Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-01-17
From the Baltimore american
NARYLA AND LEGISLATURE.


MARYLAND LEGISLATURE.
We present to our readers copy OF the me-
mortal which has been addressed to the Legis-
lature Of Maryland by the Committee Of the
late Convention on Internal improvement, to
whom that duty was allotted
MEMORIAL To THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MA
RYLAND.
The memorial Of the undersigned in behalf OF
the Convention for the promotion of Internal
Improvement, held at Baltimore, on the l4th
of Dec 'mber last,
Respectfully Sheweth-
That the said Convention, composed Of d
considerable number Of the most respectable
citizens of the Western Shore Of this state,
distinguished by their Intelligence, patriotism
and political influence; after due deliberatiun,
passed preamble and sundry resolutions, ex-
pressive Of their feelings and opinions on the
great subject of Internal Improvement. By
the last Of these resolutions, the chairman Is
required to appoint committee of three per-
sons, to present a memorial to the General As
sembly. In conformity with the resolutions,
the Undersigned having received credential
urnS THIS uuty ovs ica'v Hu"r''iy
to approach this honorable body, to offer to is
consideration, he highly interesting object with
which they are charged
The solici-ude of your memorialists is pro.
portioned to the importance OF the var Gus In
terests involved in the success Of this appeal;
but they are encouraged by the conviction that
the enlightened public spirit and patriotism Of
this assembly, have duly appreciated the inn
mense advantages, which must attend the
prompt and effectual application of the dispo-
sable resources Of the state, to works of In
terpal improvement. The wisdom of the le-
gislature will undoubtedly direct the iberality;
and especially to those which whilst they will
multiply and strengthen the ligaments of union
with her sister states, have also the instant
tendency to promote the commercial prosperi-
ity of Maryland, by affording to her domestic
industry, cheap and uninterrupted access to
market, for the produce Of agriculture, the
commodities Of commerce, and the fabrics of
manufactures
Your memoriaists believe that the honor, as
well as the best interests of the state, require
the formation and adoption OF general system
Of internal improvement-and the establish
ment Of board Of public works, for the pur-
pose Of experimenting and directing the exc
cution of the system: but at this time, they
conceive it to be more particularly their duty
to invite the attention Of this assembly to the
consideration of the policy Of Immediately con.
summarizing those plans Of improvement, the ae-
knowledged value Of which has already recon-
mendcd them as subjects of legislation.
Maryland can no longer be passive-An i'm
mediate and vigorous effort must be made to
secure and retain the portion of the trade of
by the peculiar felicity of her geographical pc
60 nj nf ,yb Job ,ho 80,
ger Of being deprived, by the enterprise of
other states, and her own supineness.
In defiance of the opposition Of sectional in
terests, the clamours OF prejudice, and the fears
of ignorance, New-York has accomplished, in
the short period of seven years, one Of the
most stupendous Improvements of modern
times The emulation of Pennsylvania and
Ohio is excited; they are now employed in iii.
citing their resources and applying their trea-
sures to similar objects-and there can be little
doubt, that Virginia will, in few years, real
ze plan for opening an avenue for the COM
merce Of the west, through her extensive and
fertile dominion. Shall it then be question,
whether Maryland will postpone her efforts
and await the consequences Of the successful
labors of her neighbors Already respecta-
bic portion of the western trade, dependent
upon land transportation, centers in Baltimore.
Can il possibly be retained there, when invited
away by the canals and railways of New-York,
Pennsylvania and Virginia?
Your memorialists would humbly suggest,
that to be prepared for this contingency, i, be-
hoves this General Assembly to prosecute with
promptitude and vigor, the plans of improve
ment which the state has already protested to
patronize. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal,