Imagens das páginas
PDF
ePub

H. OF R.]

Buffalo and New Orleans Road.

[MARCH 30, 1830.

Since the general peace in Europe, a large portion of the country, this meed belongs to them, Are we wiser than people of this country have been suffering under heavy they were? Are we more patriotic? Do we better unembarrassment, in consequence of having contracted debts derstand the policy of free government that they underwhen the nominal value of all property was at a high rate. stood it? There is no system of policy that the General This embarrassment is the necessary effect of the general Government can ever pursue, without giving offence to depression of the nominal value of property. It has borne some parts of the Union. I would have the individual most severely on the inhabitants in the interior of our States retain and exercise every particle of their rightful country, who have a few facilities to obtain a market for power. But, sir, I maintain that allegiance to the Union their produce to pay their debts; and of course they cease, is essential to the preservation of the liberties of all the into a great extent, to be purchasers of the products of the dividual States. Mr. Madison remarks on this principle industry and enterprise of others. Malthus lays down this of paramount power, which is distinctly asserted in the sound proposition-that "whenever the produce of a constitution of the United States, that if this had not been country, estimated in the labor which it will command, adopted, "the world would have seen, for the first time, a falls in value, it is evident that with it the power and will system of government founded on an inversion of the funto purchase the same quantity of labor must be diminish damental principles of all government; it would have seen ed, and the effect we demand for an increase of produce the authority of the whole society every where subordimust, for a time, be checked." P. 32. nate to the authority of the parts; it would have seen a monster, in which the head was under the direction of the members."—Fed. No. 44, p. 285.

Facilities for transportation, then, are facilities for production. What gives to the great State of New York, and to her city of that name, their pre-eminence in this Union? It must ever be painful to the friends of the Union on Sir, it is their enterprise by means of the facilities for such occasions as the construction of a road, the passage transportation they have created and extended-facilities of a tariff act, or even of a law declaring war, to hear the for internal commerce. Without these, their external language of revolt from any portion of the citizens. The commerce would rapidly decline. And, sir, I hope the en- following remarks by Mr. Madison in the forty fifth numlightened delegation from that State will not oppose the "ber of the Federalist, are too pertinent and monitory to be attempt of the General Government to do for the Union omitted here: what she has so wisely and successfully done for herself. "If the Union, (he says) as has been shown, be essenMuch as she has done, the interior of that State would be tial to the security of the people of America against fogreatly improved by more good roads, and the value of her reign danger; if it be essential to their security against conown canals would be augmented. But gentlemen seem to tentions and wars among the different States; if it be esbe alarmed at this proposed exercise of power by the Ge-sential to guard them against the violent and oppressive neral Government, as tending to a consolidation of the factions which embitter the blessings of liberty, and against powers of the State Governments into one sovereignty. I those military establishments which must gradually poison have not been able to discover this tendency. its very fountain; if, in a word, the Union be essential to the happiness of the people of America, is it not preposterous to urge as an objection to a Government, without which the objects of the Union cannot be attained, that such a Government may derogate from the importance of the Governments of the individual States ?

rors.

But, sir, I have seen cause for the most solemn alarm at the apprehension of an opposite tendency-a tendency to insubordination and disunion, with all their attendant hor The period is but just passed, when the evident weakness of the bonds of this Union, and the want of national sympathy and national character, filled the hearts of "Was, then, the American revolution effected, was the the most devoted and intelligent friends of the Union with American confederacy formed, was the precious blood of deep consternation. Had the period of trial been pro- thousands spilt, and the hard-earned substance of millions longed, no man can calculate what might have been the lavished-not that the people of America should enjoy consequences. Now, sir, is the favorable time to strength- peace, liberty, and safety; but that the Governments of en the bonds of the Union, by interests that will identify the individual States, that particular municipal establishus as one people; that each citizen in either extreme of ments, might enjoy a certain extent of power, and be arraythis Union may feel that in each citizen in the opposite ex-ed with certain diguities and attributes of sovereignty? We treme he has a brother. Will the construction of a road encroach upon State sovereignties? Will they contend for the exclusive right to promote their own interests?

