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APRIL 5, 1832.]

OF DEBATES IN CONGRESS.

Revolutionary Pensions.

2434

[H. of R.

list, made by General Bloomfield in 1818, when expe- and threatening, that is so flippantly bestowed upon any rience, two years after, more than quintupled his calcu- and all who should venture, in a spirit of frankness and lation, and to the many thousand fraudulent claims for patriotism, to give you a wholesome warning. Sir, I mean pensions, which had been driven from the doors of the no menace--it rarely succeeds with individuals--ought not treasury by the clearest proofs of perjury. The conti-ever, with masses of men; but surely I may, without innental roll was a check then. after. Some of his friends, or rather those with whom American citizen--as a member of a co-ordinate branch of You will have none here- curring this imputation, say to you, in the character of an he usually voted, especially from a neighboring State, are this Federal Government as well as yourself-beware, beviolently opposed to appropriations for internal improve- ware! ments, (in which he heartily concurred,) yet will vote for waking up a spirit in this land that you may not easily Your usurpations, oppressions, and injustice, are the bill upon your table, and, with one gulp, will easily allay. I do not allude, sir, merely to the South, where swallow this immense camel. for internal improvement amount to about one, and the living altars, but to the middle, Eastern, and Western porThe annual appropriations the flame of liberty is burning brightly on ten thousand pensions, when consolidated, will be a standing incubus tions of this Union alike. The oppression and the anguish of five millions of dollars per annum upon the people of are, to be sure, at present, felt most intensely in the South; this country. Why is this? Is it from political associa- but, like the gout, may change place, and then other suftions past or present? Is it because the President has put fering parts will thunder in your ears their griefs and his veto upon one, and recommended the other? Let them wrongs. The genius of liberty may again light her bonanswer to the people who sent them here, "my withers fires in Independence Square--old Faneuil Hall will again are unwrung.' cend the Alleghanies, and swell through the valleys of the re-echo her triumphing voice--her bugle notes again asWest! I can speak of one portion of this country with the certainty of knowledge. the people there, that you can only appease by giving them back equity, justice, and their violated constitution. You have raised a spirit in Abuse and denunciation, menaces and threatening, will have no more effect upon them than a breeze upon the meet unawed and unterrified any human power-a spirit, solid rock. Yes, sir, you are rousing a spirit there, that will sir, that will make a mirth and jest of danger--a spirit that will rise with the darkening of the tempest--a spirit, sir, that will make you quail and tremble, even under that gorgeous crimson canopy.

I stated in the commencement of my speech, that I thought this the most unfortunate time for the introduction of this bill, and took occasion yesterday to allude to the present distracted state of our once happy country, and deprecate the consequences that I felt confident would inevitably follow from your perseverance in error, or a neglect on your part promptly to re-adjust and re-organize the dislocations of your federal machine. are breaking, the band is slipping, but the payment of the Sir, the cogs public debt has afforded you a pause; has given you time sufficient to replace and repair, and to start anew. If, from supineness, lethargy, or a want of firmness and patriotism, you permit this most favorable crisis to pass unimproved and unattended to, be the consequences on your head; I wash my hands of it. State, I was born free, and, with the blessings of God, in-bers of the grave, (I mean no profanity,) almost as many In common with the citizens of my the sounding a reveille, that will wake up from the slumSir, said Mr. D., the passage of this bill will be a signal, tend to continue so, little recking the menaces of imbe-dead militia as the last trumpet. Not harmless ghosts cility, or denunciations of avarice. The citizens of South and spectres, but substantial pensioners, tax receivers, and Carolina do not wear, like Gurth, a collar upon their consumers of the substance of the people. I believe, necks, marked "this is the born thrall of Cedric the however, I might be induced to vote for this bill, if it Dane." No, sir; no, sir; they know their rights, and mean would have power and virtue to resurrect the blessed pato have them. They have been taught, and believe, triots who have gone before us; if it would arouse from "that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom;" but their slumbers the real and true men who repose on the the fear of man is the consummation of folly. Thus be- sides of Breed's hill, on the plains of Trenton and lieving, and thus feeling, who shall say to them, nay? The Princeton, on the banks of the Brandywine; of those who spirit of the constitution, of justice, of equity, or right? sleep on the gory but hallowed spots that scar the bosoms Brute force? Try it! The time is at hand. He referred, and called the attention, particularly of the green sod of Yorktown, Guilford, King's mountain, Cowof the Southern States; of those who rest beneath the Eastern gentlemen, to the period of the embargo, non- pens, Stono, and Eutaw; if it would bring to life and light intercourse, and other partial and iniquitous laws, restrain-the buried warlike and the wise," and give back to us, ing the industry, and restricting, or rather destroying, the commerce of the country. These were the acts, he admitted, of the party to which he belonged, and of the individual for whom he had the highest respect and profoundest esteem; but right and wrong depended, not on men, or the opinions of men, but on principles that were eternal, unchanging, and unchangeable. He deplored, and the country must deplore, this great error of Jefferson, (the result of his love of peace,) as the first step towards the precipice, on the verge of which we are now hanging. But, sir, the question is not how, or by whose fault, the ship is stranded, but how are we to get her off, and place her on her own free element again.

