Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-12-16
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
Mr.. BAILEy's RESOLUTIONS
Proposing to amend the Constitution of the
United States in relation to Internal I'm
provements
Resolved, That the construction Of
Roads and Canals is highly important
to the union, strength, and general pros
perlty Of the United States.
Resolved, That, since the individual
States Of this Union have relinquished
to the General Government the control
Of the most easy and efficient means OF
raising revenue, il is fit that portion
Of the general revenue, if consistent
with the constitution, should be appro-
priated To this important object.
Resolved, That, while large portion
Of the people, and Of their representa-
tives in Congress, believe such appro-
priations TO be Inconsistent with the
constitutional powers Of Congress, an
obstacle is presented TO the accomplish
ment Of the object, which, joined TO the
diversities Of opinion always existing
in relation to the expediency Of speci-
nc measures, threatens 10 be deeply in
jurious, if not fatal, 10 that vigorous
and full development Of their resour-
CO. which the interests Of the Union
. loudly demand.
Resolrsd, That system which should
leave to the several states the expendi-
ture OF money appropriated to this OBJ
ject ,, toe United States, would ensure
more equal participation in The boun-
ty by the several states; more economy
In its disbursement; more freedom
from sectional feelings and injurious
compromises in legislation; and more
promptitude in commencing works OF
improvement, for the completion oil
which the several states would be Sc
cure ofpoSsessing the means
Resolted, That the several states ought
to have the power to expend money, s."
appropriated, in improving river and
coast navigation, and in promoting ed
ucation, colonization, and the liberal
and useful arts, whenever, in their OPT
Mon, its expenditure for these objects
would be more useful than in con-
structing roads and canals.
Resolved, That Congress ought TO
have power to make surveys Of coasts,
rivers, and road and canal routes, to
aid the states in selecting those OBJ
jects Of improvement which may most
effectuallv contribute 10 the good Of the
whole.
RESOLVED, Thai Congress ought to
have power to construct roads aud ca
nails whenever they shall be wanted for
urgent purposes of military, CONNER
cial, or mail communication.
Resolved, That Congress ought 10
have power to establish National u
University, on a plan which shall secure
to each State, just portion OF its adj
vantages.
Resolved, That Congress ought to
have power to offer and distribute priz-
es tor the promotion Of agriculture, e.
duca,ion, science, and the liberal and
useful arts; thus, by small annual ez-
pense, stimulating genius and industry
to the greatest and most useful exer-
tons: Therefore,
Resolved By Me-.!Senate and House Q,
Representatives. Of the United States Of II.
meriea ia Congress assembled, t,co-thirds
of both Houses eoncurr,ng, That the fol-
lowing be proposed as an amendment
TO the constitution Of the United States
which, when ratified by the Legisla
lures Of three-fourths Of the severa
States, shall be part of said Consti
tuition.
The Congress shall have power
To appropriate money for construct
Ing roads and canals, for improving
river and coast navigation, and for pro
noting education, colonization, and tn
liberal and useful arts; the money 10 b
paid to such agents, and for such o
these objects, as the States respective
", and Congress for the District Q
Columbia, shall, by law, direct, and i
parts proportional 10 their constitu
tional census.
To make surveys of coasts, rivers
and road and canal routes; to construc
roads and canals for urgent purpose
Of military, commercial or mail CON
municarion; to establish national un
yersity, securing to each state jn:
portion Of its advantages; and to offe
and distribute prizes for promoting az
riealture, education, science, and tn
liberal and useful arts.