have heard of the impious doctrine in the old world, that the people were made for kings, not kings for the people. Is the same doctrine to be revived in the new, in another The power of the General Government to construct a shape, that the solid happiness of the people is to be saroad in any individual State, I consider as not necessarily crificed to the views of political institutions of a different a supreme power, but as a concurrent power. Hence there form? It is too early for politicians to presume on our foris no cause for alarm to State authorities. The power of getting that the public good, the real welfare of the peoCongress to construct roads in an individual State, implies ple, is the supreme object to be pursued, and that no form no denial of power to that State to construct roads. Much of government whatever has any other value than as it may of the legislation of Congress, and of the several States, be fitted for the attainment of this object. Were the plan has been concurrent legislation. The militia laws of the of the convention (that formed our present constitution) United States, and of the several States, are acts of con-adverse to the public happiness, my voice would be, recurrent legislation. By concurrent legislation I do not ject the plan. In like manner, as far as the sovereignty mean that the action of one part is necessary to the action of the States cannot be reconciled to the happiness of the of the other, as in the case of two branches of the same people, the voice of every good citizen must be, let the legislature. The power I speak of is, the power which former be sacrificed to the latter." either the General Government or a State Government The same counsels were repeated by the illustrious and may exercise without encroaching upon the proper right venerated father of his country, in the parting blessing he of the other. It is a power that belongs not exclusively to pronounced on his retirement from the Presidency. either. If the distinguished statesmen whose names have In my opinion, sir, whatever may be said or done by been mentioned, who have received the homage of all political aspirants to the contrary, the people, and a large hearts, had imagined that a system of internal improve-majority of them, too, will sustain the General Governments would lead to consolidation, or to an undue ascendency of the General over the State Governments, they never would have recommended that system.

If any men ever lived for the cause of liberty and their

ment in measures to strengthen the bonds of the Union. They have no pleasure in contemplating that either they or their children may be involved in strifes between State sovereignties, or in civil war from any cause.

[ocr errors]

MARCH 30, 1830.]

Buffalo and New Orleans Road.

[H. of R.

From some quarters in this House, it has been said that | reward their labor in the construction of the proposed the money to construct this road ought not to be taken from road. It will not be lost to the country nor to the Govern the treasury; that it would be better to repeal the tariff, to ment. The true capital of a country consists not in moabolish the system of duties, and let the people keep their ney, but in its amount of productive industry. Good roads money in their own pockets. By such a course, sir, the are of more value to the country than money in either the Union itself would soon be abandoned. Instead of the pockets of the people or in the national treasury. Malthus present burdens, each State, if she would have commerce, justly remarks, that, "amongst abundance of other causes must maintain her own navy. If she would guard her of the misery and weakness of the countries subjected to rights, she must support her own armies. The great States the Ottoman dominion, it cannot be doubted that one of would soon conquer the small States, and then would re- the principal is the vast quantity of capital remaining in a sult a consolidation of most fearful character. Would it be state of inactivity." Vol. ii, p. 87. wise to abolish the revenue system, and cut off the resources Construct this national road, and, from the eastern exthat replenish the treasury? Soon would our navy be re-tremity of our Atlantic coast, through the interior of the duced, and our commerce every where would become the country, to the Mississippi, there will soon be a line of vilprey of freebooters. War, or disgrace and ruin, must follow.lages and towns of greater value to the Union than would Sir, if the duties be too high, let them be reduced, but let be a chain of mountains of the richest ore. When this not the General Government be stripped of its sinews to road is completed, if the prosperity of the country consave a little money in the pockets of the people. tinues, let there be branches extended from this road into other sections of the Union. By a policy like this, the citizens of this republic may be more firmly attached to their Government, and better satisfied that its designs are "Lofty and pure, 'and meant for general good."

During Mr. Jefferson's administration, in one of his messages to Congress, he took into consideration the question of the expediency of abolishing a part of the revenue. He came to this conclusion, which I will give in his own words. "Patriotism would certainly prefer the continuance of impost, and its application to the great purposes of public education, roads, rivers, canals, and such other objects of public improvement as it may be thought proper to add to the constitutional enumeration of federal powers."

In reviewing the history of this Government during nearly half the period of its existence, and the principles and measures which have been warmly advocated by the wisest and most distinguished of its founders, I come to the conclusion that the system of internal improvements is destined to go forward, and that fidelity to my constituents, and to "the general wellfare," demands my efforts, though humble, to equalize the benefits of it as nearly as practicable to all parts of the country.

In this system I consider the people of the United States as having a more direct and important interest than in any other that can be devised, excepting that of education, which may carry its benefits to every family and every in

dividual.

