_n “yr. ss....r__
TL... - -'
‘ ‘EW-YORK LEGISLATURE.
Albany, January 4.--Tliis day__ both hotises
were called to order at 1'2! o’cl0ck- «The
Lieutt Gov. took the chair ofthe Senate-,and
Col. Clarkson Crolius was chosen Speaker of
the house by 110 votes. Horatio lilerchatit
was chosen Clerk_ and_ Daniel Shields Ser-
eant-at-ariris. The Goveriior’sMessagew‘as
t on r'ea_d, and double the usual number of
copies ordered to be printed;
THE MESSAGE.
Fellow Cit-izcns of the Senate, and Assembly:
Our devottt tliaii_ks are due to Almighty
God, for the signal blessings conferred on our
country., The wise policy pursued by the na-
tional government in chetishing _o-.ir resour-
ces, in diuiiuislring our debt, and in cultivat-
ing peace with all the world, has elevated our
cliaracter abroad, anticonfirmcd our prosper-
ity at lioniei It is gratifying to perceive that
the greatest maritime power in Europe, with
wliiclrwe areclosely connected by commerce
and coirimunication, has -adopted,,.a similar
pacific policy: and that tliettnliall_oived.coii-
spiracies in the old world against the liberties
of tiiankiiid, can find no means cfsupport and
aggressionoii this side of the Atlantic.
‘Nor has our national government, while
clierishing peace, been uliinindful ofilie exi-
gencies of war. A comprehensive-and valu-
able syistern ofcoast defence has been digest-
ed, 8:. is in a train ofsuccessful developenierit.
Fortifications, in the most vulnerable points,
have been erected. The war departirieiit has
undergone a thorough and coiriprelieiisive re-
crganization,e'dapted’ at once to the economy
ofa peace, and the expansive requirements
of a war establishuient. Ordnance,ariiis and
other niuuitioiis have been provided, and a
svstetn adopted of steady and progressive ac-
ciuuiulation. Air institution for_inilitary edu-
cation, under the superiuteudance of scieii-
tific aiid talented nieii,is in a flourishing cori-
ditioti ; and our youth are not only instructed
in war, but acquire that information, which
renders them useftil in cultivating the arts of
peace. Our navy, at once the glory and the
palladium of our country, is in a state ofpros-
perotrs augmentation; and our gallant hardy
seamen are increasing their nautical skill,pro-
tecting our commerce and maintaining the
honor ofoirr flag in every sea. ~
In otir own state otir elementary schools and
literary institutions are prosperous beyond all
former experience ; the lights ofreligion and
knowledge have increased ; agriculture, coni-
nierce, and niaiiufactnres are in a state of uri-
precedented activity. The exciteuients and
animosities which have hitherto rent'us asun
der, degraded otrr cliaracter, and iuipaired
our ability for doing good, are yielding to a
spirit of iiioderation aiidcoriciliation. And it
is to be hoped that in ftrture the great subject
ofcompetition, and the great prize ofambi
tion will be confined to a distinguished career
of public spirit, unalloyed by the debasing in-
finance uffaction. Considering it to-be the
sacred duty ofpublic servants, to consult the
wishes as well as the interests oftlieir constit-
uents, it is my earnest desire, and shall be
my favorite object, to recommend that course,
and to pursue that policy which may prove‘
the most gratifying to the coniniuiiity, and
the most auspicious to the great interests of
the state. And in selecting the persons for
offices of power, trust and emoltiiiient, it will
be tiiy airri to look for capacity, integrity, pat-
riotic zeal and public services. The times
are auspicious to the healing oftliose dissen-
tioiis which have so long interfered with our
general lrappiness, and so greatly diminished
the just consideration ofthe state in the coun-
cils of the nation. As far as in my power, I
shall be happy to eriibrace this auspicious oc-
casion, aud make every proper effort to pro-
nrote internal peace and tranqtiility. Having
been elected to office not by a party, btit by
the people, it is my ardent wish to cast my-
self upon their candor and judgment, to meet
their scrtitiiiy, to coiistilt their will, and to
promote their happiness. And Ishall always
be solicit-ous to cultivzrtea good understandirig
with the co-ordinate authorities, and to pro-
duce an harmonious union of effort _for the
public good.
