Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1847-11-12

open this avenue less than 20 miles OF cahi'
remains to be completed, involving an eAP'''''
of less than half million
am aware, Mr.. Editor, that the advocates VI
the bridge are at no small pains 10 pronounce
this enterprise humbug. II IS sullic'en' W re-
ply, that the bare possibility Of its accomplish
ment stamps their application for bridge US
PREMATURE, at least Let them wait ana Sec
If the canal is not built, it will be easier TO get
the right to build the bridge-if it is built, those
who vote to obstruct the navigation of our Lake
will see cause to congratulate themselves that
they were in minority We are happy TO have
it in our power to lay before your readers, in
this connection, the following letter. They will
perceive that it is from one Of the most eminent
commercial houses in Montreal, Messrs STE-
PnENs, YOUNG e. Co 1t was adore ssed to
| gentleman now in Montpelier, who takes the
liberty of publishing it for the information of
those who may not be apprized of the state of
feeling in Canada with reference to the enter
prize to which it relates
MONTREAL, Oct go, lsi7.
| To ESQ.
| Dear Sir: We have to acknowledge the re-
cept OF your letter in relation the opening OF ca
nal to connect the St. Lawrence with Lake Cham
plain sufficiently capaciors to admit the large craft
navigating the western lakes, which we think we
are making good use.Of-lOsing opportunity of i'm
pressing iavurably our friends aud acluuntrnccs with
the vast importance Of the PROJECT, aud exposing as tar
lies in power the ulilty any reliance on the
scheme for bridging lake Champlain, and making the
| projecting Ogdcnsburgh Railroad the medium OF sup
plying your eastern markets with the produce of the
west, when compared with the infinitely superior
route which the canal will afford, both as respects its
| adaptation for transit ard cost of transport.
| Our Mr. Young has seen most OF the members OF
the Executive the s,ect as.wcll as the Governor
General, who is avonbly impressed with the project ;
| while from the Heads u Department he receives as
surances highly satisfactory, and favorable TO the ac-
complishment OF the OBJECT by the Province. Should
1t, however turn ont HAT objections stated to the
Province undertaking the work, feel assured that
there Will be none to tie obtaining OF n charter and
| the requisite prcmiraics for that contingency have
been tnken, as you win perceive, by the public Jour
mails giving notice OF application to that effect to the
provincial Legislature
We shall send you few copies OF the Montreal
Herald in which you will see the scheme advocated
and no opportunity in our power will be allowed tc
pass OF urging forward what, both Canada and the
Eastern States especially the State of Vermont is, il
a commercial point OF view OF vital Importance.
When the subject vas first broached, heart
some few dissent but It would appear that, reiiec
ton. these have changed their opinion, and now the
great body OF our citizens look tuvoraby the project
So far ms we are ourselves concerned and we hay,
seen most OF the men of influence in our city VIII,
concur with us in opinion, we view the canal as in
dspensabe to the prosperity OF Montreal n com
merclal city, and well calculated, in National poin
OF view to advance the interests OF the Western AM
Eastern states, and feel satisfied none but the few
persons governed by prejudice, private interest wi
look upon il in any other light.
We are, Dear Sir, your most obt servants,
STErHEys, YOU'VE s Co.
Here, then Mr. Editor is the point of view
from which to look at the real impoiicy of tn
project of throwing obstacles in the way of tn
: navigation of Lake Champlain-thc point {
view which presents our Lake as the great Re:
ervoir and Depot, not of line of Railroads, b,
OF the lmtless products and trade Of the ght
West. 1t is the burden of the complaint again;
: those who oppose this scheme of bridging thes
waters that they are wholly influenced by selfs
: and narrow motives. Let those who are SO swi
: to make this complaint contrast the sefshne.
= that would open to orr Lake the commerce
e the vast region olineXhaustibly productive couI
: try that surrounds tie great Western lakes an
t that which seeks to send this immense trade III
n on continuous iron road, and with lightnin
n speed, through and beyond our borders, for Il
c exclusive advantage of the city of Boston and
t a few railroads that thus aim to enrich then
t, selves at the expense of the true welfare of Il
n People and the State. Others can form the
t, own judgments in the premises, but | mai
3, tain that those who oppose the bridging of Lal
n Champlain will very soon be universally admi
il ted to be the true friends of the best interests
e VERMONT.