Is there any thing of imposing splendor in the plan of a free road, extending a distance of two thousand miles through the interior of this country? From one end to the other, where now are fens, and caverns, and forests, will be a highway for the march of civilization, and of the prosperity of the people; an extended line of communication to the eye of the patriot and the philanthropist, beautifully studded with flourishing villages and towns. vast number of our citizens it will hold up new encouragements and new means to throw off their almost hopeless embarrassments, new encouragements and means to support schools and seminaries for the education of their youth, and in numerous ways to add to the general wealth and prosperity of our country.

To a

The gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. POLK] is alarmed at the cost of this road. If the road be extended as proposed by the amendment I intend to offer, according to the estimate of the committee who reported the bill, it will cost three millions of dollars. The gentleman from Tennessee says seven millions. The truth may prove to be between the extremes.

In the treasury, on the first of January, 1880, was a balance of six million six hundred and sixty-eight thousand two hundred and eighty-six dollars, a surplus beyond what the service of that year required. On the 1st of January, 1829, there was a surplus of five million nine hundred and seventy-two thousand four hundred and thirty-five dollars not required for the service of that year. The estimated balance in the year 1830 falls somewhat below five millions of dollars. This, I have no doubt, is a very safe calculation. The amount of the public debt redeemable is rapidly diminishing. The amount paid in 1828 was above twelve millions of dollars. Nearly the same amount of public debt was paid in 1829. But the statement of the Secretary of the Treasury shows that the amount of public debt redeemable is rapidly sinking. The amount redeemable in 1830 is set at eight million seventeen thousand six hundred and ninety-five dollars. The amount of public debt to be paid, that is, to fulfil the engagements of the Government,

[blocks in formation]

millions to be paid annually. This, he says, will complete "the payment of the whole public debt within the year 1834, without applying the bank shares." Why, then, this alarm at a proposition to construct a road that will cost three, or even six, millions of dollars?

Thus the gradual diminution of the public debt, as redeemable, would leave a sum sufficient to build, every Does this proposed measure threaten to the country an year, a road such as this bill proposes. But those sums oppressive burden? If it were so, I would not advocate stated by the Secretary will not discharge the whole debt. it. This road may cost three, or even six millions of dol-The Secretary of the Treasury proposes the sum of twelve lars. During a number of years past, after disbursing the ordinary expenses for the support of Government, and the appropriations, a balance has been left in the treasury of more than three millions of dollars, and amounting, in some instances, to more than six millions of dollars. The duties on several articles of necessity may then be reduced, and, in a short time, the public debt will have been discharged, and the revenue will be equal to all probable demands upon the Government. In a few years the appropriations for the payment of military pensions must almost entirely

cease.

Sir, the revenue, amounting to twenty-six or twentyeight millions of dollars, is drawn from the people of the interior as well as from the rest. For the improvement of that part of the country, let a few millions go back to

Another objection. This road will be a subject of controversy. Will this be a good reason against the measure? Every measure requiring appropriations is contested. It will ever be so. In all parts of our country, in every town and district where there are roads, there are controversies. And, generally, where are the most controversies, there are the best roads.

The opposition to this bill has been powerful and ingenious, but, to my mind, far from being convincing. I hope the bill, in an amended form, may pass that the road may

H. or R.]

Buffalo and New Orleans Road,

[MARCH 30, 1830.

