Internal Improvements y by Roads ^ CsV. 273 



ate the measures proposed by an association of some of the most 

 respectable citizens of that day. Sure I am, that I took unwearied 

 pains, to forward the objects of it. Heavily enough, did it drag 

 through the house ; and sufficiently maimed and curtailed (particu- 

 larly as to the sum proposed to be appropriated) was it, in its pas- 

 sage. Yet it has served as a nest ^^^ ; to use a trite phrase ; and a 

 brood has sprang from it, which, so far as it has been spread, has 

 been highly beneficial to our state. Abuses, mistakes, and misma- 

 nagements, in public operations ; and in private enterprizes not 

 before attempted ; are no curiosities. It is to be earnestly hoped, 

 that the efforts of the friends to public improvements, will still be 

 exerted ; and, — though the fruits be slow in maturating, — they 

 will finally be sure and nutritious. If, as Mr. D. truly laments; 

 the people do not send representatives sufficiently clear sighted ; it 

 may be^ that the people are not a little blind themselves. And, in 

 such case, they are truly and appropriately, though very unfortu- 

 nately, represented. If such pamphlets, a little condensed, could be 

 generally dispersed ; and, what is more difficult ; — and would be 

 miraculous ; — should they be read, and fairly and candidly consi- 

 dered ; — a great and profitable result, — felt in all quarters of our 

 state, — would undoubtedly follow. I think it would be of public 

 benefit, to impress and disperse the sentiments and facts, expressed 

 and collected by Mr. Duane, in this pamphlet ; which gave rise to 

 the foregoing remarks. For this purpose, I would take the liberty 

 to recommend the insertion of letters xii and xiii, (the immediate 

 subjects of Mr. Church'' s reference,) among our collections, in the 

 appendix to this volume. Bat it should be mentioned, as due to the 

 character and honour of our state, that, since the publication of 

 the letters contained in this pamphlet, great advances have been 

 made towards the accomplishment of its objects ; though much 

 remains to be done. 



I am far from wishing to depress, (if I could) the present lauda- 

 ble spirit, fur establishing and promoting manufactures ; which the 

 existing circumstances of our country invite and recjuire. But I 

 think the increase of an independent agricultural population, is a 

 far greater security to the freedom and happiness of our country ; 



VOL. Ill, M m 