To establish a just responsibility in the ex-
ecutive, as lias been done in the legislative
departinetit, it appears to me that provision
ought to be made for the ptiblicatioii of tire
journals ofthe seiiate,iu relation to their exc-
cptive functions. The people ought in all
cases to know the official acts oftheir agents;
and as the appointing power is at all times an
important trust, 8L liable to great abuse, there
otight to be no veil drawn over its exercise ;
but the noiriinations ofthe governor, and the
vote of each senator on the acceptance or re-
jection of such notninations, should be dis-
tinctly understood by the people.
In 1820, while administering the govern-
ment, Isolicited the attention of the legisla-
ture to the importance of passing a law by
which the people cotild exercise their suffra-
ges in the choice of electors ofpresiderit and
vice presideritof the U. States. The whole
body of events connected with this ‘subject
speak an adnionitory language, and demo n-
‘ strate that the enaciion of such a law is anx-
iously desired by the people, and that it is en-
joined by ajtist regard for their rights, and by
the dictates of true policy. Wlicuever the
people can enjoy the direct exercise of power
tlieriiselves, no inter'ui'ediate bodies should be
interposed ; and air unnecessary resort to del-
cgated authority, too frequently leads to an
abuse ofpower,a'prostittitiori of principle,and
a total disregard of the public will. It is sin-
cerely to be desired that the constitution oi
the U. States sliotild be so altered as to pro-
vide for_ a uniform uiode ofclioosing electors
tliroughout the Union. In such case the sys-
terii by districts would, no doubt be rirostju‘di-
cious. But while the rriode is not uniform,
sound policy seems to require that the choice
sliotild be left to the people by general ticket,
and in the most simple and popular shape.——
\Vheu ilrcriglit ofsufi'rage is generally diffused
and those who exercise the elective franchise
vote by a general ticket, and the greatest or
highest ritituber constitutes an election,powei
is brotrglit to the peopleiii the most gratify-
' ing and uuexceptionable manner. Ever Since
the political existence ofthis state, all our e-
lections have been conducted on the princi-
ple of the highest number of votes, in the
whole state, for governor and lieutenant gov-
crnor ; in districts, for senators and represen-
tatives iii congress; in counties for members
of assembly, and now for sheriffs and clerks ;
and in toiviis for sripervisors, assessors, clerks,
collectors and constables ; and no inconven-
icuce has resulted. I therefore earnestly,and
respectfully recoinniend the passing ofa law
‘any general tax.
our species.
committing the choice of electors to the peo-
ple by a general ticket, and by the ~ greatest
number ofvotes, as a proceeding required by
the sovereign ‘authority of the state, and by
every consideration which ought to govern
the conduct of its‘ legislature. The statute
recentlypassed subniitting the mode of choice
to the-sense ofthe coinrntinity. at the next an-
nual election, does not interfere essentially
with this measure ; and ifit did, it ought not
to retard or prevent its iiiitnediate consuma-
tion.‘ The voice ofthe people on this subject
has" been aridibly expressed, and it was cer-
tainly a work of siipereroga_tioii to resort to
this process, the tendency of which will be to
perplex a question sufiiciently plain and uni-
versally understood, to postpone a due atone-
ment to the violated iriajesty of the people, $2
to exclude you from the merit of performing
this great duty.
By the constitution a complex mode of
choosing justices of the peace, through the
-instrumentalityof the‘ supervisors of towns,
andjudges of the county courts, is t.-stablisli-
ed. As-tliis systerri has been found iuexpedi-
_ent in its operation, and exceptionable in _all
its important bearings, I recomrrieiid such an
alteration, through the forms of the constitu-
tion, as shall bring the choice ofthese tnagis
trates directly home to the people in their
primary assemblies. They are certainly
much better judges ofthe claims and qualifi-
cations oftheir local niagistrates, than pers-
ons at a distance, and they have stronger iti-
ducctnents to make good selections.
