Senate.] Indian Tribes. [FEB. 22, 1825. the people of the United States, and not because this Government, to seek out the causes of their continued Senate is about to add another portrait to be fixed in the deterioration, and, as far as practicable, to arrest its prorotundo of the Capitol. gress, by the application of the most appropriate reme The object of this bill certainly ought to be the com-dies. To any one who has carefully attended to the hismemoration and perpetuation of the venerable Washing-tory of the tribes within the old states, it must be appa ton, for the benefit of the present age and generations to rent, that their uniform decline results from causes grow. come after us, and to make lasting impressions from hising out of their location. So true is this position, that, examples and precepts, upon the present and future age. while you can scarcely point to a nation of Indians wastCan this be done by another portrait in the rotundoing away, either numerically or physically, in their native If the honorable member from Massachusetts (Mr. MILLS) wilderness, I know of no tribes within the states, surand from the Select Committee, who reported the bill, rounded by a white population, who have not declined will change it and appropriate the four thousand five in both these respects, and who are not in manifest dan hundred dollars, under the superintendence of some skil-ger of extinction. What, sir, has become of the immense ful man, to collect and cause to be digested, and printed, hordes of these people, who once occupied the soil of the acts of Washington, both military and civil, he would the older states? In New England, where numerous vote for it, upon the condition that, as the money is tak- and warlike tribes once so fiercely contended for supre en from the people, they should derive the advantage. macy with our forefathers, but 2500 of their descendants Mr. NOBLE said, early impressions were lasting, and now remain! And these are mixed with negro blood; be would discriminate between rich and poor; and when dispirited and degraded! Of the powerful league of the the work was completed and printed, he would distri- Six Nations, so long the scourge and terror of New York, bute them among the latter: the former could buy for only about 5,000 souls survived! While in Jersey, Pennthemselves, and he would extend them to the cottages sylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, they are either enin the pine hills in North Carolina, to the Western for-tirely extinct, or their numbers are so reduced as to ests, and every portion of this Union. Parents could have escaped the notice of the Department. In Vir then read and make early impressions upon their child-ginia, Mr. Jefferson informs us, that there were in 1607, ren of the political, moral, and religious worth, of Wash-between " the sea coast and the mountains, and from ington, which never can be done by fixing up pictures and portraits in the Capitol. On the question, "Shall this bill be engrossed for a third reading?" it was decided in the affirmative, by Yeas and Nays, as follows: YEAS. Messrs. Barton, Benton, Clayton, Eaton, Elliott, Findlay, Hayne, Holmes, of Maine, Holmes, of Mississippi, Jackson, Johnson, of Kentucky, Johnston, of Louisiana, Kelly, Lloyd, of Massachusetts, Lowrie, Mills, Parrott, Ruggles, Seymour, Smith, Van Buren-21. NAYS.-Messrs. Bell, Bouligny, Branch, Chandler, Cobb, D'Wolf, Dickerson, Edwards, King, of Alabama, King, of New York, Lanman, M'Ilvaine, M'Lean, Macon, Noble, Palmer, Taylor, Tazewell, Thomas, Williams-20. INDIAN TRIBES. On motion of Mr. BENTON, the Senate resumed, as in committee of the whole, the bill for the preservation and civilization of the Indian tribes within the United States. Mr. ELLIOTT, of Georgia, rose, and, as a member of the Committee on Indian Affairs, asked the attention of the Senate to a few remaks which he proposed to make, in explanation and support of the objects of this bill. The measures proposed in this bill, said Mr. E. have, for their object, the preservation of the Indian tribes within the United States, and the improvement of their condition; as well as the advancement of the wealth and power of the Union. The attainment of objects so interesting both to the philanthropist and the statesman, justified a special message from the President of the United States, and can hardly fail to secure the grave attention of this body. So long as the Indian tribes within our settlements were strong enough to wage war upon the states, and to pursue their trade of blood with the tomahawk and scalping knife, it was neither the policy nor the duty of the Federal Government to consult their comfort, or to devise means for their preservation The contest, then, was for the existence of our infant settlements, and for the attainment of that power by which a civilized and Christian people might safely occupy this promised land of civil and religious liberty. It was then to be regarded as a struggle for supremacy, between savages and civilized men, between infidels and christians. But now, sir, when, by successive wars, and the more fatal operation of other causes, hereafter to be noticed, their power has departed from them, and they are reduced to comparative insignificance, it well becomes the magnanimity of a humane and generous the Potomac to the most Southern waters of James river, upwards of forty tribes of Indians,"-now there are but forty-sever. individuals within the whole state! From North Carolina none are returned—and only four hun