be truly national, or, I would rather say, republican in its value of the rights and liberties enjoyed by the people of a character, equalizing and extending its benefits as far as republic consists in every citizen's keeping his dollars and practicable. For the permanent benefit of so great a por-cents in his own pocket, whilst those around him are illitetion of the population of the United States, in my judg-rate, idle, and denied the facilities for convenient interment there is no instance in which the money of the trea- course, a republic has no charms for my mind. The cha sury has ever been better applied. In no instance have racter of a people under its influence must sink into a state the people of the interior of this country, to an equal ex- of imbecility and degradation. In many parts of this countent, received from the many millions paid by them and try, good roads cannot for a long time be obtained, unless expended, benefits so substantial as is proposed by this bill. the General Government constructs them, or they are conIt is cn this ground, and for reasons I have now offered, I structed by what are called private corporations, with support it. I ask only that it may have a national charac-power to tax every passenger. It is incumbent on the ter, or at least that it may have something of the propor-friends of liberty to consider well the probable conse tions of a system adapted to the claims of the country. quences that may result from placing the great roads of For appropriations to carry forward internal improvements this country under the control of such corporations. The in various parts of the Union, other than the eastern gentleman from Virginia might be pointed to a bridge corStates, I have uniformly voted since I have had the honor poration, that, on the ground of its pretended vested of a seat here. For the part of the Union from which I rights, to the subversion of the rights of the public, have come, I should be false to my trust if I did not claim a share wrung from a great and enterprising community a vast in the benefits of this system. If this claim be not allow amount of their hard earnings. This was the necessary ed, I shall consider myself under no obligation to vote for consequence of neglect on the part of the public authority the bill. If it be allowed, I shall hold myself bound to to make provision at the public expense for facilities devote for it. This course I have determined on for myself, manded for the convenience of that community. There as fair and consistent, and no more than just to my con is no portion of the community exposed to suffer more than stituents and to the eastern section of this Union, the agricultural, by the want of facilities to transport their produce to market. Why is corn worth only from twelve and a half to twenty-five cents per bushel in the interior of Virginia, and at the same moment worth from fifty to seventy-five cents per bushel in Boston? The want of facilities for transportation accounts for this difference of from one hundred to five hundred per cent. This is an illustration which, with many others, puts to a severe test the notions of political economy advanced by the very able and eloquent member from Virginia in bis speech against the proposed national road.

Note by Mr. R.

Mr. CROCKETT, of Tennessee, submitted an amendment, providing that the road should run from the city of Washington, in a direct route to Memphis, on the Mississippi river, in the western district of Tennessee.

In support of his amendment, Mr. CROCKETT said, he was truly sorry, under existing circumstances, to trouble the committee with any remarks upon the subject, especially as a considerable portion of time had already been consumed by the Representatives from his State, no less than four gentlemen from Tennessee having addressed the committee, [Messrs. BLAIR, ISACKS, POLK, and STANDIFER] all of whom [said Mr. C.] are much better qualified to give light on this subject than myself.

Mr. P. P. BARBOUR has subjoined to his speech on the proposed national road, a note, containing some statements of the revenue derived from the New York canals, and of the balance against them in expenses. He shows that the interest on the original cost of the canals, and the expenses for superintendence, repairs, &c. in 1826, exceeded the amount of revenue accruing from them in the sum of four hundred and six thousand one hundred and forty-three dollars and seven cents. Is it inferrible from this fact that the canals are unprofitable to the State of New York I put this question to the gentleman as a fair one. I am not aware that the gentleman could have had any other object in bis note, than to lead the public to this inference. But is this inference authorized by the premises? Would the gentleman deny that, by the facilities created by the canals, the amount of millions of dollars in the products of the State is annually transported to market? It may be confidently asserted that the facilities for obtaining a market actually increase to an almost incredible degree the products of a country. If the question rest on the principles of loss and gain, then the canals are profitable to the State. They give a spring to industry and enterprise, and greatly When the continued] I consider the few opportunities augment the power of production. This to any people is which I have had to obtain information on this important wealth, and the procuring cause of their prosperity and topic, I shrink at the idea of addressing so intelligent a their happiness. On what principle are county or State body as this, upon matters relating to it. My lips would roads constructed? Are they constructed for purposes of be sealed in silence, were I not fully convinced that there public revenue? Surely not. In towns or counties all the has been in some instances, a partial and improper legiscitizens are taxed for the purpose of making and repairing lation resorted to during the present session. I was elected one or more principal roads passing through them. The from the western district of Tennessee, after declaring principal road does not go by every man's dwelling; but myself a friend to this measure; and I came here quite bot all are taxed for roads, which some of the citizens seldom for the road-yes, the fever was upon me; but I confess I or never pass. By a good road through the centre of a am getting quite cool on the subject of expending money town or county, the value of every estate in that town or for the gratification of certain gentlemen who happen to county is augmented. Yet it is impossible, in the nature have different views from those 1 entertain. Let us inof things, that all the citizens in a town, county, or State, quire where this money comes from. It will be found that should derive equal advantages from the principal roads. even our poor citizens have to contribute towards the To resist the construction of roads, because the facilities supply. I have not forgotten how I first found my way to afforded by them would be unequal, would be entirely this House; I pledged myself to the good people who sent preposterous. Would the author of the note insist that me here, that I would oppose certain tariff measures, and appropriations ought not to be made except for purposes strive to remove the duties upon salt, sugar, coffee, and of revenue? This doctrine would abolish, not only our other articles, which the poor, as well as the rich, are, roads and canals, whether constructed by towns or States, from necessity, compelled to consume. The duties on but the whole system of public schools and colleges these articles are felt to be oppressive by my fellow-citiwherever they exist. They yield no revenue into the trea-zens; and, as long as I can raise my voice, I will oppose aury; but they yield that which is infinitely more valuable the odious system which sanctions them.

