%. '^" «% *5k^. ^fVi .O^,. ^"^ ■^.,s (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboies suivants apparaftra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols —► signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Map; plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are fiSmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right end top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent 6tre fiSmAs A des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour 6tre reproduit en un seui cliche, 11 est film6 d psrtir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant la nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 v:'';fV -: 2 3 4 5 6 OF THE IMIiAMD WATIOATIOM OF THE ^MSAW^^M iit^<&wim<§iM *» THE Improvements Already Effected, AND THl INFERENCES TO BE DRAWN TROM THESE, TOWARDS ) THEIR FULL PRACTICABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT, AND PRACTICAL VALUE. By A PROJSCTOB. ST. CATHARINES, U. C. raiNTBD AT THE WELLAND CANAL INTELLIGENCER OFFICE. ■-*: V 1832. K/ A coNCiss vnsw, 4^. The present moment is an important crisis to these provinces; and to Upper Canada, it is more especially so. The prosperity and progress, the rank and relative importance, of this treat division of North America, depend upon the intelligence and decisiop widi which the capabilities of Upper Canada are appreciated and pursued. Not only our immediate interests, and our relief from an immeme commercial burthen, will be insured by a due regard to tiiese : but our future claims as a well infor- med community, honourably ambitious o* the wealth and influence ex- clusively held forth to us, are pending upoa our exertions. Our interests are now brought so clearly within the mos: accurate estimate, that it only requires a general, and I should add oUigatory, attention, in order to rouse provincial enterprise, and to inspi|e the people of Upper Canada with the highest confidence in their ownjenergies and resources. To avail ourselves of the advantages priced within our power, the pro- vince is now called, by every motive wlich should influence an intelli- gent and enterprising country, capable of estimating the indirect burthens which weigh so heavily on it, and the iieans of removing them, when so bountifully pressed upon our aeceptanpe by the natural position of the province. It was said by a German traveller, in America, some years ago, that the settlers often paid more dommercial taxes through their store keepers, than the subjects of tlie liiost despotick governments did to their rulers. Many persons, from contracted and erroneous conceptions, may per- haps imagine, that we have already attained the whole, or a suflicient measure of the objects of improved Inland Navigation. I am far from wishing to under-rate those highly beneficial works which have been accomplished ; they are valuable and important in them- selves, and honourable to a young and rising country like ours ; and those efiected by the British government, are eminent proofs of its liber- iality and favour. But I estimate them from more extended considerations. a I: n 1? . if The human mind is ever in advance of the means of realizing its views, of attaining the consequences of its discoveries, or accompliehing its projects, however conclusive the force and accuracy of its arguments. Hence it is, that the fust proposers and promoters of great and beiioricial undertakings are almost universally compelled, by prudence, froni of- fering to the world their original and conclusive persuasions. ThedC they are obliged to relinquish partially, lest proposing and promising too much, their projects might be rejected as chimerical and wild. They are thus led to compromise their own decisions and judgement, to pro- mulgate what they believe will be accredited, and to ask what they trust will not be refused. They bring their speculations to the level of the ex- isting ideas, and the probable enterprise of the country. As this seems something of s final law in our nature, it is needless to linger on its provisions, either >o reason or regret. So far it fulfils, and we cannot doubt but in the most beneficial manner, tlie end in view. — it has effected tlie commencemmt of good. The works already finished or in progress, liave engaged is in the grand emulative strife of internal improvement ; they have madf us feel our strength ; they have brought victory and unlimited success vithin our grasp. When the level of pub- lick opinion is raised, we maj then speak in the language of fact and demonstration, without being sispected of visionary or perhaps designing extravagancies. Nor will the candid and liberal mind construe these aggrandizing and extending schemes of publick benefit and interest, into a changeable and erroneous incompetence, vhen the causes of this seeming incon- sistency are rendered so obviots and undeniable, and brought home to the understanding of every man. Let the publick at large, then, and those whose habits of inquiry lave led them to anticipate general opin- ion, alike