1^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^ >i 1.0 ^lifi Ui I.I ^ 122 >»». I£ 2.0 i Hffi! II& Lil III U 1116 0% ^ ^>, Hiotographic Sciences Coiporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)873-4903 CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibiiographic Notas/Notaii tachniquas at bibliographiquaa Tha inatituta haa attamptad to obtain tha baat original copy availabia for filming. 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Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajouttes lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans la texte, mais, lorsque cela Atait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 4t6 fiimAes. Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplAmantairas: L'Institut a microfilm* la meilleur exemplaira qu'll lui a itt possible de se procurer. Les details da cat exemplaira qui sont paut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographiqua, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mAthodo normala de f ilmage sont indiqute ci-d tioQ to look for a corresponding improvement in our own, hitherto, too much neglected territory, lying between the Ottawa and the great Lakes of the West. It is nilqtiestionably the greatest Lumbering District,-^the richest in minerals, — and contains, besides, an extent of settlement country, the most easily accessible, the most extensive, and the most central in united Canada, ^ow remaining at the disposal of the Government. May we iiot then indulge iu a confident hope, that its capabilities will be no longer neglected, and that the hour has at length arrived when they will be f-Hy appreciated, and auxiously turned to the best account for the public good. J. A* British Hotel, » Ottawa City, C. W., 27th Feb., 1856. f m OTTAWA AND GEORGIAN BAY CANAL. {From the Montrtcl Gazette^ Jan. \bth.) To-day a meeting of delegates from Quebec and the North-Shoi'e Gomw tics, Montreal, the Ottawa Coonties, and the City of Ottawa, to take the subject of international improvements into consideration, will take place at the Board of Trade rooms in this city. We hope to see a large attendance, though the recent heavy storm may prevent many from reaching the city in time to take part in the deliberations of the convention. The subject merits the very gravest consideration, and the end proposed to be obtained, if at all feasible, deserves the most strenuous exertions of the inhabitants of all the districts proposed to be represented in the convention. We publish el8e» where a letter from Mr. Sheriff Treadwell upon the subject. Our Ottawa friends have been exerting themselves through the medinm of their local press and otherwise, to arouse public attention in that part of the country to the necessity for immediate action, and have taken several occasions of urging upon the people of Montreal the immense benefits to accrue to our trade, if the Ottawa n.'^-vigation is opened up — the probability of the continuous decline of our commerce, unless this line of internal oom< munication be completed. The case is so well argued by a writer in the Ottawa Tribune, in an article addrssscd to the citizens of Montreal, that we subjoin an extract from that article, instead of pursuing the subject our- selves. If these facts cannot be answered by undeniable figures, the con- struction of the Ottawa Georgian Bay Canal Is but a question of time and expence. Montreal can afford to lose no time in brining about a consom- mation so devoutly to be wished, nor do we think the Province, having once put its hand to the plough, in the way of Ottawa improvements, — having nearly built the Chats Canal and surveyed the Chaudiere, — should shrink now from incurring the expense. Our opinion is not based upon precise calculations, but we apprehend that it will be found that a navigation by this route for vessels of even 500 or 600 tons, transhipping their cargoes here directly for Liverpool, will enable us to bring much of the produce of the Far West destined for Europe and New England this way. The following are our Ottawa contemporary's views : — That the Ottawa Eiver will meet all your requirements the following facts go far to prove, and your serious attention is respectfully requested, because they are not the result of crude or ignorantly digested statesmanship^ nor the fancies of keen railway speculators, but the result of the labors of men who do not occupy so prominent positions in the public eye, but whose services, nevertheless, are neither injurious nor doubtful. Foremost amongst those the name of W, E. Ix)gau stands promiaeut, a man to whosQ eDergj> 8 |i I and ttotiring persevcmnco Canada is more indebted for tlic development of her resources tliun the whole herd of chiselers, and would-l»c f^reat men. — The difficulty you are calKd upon to 8olve as a moans of self-preservation and the alternative which has been forced on you by " AViso JjOf^slation," resolves itself into the simple fact of successful competition for the carrying trade of the Western States, nor is it necessary to show how this will restore your import trade, because if you can secure your natural portion of that trade, the revival of the other must certainly follow. Now, what should bo Understood by your portion of the Western trade is ita total foreign carrying or export traffic, and the way to obtain that is by the opening a short, safe, and direct route to the sea board, one tiiut cannot be tapped by any Wet Ditch, one which no known means of competition can tffect, and this can be ihmished you by the Ottawa River. It is 1,680 miles to Montreal from Chicago via the St. Lawrence and the Lakes ; it is 971 miles to Montreal via the Ottawa, making a difference of 709 miles in favor of the Ottawa route ; Liverpool to Chicago via the Ottawa is 3,030 miles, via New York and the lakes 4,683, ditfcrence nearly 1,053 miles. In fact, by the St. Law- rence and the Lakes, Montreal is a greater distance from Chicago than New York is ; one being 1,680 miles, the other 1,621. Men of Montreal, is it necessary to point to you any more advantages ? Start two vessels, one for New York and the other for Montreal, supposing the Ottawa opened, the first would not be through the Welland Canal when the other would have arrived at your wharves ; here are facts, hard, bare facts, quite as devoid of imagery as the Hon. John Young's facts, and quite as true. Why neglect a route which offers you such advantages, and which must pass your very doors, for such humbugs as the Caughnawaga Canal, which will be located miles above your city? Nature has placed the erabouchere of this river at your doors, and yet you are not satisfied without running after railways, and squabbling about physically impossible location for pet canals. Here is u noble river possessing facilities for inter-oceanic communication not equalled by any other in North America. No real or possible physical obstacles exist to prevent vessels of 1,000 tons burthen passing up it, and the expense of fitting for this traffic will not exceed by more than one half what your Victoria bridge will cost you. The Canals now building on it at the Chats will admit vessels of 600 tons ; the expense of those will be so trifling that the additional adaptation for sea-going vessels should not be held back from false notions of economy, in fact, a consideration of the capabilities of this stream would lead to the supposition that the great architect of the universe .intended it for the purpose of furnishing access to the Western Lakes. — ■ From Montreal to mouth of French River on Georgian Bay is 421^ miles, of this 384 miles is open water, leaving 37^ miles of canalling, and as tlie river discharges as much water as the Gauges, or probably more, through a narrower channel, the mean hydraulic depth must be greater ; including your own Lachine Canal this involves lockage to the height of 571 feet 8 inches, to reach the summit of Lake Nippissiug, and 66 ^ feet of down lock- age on French River. No difficulty is to be apprehended for summit water, t i ^ Lake Nippiiffiing can be made use of. It is neodkes to poiot out to yov Uie advanlAgcs to be obtained by this route, they arc sufficieDtly obvioiw, 4knd it is a matter of grea^ regret, indeed, tliatinou like the lion. Jno. Youog should 80 totally neglect such evident advantages for chimerical projocte, ihe value of which has been previously tried and failed. He oppoeacd tho present improvement on this route, because ho wanted then, as ho said, a general measure for the whole ; now tho opportunity is before him, the ad- vantages are undeniable, and his advice is, enlarge the accommodation yoa have been making for your neighbour's use, spend more money on it for their •ole advantage, aud it may pay you after a while. Yes, it will when the stars and stripes float from the citadel on Cape Diamond, but not till then ; even if you cannot make a Ship Canal passible for large vessels on the Otta- wa, you can centre this carrying trade at Montreal in spite of all competi- iiot the Erie Canal can give, because it is quite possible, and no doubt on the matter that canals of dimensions capable of passing vessels of 600 tons can be made, and as you have the advantage over any route of nearly 600 miles as to distance, it is clearly your mterest to go in for this Ottawa mea- sure, because it will bring the trade to your doova, and as it involves only one transhipment, and all the other routes involve the same, the advantage will be on ycur side ; when this Canal is built then will be the time to build the Caughnawaga Canal, as via the Ottawa it will place New York and Chicago 150 miles nearer each other than any route in existance, and if tlie Ohamplain Canal is enlarged to the Hudson, will mvolyQno tranahipment. THE GEORGIAN BAY AND OTTAWA CANAL. (to the editor op TUE MONTREAL GAZETTE.) Sir, — A subject, the most important to Canada ns well as to the British Empire, is soon to be disciissed before the Canadian Legislature : it is the opening up of a Ship Canal from the St. Lawrence to Lake Huron. Tv.'o routes have been rasntioned, the one by the valley of the Ottawa, the other connecting Lake Huron with Lake Ontario at Toronto. This is the mighty question, and every one, however small his influence, should at the proper time, and in the proper manner, throw it into the right ficale. Having been in Europe for a few months diu-ing the past year, when the question was fii-st agitated, I may perhaps repeat arguments which have already been adduced by abler i^ens. Nearly twenty years since, at the instance of several gentlemen of By town, Mr. John McNaughton and myself, explored the route from that place to Lake Nipissing, and were prevented by the lateness of the season from reaching the mouth of French River on Lake Huron. Many persons unacquainted with the natural facilities of this route will be surprised to learn that between BytoAvn, now Ottawa City, and Lake Huron, to com- plete a slack water, navigation would not require more than twenty-five miles of exca\:ation, and tliat the width of the height of kind dividing the r ii 'I Water tliat falls into the Ottawa and those foiling into the Lake Nipiaslogv is len than two miles, and its greatest elevation less than ir feet above the surface water, and with lakes which will afford an abundant supply of wa- iex for the summit level. The advantages which would be secured at this time, when President Pierce is issuing what must be considered a hostile manifesto, should be an unanswerable argument in favour of this lino. Although I have an earnest hope, that in this age the chances of war between these two enliglitcncd nations are numbered with the things which are past, still there are agencies at work which have surprised the intelli* gence of both nations, and what these may effect time only con develope. Another great point is, that the Ottawa route will be 700 miles shorter than any route now open between Chicago, Montreal, Quebec and Liver- pool, and more than two hundred miles shorter from Chicago to New York and Boston, than any other route that can be obtained. When the St. Lawrence and Champlain Cnnal shall be completed, according to an emi- nmt engineer, Dr. Jarvis of New York, it will offord a slack water com- munication the whole distance except about 37)^ miles of canal. The opening up of the boundary line between Upper and liOwer Canada for some hundred of miles, and going at once into the mining dis- tricts of Lake Superior by canal, must be of immense advantage to the province and to the nation at large, and it would at the same time com- mand a large proportion of the carrying trade of the great West. If these advantages are realized they must force railroad and telegraph com- munication along its border, and there can be no doubt that it would open up a country which in a quarter of a century would contain a larger population than the whole of British America at this time. The construc- tion of dams for slack water navigation would facilitate the conveyance of lumber to market, and form sites for mills