The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-12-19
GOVERNORS MESSAGE
[ooNcLuprp.l.

l~otft tottED- ASS Il.
! deem Il proper to cali your especial sttentio
to an enterprise whichis proposed, of great ma
tonal character, magnificent in its object, and hay
ing adirect bearing upon the future Commerce q
Ohio, q well as that ofthe entire Union and prot
ably OF the whole world. Mr.. Asa Whitney,
gentleman Of intelligence, of practical business
capacity, and extraordinary energy Of character
has suggested the means and submitted to Congress
proposition for the construction of national rail
road from Lake Michigan to the Pacific ocean nea
the mouth OF the Columbia river. This projected
public improvement would complete a chain O
communication by means OF railroad and navigablt
waters between the Atlantic cities and the Pacific
ocean, crossing the State of Ohio in its course II
would connect together the vast interests of our
extensive country, make the commerce of the Pa.
cinc tributary to the United Statas and open to us
q, immediate. easy and INSTRUMENTATION with
Onina and other countries of Asia, the Eastern
Archipelago and other islands in the Pacific, as
well as with the countries on the western coass OF
North America. Such chain of communication
across our continent, being the nearest and
most direct route, and furnishing by far the safest,
easiest and most speedy medium Of commuuica-
tion between the commercial nations of Europe
=. snd tne countries OF Asia, would be crowded by
tne merchants, the traveller and the curious from
all quarters OF the world. 1t would produce re-
suits In commercial, moral and political points of
view, vast beyond our limited capacity of concep-
ton at this time. -
The feasibility OF Mr.. Whitney's proposition is
susceptible OF easy and plain demonstration. To
pronounce 1t visionary on account of the magnitude
ol tne project would evnce forgetfuIness Of the
vast achievements of the age and prevalence of
the benighted prejudice which clouded the pros
poets of the enterprising benefaetors of mankind
IN ages gone by The work proposed Is one that
VIII cost the United States nothing in case of fai
lure, and il is wholly unobjechonsble, even to the
most cautious, in relation to the grant OF special
privileges BY the government.
tnerefore submit to your consideration the ex-
pediency OF aiding this most magnificent project
OF the age, directly connected asit is with the fu
ture prospects and interests of Ohio by every le
ginmate influence and authority.
ihe public debt Of Ohio is Intimately blended
with considerations of deep interest bearing on i,s
character and welfare, and therefore should com.
mand the most careful attention OF the Legislasure.
Under all the depressions in business and etm.
merclal revulsions in the country, the State of !
Ohio has fulfilled her engagements with scrun,ons
integrity and paid the interest on he- public debt
with promPtness and regularity It is iustifiable
SUBJECT OF State pride that the faith of the State has
been preserved without bemish. A character
and public credit, such as Ohio has maintained.
should be cherished and guarded with the most
sciupuous care, not only from rigid honesty of
principle and high sense of honor, but also from
. ".
can exalt the character of commercial neonIe
more than high sense of integrity and honor in
all their engagements. The example of the gov.
eminent exercises vast influence in the formation
OF the characteristics Of people. A violation of
solemn engagements by government, not only |
furnishes the national honor but is used to paate
acts of bad faith in private individuals Whereas.
government which requires fidelity to all en-. | |
yagements be held sacred, as an indispensable yir-
Iue will, by its example, establish high standard
Of commercial morality, and elevate the character
Of its people.
he time has arrived when the public debt Of \
mo has reached its highest point No occasion
,an exist for It's further increase. The people of
ne State can now look forward to the time when
ne debt shall be discharged and the burden of tax
hon be removed The ample resources and rapid +
rowth and prosperity of the State, are sufficient
.A"'H',: Ill orr-nhnns;n,s ~T I;sn-I.,, -ao.,d
the ability of our people to discharge the lisb
hes as they fall due. The following statement ?
vii exhibit the amount of the State debt and the
1terest, &C., paid thereon during the last fiscal h
ear: 4
'otal amount of foreign debt GIG. .964. 900 30 a.
mount of domestic debt 765. 1876 70 "
chooi ana trust fund l,4s2 2,6s2 6s VI
- dt
Total amount Of State debt Nov. n.