dred and fifty from South Carolina! While in Georgia, where, thirty years since, there were not less than thirty thousand souls, within her present limits there are not now more than half that number. That many of these people have removed, and others perished by the sword in the frequent wars which occurred in the progress of our settlements in all these states, I am free to admit. But where are the hundreds of thousands, with their descendants, who neither removed nor were thus destroyed? Sir, I ke a promontory of sand, exposed to the ceaseless encroachments of the ocean, they have been gradually wasting away before the current of the white population, which set in upon them from every quarter; and unless speedily removed by the provisions of this bill, beyond the influence of this cause, a remnant will not long be found, to point you to the graves of their ancestors, or to relate the sad story of their misfor tunes! From this view of the subject, sir, I am brought to the conclusion, that two independent communities of people, differing in color, language, habits, and interests, cannot long subsist together-but that the more intelligent and powerful will always destroy the other. This, it must be confessed, is a sombre picture of human na ture-but it is a sketch from real life; and the statesman will legislate for man as he is, and not as he ought to be Now, communities not independent of each other, may differ in most of these respects, and yet not only subsist together, but, to a certain extent, increase and better their condition. Some of the South American Indians, although conquered and reduced to slavery by the Span iards, were not destroyed. Their tribes are still extant; and, having commingled their blood with that of their conquerors, they are at this time an improved and pow. erful people. The African slaves, too, in the United States, are a distinct and separate people, but they rapidly increase, and are daily improving in condition. In these instances, the mutual dependence which exists, creates, in some sort, a community of interests. But, two communities of people, wholly independent of each other, and differing essentially in character and habits, must find their feelings and interests in perpetual colli sion. To confine such discordant materials, therefore, within the limits of the same state, canr. ot fail to engen der endless contentions. And these, as in all other controversies, where physical power is made the arbiter of right, must ever result in the discomfiture of the weak er party; who, at length, dispirited and degraded under a sense of comparative weakness, and increasing wants, become idle and vicious, seeking in the botule that gratification, which they once enjoyed in the chase-and this degradation, and these habits, lay the foundation of their subsequent deterioration. And, sir, if it be so difficult to preserve the Indian population within the states, from gradual but certain extinction, owing to the operation of causes inseparable from their location, how can we hope to promote either their moral or intellectual improvement, under such circumstances? Confidence in the sincerity and good intentions of those who essay to teach and improve us, is essential to success in the undertaking. But how can confidence exist amidst the daily irritations which grow out of the unhappy situation of these people? Are they yet in the hunter state? Their sustenance, then, depeads on the quantity of game that may be found within their limits. But this is daily decreasing, by the encroachments of the whites, who penetrate their forests, and kill off the animals on which they subsist. Have they advanced to the condition of herdsmen Their stock pass the boundaries of their territory; they are found to trespass upon the property of the whites, and they are destroyed. [Senate. derive support from its fertility. It is a part of the country which will not answer our purposes of social intercourse and compact settlements. But, for the Indians, hardly any country could afford greater advantages than the tract adjoining the Kansas river, the Osage, the Neocio, the Verdigrise, and, perhaps, the Arkansas, below where our route to Mexico crosses it. They could, from those places, procure salt from the salt plains of the Arkansas; and during the incipient state of their progress, before their harvest could be equal to their support, the game would afford them an abundant means of support.' Nor, sir, is this all; new acquisitions of territory are repeatedly urged upon them, and, savage as they are, they are not so devoid of common sense, as not to argue from the past to the future, and to anticipate the fate which awaits them, in the traditions of the powerful tribes who once commanded the banks of the Potomac and Delaware, and whose names alone survive! Under the pressure of such circumstances, it is idle to look for any solid or extended improvement in the Indian population within the states. A few of them, of mixed blood, may acquire some knowledge, and more property; but the great mass of this population cannot be expected to escape the causes of decline and degradation which have heretofore produced such uniform results. Under this impression, and with a view so sustain and improve the Indians now within the states, this bill was reported. It proposes to accomplish these benevolent objects by the But, here, sir, I will anticipate two objections. The purchase of a tract of country lying between the Mis- first, that the congregation of so many different tribes