It is also submitted to your consideration
whether itwoirld not render the iiiinorcourts
more respectable and promote good order, it
the respective towns were authorized in their
discretion to provide buildings for their sit-
tings. As connected generally with tliesr:
important topics, perrriit me to request your
attention to a more acctirate definition, a
more liberal extension and a more secure en-
joyment ofthe elective -francliise. Without
the right ofsuffrago,libei'ty cannot exist. It
is the vital principle of representative gov-
ernment, and it ought therefore, to be effect-
ually fortified against accident, design, or
corruption. The qualificatioirs prescribed by
the constitution, « for the exercise of the elect-
ive franchise, are full age, citizenship, resi-
dence for dcsigiiatetl time, payment ofair as-
sessed tax, to the state or county," or exemp-
tion from taxation, or performance of tirilitia
duty within tlieyear, armed and equipped ac-
cordirig to law, or as.-ressirieiit wiiliiii the year
to labor upon the public liigliwziys, and per-
forrriance ofthe labor or payiiieiit of air e-
quivalcnt. 'I‘liis arrangement excludes a
great body of citizens from the elective fruit-
cliise. And a few simple illustrations will
show its complexity and its liability to fraud
anti injustice. _
In 1818, the state tax was two inills on the
dollar. Since that time it has been reduced
to half a mill on the doll.ir,aud in a short pe-
riodtliere will probably be no iiecessity for
Iftliis sliotild be the case,
and the finances ofall or any of the counties
be equally prosperous, there would evidently
be a disfrancliisemcnt ofall those who were
not taxed‘, unless they had performed iiiilita-
ry duty or wrought on the roads. In the satire
manner, hotisebolders and l_'reeliolders may
be (lr.pi‘i‘vcdoftlie riglit of SlllI‘l'{tg(’,l8V6ll al-
though citizens, residents,-and offull age.-
The riglits ofa citizen ought not to be held
at the pleasure ofotlicrs, lint should be fixed
and uricliari,-ieablc. But in both these cases
ifthe assessor should not assess, the collector
not receive, the militia not be called out, or
the road-master neglect his duty, there would
be a deprivation of the elective friinchise.——
The labor ofa day on the liigliway, or the
payment of a petty cominutation ; the at-
teiidaiice ofa day at a military p:ir.idc’or the
payment of a tax, however ineritorious in
rliernselves, certainly do not furnish sticli high
evidences ofpublic service by the agent.-:, as
tojustify a tuonopoly of the elective francliise;
and stichlairi persuaded is not the wish of
that respectable portion ofthe coiiiiiiunity——I
therefore submit to your consideration. whe-
ther the constitution ought not to be so mod-
ified as to render citizenship, ftill age, and
cotripeteut residence, the only qualifications.
In thus improving our social institiitious, it
is pleasing to couteniplate their benign influ-
ence on individual happiness and general
prosperity ; and to feel assured that a republi-
can gov’t may be trausuiitted in full purity bi.
vigour to the reiiiotcst period of time. A re-
publican government is certainly more cori-
geuial with the nature, most propitious to the
welfare, and most conducive to the tligtiity of
Man becoiries degraded in pro-
portion as he loses the right of self-goverin
riierit. Every effort ought thert-.fore to be
tirade to fortify our free institutions ; and the
great bulwark of security is to be found in
educatiou——the culture of the heart and the
liead—'.he diffusion of knowledge, piety and
morality. A virtuous and enlightened man
caii never submit to degredation ; and a virtu-
ous and enlightened people will never breiathe
in the atmosplierc of slavery. Upon education
we tiitist therefore rely for the purity,tlie pre-
servation, and the perpetuation of Republican
governmeiit. In this sacred catise we cannot
exercise too iiitrcli liberality- It is inderitifi-
ed with our best interest in this world, 8:. with
our best destinies in the world to come.
-.‘r'Iucli indeed has been done,and we have ori-
ly to cast our eyes over the state, and rejoice
in the harvest which it has already yielded.
Brit riitich more remains and ought to be done
—-‘ind the f0ll0Wltig statement is exhibited
with a view to animate you to greater exer-
tions. The iiuuiber of cliildreu tatight in
our coriimon schools timing the last year ex-
ceeds 400,000, and is probably more than one
lourth of otir whole population. 10,383 have
been instructed in the Free 3L charity schools
in the city of N. York, a number by no means
pl‘0p0l"ll0|lC'(I to the wants ofits population.——
‘I he students in the iticorporated Academies
atriotirit to about£,S83, and in the colleges to
755. The ftind for the common schools may
he stated at upwards of$l,739,000; and is an
:rniiual income at $98,000, to which may be
added the interest on the future sales of lands
and on the disposal ofcsclieated propertv-,. the
proceeds ofwhicli latter iteui may be added to
the capital. _
However imposing this fund may appear, it
is sufficieritlyobvioiis that it otiglrt to be auu-
merited. The state is capable of supportiiig
lourteen-millions ofiulrabitauts. This appro-
yrialioti will therefore soon be found far he.
hind the progress of population and the re-
quisitions for iiistructiou.
Deeply impressed with the momentous na.
ture of this department ofsocial policy to the
z
cardinal iriterests ofthe‘ state, It as nnotwiili-V
hold one important fact derived from past
experience.
city of New York, there is not _a solitary in-
stance known of any one having been con-
victed of crimes. In fitrtheratice o‘f.this inval-
uable system, I recomnieud _to your consider-
ation‘ the education of competent t,eachers on
the moiiitorial plan, its more general iiitro-
dnction, and the distribution of useful books.
VVliile our primary schools cannot be too_
nnrrierous, otir liiglrestseminaries ought to be
very lirriited in nuuib‘er. The creation of a
college imposes the ditty of endowing it.‘ We
have now four colleges for literary and sci-
entific irrstrriction and two for medical educa-
tion. They are all under the superintend-
ence ofhighly gifted anti enliglitened rnen_.
and are eminently entitled to younliberal pa-
tronage. Btit until the government shall see
fit to augment the funds of existing institu-
tions to the ftrll extent of their wants, I arri
persuaded that there ought" to be no increase;
and not even then unless perernptorily requir-
ed by the exigencies of education.
Otrr institutions for the promotion ofknowl-
edge are iiiirrieroiis, iiseftil, and deserving of
liberal eircotirrigcnieiit. Iuthe proriiotioti of
riiedical knowledge, the college of physicians
and surgeons have continued their career of
rlistiiiguislied tiseftiliiess. Some ofthe coun-
ty medical societies are entitled to great praise
for sini'ul‘taneous efforts. For all these insti-
tutions, and for the state I‘-'Iedica‘l Society your
fostering care is earnestly solicited.
The great object ‘or’ a good government is
to secure the greatest happiness ofthe great-
est iiuinber under its care. For this purpose
those arts and pursuits which triiiiister to the
stistenaiice and comfort of man, elevate his
character‘ and excite his virtues and talents
into activity, riiust be cherished with a solici .
rude proportioned to the importance of the-
end to be attained, andlto the means of ac-
complishment. Four fifths ofotir population
are cultivators ofthe soil. On agriculture we
must depend as the main source of our wel-
fare. Its natural connection with inatrufac-
lttrres, trade, coiiiriierce, navigation,and the
useful arts,iswell understood. And the tini-
tctlinfiueuce of these great departiiieuts of
litimaniridustry, constitutes the Wealth, the
power, and the prosperity ofuatioiis. An act
was passed in 18!9, for the encouragement of
zigrictiltiire, which will expire during the pre-
sent s(SsSlt)ti. This state possesses every pliys-
ical advantage for a great system of agricul-
ture——-a fertile and various soil ; easy, cheap,
ESL rapid means oftranspurtation ; great mar-
kets‘ at home, antlgcoiitigtiity to the ocean
that opens to iistiie‘rir;irltets of the world.-—
'I‘liese are some of\"tlie features that strike at
the slightest glance. And must it not be ad-
iiiittetl-that iIf__{l‘l'Cllllllr8, either as a science or
an art, is far from being cultivated with that
ardent and successful spirit’ due to its import-
ance ? The nios‘t’prolitable mode of prepar-
ing the still ; the most ecouoniical and fertili-
zine applications; the ‘niost expedient rota-
tion of crops; the various kinds ofgr:iiri,plarrts,
frtiits, and trees, best adapted to otir soil and
cliuiate; the domestic aniuials most produc-
tive of solid advatitage; the best system of
plzrutationto supply the consurription of titti-
ber and fuel,--all these and similar subjects
open a field of inquiry and research of run-
inentous iiiterest, and demand the animating
8: invigorating encouragement ofthe state.
The expeririierit instituted for the encour-
agcnrent ofagriculture, although but ofshort
duration, has been gcncrall_v useful. I submit
therefore to yotrto dctei'miiie,uliether it would
not be wise to continue this system under such
modifications as you may deetu advisable.——-
And I do this under a ftill persuasion that you
will never overlook any nieasurc conducive to
the prosperity of so cardinal an interest and
connected with the honor: ofthe state.
[The Gov. here proceeds to recommend
the adoption of some plan for collecting slut-
istical inforuiiitioii on a variety of subjects,
and the offer of rewards for such ’f7l‘l)(‘71fiO)lS
as produce a saving pf labour in agi‘icriltiri‘e
and nieclirinical pursuit.-:. He also laconi-
niends a grant to thy Mechanic and Scientific
liistitutioii of N. York of a site for the erec-
tion ofari edifice adequate for its purposes.-—
This, he says, is the first organized school of
the kind in the world.] .
The Erie canal (which is the longest in the
world, and which in conjunction with the
Chatiiplain canal and the contemplated coui-
mutiications with lake. Ontario and the minor
lakes, will produce the most extensive and
important iularid navigation ever witnessed)
would have been finished last season, had it
not been for the llilt.‘l‘Ve:illUli of unexpected
impediments. It is, however, so near to its
couipletion as to render it necessary to fornr a
permanent system for the preservation of the
canals, forthe collection of the revenue, for
the extiirgiiisliiiient of the debt, and for a vi-
gilant superintendence bothoftheir particular
concerns and oftlieir general itrterests. A
plan ought to be adopted, combining econo-
my with efficiency, and having regard to fu-
ture as well as present operations. I consider
these works,'as but the first in a series ofgreat
undertakirigs. We must, however, pursue
our objects-witli prudence as well as with en-
ergy, in every stage of otir progress iookiug
for support in the wisdom and patriotism of
the people.—?A board fortlie promotion
ofinternal iniproveineuts, composed of well
iuforiiied citizens, ought to be constituted,
with authority to consider and report on all
subjects relative to the establisbriieut ofcoiu-
uiunicatious by land and by water, by roads,
railways, canals, bridges, and water courses,
and with a general superititeiiding power ov-
er tl-reir constructioti. All applications and
proposals on sticli subjects would of course,
receive the full corisideratioii ofthe board be-
fore they were accepted by the legislat‘ure.—-
Tlie field of operation is iiiirrrense, and the
harvest of honor and profit is unbounded :-
And ifotir resources are wisely applied and
forcibly directed, all proper demands for ini-
portant avenues of couimuiiication, may be
answered in due time, and’ iii ample extent.
The primary design ofotir artificial naviga-
tion, is to open a route by canalsrgbetiveeir the
Atlantic ocean and the Great Lakes. The
Erie and Champlain canals will in a great
rrieasure accomplish _tliis object ; but it will
not be fully realized until the waters of Lake
Ontario shall be connected with the Erie ca-
nal and with Lake Champlain. The impor-
tance oftliis design will be duly appreciated,
when it is tinderstood that the lake coast, not
only-ofthis state, btit ofthe United States, is
more extensive than the sea coast.
The next leading object is to unite the mi-
Of- the-many thousands“ who’
have been instructed in our free schools in the,‘
-vigation of the St. Latv°re'tici§.‘
.-nor l4.tk_é‘s’-,- anti itlTt3":di”J‘tia'ry _,fiiie'i,i‘4s’i with, this‘
_f_:all3fS; to ‘forui a'juiiction[¥tj§tween ‘irnpojjftlant
ri,vers,Taiid-topi1qduee.‘s ciafcoirnexion be-1
in time’ of:;tv;._'.Zt_r'-a‘gaifrst3-{lie ldeprédations’ of arf
enemy.;:7;H—,A_ canal betwecuithe St. La}w-
rence .rive‘r"and,Lalte Ch‘arnplaiu,*would be
attended tvith’_ii;r,iportari’tjliérielits, byopening.
a valuable iria_rlr—et._”wi_tliin Ql,lg,_t_3\i'_n territoi'y,_,_&.
by affo‘rdi'ii_g an eqtiivaler,it"ftiTr-_th,e* privatibrijof
a free rise of that river. Duties have been
imposed, on our‘piod_ir,ctioris sent. to,"Cana,da ;
and it is believed the 'Britisli"governtueiit have
declined a negotiation_"‘re'specting the free na‘.