forget this, no doubi wise law of our progressive faculty. — Let us rejoice we have passed through the first stage of improvement, and that we are prepared to take uur highest degrees in the school of experience. From the imperfect and irrpfular information which lias been, from time to time, communicated to the publick of Upper Canada, a very incorrect and insufficient estimate is generally entertained, on the extent of tliose indirect burthens which we sustain, from not possessing an uni- form, adequate, speedy, and consequently cheap internal communication with the sea-board ; by which the rate of transport would be diminished on our exported produce and imported wants. Tliese facts, as I shall make appear, admit of such incontestable proofs, and their amount is so formidable, tliat these alone, were the incitements to advance our prospo- i riiy laid aside, sljould be enough to unite tlie province in zealous co-ope- ration towards its attainment. *>|»Every man who knows the loss of time, the injury, accidents and expense he suffers by the length and badness ot* his market-town road, may by comparison infer the accumulated in- crease of expense which now oppress our commerce and produce. The enlargement and completion of the line of communication, in progress or projected, on a scale suitable to the vants, prospects and resources of the provinces, and placed under an iniforni system of well calculated regulations, becomes the universal and paramount interest of every set- tler in the province.^i As it is my purpose to offer merely a brief and plain view of the im- provements now, more or less, effected; their present practical value and influence, together with the extended and unclouded prospect of what remains to be done; of what is, indeed, forced upon our perception, and commands our attention, I shall not sillow myself to be led aside by attractive and distant speculations, ho\>tver naturally they may intrude on the minds of those who have given any commensurate application to these subjects, in their more remote coniequences. Most of those who have addressed the publick have perhaps 3rred in this. It cannot indeed excite surprise ; yet I think the realitiea within our immediate reach and reckoning, if we will bestow on them die consideration, ar^ quite ade- quate to employ both our practical and ^^cculative faculties. Every one knows the immense, a;.d, in common (parlance, unlimited regions, of which our lakes are the centre and mjjket way. The scale of every thing here is indeed great — great in cxteii:, and magnificent in its propor- tions. The progress of these territories has been no less remarkable, and the prospective rate of their advaJBce, is in accordance with the grandeur of their lineaments. We possess in Canada, an undoubted and pre-eminent superiority in controlling and directiitg the productive sindustry and growing wealth of the western territories. This we may daira, without any invidious en- croachment on the joint pretensions of our neighbours. The variety of the projects, and the combination of efforts, which they are now making, while it does infinite credit to their untiring enterprise, plainly proves that the master key of the lake regions is not theirs ; that while they are seeking, by schemes, at an exorbitant expense, to untie the Gordian knot, the triumph is reserved for us ; and that we have only to fulfil the conditions of the prediction, by one decisive and shear cut. So long ago as the time of Washington, our superiour natural claims had been scrutinized ; and in one of the letters of that distinguished individu- al, (written in 1788,) I remark, that in speaking of the projects which even i n then began to engage speculative men on internal navigation, lie uses the expression, ^^if we mean to aim at the trdide of the lakes:" and adds, " / think we should open all the rivirs, and lay them open and free to all." Such, indeed, nre the extrnordinary prospects of the country in ques- tion, in extent and value, that the Americans, with the knowledge of the odds against them, have been, and now are, vigourously acting and cal- culating on the share they can carry oft" in the partition of these ad- vantnges. Perhaps, too, they reckon something on our comparative su- pineness. In the first we wish them good luck ; but in the last we most assuredly will only look the more vigilantly to our^askets and our own Btores, to our obligations to our posterity and to our country. To this we are led with increased confiJence and alacrity, by the assurance tSiat we hold the vantage ground ; that in opposition to their desultory and difficult projects, we have to oppose the unalterable superiority inhe- rently belonging to ihe provin^s, by the possession of the St. Law- rence. We may with confideive make claim not only to our full lot and share in this amicable coiitentitn, but to that surplusage which will be- come the reward of natural superiority, united with active measures. Our assurances are crowned ly our forming a favoured portion of