to communities-intelligence, the blessings of civilization, Those who sustain the Government, and [furnish the the thousand varied delights of social intercourse. If the means, have, by the illiberality of their servants, been

MARCH 30, 1830.]

Buffalo and New Orleans Road.

[H. of R.

kept in ignorance of the true cause of some of their suf- or travelling? No, sir. Then is not your project useless, ferings. These servants, after the people entrust them and will it not prove an improper expenditure of the pubwith their confidence, too often forget the interest of their lic funds to attempt to carry the road beyond Memphis? employers, and are led away by some designing gentlemen, New Orleans has local advantages which nothing can take who, to gratify some wild notion, are almost willing to en-from her; it cannot injure her to have the road terminate slave the poorer class at least. I am one of those who are at Memphis; and if the road should so terminate, it would called self-taught men; by the kindness of my neighbors, be on the direct route from this city to the province of and some exertion of my own, I have been raised from Texas, which I hope will one day belong to the United obscurity without an education. I am therefore compelled States, and that at no great distance of time. to address the committee in the language of a farmer, which, I hope, will be understood. I do not mean to oppose internal improvements-my votes on that subject will show that I am an internal improvement man, though I cannot go, as the Kentuckian says, "the whole hog." I will only go as far as the situation of the country will admit, so far as not to oppress. I will not say that I will vote against the bill under all circumstances, yet, at this moment, I consider it a wild notion to carry the road to the extent contemplated, from Buffalo to this city, and from this to New Orleans. Adopt my amendment, and you will shorten the distance five hundred miles, which will save, in the outset, upwards of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars to the country. Is not this worthy the consideration of the committee? Besides, it would, in a measure, be useless to open the road as contemplated by the bill. I recollect there was a road opened by the army, from the lower end of the Muscle shoals, on the Tennessee river, to Lake Pontchartrain, and thence to New Orleans, and now it is grown up, except about one hundred and twenty miles, so that it is impassable; this is according to information I have received from gentlemen who are ac quainted with the road.

These considerations, I think, are entitled to the notice of the committee. If we must burden the people by a great expenditure, let us endeavor to do it with a view to the general good of the country. As to the defence of the country, every man must know that the valley of the Mississippi can produce a sufficient number of troops to meet any enemy who may have the audacity or vanity to attack our western frontiers or New Orleans-that noted battle ground, where, a few years since, we made the most powerful enemy on earth tremble; where the proud troops of England, headed by their haughty Lord Packenham, so soon became tired of our present Chief Magistrate and his brave little band. We are at present much stronger than during the last war; and if we desire to transport an army to New Orleans, or any thing else, nature has furnished us with the best road in the world, the importance of which we have once experienced. Should it ever happen that your brave soldiers, who fought so gallantly at Bladensburg, should be called on to render us assistance, I should be in favor of their taking a water passage at Memphis; a ride on the water, and a pleasant nap or two, might recruit their strength, and sustain their natural bravery. I do not anticipate that those heroes will ever be called on to protect us; if there is a call, it will be on the other side; and it is now to be regretted that you had not been aided here by a few Kentucky and Tennessee boys, in your brave exertions to prevent the disgraceful burning of the capitol.

In the district which I represent, there are eighteen counties, in the whole of which there is not a spot of ground twenty-five miles from a navigable stream; and, for my part, I would much rather see the public money expended in clearing out those rivers, than in opening roads. By the bill, fifteen hundred dollars per mile is to be expended. This, I fear, would be but an entering wedge. But we will suppose the road to be fifteen hundred miles in length; at this rate it would cost two million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. But I believe the distance to be farther than gentlemen have calculated, and the