souri and Arkansas rivers, as a permanent possession for of Indians on adjoining tracts, must necessarily lead to these people. This tract is said by Mr. Storrs, who has wars between them, more ruinous than the collisions explored it, to be very fertile, well watered, and abound- they experience with the whites in their present situaing in game. But I will give you his own language, from tion. This would probably be the case, were they not a letter lately received by the Chairman of the Commit- sensible of the presence and power of the Federal Gotee on Indian Affairs. In reference to the plan of co-vernment, to adjust their difficulties, and to put down lonizing the Indians, he says, Such is the country proposed to be assigned to the Indians as their future home. It will be sub-divided into surveys of sufficient extent to meet the exigencies of every tribe; and to each will be assigned a separate location. The whole to form a colony of red men, under the protection and guardianship of the Federal Government. From this territory, all white men will be rigidly excluded, except missionaries, teachers, and artisans, now engaged in their instruction and improvement, or such as may hereafter become necessary for that purpose; and these will be removed and settled with them. In this situation, all the wants of such a people will be provided for. No sudden transition from the hunter to the agricultural condition, will be expected by practical men. Such a change must be the work of time, and can be realized only in the descendants of those who shall be removed. These will be sedulously taught, both by precept and example, the value of the cultivation of the earth, on permanent possessions, and under a government of known laws. And, growing up under the influence of such instructions, with minds and morals improved, and relieved from the debasing associations of their for mer situation, every hope may be indulged of the most gratifying result. In the mean time, the adult population, upon whose habits and prejudices no very salutary effects could be expected, will find employment and profit in the chase, and in the management and increase of their domestic animals; for which purpose every sec tion of land may have an outlet to the Rocky Mountains, and the privilege of hunting be purchased of the natives. "Nature could hardly have formed a country more admirably fitted to such a purpose, than that which lies between us and the Arkansas river. It is among the most beautiful and fertile tracts of country I ever saw. Streams lined with timber intersect and beautify it in every direction. There are delightful landscapes, over which Flora has scattered her beauties with a wanton hand; and upon whose bosom innumerable wild animals display their amazing numbers. The Spring clothes this solitude with its richest scenery, and affords a combination which cannot fail to please the eye and delight the imagination. the wrong doer. But it is proposed to have agents among them, men of known principle, well acquainted with the Indian character, respected by them, and anxious for their improvement. These men will act as umpires between the various tribes, and, by a timely adjustment of their quarrels, take away the occasion of wars. And the presence of the military posts, which will be stationed on the Western and Northern limits of this colony, cannot fail to give to such supervisionary law, the efficiency which is anticipated. The second objection is, the danger to be apprehended by the adjoining states, from the power of the Indians thus collected. But, sir, it is to be recollected that these tribes have all ex"If a few remnants of our tribes were settled here, perienced the power, and been subdued by the arms of embracing, if possible, the Osages and Kanzas, and their the United States; and that the position which they will prospect should become flattering others would natur- occupy, is one which will expose them to the whole Inally join them, and form similar establishments; and, indian population to the North and West of them. Under the course of a few years, we should witness the gratifying spectacle of an organized government of industrious habits, and peaceful villages, surrounded with smiling fields and domestic herds. As 1 passed through that delightful region, I could not help regretting that it should be a waste of Nature; and felt a secret assurance that, at some future period, flocks would feed upon its abundant herbage, and a numerous population would VOL. 1.-41 such circumstances, every motive to be suggested, either by fear or interest, must impel them to the cultiva tion of peaceful habits, and a close alliance with the United States. This objection, then, is founded upon the supposition, that these Indians will act directly contrary to their obvious interests, and make war upon those whose power they know they cannot resist, and the preservation of which, they feel to be necessary to their Senate.] Indian Tribes. [FEB. 22, 1825. own safety. Now, this is too violent a supposition to be New Orleans was saved in the last war by the power of the foundation of any objection which would require se- the adjoining states, so Florida, and the seacoast of rious refutation. The contemplated removal and settle- Georgia and Alabama, can be successfully defended ment of those Indians, therefore, will not endanger ei- against future invasion only by the timely augmentation ther their peace or our safety, while it promises to them of their physical power. It becomes, then, an object