The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-07-31
From the Louisville Democrat
THE CANAL-RE-CoMMEN OF
THE WORK THEREON.

We learn that all arrangements have been com
pleted to go on with the canal The trustees are OF
the ground, actively at the work OF preparation 70
commencing. The estimates were to be finished b,
the 18th instant, after which time the old contfac
tors were to be set to work as fast as they coul,
get ready Some of them have already commenced
IN anticipation of the estimates.
Work hands are coming in fast, and there will b.
no scarcity Of laborers.
great number of old contractors are coming il
from all parts of the country with the view of get
ting contracts; and there is every prospect that tn
work will be pushed with all the powers of noney
and talent.
Commodore Morris and Colonel Totten have beer
on the line; but we learn that they are not com
missloned to take any surveys or estimates for
ship-canal or for the improvement OF the Illinois
river They are only authorized to make person
al reconnaissance Of The country.
We learn further, that Governor Ford has respect
fully requested them to call the attention Of tn,
President to an immediate survey Of the lno.
river TO ascertain the character Of the bars that OBJ
struct It's navigation, and collect information neces
sary to determine the hest means Of removing them
and securing the greatest depth of water which tn,
river can furnish.
1t appears further, that there is no existing APP
preparation TO pay the expense of such survey
but these gentlemen have engaged to make the rec
ommendation, if the money can be advanced from
other sources to pay the extra expenses. These ex
penses have been estimated by Captain Swift at the
sum Of fifteen hundred dollars We learn further
that MIR. Levitt, one Of the trustees, who is a very
wealthy man, will advance the money; and that in
all probability survey and estimate will be made
time enough to be laid before the next Congress,
We learn further, that there was considerable diff
culty in relation to the subscriptions of the Illinois
subscribers. They were about to fail generally in
making prompt payment. They were mostly old
contractors, who have suffered greatly by the failure
e. a. Al -.
cy about to be very serious matter, and result
in stopping the canal after all that had been done but
to the credit of our citizens be it said the best men in
Chicago, and others who happened to be there
men of capital and cash--came right forward and
took the stock as an additional subscription; which
arrangement wars perfectly satisfactory to the trus.
tees
Governor Ford was accompanied to Chicago by
Col. &. ID. Taylor. The governor is entitled TO
great praise for the prompt settlement of the embar-
which, at one time, appeared likely to stop
the work altogether; and Col. Taylor, and many OF
the patriotic citizens of Chicago, are also entitled to
great credit for their prompt and efficient aid in adj
justing the difficulty referred to.
On the subject of the survey, we are permitted to
copy the following letter.
"CufcAoo Illinois, July H. ls4s
"SR, We have the honor acknow ledge the receipt OF
nal and rver and suggesting an Immediate of the
the the which ostruc
its navigation ard collect the information de
ternne the best removing them and securing
greatest depth OF water which the river furnish
We are fully impressed with the importance of such
examination and will forward copy of your letter for the
decision Of the President, with that il
should be promptly made, if the expense be legally
done that some competent officer be ordered for that ser
vice. If the trustees OF the canal will advance the other
cessary expenses
with much respect have the honor TO be- your ODE
dent servants,
oC. NORRIS
Jos G. ToTTEN.
tHis excellency THOMAS FoRD,
"Uovernor OF the State Of Illinois"