From East Tennessee to New Orleans it must be upwards of eight hundred miles; from that place to Memphis, I mean from where the road would pass, between two and three hundred. I am well acquainted with the local situation of East Tennessee, and do not doubt that it would be of great use to make a good road from Memphis to this city. The contemplated road is to commence at Buffalo, come to this city, and go thence to New Orleans. But suppose we should say it were best to begin at Memphis, and come to this place! Will this be opposed? Will the rule not work both ways! If not, it is a bad concern. I am astonished that certain of our eastern friends have become so kind to us. They are quite willing to aid in distributing a portion of the national funds among us of the West. This was not so once. And, if I am not deceived, their present kindness is merely a bait to cover the hook which is intended to haul in the western and south-expense will be greater. ern people; and when we are hooked over the barb, we There is another objection to carrying the road to the will have to yield. Their policy reminds me of a certain extent contemplated by the bill. I think many gentlemen man in the State of Ohio, who, having caught a racoon, have a very erroneous idea about the nature of the counplaced it in a bag, and, as he was on his way home, he met try through which they mean to make the road; they, pera neighbor, who was anxious to know what he had in his haps, do not know that a considerable portion of it will bag. He was told to put his hand in and feel, and in doing pass through a low, flat, and marshy country, entirely desso he was bit through the fingers; he then asked what it titute of rock, gravel, or stone. These low grounds are, in was, and was told that it was only a bite. I fear that our many instances, a perfect swamp; and I cannot be congood eastern friends have a hook and a bite for us; and, if vinced, by any gentleman, that a mud road can be of any we are once fastened, it will close the concern. We may use after it is made. Gentlemen are much mistaken if then despair of paying the national debt; we may bid fare- they think the country bordering on the Mississippi, to be well to all other internal improvements; and, finally, we like this. My opinion is, that if you were to have the road may bid farewell to all hopes of ever reducing duties on thrown up as contemplated by the bill, it would be impasany thing. This is honestly my opinion; and again I say, sable the whole of the winter season; neither wagons nor I cannot consent to "go the whole hog." But I will go as horses could travel on it during the time when it would be far as Memphis. There let this great road strike the Mis- most wanted. If an attack is made on New Orleans, it sissippi, where the steamboats are passing every hour in will be in the winter, because troops, on account of liabilithe day and night; where you can board a steamboat, and, ty to sickness, will not be taken there during the summer; in seven or eight days, go to New Orleans and back; and in the winter your road would be of no use. The Miswhere there is no obstruction at any time of the year. Isissippi gives to New Orleans the advantage over any other would thank any man to show this committee the use of a road which will run parallel with the Mississippi for five or six hundred miles. Will any man say that the road would be preferred to the river either for transportation

point on the continent, so far as regards the facility with which she can be furnished with a force and the materials of war. At a few days' notice, a sufficient force can be collected at that place, to contend with any foe; but I do

[ocr errors]
[blocks in formation]

not expect that we shall ever again be called on to defend that point.

[MARCH 31, 1830.

scruples as to the rightful power of Congress-having always voted for internal improvements-and I will even I am reminded that I have, in several of my speeches to support this bill if you will adopt my amendment, and carmy constituents, given it as my opinion that General Jack-ry the road direct to Memphis. By this, Memphis would son would diminish the national debt faster than any Pre- soon become an important point; and certainly the other sident who has preceded him. I would be pleased to see route can be of no essential benefit to New Orleans, that I bim effect what I have anticipated; and I think it would can discover. be equally pleasing to the nation at large. We boast of I have endeavored to be candid in giving my views OD our freedom; let us also place ourselves in a state in which the subject. I thought it right to give a fair statement of we can boast of our unembarrassed situation. I am one facts. Gentlemen may now think that I am pledged to of those who feel willing to give the present administra- vote against the bill, but I wish not to be misunderstood. tion a fair opportunity to pay all the public debts, if pos- I repeat, that I will vote for the bill with my amendment sible, during its existence. I wish not to embarrass it by And if you will take into consideration the fact, that the creating large public expenditures-let it have a chance Legislature of Tennessee have directed their Senators and ⚫to do its best. I heard a few days since on this floor, that Representatives here, to ask the Government to subscribe we were about to bankrupt the nation by bestowing a por- half a million of dollars to make a turnpike road from the tion of the public funds upon the remaining few of that Virginia line to Memphis, and that the road contemplated glorious band of revolutionary worthies, whose blood and in the bill, if carried to Memphis, will supersede the one toil have purchased for us our boasted liberties; who have which the Tennessee Legislature has in view, I think you been knocking at the door of Congress so long, that but will see the importance of the amendment, which, if adopta meagre group remain-the rest having tottered to their ed, will secure my support of the bill; but no consideragraves. If we wait a little longer, the few left will also tion will induce me to vote for the southern route. be out of the reach of our slow charity. Yet gentlemen With these views I will submit the question to the comwill talk of bankrupting the nation, when these aged he-mittee, to whom I return my thanks for their polite atroes, who gained our independence, extend their hands; and still find excuses for large expenditures, the expediency of which is doubtful. My vote will always be given for the aid of our revolutionary heroes, in preference to your Buffalo road, or any other road.

tention.

