Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-12-04
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.


INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
THE MEMPHIS (TENN) CONVENTION.
On the 18th ult Convention of Delegates from
the Southern and Western States met at Memphis,
Tenn, for the purpose of connecting measures for
internal improvement, &c. &c. This Convention
was composed of distinguished men from thirteen
States of the Union, ard the Hon. John G. Calhoun
of S. c. presided over it. The intention was, and
doubtless the effect will be, to influence Congress
to take more efficient measures for the benefit of
the Southern and Western sections Of the Union:
inleed, combination of these interests may COM
mand almost any terms. We regard the proceed
ings of this Convention very important: they
indicate what demands the South and West will
make upon Congress, and ougM to indicate what
the Northern and Middle States have equal right
to demand. AS the shortest and readiest mode of
informing our readers of this matter, we quote the
resolutions Except the first, which is unmportant)
that were adopted and for copy of which we are
indebted to an extra from the Office of the Ohio
Union: -
RESOLVED, That safe communication between the
Gulf of Mexico and the interior, afforded by the
navigation of the Mississippi and Ohio, and their
principal tributaries is Indispensable to the defence
of the country in time of war, and essential also to
its commerce. Al.
ReSolved, That the improvement and preservation
of the navigation Of these great rivers, are objects
as strictly national any other preparations for the
defence of the country, and that such improvements
are deemed by this ConventiorMmpracticabl by
the States, individual enterprise, and call for APP
preparations of money for the same by the General
Government.
Resolved, That the deepening of the mouth of
the Mississippi, so as to pass ships of the largest
class, cost what it may, is work worthy Of the
Nation, and would greatly promote the general
prosperity
Resotued, That if the policy Of reinforcing
Navy with war steamers be adopted, the Western
Waters are proper of supply as they abound
in Iron the best material for their construction, and
in lead and copper, important materials for NUM-
tons Of war; provisions also being cheap and the
skill requisite for their construction and navigation
being ample in this region, which already possesses
the largest steam-c commercial marine in the world
RESOLVED, That the project of connecting the
Mississippi river with the Lakes of the North by
shp-candl and thus with the Atlantic Ocean, is
measure worthy the enlightened consideration of
Congress.
RESOLVED, That the intercourse between the Gulf
of Mexico and the Atlantic coast, ought to be pre-
served unmpared; and that ample Military and
Naval Defence, and additional Lighthouses and
Bcacons should be established along the coast of
the Gulf of Mexico, at the most eligible points.
Resolved, That the Gulf and Lake coasts are
greater in extent than the Atlantic seaboard, that
the interests to be defended in the one quarter are
quite as important, and altogether national as
there are i'll the other and the expenditures re-
Quired will fall far short of what has been freely
voted for the coast defences Of the Atlantic.
Resolved, That Congress should establish Ma
tional Armory and Foundry at some point on the
Western Waters at as early period as practicable
Rec IpeH That thp tale on tho Nos -
tern and South -western Waters, the construction of
which has been commenced, or authorized by Con
gress, ought to be prosecuted to completion with
the least possible delay.
Resolved, That Railroad communications from
the Valley of the Mississippi to the South Atlantic
ports, in giving greater facilities to trade, greater
despatch to travelling, and in developing new sour
ces Of wealth, are in all their salutary influences
the commercial, social and political relations
strongly urged upon the consideration and patron
age of the people of the West, and they are the
more recommended works within the power of
private enterprise to construct, and as affording
profitable investment Of capital.
Resolved That the earliest opportunity may be
afforded for private individuals and enterprise to
direct their capital and energies to the completion
ofthe important roads projected the Convention re-
commends to the Delegates present to appoint Com
mitees, charged with the duty of prompt and early
applications to their respective Legislatures Tor
charters to construct such roads may pass through
their States and TO ask such aid and patronage from
said States as they in their discretion may deem
proper and necessary to aid in the construction of
the works.
RESOLVED, That as many of the Roads projected
may pass through the public domain, this Conven-
ton would respectfully urge upon the consideration
of Congress, the equity of granting the right of
way, and alternate sections in aid Of works so sit
uated. Such grant, in the opinion Of the Conven
ton, being no more than fair compensation paid
hU he Off fort ho al q i'm
parted TO the sections of Land retained by Govern
ment
RESOLVED, That Dry Dock, and convenient ar
engagements for the repairing of Government yes
sells, should be established at some suitable point
on the Gulf of Mexico.
RESOLVED, That the President of the Convention
appoint committee Of five members present to me-
morialize Congress on the various topics embraced
in the foregoing resolutions
Resolved, That the President of the Convention
also appoint committee of five members present
to address our common constituents on the same
subjects
RESOLVED That the mail service Of the West and
South requires great improvement in speed and reg
ularity, and particularly on the Western waters /;
that measures ought to be TAKEN ALSO for the prompt
extension of the Magnetic Telegraph into or thro'
the Mississippi valley.
Resolved That millions of acres of the public
domain, lying ON the Mississippi river, and on its
tributaries now worthless for the purpose of cult
walton, might be reclaimed by throwing up embank-
ments SO as to prevent overflow, and that this Con-
yenton recommend to Congress to take such meas
ures as may be deemed expedient to accomplish
that object by grant of said lands or an appropra-
ton of money.
Let it be borne in mind that this Convention was
mainly composed of statesmen who call themselves
"strict constructionsts of the Constitution, and
of politicians Q4ocofocos) who have been wont to
heap ridicule and contempt upon such Wings as