102 INTRODUCTION. 



The commissioners, at the same session, submitted a further report, showing 

 that the estimated cost of the Champlain canal was eight hundred and seventy- 

 one thousand dollars, and recommending its immediate construction. The joint 

 legislative committee on the canals consisted of Peter R. Livingston, George 

 Tibbits and Philetus Swift, of the senate ; and William D. Ford, Nathaniel Pen- 

 dleton, Jonathan Child, Henry Eckford and Gideon Wilcoxson, of the assembly. 

 Mr. Ford made an elaborate report in favor of the immediate commencement 

 and vigorous prosecution of both works ; submitted a scheme of finance, which 

 formed the basis of the plan ultimately adopted, and brought in a bill entitled 

 '' An act concerning navigable communications between the great western and 

 northern lakes and the Atlantic ocean." This bill, which, after a very full dis- 

 cussion in both houses, became a law, provided for an immediate commencement 

 of the canals ; and thus, after a struggle of ten years, the ascendancy of the pohcy 

 of internal improvement was complete. 



The sentiments of mingled hope and apprehension on the part of the legislature, 

 in finally adopting that policy, were thus expressed in the preamble to the law : 

 " Whereas, navigable communications between Lakes Erie and Champlain, and 

 the Atlantic ocean, by means of canals connected with the Hudson river, wall 

 promote agriculture, manufactures and commerce, mitigate the calamities of 

 war, and enhance the blessings of peace, consolidate the union, and advance the 

 prosperity and elevate the character of the United States : And whereas, it is the 

 incumbent duty of the people of this state, to avail themselves of the means 

 which the Almighty has placed in their hands for the production of such signal, 

 extensive and lasting benefits to the human race : Now, therefore, in full confi- 

 dence that the congress of the United States, and the states equally interested 

 with this state in the commencement, prosecution and completion of those im- 

 portant works, will contribute their full proportion to the expense ; and in order 

 that adequate funds may be provided, and properly arranged and managed, for 

 the prosecution and completion of all the navigable communications contemplated 

 by this act." The act constituted a canal fund to consist of such appropriatons, 



