The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-08-01

ding commercial cities, &c; but they
must and will awake to the consideration
of their position, their interests and their
rights.
TO what must this consideration lead !
With unparalleled rapidly have their
numbers increased, together with their
products aud their commerce. until sur
priseed by the contemplation of their pc.
sition-their resources and trade--ihey
are compelled TO look abroad for their
market and return supplies. and forced to
look 10 the improvement of their great
highways for transportation, and to the
protection and defence of then outlet to
distant markets.
While thus contemplating what must be
done in the future, may they not look
back with establishment upon the past
may they not in justice look across the
mountains and reproach their mother
states. whence they in part sprang, for NJ
gect OF that foster care and aid which
their early difficulties and tolls SO much
required-may they not now ask where
have been disbursed the millions that
have been received from them by the fe-
deral government, in import duties and in
the purchase of wild lands. And in aid
ing 10 solve these questions, may they not
complain Justly of the lille, on, of all they
have contributed to the public treasury Of
the United States. which has been dis
bursed to facilitate and benefit their com.
merce, or in preparations for the defence
Of the Mississippi valley.
Retaining from further consideration
Of the present condition of the west, or of
what has been withheld from her by the
selfshness of the Atlantic States, OF los,
TO her by the neglect or want Of concert
in the western states in demanding and
pressing their claims and rights, we pass
to the consideration of the grea, and lead
ing interests of the west and south TO de-
wise The best means of securing which this
convention has assembled.
In contemplating the leading measures
to be accomplished, we congratulate you
on the important fact. that even in these
times of party political influences, they
are such as the west and south may unite
upon, in the stricies, regard for the natio.
nal welfare and in all proper Difference to
the principles and opinion Of the straight
est sect in politics.
The rapid increase Of population and
wealth in the Mississippi valley, to which
we have alluded, are mainly attributable
TO the great commercial facilities afforded
by her large rivers, which have been so
fully developed by the introduction Of
steam. power. Great as these facilities
and advantages are a, present. much needs
yet TO be done to realize their full benefit.
and 10 afford the country on all their Dor
ders, at all times. certain, safe and eXpe-
dilious channels of transportation. This
can be effected on most of them to the en-
tent required.
The cleaning out the snags-deepening
the channels, and in any otherwise that
may be necessary and proper. improving
the navigation of all our principal rivers,
is work so necessary and national in its
character that the whole west and south
should neither disagree about it, nor
hesitate in pressing it upon the general
government.
Thougl, local in extent, the effects and
necessity of large free canal around
The falls of the Ohio q, Louisville, are so
widely spread aud important as 10 demand
for il special notice.
or almost equal importance and neces-
sity is the erection of light.houseson the
coast of Florida. There is no, single
permanent lighthouse on that coast,
which is upwards of 800 miles in extent,
bordering the channel through which
passes the largest portion of the exports
and imports of the west. In consequence
Of the want Of these necessary lights,
frequent, and disastrous losses occur by the
shipwreck Of vessels.
Upon the western planters, farmers and
merchants these losses indirectly fall, be-
cause both their products and their sup
plies necessarily have TO pass this dan
gerous channel, and hence the cost of in
surance on both vessels and cargo are now
greatly increased by the difficulty and
danger of the navigation.
Competing or rival emporiums and
markets for an extensive country benef,
the producer, by presenting choice of
markets, and stimulate the merchant TO
hold out tho strongest inducements to
command trade by the best attentions to
business, and the most favorable prices.
The grea. thoroughfare of the Missis.
sippi valley, having now only New Or
leans as a prominent, accessible emporl-
um and shipping point, the commercial
interests Of the country require that the
Mississippi river should be connected
with the lakes aud thence with the east
nrn riiiao hy tho hast channels nc vnip