Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1828-07-15

countrvmen. That, 1or the commencement VI
wbich we are here assembled, is eminent among
the number The project contemplatcs conquest
over physical nature such as has never yet been
,cbieved by man. The wonders Of the ancient
world the Pyramids OF Egypt, the Colossus Of
rhodes. the Temple of Ephesus, the Monsolcum
If Artemisia, the Wall Of China, sink into insigni-
cance before it--nsgnlhcance IN the mass and
momentum of human labor, required for the execu-
Observation-Disclosures in the comparison OF the pur-
noses to be accomplished by the work, when execu-
ted Ii is, therefore, pleasing contemplation 10
those sanguine & patriotic spirits have SO long
looked with hope to the completion OF this under
taking that it unites the moral power and resources
first. of numerous Enthusiastically, OF the
corporate cities of Washington, Georgetown, and
Aexandria--thirdiy of the great and powerful
states of Pennsylvania, Virginia. and Maryland
and lastly, by the subscription authorized at the
recent session of Congress, Of the whole Union.
Friends and fellow laborers we are informed
nv the Holy Oracles of Truth, that at the creation
ofman, male and female, the Lord of the Universe,
their maker, blessed them and said unto them, be
fruitful and multiply, and replenlsh the Earth, and
subdue at 70 subdue the Earth was, therefore,
one of the first duties assigned TO at his crea-
ton and now in. his fallen condition, 1t remains
among the most excellent OF his occupations. 10
subdue the earth is pre- eminentiy the purpose
of the undertaking, to the accomplishment OF winch
the first stroke OF the spade IS now TO be struck.
That it is struck by this hand. invite you to wit
ness here the stroke OF the spade land IN per-
forming this act, call upon you all to join me IN
feryent supp!ication TO Him from whom that print
tive Injunction came, that he would follow with his
blessing the joint effort four great community, to
perform his will 10 the subiugation of the earth for
the improy emen of the condition of man; that he
would make it one ofhis chosen instruments for the
preservation, prosperity, and prepetuy OF our
Union; that he would have in his holy keeping all
The workmcn by whose labors it is TO be completed;
that their lives and their health may be precious IN
his sigh and that they may live to see the work OF
their hands contribute to the comforts and ENJOY
ments Of millions Of their countrymen.
Friends and Brethren Permit me further to say
that deem the duty, now performed at the request
of the President and Directors of the Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal Company, and of the Corporations
Of the District of Columbia, Of the most fortu-
nate incidents of my life. Though not among the
functions of my official station, esteem 1t as pri-
yege conferred upon me by my fellow citizens o.
| The District Called, in the performance OF my
service heretofore, AS one of the Representative
of nv native Commonwealth in the Senate, and nov
| as a member of the Executive Department OF the
| Government, my abode has been among the lnhabi
tans of the District longer than at any other spo
upon the EARTH In awaiting myself Of this occasion
to return to them my thanks for the numberles
| acts of kindness that have experienced at thei
hands may be allowed to assign it as motive ope
rating upon the heart and superadled to my OF
fetal obligations, for taking deep interest in thel
welfare and prosperity Among the prospects o
futurity which we may indulge the rational nope
seeing realised by this junction OF distant waters
that ofthe suspicious influence which twill exercis
the fortunes of every portion OF the Dlstric
is one upon which my mind dwells with unquale
pleasure. 1t lsmy earnest prayer that they ma
not be disappointed
1t was observed that the first step towards til
accomplishment of the glorious destlnes OF OF
country, was the Declaration OF independence
That the second was the union Of these States unde
our Federative Government. The third is lrr'
vocably fixed by the act upon the commehcenle
Of which arc now engaged. What tltf
more suitable for this operation could have pee
selected than the anniversary OF our great Nalon
Festival? What place more appropriate iro
whence to proceed than that which bears the nan
Of the Citizen Warrior who led our armies
that cyentfiul contest to the field and who fir
presided as the Chief Magistrate of our Unior
= lou know that, Of this very undertaking. he :"
of the first projectors and II 10 the Worlu
Spirits the affections Of our mortal existence sun
tain their sway, may we not, without Presumpuo
imagine that he looks down with complaccncy a
delight upon the scene before and around US!
But, whlle INDUCING sentiment of joyous ex'
taion, at the benefits to be derived IRON tins iab
ofour friends and neighbors, let us not forget u
the spirit ofinernal Improvement is catholic and u
era We hope and believe that its practical
vantages will be extended to every individual IN
Union. In praying for the blessingof heaven up
our task.we ask it with equal zeal and sincerity up
every other similar work ia this Confederation; a
particularly upon that which on this same day, a
perhaps at this very hour is commencing from
neighboring city. 1t is one ofthe happiest char
teristics in the principle Of Internal lmproveme
that the success of great enterprise inste
Of counteracng, gives assistance to the execut
of another May they increase and multiply, t
il the sublime language Transportation, every val