and manufactories to an immense extent. These are some of the advantages which would accrue from a Ship Canal from Montreal to Lake Huron. If Lower Canada is true to herself, and Upper Canada is at all just, then this great work will be immediately undertaken and carried out. It is highly probable that it would secure the construction of the St. Lawrence and Champlain Canal, possibly they might go on simultaneously, and if immediately completed would, in my opinion, be a profitable investment. CHS. P. TREADWELL. GEORGIAN BAY CANAL MEETING. At a meeting of the members of Parliament and others interested ia this project, held at the Board of Trade rooms yesterday afternoon. Agar Yielding, Esq., M.P.P. for Ottawa City, was called to the Chair, and Mr. B. Chamberlain requested to act as Secretary. Among those present were the Hon. John Young, MJ^.P. ; Hon. J. S. MiDonald^ MJPJ*. ; and MesBra. Holton, M.P.R, Dorion, M.P.P., Whitney, M.P.P., Powell, M.PP., Bellingham, M.P.P., and other gentlemen interested in the project. Lettcra favorable to the objects of the meeting were handed in from Messrs. Alleyn, M.P.P., Mongenais, M. P. P., Papin, M.P.P., Prevost, M.P.P., Thibaudcau, M.P. P., Casault, M.P.P., Church, M.P.P., and Shaw, M.P.P. ; and others were stated to have expressed themselves favorable to the objects of the meeting. Mr. Beujngham, M.P.P., in opening the proceedings of the meeting, said it became his duty as having called the meeting to explain how this had been done. He had been requested by the municipal anthorities of his county to call together such a Convention, and had accordingly sent letters of invitation to the following Members of Parliament, viz: — Messrs. Yielding, Cook, Lyons, Powell, McCann, Mongenais, Prevost, Dufrcsne, Dorion, Hon. John Young, L. H. Holton, Alleyn, Turcotte, Papin, D'Aoust, Labelle, Dostaler, Tliibaudeau, Casault, Pouliot, Whitney, Ferris, Evantu- rel, and Marchildon. The members of the press at Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec, had also been invited to be present, owing to the recent terrible storm, many no doubt were prevented from attending, who were desirous to do so. From some of these, letters had bp^n received (a list of these letters was published yesterday,) and others had verbally stated their entire concur- rence in the objects of the meeting. It was understood that all these gentle- men wore favorable to a railway from Quebec to Lake Huron, or a canal to connect the waters of the Ottawa with that lake, or both. In the letter received from one of them, Mr. Alleyn, of Quebec, he favorol the plan of a grant of waste lands by the Ottawa to a railway company, and declared that, though a general supporter of the present Government, he would unite with any party in the House to uige the imperative claims of these great work.H upon them, and to enforce them, if necessary. There was no question at all that the route proposed was a much better one for Western producers seek- ing the sea-board than those artiiicial ones through the United States, which were now attracting all the traffic from our present public works. Not that there was any positive decrease in their traffic, but a very large comparative decrease when the great increase of the trade itself was considered. If that Western trade had been left to its natural channels, no doubt existed that it would have followed the valleys of the St. Lawrence and the Ottawa. But the people of the United States had, by constructing artificial means of com- munication, and by means of legislation, diverted it through their own terri- tory. If we would adopt the policy of the United States, — if, by the encour- agement of our fisheries and granting aid to steamships, we properly deve- loped our marine ; if by the construction of these internal lines of communi- cation we developed the capabilities of our great rivers and the adjacent country, and fostered their trade by judicious legislation, we might hojje to retain the commerce which now seemed deserting us. He believed that by the opening up of the Ottawa the produce of the great grain fields of the West might be brought this way, and the trade of the Lower St. Lawrence devebped as it had never been before. But some questions had been raised 10 M to the practicability of this ronte, whether there was sufficient head of water for the supply of a canal between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake or the Ottawa. There were gentlemen present who knew all that country ; and he noticed in that morning's Gazette a letter from Mr. Sheriff Tread- well, who had travelled through it, and who expressed a belief that there '. -ould be only 20 or 25 miles of excavation altogether. Mr. McNaughton, who had spent years in that country as a surveyor, and had gathered a great deal of valuable geographical and geological information, was present, as was Mr. PeiTy, Civil Engineer, who was also conversant with the nature of the work, and they were prepared to give those present information on these points. If the facts were placed in their true light before the people of Ca- nada, he was satisfied that the Government would be called upon forthwith for a survey of the route, and when that survey was laid before the House, he was sure that either a railway or canal would be pushed forward. The (jrovernment would say its hands were tied — ^that they were bound to their bankers to grant no more pecuniary aid to railways ; but they might do as had otten been done in the United States, and grant alternate sections - of land to a company who would construct this road. With such a grant, capitalists could be found in England to embark their means in the work. — They must have a railway on the north shore from Quebec, as we were to have the St. Lawrence bridged here. In winter it cost ten dollars per ton to bring freight from Boston to Point Levi, and ten pounds from Pomt Levi to Quebec, except in the occasional seasons when there was an ice bridge- He proceeded next to speak of this internal communication as a means of defence. Our friends in the United States would perhaps never make war upon us, but Republics were proverbially quarrelsome, and greedy of terri- tory. Now 20 men might dislocate our means of communication with the west, built as they were on the frontier of the country. But nothing but an army could reach the Ottawa to interrupt the communication that way. A previous attempt to construct a railway to Bytown failed because the muni- cipalities of Montreal and Two Mountains, although their Mayore had signed the stock books, refused to issue their bonds. The contractors could not go on without funds, and stopped, be it remembered, just at a time when the Grand Trunk Railway was compelled to apply to Parliament for about .•£1,000,000 more aid. One of them went to the bottom of the ocean with a good deal of money, and another had ruined his health by his exertions here. He thought the time, however, had come to press upon Government the necessity of pushing on works for the opening up of the Ottawa country. — He had prepared some resolutions which he would lay on the table simply to give a commencement to the business, but was quite willing to adopt any alterations proposed, or have others substituted in their stead. Mr. DoRiON said he thought there were very few people in Montreal or Lower Canada who did not desire to see the distance by water commu- nicatiftn between the St. I^awrence and I^ake Huron shortened, as it would be by several hundred miles, if the canal were found feasible. He thought the representatives of this part of the country would be unanimous in sup- 11 porting the eclierae, if the work could be executed upon reasonable terms. The first step, however, to be taken, was to get the necessary information, the coat, the amount of trade to be accommodated, and the value of the country to be opened up. To secure the unanimous vote of the meeting on this point, it waa necessary to act with a view to attain this single end, and not encumber their action by dragging in other matters. If a simple reso- luticM, declaratory of the advantages and importance of the work, and asking the Government for a survey to ascertain the cost, &c., were offered, no objection whatever would be raised to it. He had no objection to the construction of the North-shore railway, if found desirable — that was matter for subsequent consideration, but he thought the Government or Parliament should not be called upon to pledge the credit of the Province without knowing sonietliing of the cost. The Hon. Mr. Youn(i fully concurrr ^ with what had fallen from his colleague, Mr. Dokion. He desired to urge on a full and complete sun'cy of the Ottawa country, as well as to ascertain the desirableness of a railway or canal. This ^vas no new subject to him. At the time he ha pie of New York had spent £4,000,000 to dig out a wet ditch across their whole state, to bring the trade by that route to the seaboard, we should not hesitate about undertaking a work which would cost so much leas, and be so much greater whcm completed. He had heard ui^ed as one of the great difficulties to be overcome, since he came down here, the obstructions in the reach of the river from Carillon to Ottawa City — a distance of 58 miles. — On that point he would read a letter fi-om a pilot many years navigating it, and perfectly acquainted with the channel. It was as follows : — Templeton, January 12, 1856. Sir, — In reply to your letter asking for a statement of the obstructions lo navigation for vessels drawing tenor twelve feet of water between By town and Grenville, I have to inform you that coming from Grenville to Bytown, in the main channel about 450 yards from the mouth of the canal, the water dioals to about 10 to 12 feet for about a quarter of a mile in length, the breadth being over 200 feet, there is a smaller sand shoal on the south side of this channel with not more than 3 feet on it at low water. From thence to the Nation Bay, a distance of 26 miles, a good deep water channel varying from 15 to 4 fathoms. On this part of the route the breadth of the river is from one quarter to three quarters of a mile. From this to entrance of north channel, a distance of four miles, it shoals to 9 or 10 feet water, the shoal tkeing about one third of a mile in length, bottom sandy, width of channel 150 feet ; thence on to Ways Bay, a distance of 8 miles, deep water. MaiiT diannel from this to Templeton east boundary, a distance of 10 miles, a good channel, deep water all along. Here there is a shoal about one mile in lengthy with a channel from 150 to 200 feet wide, on which the water is from 4 feet 6 inches to 7 and 9 feet in depth — this is a sand bank. From thistoGreen'0 shoals, 4 miles deep water, breadth of ^ of a mile ; then comes a reef of rocks right across the river, depth in the shallowest 5 feet 6 inches ; the channel through the reef is about 80 feet wide, the length (^the reef is about 100 feet,Jwith rocks projecting at low water on each side of the channel ; then deep water for about 1^ mile ; then shoals to 6^ feet for about ^ mile of sandj; kyttom. From this to McNab's shoak is about 3 miles deep water ; on Mo- Nab's :lioal8 5^ to 7 feet water ; length of shoal | of a mile, bottom sandv; then ve»,7 deep water all the way up to landing at Bvtown. I suppose tW length of excavation required would be about 3 miles through sand, and i^out 200 feet through rock^ some of which feels like boulders at bottom; tids includes the whole distance from Grenville to Bvtown, and which I con- Bder would be required to afford a navigable channel for a vessel drawing 12 to 15 feet of water through the lowest water : for an average of 2 months of each year I could take a vessel drawing from 12 to 15 feet of water through Ijpom Bytown to Grenville without any improvements, save a few lights. I am, your obedient servant, ,v ■- J. H. Burke, Esq. Danu Willia.ms. 16 I. ! HI AgMD, with regard to the lower reach, every one knew that a given body of water required the same space through which to flow. There was as much water flowed over the Ohaudiere Falls at high water as oVer the Niagara, and while Lake Ontario waa navigable, they would not pretend tiie Lake of Two Mountains waa such an expansion as to render the waters of the Ottawa unnavigable. With regard to the other obstructions, they had only to confine the volume of water within certain limits, and viessels would float over any obstructions they could find upon the river bed. There was no doubt water could be brought from Lake Nipissing into the Ottawa to fioat any craft; and if the whole distance were excavated, instead of availing themselves of the Matawan and its little lakes, it would be but 70 miles, against 360 of the Erie. The only qoestion waa with regard to the size of vessels^ and recent improvements in the art of ship-building had shewn that flatter bottomed vessels than were formerly in vogue were equally safe, and gave greater capacity in proportion to the size of the deck. If these improvements were