Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-04-27
For The massachusetts, Spy.1
CONNECTICUT RIVER CANAL,

SONN INV ElL IAN A L..
MIR. EDITOR
In my late remarks upon the subject of a
Canal from Connecticut river to Boston, did
not say all thought ought to be said on the
subject. | remarked on the practicabilty of
such Canal, the benefits which would result
thereirom TO individuals and the public, and
the course it would probably take. This was
done that the attention of people might be
called TO this object, that their minds might be
matured on the subject, and, consequently,
that their Representatives, at the next session
of our Legislature, might be ready to act on
the subject without delay, and without fear Of
opposition from their constituents and gene
rally, for the people to dc right, where there is
no self interest in the way, it is only necessary
that they be rightly informed. In this case, it
is believed, the interest of individuals, and of
the public; are both in favor Of the measure,
and self Interest may be safely and honestly
invoked, as ready and powerful motive to
action. ..
So much has been said and written of late
on the advantages Of inland navigation, that
the minds Of most people, presume, are con-
WINGED on that point. But" says the ob-
jec ter, " the labor, and of course the erpenre
OF the undertaking are so great, that the OBJ
Ject cannot be accomplished neither individ-
uals or the Commonwealth will dare TO under
take it. 1t may be done some hundred years
hence, but neither you nor will ever live to see
the day. 1t cannot be denied, that expense
will attend the undertaking. And what great
object, or great good, was ever accomplished
or obtained, by the fundamentally Of men,
without labor or expense? The land we in
habit was not possessed, the free government
| under which we live was not obtained, with
out great exertions and many deprivations,
| attended with the loss of treasure and of
blood. Gold is not found on the surface.
But, when this subject is rightly viewed, and
calculation made, think the expense will
not be so great an objection. To the small
| farmer, who is accustomed to speak of one
thousand dollars, as an enormous sum, the
expense, it is true, might appear rather forbid
ding; but TO the merchant and opulent men
OF our city and seaport towns, (and, let it be
remembered, that the expense would be chief
ly paid, and paid cheerlully, by such men,
the whole amount, when compared with the
profits and advantages to be expected, would
appear trifling. | do not pretend to be so
conyersant either with the manner of CON-
structing Canals, or the expense attending
them, as to be able of myself to form an accu-
rate estimate. But have paid some atten-
tlon TO the subject, and have read with attcn-
ton the calculations of others more expert
enced, m business Of this kind, especially thN
report relating to the Blackstone Canal of M.
wright, Chief Engineer of the middle section
OF the great Western Canal, whose great
experience and reputation for accuracy in
these respects are we'll known 81 much relied
on, and, being somewhat acquainted with the
course OF the Blackstone Canal, by compar-
ing that route with the one under considera-
ton, might venture to make some estimate
OF the expenses, &c. Of the latter. Mr.. Wright
estimates the distance from Worcester TO Prov.
ldence, as Canal would run, 45 miles, the
TALL or descent 45l feet, being about 10 feet
to a mile, the number Locks necessary. 62,
and the whole expence S323,3l9. The dis
lance from Connecticut River opposite Green
held TO the height of land in Ashburnhan,, as
a Canai would run, cannot exceed 35 miles.
The descent, should think, would not be
greater IN proportion to the distance, than
that o! the Blackstone Canal, nor would the ex-
pense exceed that, except as the Canal under
consideration mightbe greater. Any man, there
iore, at this rate, can easily calculate for bim-
sell. AT any rate, think the whole expense
from Greenfield to Boston would fall short Of.
one million Of dollars, the yearly interest of
which is 100000. II, therefore, the profits
and advantages of this Canal would exceed
tnat sum, or ever come near TO it, the work
would be of public utility. It probably would
lar exceed that sum, and ought therefore to be
put in operation, ABB.