The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-01-12

enormous expenditures OF. the cid road in full
view, | could not doubt the expediency and
economy of the measure But the unusal adj
gance ia the price of labor, material and sub
sistence, added to the obvious errors in the
estimate, has changed the entire aspect of
this enterprise The sum of $3.50, 600 has
been appropriated since that time, and over
six hundred thousand dollars is still, required
with the value of the old road to bring the
line into use.
The estimated cost of completing the North
Branch canal, at the period already named,
was $7T2,000 One million of dollars has
since been paid, and sum exceeding one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars is still re-
quired to pay for its completion. With such
unexpected demands upon the treasury with
in the short space of two years, it would not
be unreasonable to expect an increase of the
liabilities of the State; but it is alike graft
flying and astonishing to know that this has
not occurred.
The Junction canal, extending from the
New York line to Elmira, will be ready fol-
business during the present month, and the
State work from Pittston to the dam at Ath-
completed The only unfinished part OF the
work lies between Athens and the State line
a space of about two and a half miles, the
construction of which was delayed by an eff
fort of the Canal Commissioners and the Gov
ernor, under an act of Assembly, to negoti-
ate with the junction canal company for its
completion. But even this section, am as
sured, will be ready in ample time for the
spring trade.
These works will complete the last link in
continuous water communication between
the Chesapeake bay and the northern lakes.
The struggle for this achievement has been
long and arduous, covering nearly a quar-
ter of a century But the triumph is still a
brilliant one, and must be cause of gratifica-
ton to the people of the entire state.
Most auspecious and promising it is for en-
terprising inhabitants of Northern Pennsyl-
yania, to whose untring efforts its final con-
summation may be mainly attributed. Thro'
this channel, in the early part ofnext season
and during each succeeding year, Pennsylva-
MIA will send greeting, TO the people of a
neighboring State = the evidence of frater-
nal ailcction-thc assurance of political f.
deity, and the blessings of an extended com
merce,i in the shape of inland vessels, ferighted
with her richest minerals and receive in re-
turn, as she certainly will be offered, from
the vast valleys of the Empire States, now
teeming with wealth in all its variety, assur-
ancc of full reciprocity, in affection, fidelity
and commerce. And in due time the Golfers
of the State, am confident, will receive an
ample reward from these new relations of
trade. Indeed, on this point, the large in
crease Of profits on the old line, for the wear
Just closed, furnishes the most reliable indi-
cation from the new. The constantly increas-
ing demand for coal, outranning, as it has
done for years past, the means of supply, JUS
ties, if it does not force upon US the con
cluslon, that so soon as boats can be con-
and proper business connexions
formed, this canal viii be patronized up to
its full capacity. A glance at the vast, rich
and populous section OF country which it will
be called upon to supply with coal, for every
purpose, domestic, mechanical
and manufacturing, and at the facilities offer
I'd bv the New York canals AID the lakes
% reach all points Of that country must sat
sly the most sceptical as to the value and i'm
}ortance of this Improvement
| congratulate you, therefore, upon the
Of an enterprise which will be
,hus profitable to the State, and beneficial to
he people.
The expediency of selling the public works
las been topic of discussion in the press OF
he State for some months past, and without
Indicating policy for the General Assem-
oly, or intending the slightest discourtesy to
he peoples agents to whom the management
If this branch of public affairs has been con-
ided, | have deemed it my duty to discuss
ome of the considerations incident to and
growing out of the proposition.
Indeed, it would be unreasonable to as
ume either the affirmative or negative of
he question, and expect to be properly un-
lerstood, without some explanation as to the
rice of the works and the conditions of sale. |
1t is fair to presume that those who advo-
ate the affirmative have distinct ideas as to |
What the price should be, and that unless
uch considerations can be realized they would
ot agree to sell.
The first inquiry therefore is why should
hese works be sold? The answer usually
iVen is, that the measure is necessary to re-
uce the State debt and to relieve the peo-
le from taxation. These are great objects
ldeed, and should, as / have no doubt they
ill, receive your earnest consideration; their
ealization however, must depend mainly
pon the price obtained
Should the interest Of the public debt IL
by the sale be less than the net pro
is arising from the works, then it would be
Use economy to sell. In that case the mea
Ire would not be one of relief to the people,
at must necessarily increase their yearly bur
lens
And what reason is there to suppose that
ore can be obtained? Capitalists it will be
'neeeded, when weighing the question of
rchase. will make the net profits Oh their
Testlnent the basis of all their calculations
hey will look at the past Operations OF
rxsai-