of an entire exemption from all the causes of deterioration, cardinal interest with the Federal Government, upon under which they now languish. That the civilization whom devolves the high duty of national defence, that and moral improvement of these people, must be the every portion of these states should be filled up with an necessary consequence of their removal and settlement effective population; and blind, indeed, is that policy, as this bill contemplates, I am not prepared to say. But which would continue to appropriate so many millions I do say, Mr. President, unless they are removed from of acres of land, thus situated, to the unproductive uses their present situation, and that very shortly, too, there of Indian occupancy, regardless alike of the wealth of will be but few to require this experiment at your the nation, and of her means of defence! But, sir, inde hands-an experiment which, although it may fail, I be-pendent of the general policy which so strongly recom lieve to be more full of hope and promise, concerning the future prospects of this unfortunate race, than any which has been heretofore attempted. acres. mends this measure, its tendency to fulfil the just ex pectations of Georgia, in reference to the cession of 1802, should ensure to it the most favorable reception Twenty-three years have nearly elapsed, since the Union contracted, for a valuable consideration, to extinguish, for the use of Georgia, the Indian title to all the lands within her limits. Knowing the influence and power of the Federal Government, Georgia could not have anti cipated the delays which have occurred, nor for seen the obstacles which they would have interposed to the ac complishment of her expectations. And, although fully sensible of the pernicious effects of this procrastination, Thus much I have felt it my duty to say, in reference to the deep interest I believe the Indians have in the proposed measures. But, I have said these measures would also increase the wealth and power of the Union. The removal of the Indians beyond the limits of the states, would leave us in possession of all the lands they now occupy; and these, from their situation and extent, must be very valuable. Almost all the Indian reservations have been of the best lands; and surrounded, as they are at this time, by a white population, and improv-in the abridgment of her wealth and power, such has ed by roads, and other facilities of intercourse with the been her attachment to the Union, and respect for is adjacent country, they would command comparatively Government, that she has hitherto repressed the full ex a high price. But these lands form an aggregate of no pression of disappointment, in the hope that every new less than seventy-seven millions five hundred thousand appeal to the justice of the United States would result Now deduct nine millions five hundred thousand in the performance of their stipulations. Formerly, her acres, as lands belonging to Georgia, when the Indian claims were postponed for the convenience of the Natitle shall have been extinguished; and one hundred and tional Treasury; and, latterly, by representations of the forty-four thousand in possession of the Cahawba Indians, difficulties of compliance. But now, sir, a plan is offer but which, if surrendered, would belong to South Caro-ed for your acceptance, free from all these embarrass lina, and you will have sixty-seven million eight hundred ments. It is proposed to exchange lands beyond the and fifty-six thousand acres subject to the disposition of Mississippi for those tracts held by Indians within the the United States! Suppose this immense tract sold at states. Should this plan succeed, it will enable the only two dollars per acre, a fund would be created of United States not only to discharge their obligations to one hundred and thirty-five millions seven hundred and Georgia, "peaceably, and on reasonable terms," but to twelve thousand dollars! Which, after reimbursing the confer a lasting benefit on the Indians thus removed, by Treasury for all expenses incurred in carrying into effect giving them a permanent home, for their present precar the provisions of this bill, would not only be adequate ous possessions. In his message on this subject, the Preto the extinction of the national debt, but leave an im-sident informs Congress, that a treaty with the Creek mense amount at the future disposal of the Government. Indians is now negotiating, and, "with a reasonable But, sir, the wealth and power of the Union will be prospect of success Although no serious difficulties still more advanced by the greater compactness of the may now present themselves to the acquisition of these population, and the increased cultivation of the soil of lands, yet, every day's delay is calculated to augment the states, which would be ensured under the operation such as do exist. The attainment of property by a few of the system. If the wealth of a nation depends upon individuals of mixed blood, (some of whom own co on the quantity of its surplus productions, whatever has a plantations, worked by African slaves,) has given to a te deney to increase these productions, must operate fa- small minority a controlling influence in the councils of vorably upon the resources of the community. By the the nation. These men become, annually, richer and plan proposed, an immense tract of land, now useless, more powerful, while the great body of the nation are would be brought into cultivation, some of which will impoverished and degraded. Without