Indiana Palladium, Volume 1, Number 50, Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, 16 December 1825 — Page 2
j the market, has occupied the attention and of the Wahash and the Maumee can he
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of representatives
With a lively and grateful sense, let us
first acknowledge the Supreme goodness oficondition of our own citizens
an Almighty Providence for the numerous
instances in which he has peculiarly favored our land. Permit me to embrace this opportunity to congratulate you upon the prosperous situation of our country, and the favorable auspices under which you have assembled. Our common country is in the full enjoyment of peace, and that portion of prosperity and happiness which our liberal institutions are calculated to ensure; the productions of our soil have ensured the warmest hopes of the agriculturalist; our citizens during the past year have generally enjoyed an unusual portion of health; the accession to the population of our state during the past season, by means of emigration, has exceeded all former example; the resources of the state are gradually developing, and our finances are improving with a rapidity that answers our most sanguine expectations. But while we indulge ourselves in a gratifying review of the past, and in a pleasing contemplation of our present and future situation, let us not forget that unfeigned thankfulness and gratitude are continually due to 'Him? from whom all blessings flow for these signal manifestations of his divine and benificent regard. Although the fertility of our soil and the variety of its productions, aided by the industry and economy of our citizens, after supplying an abundance for a rapidly increasing population, and placing all above the fear of want, furnish a large surplus of produce for market, yet the uncertainty of our only attainable market, and the difficulties' to be surmounted, and expense to be incurred, by a large portion of our citizens in reaching that market.prevcnt them from realizing those advantages which their situation and circumstances would otherwise command, and operate as a dead weight upon the industry and enterprise of the state. For a long period previous to the late war, the continued struggle for power in Europe, called immense numbers of their hands from the plough to fill their armies. Agriculture was neglected, whole countries were overrun, and the people as well as the armies were in a measure compelled to look to the United States for a considerable portion of their subsistance. American produce found a ready market in every part in Europe, and the high prices which it commanded, enabled the farmer in every part of the-country to incur the expense of a difficult and tedious transportation, and yet to realize a handsome profit upon his labor. Nor was this prosperous state of affairs ma
terially changed by the commencement of
the late war with Great Britain. Inconsc
quenceofthe war, large disbursements of
public money were made by the general government in every part of the country; a general rage for speculation was excited numerous banks with a fictitious capital were established ; immense issues of paper
were made, and the circulating medium of
the country was increased four fold in the
called forth the exertions of the best talents
of our country; and the remedies that have been adopted and pursued with so much success in other states, may advantageously be referred to, in considering of the means
to be adopted for the amelioration of the
made to mingle, and the aforementioned
obstructions can be removed, at an expense
of capital employed in Ohio. May we then
for the completion of such works, by a system of taxation, would be impracticable:
the people could not sustain the pressure.
not exceeding one twentieth of the amount Pursuing the course, of other states on sunt
lar occasions, the money might be raised by
not indulge the hope that at some day not; loans, and means provided tor the regular
far distant, this almost natural channel otmayment ot the accruing interest
In some of the states, a part of the capi
tal which had formerly been successfully employed in commercial enterprise.has been employed in maraifaoturhrv establishments, by which large numbers have been withdrawn from the pursuit of husbandry, and a home market created for a great portion of the surplus produce of the farmer. In other states, in addition to the estab
lishment of manufactories, large portions of
the dormant capital of the ccuntru which had been withdrawn from mercant!: parsuits, now no longer profitable, has 5oo:i called forth and put into active circulation among the people in works of internal improvement. In many of the states, there remedies have been completely eilbctual: the cry of "hard times' is no longer heard, and a new impulse has been given, and new resources have been opened, to the industry and enterprise of the citizens. The state of Ohio having become sensible of trie advantages to be derived from the prosecution of a system of internal improvement, has recent! v commenced the con-
struction of two canals, one of which is to
open a communication between the river Ohio and Lake Erie. By this enterprise her citizens will be at once benefited, by the expenditure among thein of large sums of money, furnished by Eastern capitalists. Employment will be found for large bodies of her citizens, who have heretofore been unprolitably engaged in the cultivation of the soil; a new and advantageous market will be opened for the surplus produce el the country, and a stupendous public v. orb. will be completed, which will be a permanent source of revenue to the state; betides leaving upon the pages of American hi. for an instructive and illustrious demonstration of the energy and public spirit, of a tree and infant republic. This taken in connexion with the great artificial channel in New York, which the
thunder of a thousand pieces of artillery lias just announced as finished, cannot fail to give the North an advantage over the tropical climes. The citizens of Indiana are still laboring under the difficulties produced by the causes to which I have alluded: and their relative situation with regard to markets, and the difficulties to be encountered, and the expense to be incurred in reaching their only approachable market, fluctuating and uncertain as it is, afford but small inducement:? to individual exertion and enterprise, as yet, in comparison with the inducements and facilities, that are presented in some of our sister states, where the languishing industry of the country has been revived, by the prosecution of public works to a successful issue.