adopted, he believed that, with eight feet of water on the sills of the Ottawa Canal, — which might easily be obtained at no extravagant cost, — they could pass vessels through with 1000 tons burthen from Chicago to Montreal, and thence to sea, if it were thought expedient* Even with but 30 feet beam, and less water, vessels of six hundred tons burthen could be passed through. In addition to the figures given by Mr* JPowell he would say, that with the opening up of the Ottawa navigation and the construction of the Champlain and St. Lawrence Canals, New iTork would be but 1200 miles distant from Chicago, bemg now over 1600 by water communication, making 400 miled difference. There were 12,000,000 of acres of land fit for settlement lying between the Ottawa and Lake Huron, and aurely this was a suMcient political consideration fot many in the matter. It has not been settled heretofore, because it waa a perfect cul de aac, to which one could hardly get at all, and from which hQ, could not send his produce for sale. Again, the lessening of risk and th6 cost of insurance would be very great. The lake navigation would be very much shortened. Lakes St. Clair and Erie, which were particularly dangerous, would be avoided altogether. A presentment of the Grand Jury of the Northern Circuit Court of Ohio estimated that of 1149 vessels owned by that State at the beginning of the year 344 had been lost in the past seaaon, almost all of them on these two lakes. Mr. MaNaughtoJt, D. P. S., being called on, gave some interesting details about the geology and the agricultural resources of the country; There waa a country there yet unsettled, but most of it fit for settlement, brger than Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New England taken together — nay, it would take a large portion of the Empire State to make up an e flsl area. On beyond Lake Superior, again, in the valley of th6 Saskatchewan and the southern part of the Arthabaaka country, waa a most i^ile country, as large as Prussia, the northernmost part of which was 600 miles south of St. Petersburgh. It was capable of supportmg many BiillioBs cf people; When he went over the route from Ottawa to Lake I 17 tiifi * Nipissing, some 20 years ago, with Sheriff TreadwcU, ho was stmck with the feasibility of canaUing it, aud subsequent visits had only strengthened his convictions in this regard. We regret that want of space prevents us from giving a more extended report of Mr. McNaughton's remarks. We may mention here that he is the author of a very valuable mr.p of the part of the country about which he spoke, and of which every one interested in the canal scheme should procure a copy. Hon. J. S. ^[acDonai.d next addressed the meeting at some length, but we arc compelled for the reason given above to omit the greater portion of his rouuirks. lie occupied a neutral ground with regard to this project, and should always maintain that the St. Lawrence was the legitimate chan- nel fur the trade of the West, but ho should be more happy to aid in opening up the Ottawa, as he felt it to be but an act of justice to the people of that part of the country who liad been neglected by all governments. Before pledging tliomsplvtii to any particular work they should have an estimate of the cost, and statistics of the trade to be done, and of the Country to be opened up. The people of Lower Canada were equally interested with those of the Ottawa in this work, and they should require to unite in the demand that justice should be done them. The Western people v.'crc endeavoring to engross all power in their hands, nrid to dispose of the revenues of the country as suited them. First, they would try to get the j^oat of government at Toronto, and then try to force representation by pupnhit ion on the rest of the country, and then they wouM have the people of Central and Eastern Canada at their mercy. This must be resisted, lie was glad to see them uniting on this subject and hoped to sec petitions showered into Parliament in its favor. After some further conversation, the following resolutions were passed, tod the meeting bloke up. Moved by Mr. W. F. Powell, M. P. P., seconded by Mr. L. H. Holton, M.P.P., aud resolved unanimously : That this meeting, fully impressed with the importance of opening up the lliver Ottawa as a means of internal communication between the Western Lakes and the tide waters of the St. Lawrence, hereby resolve to use their most strenuous exertions to induce the Government and Legislature to take the necessary steps for the purpose of having detailed surveys made at the earliest period possible in order to ascertain the feasibility and cost of the construction of a Ship Canal aud Railway. It was moved by lion. Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. "Whitney, M.P.P., and unanimously resolved : That the Secretary be requested to send a copy of the foregoing Resolution to the IMunicipal authorities of each of the Municipalities, requesting them to co-operate with the Members of Parliament composing the meeting, by memorializing the three branches of the Legislature hi favor of the Survey, &c. 2 mmm. 'I If I'i i m 18 Mr. Perry, C. E., and Mr. McNaughton, D. P. S., having given the meeting explanations with regard to the practicability of opening up the water communication and the nature of the country to be opened up, it tras Moved by Hon. John Young, seconded by Mr. Esdaile : That the thanks of this meeting arc due, and arc hereby tendered to Messrs. Perry and McNaughton, for the very valuable and interesting information with which they have favoured the meeting. Mr. Yielding having left the chair, and Mr. Whitney having been' called thereto, on motion of Mr. Helton, soconded by Mr. Powell, the thanks of the meeting were voted to Mr. Yielding for his able conduct in the chair, and the meeting adjourned. THE GEORGIAN BAY AND OTTAWA CANAL. To the Hon. Sir Allan N. MacNab, Kt., President of the Executive Council, Minister of Agriculture, ^'C, S^c, SfC. Sir, — Your high position as President of tbo ('ouncil and Minister of Agriculture, would seem to point to you as the person in this Province to whom the following conmiunicatlon ought to be especially addressed. There are other subjects of vast public importance, which may receive the attention to which they are entitled in due time. It is wrong to represent Canada to be essentially an agricultural country, for it is notorious that the growth of her principal export (wheat) is confined to a comparatively limited space, when compared with the gi'eat States of the West, viz : tlie upper part of the St. Lawrence, the borders of Lake Ontario, with the peninsula of Niagara and Huron. The best wheat in America is produced on these frontiers, yet her position is more peculiarly adapted to Manufactures and Commerce — and across her inter- vening territory must pass the immense traffic from the Great West to the East, and the seaboard, and reversely ; and on these will the public attention be ultimately concentrated. The boundary line of Upper Canada runs through the centre of all the great lakes and then* connecting rivers ; so that, starting from Pigeon River, at the western extremity of Lake Superior, you may follow for hearly 1,000 miles the imaginary line which separates Upper Canada from the United States. Pigeon River is 1,900 miles from the Gulph of the St. Lawrence, and 600 feet above the Sea ; and after steaming across Lake Superior to the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, we descend 17 feet through locks, 75 feet by 350, to Lake Huron ; and proceeding onward by the River St. Clair, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River to Lake Erie, and on to'the mouth of the Welland Canal, where we descend 350 feet through 27 looks, each 150 feet by 26^, to Lake Ontario. From thence by Kingston we pass through the exquisite scenery of the Lake of 1000 Isles ; through the 19 locks of the St. Lawrence Canals, 200 feet by 45, descending 19 -■M 150 feet to the level of the Ottawa. This vast region occupies about 147,000 square miles, aud extends over 16 degress of longitude and 8 of latitude. If we take latitude 44 ° 30, tracing the continuation of the parallel through Western Canada, M'e shall find it to mark the Northern limit of the sedimentary rock, composed of limestone aud shale, — to the south of it being stretrhed out the gre.il. agricultural region, distinguished in a remark- able maimer for the fertility of its soil, aud the adaptation of its climate to thcpurioscs of husbar jry. To the north of -14*30 is a mixed mineral and forest or timber region, — but with millions of acres in the valley of Ottawa and its tributaries, and •westward to the great Lakes, capable of yielding a rich harvest to the agri- culturist, and of supporting a population, if as densely packed as in the old country, of .'O.OOOjOOO soulr-i ; und posswriing such pennaucnt and inexhaus- tible sources of weolth and prosperity, as cannot liiil to ensure to this district a, destiny similar, in mo;<, respects, to that of the mother country. Let us mark well the great advantage ol the natural position of this favored, but hitherto comparatively neglected tract. To the north-east lies Eafitern ( ^mada, — north-west, the trackless territories of the Hudson's Bay Company. On every othor part AVestern Canada is surrounded by the busy aud thriving States of the American Union. But have v/e hitherto made the best use of this great advantage of nar tural position. To our • "vuth and west, and north-west, lies a vast producing country, capable of indefinite cxtcnsioii. To the cast a vast consuming country, iucap" ble of satiety. We are ])laced between these extremes, and in- tended by nature to enjoy the carrying trn de of both. And when the east and west fail us, at any time after the improvement of the country, we will be in n better position than our western neighbors at any period of their progress, ; — being nearer to the great markets abroad. As to our internal improve- ment, we are capable of in^^reaaing 20 fold the protlucts of our forests, farms and mines, and thus do not want almost inexhaustible resources within our- selves, and snrroundmg our homes. Let us regard for a moment, the rich mining region along the shores of I^es Superior and Huron, where we find copper and iron in inexhaustible plenty. It is cheaper to bring the coal of Ohio and Illinois to Chicago, Milwaukie, and Superiw Cities, than to carry the ore to th.; Eastern States, smelt it, manufacture it, and then send it back again to the far West— so that the south side of Lake Superior will contain the population and indus- try for which it is by nature so remarkably adopted. And then will follow the North, — the great Mineral Region of Western Canada. But look be- yond, at Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, and the vast West, and their inexhaustible surplus produce, — incapable of being borne over the heated waters of the gulph stream, without detriment, and impatiently wait- ing for the shortest, safest, and cheapest roate, and mode of transit to the great consumiug markets of the East, and the Seaboard, for export to Foreign lUads. « 1 !! if i./i |i 'n u \ni |r:i:,l f i'l If ' »1 ' i'l: ill ^0 There are no less than 13 railways radiating from Chicago, which has Jtaelf increased from 4,479 in 1840, to 83,000 in 15 years. Milwaukie, Green Bay, and the ports of Huron, St. Clair, and Erie, and the whole region round the Great Lakes, are marked by similar progress. The report of Mr. An- drews to the United States Government in 1851, estimated the value of the commerce of the (jfreut Lakes at £8,000,000, — and now, in 1856, it may be safely taken at £100,000,000. So much for the immense trade impatiently waiting for the cheapest, the safest, and the shortest route to the great Eastern markets of consumption, and the Seaboard for exports to foreign markets. But it should not bo forgotten, that n summit ridge has been gained,— that the crest of the dividing ridgo, nt the head of Petawawee and Matawa, the great tributaries of the Ottawa, give rise to the Muskaka, Maguuetawan, and French River, flowing to Lake Huron, — and that a vast supply of lum- ber is there preparing for its adventurous journey, to supply the naked praries of the West. This is the commeiuximent of a mighty trade, — endur- ing as remunerating. From the marts of the East will be derived, besides, the various results of mechanical skill, and the products of the Mother Country, the Sister Colonies, and Foreign climes. All this is undeniable. I ask then, have we made the best use of the great advantages of our natural position ? Have we ever paused to consi- der it aright in all its bearings ? On the one side is a great producing country, — on the other a great consuming country, prepared to forward to the western producer the products of skilled labour, and possessing, with the extension of its foreign trade, inexhaustible resources. Is it not manifest, that the exchange must be made over our territory ? Are we not destined by nature