Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-11-18
From the Re-, h-,ie- T"legraph.l
AnDP EGC
Of T'h,othy Childs, Esq. upon the Completion
of the Erie Canal.

of the Erie Canal
The splendid monument of enterprise and genius,
which has ennobled the character of this state, and
marked an era in the policy OF the entire American
Republic, is now completed Yes, my friends, the
great work is done-and the joyful intelligence
committed to the wings OF the wind has, mis-,
thrilled with rapture the heart OF the remotest citi
zen of your stale The spiritsiirrng sound has heen
sycllel as il rushed along, by spontaneous burst
oil ioy, and gratitude, and pairiotisn; until the
mighty volume has died away upon the wide eX-
p,nse Of the Atlantic ocean. Labour has stad his
plough in the furow, and Commerce has hurled
her canvass ON the water and both have come
with offerings to welcome their new ally to the
high destiny of minis.ering To the service OF man.
Standing in full view of the consummation OF
this wonderful work and OF its unfolding glories,
which surpass the strongest powers OF Imagination,
the mind ins,nctvely and regiOusly turns 10 dwell
uoon the first feeble infant efforts that marked lis
commencement. No early friend or patron did anti
cipate-Ro mere man could anticipate, the count
less sources of wealth, ahd happiness, and glory.
which this magnificent achievement would open to
the American people II il Heavens own thousand
fold reward, which is promised to the performance
high duty. Il J. the Last, thus Tar, IN that anlaz-
ing train o. events, which commenced with the cry
of . Land, from the great dscoverer, and which
have excessively designated this continent as the
theatre of the utmost possible attainment of the
human intellect. But, let stlnted measure oil 2ra-
llude or reward await those beneiactors VINO hrst
projected, who have UNIV earledy toiled and watch
ed, and who now gloriously triumph In the lull
fruiion OF their hopes. Fortunate men, 1t mas been
your happy destiny 10 confer blessings on states
and generations. You have earned your place with
the gre,t and the good. Let, therefore, malignant
sentiment of envy of party, chill the grateful
current OF our feelings nor let the day be proianed
by any unworthy expression ct triumph over those,
who, with equal patriotism, withheld their conf
,dence from its early support.
The project OF a Canal, from Erie to the Hud
son, had foaed idly and unproGtaby IN the specula
lions of pc Ia ps hundreds ofndividuals, before egis
laiye attention was frs called this object in 1905
IL is of little moment to Inquire, and dh Ult 10
certain, 10 whom vas h-st revealed the possibility
Of this canal. 1t would De wonderful, indeed, if it
should not occur to every Intelligent man, who
should stand by the cataract of Niagara, and who
should know the relative elevation OF the Lakes
aud the Hudson. But, the honour is first due to
al enlightened community, quickly perceiving and
vigorously Selling the elements OF its own wealth
and happiAess. Next, TO those agents, who, with
UnfalteIing resolution, have devoted themselves to
is accomplishment
b, the act which passed in Consequence of the
resolution of 1908, $500 was appropriated to ne
expended in exploring route Of a canal from Erie
10 the Hudson This the FIRST Legislative eX-
peudure towards the Erie Canal in 1910, Judge
Plat, being then a member OF the Senate, conclud
al able and eloquent argument on the subject OF
the Erie Canal, with resolution providing for the
appointment OF 10 commissioners, and an appro-
priation Of $4,000. | name this individual, as
just tribute to the foresight with which he predic-
ted the greatness the paternal and patrSc soii-
CT ude with which he has watched the inter-
ests and To the talents with which he has uniform
~ indicated the rights OF the western country At
the session OF tie Legislature in 1911, the Com |
missioners reported hai they had explored route
Of a canal from Like Erie 10 the Hudson, made an
estimate o. Tive expense, and strongly recommended
the immediate adoption Of measures TO prosecute
the enterprise. This report will forever be sub
iect oil admiration for It's profound learning, its ex
tansiye information, and lie minute accuracy Of all
It, es uates Iie Legisl ture, IN pursuance OF The
advice Of tie Il port, enacted alaw authorizing the
Conmi-siOners TO pply iOCongress and the several
state, Tor appropriation, aud aid in the great
undertaking. The Comm stones we're empowered /
tn propose TO Congress o build he Canal az the /
cost Oh the United Saes, aud sipuate for It's free
dom from foil or duty forever Neither application I
prevailed and Inc Commissioner returned o repJrt
tleif ht,Irc 10 tlieir O.yn Legislature. The ques-
ton wa. nov settled, thai the State OF N. York must
s..irne alone ihe immense responsibility Of the |
" tx OF lbaudon il Tor pOsterlty. 1t wasaq uestion
which was long held in suspense, nearly decided
against t1s friends OF the measure, 10 1874, and re-
ceveI uO silsiauial support anul the session OF |
1916. nhe law was passed appointing Commis-
sioae.s, ppropHs6ns 20 900; directing an ex@fni- |
ration Of d.s route, aih Instructions report 10
tle sicc .ed"g Lesslatue fiji Report was the |
basis Of the Law under which the i.rio Canal was |
commenced. The occasion Will not admit q more /
minute reference 10 It's eyentful history.
You have ali seen I. rlse into instant and perfect
existence, as IL were, from the hand Of Creative
power Egm years have hardly elapsed, since on
the fourth OF July, 1911, with prayer and suppca-
ton 10 the Author Of lli rospory y, for his bless
ieg on Ils bold desiSnj wrb mingled eUoiOns OF