Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1847-05-29
THE CHICAGO CONVENTION.

Our readers are already aware that il is proposed
TO hold al Chicago, on the 5M Of July nert,
Convention of Delegates from every section of the
country interested in the improvement of the navi-
CATION Of Western Rivers, and the construction and
maintenance Of Harbors on the Northwestern Lakes.
At one of the largest public meetings ever held in
the city Of Buffalo ION the 10Th March LAST Dele
CATION was deputed 10 attend the Convention, and
w. A. Moseley, L. p. Stevens, T. M. Foote, ]. L.
Barton, J. l.. Kimberly, III. NJ. Kline, and John
TIollisier were specially appointed Committee to
correspond with gentlemen in other cities and Sec
tons Of the country, to invite their cooperation in
the proposed Convention and a Circular has been
addressed by that Committee 10 gentlemen in diff
feren parts of the country supposed to be favorable
TO the object in which they state, very forcbly that
the section of country directly and indirectly inter-
ested, embraces more than two-ihrds of the whole
Union; That large portion Of this territory, and
that more Immediately concerned, has been re-
claimed from the wilderness within one generation,
and that its dnexampled growth in population and
wealth is in danger of check from the want Of
proper facilities for trade and commercial inter-
course That few persons living in the older sec-
lions Of the country Justly appreciate the extent of
these evils, or bear constantly in mind the annual
sacrifice of property and more disastrous waste Of
human life That, in the cheapening of supplies
and increase Of trade and travel by the reduction
of fare and freight, these improvements become
scarcely less important 10 the works OF internal
improvement, and the manufacturing and CONNER
cal enterprises OF the Atlantic States all Of which
look. in great degree, TO the ieeming West
for their future prosperity. In no just sense,
them" say the committee, "can the improve
ment Of the navigation of the Western rivers
. and the construction Of lake harbors be longer
regarded as matters Of merely local interest.
: They concern the whole country and 10 obtain
practical recognition OF this fact, in the adoption
by the General Government Of the necessary mea-
sures, is the great object Of the proposed Conven-
ton. Its originaiors and true friends dscaim any
and all Interior political purposes. They consis,
Of men Of all parties and yocaions, who, uniting
in catholic spirit, invite the cooperation Of every
spirited citizen, whose patriotism and whose
constitutional views are not limited 10 salt water,
and who holds with them that the constitutional
power given Congress 10 regulate commerce with
: foreign nations, aud among the several States
authorizes the removal Of distractions the great
Western rivers, Those inland seas, and the con-
struction OF lake harbors, well the construc.
ton Of harbors, piers, and breakwaiers on the At.
lantic coast. They ask that a trade and commerce
which already contributes so largely 10 the Ma
: tional Treasury may he reasonably protected and
: fostered by the National Government, and may
participate, in some degree, in the expenditure of
: the common treasure for similar purposes. In
demanding this as a right, they ask no boon at the
expense Of other sections Of the country, but an
equal and just participation IN the benefits Of Go.
yernment."
To this end the Committee respectfully suggest
public meetings in cities or neighborhoods, 10 ex-
press concurrence in the objects Of the Conven-
ton, and the appointment OF Delegates attend the
same.
Steamboats, Of the first class, replete with every
comfort and many Injuries, leave Buffalo for Chr
rago each evening. In midsummer the Lakes
rarely than agreeably rufIled and the trip, oc
,upying from three and half 10 five days, ss al
excursion for health or pleasure, u one OF the most
attractive on the continent. Delegates TO the Con-
senton should leave Buffalo on or before the 3oth
June.