to benefit largely by the carrying trade between them ? And how is this to be accomplished ? By ollering both parties, the shortest, the safest, and the cheapest route for the free and unrestrained interchange of their commodities. And how is this shortest, safest, and cheapest route to be obtained ? One of the greatest improvements in this country would be the for- mation of a Ship Canal along the river, extending from Bout dc I'lsle up to the point where the old canoe route stretched across the country by Lake Talon, Trout Lake, Lake Nipissing, and French River to Georgian Bay in Lake Huron. The Government are already in possession of surveys of this line, and much information will be found in Mr. Logan's Report ; but not, by any means, sufficient were it acted upon. In ftict many improve- ments and changes for the better are very ajjparent. A simple statement of these would at once secure a preference in their favor. But, although this great work may have been contemplated as possible, this knowledge could be of very little service to the country until the popular attention had been directed full upon the subject, so as to draw forth the loud and unmi^ takeable expression of public opinions in its favour, with a positive demand for the execution of the work without any unnecessary delay. When I came up here in Spring, I found all agitatiou ou this mighty uatioDal "St 21 qoestion hod gone to sleep ; and a principal object of my visit was to revive the discugsion of a subject which I had introduced to the special notice of tlic Provincial and British Governments many years aj?o. I again renewed my corrcspoiidoncc with both Governments, alluding to my previous advocacy of this great national work, and have been so fortunate as to engage the attention of both, with a demand from the British Colonial Office through Govcrinncnt House for a coi)y of my correspondence regard- ing the improvements with the latter, to be accompanied by His Excellency the Governor Gcnoral's remarks ajjpcndcd thereto. This great improvement would be eftected by damming and lockage, with a bold deep cut from Lake Nipissing to the Ottawa, in order to get quit efl'ectually of the supera1)nndunt waters of the minor lakes on tho route, between Nipissing and the river. The estimated expense of this route, I have ascertained, would amount to £3,000,000 stg., to complete it on the most efficient plan. 1'hc gain, the monopolising of the whole trade not passing tho Upper (Auiadu, routes, formed and to bo formed, by Lake Eric side, &c., &c., and through the chain of lakes, thus leading by tho city of Ottawa the whole of tho West and East local traffic to Montreal, and downwards to the Ocean, for the I'lasteru markets and abroad, and by Hhip Canal, as contemplated, across to Lake Champlain, as a natural con- sequence. The drawljack would bo tho heavy charge for lockage dues, from tho necessary multiplication of lock rates ; yet this would be little in comparison with the Erie Canal line tlirough New York State ; the Ottawa route ref|uiring only G2 locks, viz : o ascending and r)7 descending, making 3 locks inoro than in the Vrdland and St. Lawrence, but leaving us in return 480 miles nearer to the terminus of tlie trade ; while the Erie nced."» 8S locks, and the latter passing at present only "5 tons lighters, and when improved to the utmost intendeil, in lSi)S, lighters of 220 tons. The pro- posed Ottav/a and (Georgian Canal will be made of capacity to pass sea- going craft of 1000 tons burden. There would be a saving of 700 miles of difficult and dangerous lake navigation, thereby shortening the time, and lessening the expense of sending the innneiisc products of the West to tho great consuming marts of tho East and the seaboard. The distance from Montreal to Chicago is 1680 miles, via St. Law- rence and the lakes ; by the Ottawa I)T1 miles, making a difierence of 709 miles ; Liverpool to Chicago by the Ottawa route 3630 miles, via New York and the lakes AGS'\ dilTerence ina New York 1055 miles. In fact, by the St. Lawrence, Afontreal is at a greater distance from Chicago than New York, — the one being IGSO, the other 1G21. From Chicago to Mon- treal by the Ottawa 950 miles, Chicago to Buffalo by the lake 1100 miles ; a vessel reaching Montreal by the first route Ijcfbre she could the Wellaud Canal, at the head of the Lake Ontario, by the second. It costs ^G.IO to transport a ton from Chicago to New York by tho lakes and Erie Canal route, while the same could be lauded at Liverpool by the Ottawa route for $8, leaving a large margin for profit. It is esti- mated that an ordinary propeller, drawing 10 feet, and making 8 knots an 1 22 :il I '! hour, would make the voyage in 20 dayn, and if carrying 1000 tons, wouM earn £2000 currency ; and deducting £1200 for cost of voyage, risk, interest, Ac, and lighterage, tolls, wharfage, warehouM dues, Ac, &c., £3(i0, would leave £500 clear as [)rofit on the voyage. The cost of transporting must come out of the produce in some ^po. If the proposed canal should Iks the means of lessening the freight on a bushel of wheat 5 cents, it would add from 15 to 20 per cent to the value of every farm profiting by such reduction. 'J'ho merchant, the conuncrcial mau, and the liirmcr,. will ull benefit together. ITio bark Arabia, Capt. l*ercy, arrived ;it Chicago from Liverpool oa the 25th May last, without breaking bulk, by the route of the St. lAwrenco Canals, the Wclland and the lakes ; and nf Chicago, her destination, she bad gained an elevation hi<,'ijer than tli ' lii;^ljost Pyramid of Egypt. Had she passed by the proposed Ottawa route to Lako Huron, she wouKi have saved 900 miles sailing in this voyage. J3y a judiciou;- ystem of damming, on a new but simple, and inexpensive, nnd highly improved, and efficient principle, and as yet known to very few, the Ottawa can be always kept at a level of some feet above its Spring flood pitch. A few dams would turn the whole river from Joachim toMatawaniuto a series of lakes ; and any depth of water could be had from Grenvillo to Deep River by the same means, without doinrr any great injury to private property. It is to be hoped that the Government will send competent Engi- neers to examine the river and to report on the facilities presented for the construction of a shipping thoroughfare for the Trade of the West by thia route, and report farther on the country between the Montreal Iliver and Lake Huron as to its adaptation for settlement and lumbering purposes, that they may progress simultaneously, — this being, as has already been said elsewhere, the only extensive tract of settlement country atailahle, and of easy access, now at the disposal of the Government. It should be particularly observed, that on the Ottawa route there are no engineering ditficulties, — that the route may be made available for sea-going vessels at the cost already stated, — that it will shorten the present route between Milwaukie and Mon- treal 709 miles ; and that it will open up a vast settlement country around the Lakes, and between them and the Ottawa. It is also almost certain that the territory brought into the market by the opening up of this vast settle- ment tract would speedily pay the expense of this great work. The mining property would increase immensely in value, by bringing the produce so much nearer market. It is estimated that the probable revenue, soon after opening, would amount to £280,000 a-ycar — over 9 per cent ; but this is far below what may be certainly calculated upon. If a portion of the territory to the east of the Matawan were offered to the British for a military settlement for actual settlers, there is every probability that Britain would pay at once for the expense of survey, and aid materially in advancing or guaranteeing the expense of the formation of the proposed Ottawa route, which would be of the 23 greatest benefU, viewing it prospectively in all ita results, that evw was, or could possibly be, conferred on Canada. [ shall return tu tliib subject, uud iu thu mcautimo havo the honor to subscribe mysuir, 8ir, Your most olxxUout and humble servant, JAMES ANDERSON. Ottawa British TIotkl, ) City, C. VV., Jan. 19, ]856. f THE GEOllGIAN BAY AND OTTAWA CANAL. To the Hon. Sir Allan N. MncNah, Kt., President of the Execxttive Council, Minister of Agriculture, ^c, Ifc, 6fc. Sir, — I resumi; the cousidoratiou of the sclieme which I partially develof)od in my letter of the 19th inst. The proposed Ottawa and Cleorgian Bay Canal will be less expensive in the construction than the proposed line from Ceor{?ian Bay or Notuwa- saga, by I^ake Simcoe to Ontario. The saviiig in distance will be most important, and this may be stated at upwards of 150 miles from point to point. Tne Erie canals and railways connecting at Toronto would also detract from the vtdue of the Georgian I3uy Canal by the latter route, as a feeder of the St. Lawrence and parallel railroad routes. But, besides, the deep cuttings on the Toronto line woalil, of themselves, be a satisfactory and conclusive argument against its formation ; involving an enormous expense both in the construction and upholding, and at all times, piwing a fruitful source of insecurity and accident. It is to be considered, too, that the dan- ger of the lake navigation would not be avoided by the Toronto route, nor the heavy lake insurance, and that it would, in fact, become the feeder of Oswego, Rochestx'r and Ogdensburg, on the American side ; thus actually diverting the trade fi-oin the St. Lawrence, rather than making it the great highway through the Canadian waters to its Eastern extremity, aftording the traitic of the West, the shortest, the safest, and the cheapest route to the great consuming marts of the East and the Ocean. And there cannot be a doubt that providing a channel for the travel and traffic to be created by the opening up of the Georgian Bay Canal, by the Ottawa route, would be an invaluable gain to the Province, not only by making available its most accessible settlement country, but passing as it would, through its richest mining and lumbering region, and joining with the American line on the other side of Sault St. Marie, thus receiving the choice of the whole freight from the boundless regioas of the West, a benefit would be conferred on Canatla of inestimable value ; while the St. Lawrence, with its lakes, canals, and railways, would still have left much more em- ployment than desirable, unless additional facilities were afiorded along the route. The traffic of the West is daily increasing, beyond the possibility of providing adeijuately for its timely tmnsit. m ' Ull ■'A M ull \u 4 24 It may be partJcularly noticed, too, that the great danger of the lakes route would be avoided, and of course, large Insurance premiums. Thfe may well be deemed considerable, when it is stated that out of 1190 Amer- ican vessels, of all classes, afloat in the lakes in 1854, no fewer than 384 were lost during that year, or near one-third of their whole fleet. The Ottawa .was the route by which Europeans first penetrated the West, — Champlain in 1715, as far as TS'ipissing; and the Kccollet Father, LeCaron, bore the Gospel to tlio Huron tribes, and was thereafter followed by the Jesuits by same course. The trade from Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior, from which the Ottawa is the natural outlet, may, at present, be estimated as follows. But the computation is purposely stated very far below the truth : — Value. Tons. U. S. District of Mackinaw 5,000,000 200.000 Milwaukie 24,000,000 1,100,000 Chicago 29,800,000 1,120,000 Besides all this there is the large timber trade along the line, the mineral traffic, which is in its infancy, but which must bo snp})lit>(l by the rich and inexhaustible fields along the shores of the upper lakes, along the Ottawa, and between it and the lakes. This shews $60,000,000 worth per annum, and nearly 2,500,000 toan of shipping. The prospective estimate for 1861 would be !f?153,000,000 and 6,000,000 tons of shipping, making allowance for any railroads impinging on Lake Huron, in the meantime, of 4,000,000 tons of freight. The saving in distance to Montreal by this route, compared with that by Toronto, would be 150 miles, taking the straits of ]\[anitoulin and Cajjc Hard as points m common to both routes. Taking Lake Simcoc for a level, 128 feet above T/alcc Huron, for the Toronto route; and for the Ottawa, liake Nipissing, 70 feet above the same lake, the advantage is in favour of the latter. Toronto route must have excavated 10 to 12J.' miles at from ] 00 to 220 feet. Ottawa, 3 miles at 35 feet deep. Toronto cutting through alluvium, gravel, quicksand, some limc- .stone rock, much loam and granite. 