New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-09-05
Nesu:11o1k daily Gribmm
SHALL THE CANALS BE SOLD!
LETTER FROM GOV. HUNT.

LOCEPORT, aug. 81, 1873.
GISILENES: regret sincerely that previous en-.
gagement puts il out Of my power to attend the Canal
Convention to morrow, in accordance with your request
But for this impeachment would gladly come and unite
with you in your Deliberations aud raise my voice once
more In yindcaon OF the Erie Canal and It's transcend
ent importance TO the prosperity Of the State. There
seems TO be growing disposition Of late to dspsrage
the Canal deprecise its value AMI obscure tue fact
that it is and must be- the main channel OF uade
between the Lskes and the sesboa.d.
But the truth should be proclaimed that the Canal
even in the present uLfavorable season-conyeys a
larger tunnage than ali the railroads together. IL Ii
said that there men among rs who seriously advO-
cate the sale Of the Erie Canal TO the highest bidder
II sueh scheme lie entertained 10 any quarter 10 best
that the monster should be stfed in s cradle. hope
the Convention will denoupce in the most emphatic
manner, as measure which would dshonor the STATE
ara make New.loik object OF perpetual derslon
and reprosch. Fortunately, the Copsttuton-as if dis
cerrpg from aar the meicenary spirit OF age which
might desire 10 sell every thing secred-has eng med
that the Canals shall not be cold; "bm the, shall re-
nam TIE properly Of the STATE ana nader ifi manage
neHf forercr. This Constitutional barrier Is to 90
maintained With wstchful vigilance. Atleast two Leg
atures be bought and sold, and majority of the
people prepared for yassalage before the commercial
supremacy apd sovereign power of the State can be
struck off under the banner to an unruy and respOn-
sibe olgsrchy. If deestable bargain shall ever
be contaminated, New.York vii cease TO be Lee
State, snd her people vii have shown th'Dse!yes ut
for degrading servitnde. Unless l sm utterly de.
ceiyed in my estimate of the serespect and patriotic
spirit OF our citizens they will preserve their in
dependence and cherish the rights and honor Of the
Commonwealth.
admit thu, the burden Of taxation il becoming Sc
rous; but there is an easy remedy We must return
to the original policy upon which the enlargement was
pre6icsted The trade and tunnsge from the Lakes to
the Atlsntic markets already euormous-must be
made TO yield the comparatively tnhirg tribute which
s needed 10 pay the interest the Canal debt. In
other words the heavy freight the railroads as well
az the Canal must be subjected to moderate toll until
the Canal debt is dis charged. Otherwise it must be
provided for by unequal AID unjust taxation. Tle
Issue is distinctly presented and the people are to de-
cice for themselves.
The enlargement Of the Canal is virtually accom-
Pitched. Only small remnant Of work remains TO be
cone in order 10 give feet depth of water Let
this be secured-and the Canal will at once defy COM
petition II will vindcate the wisdom of ts adyo-
Gates and establish the commercial prosperity of the
State on an impregnable basis
II the people wise, they will place representa-
,iyes il the Legislature ard the Canal Boa.d who can
be relied 10 sustain udicious measures for prompt
and vigorous completion Of the remaining work, snd 10
adopt financial policy which shall restore the trade
ard revenue Of the Canals, and thus relieve the tax
payer of the State by placing the burden Of the Canal
debt where II justly belongs.
rem.n, with grea; respect, yours ,rey, ,
WASHINGTON HUNT
T. Meur.. HFyRY GRIZZLY, NJ. NJ. CALEB HCCH ALLEE,
= 5. LITILEJoHs, JAMES II. MALLORY, Comnit'e-