the empire, advancing under the uispices of England, and aided by her wealth and connexion ; by boiling a free and direct intercourse with the unequalled productions of her ^kill and industry, and her yearly aug- menting demand for all our pioduce. With this plenitude of circum- stances in our favour, all that emains is, to open the channel in which they are to flow. We require but our own decision, to commence this noble scene of mutual benefits, and to draw into our inland seas, and the deep and fertile bosom of teeming and luxuriant regions, " All the tide of weallh, That swells upon the higt shore of the world." The division of the Canadas into two provinces, has created a false and unnatural idea, that there may exist in these disunited portions, some separate or opposing intirests. Politicks do not form the channel in which my speculations run ; but I may remark, that power and the feelings it may create, have some unfavourable effects on the best minds. Legislative bodies begin to enjoy it as the miser does his gold — as a reality and blessing in itself, not for its uses to human good. I shall but summarily observe on this point, that this division was made at a time of extreme political embarrassment and agitation, when the benefits and blessings of peace appeared suspended for an indeterminate period. — Government legislated for the feelings of a loyal and respectable section of the empire, and I am not disposed to any inquisitive scrutiny into aDd those favourable circumstances which were or may be supposed attend- ant on the arrangement. By this division, however, and the hne of demarkation fixed upon, Upper Canada was cut off from the co-equal claim she possessed to remain a maritime province. The Legislative and provisional agreement adopted to remedy this political errour, has been partially and temporarily satisfactory ; but tlie period has more than arrived, when Upper Canada is entitled to reclaim her birth-right — a free and unshackled egress and ingreit toith the Atlantick. By what firal act of the provincial or Imperial governments the injurious over- eight is to be radically removed, I shall not stay to suppose, or whether a commercial union, as regards this common interest, may be formed. But the time is past when doubt and uncertainty can be longer indulged. We know that it is from the western tenitories of Canada, that riches are to descend, like the rains of Upper Egypt, to cover the interjacent province with vigour, beauty and opulence. Lower Canada must know this, nor can we suspect her of being too proud to receive the benefits of neighbourhood, and the overflowing lounties of a favoured land. — Still less will we imagine, that she would litigiously seek to dwell on the letter of the law, or *• clothed in a little brief authority," to retain a vexatious power ♦* which not enriches her" and which could she by any miracle accomplish it, would " make ua^poor indeed." It is the desire and guiding principle of that great count]|7, of which we form no unre- spected portion, to maritimxze, if I maj^use the expression, her whole empire. Commerce and improvement (u-e the basis of her dominion, and must ever continue the principles of ts preservation. As the views and estimates which I ain about to lay before the people, will, I believe, contain evidence that th$ system and scale of improve- ments to which they refer, will, in their pitgress, be relieving the burthens of our commerce, and at the same time, almost from the negociation of the requisite loan, commence to meet tli( interest, and with accelerating advance enter on the redeeming the priiicipal, I shall but passingly al- lude to the somewhat strange scrupulosily in regard to what must be a temporary and self-liquidating debt ! As if we, in accomplishing a great work, fundamental and indispensable to our prosperity, were not, in feet, leaving to posterity a magnificent^/e^acy, for the neglecting of Mhich, we should most certainly obtain a very liberal share of their ani- madversions and disrespect I have thus attempted, in a general manner, to recall the chief in- terests and impediments with which our prospects are likely to interfere ; the efibrts of the United States ; our connexion with the lower province ; and our endeavours, as liable to a distrust in our own internal ways and I • I 1 8 means, und some partial and iiiconsidcrublu uppouition. Tiie accomplish- ment oCwhat remains to be done, must appear to every candid and intel- ligent mind the true und aU-ciijL,rosaiiig interest of U. Canada. It has nothing ut' a local or dubious character, which talents and perseverance may sonietiniea render specioiiH and attractive. It concerns one great, obvious and practicable common interest — a system of Inland Communi- cation aj'ecting the whole provinces, on which all future combined or individual enterprises must depend, and without which all other ex- ertions, works or speculations, are hut the scattered and lifeless mem- bers of a great system, deprived of their vital principle — without