'J'oronto line will excavate and lock 481 feet down to hike Ontario, in 25 miles. Ottawa 532 ftet to Chats lake in 160 miles; and in the whole line 572, 6 iui'lies up lockages, 06'^' down »,■ distance of 154 miles — perfect for vessels of considerable tonnage. I need not here state the radical errors in the construction of the Chats Canal. • Mr. KUssell says that, on principles of calculation admitted by persona of experience to be correct, after making deduction for ban-en ground, and future destruction by fire, — it is estimated that there is still standing on the Ottawa, and its tributaries about 55,811,200 of tons of Timber of the kind and average d'lr'r'nsions now taken to market, and 183,244,800 of smaller size, which, at the present rate of consumption, might last 150 years. Thid gives the certainty of an extensive East and AA''est growing lumber trade. Railway Routb. The Ship Canal would suffice for the open season and heavy freight. But now to provide for the winter travel, and light goods, immediately required on short notice. Tlio Railway to Pembroke, with a continuation to Lake Huron, already sanctioned, will cross tho country in as direct n lino as the easiest levels will permit of, to Sault St. Maiic, joining with the proposed American line on the opposite side. The Americans, I have satisfactory assurance, are only delaying until they see a decided movement on the otiier side of the lines. The result would be that there would arise at Fond du Lac or Maduleine, a gretit and important city like ('hicago, — at Sault Sle. Marie another, and at tho mouth of the French river a third. If the Railway to tho F'dCiiic were continued, you would have opened up on British territory, the finest and must extensive settlement country in the world, the Red river country on the one hand, and tho United States on the other; from Pembroke to tho Ottawa tl'.e line woul'i sliiit a lumbering aixl settle- ment country oi" 21,000,000 acres on the left hand— but chiefly a settle- ment country on the light — in fact, as I have boforo said, I .should wish emphatically to impress on the Government, with few trifling exceptions, the only extensive settlement tract now remaining within our partially explored limits. I am aware that some road surveys have been progressing very slowly up here ; but I feel assured that you will ut once pcrcoivo tho incalculable importance of hastening forward the great improvements I have brielly noticed. If Canada is to become a great country — these, with the St. Lawrence and Champlain Canal leading by the course of tho Hudson to the ocean, or alone by tlie St. Lawrence an.l Culph, and Straits of Helleisle to the norlhward (by either of which routes tiu' great Ship Canal might doboucli on the ocean) are things to be now under- taken — measures which I have already suggested and recommended to tho Homo and Colonial Governments now, as years ago. These, 1 ven- ture to say, together with the vigorous pro;3ecutioii of the Federal Question, — also recornmeiuied and remarkeil on at length in similar high quarters, will fo.-m the ceitain and ordy road to unanimity of feelings, — tending to produce something like a desirabk. nationality of feeling throughout British America — neutralizing the hostility of races^ existing so unfortunately in the Canadas, and ultimately ensuring per- manent prosperity and enduring success. ^'.^■(■I?^*."'^"^- ^i'-* nw^fywv\-jvm''r9^-' vUt m WM 4: ! 26 The Canals hitherto constructed in this Province have not been remunerative, from their inefficient and inadequate construction in some cases ; but they have all been constructed of too small capacity. An enlargement of capacity — involving an amount of labour approaching to reconstruction — is always obtained at a ruinous outlay. Let no such error mar the bright prospects of the Georgian and Ottawa ; but let it, at once, bo formed of such a size, as, with the boundless expectant trade, to secure, from the first moment, a splendid surplus revenue, to relieve taxation, and aid in defraying the public expenditure within the Province. I said it 14 years ago, and I now repeat it again, and I have no objection how widely it is propagated throughout Canada, that she never will be in a n-althy state until the surplus revenues from her public works go far to supersede the nee ssity for taxation within the Province. And had they all been at first constructed of a rfnificient capacity, and on an economical scale, there can be no doubi that an approximation to this desirable result would have been attained earlier than those who have hitherto failed in rendering the public works of the Province remunerative are willing to allow. I cannot believe, however, that these gentlemen will permit pre- judices to overcome the high impulses of patriotism with which, as true-hearted Canadian -, they must feel inspired, — not to talk of interest — but will cheerfully n'nd their aid in the furtherance of a scheme at once so deservedly popular and so certainly remunerative. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient and humble serv't, JAMES ANDERSON. British Hotel, Ottawa City, C. W., Jan. 21, 1856. From the Monardmt, [Ottawa.) THE ADVANTAGES ENGLAND WOULD DERIVE FKOM THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE OTTAWA. Canada occupies the proud position of being the chief and most impor- tant Colony Britain possesses, peopled by a brave, generous, and hardy race, whose devotion and loyalty to the mother country are as chivalrous as sin- cere, and whose rapid advancement in wealth and affluence promises at no very distant day, to make tier an able and efficient ally ; her geographical position enabling England to occupy a vantage-ground in any future contests on the American continent, which would amply compensate for disparity in numerical strength. But it is chiefly in the peaceful pursuits of commerce that Canada becomes of such paramount importan«e to England, opening up the richest and most extensive field in the world to her manufacturing enterprise. The hydrographical features of Canada are peculiar, possessing a single sea-port ; her extent of coast is over 2,000 miles, while her position enables her to outflank, or take, as it were, in reverse, England's rival for the commerce of the world — the United States of America. A glance at 27 the map will show at once that Canada's geographical formation virtually penetrates and commands the vitals and most valnerable points of the Ame- rican system. The real weakness of that system, in either peace or war, is to be found on the Canadian side, though by judicious treaties, and a good deal of enterprise, coupled with stringent " protection" of their own advan- tages, they have contrived hitherto to secure to themselves not only all the profits of their own trade, but actually the greater portion of that of Canada also. That this state of tilings will not be allowed to continue, is very evident from the agitation now on foot for the purpose of creating successful compe- tition, and in the result of this agitation English interests are largely mixed up. It appears to be a universally admitted fact, that the Reciprocity Treaty, as it now stands, has been a failure, so far as Canadian interests are concerned. True, our shop-keepers (merchants we have none) buy in the cheapest markets and sell in the dearest ; our farmers receive a higher price than formerly for their grain ; but the Americans in exchange for this "pros- periftj," have secured the whole of our import and export trade, and are virtually become our carriers, at any price they like, while our vessels lie idle at anchor in our harbors, and our ports ;u u as literally closed as if they were blockaded by a foreign foe. To resort to dli)loraatic measures to set those matters right, would probably be attended with advantage ; but, after all, it would leave us open to a competition with which Ave would be unable to cope : the measure embraced by the agitation alluded to, goes the length of putting an extinguisher on all attempts at competition, and certainly will do so, if able to carry out their schemes successfully. One of the most im- portant portions of the United States is the magnificent Valley of the Mis- sissippi, embracing, in fact, the principal grain-producing States to which these manufacturing States on the seaboard look for their surplus supplies of cereals, to make good their own dcliciency. It is not to be doubted but that those Western States are of more importance to the prosperity of the Union than the cotton-growing or tobacco-raising States of the South, and consequently in them lies the true source of American vulnerability. The greater portion of the trade in grain from those States seeks the great lakes as an outlet to the seaboard, and as the St. Lawrence is naturally the outlet from the great Lakes, it would be reasonable to suppose t^'at this trade would find its way down that river to Canada's only sea-port — Quebec. But such is not the case. By superior enterprise, the Americans have constructed an artificial canal from the tide-waters of the Hudson to Lake P^rio, thus over-coming all obstacles in the St. Lawrence ; and with the aid of their well devised coasting laws, confining the trade of the Western States to this channel. The Canadian Coverument have not been idle ; with praiseworthy emulation and diligence they have constructed a series of ship canals, unsur- passed for magnitude in the world, and thus overcoming the natural obsta- cles to the navigation of their magnificent river, offered easy access to the seaboard to the trade of this AVestern country ; but the Reciprocity Treaty, and the Warehousing or Bonding Bill shifted the course of the import trade from Montreal on the St. Lawrence, to New York on the Hudson ; m 28 w 3 ?■■*: if' «nd with the cause before mentioned, not only retained this trade on an artificial canal, but actually absorbed the Canadian trade also, thus entirely denuding the natural outlet of its legitimate trafBc. The increase in this traffic from New York must efifectually injure English shipping interests, because every American vessel, carrying out a cargo of flour, could return with a cargo of manufactured goods, " to Canadian orders," 80 that the direct import trade with England stands a fair chance of being carried on, over the American frontier, to the great detriment of tho interests of both Canada and the mother cruntry. To remedy this evil, and give England a fair chance of pushing her trade into the heart of the Western States, it would be only necessary to complete the communication with Lake Huron, by the Ottawa river, and to establise " Reciprocity" with her, to a certain extent. The necessity for this would bo, to induce the English manufacturer to forward his goods in bulk, for sale in Western ports, and to induce a trade in the St. Lawrence, by giving the homo man- ufacturer the same facilities at Detroit which he possosses in New York. In other words, as the Americans allow our gooods to pass through in bond, we should allow the British to pass through (lunula in bond, securing the carrying trade. We are not aware tliat anything in the coasting laws or llcciprocity Treaty is opposed to this ; it would innnonscly benefit Canada, because tlie upward bound vessel, with a cargo of imported goods, Avould assuredly fetch a cargo of grain on the return voyage. But in any case the opening of the Ottawa v.-ill eflcct all this, because it will place Chicago and Liverpool williin twenty doys of each other, and establish a direct and unbroken lin? of connnunication betweci them, shorter by over 1,000 miles than any other route, and as safe as an internal canal, for ono third of the distance. It h clearly the interest of the Imperial Govern- ment to ttn-n their attention to (Iiis matter, but eticiuette will prevent theni taking the initiative in it ; therefore, the Provincial Gover.nn^'nt should at once lay before her Majesty's Ministers this measure, and endeavor to obtain a proportionate share of aid in tho construction of the woi'ks neces- sary to complete this magnificent project. It is not a matter for private enterprise, because the great commercial arteries of a country should not be placed in the hands of monopolists, and as the public will reap all the bcn(^ ■ fit of such a measure, they should also bei)repared to bear the burden. What a fie'd for British and Canadian enterprise will this project open up. As a distinguished American writer says of the trade of this groat western country : — " It gives an idea of innnensity which the mind fails to realise.'' The amount of tonnage connected with this trade, passing over the St. Clair Hats, in 1855, amounted to two millions tons. Now, as we have; but seven months of open navigation, if we suppose that amount seeks an Euro- pean market, with good propellers, we might be able to make thrre trips in tho season, it would require nearly 700 vessels, of 1,000 tons burthen each, to transport that amount of tonnage. It is assumed that all this seeks a foreign market, because the surplus produce of the lower division will be quit« enough to supply the deficiency of the Eastern States, as it amounts to 29 nearly one million tons; and as they absorb only two-fiftlis of the whole, the above calculations are ample. When we also consider the advantage both Canada and England will derive, by turning the tide of commerce ia