The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-12-29
Internal improvements.

81 recommend," says President TAY
LoR in his first annual message, "early
appropriations for continuing the river
and harbor improvements which have
been already begun, and also for the
construction of those for which estimates
have been made, as well as for exami-
nations and estimates preparatory to the
commencement of such others as the
wants of the country, and especially the
advance of our population over new dis
tricts, and the extension of commerce,
may render necessary"
This is wise and moderate recon-
mendation. 1t rather falls below, than
reaches above, public sentiment 1t in
dicates disposition to respond to the will
Of the People, and give it effect.
The sole organ of the Democratic party
at the seat of government, however, sees
this matter through the spectacles of '9S.
1t attacks President TAYLOR for making
this recommendation, and, in the same
breath, OF course all who agree with Presi-
dent TAYLOR on the improvement policy.
We quote the sole organ on these points;
From The Union Of Dec 25.
"The message also recommends the prosecution
Of a general system of internal improvements
and urges an extensive system of surveys with
that view. II is evident that we arc to have un
der this Administration, the same system of OK
travagance and corruption which signalized the
administration of the last Adams. One portion of
the Union is TO be taxed to make the roads, build
the canals, and clear out the rivers Of another.
Millions upon millions will be expended and the
nation cngulphed in debt if the system proposed
IL carried out"
From The Union Of Dec. q.
In addition TO this, the warehousing system,
which has operated 90 favorably on our com
merce, and whose benefits have been 90 exten-
siyely felt by small towns and small capital
lists, is 10 be overthrown, and system Of internal
improvements adopted, without limitation or re-
striction, which,. going beyond all precedent,
must not only swallow up the revenues Of tho
government, but fix upon enormous public
debt, oblitcrate the boundaries of our States,
and make them departments Of a consolidated
empire and stipcndaries Of a central govern
ment."
We have nothing to say in this con
nexion about the warehousing system.
As TO extensive system of surveys, we
quote from the message the passage bear
ing upon this point; and then we shall
have given all that the message says on
the subject Of internal improvements.
"opinion, as elected and expressed by two large
and respectable conventions, lately assembled al
st. Louis and Memphis, points to a railroad as
that which, If practicable, will best meet the
wishes and wants Of the country But while this,
il in successful operation, would be a work OF
great national importance, and Of value 10 the
country which il would be difficult TO estimate, IL
ought also TO be regarded as an undertaking OF
vast magnitude and expense, and one which
must, if il be, indeed, practicable, encounter
many difficulties in It's construction and use.
Therefore, 10 avoid failure and disappointment;
to enable Congress 20 judge whether, in the con-
dition Of the country through which it must pass,
the work be feasible, and if il be found So whe-
thcr il should be undertaken as a national inn
provcment or left to individual enterprise; and in
the latter alternative, what aid, If any, ought 10
be extended 10 il by the Government, recon.
mend as preliminary measure careful recon
noissance Of the several proposed routes by sci