power and without use. [Note. — AlthnuKh no claim is made to originality In the lending principlft on which tlipse viewa are hiised, via. a ship luivif^aliun from the Ocean to the Lakes, it may he proper to recal, that some wystematirk regard towards this olijeel was si)>;(;ested l»y R. Niehill, Esq. some years ago, to the Legislature ; and it wuson this si)g;;estion tha the dimensions of the Wetland canal were determined on, by reference to the u^ual depth of the harbours and rivers oo and above lake Erie.] SiCTION I. The present state of our Inhnd Improved Navigation, is as follows: 1. In the British go/ernment com.nenced the improvement of the St. Lawrence, by erecing locks at the Cascades and Cedars, in Lower Canada. They wee conotructed to admit bateaus and dur- ham "^Cuts, from 12 to 13 fert wide. 2. In it-ii the Lachine Ctnal (from Montreal to Lachine,) was completed by the Legislature of Lower Canada. The locks were of increased dimensions, being lOO feet by 20, with 5 feet depth of water. 3. In 1825 the Welland Cinal, connecting lakes Erie and Onta- rio, was commenced by a private company, on a still increasing scale; the locks 103 feet by '«2, with 8 feet depth of water. 4. In -'i^ the Rideau Caial, connecting lake Ontario from King- ston, with the tide waters of the St. Lawrence, was begun by the British government ; the scale of its lockage presents a still farther enlargement ; the dimensions being 120 feet by 33, with 5 feet depth of water.* Thus, it will be seen, we have three canals (leaving aside theRideau for the present,) of irregular construction and dimensions, and un- der three separate systems of regulation. The St. Lawrence, under the control of the British government; the second under the control * This communication is now open from Kingston to Bytown, on the Ot- tawa river, a distance of 130 miles; and, according to report, will be finish- ed to Lachine the ensuing season. of the Legislature of Lower Canada; ond th< third under tlic man- agement of a private company, in a canul line of 28 miles. These three are now in operation, and are, in addition to their local uses, intended to compete with the Erie canal, connecting lake Erie with the ocean, by Hudson river ; which canal is wholly under the con- trol of the Legislature of the state of New- York. By a comparative statement of the tariff of tolls on these rival works, we may draw our conclusions on the present system of our inland navigation. On Lachine Canal, (9 miles.) Flour per barrel, 3d. c'y. (Sets.) Boat, 128. 6d. On Erie Canal, (9 miles.) Flour per bbl. li cts. Id (nearly.) Bout, 27 cts. Making the amount three times groeter on the Lachinct than for an equal distance on the Erie canal, ^ On canal at Cascades, (1 mile.) Merchandise, per ton, $1 Durham boat, (over 9 tons,)] 14 Barge, 10 On Wetland Canal, (28 miles.) Flour, per barrel, 7 cts. Merchandise, per ton, Ss. c'y. |0n Erie Canal, (1 mile.) Merchandise, per ton, 3 cts. On Eric Canal, (28 miles.) Floir, per barrel, 4\ cts. Meichandisc, per ton, Bi cts. This tabular view at once makes matifest our inability to compete successfully, with our neighbour's enterprise, so long as the scale and irregular dimensions of our improvements, and the divided sys- tem of control to which our inland niivigation is subjected, exists. And it equally and manifestly suggests,ihe remedy : viz. — A systcm- atick line of communication, placed uldcr the sole direction of the Legislature of Upper Canada, and nrUer regulations framed to ad- vance the internal interests of the people. This alcne can render us successful competitors with the United iStatcs. Fully to comprehend the means of Accomplishing the above, and the magnitude of its objects and assured cflects, requires some de- gree of inquiry and attention, but certainly very trivial when we reflect on the singular importance of tie subject, and the interest every individual, more or less, must cr should have in its comple- tion and results. SECTION II. A glance at the map of North America, will show that the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi are the two grand natural outlets for the products and commerce of the immense territories surrounding thejakes; both possess relative advantages, which it is unnecessary, at present, fully to discuss. B ■i>i^. ^ i^m.'.. ^^Mi r; ! I 10 » From various causes connected with tlie natural circumstances of the U. States, and the commercial preponderance of those states bor- dering on the Atlantick, a variety of communications are in contem> plation, or in progress, with a view .o direct a portion of the products of the valley of the Ohio, to the eastern sea-board, viz : y. The Pennsylvania canal and rail road from Pittsburg to Philadel- phia, in Delaware bay | the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, intended to connect the Ohio with the bay of Chesapeake; and the Baltimore and Ohio rail road. 4. i These stupendous works, constructed at an expense of many mil- lions of pounds, reflect every credit on the enterprise and patriot- ism of the states, companies, and individuals who have undertaken them. vBut when we reflect tn the prodigious obstacles they tiave to surmount — the crossing the Allegany mountains, (extending from the St. Lawrence to the confines of Georgia;) which are over 2,000 feet above the tide waters of tie ocean — together with tfie trans-ship- ment and shilling required in this arduous and forced system of transit, we can feel no apprelension of rivalry from that quarter.