No.

He said he was well aware of the morbid sensibility felt or feigned, in some quarters, whenever allusions to or distant hints are given of the consequences that are likely to, he thought must certainly follow a continuance of your oppressions, and the promptness with which a charge and cry of treason, sedition, rebellion, disunion, are made, and shouted against those who will not close their eyes, or turn them from the signs-for "coming events cast their shadows before"-of approaching calamity and danger; and of the ungenerous charge and imputation of menace VOL. VIII.-153

at this dread crisis, their counsels, advice, example, and countenance, to warm, animate, and cheer our country's wintery state! Yes, sir, I would give it my support, if it could cause the great Washington to burst the cerements that swathe him, and enable him to participate in the councils of this day; if it would call to your aid the gallant Greene, the wise and patriotic Hancock, the Adamses, Shermans, Pinckneys, and all that host of worthies; if it would resuscitate that brotherly feeling which once connected and made invincible the old thirteen States; which blazed with radiance the path of honor and virtue they trod together, and gave to history one bright page of spotless devotion to human liberty.

state of the country? Would not Washington again warn What would such patriots feel and say, at the present you against sectional legislation? And what might we not expect from the heroic Greene--from him, (in the eloquent language of the gentleman from Rhode Island, uttered on another occasion in a different spirit, and for a different purpose, but which I cheerfully repeat,) "around the burning edges of whose shining buckler the whole chivalry of the South delighted to rally?" From one so loved and cherished in life, so mourned in death by

H. OF R.]

Wiscasset Collector.--Internal Improvements.

[APRIL 6, 1832.

the whole South?-from one, who chose to live and die which must result to the commerce of all the southern on fields dear to him, to his and American glory?-from part of Arkansas from removing the obstructions in this one, into whose lap she poured her rich treasures? Geor- river, through which a navigation of one thousand miles gia alone gave him an estate equal to some European prin- from the Mississippi would be opened through one of the cipalities. Were he alive, sir, he would scowl down into most fertile countries in the world. The work was now contempt and silence the cant and slang, the miserable on the eve of completion. It wanted but one short cut party slanders and imputations cast upon that quarter of more to admit the passage of boats, and another for the the country, by the herd of office-holders and hunters on floating off of drift wood. But if the work should now the one hand, and by the monopolists on the other. He stop, all that had been done would be lost. The opening would tell you, for well he knew, that the Hugonots of which had been made would soon close, the drift wood Carolina, like the pilgrims of Plymouth rock, were a accumulate, and the obstruction of the river become perliberty-loving, but not a factious or seditious people.manent and incurable.

What, too, would the old Maryland line say to the charge Mr. MERCER went into a brief explanation of what of disaffection and want of patriotism made against us by had been done by the Committee on Internal Improvethe selfish and interested? Would the Howards and Camp-ments in reference to this subject; the decided opinion of bells of that day (turning to the seats occupied by Colonel the War Department as to the facility of overcoming the HOWARD and Colonel WASHINGTON, and Mr. JENIFER, of obstacles to the navigation of the river; and urged the Maryland,) give the charge a moment's credence? Would measure, as calculated to bring into market a vast amount they not remember when our banners floated, and our of the public land that never would sell while the raft in arms were stacked together on the bloody but victorious the river remained. He compared the expense of this plains of Eutaw? improvement with a road extending the same distance, and urged the amendment on the ground of economy.

