Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-03-06
THE GREAT IMPROVEMENTS CONTEM-
PLATED AND NEEDED IN MARYLAND.

Amidst the strifes of politicians, the clamor
and fierce discomfort which keep the country
at large in trouble and excitement, filling the
newspapers with Congressional speeches, and
making those sent to Washington for more
practical purposes neglect interests OF the
greatest magnitude, it is satisfactory to know
that amongst US there are those, who, ignoring
and Conforming all this, have the best inter
ests of Maryland at heart in her advance and
improvement; and that, consequently, great
plans are on foot to fill her with population
and to develop her resources, so that however
men here may wrangle for position, or quarrel
over national distractions, her growth will not
be retarded, or her more important interests
forgotten.
1t is probably well known that at the recent
special session of the Legislature, charter
was granted for the construction of canal
across the isthmus below Washington, leading
from the last named city to Round Bay, a
beautiful body of water forming the head of
the Severn river, some seven to nine miles
above Annapolis. And although there might
be considerable difficulty to be encountered at
of the character of the ground, yet the short
distance to be run to reach the Potomac, and
the immense distance to be cut off in the way
indicated, makes the suggested improvement
in question of immense consequence to the
growing chances for an immense trade on the
contemplated route; and should've think
command the attention of capitalists and Of
our citizens generally, who desire to see our
State possessed of all needed facilities for the
accommodation Of growing and probable trade.
Already, let it be observed, Maryland has
the most magnificent internal Gavigable facili-
ties of any State in the WhOle UniOn Divided
by the noble bay which by its numerous arms
brings so large portion of her agricultural
productions within reach of water carriage
the cheapest of all sportation-should the
canal in question be constructed, it would pro-
vide handy communication for & chain of cities
extending from Washington, north, which
have no peers nor are likely to have any in
the Western world. Of the greatest conse-
quence as realizing in one sense the anticipa-
lions of those who led off in the construction
of The Chesapeake and Ohio canal, long ago,
and however given up as never to be COM
pleted, it would give new impetus and new
life to the immense trade springing up in coal,
as new mines are opened and developed as
foreign and our own capitalists see more and
more clearly the rich deposits stored away
within our borders.
We have before this alluded to the feeling
existing in favor of making the most of our
present opportunities by means of other lines
of communication, railroads and sea steamers:
and when we consider that never before in the
history Of the nation was public attention so
generally on the alert to develop all national
advantages pertaining to every locality, it be-
hooves us to be amongst the foremost in taking
advantage of circumstances, so that we be not
left behind in the struggle. In the matter of
progress here, and of making the most Of our
opportunities, we are glad to see-further-
that our immediate representatives in Con
gress, Messrs. j. L. Thomas and Phelps, are
doing what they can to direct the attention of
the National Legislature to Baltimore as to Il
spot peculiarly adapted for the construction Of
a great coal depot, perhaps of navy-yard
and if the measure had nothing else whatever
to recommend it, than the recognized import
ance of this port during the recent conflict as
place for naval construction and repairs,
that alone should assure the success of the
movement, ~ the sCrOng Recommendation TINS
afforded for the consideration of the Federal
Government.
But II our own citizens, generally, should
prove careless or derelict in relation tn tha
development and Improvement of the State.
1t Is consolatory to know that there are those,
elsewhere, who have gotten their eyes upon
The natural advantages presented here. and
VINO are disposed to make good use of them
EsSehtlal as Is our trade to neighboring COM
muntles, and with rich soil and a mild eli
mate to tempt people hther the State is even
now growing apace; and is bound, even with
no extraordinary efforts, 10 far outstrip in n
given time whatever it has experienced hitherto
IN gaining population and development. That
we should do all we can to induce outsiders to
settle here, is to do only achat every State,
North and South, is constantly endearoriiuo
10 accomplish on all the means of achich then
are masters. The presence of an Industrious
moral and generally well disposed population
is source of power and greatness in State,
such as has too often in the clash of parties
been overlooked; but let not those who have
opportunities to influence public opinion make
the same disastrous mistake; but let them wei
come here warml y all who can do anything to
set the State forward: let none cease their en-
deavors until Maryland has achieved that noble
destiny which, if true to her own Interests
awaits her.
We may express the hope and trust then, in
conclusion, that however men may differ on
the issues or merits of partizan politics, they
will all pull together in whatever promises to
substantially benefit the State That we can
control the wrangling and quarreling of other
states and sections we may not expect, or even
hope. Leaving these then as largely as we
can to settle themselves, let us do what we can
TO set Maryland forward in every respect, and
especially in her trade and commerce.