this direction, we feel assured that the most sanguine expectations of the advocates of this great project will be more than realised, and the bond of union which secures to the mistress of the seas her American continental possessions, will be more tightly drawn by the facilities aftorded by the Ottawa River. We have spoken of it in a commercial point of view. The statesman, at a glance, can perceive the part it will play in politics, in case of any future American difficulty. It is perfectly obvious that facilities of access bring with them an amount of importance which will always make the stronger party obtain such an amonnt of influence us to paralyse any attempt on the part of the weaker, to his prejudice, and in the present case the amount of influence which British interests would acquire in the basin of the Mississippi, would completely paralyze any attempt on the part of a siUy administration in Wushington, running the risk of embroiling two countries so nearly alike in their manners and institutions, and whose interests, as regards external policy, should he tlie same. It would place in the hands of Great Britain, the means of correcting the chief vice of Republican institutions, viz : Executive weakness, and compel that respect for international law (for the disregard of which the Americans are famous) BO requisite on a continent ensy of access, and on which the weaker caii only subsist by the forbearance of the stronger power. As a milttary work, it would at once aflord sale and easy access to the heart of the American States, while its utility as a second line of defence to Canada is unquestion- able. But as war is the last tiling we care to speak of, or to write about, we shall carry our subject no further than by merely saying, the greatest soldier the world ever [saw observed, " the way to connnand peace is to be prepared for war," and England's supremacy on the continent of North America and Canada's security, will be found i)i those measures which give access to the waters of Lake llm'ou to the ocean ship, by the Valley of the Ottawa. THE OTTAWA AND GEORGIAN BAY CANAL. We find in the Ottawa Monarchist the following correspondence. — We republish it with much pleasure. Apart from the deep importance of the subject, it contains some statements of very great iutercst, which wo commend to the consideration of the reader : — Ottawa City, 12ai Feb., 185G. Dear Sir, — In reply to your enquiries, respecting the length of time necessary to make a survey of the Upper Ottawa, with a view to its connex- ion with Lake Huron by a Ship Canal, I have to state in the first place, that it will depend altogether on the extent of country to be exammed, and secondly on the amount of assistan(;e available for that pm*pose. After xiarefully considering the subject, it appears to me that the only real problem a survey has to solve, will be the practicability of rendering the waters of Lake ! i 30 iijfe-i- ■| Is ippissing available, as a summit level ; and this will reduce the area of operations to an extent of country less than 200 square miles, and not over 46 in ita greatest length, viz : from the mouth of Muttawa River to Lako Nippissing. My reasons for narrowing down the question of the survey to this issue arc simply, because the character of the physical difGculties to be overcome there, and the supply of water obtained, must eventually govern the size of all the coimccting canal? between it and the tide water, to a con- siderable extent ; and as it is proposed to construct Ship Canals of the lar- gest size, the wisdom of ascertiiining the capiibilitics of the summit supply of water, and the facilities it possesses for a work of this character, before expending large sums on surveys on other portions of the river, about which no reasonable doubt can exist, is apparent. I am further confirmed in this view of the matter, by the enclosed communications, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4, for which my best thanks are due to the gentlemen of the Union Forwarding Company, and particularly to their agent. Captain T. Cuming. No. 4 has been furnished by W. Molfatt, Eyq.,of Pembroke, and from his long acquain- tance with the locality he describes, no doubt can exist as to its accuracy. — Those documents distinctly show that the open reaches of the river are navi- gable for a craft drawing 1 feet of Avutcr, from St. Anne's to mouth of Mattawa River, 301 miles above Tvlontreal. Of the evidence necessary to prove this, you have yourself heard a part, and I feel perfectly satislied, from conclusions based on theoretical calculations, that this evidence must be correct. If you recollect at Montreal in January last, Sydney Ecllingham, Esq., jM.r.F., stated to us both, that there was a channel of 2 fathoms (12 feet,) through the Lake of Two Mountains to Carillon, while Mr. AVilliams, the Pilot of the Steamer Phmiix, distinctly describes the soundings between Grenvillc and Ottawa. It appears, therefore, that in those reaches there is ample water and very few obstructions, and none of such a character aa cannot be easily overcome. This being the state of the case, it cannot be presumed that any serious unknown obstacle to the profitable improvement of the navigation exists below the mouth of the River Mattawa, and, aa be- fore observed, on the practicability of connecting lake Nippissing with it, the feasibility of the who'-, scheme depends. It follows that the survey ebould commence there, and should be as close and minute as possible. No details should be neglected, because it is of the utmost importance to the interests of the Province, that no misapprehension or mistake should occur there. It would be necessary, in connexion with this, probably to make some observations on Lake Nippissing, and to determine the difference be- tween its high and low waters, also to get, if at all possible, a good approxi- mate measure of its discharge by the French River ; but the main operations of the survey would be principally confmod to the tract pointed out, and if operated on by an efficient Engineering Stafif, should be completed in ten months ; this is allowing six months for the field work, and four months for the office ; whereas, if the whole river from Montreal is put under survey, it could not be completed in four years. The proper mode of proceeding, therefore, would be, to ascertain the ultimate advantages to be derived in the 81 first place, and then fill in the detail afterwards. This river possesses unusual facilities in this respect, because the piece of Canal connecting any two reaches can be put in as a general thing, without affecting the Canals above or below thorn, each Canal being an independent work itself. It is almost premature to say anything about the French River, but less any misconcep- tion might arise about the matter I shall copy from the report of Thomas Haskiiis, Esq., Deputy Surveyor. In his report on survey of the Ottawa Kiver in 18.39, he says, P. 115 :— " 'J.'he French River leaves Lake Nippissing at the westerly extr-^mity of a long bay, and in which are several rocky islands ; this bay is sheltered from the storms by its rocky margin. There arc two i-apids in the French River on the first mile after leaving Lake Nippissing, each about one eighth of a mile in length, and having the same descent of about 10 I'eot ; the second of these rapids flows t1 rough a chasm only 30 i'oet wide ; below these rapids the river passes through a succession of lakes, lined by rocky islands, and in which there are numerous de^'ply indented bays, and which cause the navigation of this river exceedingly critical to those persons unac- customed with the proper channel. I encountered some difficulty in this respect myself. Thirty miles from Lake Nippissing the river divides into three branches, and at which place it is about three feet above Lake Huron. The most easterly of those branches is narrow, shallow, and rocky in ite channel. The Indian name for it is " Asiudibison," and signilios a river filled with shoals ; it^i length is about C miles. The central brunch is about the same length, and contains the principal body of v.at( in the French River, and many average about 300 feet in width, m 4 is free from sunken rocks and other obstructions, with the exception oi ;>. short rapid making a descent of 3 feet, as already remarked. At this outlet there is a good harbor, it being well sheltered from storais by several snrall islands on the East and West, and one large island on the South, and is about three miles from the main land." Mr. Taylor states the depth of wa^er to be from 10 to 20 feet, with bold granite shores ; therefore, there must be no grv a necessity in having this river put under survey till the possibility of the summit connections were established. The necessity for ascertaining the quantity of water availabk at the summit is of paramount importance, because the lower reaches will warrant your locking for Canals of the largest size, say your lock chambers would be 350 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 10 feet/lifts ; then each vessel would use ^350 x 75 x 10=262,500 cubic feet of water ; and if you pass two vessels per hour, you would require 6,420,000 cubic feet per day — a body of water of which few persons can form an adequate con- ception. If this quantity cannot be found or made available, you must contract the dimensions of the locks, and cousequontly the capacity of the Canal. Such are the reasons which induce me to recommend the survey of the summit in the first instance, and to lunit the time necessary to determine its capabilities in the second, to ten months. TIio inclosed, along with a copy of Mr. Williams' letter, published in the Montreal Gazette, determine 32 i n It ' tlie capabilities of the lower reaches, as follows : St. Anns to Garrillon, 23 miles, depth of water, two fathom ; Grenville to Ottawa, 58 i miles, 3 to 4 fathoms ; Chats Lake, 20 miles, 3 to 5 fathoms ; Lake Cologne, 37 miles, 2 to 4 fathoms ; Deep River, 32 miles, 6 to 10 fathoms ; from Joachim Falls to Islet Rapids, 17^ miles, 3 fathoms ; Roche Capi- toine to JJeux Rivers, 11 miles, 5 fathoms ; Leveir to Mattawa Rapids, 18 miles, 2 fathoms. The lengths of obstnicted navigation being Carrilloii and Groiivillc rise 47 Iwi, length 11 miles ; Ottawa or Chaudiere, 63 feet rise, length G miles ; Chat Falls, ,00 feet rise, length 3 miles ; Cheuaux rise 17 feet, kuig-th say ^ mile ; Calumet 94 i rise, length 5 J miles ; Ciilhute Chut, rise 19.7, length ^ niile ; Joachim rise 21.3, length 1 mile; Roche Capitaine rise, 42.10, length 2 miles ; Leveir rise 29.11 ; length 3 miles, making a total of 247 miles of open navigation from St. Anus, 32^ miles of obstructions, and 385.1 of rise. 1 go thus particularly into those details that you may bo able to judge from what data my opinions on this matter are taken, and being deeply impressed with the importance of tho eubject, it appears to me that no trouble should be spared to overcome any really serious difficulties which should present themselves in the way of its thorough in\'estigation ; and amongst other facts I would beg leave to re- mark that the average time each year on which the navigation opens, is from ]5th to 20th of April, and the time of closing is frequently prolonged till the middle of December, and never before the twentieth of November, — leaving seven months of open season ; contrasting favorably in this respect with any other Canals in this country or in the neighboring States. In con- clusion it is to be hoped that the whole matter may have a fair and free investigation ; and I feel confident the capabilities of the Ottawa will exceed our most sanguine expectations. I am, dear Sir, A^cry r&spectfully, yours, GEORGE H. TERRY, Civil Engineer. To W. F. Powell, Esq., M.P.P. (No. 1.) Ottawa City, Feb. 17, 185G. Dear Sir, — Herewith I beg to hand you Captain Hilliard's letter, which I trust will prove satisfactory. The correctness of his information you may rely upon. You will also receive herewith Captain Batson's letter giving you the desired information from Pembroke upwards to Des Joachim : — distance about 45 miles. The soundings and survey of this distance 1 made in company with Captain Batson, and can vouch for the correctness of his information. With regard to the distance and navigation from head of Duchcne Rapids to foot of Chats Rapids, very little is necessary to be said, as I am positive twelve feet or more water may be obtained the whole distance — 30 miles — in the channel of the River, which is neither narrow nor crooked, but the contrary. I have been on the river for the past uino 33 years, in charge of the Steamer Emerald, of draft about five feet, night and day, towhig, Ac, and never found any scarcity of water, except in making way landings. There is neither shoal nor rock tiiat I am aware of in the channel proper between the before-mentioned places. I am, Sir, very respectfully, Your most obo'dt, ( > : T. A. CUMING, ■ ■[ Moster of Steamer Emerald. ToG.H. Perry, Esq. (No. 2.) Olarendok, Jan. 