Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-03-11


that this project came before Congress at so late a
period; but it seemed to be less known and under
stood, than was desirable. He, on this ground
thought it better, to delay it IN Ill those forts were
completed, which had been already commenced
| he would rather legislate upon the most inpor-
fant objects first. 1t appeared to him that the Go
Vefnment was going too largely into the system;
ana little delay OF those objects which were not
visible.
! MIR. Dickerson said, as 10 the fertilization now
proposed, he was opposed TO il on the ground OF
rs useiessness. TWAS to be situated at the mouth
III fl'er I'D which there was bar, over which
vessels drawing eight feet of water could not pass
and eighty miles from New Orleans. Through
an avenue ofapproach ike this, he though. there
was no Danger that an enemy would attack the CT
" AS 10 the proposition TO alter the name of the
point, Gfon9 IsTTe, it appeared, was not designa-
Ted. And II II had been put down, it was in the
ihlrd class, nor was il considered OF Immediate
Importance, or it would have been earlier present
co 10 congress. This evident from the re-
port upon the subject and there could be no dan
ger IN Allowing this point TO remain until the O.
ihers were completed. For proposing this delay,
ne thought there was ample cause Instead OF
having peen sent TO Congress by the Secretary OF
"ar' IN his estimates, it appeared TO have come
70 the senate by the suggestion ola member to the
! Secretary.
MIR. d. then alluded 10 The wastoful exnend;-
fure Oh several works of the kind referrinq moro
particularly TO the fertilization at the Pea Patch
vi the appropriations to this object he gave de-
taii' and declared that, while the original estimite
was SOB 900, the amount of the expendit,,re had
| been upwards of $3.50, 900 There were MANY o.
iher works OF which such statements might lust
| iy be made Old Point Comfort, in particular hri
Swallowed similar sums-upwards of one million
having been expended on that position He wish
et. TO stay this system until information could ne
hau as 10 The extent TO which il was to be CARR
cd; and The effect already produced by the sys-
ZEN. Uhtii some more definite plan was formed,
congress ought 70 90 further kIe could NOT
nc knew, stop the works which were already he
gun. Ills design extended, therefore, only to any
new projects lie thought, with the gentlema an from
cinyiahd mat the scale which the system was
framed was altogether foo magnificent He.
| thought the circumstances of The country did nor
can Ior ms expenditure. If we were in state OF
war; II lie enemy at our door, and the rjghf
oaht o. me Miss. were threatened with an attack
ne should De IN favor or the apDrop-iatton But
not III the present state of things espeei illy when
me report OF the engineers states that the work
contemplated Is not OF immediate necessity He
tI1ohs mat Inc torfications already erected, or
in progress at New Orleans, were sufficient for he
present One OF the gentlemen who had spoken.on
iis SUBJECT had said that could not do TOO Inucll
iot the defence of New Orleans. But Mr. d. con-
siGefea thaf, 10 eXpend money uselessly would be-
aoing ny lar too much. He did not assent to liz
idea that, by leaving this pass undcfen,ed the de-
iehce Oh all the others would be useless II all tfo
passages 10 the city but this were secured ii would
lender me defence Of this pass far easier. was
bar in the river Barataria and il las tie
would only be useful as protection 10 commerce.
lie should content himself without further remar,s
and would merely call the yeas S. nays OH copcur-
ring III the amendment,
tIined,
NV Benton said, that the course taken by 4hi.
gentleman who had Just taken his seat, seemed 10
MN an Unfair species Of Legislation. 1t appeared
! 10 MN TO be improper to draw parallels between
different portions of the Union, while they were
! ieGSlatng for the safety Of the whole. Ii such n
manner OF iegislating were 10 be adopted he be
ilc'el 1t would rather be against the gentleman
himself, as there had been mere money! expended
OIL foruhcaiions in the vicinity Of his State thanh
any other portion OF the country. J. said Mr. BEN
ton do not agree that any such principle ought 10
De acted upon as set-otI. No sHch principe could
he followed up eBecually, because works for the
general defence were not TO be charged upon the
section in which they are erected. He did not
look upon the works at New Orleans as crested
Tor the defence of single city, but to protect the
property and interests Of nearly one third of the
Union They were for the defence Of those peo-
PIE whose pTodlce finds market there and whose
city, in reality, New Orleans is 1t resulted then
tgai those Notifications for the defence Of the
ALLEY oil the Mississippi. So that it was great
mistake 10 suppose that they for the protection
OF the city alone. Ii Tor the protection of the
property deposited there. lie mentioned this, be-
cause appeared that such opinions were entertain
ed The gentleman from New Jersey suppnyed
That TINS work at the mouth Of the Barataria yntlj
DC uninportdnt. 1t is worthy of inquiry in yyha,
d0es ne consider the importance Of a fertilization
10 consist IL seems that nc looks upon the height
and thickness of the walls, and the number Of die
garrison, 70 be the only criterons and because this
tort Is to be manned by so men IN time of peace
ana BY 400 III time Of war, he considers the de-
icnce OF this point as altogether unimportant But
how are the works classcd by tire engincers9 Bv
TIE OBJECT to be defended, and the property TO be
protected This therefore, lac puts among The lei
Grass; and he does right, BECAUSE If there is any
JISt cIusS OF defensive works, those which protect
le mouth OF the Mississippi ought to be so ranked
There was no other position which combined fhe
same considerations in favor Of its entire rotecfio
NO otherPoint was at once soiinprlant 10 defend &.
so difficult t0regain. Is it necessary said Mr. b. A.
TINS time, 10 goinio historical detail 70 shey that
strong iorts have been taken by The neglect Of some
Of The subordinate means Of defence? Need we reC..
10 Seringapatan,in India, which was reduced bv an
enemy following ioolpath, the defence Of which
hod been neglected. The greatest cities had been
reduced by SIMILAR means And ought we 70 M q.
leSt any o. the practicable passes Of the Missis-
sIppn Much instruction might be gathered by a
r reference 70 tie history Of the late war Was n
BY the Mississippi that the enemy advanced upou
rev Orieans' No, II was by little channel Of
minor importance. Yet, New Orleans was alone
protected by the bold breast Of our sodierv fight
ing on their native soil, for the country tcy loved
These minor points were not to be neglected. IA
with attention 70 them, the most stupcndous works
a defence would prove futile. TO this sut,ierf
might be applied the saying Of ord Burieieb fba,
Il you take Of the pence the pounds ,,ilI ~,
care Of themselves. Tho great avenues ron,
their icing the great thof0ughiares, wilI-be Arr,
to defend themselves; but you must protect fte
little ones He knew that there was great djff
Guilty lu bringing tho minds of to.f.- lie; H..