^ The Mississippi, however, has undoubtedly some great natural advantages, particularly in the winter season. It has also unfavour- able circumstances in the rajidity of its current, the dangers of its obstructions, and the annual )verflowing of its banks, rendering the immediate adjacent country o' little avail in facilitating and contri- buting to the benefits of navigation. Still, by the extraordinary and numerous eflbrts of the Americans, and the natural advantages al- luded to, it becomes indispemable on our part, to employ our whole energies, and to place our inprovcments on a scale insuring our superiority ond success. SECTION III. The St. Lawrence is no le^s distinguished by its magnitude, than the natural advantages which peculiarly adapt it for a safe and per- manent navigation. While i: presents us a port in the summer sea- son, in direct line with European commerce, our immense lakes acting as so many reservoirs, prevent those sudden risings of water to which most great rivers are liable. From the ocean, vessels can at present ascend the St. Lawrence to Montreal : Fiom Montreal to Prescott, a distance of 120 or 130 miles, the river is obstructed by rapids : From Prescott any deptji of water may be found to the WelUnd canalj a distance of 270 miles : V 11 The Welland canal, with the dimensions stated, and affording eight feet of water, a distance of 28 miles : By the Welland canal we reach the level of lakes Erie, St. Clair, Huron, and Michigan, and commuuicate with their extended shores and tributary streams. It will be observed that the only obstruction of moment from Mon- treal to lake Erie, in a distance of 418 miles, is in the St. Lawrence; and from the best information to be obtained, it is found that the distance necessary to construct a canal, does not exceed 37^ miles. With these facts before us, principally drawn from the surveys of Messrs. Clows & Rykert, and of Mr. Alfred Barrett, can we, with- OMt extreme surprise, reflect that such extraordinary and obvious ad- vantages should have been allowed to remain dormant; or can we be astonished that other countries should look on our supinenees with atill less commendatory feeling? It is true, attempts have been made during the last two years, to obtain Legislative aid for improving the liver for the passage of boats, aud no doubt a very great reduc- tion in the expense of transit, would be effected ; but as this plan subjects property to traus-shipmenti it is liable to very serious objections. On the completion of the Rideau (t;nal, it is probable, likewise, that barges will be constructed with sMls, drawing 4 feet water, 90 feet in length, and 19 feet 6 inches biam. These may leave Que- bec by steam for Montreal; thence tl^ough the Lachine canal, tow- ed by horses or by animal power; fron its termination to Kingston, by steam ; proceed by steam or saili to Welland canal ; passing which, by horses, to lake Erie, theytwill thence reach Cleveland, by sails or steam ; making the entire transit without trans-shipment. The chief objections to this mode wliich have been urged, are, tne increase of distance — the late openingfin the spring — the small size of the craft to be employed, not beiiif' adapted for lake navigation, and the great amount of capital required to form and keep up such an extensive and numerous line of steam tow-boat establishments. SECTION IV. The most sure and conclusive method of inquiry, to determine on the Ijest system of communication, is to compare the relative rate of tolls and transportation on the different routes and canals now in use ; a careful and strict consideration of which, will also dispel the visionary ideas of those who imagine rail ways could ever compete with our lakes, in transportation. if 1^: t V 1 '! M in From Great Britain to Montreal, a distance of 3,200 miles, we pay from 7s. (id. to 15s. c'y. per ton : From thence to Prescott, 120 to 130 miles, from £3 15 to £A 10 per ton : From Prescott through lake Ontario, 270 miles, 128. 6d. per ton. These facts confirm the commonly admitted truth, that the wider and deeper the water communication, the cheaper the transportation. The transit on flour down, and merchandise up, from Cleveland to Montreal, and vice versa, at present, are as follows : On the St. Lawrence. Cleveland (Ohio) to entrance Welland canal, 150 Through the Welland canal, - - 28 Lake Ontario to Prescott, - . . 