game to subsist produce the most valuable staples, either for use or ex-on, and unskilled in the arts of civilized life, they are in portation. Within the states of Georgia, Alabama, Mis- fact the menials of this aristocracy, who employ and sup sissippi, and Tennessee, there are upwards of 33,000,000 port them; and who, fully sensible of all the advan of acres of valuable land, that would be redeemed and tages resulting to their avarice from the possession of brought into cultivation! Most of this soil would grow this power and influence, will not easily be persuaded cotton, and swell the valuable export of these states to to use either in support of a policy which, however it an astonishing amount. But, sir, what shall I say of the may be calculated to subserve the interests of the mass value of the population which this measure would ensure of the red population, may ultimately deprive them of to these states? This Senate must be well aware that the station and emoluments they now enjoy. Most of it is not less the policy of the Federal Government than the difficulties which have been experienced in treating it is the interest of these states to afford every facility to with these Indians, have been occasioned by the influ the rapid increase of their efficient population. Situat-ence and intrigues of men of this description, who, hav ed at the most exposed point of the Union, as two of these states are, with an entensive sea coast, incapable, from the nature of its soil, of sustaining but a very sparse population, they must rely, for their defence, principal ly, on the dense population of the interior. Florida, too, with her immense maritime frontier, will look chiefly to Georgia and Alabama for aid in time of war. And, as ing no interests in common with the nation, could not be expected to sympathise with them. The mass of the red population have long been inclined to such a remote al and settlement as this bill proposes; and, should the treaty with the Creeks succeed, the Indians will be removed, at their own request, beyond the Mississippi, and settled upon lands to be given them as a permanent pas FEB. 22,23, 1825.] Massachusetts Claims.-Cumberland Road. [Sen. & H. of R. did hope, most earnestly, that a proper bill would be at session, in exchange for those they shall have surrendered. In fact, a disposition to such a removal and settlement as this bill contemplates, is manifesting itself from various quarters; and many applications for this purpose have been already made to the War Department, by the more intelligent and reflecting among the Indians of differrent tribes. Nay, sir, delegations from ten or twelve tribes have actually arrived in this city, within the two last days, charged by the nations to whom they belong, IN SENATE-WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1825. with the expressions of their gratitude for the propos tions contained in this bill, and of their readiness to comtion of the Indian tribes within the United States, was The engrossed bill for the preservation and civiliza. ply with its requirements. Nothing, then, is wanting to read a third time, passed, and sent to the House for the accomplishment of this important object, but the sanction of Congress. About 130,000 souls of this unfortunate race now await their destiny at your hands! Pass this bill, sir, and you elevate their character, and impart new hopes to their future prospects. Reject it, and you set your seal to their degradation. And, although their fate may be delayed, I consider it as inevitable as the march of time. Every motive, therefore, of humanity, of policy, and of interest, urges you to the sanction of this bill. In such a cause, and under such circumstances, I am not permitted to doubt the decision of the Senate. The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. After the consideration of Executive business, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—SAME DAY. Mr. SHARPE moved to consider the bill to extend the right of deposite in public stores, with certain privileges, to other goods besides wines, teas, and distilled spirits. The motion prevailed. Mr. SHARPE went at great length into an exposition of his views in relation to the bill. He took a general view of the present state of American commerce, especially that connected with the port of New York, and argued, from various considerations, the expediency of passing the bill, which he considered as of the utmost importance. Mr. WILLIAMS, of N. C. though professing himself in favor of the bill, was induced, in consequence of the advanced state of the session, and the mass of business reported for immediate attention, to move to lay the bill on the table. The motion prevailed. MASSACHUSETTS CLAIMS. A message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Everett, (of which a copy appears in the proceedings of the Senate of this date.) Mr. CROWNINSHIELD moved that the message be referred to the Military Committee. Mr. WEBSTER said he did not rise to oppose the reference which his hon. colleague had proposed. He did not know that that might not be a proper disposition to be made of the communication. He was sorry-most truly sorry, however, to be obliged to say that this measure did not seem to advance the claim-even that part of it which was admitted to be just-a single step nearer payment than it was before. He did think it a little extraordinary, that it should be thought necessary to apply to Congress at all, for the payment of that part of the claim which seemed to be