Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-07-22
The Chicago Convention.

Vlduals whose names appear with them will attract
no small attention.
The letters of Messrs. Benton and Wright, says
the Detroit Free Press, no doubt speak the sentiments
of the whole West. If the wings expected to make
party capital out of this convention they doubt
lave been disappointed:
Second Day--Tucsday July 6.
Convention met Tuesday morning, pursuant to ADJOURN
men and proceeded to read letters Of which the following
are copies:
Letter from Coz. Wright.
CANTON, May 81, 1917.
GENTLEMEN: Your circular inviting TO attend
Northwestern Harbor River Convention be
bed at Chicago the first Monday Of July next, duly
received forwarded by Mr. Whiting, of your committee.
My attention had been previously called to the subject by
the invitation OF FRIEND at your city, to attend the Conven
ton, and generously rendering quarters in his family du
ring its sittings forced from the state of my private
business, inform journey at
the time namrd and the period which has elapsed since
declined his invitation has only tended confirm the conclu
sion pronounced TO him
without unreasonable sacrifice, should most gladly do
location gives feeling reference TO
the prosperity and safety of the Of the Lakes
The subject OF the improvement OF the Lake HarbOrs is one
which my service Congress has rendered somewhat am
lar to in legislative aspect, while travel
the two lower Lakes has made the necessity for these
improvements manifest to my senses
am aware that questions Of constitutional have
greSs for the improvement Of the Lake HabOs and am
we'll convinced that sincerely entertained
strong scruPes this point; but all observation and
where the individual admits the power improve the ATTAIN
TIC HaIbOrs arise from want of acquaintance with the
Lakes aud the commerce upon them and inability TO be-
leye the facts in relation to that commerce. when truly sta
ted. Ii not easy for familiar with the Lakes and
Lake commerce. realize the degree of incredibly
the magnitude and Importance of both which is found
minds Of honest and wel-infOrmed residing remote
portions Of the UnOn and having acquaintance with Ell
Their; while do recollect instance of member Of
Congress who has travelled the Lakes and observed the
upon them within the years. requiring any
further evidence argument induce him admit the
constitutional power, and the popety of appropriations for
Lake HabOs, much for those of the Atlantic coast
have been Of the opinion therefore, that impress the
minds Of the people of all portions Of the Union with
alzng of the facts they in relation these in
land and their already and rapidly increasing
meIce would be all that required appropri-
atOnS the state Of the National Treasury WILL from
20 time, permit for the improvement of Lake Halbo.
the Improvement Of such Harbors Of Lake
for its venenee and safety
tnguished from the applications for improve
mentS, which the various conflicting local interests upon The
shores Of the Lakes prompts and make this distinction
because observation has shown that applications for
HaTbOI Improvements at the public expense made aud
passed. very few miles and at locations
where from the natural position Of the Lake coast
good HaIbor at either point would to the of
the Lake all the convenience and safety of duplicate
pTovemenS. Much of the difficulty of obtaining ap9rOpa-
grows Of these conflicting applications and the
impairs the confidence of strangers
claims and interests in the importance of all.
Ii is the duty Of Those who these improvements for
the great object for which alone they should be made
expense of the Nation and safety Of
Lake commerce. be honest with Congress- and to urge a-
populations ouly at points where these considerations de-
mand them
The River Improvements constitute much more difficult
subject and the connection Of them with Lake HaTbors
has often, knowledge, fatally preudced former
There applications tor Improvements of Rivers which,
matter OF principle and constitutional power have no
doubt about the Hsrbors upon the Lakes the
Atlantic coast, and there those which, judgment
come neither within the principle the constitutional pow
eT but TO dTaw line between two classes of cases cam
net have witnessed numerous attempts to do this hut
of hem aTpd OuudO
The facts and circumstances varied between the
applications that doubt whether any general rule can
be laid down. which will be found paciica think
the course most likely TO secure satisfactory result, with
the least danger TO the violation Of principle
Congress separately and independently upon ap
pcatOn There has appeared to broad distinction
between these cases which has not always been regarded
but which think always should be- 1t is between the ap
pcatons protect and safety commerce upon
Rivers where exists and is regularly carried in defiance
Of the distractions sought be removed and the face Of
the dangers they place in its way; and those appica
which ask the improvement Of Rivers that commerce NAV
be extended upon them, where it is not The class ap
pear ask Congress regulate and commerce
upon Rivers where commerce IN fact exists and the other
create 1t Rivers where it does exist This dstnc
ton, If carefully observed, might aid in determining some
applications of both classes a dividing
line for practical egsatOn if is for settlement of the
principle upon which all such applications should rest
the term Commerce in this definition, do in this
letter, in its constitutional sense and scope.
must ask your pardon, gentlemen, for troubling with
so long and hasty communication in reply 10 your note
1t not made for public but express you very
imperiecty interesting subject
you bring to notice. which shall not have the pleasure
Of communicating in person. aud TO satisfy you that not
indifferent to your request.
Be pleased to accept my thanks for your polite invitation
and 10 believe me-
Your very respectful and obj serv't,
sILAS WRIGHT. =
To Messrs. N. B. JUDD, and others, Committee &C. &C.
Letter from Hon. Thomas H. Benton
AZ meeting OF the Delegation appointed 10 attend the
Chicago Convention held Planters House. on Saturday
the Goth of June, +. NJ HAcHr, Esq in the Chair JAMES
f. IEATMAN, Esq presented the following from the
Hon. THOMAS II. BESTOs which read, approved and
ordered to be printed with the report of this Delegation
ST. LOUIS, June 30, lS47
To MsSsrs WyHaH CTOr, Edcdrd Walsh, james E. Yeat-
man, and others, Committee SC.
GENTLEMAN: In my brief note addressed to YOU on nv
return from Jefferson City, expressed the qualification
should have felt going with the Louis Delegation TO the
Chicago Convention, and made known the reason which
would prevent me from having that pleasure.
The Lake and River navigation of the Great West pro-
mote which the Convention is called, very early had
of my attention. and had doubt Of the constitutions
atty expedency of bringing navigation within the
circle Of internal improvement by the Federal Government
when the object be improved should Que Of general and
national Importance.
The junction of great systems of waters which
occupy much OF Countrywide Northern Lakes
hand and the Mississippi river and its tributaries the 9TH
eraPpeaTed TO to be object of that character
Chicago the proper point for efectng the and
thirty years ago, wrote and published articles in St Louis
newspaper favor Of that object indicated and accomplish
ed by nature HERSELF and wanting but helping hand from
to complete 1t. Articles in the St. Louis Enquirer o.
April 1919, express the opinions which then entertained
and the rePOrt Of that period published same paper
to the Secretary Of War; by Messrs. Graham and Philips
favor Of that canal and which "rep0rt wrote was prob
ably the first formal communication upon authentic data
favor of the Chicago canal. These gentlemen, with Mr.
John Sullivan, of Missouri had been appointed by the Sec
retaIy of War, to line from the south end of LAX,
Michigan to the Mississippi proposed o examine
the ground between Chicago and waters of the Iii
~ awansr H..