270 St. Lawrence to Montreal, - - 120 Miles, 568 distance, pr. bbl. per ton 7^ 2 6 12 6 10 12 6 3 15 5 10 u a V 3 When the Rideau canal is completed, supposing the same toll to he exacted as on the Erie caial, that is, 3 cts. per ton per mile up, and 1^ cts. per ton per mih down, transit 1^ cts. cither way, we may anticipate the following prices by the Rideau route ; On the Rideau. Cleveland to Welland canal. To Ontario, through Wellani canal, Lake Ontario to Kingston, - - Rideau, Greuviile &; Lachine canals to Mont. flistance. flour, mercb. 150 2S 180 260 Miles, 618 5A 5 7A 12 6 6 3>» 12 6g 2 18 61: 3 4 9 9"* As the Rideau will not bear the same toll, pro rata, as the Erie, and from the extent of the river navigation, we may suppose it can be reduced 3s. 4d. ; leaving fJd. per barrel, on flour, and 9s. 9d, per ton, on merchandise : the reluction will be : ;^t' flour. morch. 5 7A 4 9 9 1 6 1 9 3 4 n 3~0 6 3 7A 2 10 9 On the Rideau route, - - - Reduction, - - - - Leaving, per barrel and ton, If tolls were wholly taken off, SRCTION V. We will now show the results, if a ship canal were constructed from Prescott to Montreal, with a depth of at least 8 feet water.' ^m Distances. 13 lake & tiv. canal. Tollfl. 1 ; •i t ' I flour, mercb. From Cleveland toWelland, 150 — Welland canal, — Lake Ontario to Prescott,270 — Prescott to Long Sault, 50 Lakes St. Francis Sc St.Louis- 40 Canal through points and > over land, (say) ^ 2S 40 510 miles nav'n. atias.6d.for270, mla. up, 15d. for 4(K) miles down. 68 m. canal at4il cts. prton up,&3| cts.pr ton down. 1 lOj 1 0| 5 18 3.; miles, 510 68 = 578 miles. £0 2 10^ 1 188^ The effect of opening a ship channel, connecting large bodies of water, so that a vessel can pass from the one to the other without trans-shipment, is to lessen the price of transportation throughout. But on these improvements, as a means of diminishing the rate of tolls, we can only form a suppositive opinion, so long as these canals, as above stated, are subject to the control of separate au- thorities, and consequently may be varied and increased according to the views or caprice of their directors, under the Imperial govern- ment — the Legislature of Lower Canadi, or the Welland canal com- pany. Thus introducing uncertainty iiiio all the estimates of com- mercial men, subjecting our commerce to embarrassments, and leaving it in the power of one or the o4her of these authorities, by raising the toll within their control, to destroy the intercourse and trade through the whole transit. i SECTION VL Let us now recall the great general object in view; the connecting lake Erie with the ocean, by the best and cheapest communication for the publick benefit ; and lot us a^k, " who arc most interested in this communication .*" Those who are suffering a continual and oppressive tax, from the present inadequate navigation — the people of Upper Canada. If so, it is most iatural that they should first turn their attention to it; and feeling lit once the immediate injury which every man sustains in his property and means, and the convincing evidence of the checks existing upon the advancing prosperity of the province, that they should come forward i ^solved to rest satisfied with nothing short of the full attainment of their wishes and their rights. Nor, as it may have already appeared, can there be any hesita- tion or contrariety of opinion on the best system to attain our objects; it suggests itself as naturally as the waters flowing from lake Erie to the ocean, aid and point out the only eligible and unerring route to be adopted, insuring us a thorough relief from the burthensome ? ii 14 commercial taxation we labour under, and enabling us not merely to compete with the American undertakings, but, as far as can bo predicted, to obtain a decibive and permanent superiority. If our interests, therefore, prompt us to make our inland commu- nications on a scale adequate to these inseparable objects^ (as what- ever accomplishes one, necessarily includes the other,) our only secure and sound policy also, is to have it placed under the direction 3f the Legislature of the province. By this provincial control of the entire communication from the ocean, the tolls would be regula- ted with reference to the great objects in view. H % I- SECTION vn. » • Our burthens can be rem3ved, and our prosperity insured, only by constructing a ship canal oj not less than eight to ten feet depth of water; and thus rendering lake Erie's territories, and the shores of the upper lakes on the same level, a sea coast. . The different tributary streams which disembogue themselves into this immense line of commtnication, may be then brought into na- vigable purposes, by privat; companies or individuals, on the plan now in progress on the Grend river ; or, as in other sections of the province, by rail roads, whtre similar advantages from natural water courses do not present themselves. And thus, in a very short period, if proper spirit prevails, evtry part of the province will largely par- ticipate in secondary benefts, while they are sharing the general relief and prosperity. SBCTION VIII. It cannot be denied there are seeming difficulties in the way — local prejudices to be