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 policy 
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, will 
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, 
