Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1852-01-19

j
with the Mississippi for nearly the entlr,
year might be secured. The object is ou'
of too deep interest, not only to our grea
commercial metropolis, but 10 very large
portion OF on- people, to be longer delayed
and too expensive to be undertaken BY
State authority, with heavy public debt:
and extensive internal improvements te
provide for their own. The harbors along
the the g,eat chain OF Lakes so auspcious
y begun, should not be permitted to fall ,e
decay.
The immense annual loss Of life and
property from the want of accessible and
safe ports, is appaling. |. would be well
that this subjec, should be pressed on The
consideration of the national legislature at
the present session, with an earnestness and
zeal equal to its importance. The time,
in my opinion, has passed, when the cons
stitulionnlity of these works, as regulators
Of commerce, cnn be denied; or, connect
ing as they do the trade and intercourse be.
tween so many different States, can be said
not to be strictly national in characler.-
1t is true any indiscriminate system of aP-
propriotions is not to be justified. Each
work should stand or fall upon its own in
dividual merits. A bill not regarding the
proper distinctions and which would have
plundered the Treasury, was vetoed by Mr..
Polk, and he was sustained in his action
by constitutional majority in Congress.
l would respectfully recommend to the
General Assembly the passage of a resolu>
tion instrncting our Senattrs in Congress
and requesting our Representatives 10 use
their earnest endeavors to secure judicious
appropriations without delay for the i'm.
proyement of our river and harbor nnviga-
lion, and that they sustain the President In
his recommendations therefor.
will also avail myself Of this occasion,
to mention, that, since my annual com.
munication was made, letter has been
received, dated at Paris, from Alexander
vattemare, on the subject of Literary and
Scientific Exchanges
MIR. Vattemare is Frenchman, of high
character, and Of intellectual endowmsnts,
who has devoted many years to this busi-
ness. He is the agent of several of our
sister States, and some Of The European
nations, for the purpose Of effecting ex-
changes Of scientific, legal, literary, and
other works. Indeed, everything in the
way of useful Information. 1t appears,
from his letter, that there was CORES.
pondence between him and my immediate
predece under resolution Of the Cen
eral Assembly, but nothing Of importance
effected. BY constituting Mr.. Vnttemare
an agent Of Ohio, it appears 10 me much
benefit may result. The scientific and lit
erary treasures the Old World, as they
appear, will be transmitted to US, from
time to time, in exchange for such works
as We have to spare. But small appro>
pria,ion to cover contingent expenses will
be necessary, and the subject is recon-
mended 10 your consideration.
A communication from the Prussian
Minister at Washington, has likewise been
received within the las, few days, as a spe-
cial favor to be furnished with copy of
our laws, reports and resolutions in rela-
ton 10 our financial system. | shall take
great pleasure in complying with this re-
eral Assembly will place al my disposal
the documents desired, and which il is be-
lieved may be spared without inconven.
fence. Again gentlemen, permit me to
give you my thanks, and 10 express the
hope that your session may be harmoni.
Gus, and your labors though arduous, nev.
er,heless pleasant and beneficial 10 our
Aourishing and prosperous State.
REUBEN WOOD.