communication between the East and the
West will be opened, and a great commercial thoroughfare established through the interior of our state; that we may witness with delightful sensations the various products of all countries, securely freighted in vessels floating upon its bosom. The law of Congress approved May ICth, 1824, authorising this state to open a canal
through the public lands, to connect thoj
As connected with this sbbiect I cannot
forbear the mention of a warm solicitude which is manifested by the citizens of the eastern part of this state for the construction of a canal from Lawrcnceburgh ou the Ohio, to Fort Wayne. They have already taken steps to procure a survey of the route, and it is understood have received assurances from a most respectable source, that the
i funds necessary to complete the work, can
which the canal rmisi necessarily pass, has
not vet been olnanro, : ;.r u or. era I Gov-
CfiRscv'iwi'i-rr. ;
er this state cat., with .Mi rights of the native, a, recognized hv the feder:: cced tosurvevand mark
posed channel for flu purpose of availing herself of the donation under the provisions
of the law oi
! I ! A 4 ih nA - 4
navigation ot the river Wahash and the Mi-1 h - ami of the Lake, seems to have been predi- a c lart.cr of corporation sirfiicated upon a belief, that the Indian title to Gently liberal in lis provisions can be prothe land, through which the proposed canal rcd lroR1 the legislature ot this state. As would pass, had already i con extinguished.! 3 understood, that tins project has no deli is ascertained however, .hat the InJiar is upon the public purse, and as the corntitle to a principle part of toe land, through? Von of the work will be of great and un-
qucsiioiuiuie uum, u is I't.iuu mat objection will he urged against granting a charter, as liberal in its provisions, as may
vio:;;ti ef thoS'jC consistent with the policy, constitution
owh'd'ed ai,dJi 'riVVS ttlG 5 hate. Our state pride vemnent nro-i:on incline us to give an impulse to de-
o rcut of 'he pri-l-'h OI lnls ucuu cnaracier, so eminently
calculated io give as mai sianoang in uic Union to which, we aspire. The commissioner appointed by the last General Assembly to examine the obstructions in the two White rivers, and report the same, together with an estimate of the expense of the removal, to this session, has entered upon that duty, and in due time w ill
It i? ihercforc submitted io vour la" hemic yon the result of his examinations.
Co;.gres, until inese claims
are omeieu.
From authentic representations by those acquainted with the Indian a flairs, it is believed that i ho Indians arc inclined to dis
pose of (heir right of soil in that quarter of
the state.
consideration, whether a proper representation of this subject ought not to be made to uitr representatives in Congress, accompanied with a yequest to endeavor to procure an extinguishment of the Indian title to these lands. And should we conclude to accept of the proposition of the General Government, it
will be necessary to pass a law, authorizu g
The two White rivers and their tributa
ries water a very considerable portion of t he state, and at certain seasons of the year arc navigable nery two hundred miles from their junction with the Wabash. It is believed that these obstructions may he removed, and th-e navigation rendered comparatively secure, at an expense within the present means of the state; when they will prove
the survey at as'earlv a dnv as practicable.! valuable auxilin; i.s to the exporting citizen. From the prevailing sentiment in favor of This subject ought to claim the undivided
attention oi tie Legislature. I have said this ninth on the subject of internal improvement, because it seems to be
internal improvement, manifested by every department of the general government, I
think there is good reason to believe, that
if the subject is brought before Congress at;demaTded by t:ie general nece their present session, a grant of land and j 11 01 l"c varaas ior u privileges much more liberal and beneficial jniea:' ei' commercial intercr
neval necessity and spir-
facilitatinif the
onrse between
i i i i .