An occasion now occurs, an opportunity now offers, which eighteen centuries have scarcely presented to the Mr. FOSTER was opposed to acting on a measure lover of fame, to the worshipper of true glory, to lodge which had been rejected by a majority of the Committee his name forever in the affections and memory of the wise of Ways and Means, especially in the absence of the chairand good. Oh, how immeasurably superior, how incalcu-man and of several other members of that committee. lably above all offices, power, or station, would the name He therefore moved that the committee rise, or that this of him be placed in fame's high temple, whose genius and bill be laid aside, and another taken up; but withdrew the patriotism should restore this Government to its proper, motion at the request of legitimate, constitutional action, and bless with returning peace this distracted and discordant land! The ambitious aspirations for the Presidency become, in comparison, low and vulgar; an office that is rapidly assuming as its standard value $25,000 per annum, and nothing more. But should this great crisis call up none such, I have still the confiding hope that there is one State that will continue true to liberty; one star of that federal constellation that will continue to burn with a bright and steady glory through a night of darkness and storm.

Mr. MERCER, who strenuously remonstrated against suspending the action of the Government until the return of the chairman, [Mr. McDUFFIE,] who had leave of the House to be absent till the 21st. He hoped this would be the last debate that would be had on the subject of internal improvements this session. got through with in committee, so that the bill might pass in the House without debate.

Let the amendments be

Mr. VERPLANCK disclaimed all intention to take advantage of the absence of any gentleman. Those who I thank, I most sincerely thank, this honorable body, for were opposed to these appropriations on constitutional the kindness, courtesy, and attention that has been ex-ground, would have a fair opportunity to urge their obtended to me through this long, tiresome, and, to me,jections when the bill should come into the House. exceedingly painful discussion.

The committee then rose; and

The House adjourned.

FRIDAY, APRIL 6.

WISCASSET COLLECTOR.

The House resumed this subject, and

Mr. PEARCE continued his remarks (as given above) until the close of the hour allotted for resolutions, when the House passed to the orders of the day.

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

And as to the chairman, the very last words he had said to Mr. V. at parting, were directed to urge him to call up this and the other bills as soon as possible.

Mr. FOSTER again urged his objections to acting at this time. He again moved the rising of the committee, but once more withdrew his motion at the request of

Mr. SEVIER, who expressed much regret that the amendment should be opposed. The chief part of the difficulty had been overcome. The river extended six or eight hundred miles above the obstruction called the raft, forming the Southern boundary of the United States, and forming the direct means of communication with an important military post. Should the navigation be opened, the saving to the Government in the transportation of sup

The House went into committee, and took up the bill making appropriations for certain works of internal implies would soon remunerate all that had been expended provement.

Mr. BULLARD moved to amend the bill in the last clause, which contained an item of $2,628, for improving the navigation of Red river, by adding the words "and the further sum of $20,000."

in this important and valuable improvement. Besides, the river would offer a direct channel for the great operation of removing the Southern Indians to the West, by which thousands of dollars would be saved to the Government; the raft, if left to the operation of nature, would become Mr. B. explained in what manner the appropriation of more and more extensive every year. It had already last year had been expended in the improvement of the ruined the most valuable improvements, causing a country navigation of that river, under the appropriation made in of unexampled fertility to be converted into swamps, and 1828. About fifty miles had been opened of an obstruc-driving the settlers from their improvements. The longer tion, extending in all sixty or seventy miles, so that a the work was delayed, the more difficult and expensive steamboat had passed, though not without some difficulty. it must become; and of such great improvement is it to the Mr. B. referred to a report from the War Department, settlement of the lands above, that an individual had offercontaining the detailed statement of the progress which ed to accomplish it at his own expense, if the Governhad been made in this improvement, accompanied with a ment would convey to him the land thus redeemed from recommendation from the department for the appropria-destruction.

tion which he had moved. He dwelt upon the benefit Mr. INGERSOLL remonstrated against delay. He ex

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plained the grounds on which a majority of the commit- For Grand river,

tee had been opposed, to part with these appropriations reported upon by the department, which were chiefly of a constitutional nature, except those of the chairman, [Mr. McDUFFIE,] whose opinions were well known to the House.

