Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1839-09-03
COMMUNICATIONS.
1NTERNAL IMPRovEMENT.-No. 2


INTERNAL IMPROvEMENT.-No. 2. |
To the Editor Of the Argus:
NV motto is "A searching reform in our
monetary system, and a sound currency, abso-
lutely necessary, as a foundation whereon
to commence the superstructure Of Internal
Improvement with successes"
In my first number, ! refer to the authority
granted by the act to borrow on behalf of the
State, Five Millions Of Dollars. would here
recommend to every one, who feels an inter-
est in this great cause Of Internal Improve
ment to read the act attentively, that they
may go to the polls prepared to vote advi-
sedly on so important subject
We should look cautiously to the means Of
repayment, before we incur the debt.-None
are so anxious and ready to borrow, as those
who never intend to pay. TO pledge the faith
of our State for Five Millions of Dollars, in
addition to the fifteen and half Millions al
ready pledged on behalf of the Union Bank,
tpithOui direction or discretionary polcer to Sc
lect such points for the commencement Of the
great scheme of Internal Improvement, where
secured, and where, as il progresses, would
Immediately become a source of Revenue to
the State,-would be TO defeat the wishes OF
its warmest advocates; and would virtually be
an edict banishing enterprise from our State
for at least half century.
We have the advantage of experience, IN
this great scheme, with every prospect ofsuc.
cess, when we view the benefits derived BY
our Sister States from such improvements.
We have population, industrious and tenn
pcrate. A territory, which takeE generally
as to climate and fertility of soil, is second e
none IN the Union. There are many portions
OF our State, where land is OF little value t
the owners, or to the State, and such ever viii
be the case, unless inducements are held OIL
by Internal Improvement to settlers. II al
available market was afforded, by the improve
ment OF Water courses, Canals, or Rail Roads
we should soon see the standard OF Enterprise
and Perseverance, waving in the soft breeze o
prosperity, where now we behold wilderness:
untrodden by human footstep. Nor is this al
An increase of our population would bring
with it an increase of wealth. The soil anC
climate Of the northern portion of our State
is well adapted, for stock and small grair
farms. An important benefit would be der
we'd from this source; we should be furnished
with most OF the necessares, as well as The
conveniencies of life. Horses, cattle, hogs
&c, wheat and other small grain, would b.
furnished us from our own soil. The constan
drain the wealth four state would be check
ed; and the immense annual amount, paid fo
these necessaries, and which goes to enrich
citizens of other States, would circulate freely
amongst our own. And, are not these consid
erations involving the character of our State
1t was said by distinguished gentleman, on
similar occasion, that "character is as import.
ant to States, as it is to individuals, and the
glory of State is the common property of its
citizens" Let us look at the relative situation
of five of our Western Sister States. A
large portion of three Of them, would to this
day have remained an untrodden wilderness
had not the spirit of Enterprise, and perse-
verance taken up their abode with them.
The five States alluded to, are Ono, Ken
lucky, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. The
Improvements completed and to be completed
IN these five states, are as follows
Canals, 1850 mics,
Slack Water Navigation, $50
all IEH0