Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856.

DEBATES OF CONGRESS. 253 JANUARY, 1825.] Continuation of the Cumberland Road. [H. or R. Indiana, and Illinois. He presumed the latter The price of labor is now greatly reduced, and was made with the consent of Illinois. every consideration seems to point out the presMr. McLEAN, of Ohio, then rose, and ad- ent as the most favorable period for the extendressed the committee as follows: sion of this great national work. Coming as I do from a section of the coun- Mr. Chairman, those who have travelled this try through which this road is expected to pass, road to Wheeling, or who reside upon it, are and entertaining the views I do as to the great only capable of properly appreciating its adbenefits that will result firom it, not only to the vantages. particular part of the country through which it In a favorable season for emigration, the may be constructed, but to the United States in traveller upon this highway will scarcely lose general, I feel it to be my duty to contribute sight of passengers, of some description. Hunmy feeble exertions for the accomplishment of dreds of families are seen migrating to the the object. The friends of this bill are willing West, with ease and comfort. Drovers from it should be considered by Congress without the West, with their cattle, of almost every dereference to that provision contained in it, for scription, are seen passing eastward, seeking a refunding the appropriation for the 2 per cent. market on this side of the mountains. Indeed, fund. It is presented to the consideration of this road may be compared to a great street, or the committee as a great national object, and, as thoroughfare, through some populous citysuch, we ask and hope for its passage. travellers on f6ot, on horseback, and in carMr. Chairman, the commencement and com- riages, are seen mingling on its paved surface, pletion of the national turnpike road to Wheel- all seeming to enjoy the pleasure of the jouring, has been received by the West as a sure ney, and to have a consciousness of the great indication that a great national road would be benefits derived from it. With much propriety constructed, under the auspices of the General may it be called a national road: for its advanGovernment, through the States north of the tages are so diffusive, that no other term would Ohio, to the Mississippi River. In the comple- be found equally appropriate. In another point tion of this work, the Western States are not of view the name is proper-it is the only lastalone interested; the Eastern and Middle States, ing monument of the kind that has been conif not to the same extent, are, notwithstand- structed by the beneficence of the nation, and ing, so far interested, as to ensure, on their should this road be completed, and none other part, I trust, a most hearty concurrence in sup- of a national character, advancing the internal port of the measure. It would perhaps be un- prosperity of the country, be constructed, it kind to anticipate any thing like a united oppo- would of itself constitute a more durable monsition from any section of the country; for, so ument of its glory, than has been left by any of general are the benefits which will result from the free Governments which have preceded our it, that, to suppose any hostility from the Republic. South, or the North, would ascribe to them less Sir, I defy any man of ordinary sensibility, liberality of feeling than I am conscious they or common patriotism, to travel that part of possess. Sure I am, sir, as it regards myself, this road which has been completed, and not to and, in this respect, I believe I could answer for feel proud of his country. I will venture to the gentlemen of the West in general, a most assert, however strongly it may be controvertcordial co-operation would not by them be ed, that no sum of money, of the same amount, withheld from any measure calculated, in equal has been appropriated from the Treasury, since extent, to promote the interest of any section the adoption of our constitution, so much to of the Union. the advancement of the public interest. Mr. Chairman, the claims we have, from the Sir, all who feel a proper degree of interest, work already executed, are entitled to the it appears to me, in preserving our Union, canrespectful consideration of every gentleman. not be too solicitous to secure it by removing But, the general good that will result from the every obstruction to a continued intercourse work, is of itself a consideration sufficient, it between the different parts. In effect, the seems to me, to secure the favorable opinion of most remote parts of our country are brought every member of this House who is"disposed to near together, and identified in interest, by sanction an internal policy, more calculated turnpike roads and canals; and when commerthan any other to promote the great interests of cial intercourse is facilitated in this way, conthe nation. Some, perhaps, who may be un- nections are formed, and interests become so friendly to the policy, or may feel hostile to interwoven, that nothing can separate them. this road, may make some objections on ac- This policy, and this only, can unite the difcount of the expense which has been incurred ferent sections of our country under the adin making that part of it already executed. verse circumstances which may befall us. This This, however, can afford no substantial objec- alone can render our Government as permanent tions to its prosecution and completion. If as its principles are sound and favorable to libany abuse has existed, the knowledge of its ex- erty. istence points out the surest method of guard- Mr. Chairman, we may theorize as much as ing against it in future. Some experience has we please, and talk of the moral sentiment that been acquired which, in making improvements everywhere prevails, in our country, but, unless of this description, is of incalculable value. our citizens are united in interest, there isnoliga

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Title: Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856.
Author: United States. Congress.
Canvas: Page 253
Publication: New York, [etc.]: D. Appleton and company [etc.]; 1857-61.
Subject terms: United States -- Politics and government

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Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856.

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