Mr. DAVIS appealed to the House in support of Mr. FOSTER'S motion. It was wholly unparliamentary to proceed in the absence of the gentlemen who had the budget. Amendments to the amount of $200,000 had already been proposed, and others would, he presumed, be brought forward, to the amount of perhaps a million. This was one of the days appropriated to private bills. Why should the course of business be invaded to take up such a weighty appropriation bill, while the chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means was absent from the House?

Cleaveland,
Black river,
Huron river,

La Plaisance bay,

For examinations and surveys,
For the road to Chicago,

To Fort Gratiot,

And from Detroit to Sagana,

[H. of R.

2,600

6,600

10,000

1,500

8,000

30,000

15,000

1,500

10,000

Mr. CARSON addressed the committee at length in opposition to these amendments. Nothing had ever appeared more extraordinary to him than the course taken by the gentleman from New York [Mr. VERPLANCK] in proposing them. By adverting to the laws passed by the last Congress respecting internal improvements, it would be perceived that the manner in which these amendments had been worded was calculated to deceive, and to impose Mr. SUTHERLAND was opposed to delaying the bill on the House and the nation. As an example, he quoted under the pretence of extreme courtesy. The appro- the appropriation of the year before last, for " complet. priation for the breakwater, which was the heaviest item ing the repairs in Dunkirk harbor, $1,342." The year in the bill, had been inserted in the handwriting of the following there was another appropriation, for "completchairman himself. The bill had been up a week ago, and ing" the same "repairs," of $6,400. And the present it was time the House should act upon it. It contained no amendment was in the very same words, "for complet. new works. They had been expressly reserved for another ing the repairs in Dunkirk harbor, $10,200." Thus the bill. This bill made appropriation only for works which appropriations for "completing" this harbor appeared to had already been approved and commenced. The Presi- proceed in a regularly increasing ratio. In the name of dent had sanctioned objects of precisely the same kind, all that was just, and all that was pure, when was the and so had the other branch of the Legislature. If the House to be done with "completing the harbor of Dungreat battle on the subject of internal improvement must kirk?" be fought, the proper time would be, when the other bill should be introduced.

Mr. C. proceeded to remark in the same strain upon other successive appropriations for improvements in the Mr. FOSTER said he had not come here to fight any Kennebeck river, and particularly those on Deer island, in battles or engage in any great parliamentary struggle; he Boston harbor. The last appropriation had been for only wished to oppose what he deemed injurious to his $12,000, which was "to complete" the sea wall, and now country, and what was against his own views of constitu- "to complete" the same thing, the department very motional power. Here was a bill making appropriation for destly asked for $60,000. So with the breakwater at Hy$12,000, and amendments to be proposed to it for expend-annis; that was to be "completed" for $8,400: now it ing $600,000. Was this a small matter? He had reasons was to be "completed" with $7,600. He thought this a very for opposing it which satisfied himself, but if they were "complete" way of getting money out of the people's plenty as blackberries he would not give them now. He pockets. The pier at Oswego, and the Delaware breakurged the impropriety of haste, and concluded by moving water, the improvement in the Genesee river, and several that the committee rise. The motion was negatived by a creeks in Ohio, received in succession their respective very large majority; and the question being put on Mr. shares of animadversion. BULLARD'S amendment, it was agreed to. The breakwater, he said, had been slipped through Mr. VERPLANCK said he had had an amendment print-very quietly. He feared that his name was to be found as ed two months ago, going to reinstate in the bill all the having once voted for it. He was sorry for it, and was objects which had been recommended by the department. sorry it had ever been commenced. The details on which the appropriations were founded, pletions had been going on for five years; could the genwere to be found in the estimates furnished to the com-tleman from New York penetrate the vista of time, and mittee. The grounds on which the appropriations were say whether five years more would satisfy their friends? It recommended, were to be found at large in the report of certainly would not if the American system was to be perEngineers, which had accompanied the President's mes-severed in. So much he would venture to predict; and sage, and had been printed for the use of the House. He he desired the stenographers to be particular in taking a then moved appropriations for public works at the follow-note of that prediction; he did not pretend to be a proing places:

For the Kennebec river,

Deer Island, Boston,

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Some of these com

A

phet, but he believed it would turn out to be true. $17,000 gentleman near him inquired how much was proposed for 60,000 Ocracock inlet? This question, he supposed, must be ad7,600 dressed to him as a representative from North Carolina. 6,000 The amount for that inlet was $22,000, and he understood 19,000 that the department estimated that it would require at 17,000 least ten years to complete that work, so he supposed that 16,000 was to cost $220,000. So there was this year for Cape 10,300 Fear river $28,000; the appropriation for last year had 5,100 been $25,000. But did gentlemen suppose that these ap10,200 propriations for North Carolina would so sanctify this bill 4,500 in his eyes, that he would be induced to take it? They 10,000 were greatly mistaken. Did the gentleman who had ask22,000 ed him that question ever know him to have voted in 28,000 favor of the appropriation for Ocracock? He never had, 50,000 and never would. And even if these appropriations for 7,800 North Carolina should be put in a separate bill, he would, 3,800 as a North Carolinian, take the responsibility of voting 1,500 against it. The same gentleman now suggested to him

H. OF R.]

Internal Improvements.

[APRIL 6, 1832

one of

to move to strike out this item: he should not do so, believed, the gentleman from North Carolina was cause he was opposed to the whole amendment. But if those who had voted in its favor. the gentleman wanted any evidence of his being in ear- Mr. CARSON admitted that he had voted for the obnest in his opposition to the system of internal improve-ject. He had been seduced to do so by a member of the ments, he would refer him to another bill which would Pennsylvania delegation, who represented the city of Phishortly be before the House, proposing a communication ladelphia, [Mr. SUTHERLAND.] He owned with shame that between the Ohio river and the shores of the Atlantic, he had been seduced to give his vote from party prinwhich was to pass through his own estate, or his brother's ciples. That measure had been carried by Jackson votes. adjoining it, most probably within one hundred yards of The gentleman from Philadelphia had appealed to him his own door; yet, he should vote against that bill, as he on that ground; had assured him that it would be the best did against these amendments, although the plan was a thing for General Jackson in the world, if he could but favorite one with his constituents. He adverted to the get an appropriation for that object. As to his own conlarge sum asked for; referred to the state of discontent at stitutional scruples, he really could hardly tell by what the South, and the obligation of making some sacrifice for process the gentleman had convinced him that they were the peace and union of the country. These amendments erroneous. The gentleman had told him that it was immensewere part and parcel of that system which was racking the ly important to him, as Mr. Sergeant was his competitor, Union in such a manner, that he feared it could not be and he did not wish that gentleman to carry off his plubrought together again. mage. Mr. C. said he had never heard the system more admi- Mr. SUTHERLAND replied to the remarks of Mr. rably, more forcibly, or more eloquently described and CARSON. That gentleman, it seemed, had voted for the exposed, than in the speech of the gentleman from South breakwater for the sake of the interests of Jacksonism. Carolina [Mr. DAVIS] on the preceding day. Every South-That consideration had not actuated Mr. S., because Jackern man who loved the Union, and who wished and look-sonism did not need that aid. But if the gentleman had ed forward with the hope that his children should enjoy voted for this object at that time, because the interests of the benefit of its free institutions; every Southern man, General Jackson stood in need of it, he could assure the who possessed a single spark of that chivalrous spirit which gentleman that General Jackson needed it quite as much was the acknowledged attribute of the sons of the South, now, and was likely to need it twice as much hereafter. must be opposed to every portion of a system which had He was happy that there could be now no doubt of his been the cause of such deplorable effects on that section [Mr. S's] Jacksonism entertained at the white house, since of country. Whatever might be the representations of it had received the certificate of suck a gentleman. Mr. the prejudiced and interested party-writers of the present S. said that, having wished to enlighten gentlemen with day, as to the operation of this system on the interests of reference to the breakwater, he had written a document the South, the future historian would tell, in his impartial on that subject, from which he would beg leave to read a pages, the story of her wrongs, and the true cause of her little to the House. He then read from a statement in remiseries. He would tell the gentleman from New York, ference to the value of the commerce in the Delaware, though he charged him not with the design, that these ap- the losses which had been sustained, &c., and concluded propriations were but a part of a system, which had al- by observing, that he was sure the gentleman from North ready led to the distraction, and threatened to lead to the Carolina had been convinced by the argument. dissolution, of the Union; nay, he felt himself almost com- Mr. VERPLANCK thanked the gentleman from Pennpelled to say, that on the action of the present Congress,sylvania for this pleasant interlude, which served in some with regard to that system, depended, not merely the degree to relieve a very dry subject. He stated, howsafety, but the existence of that Union. ever, with pleasure, to the House, that he learned from Mr. VERPLANCK said, in reply, that the speech of the department that there was the best reason to conclude the gentleman had been very eloquent, discursive, and the breakwater might be completed for a sum very far playful; and lamented his inability, expecially under physi-short of the original estimate.

