Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-10-28
FLORIDA CANAL.

We feel gratiied at perccivng that the contem-
plated canal across the sthmus OF Florida, is occu-
plying general attention. and the report ON the sub
ject has been published in the Washington papers
and such steps taken as to place the project
pleielv in view OF the American people.
The question has been frequently asked what is
doing to improve the great natural advantages of
Florida, The first step was to settle defn,iv ely
the various titles to land, difficult and delicate
point, but which is progressing, and the report OF
the commissioners viii be acted upon at the ensuing
session oi congress. AT the late sale, the public
lands, and but small quantity was sold, produced
only one dollar twenty-five cents per acre, and
when it is recollected that the land generally is
covered with rich oak timber, and is of the finest
quality, for the cultivation of cotton and sugar. on
the completion OF the canal it may bring $50 per
acre, derayng all the expenses of the project, and
leaving an immense surplus. We have received
from ST. Augustine, another report, discussing the
expedency OF different route for the canal 1t is
OF importance TO adhere 10 the first proposition of
making of the St. Johns river, as far as it is
navigable, which is 200 miles above its mouth, for
vessels of 500 tons, and then cutting across the a
lachua, and taking advantage of the intermediate
streams, make a sloop navigation iuto the bold
commodious Vacassar Bay in the Mexican guiph.
1t IS supposed that a cut cross Florida, which
requires not more than twenty-five miles excava-
tion, would reduce the distance between New Or
leans and the port OF New York one half, and
save from shpwreck, properly which is annually
estimated at SOC, 900 dollars, on the keys and
shoals, besides great saving OF time and expense.
In that case, s.. Johns river would be the great
depo, of our shipping. AT the head of that bold
navigation, boats bringing produce FROM Nev Or
leans would supply them with freight. This pro-
ject would be followed by another of equal mpor-
lance which is TO connect the Mississippi with the
Atlantic, by similar intersections of rivers, COM
mencing al the mouth of the river Iberville, and
terminating the St. Johns
The removal of some instructions will connect
the Ibervie with the Amt, which forms commu-
nication with the Bay OF Bonsecure; FIVE miles ca
mailing untes Bonsecure and the Perdido; one mile
and half connects the Perdido with the grand La
COON and Pensacola Bay, making in this internal
navigation only thrty-siX miles from the Mississippi
pi to Pensacola and on across the istlmus to the
ST Johns.
This would complete chain of canals from
Maine to New Orleans, afDrdiuga safe internal ma
visation in time OF war, and immense profit to the
several states and territories through which they
may be carried. 1t is worthy of the immediate n, :
tention of Congress, and such dispositions of the
public funds may be made TO meet as the annual ex-
penses OF those important projects. through lands
and territories which the property of the gene
| raj government
Weaving by steam is carried on TO considerable
extent in the vicinity OF Glasgow in Scouand-
The machinery of about fifty factories, averaging
lS5 looms each, is propelled by steam. Each of
the looms it is estimated will work as much as
three hand-weayers. The quantity of cloth pro-
duced is immense. Branches of the wooden and
silk manufactures on large scale are about to be
introduced into Glasgow