admitted to be free from any well founded objection. He, for one, could not acknowledge himself satisfied with the course which had been adopted, or to so much of this claim as was acknowledged to be just. Why, if just, has it not been paid, like other claims? As far as he was concerned, as a member from the state, he should only ask for justice. He wished for nothing else, neither now nor hereafter. He hoped the present motion was made, under an expectation that the committee would report a bill for the immediate payment of whatever was found justly due He thought the state had a right to expect this; and if it could not be obtained, without the aid of a law, he concurrence. The engrossed bill authorizing the purchase of the Equestrian Portrait of Washington, by Rembrandt Peale ; On the question Shall this bill pass? was read a third time. MACON, LANMAN, and NOBLE, opposing the appro- Clayton, Eaton, Elliott, Findlay, Hayne, Holmes, of Me. NAYS.-Messrs. Branch, Brown, Chandler, Cobb, So the bill passed and was sent to the House for con. currence. CUMBERLAND ROAD. The Senate took up, as in committee of the whole, (Mr. BARBOUR in the chair,) the bill appropriating 150,000 dollars for the extension of the Cumb rland Road from the Ohio to the Muskingum, at Zanesvillethe amount of the appropriation to be reimbursed to the Treasury out of the fund reserved for laying out and making roads under the direction of Congress, by the several acts passed for the admission of the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, into the Union Mr. BROWN, of Ohio, (Chairman of the Committee on Roads and Canals,) said this was not at all a new subject to the Senate, but it was one of great interest, not only to all the states West of the Ohio, but to some of the Eastern states likewise. He therefore asked the favorable attention of the Senate to it. He would not deny that the state he represented would be one of the first to feel the benefit of the appropriation, but it would, he hoped, be admitted, that the state of Ohio had some reason to ask this of the General Government, and it ought to be conceded to them. The Legislature of that state had, he said, passed laws, during the last session, for opening a navigable canal between the waters of Lake Erie and the Ohio, which, when com pleted, could not fail of being of great service to the United States, in peace and war, and would likewise enhance the property of the United States in that state, and in those further Westward. If, therefore, from such considerations, the United States would make a begin ning this year, for the extension of the road beyond the Ohio river, which now connects the valley of the Ohio with that of the Potomac, they would find their own in. terest in a liberal policy in this regard, which would be of material service to the Western states. Independent of political and commercial considerations of no small importance, and viewed simply in rela tion to its effect upon the Treasury, the propriety of extending the road might be safely advocated. Since it was no longer doubtful that facility of communication imparted value to property, he might, without extrava. gance, presume that the Treasury would, at no very distant day, be amply repaid the appropriations which Senate.] Cumberland Road. [FEB. 23, 1825. was, he believed nearly as 14 to 9 or 10. The two per cent. ought not to be charged to this account as exclusively affecting the Western country, but so far as it a topplied to the object last mentioned, was to be apportioned in like ratio. it should be remembered, too, that the people beyond the mountains contribute to the revenue." the liberality of Congress should cause to be advanced for this object. If this were a matter in which the state of Ohio alone was concerned, this appropriation would not, probably, have now been asked; but it would be evident that, much as the present inhabitants of those states were interested in it, the United States were, as proprietors, evidently more so, as respected the increas ed value it would give to their property. The United He hoped, therefore, that granting this appropriation States possessed, in the three states Northwest of Ohio would not be considered as conferring an extraordinary and the state of Missouri, from fifty to seventy millions benefit on the Western states, at the cost of the East. of acres of land, which would be much increased inern; yet the Western states would be grateful for this value by the extension of this road-and if the United care of their interests. States should receive no higher price for those lands Mr. COBB said, that, although he would not pretend than they now receive, a desirable object would be ob- that he should be able to throw any new lights on the tained, in the more rapid sales; the facilities of purchas- great principles involved in the bill under consideration, ers would be increased, which would be a great in- yet he could not consent to its passage without some de ducement to persons to settle in that country, and this gree of investigation, and therefore he solicited the at should be well considered, if it was of much importance tention of the Senate for a few minutes. At the present that the public land should be speedily sold, as well as period, it could not be expected, that there are many that it should realize the price Congress had contem- persons who could contribute additional lights upon a plated. The sum now asked was only 150,000 dol- question which had engaged the attention, and elicited lars-a small