removed, ind unanimity required throughout the province, to effect this grand design. It has been suggested, that as Lower Canada has an equal inte- rest in the undertaking, f^eriving almost exclusively the benefit of all the foreign commerce it will create, she should bear her share in the expenditure. True; but Lower Canada not feeling the incli- nation, we have no power to compel her into the measure. And it has been added, that as Lover Canada possesses about 30 miles of the line of communication, it is in her power to prevent our making it. This objection must be held merely as a supposable and tempo- rary difficulty; for if the Legislature of this province address that of the lower province, asking permission to construct a canal from the .1 ./■-. 15 >t merely 8 can bo commu- (as what- our only direction lontrol of )e regula- d, onlyhy t depth of ores of the selves into It into na- n the plan ons of the tural water lort period, argely par- he general way — local ughout the equal inte- ; benefit of ir her share ig the incli- ire. And it 30 miles of our making and tempo- IresR that of lal from the boundary line to the tide waters, it is not reasonable to imagine it could be refused. If the Legislature of Lower Canada should act so inconsistently with her interest, and justice to us, there can be no apprehension but that by her refusal, the absolute necessity of Upper Canada possessing a port by extending her boundary line, would be made manifest, and that an address to the Imperial Par- liament, to that effect, would ensure its attainment. SECTION IX. It may now be asked, "docs Upper Canada possess the means to effect so gigantick an undertaking? This is the only serious ques- tion for consideration, and shall be now pretty fully met. We have the authority of Messrs. Clows, Rykert, & Barrett, who have estimated the cost of a steam-boat canal from Prescott to Cornwall, to state the expense of that portion of the line at £200,000. This forms more than one half of the entire distance, and the sum given is considerably over the strict estimate. The Welland canal embraces a lengti of nearly 50 miles, with three harbours, and almost two miles of ihe deepest cutting in Ame- rica, (with one exception,) and with 340 feet lockage. The entire cost, when finished, will not equal £400,000. There is no deep cutting on the whob line of the St. Lawrence. You can gain a summit at pleasure, and dioose your depth of cutting; or by continuing in the river, reduce tte length of cutting within forty miles, with 200 feet lockage. There is, therefore, no reason to suppose, comparing it with similar workq, it will cost over £500,000. But let us grant that it may cost £1,000,000 ; this province is as well able to construct it as the Britiih empire ; and so far from creating a tax on the people, it would be relieving them from a most oppressive one on the produce and imports of the province, which they are now paying. By subjecting the question to calculation, it will stand thus : The dimensions being detennmed on, a loan is negotiated for the whole amount, to be redeemed in 20 years, at 4 per cent, and to be paid in as the work proceeds : 1st year. £100,000 paid in. Interest thereon £4,000, to be paid from the principal. 2d year. £200,000 paid in. Interest £8,000, to be provided for in like manner. 16 t !■ At the close of this season the Long Sault, and the distance from the Cote to the Ottawa, will be completed ; and boats be enabled to pass through the entire route. ^ • • . ■■■-,■,,. 3d year. £400,000 expenditure. Interest, £16,000 300,000 expenditure. Ist & 2d years interest, 1 2,000 700,000 £28,000 The income this year may be safely stated as follows : Tolls on 50,000 tons descending, at 5s. - - £12,500 do. 20,000 do. ascending, at ISs. - r - 14,400 (rates of (he Erie canal, N.Y.) £26,900 This revenue will nearly meet the interest of the current year, and effect the following saving to the country. i .- On 500,000 barrels of flcur, at Is. - - - je25,000 On 20,000 tons of merchandise, at 50s. - - - 50,000 ,:,,. . i:75,ooo 4th year. £300,000 expended. Interest, £12,000 700,000 expeided. 1st, 2d, &3d years, do. 28,000 1,000,000 Interest, £40,000 The increase this year, in tolls, may be supposed one fourth on the income of the precedinj. 3d year. Increase 4th year. Interest due the 4th year, Income for the 4th year. For the 3d year, deficit, do. £26,900 6,725 33,625 £40,000 33.625 6,375 1,100 £7,475 At the close of the 4th year we suppose au uninterrupted ship na- vigation effected from the ocean to the Sault St. Marie, at the outlet of lake Superiour, and a debt incurred of £40,000 interest. SECTION X. ,,-r..iV!i From the manner in which the publick returns in Lower Canada are made, it is impossible to get at either the quantity in tons, or value in pounds, shillings and pence, of our imports. Without such specifiok returns, we cannot designate what articles would bear on additional duty, and not increase tlie price, or tlie amount which such a duty would pro- duce. One or two articles