A. L. Bishop — The State Works of Pennsylvania. 267 



Resolved, That all local objects, tending to a diffusive and uncon- 

 nected application of the public means, ought, for the present, to 

 yield so as to allow an undivided exertion of the public strength in 

 this great undertaking, which is essential to its speedy and success- 

 ful prosecution; for, though it be certain, that, whatever may be 

 its location, the benefit will be most sensibly felt, in the first instance 

 in the immediate neighborhood, yet it is also true that its invigorat- 

 ing influence will pervade every part of the Commonwealth, and, in 

 a short time, its branches will spread in all directions, wherever 

 the bounty of Providence has furnished the means of access to the 

 great channel thus provided, and, encouraged by this example, new 

 channels will be successfully opened as occasion may offer, or the 

 public exigencies and the demands of the country may require. 



Resolved, That, in our opinion, the people of Pennsylvania will 

 fully sustain the Legislature in all such measures as may be 

 necessary for effectuating this highly important and interesting 

 object, as we believe* them to be fully sensible to its political and 

 social value, and they have never refused to support, to the utmost 

 of their ability, what their enlightened and patriotic judgment 

 approved as fit to be done for the common good. 



Resolved, That we regard, with satisfaction, the efforts of our 

 sister states to make extended improvements, and that, in our 

 opinion, a wise and liberal policy requires of Pennsylvania to grant 

 to them every just and legal facility, whenever her concurrence 

 may be necessary to their successful prosecution, and that we have 

 witnessed, with pleasure, the progress made towards laying out a 

 canal from the Potomac to the Ohio, as well as the steps taken by 

 the State of ISTew York for forming a connection with the north 

 branch of the Susquehanna. 



Resolved, That a general committee of correspondence be ap- 

 pointed, and that they be requested to prepare an address to the 

 people of Pennsylvania upon the subject of internal improvements. 



Appendix lY.—Act of 25th February, 1826 — Pamphlet Laws, 



Page 55. 



An Act: To provide for the commencement of a Canal, to he 

 constructed at the expense of the State, and to he styled "The 

 Pennsylvania Canal." 



Whereas, The construction of a canal within our own limits for 

 the purpose of connecting the eastern and western waters, is believed 

 to be practicable, and within the means of the state, and its speedy 

 completion will advance the prosperity and elevate the character 

 of Pennsylvania; and by facilitating intercourse and promoting 

 social interests will strengthen the bands of the Union : And 

 whereas. There are important sections of the w^ork which may 

 be immediateh^ begun, without the danger of error; therefore. 

 Resolved: 



