Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1839-08-27
INTERNAL IMPRovEMENT.-No.
To The Editor Of the Argus:


SrR--My first number, tender to my
Fellow Citizens of Mississippi, as a preface,
merely to lay before them q sum-
mary of material facts, in order to direct their
attention, and induce them at once, 10 insti-
tute those preliminary inquiries which are in
dispensible TO an enlightened and judcious
course of action, on the subject ofInternal I'M
provement:--whch may properly be styled
the keystone of American Prosperity.
To American Skill, Enterprise and Perse-
verance, nothing in the way of improvement
is impossible.-By the aid of the application
of the mighty power of Steam to Machinery,
in the last half century, greater advances
have been made, in civilization, refinement
and wealth, and in every thing, which tends
to elevate the condition of mankind, than was
effected in the thousand years, Immediately
preceding. In after ages, the proud elevation
these United States have obtained, IN liter
airy, commercial, and enterprising view, will
appear more the effect of magic infuence,than
the fruits of Enterprise, Perseuerance3. Indus
tyu. Let not the sons of Mississippi hesitate
for one moment, to act promptly and JudicIousy
in this great cause of internal improvement
so as to entitle themselves TO a share OF the
admiration of after ages. For remember, that
those who commenced their labor, at the
eleventh hour, received from the lord OF the
vineyard an equal proportion OF pay, with those
who bad borne the heat and burthen OF the
day.
Internal Improvement, under the exclusive
direction of science, enterprise, perseverance,
and practical knowledge; with well dlgested
system, as a basis whereon to commence,
must flourish. and be of rapid growth IN the
State of Mississippi, where nature has been
SO bountiful in distributing some OF her cholc,
est gifts. Marking out easy and economical
modes of transportation, by interseetng our
State with streams, which by enterprise and
perseverance, may be rendered naVlgaole' ano
| in MANY instances made to supersede the me-
cessity of lateral, to central Rail Road
throu' the state, which upon the score OF econ
omy, is an important consideration. Add &C
these gifts, one other, which imposes on us, {
debt Of gratitude, we can never pay;-the
wealth which must arise from the sale OF the
pure white mantle, with which our State Is a
this moment clothed; with the horn of plenty
| in her hand, inviting the assistance of art anC
enterprise, to disrobe her with economy OF ma
lures bounties.
1t must be a source of infinite pleasure t.
every citizen of Mississippi, in whose bosom
patriotism has found congenial soil to cherish
and nourish if; to know, that by the assistance
of enterprise and judicious system of Inter.
nal improvements social and Commercial
intercourse, between all parts of our State
carrying in It's train, developed resources O
wealth can be effected.
The necessity ofplacing Internal Improve
ment exclusively under the control of the
State, is but too clearly demonstrated by eX-
/ aiming the list of our incorporated Banks
To nine oftbem we find Rail Roads and Bank
ing Comp. attached, aid no doubt, made the
condition on which they obtained thelr char-
tiers. But where are the R. Roads, to Asst the
farmer and planter TO get their surplus produce
to market, with facility and economy!
Not found! A wrong direction has
been taken, and in lieu, thereof facilities
are afforded us, to rid ourselves of prop
ertv, money and freedom. This should d.
rect our attention to the act passed at the last
session of the Legislature, entitled, "An act
to provide for the Internal Improvement OF
1 the State" and which in accordance with the
constitution of our State, is now before the
people, for their approval or rejection. 1t is
published IN but three of the Journals of our
State; consequently, may escape the notice
of large majority of our citizens.
It authorizes, under certain restrictions,
and regulations, the borrowing of Five Millions
of Dollars, for which the faith of the State is
to be pledged.-There is no doubt. but before
the present canvass for the representation of
the electors of Mississippi in our next Leglsa-
ture, Is over,-Internal Improvement will
throw aside the invisible clothing in which she
is now clad,' 81 by candidates be introduced to
their constituents in her brightest and richest
robes of wealth and prosperity, directing at
| the same time, the attention OF every MIS-
sIssippian, to the important benefits, which
must result from well digested system,
wherein to form a basis.
| How much more cheering and welcome
would be the prospect, could we introduce
genius and enterprise, to that state of prosper
| ity which nature has placed at our command;
but which like the prodlgal son, we have, and
still are, squandering away, if not IN rlotous
living, in what is most calling to Patriotism
and independence, in paying an unjust and on
erous tribute of one fourth of our labou1.
Let the past, act as beacon of experience,
to steer by, and caution us IN future; urging us
onward to thorough examination of SUBJ
ject, too long neglected. mean the regula-
ton of our monetary system. Let the Repre-
sentatives of the People be specially instructed
on this subject at the next session OF the Legis-
lature. 1t is the first necessary step to be Ia
ken, in the great cause of Internal Improve
ment. For as have before stated in my Cir
caar 10 the Electors of Mississippi:-To sep
arate Internal Improvement from a sound
currency, would be to sacrifice our best inter.
ests, and raise up barrier, which neither ge-
MUS or enterprise, could possibly surmount,
thereby rendering success, not only impracti-
cable but impossible.
JOHN CRUSOE.
TO BE CONTINUED.