cal indisposition, to follow it out in reply. It contained The gentleman had adverted, apparently with marked some things which called for some remark, but he could emphasis, to some of the improvements proposed for New not think it contained any very solid arguments. The lan-York. The places there named were remote from Mr. guage which had unfortunately occasioned the gentleman V.'s residence and interests. The object in those approso much uneasiness, and on which he had commented so very largely, had been introduced through inadvertence. The estimates submitted to the department were some times very general, and at other times more minute. It often became necessary, either from the nature of the works proposed, or for financial reasons, to distribute the appropriation through different years.

priations was not the improvement of the small streams at whose mouths they were situated. It was the security of immensely valuable internal commerce on the lakes, and the appropriations were to be put upon the same ground, as to principle, with light-houses, light-vessels, and buoys. They were harbors of refuge. A pier had been completed at Oswego last year, and so beneficial had been the The total estimate was for completing certain works; result already, that the tonnage at that port had increased and in breaking down that total amount into several an- in a single season from two thousand to twenty thousand nual appropriations, the original phrase, "for complet-tons. The present appropriation went to extend that ing" the work, had been erroneously retained. So much benefit, by giving the harbor additional security. Should for the "deception" practised on the House and the the appropriations for many of these works be now stopnation. In some instances, the estimate of the Engineersped, not only would the object intended fail, but the had not been exactly accurate; and, in others, the laws of partial progress which had been made would destroy the nature had been found not to obey the laws of Congress; harbor, and Congress must appropriate to remove the maand works, partially finished, had, in some instances, been terials which they had begun to deposite. swept away. In other cases, the very delays in making the appropriations produced the necessity for increasing them. As to the Delaware breakwater, the House would perfectly remember that, when that object had been first appropriated for, they had been distinctly warned that the total cost of that great work would be two million three hundred thousand dollars. With that knowledge before them, they had begun to appropriate, and, he be

As to the appropriation for Ocracock inlet, the works there were of a singular character. It was a great experiment, which, if successful, must prove immensely beneficial to the trade between New York and the ports of North Carolina, by diminishing the risk to which it was exposed, and consequently reducing the rates of freight and insurance. Whatever might be the opinion of the gentleman's constituents as to other works of internal improve

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Mr. V. concluded by a recapitulation and a very complimentary notice of General Jesup.

Mr. CARSON disclaimed any personal allusion in his remarks on New York.

[H. OF R.

