2G6 A. L. Bishop — The State Worls of Pennsylvania. 



Appendix III. — Resolutions Passed at the Canal Convention at 

 Harrishurg, August 4:th to 6th, 1825. 



The following resolutions were framed by a committee appointed 

 by the Harrisburg Convention on Internal Improvements. They 

 were presented to that body for consideration and after much 

 discussion they were adopted.* 



Whereas, The great interests of the State of Pennsylvania 

 require that there should be a steady perseverance in improving the 

 resources of wealth and strength, and social comfort which abound 

 within her limits; and 



Whereas, The time has arrived when she is called upon by 

 every consideration of regard for her character and standing, as 

 well as for her permanent prosperity and happiness, to make a 

 vigorous and united exertion for accomplishing, without delay, the 

 connection of the eastern and the western waters by a line of com- 

 munication within her borders ; and 



Whereas, A distinct and solemn expression of the deliberate 

 opinion of the people is always of powerful efficacy, and is especially 

 fit and requisite upon an occasion like the present, where an extraor- 

 dinary effort is necessary for the common advantage of the whole, 

 the public will being the only sure authority for the undertaking 

 and the best pledge for its energetic and zealous prosecution ; there- 

 fore, 



Resolved, That the improvement of the Commonwealth Avill 

 be best promoted, and the foundations of her prosperity and happi- 

 ness most securely established, by opening an entire and complete 

 communication within her borders, from the Susquehanna to the 

 Allegheny and Ohio, and from the Allegheny to Lake Erie, by the 

 nearest and best practicable route, and that such work is indispen- 

 sably necessary to maintain the character and standing of the State, 

 and to preserve her strength and resources. 



Resolved, That the application of the resources of the State to 

 this undertaking ought not to be regarded as an expenditure, but 

 as a most beneficial investment; for its successful execution will 

 increase the public wealth, improve the public revenue, and greatly 

 enlarge the ability of the State to extend her aid to every quarter 

 where it may be wanted, and, at the same time, will encourage 

 industry, create circulation, extend trade and commerce, enhance 

 the value of land, and of agricultural and mineral products, and 

 thereby augment the means of the citizens to promote his own and 

 the public welfare by contributions to similar works. 



* See page 184; also the footnote concerning the words struck out of the 

 first resolution; and the reference to an additional resolution that was 

 passed. 



