Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1847-12-17

in this respect about all that was necessary.
And there could be no doubt that what could be
accomplished by private enterprise was done
more economically and to better advantage than
in any other way So far, therefore, as private
enterprise could carry out G work of improve
ment, the much wiser course was to rely upon
it. But with regard to the improvement of the
Western waters, this was not the case. The
act of government was necessary here. Every
one knew that all such improvements had al.
ways been resisted and he had heard grave
constitutional argument advanced against them.
that nature never made any harbors on the
lakes. and therefore it was clear she never intcn
ded there should be any To which he remem
bered to have replied that, so far as he knew,
people were brought into the world without be-
ing clad, and therefore the argument was good
that they never should wear clothing. (Great
laughter and applause.)
The great western lakes were not straight
line of water. They pursued zigzag course.
We beheld Lake Erie stretching down into New
York as if to accommodate, especially, a compa-
rative southern region. We saw another of the
chain reaching far into the northwest to accom-
modate that region. Whoever would look at the
map, must see at once that nature intended the
lakes for the benefit of vast, different, and dis
tant portions of the country But it was a re-
D
tural harbors on the lakes. What then should
be done to improve the advantages offered by
these immense sheets of water The science
of the age told us at once that it was expedient
to construct harbors-but how were we to do it
lie would not weary the company by going over
what had been said on the subject for the past
twcnt' ears, sometimes with degree o
spightlness but oftener of tedum. from its ear
liest agitation to the days of the Chicago Con
vcntion, and particularly the Memphis Conven
tion-a body some of whose very distinguished
members, though they could not dig a trench fo
a canal, or split rock for the passage of "a rail
road, could yet skilfully split hairs for the sake
of establishing mere abstraction. (Cheer:
and laughtcr) But for himself he would sa,
that he had always considered it as much a dut,
OF government to improve and establish harbor;
on the western waters as to build a lighthouse
in the harbor of Boston. Great applause
With regard TO railroads, there were two con
sideratons which should not be overlooked
, First, that they enhanced the value Of propert.
ever where in their vicinity In the course OF :
journey he made last year, he passed over TIN
railroad to Wilmington, North Carolina. Along
that line the people raised considerable corn
and produced some lumber, tar turpentine, AM
the like. The road was violently opposed a
first, as an encroachment on private rights.
would cut down the pine trees of the people,
would take away that soil. lie was made ac
quain'ed with a gentleman who had electioneer
ed ag inst the road year after year, and had &C
,ually been elected to the State Legislature o
the strength of his opposition to the project. Blu
the charter was granted, and this very man, i
the course of conversation admitted that sine
the road was opened, and he has found marke
at Wilmington, he made more money by sein
his chickens and eggs, than he before derive
, from the entire produce of his whole plantation
So much for one instance of increase in proper
ty caused by railroad. Again. railroads serve
i to connect men and societies together Ever
roau Nhat was bult did much IN this respect.
!, pecunlary sense it was advantageous but i
this sense it was of still greater importance. A
these enterprises formed bands of individual
social and political union between the peopl
and the States, and the more of them thcr
were, the more would such ties be strengthened
They broke down the barriers of distance b,
tween persons and communities they promote
intercourse between man and man they brougl
about more intimate and more Just social rel;
tions-the true basis of Just political relation
When we found men alike in character, follow
ing substantially the same pursuits, closely Co
nected Individually and socially,we should ther
lind the true foundation and basis of polite;
union-such union as alone can be the salv;
ton OF the States OF this country. cloud cheers
In conclusion, Mr. Webster said he took leay
of the company, with health little feeble b,
highly gratilied at the occurrences of the da,
Aud he prayed the gentlemen present, one an
all, to accept his best wishes for their sperit
and happiness.
!, Mr.. Webster did not commence this reply ii
nearly twelve o'clock, and shortly after conclr
ding he retired