° -:i'I‘liat we have
by the law of’ nations, -aii’i‘g‘lit 6ffi'ee transmit
-totlrc ocean through tliat, river, Lentertain
no doubt ; and I am inclined’ to believe that
we are entitled to an "eiitr_epoi‘t or 7place of
safe deposit for our comniodities destined to
the ocean through th tchaunelii , ,
The contemplated canal‘between‘that river
and lake Champlain would relieve the north-
ern inhabitants of this state from the embar-
rassments ofa foreign niarket. A survey of
this route has recently been tirade under the
authority ofthe state, and the only formida-
ble iuiperlirnent is an intervening elevation of
upwards of900 feet. This may perh'ap_s bf.’-A
surtiiounted by locks or inclined p|arics';'f'a"iitl
there is said to be an abundance of water on
the summit level. Where this ridge passes in:
to the British doniinions there is an abrupt de-
scent, and the level country below presents an
easy passage for the canal. Perhaps an ade-
quate portion ofthis territory may be obtain-
ed by negociation. But at all events, a com-
munication between the Erie cana‘l'an‘d la’ke
Ontario, by the way of Oswego’, ought to re-
ceive your decided countetiarice-, and to be
tirade without delay. Torunire in the most
accommodating manner the waters oftlieSen-
aca,Ca'yiiga and Canandaigua la'kes,and s'u'cli
ofthe secondary lakes as may be deetned ex-
pedient with the Erie canal, is also an object
of great importance. A connection is desira-
ble between the Delaware and the Hudson ;
between the upper waters of the Allegliany,
Susqrielianiiali, and Genesee rivers ;between
the Erie canal and the Susquehannalr along
the valley ofthe. Chenango river; between
the Susquehannali and the Senecalake ; be-
tween the Erie canal at Buffalo, a-nd the Al-
legariy river at its confhience with Conewari-
go creek ; between Black river and the Erie
canal ;- and between Gravesend Bay, Jamaica
Bay, Great South Bay and SouthamptouBay,
and across Canoe place to South-hold Bay,
on Long Island. Other eligible communica-
tions might be indicated 3 but these are suffi-
cictit to evince the expediency of constituting
aboard with general powers, in relation to in-
ternal improvements.
All these works must emanate from the au-
thority of the state ; but many of them will
doubtless be riridertakeii without any demand
on the tieasury,in consequence ofencuuraging
grants. Of this nature is the connexion pro-
posed to be made by a company between the
Delaware and I~ludson—a project highly de-
serving of ptiblic countenauce—tlie canal on
the south side of Long Island would perhaps
be constructed under a similar grant.
The proposed connexion between the Sen-
eca lake and the Cliernung or Tioga branch ’
of the Stisquehannah, will not exceed twenty
miles ; and that lake is open for navigation
during the whole year. This canal will open
our salt and gypsum to the extensive region
connected with the Snsqueliannah, and a tin-
merotrs body ofour citizens will find a market
for their productions in Philzidelphia $L Balti-
iriore, as well as in New York.
In addition to this it may be stated that
there is an incxliaiistible quantity of bittiniin-
otis coal on the head waters ofthe Tioga river
which is now sold at the mines for two cents
per bushel. It is represented to be ofa supe-
rior quality, and similar to the Liverpool coal
ofcouiuierce. Should the proposed cotnrnti-
nication be made, it may be transported to
Albany by water. The Erie canal, .besides
cotripletioii at its western termiiiation,{will re-
quire in titrie sortie importarit ad«litiuns.——
'I‘liese will consist in double locks and towing
paths to accelerate the passage ofthe boats.
When new bridges shall be required, a much
greater elevation ought to be given to the
road bridges, and the farm bridges ought to
be formed on a retractile plan.
The Champlain canalciiters the Hudson at
Fort Edward, atidthe navigation is continued
for several miles down that river. The corn-
parative advantages of natural and artificial
navigation, are thus fairly tested and fully
contrasted ; and the delay, expense, and vex-
ation,ofthe former channel of conveyance,
are found so harrassing, that it has become es-
sential to substitute a canal. and initiatory
proceedings have been had for that purpose,
under the sanction of the Legislature, which
will, I trust, be cousuiniriated imnicdiately.——
The Champlain canal opens a vast expanse
for inland trade and public accommodation.
Its revenue, when compared with that ofthe
Erie canal, will be at least in the ratio ofits
extent. The region which borders on Lake
Chatnplain, aborruds with rich iron ore, con-
vertible into the best iron, which, with excel-
lent steel, is now nianufactured successfully
by enterprising iiidividuals.