Mr. CHILTON gave his reasons against the messure, although friendly to the system of internal improvement.

The debate was continued by Messrs. COKE, CAR-
SON, CRAIG, of Virginia, SPEIGHT, PETTIS, and
BARRINGER; but, before a vote was taken on the final
question,
The committee rose, and reported progress.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1830.

PAY OF MEMBERS.

The House then resumed the consideration of the following resolution, offered by Mr. McDUFFIE:

[ocr errors]

Resolved, That the Committee on Retrenchment be instructed to report a bill providing that whenever the first session of Congress shall continue for a longer period than one hundred and twenty days, the pay of the members shall be reduced to two dollars per day from and after the termination of the said one hundred and twenty days; and that whenever the second session of Congress shall continue for a longer period than ninety days, the pay of the members shall be reduced to two dollars per day from and after the termination of the said ninety days."

The question being on the motion of Mr. EVERETT to amend, by striking out the whole resolution after the word Resolved, and inserting the following words:

To be honest, I must lay this matter before the people in a plain manner. I must say that there is but one reason by which I could justify myself for voting for the bill. It is this: I discover a determination to squander the public funds in some way; and, therefore, I should strive to come in for suacks." There is a bill on your table which will take from your treasury about six hundred thousand dollars for erecting light-houses, and making surveys along the seaboard. Some money, certainly, ought to be distributed to the West; and, to effect this, I must vote for the road bill. I have seen three attempts made, during this session, to reduce duties, and all to no effect. If, then, high duties are to be kept up, should I not try to extend a portion of their avails to the people of the West, who have to pay their proportion? I would much rather, however, let the people keep the money in their own pockets, than to have it expended in paying high salaries to the men who gather the money into the treasury, and in paying ourselves high wages for squandering it to the four winds. These are evils which should be remedied; a host of those who subsist on treasury pap should be dismissed, or their wages lessened; and much of the money which is now required for our various appropriations, should be left in the pockets of the people. This doctrine will suit our western and southern people, but it may not be acceptable to some eastern gentlemen, who are so anxious to encourage manufactures of all kinds at any sacrifice. It is my firm belief that our eastern brethren Mr. SMYTH, of Virginia, spoke at some length, in opwish to place us of the South and West in such a dilemma, position to the resolution. He said the object of the genthat we shall be compelled to keep up the duties to their tleman from South Carolina, who had introduced the resohighest extent. They well know that, if we commence this lution, seemed to him to be the application of a forfeiture work, fifty millions of dollars will be asked to complete it. of the pay of members for the purpose of curtailing the If we but once commence, they will have us bound to main-length of the session of Congress. It also contemplated tain a high tariff for many years: and I would not be sur- an indirect reduction of the per diem allowance of memprised if we should finally be obliged to resort to a system bers. He confidently believed it was no part of the policy of direct taxation. This will be a tough morsel for the of that gentleman [Mr. McDUFFIE] to seek popularity by people in my part of the country to swallow. I hope never his proposition; but he believed him mistaken in relation to see it offered to them-but I confess I am getting some to the effect which would result from its adoption. He what alarmed. believed its effect would be to leave the business of legisI came here as much authorized to vote for this measure lation, or throw it into the bands of less competent incumas any man in Congress. I had expressed my willingness bents. It went upon the hypothesis that one hundred to support the measure to all my constituents; but its ex-days were sufficient for the transaction of the public busipediency, at this time, I must confess, appears to me ex-ness. To this he could not agree; its admission would be to tremely doubtful. I do not hesitate at all on account of pass condemnation upon their predecessors. The last five

"That provision ought to be made, by law, that the first session of Congress shall be limited to the 15th day of April; and that the second session of Congress shall commence on the first Monday of November, except when otherwise provided by law."

« AnteriorContinuar »