The Arkansas advocate., 1831-05-11

lmpeled the slres ot Kentucky aud Ten nessee, to encounter temporary priva- lions, ih the then wilds of those states. for ultimate connpeteness and indepead- ence, yet lives in their sons, and would lmpei them to our delightful climate. were the general government to hold out the liberal hand then extended to those states.
 It has long been my decided opinion, that the present mode of disposing of Public Lands, is unwise, unjust, and unbeeoming the dignity of this great nation. ] have ever believed, that if the public domain was covered with an industrious and enteFprising population, 1t would be worth more, in d national point of view, than all the Pubic Lands. were they of ten times their present value. More liberal views, am fully Pursuaded, are obtaining every where. in rt latlon to this, with us, all-important subject; and should be honored by your selection as Delegate, 1t will be my first duty to seek every means of miti- gating the present condition of the peo- pie, in relation to this subject.
 But should inc government persist in their present course, relative to their lands, the same policy which induces the citizens of a neighborhood to make good roads, not only for the facilities at- lorded by them. but as a means of in- ereasing the value of their lands, should prompt the federal government, even for the advance 1t would put upon her lands, to adopt q similar course. The laws of every State and Territory. com pei the people to keep open their roads for public convenience. and surely the general government ought not and will lot refuse to adopt the same course, where they are the sole proprietors of vast sections of our country, now rapidly populating and covered at this t.me, to some extent, with an industrious peo- pie, who are daily adding value, by their industry, to q soil not their own. 1t will be esteemed duty, therefore, to urge Congress for appropriations for opening roads wherever they may be deemed important, The Legislature coming immediately from the people. and assembling in October next, will best understand their wishes, on ihis important subject. IL will afford me pleasure, should l be honored by your choice, to hear your wishes, as expressed l through your representatives in the Territorial Legislature. and to use my best exertions 10 eonaummate them, at Washington City.
 A s:!ss;,nsas and Issedl river, hare aifea- dq attracted the attention of the goz Ivcrnmcnt; il will be my duty to urge continuous appropriations for those ob- jects, uptil the present obstruetions oz- listing to navigation. in both those rivers be removed. The raft on Rcd river has already cost the government Q large amount, which would be worse than thrown away, should they now refuse the sums necessary for the consumina- ton of the design; and which would be refunded ten fold, in the increased val uc Of the lapds aboye the raft. In urg- 1 ing this subject upon the notice of Con gress, could but receive the hearty CO., operation of the delegation from Loui. siana, who are equally interested with us.
 But whilst l rejoice at thc liberality of Congress, in relation to the naviga- ton of those two noble rivers, am some what surprised that the beautiful stream. upon which numerous, wealthy. and industrious people are dependent in the north, for all their commercial conse- queace, has not alike called forth the muniiicence of Congress. If the most accurate information have been able to obtain may be relied on, ten thousand dollars would remove aH Instructions in White river, for from 5 10 TOO miles making it the safest navigation for that distance, perhaps in the U. States. l should assuredly feel bound to urge the claims of this large portion of the People, forthe accomplishment Of 50 de- sirable an object.
 In relation to a subject destined atno distant day 10 occupy much of your at- tention, and in which you alone are in- terested. have DO hesitation in giving you my sentiments, freely and frankly. When Arkansas shall have the popula- ton required by losr, shall advocate as citizen, the rropriety of becoming a State Government, so soon as she can form her constitution, and obtain the