fof my fellow citizens, tender you tn. SINGER
est wishes for your individual prosperity; and
that you may all long continue to enjoy, next
to the appreciation of your own hearts, the
highest reward that free people can bestow
their gratitude.
CHARLES f. DUDLEY.
To ,chich HE Hon. DE WiH Clinton, President
ofhe Canal Commissioners, replied:
The congratulations of the citizens and mu-
nicipal authorities of Albany on this auspi
cious day, are received by the canal commits
soners with profound respect, and recipro-
Gated with cordial sincerity.
1t would neither comport with our situations
nor the OCCASION. TO speak of the origin, the
progress, and contamination of the work now
honoured by your approbatiOn--tO expatiate
on the facilities we have experienced, aud on
the embarrassments we have encountered
Futurty will disclose the benefits that il will
produce, and experience will pronounce an
uncrring decision.
For. the many errors we have committed
we have no other apology than the purity of
our motives. If we have at any time been
unjustly accused, we look To the progress OF
time and the Judgment of posterity for our
yIndlcation and If we have in any respect,
advanced the prosperity of the community, W
shall find an ample reward in the sunshine of
approving cOnsciences, and in the smiles OF
approving heaven.
In setting an ilustrious example to the world
IN the magnitude of her improvements, and
the celebrity and economy of their execution
this state has contracted a debt which al
. though considerable in amount, is not great
when compared with the means of extinguish-
ment created by her navigabe communities
) lions 1t is believed that there il no instan cr
ON record of the payment of large public
debt. Either no adequate provision has been
made Tor the purpose, OF there has been a
failure in the faithful Application of the appro-
priated funds (; and the consequences have
5 been continual augmentation, pressing with
increasing severity, aud menacing, if not pro
ducipg, the greatest calamities.
j We fondly cherish the hope that this state
will present another great example to man
kind, by the speedy discharge of debt which
: She has incurred, not for promoting the effu-
. sion of human blood, or the aggravatiOn o,
y human misery, but for encouraging the arts oil
: civilized life, Strengthening the ties of socia
connexion, establishing the blessings of easy
. inter communication, and advancing the grea,
interests of productive industry.
Within few years, the revenue arising
from the canals, wisely administered and uni
!, fOrmly applied, can accomplish this important
. object. And after the successful execution oil
her magnificent improvements, and faithful
. compliance with all her financial obligations
5 this state will be possessed of resources that
D will enable her to extend the sphere of her
useful operations, to bring home the blessings
of moral and intellectual cultivation to every
mans door, and TO Cooperate with her sste,
states in all Iaudable efforts for the general
good of the American republic
We would do Injustice to our feelings, were
p we not to express our high sense of the uni
S form and efficient support that we have re-
= ceived from the good people of this ancient ci-
: ty. ln all vlcissItudes and IN all emergencies
they have rallied round the standard of inter
nal Improvement. We sincerely thank them
for their conrtesies and kiDdnesses, and we
. most hnmbly, most ftrvently impIore the
blessings OF Almighty God on all patriotic and