28, 1856. Dear Sir, — I herewith send you all the information I possibly can of the section of the Ottawa lliver, from the head of the Chats Rapids to Mr. Bolton's, at the foot of the Portage du Fort Rapids, with what knowledge I have obtained by five years servitude as commander of the steamer Oregon. In the year 1846 I was employed by Messrs. Atterell & Doyle {Hxea the Lessees of said steamer,) to make surveys and sound the channel through the Chats Lake and River to Portage du Fort, in the month of Aug., when the water was lower than it has been since. I left the Chats atad found a crooked channel with from three to five fathoms of water, with a rocky bottom, covered with a light loamy substance, Rwept into it by the high waters of its tributaries. When I came to Black Heads Island, some six- teen miles from the head of the Chats, I found a rocky bar, that extends from the north shore to the Island, about twenty rods in breadth, with from two to three fathoms of water ; and from this to the Chenaux Rapids, a distance of some six miles, I found a good channel, with from three to five fathoms of water ; then up the Chenaux Rapids, narrow channel ; with rock on both sides and plenty of water ; from this for the distance of some two miles a good channel, and here the channel is very crooked, and rocky shoals reaching out from the south shore and also from the Islands on the north side of the channel, which has from two to four &thoms water ; from this t-o Bolton's I find from two to five fathoms water, the distance some four niles. With the knowledge I have of this section of the Ottawa, I would not hesitate to say you will find two fathoms of water from the head of the Chats to Bolton's, at the foot of Portage du Fort Rapids. But you are perfeclly well aware that there may be sunken rocks that have not been found, not wanting so great a draft ^of water in which to navigate the present steamer. I have the honor to be. Sir, Your most obe'dt servant, MINER HILLIARD, Commander of the Steamer Oregm. To Capt. T. A. CuMiNQ. H ::/;-* ■HlfH- ■> h* a If !: i |i l-i (Noi 8.) " Ottawa Citt, Peb. 6th, 1856. t)«A!t Sir,— I beg to baud yotl tbe following Report respecting the Navigation between the head of Allnmette Rapids and the foot of Rapids des Jochim. This route was first examined by me in company with Capt. Cuming in the Spring of 1854. I also spent considerable time in examining portions of it (itiTing the season of 1855. This, with two summers' experience in sailing Steamer Pontiac on the above route, is the basis of my information. From Pembroke upwards to •' the Narrows," distance about five miles, We found from four to eight fathoms water ; at the Narrows we found a ree^ of rocks i*unniug from the north to the south side. This reef, at the point over which we found the deepest water, is oiboat two hundred teet in width, — the soundings over it focir feet f^r inohe» to dght feet, commencing im- mediately above this reef and eontinoing upwards to^ Petawawee, — distance four and-orhalf miles, our souncKngs varied from 1^ to 5 fothomo, with rOck bottom, and a great many large boulders. From Petewaweo to Port Wil- liam,— distance three miles, we found from- two to eight fathoms water, with rocky bottom, except at the mouth of the Petewawec, at which place it is light sand. From Fort William to mouth of Peep River, — distance five miles, the soundings are from six to ten fathoms, and from the mouth of Deep River to the foot of Rapids des Joachun, — distance twenty-six miles,— I can only say that I have sounded it in many places where, in my opinion, there was most probability of a shoal, but have never found bottom with ten fathoms, •nd I bdieve the River highly entitled to the name it bears. I am. Sir, Your obedient servant, B. BATSON. P.S.— The soundings are given as taken at lowest pitch of water during the summer of 1854, which was much lower that season than for many years previous. B. B. To G. H. Perry, Esq. (Na 4.) PkMBRooKE, Feb. 3rd, 18^6. Dear Sik, — In reply to your inquiries respecting the channel of the Ottawa River above Des Joachim Falls, I beg leave to state from my know- ledge, having repeatedly ascended and descended it at all stages, during the open season, in canoes and rafts, that from the head of Des Joachim to the foot of the Islet Rapids the general depth is about three fathoms (18 feet) the channel is narrow and the current swifty — say four miles an hour ; from Roche Capitaiue, at head of Islet Rapids, five fathoms is about the average depth, channel also narrow, and current about 3 miles per hour to foot of Deux Rivers or Leveir Rapids ; from head of those to. foot of Mattawan Rapids the depth is fully two fathonw, with the channel considerably wider ; thence to mouth of MattawaD lUver there are shoals and obstructions, but Bot of a formidable character. The general features of those open reaches 3« are favorable, without obBtractions, and the depths are than taken at low water, the banks on either side rising from three to Ave hundred feet, insomo places close to the water, in others at a moderate distance from it The river is generally free from ice about the lat of April every year. From my own experience generally I should say that no obstruction, beyond the Bapids themselves, occur to effect in any way the navigation of those reaches. I am, Dear Sir, Yours truly, WILLIAM MOFFAT. To O. H. Perry, Esq,, ) Civil Engineer. L'Oriqnal, 13th February, 1856. Sir, — Having read with no ordinary satisfaction your letters addressed to the Hon. Sir Allan McXab, on the subject of the Ottawa Lhip Canal, I take the liberty of addressing you on the subject. Being a native of this section of Canada, I have ailways taken a deep interest in its advancement, and I would fain hope that the time for its full dcvdopraent is at hand. It is to me highly pleasing, that gentlemen of talent from the Mother Country .are taking a hearty interest in making its claims upon the Province known, as we have long suftered from want of representation, or rather mis-represen- tation. I intended to have been in Bytown last week, but I was unexpect- edly detained, and the severity of the weather has hindered me this we^j still L intend to go up soon, and my principal object is to obtain some reports for publication, in the form of a small pamphlet, that may be placed before each member of both Houses of the Legislature, and if you would bo pleased to allow me I would insert some of your interesting letters, with any other suggestion that you may be pleased to make. I shall be happy to hear from you on l^is subject. I am, Sir, Your most obdient serrant, CHS. P. TREADWELL. .James Anderson, Esq., British Hotel, City of Ottawa. BuiTisH Hotel, City of Ottawa, C. fV., Feb. 27, 1856. Sir, — I had the pleasure of receiving your letter ol the 13th inst.y in allusion to mine, addressed to Sir Allan N. MacNab, Kt., in his character as President of the Council, in reference to the subject of the Ottawa and Georgian Bay Ship Canal ; and in these letters I haive stated fully my views regarding this great work, which I think will be undoubtedly entitled to the first place amongst the public improvements on the American continent. The Nicaraguan Ship Canal Line, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific, which I explored when last on this Continent, will, of course, be its superior in magnitude of original design and importance of result, Mfi it will iorm one of tbe highways for the commerce of the worlds I ■ ■1 n\ In :| 30 The Panama Railway is placed too far to the nonth ; ami u Ship Canal^ it' not impraotioable, would be, at all events unadvisable, over that •andy neok. But when the route through and up the San Juan and the Nioaraguaa Lakes by canalizing, and continued to the Pacific by Ship Canal, shall hare been completed, it will present to the world one of the great triumphs of engineering skill ; — and what is surprising after survey, it can be completed at a comparatively insignificant cost, with undoubted certainty of accomplishment. But the Ottawa and Georgian Bay Ship Canal will be the highway for the illimitable trafhc of the Great West. It is the route by which the Great West, through Central Canada, is destined to communicate with the East and the Ocean— to interchange products, the one with the other, and with the great marts of the world. Consider for a moment what this Great West is yet to be, — the habitation of countless millions and then regard this route^as the ahortea t, the safest, and the cheapest and you will be able to form some, though necessarily an inadequate and indefinite estimate of the magnitude of the undertaking you have concluded on using your influence to advocate. The generation which completes it mil deserve well of posterity, in this country, for ever. How insignificant and contemptible appear all the ordinary causes of political squabbling and petty sectional contention, when compared with such a mighty undertaking — pregnant with, benefit to all~-like the great philanthropic — for it must be deemed more, than Provincial — work, at present under contemplation. But as you further requested, at our last meeting, some short exposition of my views as to the future destinies of this district, 1 can- not resist alludmg to yet another event, which must, of necessity, follow, if it should not precede the completion of this great work — I allude to the '^selection of the City of Ottawa, by nearly unanimous consent, ad the pemianent seat of government of United Canada, and prospectively of the United Provinces. And what are the recommendations which entitle it to a preference over every city in British America — Quebec itself not even excepted ? Bytown (now the City of Ottawa) is situated on the boundary line of the Two Provinces, and may bt> &aid to be as much in the one as in the other — the Chaudiere Bridge coiinecting them — the Village of Hull and the City of Ottawa. Hull, .hen, can be regarded only as a part of that City, destined by nature, and in the opinion of all competent judges, to be metropolitan. This WQuld meei the views of the House of Assembly of Upper Canada, as expressed in the 13fh Resolution, respecting the Union of the Provinces : — "That the seat of Crovernraent be established within the bounds of Upper Canada." Nepct to Quebec the City of Ottawa is, without doubt, the strongest military position, and its strength could be greatly inc.eased, at a comparatively trifling cost. It is placed at a safe distance from the frorjtier. The Government is already in possession of the repoita of eminent Engineers, all highly favourable to its selection. 07 It H easily acceflsible, ami wouKl beccntiifal trom all points. Hjr the projected Ottawa and Georgian Bay Canal it would becuinu tlui centre and regulator of the mighty reciprocal interchange between the West and the East. It is half way between Montreal and Kingston ; between Qoebeo and Toronto ; botweea Gaspe and Amherstburg, and between the ocean and the great chain of lalres — the world-renowned Inland Seas of the West. A numerous and thriving population might be planted between the Ottawa and the Lakes, in an excellent settlement country, and on the line of Great Canal carrying away the surplus produce from their very doors, and bringing them m exchange all varieties of luxuries and necessaries — with the great mineral country on one side, and the con- suming country of the West ; and on the other the most extensive lumbering district, and the great marts of commerce of the East, and those ueyond the ocean. Surely it is full time to make up for past neglect. The Ridmiu Canal gives direct communication with Kingston and the western Delta, which would share in the general prosperity. Montreal would derive incalculable advantage from the settlement of this great back country, which she so much wants, and from inter- course with a young but riting city,— so would Kingston and all the towns in the West, intimately connected as they are, and will be, by Railway lines. The principal Canadian fortress will be situated at the mouth of French River — holding the gates of the Great West, and guarding our most important interests — nay, our very existence as a separate people and nation— ever watchful in preventing our neighbours from succeed- ing in turning our flank, and ensuring the free and safe transport of men and munitions of war at all times, enabling us, at will, to pour them in any quantity, into the very heart of the continent— if disposed to act ou the offensive. ^ , > , But it will, in truth, be the best guarantee for enduring peace. The interests of the West and East will become so intimately united, as to be, in commerce, identical ; and no petty cause of dissatisfaction will have the power to dispose them to become parties in any open hostilities— nothing short of a cause so onerous and momentous that neither national honor ncr interest will permit them to give it the go bye. The completion of this great work will, in fact, as J have said elsewhere, teill place the keys of peace in