INTRODUCTION. 91 
be the better course if the state stood alone, but fortunately for the peace and 
happiness of all, this is not the case. We are connected by a bond which, if the 
prayers of good men are favorably heard, will be indissoluble. It becomes 
proper, therefore, to resort for the solution of the present question to the princi- 
ples of distributive justice. That which presents itself is the trite adage, that 
those who participate in the benefit should contribute to the expense. The com- 
missioners presume not to go one step farther. 'The wisdom, as well as the jus- 
tice, of the national legislature, will no doubt lead to the exercise, on their part, 
of prudent munificence ; but the proportion, the condition, the compact, in short, 
must be the subject of treaty.” 
On the presentation of this report, De Witt Clinton introduced a bill, which 
became a law on the 8th of April, 1811, under the title of “ An act to provide 
for the improvement of the internal navigation of this state.” This law began 
with the expressive recital, that “ Whereas, a communication by means of a canal 
navigation between the great lakes and Hudson’s river, will encourage agricul- 
ture, promote commerce and manufactures, facilitate a free and general inter- 
course between different parts of the United States, and tend to the agerandize- 
ment and prosperity of the country, and consolidate and strengthen the union;” 
and added Robert R. Livingston and Robert Fulton to the board of commis- 
sioners, and authorized them to consider all matters relating to such inland navi- 
gation, with powers to make application in behalf of the state to congress, or to 
any state or territory, to codperate and aid in the undertaking, and to ascertain 
whether loans could be procured on advantageous terms on the credit of the 
state, for the purpose of constructing the canal, and the terms on which the 
Western Inland Lock Navigation Company would surrender their rights and 
property. 
Two of the commissioners, Mr. Morris and Mr. Clinton, repaired to the fede- 
ral capital, and submitted the subject to the consideration of the president (Mr. 
Madison) and of congress. In 1812, the commissioners reported that, although 
it was uncertain whether the national government would do any thing, it cer- 
