Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-02-25

resources of Michigan" We are told that
the whole interest of Muskegon River is
numbering one, and that whatever Is done for
its improvement is tax upon our people for
the benefit of other States Senators are
ignorant of the locality if they suppose that
extended valley to be vast forest of pine,
without any of the harder growth of timber
which indicates deeper and richer soil
While numbering is a prominent interest then,
it has become so from the rapidity with
which the labors of men can be brought to
material aid in the furtherance OF their am
bilious projects, and not because OF Its pre-,
eminent importance over the agricultural
wealth of the valley. Travel along its mar
gins and you will earn the surest conviction
of the reality of the remark and be convinced
that there is a soil there, in which the inhabit-
ants are taking deep interest, and with whose
Development they are fast becoming linden
tilted. Then, sir, will Senators be led from
the real interest at issue by the position as
sumed, that the appropriation we make is to
contribute entirely to the wealth of other
States? What experience | have in the lum-
berng business, sir, has taught me that its
success depends mainly upon connection
with that State upon which Senators are dis
posed to look with suspicion. 1t becomes an
actual necessity that lumbermcn should oc-
cupy and control yards at Chicago, the great
numbering mart Of the Union. If they are
dependent upon the fuctation attending the
disposal of'their lumber by cargoes, when
they are compelled to sell at sacrificial figures,
from the force of circumstances; then will
they be forced to submit to the mercies of
speculation and the ruinous consequences OF
their want of forecast. The toll of manu-
facture is done within our own borders, its
value estimated in the exchanges of sister
State but its realization bears its possessor
back again to the home of his labors. Will
it be argued that the fostering care of the
general government should not be exercised
over the products of our land, because they
are to be consumed beyond the arms of the
sea? Are we to resist the growth of south
ern cotton, sugar and other tropical products,
because they are to increase the stores of
northern States, and feed our northern manu-
factories? Will you cease the endless buzz
of New England spindles, lest their fabrics
enrobe and ornament the noble sons and
daughters of a southern cline? Never
Rather let the invigoration Of enterprise pu-
rify and ennoble the vast ramifcations of hui
man endeavor, while the sea of Its treasure
will roll in upon us as a nation, refreshing
and removing before its tide, the deplorabe
sterility Of wealth.
The immediate friends of the measure
am advocating, appear here, it is true, from
the city to which I alluded, for the reason
sir, that those whose interests are more al
stake are now pressing the labor of the sea.
son amid their pine forests, and cannot with
out sacrifice appear here to importune theil
cause; while their agents and copartner'
from sister State, if you please, are releas
ed by momentary slack in trade, and led by
their indemnity of interest to cooperate hero
in the accomplishment of a laudable object
And sir, | am yet unwilling to acknowledge
that this Senate will ignore that object. Il
is thrownupon lis as Northen Representatives
that this legislative welkin rings with on
clamor for aid and that, fortified with The
position that nothing is done for northern
counties, and the answer cast back upon III
that nothing can be done, because we have
so much to ask. What has been done TO
us? would ask, and while Senators are
retrospecting the legislation Of the past TO
an answer, will instigatc their memorie
, with the five million loan for Southern Inter
J, nal Improvements, appropriations for the Kal
amazoo and St. Joseph Rivers, the erection
f Of Universities Normal Schools, Insane, Deaf
/ Dumb and Blind, Institutes, Agricultural Col
, lege, State Prison, and with all that has here
toforc been done therefor, this sessions liberia
: donations to which have had the pleasure Q
lending my voice and the tribute of my con
, stitucncy. This, Mr. President was but tn
5 fulfllment of my duty, the fealty owe m
State, and an obedience to the constituent
f voice, which has honored me with a seal
which l desire to occupy in manner tina
: will reciprocate that trust which now ami
mates me to the discharge of my oblgatiops
While will merely allude to the fact, tina
the State has deep interest in this improve
ment, by virtue of her possessions, whose valu
is to be determined thereby-that there ar
three millions of unsold acres, of which 500,
{ 600 arc swamp lands, all Of which call loud
| or than my voice, and are moro potent tina
language in the financial adjustment of tn
policy of the State hold that more com
prehensivc view of the subject should com
mand the attention of Senators. Cultivat
spirit of reciprocity throughout the bound
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