ment, the Legislature of his State had declared this work that Sound; that more than twenty thousand vessels passnecessary both for defence and economy. Mr. V. quoted ed every year. It was a place of difficult navigation, and a report from the War Department, going to show that the light-houses and improvements which had been made the experiment, as far as it had been prosecuted, had been there within a few years had already greatly facilitated the eminently successful. He then explained why the item navigation. A voyage from New York to Boston was now for Deer island was so much greater this year than last. performed in half the time it formerly was, and freight The works which had been begun there had been swept was reduced more than one hundred per cent. Who deaway by a violent tempest. The island was very import- rives the benefit of these important and useful improve. ant as a defence to the outer harbor of Boston, especially ments? The nation, the farmer, the producer of corn, to the navy yard, to which it was directly opposite. Were and rye, and flour, and every other production of the it of no value as to commerce, it would still be highly im- country. It benefited buyer and seller, the whole nation. portant as a military post. As it facilitated the commerce of the different parts of the country, and reduced freights, it increases the commerce, and is mutually beneficial to all. It is a national benefit. The providing and making such harbors, I consider, said he, a fair and legitimate exercise of the powers granted to Mr. WHITTLESEY went into a very full exposition Congress "to provide for the general welfare" and "to of the importance and value of the works proposed on the regulate commerce." The objects are national and usesouthern shore of Lake Erie. He showed how it happen- ful; the harbors ought to be made by those who use them: ed that the estimates for some of them had been augment- the nation use them. If such improvements do not proed in consequence of the necessity which experience had mote commerce and the national welfare, I should like to developed for increasing the length of the walls, piers, be informed in what way we may be able to effectuate &c. These, being erected on the sand, continued to sink that great purpose. from year to year, until they reached the solid clay be- Mr. INGERSOLL, of Connecticut, went into some exneath, during which they must be continually augmented planations in reference to the Delaware breakwater. He above. No engineer could calculate this with precision reminded the House, that when that improvement had beforehand. Mr. W. dwelt upon the importance of har- been proposed, it had been distinctly stated what amount bors of refuge to the shipping on the lake; the vast in- of money would probably be needed for its completion. crease of that shipping; its exposure from sudden flaws; It was not a work gone into to gratify Pennsylvania alone. and the loss of lives formerly experienced. In 1810, there The recommendations in its behalf came up from every had been ten vessels on Lake Erie; now there were a portion of the country, even from the Carolinas. All the hundred. The tonnage that entered Buffalo last year was ship owners along the coast were interested in providing seventy-five thousand, and there were more than seventy an asylum for their vessels. Our shipping was constantly thousand human beings constantly exposed to danger in passing to and fro, bringing naval stores, lumber, and the navigation of a lake which was without a natural har- corn from the South, especially from South Carolina. It bor for two hundred miles. He appealed to Mr. CAR- was the owners of vessels engaged in this coasting trade Sox's humanity. The gentleman had voted for the vacci- who had memorialized Congress in behalf of the work. nation bill; and when Alexandria was in flames, his pathe- Mr. I. would put it to the honorable feelings of the gentic appeal had moved and swayed the whole House. No tleman from North Carolina, whether, having received the constitutional scruples had restrained him then; and why consideration which, according to that gentleman, had should they now, when human life was at stake? The been sought in return for this harbor improvement, viz. money heretofore appropriated for these objects in Ohio the elevation of General Jackson to the Presidency, he had been judiciously applied, and most economically ex- ought now to resist the appropriations necessary to carry pended. He concluded by deprecating and disclaiming it on? The gentleman had got his side of the bargain; any political feeling in reference to those appropriations. General Jackson had been elected; and he now said to Mr. REED, of Massachusetts, observed, as frequent al- that gentleman, "stick to your agreement, I hold you to lusion had been made to the breakwater of Delaware, he your bond." As for gentlemen who were opposed to inwould remark, that he had the honor to belong to the ternal improvements on the ground of constitutional scrucommittee who had originally examined and reported the ples, they should wait till the report of the committee on bill. The subject was fully examined. The report of that subject came in; then the field would be open, and the engineers gave full assurance that it was practicable they could go on with the war, in opposition to any new to make a good harbor at the mouth of the Delaware. projects; but this bill was merely for works which had The expense would be great. He never supposed less been commenced, and which were in a state of progress. than three millions of dollars. The hundreds of lives and The gentleman complained of an increase in some of the millions of property lost by Philadelphia alone, demanded appropriations. This was chargeable chiefly on the dethat the harbor should be made for future security and pro- lay which occurred in this House. Every item was fought, tection. Was this harbor for Philadelphia alone? Ought inch by inch; members were sent away, and then their Pennsylvania to make it? Certainly not. It was for the absence urged as a reason why every thing must stop. As protection and benefit of the nation. There was no safe to the works on the lakes, if the gentleman had once been harbor after you left New York to the south until you in one of the storms which occurred there, his voice never reached Norfolk, a great distance of dangerous navigation; would again be raised against providing some harbor for more or less vessels were constantly lost, and which, he distressed vessels. The House would then again witness trusted, might have been saved had there been a harbor. the display of the gentleman's pathetic powers, such as it He had been forcibly reminded of the importance of the had witnessed after the conflagration of a neighboring harbor by the loss of two vessels near the very place city. The gentleman would then vote for the bill from where the breakwater is located, from his own neighbor- feelings of humanity, if not out of regard to the sound pohood the year past. But if the harbor were useful to Phi- licy of the nation.

ladelphia alone, its importance to the nation would require Mr. BELL, of Tennessee, observed that the amendthe appropriation. ment contained a great number and variety of objects, Objections had been taken to the appropriation for the and he thought that the committee ought to be willing to breakwater at Hyannis. It would be remembered that go into some discrimination as to the subjects of approHyannis was situated on the Vineyard Sound; that all the priation. He should like to know whether, in any single commerce between the North and South passed through instance, the result of the examination and the experi

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