The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-07-12

stion the lake coast good harbor at either point
would the of the lake all the conve-
nience and safety of duplicate improvements Much OF
the difficulty Of obtaining appropriations grows out OF
these conflicting applications and the sternness with
which all pressed necessary to tho lake conerce
mpars the confidence OF strangers to The local claims
and interests In the Importance of all.
IL Is the duty OF those who urge these improvements
for objects for which alone they should be made
at the expense Of the nation viz the convenience ana
safety OF the lake commerce, to be honest with Con-
ress, and to urse appropriations only at points
where these considerations demand them. The RI
yer Improvements constitute a much NOR. dim
cult subject and the connection Of them with the
JUDGED the former There applications for i'm
provements of rivers, about which, as q matter Of
principle and constitutional power, | have
doubt than about the narbors upon the lakes or the
Atlantic coast; and there those, which, In nay
Judgment come neither within the principle the
constitutional power; but to draw line between the
two classes Of cases cannot have witnessed MINER
attempts to do this but OF them have appeared
TO my mind to be very sound or very practical The
facts and circumstances very variant between
the various applications that doubt whether any gene
raj rule be laid down which will be found lust and
practical; and think the course likely to s. cure
satisfactory result with the least danger violation
of principle would be for Congress to separately and
Independent y upon each application There has appear
ed to me- TO be broad distinction between these
which has not always been regarded but which think
always should be- Is between the applications to pro-
tect and secure the safety of commerce upon rivers
where 1t exists and is regularly carried defiance
the distractions sought to be removed and in the
OF the dangers they place III its way and those appica-
tons which AK for improvement of rivers that cou-
merce may be extended upon them where it is not The
one class appear to me TO ask Congress to regulate
protect commerce upon rivers where in
exists and the other to ereate it upon rivers where
does not exist This distinction If carefully observed
might aid in determining applications of both
classes but Is not sufficient dividing line for practical
legislation If It is for the settlement OF the princpe
upon which all such applications should rest use the
term commerce in this definition as do in this letter
in its constitutional sense and scope.
must ask your pardon. gentlemen, for troubling you
with so long and hasty communication in reply your
note It is not made for any public but to express
10 you very mperfecty some or views upon the in
terestng subjects you bring to my notice. which shall
not have the pleasure of communicating in person.
to satisfy you that am not Indifferent to your request
Be pleased to accept my thanks for your polite invita-
ton, and to believe me,
Your very respectful and obt servant,
SILAS WRIGHT.
NlesSrs. ~ b JuDp and others.
The letter from Gen Cass
DETRoIr, May 90, ls47.
DEAR SIN Il am much obliged to you for your kind
attention in transmitting invitation attend the
Convention on internal improvement, which will meet
in Chicago in July. Circumstances however, will put
II out OF my power to be present at that time
am dear Sir, respectfully yours,
LEWIS CASS
Martin Pan Burens Letter
LINDENwALp, May 2lst, lS47.
My Dear Sir thank you kindly for the oblging
terms which you have been pleased to communicate
Northwestern Harbor and River Convention, and beg
you to be assured that you do me but justice in
ming that am by no means Indifferent its objects
Having vised most parts OF your interesting country,
and witnessed, with admiration and Oh hopes, its pc
culiar capacities Tor Improvement, cannot but wish
to all constitutional efforts which that d.
rection Regrettng that it Will not be my power to
comply with your request, beg you to make my
knowl dgements TO the committee for this proof Of their
respect am,
Very respectfully and truly yours,
Nj. VAN BUREN,
T.. w. TRACY, Esq
The Letter from the Hon Henry Clay
ASHLAND oath May, lSI7
Dear Sir- received your letter. accompanied by tho
circular of the committee requesting my AT
the North western Harbor and River Convention pro-
posed to be held at Chicago, the first Mond sy In
July next Cordially concurrng in what Is announced
to be the object OF the Convention should be happy
assist in the accomplishment OF it, If it my pow
but regret that cannot conveniently attend the Con-
vention Wishing that its deliberations may be con-
Quoted in spirit OF harmony and that they may
TO good practical result,
am with great respect,
Your obedient servant,
H. CLAY.
L. w. Tracy Esq