It is also necessary that proriipt and effect-
ual provision should be made, to remedy the
embarrasstuerits attending the sloop naviga-
tion ori the upper parts of the Hudson. Dif-
ferentplans have been proposed for_ the at-
fainmeut ofthis important object, and among
others the improvement ofthe natural navi-
gatiou by removing the present obstructions,
by joining different islands, and increasing
the velocity ofthe current. It is now in a
great measure ascertziiued to be most profita-
ble to make tratisliipirieiits fr. canal boats to
river vessels. The irriportance of this meas-
ure is tlierefore identified with the/well being
ofotir artificial, as well as ofour natural nav-
igation. And I airi persuaded that you will
not shrink from these operations oiraccount
ofthe presumed expense.
The debt dtie on account ofthe canals and
the subsidiary works,is $7,467,770 99ofwhlCll
S£,5E24,270 99 hear an interest of five per ct. .
and the residtie an interest oft} per ct. making
an aggregate aniitial interest of $375,823. 55.
The revenue front the tolls the present year,
will exceed $310,000, and the duties on salt
£100,000, which, with the other sptirces of in-
come belonging to the canal fund, will, in all
probability, produce an excess of revenue ,a—
bove the interest of the canal debt, of near
$300,000. Should any discrepancy appear
between this statement and the annual report
\o
.n- “
o’_f co‘r"iip_troller, ibwitl be only appa‘reut',h_i9 I
nat,ural.year. _ It is -b'elie_g,ed~ t,ha't- next year
‘1,-\¥.i33ii"1l,i,§ bay‘s.on the’sea*c'oast,'as’ivill _i,n's,iir'e, ‘tliereveiiue will be,nea,r_ly doubled. ‘ -
t'lfe~.siife't’y ofgaorir‘boat--finavigatidn_ in time of ,
'peace‘a_gainsi_tlije ‘te’mpe,st§'*of_t-lie ocean, and’
._It is es'tiiiia_ted that —10‘:000 sea. have pas-
sed..at the junction of the Erie 8}. Cbainplairr -
comrriodities, proceed at-the_ rate of 5a titjles
in ‘.14 liours ; and-boa.l§ Willi? [5iI55.9|1j:;t3,l;S near‘
.100 miles, in the same time.
rived at Utica from Albany.-
profifs are small, -and its returns quicl: ; and
-rliis desirable effect is prodiir-ed. by the brisk
circulation ofconitnodities through canals. An
iiirportant rccomniendationof this corrimurri-‘
cation isth’e facility which‘ it affords to ‘emi-
gration and cliange-ofliabitation ; its convey-
ance of bulky articles which are forbidden to
,lai'id transportation ;‘the clieapness, safety Sc
certainty oftravellingiaud its consequent in-
,irient aifdicoriceiitrated population‘.
Foralmost all purposes, the city of Detroit
'brought‘within¥§100.iniles of tliocity ofAlha-it
riy. . Already ha-v‘e wewitnesseditlie creative
"power of these communications iti7'tbe'fiour-
ishing villages ivliicli have sprung iipor been
extended, in the increase of our towns, and
.above all in’ the prosperity oftlie _’city of New-
York. If, as it is said, irpuiards of8000 hou-
ses have been built in tliatcity during the last
population will be double, and that in less
than 30 years, it will be the thirdeity in point
ofriunibers in the civilized world, and the 91d
ifnot tliefirst in point ofcommerce.
there any danger of re-action. After cities
reach a certain elevation of opulence 8:. pros-
perity, they appear to possess a selfniul_ti_ply-
ing, self augmenting power. Butinrlepeiid'-
ently ofthis corisideratioii,tlieexternal aswell
as the intertial causes of the opulence and ex-
ientof NewYork will continue i-t'i"‘full opera-
tion and with additional ppwer ;. and in pro-
How emphatically then does it lieliove its, in
the contemplation and enjoyment of these a-
bundant blessings, to reirreiirber that we de
rive them all from the great Fountain ofBe-
ncvolence. "
I cannot refrain upon this occasion from
propitious spirit ivlriclr is generally diffused
Improvements. The state of Ohio has now
under consideration a stupendous project for
uniting the Ohio river with Lake Erie,which
may justly be considered a proloiigatioii or
continuance of our Erie canal, and which will
connect the Hudson with the Mississippi, and
convert a most important portion of the Uni-
ted States into one vast island. I shall we_l-
come the commencement, and hail the con-
summation of that work as among the most
auspicious events in our history. It will open
to our trade the luxuriant valley of the Mis-
measurably enhance the valuerand usefulness
of our works, concentrate the commerce of
theEast and “Test in our great emporium,and
bind the Union together by indissoluble ties.
I cannot pass over in silence, the attempt
which has beenrecently made to bring the
tion ofthe statutes forregulating the coasting
trade ofthe U. States, by requiring from such
boats enrolment and license,and the payment
oftonnage duties. The canals are the prop-
erty‘ofthe state, are within the jurisdiction of
the state, have been constructed by the state,
and can be destroyed by the state. 'I‘|iey
have been riiade at its expense after the gene-'
ral govcrnuient had refused all participation
and assistance. It cannot well be perceived
how the regulation ofcommerce “ with for-
eign nations, and among the several states or
with the Indian tribes,” can authorise an in-'
terference with vessels prosecuting an inland
trade throngli artificial channels. The coast-
ing trade is entirely distinct from a trade thro’
our caiials,-wlrich no state in the Union nor
the general government itself, has a right to
enjoy witbotit our consent-
The consequences of such assumptions
would be, ifcarried into effect, to annihilate
our rcventie arising from tolls, to produce the
riiost oppressive nieasures,to destroy the whole
system ofinternal irnproveiiients,and to pros-
trate the authority of the state got/’ts.
A just exposition of the laws ofthe United
States cannot auiliorise their application to
such cases. But ifa different interpretation
should prevail,tlren it becomes a serious ques-
tion indeed whether the state can enforce its
laws imposing tolls. The Supreme Court of
the U. States has solemnly adjudged that a
coasting license from a collector is a grant of
the right of navigation. If so, and that right
being derived from a law of Congress, it will
be contended that it cannot be proliibited, nor
controlled by airy state law. The right, to be
complete, must be enjoyed without rcstraiiit.
The state cannot demand a toll as the price of
the enjoyment ofsuch a right, ifit has not the
power to prohibit such enjoyment altogether.
The supreriie court has also declared that
the power to regulate commerce includes a
power to regulate iiavigatinu as one means of
carrying on couinierce. -The same remark
may be made with equal force-, concerning a-
try transportation whether by land or water,
the power to regulate commerce applying to
the one as well as to the other. If Congress
can declare that a boat passing between dif-
ferent parts of the same district within the-
same state, shall take a license, why can it‘
not direct that a wagon slralltake one under
similar circumstances? When we shall have
arrived ‘at this point, we shall begin to have
some adequate notion ofthe extent to which
this claitii may be carried.—-——I shall say no
more on this subject at this time. It will not
entertain a doubt but that the national. gov-
eriitnent will command the abandonment ofa.
claim so unfounded and pernicious ; and Iam
persuaded that it has been preferred without
duezrefiection, and without instructions from
superior authority. But iftli is course shall»
not be pursued, it will then be your duty to
take that stand which the rights and safety of
the people imperionsly demand. ,
The considerations which grow out ofthis
occasion, and the complaints which have been
made in different states about alleged en-
croachments ofthe national government on
the constitutional powers, point to the most
forirridable dangers that can menace the sta-
bility oftlie Union. and the welfare of our
country.. Without a general.goverriirient,.we.
li‘a,'v-ing ‘refereiiceito the‘, fiscal, -and_ this to the-
canals,‘‘ within. the last«-‘season.";$Boats w-itlry’
As‘,li_1.l.'e]}'as*the'
l5tli‘Deciaboat laden.-gwitli.merclrandizegar- ‘
"'I'titprn:il trade istncst fiotirisjring, when its’ a ‘
crease. ;:_Hence the prornotion of rapid settle-,~
will, ori‘,--tlie completion ofthe Erie canal, be "
year, it is highly probable -‘thatin 15 years its -
Nor is ’
portion as itssupplies iiicré‘ase',»it will furnish _
augrnented means ofconstunptionat home,
and of attraction to custoniers fromabroad; .
congratulating you and our country on the’
through the other states in favor'of. Internal. —
sissippi and its atixiliary river. It will im-,-x
boats navigating our canals within the operaw
Norwalk Chronicler