could be obtained for this important pur- distant pomis, are el acknowledged utility, pose, than those continued in the act above as a means of giving a new impulse to the mentioned. agricultural v,;.ti ruiinutacturing interests of The nolicv of onenine a canal at the fills he country, and improving the finances cf
of the Ohio has for some years been undor-jthe state- besides giving life and animation
o-nhvr nrHrrilorniiJiMpiiMohr-.lim) n..,;to the WiUUC !)odv politic. liut SCneinCS ot
it is but reasof-ablc to suppose that at thitj kUAl not be hastily entered into, time public opinion is prepared to respond hrclv from a spirit of emulation, or a thirst to the euestioy. U is not contended thatKur ephemeral glory. We should be satisfithis canal is of general interest to the tateJetl that the extent and commercial import-
pvrf.nl' nn n-r, --Tit r,T.ii!irtivp s .nr.l auce. of the navigation to be connected or
of revenue; a i though a very respectable portion of oar citizens art; immediately interested iii i!te threat iacilur it wotdd afford
them, in the navigation of the Ohio: but it
I,, x C i. a ..!. ... ......
j.ei us ior a nionieni casi our ees on r'jjouhi be rem inhe red "tnat a henetit to one;
improved, are suiiieient to place beyond doubt
the success and public utility of the work.
When satisiied on these points the means of the state may be safely employed. The in-
. i.u v.i.iiiiimun j ilia v ti
ne j eo par-
map of our own state,and examine the natu-jj,art of the state, wiiliout an actual (repr;.dized hy borrowing money under these cirral facilities for improvement, which arejVa;jon fG ?ie vlj. T p-,,-?., ps H heneiit to thecum5a5u:0' to expend upon permanent and
mere ooviousiy anu impressively pres-e:u;o ThoIe." ii is certain that works of this mag-j nnpcr;s..aiiie wor;s oi j)unnc utility ior ine to view. The Wabash is a stream of great! nitude should never be undertaken without! internal iniprovcment of the country, which
length: It runs through some oi the mostJtle approbation of public ori; ion, fcr no
a common benefit io all, when it is redu
ced to a reasonable certainty that the prof
its nn.-mg irom such improvements, will an-
course ot two or three years. A natural iertile portions oi tne state, ami vui ine ex-!act f the legislature can ever be permanent ... - I it.. i .. ...... i i ... ... i ' r . - Is i
consequence ot this great increase ot what cepuoa oi me rapius neai ine mouui oir benehciaL when the setilexl determina
-was then deemed equivalent to money, was, White luver, is deemed navigable tor steam? jor;S -f the country are arraved against it.;IU,n eAcecd the interest of the sum exthat a fictitious value was placed upon la- heats, during most of the season as far up as j When we eondder'lhe large urns which are!pdcd, and gradually extingui:h the prinbor, and every species of property; the esti- ljlc niouth of the Tippacanoe: But theseaHMr,Hv najt ior transportations around t'ne!(Pa Jt is 'his policy alone, which will enmatc upon every thing was in reality a dc- render the navigation of the river im-l foils ,f tiie Ohio; the active, extensive andi;iD- li? to tr,ji:v 111 a5) ample manner, the ception a specious fraud upon the 'world; practicable for a large portion of the year.jncn,ar;jn commerce carried on by means' numerous advantngi ;with which nature has money, as it was then called, was easily ac- This obstruction is situated upon that partLf tha uVicrldy riverand the immense val-? surrounded us. quired, and the people too generally, and o'thc river which forms the common boun-!lle 0f the water power for machinery, that! lias joel! generally expected that durtoo easily indulged in visionary dreams of ar between this state and Illinois; andu-ould be acquired by the construction of,m he present season t.he National Load -wealth and splendor. from '1 correspondence which 1 have hadjtho canah we are forced to appreciate its vvou't! have h?.v. permanently located But this state of things could not last: the T'vitl tll governor of that state, I have thc utilit . We cannot refrain from living- a through Indiana. -but circumstances havedis-
general pacitication of the old world, andjsausIaLUOn lo inImi you, mat ne tenaersj Vi, (. Up011 this particular snot of ;appomtetl our wishes. As thi3 road p ro
lls every assurance, tiiat tne state ot IllinoisVr0!i:L uilhiii our jurisdiction, when we re-' ceeds towards the setting sun, we feel an inis willing toco-operate with this siatc inany;nort that so small an improvement, will on-clC!asc1 anxiety that it may be completed as measure that can be agreed upon to re-:aM0 u5 to demand a tribute from the headisoon as possible through" this rising state.