sum, he thought, compared with those the investigation of the ablest statesmen in the nation. expended in other places, but it was a sum that would Yet he looked to its final decision with very great anxie produce a very sensible benefit to that part of the county. He thought the Senate would concur in believing try, and to which he hoped no objection would be made. with him, that those principles had not been entirely It might, he said, be objected by some gentlemen, settled when they looked to the history of this system of that the cost of the road, heretofore, as far as it had ex-internal improvements. There had been no instance tended, had been very great. Mr B. agreed to this. within his recollection, when the claim for the power of It had, indeed, been more expensive than it should have adopting it had been advanced, in which it was not de been, but it was constructed in different times from the nied by some one of the departments of the govenment. present; it was constructed when the mode of conduct-At the very first session of the Congress of which he had ing such operations was new. Hereafter it would be first the honor of being a member (which was at the constructed on better principles of economy, and the commencement of the present administration) the ques state of the country was better fitted for it than it was tion was brought before the House of Representatives. at that time. The distance from Wheeling to Zanesville At that time a solemn vote was taken in that body, dewas, he said, the roughest part of the country over which claring that Congress had no power to construct roads the road was to pass till it should reach the Mississippi. and canals. This vote was predicated on the report of Independent of the importance of this road, in increas- a committee appointed on so much of the President's ing the value of landed property, it would be important Message as related to the subject, and, in which mes in a political point of view. It would likewise facilitate sage, the power was expressly denied to Congress. How the progress of the mail; and many other important far the opinions of the Executive, since that period, had considerations had so far recommended this subject, undergone a change, in relation to the question, was as that it had been sanctioned by Congress, and by two well known to the Senate as to himself; he should not Presidents of the United States, the most scrupulous, stop to point out the change, if any, inasmuch as he adon the constitutionality of internal improvements by verted to the message, merely to shew that the question authority of Congress. In regard to the contract which had not been settled. He repeated, that he felt great had been made with the Western states for constructing anxiety as to the result of the vote now about to be taken that road from the Eastern states towards the Western in the Senate, inasmuch as he believed it involved the ones, he would merely observe, that the United States great question, Whether this government was to drop had received a concession of much greater value-for all its federative characteristics, and was about to be five per cent. on the nett proceeds of the sales of come, as predicted by the great Virginia Prophet,* * public lands for constructing roads, three per cent. to splendid national consolidated government, reared upon be laid out by the state, and two per cent. to be laid the ruins of the sovereignty of the people and the states? out under the direction of Congress, in constructing In using such expressions, Mr. C. said, he was aware roads leading to those states. He hoped the generosity that he was harping upon an old string, whose simple of the Senate would take into view this bargain, as a notes were extremely disagreeable to the ears of certain bargain not favorable to those states; but of which, having modern politicians. The subject had become unfash agreed to it, they would not complain. It was, indeed, ionable. But, from the earliest period at which he had a hard bargain on their part. In the state of Ohio, assum- seriously thought upon political subjects, he had been ing the medium rate at which taxes had been levied-taught to reverence the principles he was attempting to and they had been as low as possible, for the people had begun poor, without public funds or territory-they had at least given up a million of dollars. It was easy to conceive how hard it bore on the settlers there, and how much public improvement was retarded by the effect of this compact. This was not all bestowed for the benefit of the inhabitants of those states; the three per cent. laid out in the state were laid out in improvements to increase the value of the United States' property, as well as that of the inhabitants-for in 1806 or 7, the proportion of land held by the United States, including Indian lands, * Patrick Henry. advocate, and the Senate would therefore pardon the terms he had used, if there was any thing offensive in them. He had learned, from the State in which he was born, (and of which you, sir, are a Representative )† that there is safety in sometimes recurring to fundamental principles. Much might be said, he thought, as to the expediency of the measure under consideration. great propriety, be inquired, why Congress was called It might, with on to extend the Cumberland Road at this time, even admitting they had the power? Why the Western States were now better entitled to have such a beneficial ↑ Mr. Barbour, of Virginia, was in the chair when Mr. C. delivered his remarks. |