the hands of Canada for ever- The Legislature of the Province sluiuld, at all times, be permitted to daliberate in peace, and in quiet— without the most distant fear of coercion from without. As an example of this wise policy and states- manlike foresight, 1 may instance Washington on the retiring Potaniic. Emigration should be immediately directed to this point, as the great centre— as the undoubted centre of United Canada— and as evidently entitled to be considered so, on the most cursory examination, it City of Ottanoa, (then Bytown) exclaiming : — '• Nature has undoubtedly intended that on this point should arise the future capital of United Canada." It will give me the greatest pleasure, at any time, to contribute, by my humble endeavours, in aiding, however feebly, in the accom- plishment of such important Provincial improvements. My attention has, from an early age, been directed to such matters, and especially «s regards Canada ; and in no way is it possible for a man to derive more pure and unalloyed saiiafaotion and geatification, than in .exerting himself, however humbly, for the public good. I am. Sir, i' Your most obedient servant, • JAMES ANDERSON. jCkarles p. TRCAD\«'feLi, Esq., High Sheriff of the United Counties sf Prescott and RussaM, ' L'Original, C. W. 90 BKLLErvCy CAniiittoN, 96(h Ttlby.f 1W6. My Dear Sir, — I lose no time in acknowledgfing the receipt of your letter of the 25th inst., and replying thereto. I do not think thin should be a question of Railroad rs< Caual — they are ssparate matters, and should be treated separately. A glance at the map will show clearly to any person that the Railroad and Canal must separate at a certain point, say at the bottom of the Georgian Bay on Lake Huron ; the shipping ccmireyance will continue on its course through Lakd Huron and Lake Michigan, until it strikes the Canal communication from that Lake, and until it joins the Mississippi — from thence the same crafty of, I believei any burden, will readily find its way down that River to its embouchere at New Orleans ; and by sd doing it will pass the whole of the shares of the cotton, sugar, and tobacco producing countries of the Mississippi, and will grant, at the same time, facilities from the fruitful territory of Missouri for a direct communication to our seaports of Montreal and Quebec, without requiring to break bulk, and for the arrival of the ship's cargo at* its ulterior destination. The summer in Canada is sufficiently lengthy for all mercantile requirements $ therefore it must be obvious how advantan^eous it will be as well for the Western States of the Union as to our waters, if this plan is carried out. A grant of a million of acres or so, through the territory over which the Canal is to flow, would be an exeellent fund to form a company upon, that Would require no other aid whatever from either this or the British Government ; and when the war now raging in Europe will liberate thousands of stalwart arms, and millions upon millions of capital that are now employed to feed the war. ' m > > I have compressed multum in parvo, and have satisfied myself that I have communicated sufficient matter to feed the scheme in its present form , but I shall be glad, when the work is likely to be undertaken, to write my sentiments more comprehensively. In the meantimoi believe me, My dear Sir, Yours faithfully, ■•( V.->: C. J. FORBES. C. P. Treadwell, Esq., &c<, L'Onginah ri««M« {From the Ottawa Citizen^ Sept. 30, 1855.) OTTAWA CANAL. A meeting was held at the City Hall on Wednesday evening for the purpose of adopting measures by which the attention of Govern- ment might be directed to the ooaetruction of a continuous ship navigation between Montreal and Lake Huron by the route of Lake Nippissing and the French river. The subject has been frequently agitated heretofore, but has received no serious consideration from any i r : 40 Canadian Government,— principially for the reason that the greater number of the leading man of the Province are personally interested in the improvement of the St. Lawrence, and partly because not being well informed upon the actual importance of the valley of the Ottawa to Canada, they do not see clearly the necessity of expending the public funds in improving its navigation. In developing the resources of a country just emerging from the wildness of nature into that state of cultivation which fits it (or the abode of civilized man, the first object of the Legislature should be to render its internal means of commu- nication as perfect as possible, since without high-ways, either natural or artificial, traversing tlie territory in all directions, a portion of it must remain unapproachable, and consequently unproductive. Of what value to the Canadian public are the vast tracts of fertile and uninhabited country in the valley of the Upper Ottawa so long as they cannot be reached by people desirous of settling there. Persons, it is true, after leaving the Joachim, — the upper extremity of steambo -■ i- > I I I \1 .<■ 1:^ !i mi 4S From the Ottawa Tribune, February 29th, THE OTTAWA SHIP CANAL. We find much pleasure in congratulating our readers on the marked favor with which this great project is received at the seat of government. The Ministry have determined that a thorough survey shall be made, in order to decide on what scale the navigation shall be carried through. It is well understood that the River from Deux Joachim to Montrealia. fit to carry vessels of a thousand tons burden, therefore the present examination will be confined to the portion between Deux Joachim and French River, which can be made in a thorough manner within twelve months. The survey gained, we consider the rubicon passed, and before two years the people of Canada will be found united in the demand for an immediate opening of this route to the Great West, No power on earth can retard or pnjvent the accomplishment of the work. We speak this from a knowledge acquired by thorough and patient study of the subject in all its relations to the commonwealth. When the vast interest which thi. Province has at stake is thoroughly understood, the great wonder wui why or how the facts were so long unknown, or the project so long ibeyance. We must remember, however, that the project had able advocates in past time, and foremost amongst those the name of Sherrirf occur. Mr. ShirrefTwas ahead of his age, however, although accident alone prevented a more successful result Irom hi» indefatigable labours. The basia of Lakes Ontario and Erie was the great focus of population in Mr. Sherrifi's day, and to drain the com- merce of that country, the St. Lawrence ofTered a more direct route. — Millions of people new swarm around Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior, through the Stales of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, which States wcro thirty years ago the hunting grounds of savage tribes. To the produce of these "States the Ottawa offers a riirect outlet to a trans-atlantic market by a route one thousand miles shorter than any other possible route. This feature gives a national importance to this project which twenty-five years ago it could not claim. It is computed that in 1860 six million tons of agricultural pro- duce will arrive at the shores of Lake Michigan seeking a passage by water to the east, for consuniplion either in the Eastern States or in Europe, These are the final points of distribution. Compare then the various water routes fompeting for the carriage of this vast freight ; con- sider the splendid adviuitairt's wliich nature has given to this great high- way of nations. Make it navigable and you remove the risks and dangers of navigating those inland stias so fraught with disaster to the merchants argosy ; you bring the shores of Europe one thousand miles nearer lo those of Lake Michigan than they can be brought by the Erie Canal and New York route, — you have a channel by which vesselb cap?.bif» of traversing the ocean may carry their freight between Europe and the heart of America without break uig bulk, — you open up to our vast pine forests the naked praries of the west as a market, — you 48 n- h- id er id spread population over the great region now occupied by the Hudson Bay Company, and bring into use the immense beds of metal which fringe the Great Lakes. Untold wealth lies within the grasp of the Province if these advantages are duly appreciated. The trade of Ca- nada has passed into the hands of foreign factors, and its frontier waters are subservient to the use of a foreign power. Here is a policy which ensures to Canadian bottoms the carrying trade of the great Northwes- tern States, and to Canadian Merchants the command of a Provincial Marine, — here is a policy which enables you to build light-houses in the Gulf, and to fix a beacon on every »}hoal from Bird Rocks to Forteau Bay, — to build up along your dreaded shore " coves where ocean comes to scape the wild winds concur — Harbor's worthiest homes, where free- dom's fleet may anchor." Is this a policy worthy of a statesman. Look at the State of New York expending ten millions of pounds to tap the trade of Lakes Erie and Ontario, and deriving a nett revenue of seven per cent from the outlay ; when enlarged to its utmost capacity vessels of one hundred and fifty tons will ply upon it, — its revenue last year was over three millions of dollars. Certain as we are of commanding the entire export and import trade of Lakes Michigan, Superior and Huron, by means of our inland waters ; we may safely count on double the present business of the Erie Canal the first year we open the Ottawa route, and by exactmg a very light toll should have a nett revenue of two and a half million of dollars, equal to twelve and a half per cent on five million pounds. Supposing that the whole work should cost such a sum, no money ever was or will be laid out to equal advantage. But we opine the sum named would serve to construct the Caughnawaga Canal also— by this cliannel the produce shipped en Lake Michigan, could be laid down at Whitehall, saving a carriage of nearly seven hundred miles, when compared to the Lake and Erie Canal route. The revenue from this great work, as we before intimated, would enable us to improve the gulf navigation, so as to ensuro to the St. Lawrence a command of the trade of Lakes Ontario and Erie. We ask Easteirn Canadians and Western Canailians to sit down quietly and master the great questions we have brought up, — we ask them to investigate and weigh the facts which are within their reach, satisfied that every man who does so will arise from the task determined that so far as in him lies, the opening up of this route shall be the great provincial work of the ago. We see in it the certain and only plan by which our Province may be exalted to the highest summit of prosperity, by which taxation, direct and indirect, may be averted from the Canadian people, by which our railroad system may be carried forward to the foot of the rocky mountains, a system which will one day cross the continent, bearing the commerce of Europe and Asia through our country. )U I, lim I!!' I It./' Ill .■ ■ ■i$i.:i.:i VL VU. VIIL INDEX. Pach t. Intkodvction. 4 II. Extract from Montreal Oazette of 15th Janiury, 1866, containing remarks from Ottawa Tribune i HI. Letter from Chai. P. Treadwell, Esq., High Sheriff of Preseott and Russell, addressed to the Editor of the Montreai Crazette* 7 IV. Report of Meeting of Members of Parliament and others, interested in the Ottawa and Georgian Bay Ship Canal project, held at the Board cf Trade Rooms, Montreal, 16th Jany ., 1866. 8 V. Letter from James Anderson, Esq., F.R.S.A., addressed to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Bart., M.P.P., President of the Council, fcc, &c., be., dated 19th January, extracted from the Montreal Gazette 18 Letter do. to do. dated 21st January^ extracted from do. 23 Advantages England would enjoy from the Improvement of the Ottawa, extracted from the Ottawa Monarchist of 2l8t February * 26 Letter from Geo. H. Perry, Civil Engineer, of 2d February, in reply to enquiries from W. S. Powell, Esq., M.P.P., respecting ^''* the length of time necessary to make Survey, &c., (cc.^ '!';;;' extracted from the Ottaiva Monarchist and Montreal Gazette 2d IX. Do. Capt. T. A. Cuming, Master of Steamer Emerald, to G. H. Perry, Esq., 17th February . * 32 X. Do. Capt. Miner Hilliard, Commander of Steamer Oregon, to Capt. T. A. Gumming. t ........ . 33 XI. Do. Capt. B. Batson, Commander of Steamer Pontiac, to G^ H. Peiiry, Esq 34 XII. Do. Wm. Moffat, Esq., of Pembroke, of 3rd February, to same.. . 34 Xin. Do. Chas P. Treadwell, Esq., High Sheriff, to James Anderson, Esq,, of 13th February 36 XIV. Do. Reply to the same, with the views of the writer as to the pros- pects of the Ottawa District 36 XV. Do. Commissary General, C. J. Forbes, Bellevue, Carrillon, 26th February, to Chas. P. Treadwell, Esq., High Sheriff. ... 39 XVI. Extract from the Ottawa Cilizsn, S<^ptr. 30, 1865 39 XVII. Do. " Ottatoa Tribune, 29th February, 1866 VI ^1: