No. 46.-VOL. S. AMERICAN FARMER-BALTIMORE, FEBRUARY 2, 1827. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. 361 powerful means of execution, that economy was tity of these products, by the facility of exchanging not an essential point to be consulted: for, to wage them with distant countries; to encourage, by these war and to erect public works, appear to have means, and enliven agriculture; to support and inTHE OHIO AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL. been the chief occupations of the ancient nations, erease manufacturing establishments; to vary the [There is so large a proportion of the readers of among whom civilization had attained a considera- class of producers, and bring it near to the class of this journal, beyond the districts immediately inte- ble degree of improvement. consumers; in fine, to augment both production rested in the construction of the Ohio and Chesapeake The situation of the moderns is different: with and consumption, by the facility of transporting Canal, that we at first feared they might think we are them, the subdivision of labour among the differ- products from sections where they abound to those giving too much space to the extracts from the Re ent branches of industry, the abolition of slavery, where they are deficient. port of the Board of Engineers; but when they shall or the progressive amelioration of the state of ser- When these national interests are satisfied, the have read them, and especially that one which we vitude where it does exist, in restoring to man his principal object for which the work is undertaken now give, under the head of "GENERAL CONSIDERA dignity and his liberty of action, have attached to is accomplished; and the fiscal advantage derived TIONS," if they do not thank, we are sure they will not his labour a value which is identified with his moral from the canal, and which would be an essential censure us. These general considerations are ob- and physical existence. Economy has, therefore, point to a company, becomes, in this case, of mereviously written by a mathematical head, and are of become an essential object in the erection of moly secondary importance for the nation. We will, great interest and importance to every reader; as numents consecrated to the publick prosperity, and therefore, in the first instance, endeavour to estithey explain so clearly the various interests to be besides the conditions of durability and expedience, mate the physical and national advantages which considered, and how they are to be considered, in it is also required that the efforts made should be it appears to us must result immediately from the all attempts to calculate the value of every project in due proportion with the useful results obtained. accomplishment of the great work before us; and ed internal improvement. The exposition appears These conditions being fulfilled, such monuments next, we will take into consideration the secondary to us to be remarkably lucid and able, and the re justly become the objects of national pride; and com- object, that is to say, the probable revenue of the sults, as to the effects of this new and great outlet bined with the civil and political institutions, the canal. to the ocean, from the immensely fertile and exten- arts and sciences, literature, and naval and military Before submitting our computations on this head, sive regions of the west, seem to have been adopt- achievements, form an union of glory around which we should premise, that we will steadily follow the ed with great caution. Whilst, as mere executive the sympathies of the country are rallied, are plan we have adopted in the former part of this reofficers, acting under specific instructions, the Board strengthened, and are continued. Thus we per- port, namely, to avoid as much as in our power have very properly avoided any question as to the ceive all the enlightened governments of the present falling into any exaggeration in favour of the work, Constitutionality of this measure, under the granted time to favour such undertakings: they well know and to take the greatest care to remain below even powers of the federal government; they have most that, in the age of illumination and of rapid ameli the most probable chances. Nevertheless, if it be emphatically illustrated its expediency on the score oration in which we are placed, all that contributes found that we have sometimes failed in this, the of the general welfare, and its connection with the to the national glory, and promises certain and ma- fault is to be attributed to an error of judgment on common defence in a military point of view. terial advantages should receive a prompt and judi- our part, and not to any want of candour in our inWe will not pass the occasion without expressing cious execution. For the Union, such is the Ches- tentions. the conviction we have long felt of the invaluable apeake and Ohio Canal. The districts the more particularly interested in acquisition made by the country, when it secured This great undertaking has no equal in any coun- the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, for its use, the talents and services of Gen. BERNARD. try, either in relation to the works of every kind may be divided into two classes: 1st. The counties To have known him since his arrival has been which its construction will require, or to the im- situated immediately adjacent to the line of canal; amongst our greatest intellectual and social plea- mense political, commercial, and military advan- 2d. The western states to which this communication sures. Whether in the field or the drawing room, tages which will result from its execution. It is a will prove a favourable outlet to the Atlantic. at the levee or the social fireside, he is the same work truly national: and if, on the one hand, it is Among the first are: simple and unostentatious, but profound and liberal beyond the means, always limited, of private enman. Our country was just at that time of its terprize, so, on the other, it is too essential to the growth, and in that state of its affairs to require ta prosperity, the harmony, and the greatness of the lents like his; and though the wind that brought Union, for its execution to be deferred, without him may have been ill to him, it was good to us. neglecting advantages which will far exceed the We should not have said thus much had be not expense into which it will necessarily lead. It is have come a "stranger within our gates," from hav-not, in fact, because a work demands a large sum ing enjoyed the personal esteem and favours of the for its execution, that it is costly, but only when greatest military genius the world has ever known. the capital employed to create it is beyond all pro It is to the honour of our officers, who were ne portion to the useful results to be obtained. It cessarily wanting in the experience which he unit- is, therefore, the relation between this capital and ed with science; that they received him with kind- these results which is to be taken into consideration. ness, and continue to regard him, without his being The extent of the first, however great, becomes conscious of it, as "a lamp to their feet." The entirely indifferent, when, on the other hand, the maps and charts which have been issued along with resources of the nation are equal to its attainment. the various Reports from the corps of Engineers, Considered under this point of view, the Chesado much honour to the Topographical Bureau; and peake and Ohio Canal, notwithstanding the great we are persuaded, from some personal observation, first cost which it will require to receive such an that the country is not fully sensible of the labo-execution as is suitable to its object, may, with full rious, but scientific and important character of the and entire confidence, be considered as not expen- Among the western states to which the canal services rendered by the Engineer Department, un sive, in relation to the immense advantages, of would afford a direct outlet to the Atlantic, we will der the superintendance of Gen. Macomb. By its every kind, which it offers. This position we will only take Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, whose resagency fortifications are planned with the utmost now attempt to demonstrate, beginning by its phy-pective population is as follows, according to the skill, and built with the greatest economy-roads are sical advantages: that is to say, those susceptible census of 1820; Inhabit 's. traced through trackless forests-and the people are of being estimated by the standard of money. Kentucky, taught how the torrents of hitherto inaccessible When a nation undertakes a work of great pub Ohio, mountains may be made to bear in gentleness and lick utility, such as that under consideration, the Indiana, safety, the products of industry the most interior, to revenue is not the essential object to take into conthe populous seats of external commerce-carrying sideration: its views are of a more elevated order. back in return the manufacture of every art and the luxuries of every clime.] GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. Inhabitants. Nine counties of Pennsylvania, whose population, according to the census of 1820, amounted to A population amounting to something Composing something less than one- 256,782 92,000 189,585 Total of these twenty-six counties, 538,367 This total is something more than onefifth of the whole population of the three states. The District of Columbia, Total, Total, Which added to 33,039 571,406 564,317 551434 147, 78 1,292,929 571.406 1,864,335 they are all, and, it may be said, exclusively, directed towards the great and general interests of the community. These interests are principally to bring into contact and relation, districts which are naturally separated, either by great distance, or by The public works of the moderns differ essential physical obstacles; to connect countries deprived of This population is the least that we can consider ly in their construction from those erected by the natural outlets, with those where these exist; to as directly interested in this undertaking. We will ancients: these bestowed much magnificence and create for the products of the soil and of industry, not take into account either the other counties of grandeur on their edifices. In former times, large a value which they do not possess, from the want Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, which will and unemployed populations, great masses reduced of a market, and from the too heavy expense of indirectly derive advantage from the canal, nor the to servitude, by war or conquest, afforded such transportation; to increase, progressively, the quan- state of Illinois, nor the Michigan territory. No. 46. Vol. 8. The twenty-six above counties form together an obtained by the increase of products created, and value, so to express it, null, Their exportation, and consequently their value, will be another creation extent of territory of about fifteen millions of acres, brought into value by the opening of the canal. It is proper to remark, that the canal, before of the canal, a creation which must be considered of which the greater part presents a rich limestone soil, while the less productive remainder is covered being entirely completed from Georgetown to Pitts- the more important, when we reflect on the powerwith excellent timber, and contains inexhaustible burg, will still give successive results from the very ful influence exerted over manufacturing industry mines of coal and of iron. We estimate the mean commencement of its construction: for, while the by a single one of these articles, namely, coal. It value of the acre at four dollars, which, for fifteen work will advance, on the one side from Pittsburg, is difficult to calculate in anticipation, what will be and on the other from Georgetown, the distance of the annual consumption of this material, the inexmillions, gives a total value of $60,000,000. Now, if we take into consideration the actual transportation by land between these two places haustible source of publick riches and of private ecostate of depreciation of these lands, owing in part will diminish annually, and, particularly on the nomy; but, if we consider that the counties on the to the difficulty of transporting their products to an Eastern section, each portion, when finished, from Potomac, the District of Columbia, the population advantageous market, we cannot doubt but that the one tributary of the Potomac to the other, will of Baltimore, and the iron works in its vicinity, canal, in removing this obstacle, will give immedi- place the valley of this tributary in communication will extensively use it, we do not think that during ately to these lands an increase of value, a necessa- with the ocean. Thus, each portion as soon as the first years its annual consumption will be less ry result of the increase of value of the products. built, will successively produce a partial result, and than 150,000 tons. In fact, the population alone of We will suppose it to be 20 per cent., which will will afford advantages which wili indemnify, if not these counties and of the District, amounts to entirely, at least in part, the expenses incurred from 314,624 inhabitants, and our supposition only algive, for the twenty-six counties, $12,000,000. The same observation will apply to the timber, of all kinds, which the vallies of the Potomac, and of the Youhagany, and the ridges which they traverse, offer in abundance. We will suppose, merely from conjecture, that the articles composing the second class alone, exclusive of coal, will receive a value created by the canal equal to 120,000 dollars per year, or for six Lime, timber, &c. $23.977,170 6,300.000 720.000 The three states above mentioned, offer an ex-year to year: although it will only be when the lows half a ton for each inhabitant, while the protent of 72,000,000 acres, of which the fertility is so whole line shall be completed, that the canal, being portion admitted for large cities, which make an great, that it will perhaps support, at a future day, brought into full operation, will produce the com- extensive use of this fuel, is 12 of a ton for each ina denser population than any other part of the plete results for which it is destined. It is only for habitant. Now, estimating the ton at seven dollars, the Union. A recent assessment fixes $2.49 per acre this period that the following calculations are made. We The articles exported at the present time, by the 150,000 tons give $1,050,000 for one year, and six as the mean value of land in the state of Ohio. will take $2 for that of the three states, which districts under consideration, may be divided into years $6.300,000. As to the article of lime, the mere fact, that at gives, for the mean value of 72,000,000 of acres of two classes: 1st. Those produced by agricultural and manufacturing industry; 2d. Those which are Washington City, for want of economical commutheir territory, $144,000,000. As soon as the canal shall be in operation, every in some measure immediately afforded by the soil nications, the lime used is brought from Rhode Island, shows that this article will acquire from the part of these states finding another economic outlet itself. The first class consists of wheat, corn, flour and canal a value of which it is entirely deprived at the to the ocean, not only will the exportation of their products be facilitated in a high degree, but these will meal, rye, tobacco, hemp, flax, flaxseed, beef, pork, present time, as an object of exportation. also receive an increase of value resulting from the bacon, lard, tallow. whiskey, iron, glass, &c. The second class consists of coal, lime, timber, creation of a new market, which will obviate to the seller the inconvenience of glutting that of New plank, boards, slate, marble, freestone, &c. Orleans, and thus placing him at the mercy of the The annual amount of exportation of the articles purchaser. These products, although the same in of the first class has been differently estimated at quantity, will therefore acquire an augmentation of different periods: 275,000 tons have been consider value, in which the lands must necessarily partici-ed as a minimum, and 390,000 as a maximum. We pate. We will suppose this increase of territorial will adopt 350,000 tons, which, at the moderate vavalue to be 12 per cent., which gives $17,280,000. luation of sixty dollars per ton, gives $21,000,000. years $720,000. In this increase of territorial value, we should in- These exportations together comprise those made In summing up the augmentation of products of clude the District of Columbia, which, being at the to New Orleans, and those made to the Atlantic by the articles thus enumerated, we have termination of this important channel of trade, will the Potomac and land communications. It is cer- For the articles of the first class, be peculiarly favoured. This District is at pre-tain that the facility of transport offered by the For those of the 2d-Coal, sent assessed at only $15,000,000, which shows how canal will increase the amount of these exportamuch its property is depreciated. Combining this tions; that is to say, will cause an increase of prodepreciation with the great advantages to result duction. In fact, if the Mississippi is the outlet of $30,997,170 from its being the outlet of the canal, we adopt the states above enumerated, to the Gulf of Mexico, But this creation of products, of which the transhere fifty per cent. for the probable increase of its the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal will become their portation and exportation will take place from West outlet to the Chesapeake. These states, thus havproperty, which will give $7,500,000. to East, will cause in itself an increase of return The summary of the augmentation of value of ing two water communications for the exportation trade, which would not exist if the canal itself did landed property, or the gain made by the owners of of their products, these last must annually increase not exist. This trade may be divided into two real estate, in consequence of the opening of the in quantity, and we should say in value also, as classes of merchandise: the one composed of dothey will then have the choice of the most advanta-mestic manufactures, the other of foreign manucanal, will therefore he: geous market. What will be the annual augmen factures. The proportion between the amount of $12,000,000 tation of these products? Conjecture is all that we these two classes can only be fixed in a conjectural can here offer; and in assuming it at five per cent. manner; and we will adopt here, for the former, 17,280,000 we believe that we are far within the truth. the third, and for the latter, the two-thirds, of the 7,500,000 This being established, and $21,000,000 being value of the exportation (from West to East, of the the value of products at the present time, if we ex-articles of the first class only. Thus the third, of $86,780,000 amine what it will be at the time of the canal's $23,977,170, or $7.992,390, will form another source going into op ration, (and it will certainly increase of domestic wealth created by the canal, and in Conclusion. At the moment of opening the na-with the population during the construction of the which our fisheries would form an important item. vigation of the canal, the proprietors of real pro- canal,) we find by calculation, that at the rate of 5 This sum, added to that of $30,997,170, gives perty will gain together a value equal to one and a per cent. per annum, the sum of the successive $38,989,560. half times the whole expense of the construction of augmentations during the six first years, will be Conclusion. Six years after the canal shall have the canal, (which is $22,000,000,), and equal to $23,977,170, the augmentation of the sixth year been in operation, the augmentation of the prothree times the expense of construction of only the alone being $7,141,005. ducts created by the canal, or which amounts to the Eastern and Western sections together, (which is This sum of $23,977,170, representing the sum same, the advantages obtained by the producers, of the increase of products for six years, is a cre- presents a value equal to one and three-fourths $12,000,000.) We should here remark, that the Union owns, in ation which belongs entirely to the canal, and times the whole expense of construction, and more the states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and the which, without it, would not exist: it is about two than three times the expense of the Eastern and Michigan territory, 59,998,000 acres of land, be- millions above the expense of construction of the Western sections taken together. sides 18.946,000 acres not yet ceded: valuing the whole canal, and nearly the double of the expense If the public treasury will derive certain advanfirst at $2, we have $119,996,000; and, supposing of construction of the Eastern and Western sectage by the influence which the canal will have on only ten per cent. for the augmentation of value they tions together. the augmentation of the value of the lands belongwill receive, we find the Union, as landholder, will As regards the products of the second class, such ing to the Union, it will also receive others full as gain about $12,000,000 by the opening of the canal: as coal, lime, timber, &c. their great weight, and the certain, by the increase of products exported abroad. to which should be added the land owned by the want of economical communications to bring them We have just estimated these at two-thirds of the government in the District of Columbia. into market on such terms that they may compete total quantity of the products of the first class creLet us now consider what will be the advantages in price, combine together to render their present ated by the canal; that is to say, the two-thirds of For the counties adjacent to the line of the canal, For the states directly favoured by the canal, For the District of Columbia, It is 363 But having taken a mean year of revenue among We have, for the present trade towards the Atlanwill be for the seventh year. the six first years, let us examine what the revenue tic, either by the Potomac, or by the great roads, per year, as above, tons, 116,666 $23,977,170, or for the six years which will follow sequently, in a national point of view, even should A revenue which is 5 per cent. of the total exthe opening of the navigation at $15,984,780. But the duty received on imports being valued at in itself, and its tolls be so regulated as to pay only must be reduced to 3 per cent. as 11 per cent. the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal afford no revenue pense of the construction of the canal, but which 25 per cent. of domestic products exported, it follows the annual expense of repairs and superintendence, must be deducted for the repair and superintendence that the treasury will receive $3,996,195, during the the physical advantages which would result from its of the work. This same revenue is 10 per cent. of six years following the completion of the canal; an accomplishment would far exceed the expense in the expense of construction of the Eastern and amount entirely due to this work, and belonging to which it would have involved; in fact, a few years Western sections together, or 84 per cent. after de its creation. Conclusion. Adding the preceding sum to that of the capital employed in the erection of the work. only would be sufficient to produce an equivalent to ducting 1 per cent. for repair and superintendence. $12,000,000 presented above, as the increase of the If we add to all these considerations, the spirit of en-ed for repair and superintendence, can only be advalue of land, it follows, from these computations, terprize, which is the characteristic of the population mitted on the supposition of the canal being, in the We should here notice, that this low rate adoptthat the Union is interested for about $16,000,000, of our country; the rapid increase of this population; first instance, solidly built; if it were otherwise, the in the accomplishment of the Chesapeake and Ohio the fertility of the districts more peculiarly interest- expense of repairs would be considerable, and Canal; a sum which is more than the two-thirds of the ed in this great work, and the variety of their pro-would consume the greatest part of the revenue, on total expense of the construction of this work, and ductions, the most cool and sceptical mind will be account of the peculiar exposure to violent causes one and one-third times the expense of the Eastern obliged to confess that the future will undoubtedly of accident to which this work is liable. and Western sections taken together. here to observe that, if the revenue of lations can offer by anticipation. present results far beyond those which these calcuproper the Union, arising in time of peace almost exclusively from the customs, is sufficient to meet the ex-ed, of the canal, although it be not, in the present As regards the probable revenue, strictly so callpenses of government, it will probably become ina- case, an essential point, nevertheless, in fixing the dequate to this object in time of war, when it will rate of tolls at an even moderate scale, they will be become indispensable to have recourse to internal sufficient, from the first years, to afford a reasonable taxes. The Union will, therefore, find in the im- interest for the capital employed in the construcprovements due to the existence of the canal, im-tion of the work; an interest which will thereafter portant resources, the value of which is not included progressively increase with the population and the in the present computation. Another item in favour of the Union, which has of such an outlet to the ocean. developments of industry produced by the existence also been omitted in this computation, is the increase remark, that even before the completion of the We should also of the number of sailors which must naturally result work, each portion, as successively finished, will from the increase of the amount of exports, and thus immediately produce a revenue which will acord, if extend the nursery of the defenders of its flag. not an entire, at least a partial interest, for the capiThese exportations amounting, as shown above, to tal employed in the construction of such respective These 454,446 tons, at the rate of 14 cents per ton $15,984,780, which, at the rate of 60 dollars per ton, portions. but it will be only after the entire comple(price adopted in these computations,, would make tion of the work, and its going into active opera266,413 tons, during the six years following the open- tion, that we may hope to derive an interest which For the boats returning empty, and whose per mile, and for a mean distance of 200 miles, ing of the canal, the sixth year would give, by this will bear an advantageous relation to the capital. will produce a revenue of valuation, 79,344 tons, which, on the supposition of It is, therefore, only for this period that the foltwo voyages being made in a year, would cause an owing calculations are made. tonnage will amount to 371,820 tons, at increase of shipping of about 50,000 tons, and of 2,000 sailors, supposing, as a mean, 4 sailors rethe rate of one-tenth of a cent per mile per ton for 200 miles, gives quired for each 100 tons. 350,000 tons have been considered as a mean estiWe have seen above, that at the present time, To all the benefits which have just been enume- the Atlantic ports, from the districts peculiarly inte mate of exports made, both to New Orleans and to rated, we should add those arising to commerce and rested in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Wel to the carrying business: we will suppose them toge-will suppose that the third only of this amount, or ther to be six per cent. on the total value of the arti 116,666 tons, will take the course of the canal, cles of the first and second class, of which the amount which, for six years, will give is $30,997,170; this item will thus be, for six years, The increase of products of the first class, $1,859,830. reckoned above at $23,977,170 for six years, represents, at the rate of 60 dolCoal, at the rate of 150,000 tons per year, lars per ton, and for six years, Lime, timber, boards, &c. for six Limitting to the above objects our estimates of the physical and national advantages which, at the end of six years, will be owing to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, we will here present the summary of the same: Augmentation in the value of lands, or benefit derived by the owners of real property Total of successive augmentations of Total of successive augmentations by $36,780,000 38,989,560 3,996,195 1,859,830 $81,625,585 tons, 699,996 years, 399,619 For the increase of products belonging to Lime, timber, boards, &c. for one year, One-tenth for the return trade, Total, Total of tolls for the seventh year, 142,467 150.000 4,000 tons, 413,135 41,313 454,446 $1,363,338 74,364 $1,487,702 This revenue of the seventh year is 61 per cent. canal, and 5 per cent. after deducting 11 per cent. of the whole expense of construction of the entire for the expense of repairs and superintendence. The same revenue is 12 per cent. of the expense of the Eastern and Western sections taken together, and 10 per cent. after deducting 14 per cent. for repairs and superintendence. Let us now examine what will be the revenue for the maximum of trade of which the canal is sus 900,000 Conclusion. Thus, supposing even that the augmentation of the value of land, at the rate at which we have reckoned it, should not be completely realized until six years after the opening of the canal, the general benefits of public and private economy will amount together to more than $81,000,000. This sum is equal to three and three-fourths times the whole expense of the construction of the canal, and to six and two-thirds times the expense of the Eastern and Western sections taken together. Con-Which makes, for a mean year, Total of tolls, during the first six years $6,677,928 364,250 $7,042,178 We have seen, in that part of this report which relates to the Middle section, that 28,800 boats should be considered (regard being had to the supplies of water, and to the loss of time ensuing from the passage through the tunnel,) as the maximum of commerce from West to East, and from East to West, taken together. 14,400 loaded boats will pass from the West; and 14,400 will pass from the East, which from the supposition above made, will be only one-tenth loaded. There will, therefore, pass by the summit level, in a year, that is, during the eight months of navigation. 15,840 loaded boats, and 12,960 return boats not loaded. The boat which we adopt to navigate this canal will displace about 90 tons weight of water, drawing three feet of water, and will carry a burden of 60 tons. The 15,840 loaded boats will consequently carry 950,400 tons; and, as the question here refers to the maximum of trade passing by the summit level, we must admit that these boats will navigate the entire line of the canal, and that they will pay toll for 342 miles, which, at the rate of 1 cents per mile, will give The 12,960 empty boats, representing $4,875,552 777,600 tons, will make the same passage as above, but will pay only one tenth of a cent per ton per mile, which will give As to the trade of the Eastern section alone, in supposing it to be only 300,000 tons in both directions, namely 120,000 tons for the articles of the first and second classes, coal excepted, & 150,000 tons for coal, total 270,000 tons-to which adding one-tenth for the return trade, gives 297,000 tons, or, in round numbers, 300,000 tons: it will therefore produce, at 14 cents per ton per mile, and for a mean distance of 90 miles, For the nine tenths of 300,000 tons, or 270,000 tons for the boats returning empty, at the rate of one-tenth of a cent per ton per mile, and for 90 miles mean distance, Total of the annual revenue of the canal, when its trade, by the increase of population, and the action of the canal itself, combined, shall have reached its maximum, tion. sist plated canal from Pittsburg to Lake Erie, and with rapid strides, the illustrious citizen whose ele265,939 which may be considered the continuation of the vated views especially advanced this great work, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, as far this lake. The has enrolled his name on the list of the benefactors Chesapeake being then united with Lake Erie by a of his country. water communication of about 460 miles in extent, But scarcely has this communication through the (a distance nearly equal to that from the port of state of New York gone into entire and active opeErie to Albany,) all the territory bordering on the ration, before it is perceived that, in a short time, it great lakes, with the exception of Ontario, must will not be sufficient to satisfy the demands made participate in the trade of the Chesapeake and Ohio upon it. Thus, a few years will have sufficed to Canal. Combined with this work, the Ohio and produce results which exceed what the most sanErie Canal would have offered results much more guine hopes could have anticipated. This fact, favourable than those we have presented, in the taken alone, proves that new communications will comparisons which we have made between the ex become indispensable. 405,000 pense of construction, on the one hand, and, on the New York, and New Orleans, are, at the present other, the augmentation of territorial value; the time, the only points towards which the products of successive increase of products; the extension of the West can be economically directed. But, these trade, both inland and foreign; and the revenue, two points, placed, the one to the North, the other strictly so called, of the work. These results would to the South, have each a certain sphere of action, 24,300 have been by so much the more advantageous, as, which cannot extend beyond certain limits; and taking an equal distance, the Ohio and Erie Canal there remains between their respective commercial will be much less expensive than the Chesapeake range, if we may use this expression, a large extent and Ohio Canal. of our territory, which, on account of its too great 1st. Of 14,400 boats, carrying each 60 tons, and together, tons, 864,000 2d. Of 120,000 tons for the Eastern section, of the products of the first and second class, coal excepted, Total, 120,000 tons, 984,000 3d. Neither have we spoken, by anticipation, of distance from each of these emporiums, is unable the advantages to be afforded to this work by the to transport its products to them, with profit. $5,570,791 proposed canal from Georgetown to Baltimore, and These portions of our territory include, more parThus, at this period, four years of revenue of the of which the surveys, at present in execution, pro- ticularly, the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and the Michigan territory; to canal will cover the whole expense of its construc-mise the most favourable results. 4th. In the estimation of the return trade, one- these we might have added the western parts of As to what regards the total value of the maxi-fifth would have been nearer to the truth than one- Virginia and Pennsylvania. But, limitting ourselves mum of trade which can be borne on the canal, we tenth; but, in adopting this last proportion, our to the states and territory cited, we find an extent can offer nothing more than conjectures, and in object has been to keep ourselves, as to the revenue of 250,000 square miles of fertile country, whose such case the field is vast: therefore, we are far of the canal, as near as possible to the minimum. population amounted, in 1800, to 377,567, and in from pretending to offer here any result which can 5th. Finally, in all our computations, we have 1820, to 1,779,949 These states, if deprived of be considered as within reasonable limits of exact- taken care to compare, separately, the expense of economical communication with the ocean, cannot ness. We have, therefore, but some views of a construction of the whole canal, and that of the attain a reasonable degree of commercial prosperivery general nature to submit on this point. Eastern and Western sections taken together. Our ty; with the exception of cotton, they all cultivate The maximum of annual trade, from West to object in thus proceeding, was, to show how unfa- nearly the same productions, and consequently they East, according to the calculations above, will con- vourable to the different results was the Middle cannot possess an internal trade among themselves section, which, being only the fifth part of the of much activity; it is only by exporting these prolength of the canal, still counts for five-elevenths ductions that they can, in this respect, contribute to, of the expense of the whole. Our object has also and participate in, the whole prosperity of the union. been to show how desirable it is that proper inves- In such a state of things, the question of policy is tigations should be made to determine, as has been not, it seems to us, to know if these communications before suggested in this report, the comparative will be profitable; but, in fact, to ascertain if the advantage between a canal and a railway, to connect number of those which are practicable, will be sufCumberland with the mouth of Casselman's river. ficient. We will observe, on this point, that this Before leaving this subject, we hope to be per- extent of 250,000 square miles, is at least equal to mitted to express our acknowledgements to General the kingdoms of France and the Netherlands taken Walter Smith, of Georgetown, D. C. for the zeal together, of which the population is not less than 35 $59,040,000 and care with which he has kindly furnished us millions of inhabitants. These two wealthy kingwith data which were indispensable for forming the doms possess, together, a development of coast of 1,050,000 foregoing calculations. Without these data, it would 2,200 miles, besides eight large navigable rivers, have been impossible to have given to this subject of which form a communication between the interior our report the extent which its importance deserves. of the country and the ocean. The Western states Having terminated this rapid view of the physi- referred to, may be considered as capable to sup$60,090,000 cal advantages offered by the Chesapeake and Ohio port, at a future day, a population equal to that of Canal, it only remains for us, in conclusion, to sub- those kingdoms. The great fertility of the soil, and mit some ideas on the other advantages which will the commercial enterprize which characterizes our 60,090.000 result from the execution of this work. population, leave no doubt on this head: and if One of the most important results of the acqui- proofs were, however, necessary, we need only to It follows that the maximum of trade sition of Louisiana, has been, to afford to the coun-recollect, that at the present time, when our manuwhich can pass in both directions, will try West of the Alleghany, an outlet to the sea. factures are yet in their infancy, our inland trade is be, in one year, $120,180,000 The tide of emigration then flowed towards those already the third in amount of that of France, while Before terminating these considerations on the fertile regions, and their population now increases our foreign trade is equal to that of this fine kingphysical advantages produced by the canal, we with a rapidity to which no other country can fur- dom. These states will, therefore, require a certhink that, in strict justice to this work, we should nish a parallel. Already a part of this population tain number of outlets to facilitate the exportation submit the following observations, having for object finding itself placed at too great a distance from of all their products, and the importation of the reto show, that the general results above presented the Gulf, and the amount of its productions being turns; and it is doubtful if even four of these outare below the truth, and must be regarded as mini- considerable, demands new outlets: that by the lets will be found practicable between the Juniata mum quantities. Mississippi is not sufficient for them; they require and the Savannah river, even by the combination of Which, at the rate of sixty dollars per ton, price adopted in the preceding calculations, will give 3d. 150,000 tons of coal, at the rate of 7 dollars each, Total of the maximum of annual trade which can pass from West to East the canal, on And as the trade from East to West, or the return trade, may be supposed equal in value to the above, or to 1st. All our calculations have been based on the more. A chain of mountains of secondary rank, canals and rail-ways. Thus, instead of fearing that population of the census of 1820, while, in strict- such as the Alleghanies, cannot bar the progress of these communications will not be profitable, we ness, they should have been made on the probable a nation so enterprising as ours, and still less dark-should rather apprehend that, at a future day, they population which will exist at the period when the en the future prospects of this great federal empire. will be found insufficient for the passage of the trade canal will go into operation. But, in supposing This chain should be broken at every point where between the West and the East The insurmountthat the canal be commenced in 1827, it can scarce- it is practicable, and the most prudent policy ap-able obstacles opposed by nature are thus the only ly be completed before 1838: at this period, our pears to be to basten in the execution. ones which should limit our efforts; for, the more population, at the present rate of increase, will be The state of New York, in turning this chain to economical outlets we can open through this chain, above one-half more than it was in 1820. the north, has shown the first example; and while, the more will the resources of the West develop 3d. We have not taken into account the contem- in reward of its enterprize, its prosperity advances themselves, and the more will the East and the West become united by indissoluble bonds of a common interest. Among these outlets, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal holds a conspicuous rank; its degree of prac ticability is well settled; the relations between the expense of its construction and its physical advantages, have been established, we trust, in a satisfactory manner; but it also offers other advantages, which it is important to enumerate. AGRICULTURE. ON GENTLEMAN FARMING. Remarks on the gentleman's country establishment, ble that he will not encounter this business until he becomes well acquainted with it, and can hire a blaster whom he knows to be expert; otherwise much time and powder may be expended to but very little purpose. He should also have some valuable use for the stone, or sell it to some person who will haul it off the field, for even this alone is expensive. Surface stones must be removed, or the grounds cannot be mowed. Concealed stones It opens into the Chesapeake, whose central sitWhere land is cheap and population thin, boggy near the surface of the soil, occasion tedious and uation on our Atlantic coast is equally favourable and springy places should be sown in herdgrass and bad ploughing, soon dull the irons, and sometimes for its trade with the south or with the north; and remain in it, even if it should spoil the looks of a break the plough: still the gentleman had better while, in time of war, this trade will find protection field, or of every field on the farm. Profit ought not commence the removal of them until he has behind the ægis of our naval forces in Hampton to be the farmer's aim: therefore, it matters not been a year or two on the farm, for it requires well Roads, the canal will assure to our maritime es- how his fields look, if at the end of the year, the formed plans to effect even this without consideratablishments in this quarter, abundant resources of balance of his profit and loss account book looks ble useless expense. The larger stones got in this every kind; a circumstance which will associate well; particularly, as he has no cause to complain way, and gathered from the surface, may be either still more intimately the regions of the West with of the boggy or springy places, as they have fur-sold or reserved for building, and the smaller ones our destinies on the ocean. These naval establish nished him with good hay, and no longer mire his applied to stop the washings which run into the ments will also be placed in communication with cattle when pastured in the fields. Where land is gullies, or mend the roads, or may be reserved for Pittsburg, a city destined to become the great man-high and labour plenty, the gentleman may sow under draining, or hauled into the quarries. ufacturing emporium of the West, and of which the such places with the same grass, and let them re- When a fence is run between the woods and the different branches of industry will be of the great- main in it until he is well informed in the art of fields, the practice of cutting off the communicaest importance for naval supplies. draining. Although we have some excellent writ- tion of the roots of the trees, with the cleared The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal also enjoys, in ings on that subject in this country, it is far from grounds, is attended with but little extra expense common with all those which can be made to tra- being practically understood. As it is very difficult where timber is valuable. The bank and ditch save verse the ridge of the Alleghany, the inestimable to cut off the springs judiciously without practical two rails in each pannel, also something in the advantage of furnishing to the states and territories experience, a great deal of money may be readily length of the post, and the roots of the trees exwhose exportations and importations are made spent in draining, to but very little purpose; parti-haust the field and injure the crops. But after through the Mississippi, a safe communication with cularly in under draining. Where the excess of some time, the roots grow downward a little within the sea, in case the circumstances of war should moisture does not proceed from springs, this ex- the surface of the soil, and cross the bottom of it, close or render dangerous the passage by the mouth pense may be avoided, and the superfluous moisture and mounting upward, find their way into the field of this great artery of the regions of the West. In more effectually run off, by a proper system of cul- without being seen. However, by cutting them off order properly to appreciate the value of such an tivation alone. occasionally on each side of the bottom of the When stumps are fast in the ground, removing ditch, they may be prevented from doing any very advantage, it is proper here to observe, that the coast of Louisiana does not offer any position from them by grubbing is very expensive, and should serious injury to the field. In doing this, care which our fleets can, in an effectual manner, pro- never be done. The screw invented in England should be taken not to make the ditch any deeper tect the outlet of the Mississippi into the Gulf. The for blowing them to pieces with gunpowder, may than it was at first. It has been observed that the coast itself of Louisiana will soon be invulnerable, answer in that country where labour is cheap, and roots of trees cross very deep gullies in the same but the opening of this great river will remain al- the wood may be advantageously used for fuel: way as they cross the ditches: therefore, no good, ways exposed to blockade as a commercial outlet. provided the stump be sound; for when it is other but much evil will arise from making the ditches The fate of Cuba is yet uncertain, and our estab wise, or cracked by the falling of the tree, or in deeper, every time it becomes necessary to cut off lishments at Pensacola, unfortunately, are not of a any other way, the blast is commonly ineffectual. the roots in the bottom of them. nature to admit vessels of the first classes. Thus, Stumps have been removed in the Eastern states The late plentiful introduction of Merino sheep, it is not sufficient to have defended the coast of with great facility, by what is called here the Yan- will terminate as a very great advantage to this Louisiana, and to have ensured the possession of the key lever. It is represented to be a simple piece country; provided this animal be not despised and Delta of the Mississippi: it is also necessary to as of timber, with canthooks so fixed in the middle of neglected, because its valuable properties fall so sure to the valley of this noble river, lateral outlets it as to grasp the stump; a powerful yoke of oxen very far short of realizing the golden dreams of into the ocean. Without such outlets, the commerce is attached to each end of the lever, and these, by fatuated speculators. Their compact form and of extensive districts may, in the course of events, moving in contrary directions, it is said, and in a close pile of wool, or some other cause or causes, become, as it were, entirely paralyzed, and the con- way that seems to leave no cause for doubt, quickly render them, or even a mixed breed with them and sequences would be beyond all description. extracts the stump. However, I advise the gen- the common sheep of the country, much hardier The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal not only offers tleman not to attempt even this mode of extracting than the latter. They will thrive on the same food the shortest outlet between the Ohio and the At- stumps, unless he can procure workmen who are and usage that common sheep fall away on; are lantic, but also, connected with the contemplated practically acquainted with the business, and cattle more readily fattened, and much less subject to canal from Pittsburg to Lake Erie, it will afford a that are calculated to effect the purpose. When disease. Their wool also sells at a much higher direct communication between the upper lakes and the roots have become sufficiently decayed for a price. Still, common sense dictates, that the price the ocean, and will form a military line of opera- pair of oxen to draw out the stump, by a log chain of them must ultimately terminate in the value of tions which cannot, in any circumstances, be cut hitched round the upper part of it, a great many the materials of which they are composed. This off or intercepted. This line will join the centre of may be taken up in the course of one day, and with might have been as clearly seen before the ill judgour northern with the centre of our Atlantic fron- but very little expense. ed speculation in these animals took place, as at the tier, and with the capital of the Union. In time of Blowing rocks which stand above the surface of present or any future time. Yet if they had actuwar, it will give every facility to concentrate, rapid- the soil, is very expensive; especially if they do not ally possessed the golden fleece prefigured to us on ly and economically, on either of these frontiers, split freely. Filling the holes with the earth around sign posts, or some other properties equally productroops and military supplies of every kind; and thus them, injures the soil, and if earth and soil be tive, more could scarcely have been said of their vawill give them, particularly the northern frontier, a hauled for this purpose, which seems to be the best lue; or more industriously propagated in almost every degree of strength which expensive works of de-way, it is expensive. Although the plain practical possible way, by interested speculators; or by genfence could not procure. farmers are in the practice, it is a doubtful one, for tlemen whose imaginations were as highly inflamed none but the wealthy encounter it, and the princi by the enthusiastic dreams of profit, as were those pal part of the labour is done at leisure times, by who ran crazy when the mania for the bank scrip feel nor estimate the expense: I therefore, advise the ject of speculation. Now, form, bone, and a dispothemselves and family: consequently they neither prevailed. Formerly, large animals were the ob gentleman not to engage in it until he can accu sition to fatten freely, take the lead. The latter rately calculate the expense and compare it with seems to have reason on its side; and it may be reathe improvement. If this be done, it seems proba-dily effected by judicious mixtures of the various forms and properties so very conspicuous in diffe Such are the principal considerations which, in our humble opinion, have appeared to us proper to demonstrate the degree of importance of the great work which forms the subject of the present report All which is respectfully submitted. S. BERNARD, Brig. Ger.. Member of the Board of Internal Improvements WM. TELL POUSSIN, Capt. Top. Eng Assistant to the Board. WILLIAM HOWARD, Civil Eng. Assistant to the Board. Washington City, Oct. 23, 1826. When the stump is large and very fast in the rent animals of the same kind; and no question but ground, two pair of powerful oxen hitched to each the value of every kind may be greatly enhanced end of the lever do not seem to be too many, if enough, in this way. It is, however, doubtful whether the provided the roots be sound. ingenuity of the cattle jockies will permit this im |