The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-02-01


raj principles. applicable to every Stale in the
Usioe. where = system of Internal Improve
ments exists, q is capable Of existing
The autAes, SILas NJ SrLwELL, was, for
many years past, a distinguished member Of
ahe popular branch Of the Legislature Of New
Yea No man took wider or more ex-
tended survey of the great measures which
were brought before that Legislature, for the
moderation Of the condition Of the people
His were the views Of practical statesman.
TO him is the honor principally due, for car
rying through that body the ACT ABoLtsHINo
IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT. 1t was through
his persevering efforts that that relic ofbarba-
rism was bloited from the statute book and
we hope TO see the example followed BY every
State in the Union, where Imprisonment for
debt still exists. We trust that this session
of Congress will not pass by, without abolish
ing it on the part OF the United States.
This communication is addresse to the
Hon. LuTHRR BRApIsu. the present able and
accomplished Speaker Of the New York As
semhly, whose liberal aud expanded views,
on all these subjects, are well known 10 the
people Of that State, and whose gentlenianly
deportmeat, as member OF the Legislature
for many years, has commanded, at all times,
the respect and confidence Of all parties.
We hope that the positions taken by Mr..
Stilwel may contribute to the revival of that
spirit in New York which characterized her
public men in the early period OF the history
of her Interaal improvements. She was the
pioneer--the example for her sister States
We trust she will not suffer herself, with all
her natural advantages, to be ontdone, for
want of that energy and public spirit which
lagilimately belong to her. She certainly will
not. If those who are 10 direct her future des-
TIMES possess the practical and enlarged
views which are exhibited in Mr. Stilwell's
communication.
From The Ner York Daily Express.
To the Hon. LUTHER BRArIsH,
Speakerof The House Of Assembly Of Nep York
DEAR SiR-Your esteemed favor requesting my
opinion on . the great subject Of internal improves
meDts and finance has been received, and while
thank you for the kind feeling expressed therein,
hasten 10 lay bsfoe you such long cherished opin-
The State Of New York, by bold and successful
ef5t in favor of internal Improvements, attracted,
at early period, the admiration of her Sister Re
pubics. Her location in the centre Of mighty
conntry-bctween the Atlantic Ocean anG the great
iakespossesses advantages superiorto all others for
commerce and trade.
The spirit that animated the councils Of the State
during the administration of Clinton appears to have
fled, and found more permanent abiding place
among the mountains and valleys OF our neighboring
republics
II has been reserved, trust, for this Legislature
10 the dormant energies of the State, and by
adopting system Of finance and plan of improve
ment commensurate with the character and reSour-
ces Of the commonwealth, 10 place her once more in
the van OF all competition.
Twill in few words lay my opinions before you
on The first subject 10 which You have called my at
ention, and, with your permission, will reserve the
second for another letter
Two propositions arc presented in your first maui
rv and although somewhat conneced, may be con-
sidered under separate heads.
Isl. As 10 the Propriety of separating the Canal
and Safe finances and
I'd. The manner of Systeratiznq and extending
Internal improvements.
When II was proposed 10 enter upon the construc-
ton Of the great canals Of our State, much anxiety
was felt TO secure the experiment against failure,
and to secure the puncsual payment ofthe interest
the stock created Tor the construction OF the works,
large draft was made upon the State revenues, and
The duty on salt and the revenue from auctions and
steamboat passengers together with all tolls on the
canals were applied and pledged for the redemption
OF the State stock 4I". IA
This course having been so early adopted caused
many Of our distinguished men to regard the reve-
nues from all public works as 4 fund from which
the annual and contingent expenses OF our State, in
all future times, were 10 be paid
wish TO separate The ordinary revenue OF the
State from the tolls derived from our public works,
and cause the increase and decrease Of each to con
form TO the distinct interests from which they are
derived Our public highways are made for public
convenience to promote intercourse, and as me-
INN 1f irtnI at,1r hntllI nnI
subject taxation, lest at some period necessity or ca
price may interrupt our commerce and overthrow
our prosperity. During the infancy OF these great
works little difficulty from this cause will arise, but
the time is not distant when thousand projects for
State or individual aggrandizInent may induce the
Legislature to burden by special taxation, this chan
mel of intercourse under pretext that Il will be paid
by the residents of other States.
Among free people taxes should b: equal Tax
alton and representation should 20 together, and no
inducement should BE- offered ~ the people Of one
section 10 rob or plumber lhgse ~ another
i is favorable 10 the success " my plan that the
canal fund is rich and the amount Increasing, and
that il Is largely indebted TO the general fund.
In separating The deb,S and funds Of our canals
from the general fund, would state the amounts
between them, 50 as 70 do justice TO every section Of
the State.
The canal fund is indebted 10 the general fund for
the large revenue received since 1917 from salt
auetions, &c. Bat in stating the amounts il would
u5 b. proper 10 transfer the whole amount received
bseau>e If the canals had mol been made the sum
would NJ have been 50 large, and again, as the
money from these sources was needed 10 commence
the npfovem .ut, only Such amount should be charg-
ed as would hare eeeR received IL The canals had
not been made.
Tothe laTgeSum which will Be due the general fund
from this qn1r;er would add all the Ions made for
Inc construction Of the Oswegp C4yuga and Seneca,
Crooked Like, Black river, and GeneSSce Val
lev Canals, also the loan to the Delaware and Had
son Canal, and 10 the Neyersink Navigation Com
Il. .s.t. N. II