The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-22

Of the nation. Connecting the greatest river with
the greatest lakes in the world the link should be of
piece with its noble ends and fit to hold in closer
union the magnificent proportions OF such ooun-
try. Therefore suggest the propriety OF inquring
as TO the practicabity of making the canal without
lock at all, except one at Chicago, TO be without
IN, and simply for regulating the supply Of water
| when necessary.
The level Of Lake Michigan is above that Of the
Illinois river and the only fear is that the fall would
be too great for an artificial river
sit is fact not well knownn says Darby, the
geographer, ''that loaded boats at high water can
pass from Lake Michigan into Illinois river, and
presents much more the aspect of canal than that
of a river. During the continuance Of spring food
loaded boats of large tonnage may be navigated
from the rapids Of the Ohio up the Mississippi and
Illinois rivers, and through the Canadian sea to the
cataract of Niagara ,ctho meeting ,cih single rap
3D."
Here, therefore, is a channel pointed out by ma
ture, and indicated by the State improvements Of H.
linos. Let us avail ourselves of III and if the con-
nection can be made by an artificial river without
endangering the lower country with an overflow
let il be done. | cannot express an opinion to
the practicability Of such thing. But il is worthy
Of investigation. Such feeder would improve the
low water navigation Of the Mississippi to vast
extent, and would give that noble stream noble
head.
But whether the channel be an artificial river or
canal, Its importance to the whole country is be-
yond calculation; and in no port would this import
ance be felt SO much as by the city of ST. Louis.
"The geographical position of this city, says
Mr.. Nicollet in his report on the Upper MISSISSIPPI
pi, SIS favorable to remarkable degree Situated
few miles below the junction of two Of the greatest
rivers OF the world il is the natural central depot of
all the varied products that reach it by navigation
OF one thousand to two thousand miles over those
two rivers and their innumerable tributaries. ST.
Lou n hiatt he kew of he
| comprehending within this term the extensive re-
| gions stretching between the Mississippi and the
Pacific ocean. All distant expeditions TO the North
or TO the West must start from ST. Louis; and here
also, all their fruits are gathered together, comprs
ing the proceeds of the fur trade as well as the
mineral and agricultural productions Of the whole
| northern basin of the Mississippi, where they are
distributed to the various markets of consumption
either by the Mississippi TO the Gulf Of Mexico, by
the Ohio to the Atlantic States, or through Illinois,
by the lake and other opened channels of commune
cation, to the sea board and the Canadas.
at is worthy of remark--and her geographical
position makes it obvious--tha works of inter
nal Improvement can be made by any of the neigh
boring States whether to the East or North, or
even by those that may hereafter be formed to the
North or West, without becoming subservient to
the interests of st. Louis. Hence the State fMis-
souri, has not deemed it wise to embark hastily in
such expenditures; and though, in the true spirit of
the time, much reproached this score, events at
this day prove that she acted udiciously. Submit
ting it's great and magnificent territory the natural
and unburdened course Of things, without the ne
cessity Of levying direct taxes, immigrants have
been focking for several years back to this rich and
beautiful country, the resources of which they de-
velop with astonishing rapidity. In 1880, the pop
ulation of the State was only lao, 445; that of St.
Louis $780, In l840, the census returned 1885,, 7O2
as the whole number of the inhabitants Of the State
and the population of st. Louis was estimated in
/ I84l, at 10000 within the city limits The amount
of property taxed, according TO the city register
of the same year, was 1851 ,675 dollars"
| | wonder that the brains Of the people of that
thrifty city do not fall down into their pockets and
cry out for the speedy completion of this system of
defence. This canal would be the greatest peace
maker that ever was made. Constructed for the
great national purpose of Defence what object of all
those had in view by the constitution, would it not
promote? Would it not Storm more perfect union"
among the States; "nsure domestic tranquillity;"
'proride for the common defence" promote the gem
eral welfare' and, Ivy Frightening the chains which
bind the States together in gloroua union, "secure
the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our pos
terityi"
To which one of all these objects would it not be
conducive? 1t must be done. Iii not give il up.
The measures that go for at present, for lake de-
fences, are, first, this ship canal; naval depot at
Chicago navyyard for repairs near the straits Of
Mackinaw, with forts to command them; and
another building yard Lake Erie, either at Erie
or Buffalo, or some other convenient harbor capable
of being strongly fortified; another on Lake Onta-
rios others of secondary importance will follow.
But all these measures are of the first impor-
lance.
If you do not go for these you are not the people
HARRY BLUFF, U. s. Navy.