Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-05-30


costing Sloo per barrel, and 5 900 for the
transportation Of single piece Of cannon,
which on account Of the delay were useless,
the enemy having accomplished his objects
before they had arrived at the places where
they were required for the public service. But
the Committee cannot better express their
views on his branch Of the subject, than by
adopting the language Of the late Secretary Of
War, now Vice President of the United States,
who, in his very able report to Congress in
1919, on the importance Of roads and canals,
in military point Of view, says:
"a jndicicus system Of roads and canals,
constructed for the convenience Of commerce,
and the transportation Of the mail only, with.
out any reference 10 military operations, is, L.
self, among the most efficient means for the
more complete defence of the United States
Without adverting to the fact, that the roads
and canals, which such system would require,
are, with few exceptions, precisely those which
would be required for the operations Of war;
such system, by consolidating our Union, in.
creasinp our wealth and fiscal capacity, would
add greatly 10 our resources in war. 1t is in
a state Of war, when nation is compeled TO
put all Of its resources in men, money, skill,
o"a"aSsSehoh w Sc"hNts INV iSIuioitiouy tbdt
its government realizes, in its security. the be-
nefcial effects from People made prosperous
and happy by wise direction Of its resources
in peace. But | iorbear 10 pursue this subject,
though so interesting, and which, the farther
it is pursued, will the more clearly establish
the intimate connection between the defence
and safety Of the country and its improvement
and prosperity, as do not conceive that it con.
s,itutes the immediate object of this report
"There is no Country to which good sys-
tenn Of military roads and canals is more indis-
pensable than to the United STATES. As great
as our military capacity is, when compared
with the number OF our people, yet, when con-
sidered in relation to the vast extent Of our
country, it is very small; and if so great an ex-
tent of territory renders il very difficult to con-
quer us, as has frequently been observed, it
ought not to be forgotten, that it renders it no
less difficult for The Government to afford pro-
lection to every porlion Of the community"
After presenting a general system of roads
and canals, including the Chesapeake and Ohio
canal, now under consideration, he concludes
by saying:
"Alany Of the roads and canals which have
been suggested, are, no doubt, of the first i'm
portance 10 the commerce, the manufacture,
the agriculture, and political prosperity of The
but are not, for that reason, less use
full or necessary for military purposes. 1t is,
in fact, one Of the great advantages Of our
enjoying so many others, that, whe-
ther we regard It's internal Improvements in re-
lalion to military, civil, or poli,ca! Purposes,
very nearly the same system, in all its parts,
is required. The road or canal can scarcely be
d, sgnated, which is highly useful for military
operations, which is not equally required for
the industry or political prosperity Of the COM
munity. II those roads or canals had been
pointed out, which are necessary for military
purposes only, the list would have been small,
indeed. have, therefore, presented all, with
out regarding the fact, that they might be en-
ployed Tor other uses, which, in the event Of
war, would be necessary TO give economy, GER
tainty, and success, 10 our military operations;
and which, if they had been completed before
the late war, would, by their saving in that sin
gle contest, in men, money, and reputation,
have more than indemnfN the country for
The expense Of their construction"
lis advantages 10 The Seal of Government The
effect Of constructing the Chesapeake and Ohio
Canal could not fail 10 raise the City Of Wash
ngton to the first rank among the commercial
cities of the Union. With all the facilities for
it would stand several hundred
miles in advance Of all the Atlantic cities, in
reference to the commerce and trade of the in
erior and the West. Such great and obvi-
JUS advantage could not fail to a,trac, The mer.
;hants and capitalists Of the country, who are
always quick 10 see, and prompt to seize, eve
y occasion which promises profitable inves-
ure Of their funds; and the foreigners who
'isit the seat Of the National Government from
which they generally form their ideas Of the
whole country, instead Of finding dull and
dispersed town, presenting nothing 10 crafty
Dr. amuse, would find splendid city, with all
he embellishments, scinations, and advantage
IS which ought to belong to the capital Of this
great nation. Besides, if mercenary motives
could be permitted to influence on subec, OF
such national moment, even these would find
ample qualification in the greatly enhanced va
ue which it would give the public property
to the United States, in this city,
consisting Of upwards IF 5000 building lots,
with large quantity Of other grounds, hous-
IS, and public properly, estimated, in $780, at
S73,545 ,692, as well as IN the diminished ex-
pense Of living, produced by opening an easy
with the finest markets in the
world, and to the most abundant mines Of the
first rate coal-placing this city, for all the
purpose Of trade and intercourse, within dis.
lance Of Pittsburg not more than equal to for
ly-hve miles OF transportation BY land
s. It's advantages TO the sale and uaiue of the
Pubic Lands in tile Wesf-It is believed that
nothing is better calculated to induce and raci.
it,ta tho colo md e.,tIo,,.o, - a.. Xii.