Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-05-11

Connecticut.-The Legislature of Connecticut
assembled at Hartford on the 18th inst. On
the 9Th message was received from Gov.
Wolcoti, considerable portion of which is
devoted to the subject of internal improve
ments. The general interest which is felt
on This subject will justify us in making the
following extracts:-
The application of fire TO produce an equa-
bic motion in heavy bodies. is a modern inven-
lion, equal in value 10 any which preceded il.
We can now estimate its effects when appli-
ed to navigation, and admire the rapidly with
which it has extended. All our navigable
ports below tide water, and on Connecticut
river TO ths city of Hartford, can now COM
rnuncae daily with the emporium of New
York, notwithstanding the opposition of winds,
tides and currents.
Even this invention is but stage from
which magnificent improvements may be ex-
tended through the Jurisdictions of Connec ti-
cut, Massachusetts,, New Hampshire and Yer
mont; and it is believed, that if the consent
OF the government of Canada can be obtained.
the head waters of our great river may be cas-
lily united with those which descend into the
st. Lawrence. Without leaving the terrific.
rles of the United States, the abundant sources
| OF the Connecticut may, by lateral canals, be
united TO commercial ports in Maine, and
through New-H Hampshire, with Boston Though
Vermont with Lake Champlain, and through
section of Massachusetts with the city Of n.
Haven. The projected canal on the Ousaton-
&c may, at moderate expense, and with
great advantage, be extended into the heart
OF the fourishing county Of Berkshire, not only
to assist the expectation of its agricultural and
fossil productions, but for the introduction of
salt and gypsum, and especially the anthracite
coal of Pennsylvania. and thereby promote
the manufacture Of the invaluable iron ores,
which abound in the Tauconnuc mountain.
In my opinion, the period has arrived, when
comprehensive system Of National improve
ments ought to be formed, and think that
the Northeastern States, are invited to COOP
crate with the rest oftbe Union, by every con-
sideration arising from sense of duty, honor
and interest. This section embraces a great
agricultural, commercial and manufacturing
region. We we'll understand the mutual re-
latIons sol these interests, and know that they
all flourish best, when all are impartially pro-
'SohSN' NuSh SIHcutS dS nave UGGU nC-
ticed. would direct the currents of our rivers
upon elevated plains, multiply hydraulic pow
ers, increase the fertility Of the subjacent soil,
develope and distribute the treasures in our
mountains, animate the industry and enter
prise of all the people, connect their interests
with those established on our whole line of
sea-coast. and, with like interests in the South
ern states, increase all their relations with this
State, and enable every portion to participate
with the Unreasonable advantages, which the
| canals Of New York will confer on the West
ern States, and through them on the new Re-
puolics Of the western hemisphere.
| 1t is an interesting subject to determine the
system by which these great objects can be
most advantageously accomplished. That
they embrace vital interests in several contis-
uous States that the completion of them will
occupy considerable portion Of time and ex-
tensive labors, and require great expenditures,
is certain Yet believe that if they are COM
menced on correct principles, and are wisely
and honestly conducted, they will occasion
no waste of public resources, but that. on the
contrary, the capitals which may be expend-
ell, will be replaced, and that the regular in
comes which they will produce, will supply
funds for new combinations and still greater
improvements. At the present period, no mo-
ney is boarded by civilized and commercial
nations. beyond what is required for immedi-
ate use. well organized and established
public credit is 10 them invaluable. The
credit ofno country is superior to that of the
United States and the Eastern Statcs.-At the
present time, great capitals are unemployed,
arising from accommodating dividends, and the
extinction of national and other debts. The
interest of money is consequently low, vet
loans for permanent investments, wherever a
convertible satisfactory security can be pre-
scntcd, may be readily obtained.
A canal from the sources of Connecticut
river to tide water, ought to be viewed as a
single object. The expense of constructing it,
will depend on the obstacles which may be
discovered on different points of the entire
line, and will in no degree depend on its
length, or on the boundaries of State jurisdc-
tons. 1t is hence important, that the Engn-
GERS who may establish the particular location,
and estimate the expenses Of forming the en-
tire can.i, and perhaps superintend its con-
struction, should be designated by the Nation
al Government, not only on account of their
science and skill, but from their presumed i'm
partially and integrity.
The cooperation Of the four States, whose
Jurisdictions are connected with Connecticut
river, will at some time be necessary; and
the assent Of Congress to any compacts which
they may form, will be essential to their va
lidity.
If funds for defraying the first formations
can in any manner he provided, the Connect
lent canal will yield a regular income, as fast
as any portion is completed, and during its
whole progress this income will increase, not
in simple, but in some compound ratio, as
the lines of improvement advance, and at in
termediate points become connected. The
correctness of this principle is manifest, by
the experience Of our Turnpike companies,
where long lines Of transportation, or Of tray
elling, have not been interrupted. d. 1t is fur
Their evinced, by the increasing revenue dcriv-
ed from the great canals Of the State of New
York, and is demonstrated by reason.