Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1836-08-03

hSht Soous uesuneu Tor chicago and the
great west, which makes the northern route
their choice, must pass through this chan
mel. See the act, annexed to this article.
In making this calculation, we say no.
thing of the south part of Michigan-a fine
fertile country, with mild and genial eli.
mate, and embracing width of 100 miles
large portion of which must naturally be.
come tributary to this point on the lake.
In addition to all these, there are char
tiers for SIX DIFFERENT RAILRoADs--one
from the Pennsylvania line to this river
one from Sandusky City, one from Akron,
one from the Ohio canal, one from Detroit,
and one from Kalamazoo. These roads will
undoubtedly all be built.
Besides these, our local position affords
extensive advantages, being situated at the
extreme western end Of Lake Erie, at a
point easy of access to vessels Of the largest
class, which enables us to participate large
| ly in the immense trade which has already
began to float from Lake Champlain to
the southern extremity of Lake Michigan,
the extent of which is to be increased by
improving the river st. Marys, at the out
let of Lake Superior, and by locking and
improving the river st. Lawrence, SO as to
let Vessels capable of navigating the ocean
pass freely from Quebec and Montreal,
through the Welland canal, to this point,
where they can come in fair competition
with New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore,
in the trade and business of the great west /;
thus creating point not only for transit
but exchange, and as we confidently be-
lieve, making this the focus of an immense
inland commerce and general trade, which
at no very distant day will vie with our
most fourishing towns on the sea coast.
The water power on this river is of the
utmost Importance, when we consider its
general scarcity throughout this region.
The stream is large, and in the distance of
IL miles falls 60 feet, running rapidly over
bed Of lime rock. The foot of these ra.
pids is about 10 miles from the mouth of
the river, and will undoubtedly give rise to
large and flourishing manufacturing town.
The town of Manhattan was commenced
and the first house erected in October last.
We now have over 40 buildings, and con-
tracts for 200 more, first rate Hotel, two
large warehouses and wharves and another
wharf and warehouse under contract to be
completed this season two turnpikes near
ly finished, post Office established, two
lines of stages bank will go into opera
tion on the first of August. The state OF
Ohio will probably terminate the Wabash
and Dayton canals at this point, as by do
ing so; the state will acquire title TO A.
900 acres of government land, lying on
both sides of the river, at and near its
mouth, which would be worth at least ST.
100000, if The canals should be terminated
here. This can be done without any in
Justice to the towns above, and save that
amount of money to the state.
No one al all conversant with the history
of past events, and in any way familiar
with the nature of causes and effects, can
doubt for moment, that in country 5000
miles long and 1900 broad, possessing ev-
cry variety ,f soil and climate, with such
vast rivers AID inland seas, and such innu-
merable avenues and facilities for interior
communication an inland commerce must
eventually be carried on, as important at
least, if notas extensive, as that which has
given Importance to so many of our great
Atlantic cites, and which in the ordinary
course of events must build up rich and
f1ourishing inland emporiums. That some
point on this river is reserved for that high
destiny, is beyond our doubt-and we pre-
dict with the same confidence, that its growth
will be more rapid than that of any other
town of the United States. That this town
will be located at point best adapted to
the safe AMI convenient ingress and egress
of the vessels employed is equally certain.
Where thai point is, time must speedily de-
termine.