Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-03-23

found, by observations made by Mr.. Ellicott, a
Professor at the West Point Academy, and an
eminent Astronomer, to be one mile north of the
45th degree of latitude: and, consequently, with
IN the boundary of the British possessions. 1t
was now in a state of dilapidation, remaining
there as a monument of our folly. He would
further say, that he was altogether opposed to the
whole system of inland fertilization. 1t was, in
his opinion, as he had before observed, a useless
drain upon the Treasury; it was a wasting of the
public resources upon objects of no correspond
ing Importance. 1t was a mode of applying the
public funds, which, whilst it retarded the lioui-
dation of the national debt was fraught with no
one single beneficial effect, in any other manner.
We have, said Mr.. Spencer, a Navy-we have
a Navy which Is the strongest arm of our Nation
al defence. Of what avail to us are Notifications
upon the Northern frontier, as proposed by the
resolution? From such a weak power as Cana
da, even aided by all the force which Great Bri-
tain could concentrate upon that point, what
have the United States to apprehendf Vermont
herself, could repel all hostile aggressions from
that quarter; or if Vermont could not-certainly
New York could. He was, he repeated, deci-
dedly opposed to the measure. Propositions
similar to that of his friend from Vermont, were
continually starting up, and from all points; not
so much, he feared, as to provide for the protec-
ton and defence of the country, but with a view
to procure the expenditure of large sums of mo-
ney III particular districts. From the imputa-
ton of such a motive as this, however, he fully
exonerated the gentleman from Vermont, who
had supported the resolution. Mr.. Finch said
that he highly approved of the resolution, and he
referred to the circumstance which occurred du-
ring the last war, in which he had some expe-
rlence, wherein the want of Notifications upon
tina, particular part of the frontiers, mad occa-
stoned a loss gilmore than quadruple the expense
which would have been incurred by their con-
struction. The British had swept the lake, sail
ed up the the Saranac, and committed depreda-
tons one hundred miles within our country
After some observations with respect to the for
tress constructed North of the boundary line, he
said, in reference to the necessity of erecting
others South of Is degrees, that Lake Champlain
extended 80 miles upon our country; and upon
all points of that coast, we might be considered
assailable, without fortified defences. In the
p~ropriety of this the War Department concurred.
In the late war 10000 troops from Canada had
penetrated that point, and invaded the United
States, although by good fortune, they were
driven back; by which all the Northern part Of
New York and the whole of Vermont We're saved
from devastation. He was, therefore, in favor
of the measure. Mr.. Drayton said he would
shortly state why no proceedings should be ia
ken ON this resolution. 1t was impossible tOtorm
with accuracy, any military project upon the
subject, until the boundary was established,
prior to which no survey could be properly made.
to ascertain the eligible sites for fortitications.-
Such, i'll substance, he had no doubt, would be
the answer of the War Department next session,
to the resolution, in the event of its passing
He conceded in opinion with the gentleman from
New York, (NIr. Finch as to the importance of
defending that frontier. 1t was vulnerable to
enemy: there was no place more necessary to
be defended; for. in case of a war with Great
Britain, troops might there be poured into the
bowels of our country. But at the same time.
that every importance showed the necessity of
proceeding in the selection of points for defence
with the utmost care and circumspection. Mr..
Spencer, of n. York, rose to reply, but the hour
elapsed. The House then went into Committee of
the Whole, Mr.. MCoyi in the Chair. on the follow
inc private bills: the bills for the ~reliefof Stephen
Olney,J. III. Wendell. Alexander ClaXton, Charles
Wilkes, and Michal Lewis. They were several
ly discussed and reported, and ordered to be en-
crossed for a third reading on Monday. The
House again went into Committee, Mr.. Carson in
the Chair, on the annexed bills: for the relief of
William Morrison, Thomas Wickliife, James
Smith and Peter Gasney, and a bill to provide
for the payment Of sundry citizens. of Arkansas,
for depredahons in 1916, 1917, and 1895. On
the Committee rising, these also were reported,
and ordered to be engrossed for a third reading.
The House then adjourned, by a vote upon a d.
vision, of 60 to 4S.
~nes9eHse
Serious academic Bishop CAUSE.-THE Cum
berland Md Civilian of Friday says: o We'd
nesday night last, as the Western stage was leav-
inc town, in consequence of excessive dark it was
precipitated off the bank of the turnpike and dash
ed to pieces. the horses running off with the fore
carriage. Bishop Chase, of Ohio, was seriously
mjured-some of his ribs broken and his left arm
dislocated. The Bishop had arrived in town a
short time before the stage, travelling in a coach
presented to Kenyon College by our late towns
man, James Reside, Esq.-but, being unable to
reach Ohio in time to fill some appointments, he
was induced to take the stage to this place. The
stage was much crowded with passengers, but
none Of the others were materially i%njured.s
~ssee99ee9a-
NJ. O