Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1846-11-25

rivers, has, we are informed, been discuss
ed in our Constitutional Convention. We
do not see what that body has to 10 with
this particular subject, any farther than ii
may be reached by general provisions in
the Internal Improvement article; and we
are inclined TO look upon the discussion re,
ferred 10 as useless waste OF time. But
since the matter has been brought up, ii
may be not be GU, place for US 10 say a
ord or two, that our readers many have
correct understanding of the question.
The GRANT.
Its Ertent-One hal! Of three sections
deep on both sides Of The Fox river, and
the lakes through which it posses, from
Green Bay TO Fort Winnebago. The pre-
else distance, by the course Of the stream,
between The points stated we do moi know,
but suppose il 10 he somewhere near 100
miles, and estimate the amour, Of lands ap-
propra,ed at about 400. 900 acres.
Its characteristics land is to be dispo
sed of only al public auctions, and sales
are TO BE ordered as money may be wanted
for The prosecution Of the improvement:
no one sale to be continued longer than
until $4,000 are received, and no new
sale TO be directed, until the former sum
is expended. The whole matter, subject
10 these Restrictions, is to be under the con-
troll of the Legislature Of the Stale Of VS.
consin: and, if the grant is accepted. the
work is required 10 be commenced within
three years after the State organization,
and completed within twenty years.
It's Obicct.-The Improvement Of The
navigation Of the Fox river, and the con.
s;ruclon Of Canal, a distance of mile
and quarter across the portage, 10 connect
the Fox with the Wisconsin,; and thus open
IN uninterrupted communication for steam
boats from Lake Michigan, through The
heart OF the Territory, to the Mississippi.
The WORK.
Its Feasibility and probable Erpense.-
Capt. Cram, Of the U. S. Typographical
Corps, five or six years since, under au-
lhority Of the government, made particu-
lar survey of the Fox river, with view TO
the improvement Of lis navigation. HIS
report as TO tie praclicabilty Of tho work,
was conducvcly favorable, and his esti
mate oflhe entire expense abon. $3.50, 900.
This estimate, at the time, was thought to
be high; and considering that the prices Of
labor, and of the necessary material for
the work, have fallen greatly since the
period Of that estimate, deduction of Is or
20 per cent from Capt C's. estimate would
not be unreasonable, so that the amount
which would now be required may be set
down in round numbers at $370,0O0.
The sale Of the lands granted, at 81 per
acre, would more than cover the cost Of
The improvement. Accord g 10 the estimate.
But il is confidently believed that not less
than 81 per acre will be the average sum
derived from the sales Of the land, and that
an aggregate fund oiat least $SoO,C COO will
be realized.
The State, then, would incur no risk in
accepting this grant, and taking upon itself
The performance of,he obligations imposed.
On the contrary, if the matter is prudenily
managed, as it may be, a handsome sur
plus will remain 10 be applied TO other pur
poses.
Its Importance. From The statement Of
the object of the work i; would hardly seem
10 be nece ssary 10 say woId IN regard TO
lis importance. a connection Of the great
Lakes with the Missss ppi, or rather the
completion Of an uninterrupted water com
municaton from the Atlantic border, by
the way Of the Erie Cana, the Lakes, Green
Bay, the Fox and Wisconsin and M:ssp-
pi rivers. to The gulf Of Mexico, is work
the high importance Of which could not
| fail TO strike the mind OF any intelligent rea
der. But our object is more particularly
TO allude 10 its importance US local or
State Improvement.
The natural resources and advantages
o. The region through which the Fox river
passes, are probably rot surpassed by those
Of tie most favored portions Of the vest
The development, of these resources, and
the Improvement Of these advantages, would
be the immed ale and increasing results
OF the commencement, prosecution, and
completion of this work. Give 10 that re
gion the facilities Of communication with
eastern, western g. southern markets which
this Improvement would afford, and you al
once insure to i, rapidly of settlement
ard improvement beyond, in our opinion,
any parallel 10 be found in the whole his.
tory OF the northwest. Next 10 its vas,
agricultural susceptibii;ies, prominent
advantage is The exten, Of its water-power
which may be reEdered valuable for mans
ufac, uring purposes. We doubt much If