The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-01-31
Niagara Ship Canal.

A strong effort is to be made to induce Con-
gress at its present session to authorize an APP
preparation of wild lands in aid of projected
ship canal around the Falls of Niagara. An
application for charter to joint stock com
pany to construct the work is already under
consideration by the Legislature of New York,
with strong probability of success.
The vast commerce of the chain of northern
lakes affords the first and most palpabIe argu-
ment in favor of the undertaking; one that will
yearly present an increasing force. The open
ing of the Lake Superior trade, by the construc-
ton of the Sault Ste. Marie canal will add i'm.
mensly to the traffic, and call for every avail
able channel to secure its advantages That
work, however, will but partially secure to
American enterprise the advantages accruing
from American industry, in the States of Ohio,
Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. II
it pass into Lake Ontario to Rochester, Oswe-
go, or Ogdensburgh, it must pay tribute to the
Canadian government. The Welland canal,
the only connecting chain between Erie and
Ontario, is managed with an exclusive view to
the promotion of Canadian interests, which, SO
far as that canal is concerned, are mainly de-
pendent upon American capital and enterprise.
1t is stated that upwards of 500 vessels passed
through in single month of the past season,
and ofthese, at all times, by far the larger pro-
portion are American bottoms.
Our industry is thus not only to certain
extent tributary to foreign power, but is made
subject to foreign caprices. The Canadian gov
eminent have announced their intention to lew
discriminating duties on American vessels, as
penalty for the refusal Of the Government of
the United States to grant reciprocity. The
duties to be thus imposed on so much Of our
commerce as may seek an outlet in Lake On
tario will practically amount to little short of
prohibition.
In the event Of war, the absence of an un.
broken water connection along the entire of our
lake coast would be certain source of detri-
ment.
The project which is now to be pressed upon
the attention of Congress viii obviate these
disadvantages, and impart wholesome impe-
tus to our lake trade. 1t will give US absolute
command over our own coast, and will enable
| our citizens to realize the full advantages Of
western growth and prosperity. 1t will enable
us to laugh at the Canadian threats of 'sretalia-
ton" without inflicting injury upon those Of
our merchants and ship-owners who have in
vested capital in the northwestern trade. In
one aspect, therefore, it will be strictly ma.
tional in its character.
The Welland canal, we believe, is about &c
miles in length. The proposed canal, running
through American soil, will be about nine
miles starting from Schlosser, on the Niagara
river, and terminating at point two miles below
| the Falls. Ofthe estimated cost, or the quantity
of land sought, we are not apprized. In the
case Of the Sault Ste. Marie canal. 100000
acres were appropriated.
| The Sault Ste. Marie grant, last session
was supported by General CAss, Judge DouG
LAS, and other Democrats, in common will
the Wings, on the ground that it related to.s
work of national importance. Not an argumen
was then advanced which does not operate with
undiminished cogency in behalf Of the Magyar,
canal.