move this impediment in the s.ream. of navigntion on the Ohio, to the mouth of; Under the induenre of these fueling?, and
The navigable parts of the Wabash and the Mississippi; and when the Ohio canal is t " -ue detercr.ee to the wisdom and good the Maumee of the Lake, approximate veryiconiploted, we may expect a brik tr'idejrno'vcs of Congress, smd to the zeal and innear to each other. By mean? of a canal offrrn Canada to Europe; which will sudi- dustrv of our own members, allow me resabout twenty-eight miles in length, com-icier.tlv indicate the importance of the woik. pectlully to submit to ycur consideration mencing at the junction of the St. Mary's! Should you be satisfied that the public v oice whether a memorial to that body, expressand St. Joseph's, and terminating at thejsauotiens tais project, and that the state ofi'n? hope which we entertain, that resmouth of Little River on the Wabash, the! Kentucky wili forbear to rear dp a ruinous peclahk annual appropriations will be made
navigable parts of those two rivers would; competition by the completion of a similar0Ut the national treasury, towards the be connected, and nn uninterrupted water' work on the other side of the river, vou wiiljcontinuation of this grand turnpike, would
the consequent disbandment of their numer
ous armies again tenanted their long uncultivated fields; agriculture was so far encouraged, that every nation on the continent produced an ample supply of the necessaries of life for their own consumption, and our American produce could no longer find a market in that hemisphere. About this time, that the nations of the East assumed their pacific attitude, peace was concluded
between this country and Great Britain; the
extraordinary tlow of money from our treasury was discontinued; our army was reduced; the newly created banks, began lo fail; specie disappeared; the fictitious circulating medium of the country became trash in the hands of the people; wages and every species of property suifered an unprecedented depression in their value, and the industry of the country suffered a shock, from
which in many places it has not yet rccov
ered. The evils and embarrassments too, ofj state, as it is in contemplation to extend the
communication opened between the cities ofihavo but little difficulty in coming toaeon-j110' burnish our delegation in Congress with New-Orleans and New-York, with the cx-j elusion favourable to the commencement of: rnaterials;, that would enable them to eperception of the rapids before mentioned, in this long agitated work. The whole length; ac successfully in this matter, in our behalf,
the Wabash, and the rapids situated near of the canal will be about three miles, and! besides having a happy influence upon that the mouth of the Maumee. The obstruc- the expense is estimated at about three hnn-ihnteresting question.
tion in the Maumee, which may be easilyldred thousand dollars; and when the vast obviated, is situated in the state of Ohio,: amount of property which fs annually transand must claim the early attention of thatlported on the Ohio is taken into considera-
this sudden change, were more severely fejt
in the grain growing states, than in the South; as the planter has still been enabled to find a market for his cotton, sugar and tobacco. To find a remedy for the pressure which operated so severely upon the agriculturist, VI consequence of this sudden depression in
Dayton canal to a point on the Maumee a-
bove the rapids. It will not for a moment be contended that the resources of this state are as yet
equal to the accomplishment of works ofj
equal magnitude with those in New-York, Pennsylvania, or Ohio; but, including the grant of land made by Congress, the waters
tion, and compared with the amount transported on the New-York canal, it is believed that there will be but few who will withhold their assent to the opinion, that there is no point in the western country where an equal profit could be derived, from the expenditure of the same amount of capital, provided we could be permitted to enjoy it without competition. To raise the funds
By virtue of the compact entered into between this state and the United States, three per cent, on the ?alcs of all public lands, within our boundaries, was granted to this state to be applied, under the directions of our legislature, to the making of roads and! canals within the state. At the session of 1 the legislature passed a law authorizing the location of a number of roads, and appropriated one hundred thousand dollars, of the three per cent, fund for opening the same. At that tiine there was due to the
