Concord Register

Connecticut.—The Legislature of Connecticut assembled at Hartford on the 4th inst. On the 5th, a message was received from Gov. Wolcott, a considerable portion of which is devoted to the subject of internal improvements. The general interest which is felt on this subject will justify us in making the following extracts:—Spy.

The application of fire to produce an equable motion in heavy bodies, is a modern invention, equal in value to any which preceded it. We can now estimate its effects when applied to navigation, and admire the rapidity with which it has extended. All our navigable ports below tide-water, and on Connecticut river, to the city of Hartford, can now communicate daily with the emporium of New York, notwithstanding the opposition of winds, tides, and currents.

Even this invention is but a stage from which magnificent improvements may be extended through the jurisdiction of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Vermont; and it is believed, that if the consent of the government of Canada can be obtained, the head-water of our great river may be easily united with those which descend into the St. Lawrence. Without leaving the territories of the United States, the abundant sources of the Connecticut may, by lateral canals, be united to commercial ports in Maine, and through New-Hampshire with Boston; through Vermont with Lake Champlain, and through a section of Massachusetts with the city of New Haven. The projected canal on the Housatonic may, at a moderate expense, and with great advantage, be extended into the heart of the flourishing county of Berkshire, not only to assist the exportation of its agricultural and fossil productions, but for the introduction of salt and gypsum, and especially the anthracite coal of Pennsylvania, and thereby promote the manufacture of the invaluable iron ores which abound in the Taconic mountain.

In my opinion, the period has arrived, when a comprehensive system of National improvements ought to be formed, and I think that the North Eastern States, are invited to co-operate with the rest of the Union, by every consideration arising from a sense of duty, honor, and interest. This section embraces a great agricultural, commercial and manufacturing region. We well understand the mutual relations of these interests, and know that they all flourish best, when all are impartially protected. Such improvements as have been noticed, would direct the currents of our rivers upon elevated plains, multiply hydraulic powers, increase the fertility of the subjacent soil, develope and distribute the treasures in our mountains, animate the industry and enterprise of all the people, connect their interests with those established on our whole line of sea-coast, and, with like interest in the Southern States, increase all their relations with this State, and enable every portion to participate with the immeasurable advantages, which the canals of New-York will confer on the Western States, and through them on the new Republics of the western hemisphere.

It is an interesting subject to determine the system by which these great objects can be most advantageously accomplished. That they embrace vital interests in several contiguous States; that the completion of them will occupy a considerable portion of time and extensive labors, and require great expenditures, is certain; yet I believe that if they are commenced on correct principles, and are wisely and honestly conducted, they will occasion no waste of public resources, but that, on the contrary, the capitals which may be expended, will be replaced, and that the regular incomes which they will produce, will supply funds for new
combinations and still greater improvements. At the present period, no money is hoarded by civilized and commercial nations, beyond what is required for immediate use. A well organized and established public credit is to them invaluable. The credit of no country is superior to that of the United States and the Eastern States. At the present time, great capitals are unemployed, arising from accumulating dividends, and the extinction of national and other debts. The interest of money is consequently low, yet loans for permanent investments, wherever a convertible satisfactory security can be presented, may be readily obtained. A canal from the sources of Connecticut river to tide water, ought to be viewed as a single object. The expense of constructing it, will depend on the obstacles which may be discovered on different points of the entire line, and will in no degree depend on its length, or on the boundaries of State jurisdictions. It is hence important, that the Engineers who may establish the particular location, and estimate the expenses of forming the entire canal, and perhaps superintend its construction, should be designated by the National Government, not only on account of their science and skill, but from their presumed impartiality and integrity. The co-operation of the four States, whose jurisdictions are connected with Connecticut river, will at some time be necessary; and the assent of Congress to any compacts which they may form will be essential to their validity. If funds for defraying the first formations can in any manner be provided, the Connecticut canal will yield a regular income, as fast as any portion is completed, and during its whole progress this income will increase, not in a simple, but in some compound ratio, as the lines of improvement advance, and at intermediate points become connected. The correctness of this principle is manifest, by the experience of our Turnpike companies, where long lines of transportation, or of travelling, have not been interrupted. It is further evinced by the increasing revenue derived from the great canals of the State of New-York, and is demonstrated by reason.