may be remarked on. ^t?Ci■i• 17 Proaent frnight and transportation. Iron, Liverpool, per ton, £6 Freight to Montreal, 10 Freight to lake Erie, from 5 to 6 jellal3 10 By the proposed Canal. Iron, &c. £6 do. 10 To lake E- rie by new canal, 2 Present freight and transportation. Salt, Liverpool, per ton. £0 12 Sliip'fl char, com- mission, &c. 6 Freiffhi to Montreal, 10 ToL.E.5rt(> £S 10 £6a7 2 6 On tho proposed Canal. •Salt, (fee. £0 12 do. 6 10 do. To lake Eric, 2 £3 2 6 On the article iron, it will here be seen, the transportation is from 5 to £6, per ton ; consequently a duty of 1 ov £2, per ton, might be im- posed, and still effect a saving. In like manner, salt would show a diminished expense of transportation and price. One ton of salt is equal to 40 bushels, which would bring the article, on lake Erie, to 7s. 9d. per bbl. whereas the lowest price it can be afforded at now, by the Erie canal, is Ss. 9d. without duty. I have adduced the above, merely to show that the most necessary ar- ticles in use can be imported cheaper than from a Ibreign country, and will even bear a duty here, if necessary. If so, what will be the ex- tent of the general trade created ? Our exports consisting of heavy, bulky and cheap articles, and our imports principally light and valuable, the return or upward freights will always be proportionably cheap, as we now witness by the return freights across the Atlantick. In addition, we will merely ol>illerve, that the imports for the Canadas alone, nearly doubled from 18^20 to 1830. SECTION XI. On the subject of Canal Revenue, we may suggest, that it would he unnecessary and impolitick to impose one farthing of duty on any article for the repayment of interest or capital of loan ; as the immediate in- crease of transit, created on opening the ship canal, will be amply suf- ficient to meet the expenditure ; and that, too, principally on foreign ar- ticles which will be drawn through this channel. While at the same time, as we have shown conclusively above, we can raise a revenue out of the articles imported, and still reduce our present burthens. The state of New- York imposed a duty of 12^ cts. on each bushel of salt manufactured in the state, to meet the interest on their.canal debt ; notwithstanding the reduced transportation, after the completion of the canal, brought the article much cheaper than it was soli before ; and al- though we contribute to that duty on every bushel we consume, we are, in common with them, gainers. c K\ ■'■\ w '*1?- i ns. 1: M? • I. ; '■■'"* ' ■ 18 The trade already created by the opening? of the Welland canal, ha» greatly increased ; and from a quarter from whence we never ob- tained a single article before. From the experience and progressive re- aiilts of the Eric canal, during the following years, we may have a sure ground for the most calculable expectations ; but great as they are, it is not too sanguine to say, that we are not bound to take them as the mea- sure of ours. The increase on the Erie canal was as follows : In 1821 1822 1823 1824 1826 $ 2,220 44,486 89,988 319,320 521,345 750,759 In 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 $ 847,759 897,265 771.685 1,056,922 1,193,435 What the amount of the trade will be, that must be brought into existence and drawn by superiour advantages, on the opening of a nhip canal, is beyond our calculation. Before five years from the completion of the work, the income cannot be less than JC250,000, should the Legislature think fit to continue the toll ! The primary object of the canal, undoubtedly, is to benefit the in- habitants of this province. Lower Canada and the mother country will participate. But we should be actuated by far more noble and philanthropick views of its consequences. At least 2,000,000 of peo- ple will partake of the benefits flowing from thia great work ; great, when brought into comparison with our youthful country, but almost insignificant when we look to its far spreading blessings — its progres- sive and incalculable eflects, and its duration I SECTION XII. By the supineness and want of publick spirit in the Lower Canada merchants, very little, if any, advantage has as yet been derived from the Canada trade act. The apprehensions entertained by a portion of the Canadian agriculturists, that the effects of this act would be to depreciate the value of our produce, have been complete- ly dispelled by the state of our markets. These apprehensions were in some measure occasioned by the novelty of the considerations re- quired to see its true bearings ; but still more from the erroneous ideas industriously circulated at the time the act came into operation. Experience proves that the markets in all sea port towns, improve in price by the quantity of the article kept constantly on hand, and >^: :.■■^ 19 tre not subject to those cfreat fluctuations wliicli we have so frequent- ly felt in Quebec and Montreal ; that is, if the market depends on foreign consumption. The reason is obvious. The owners of ships, and those engaged in foreign commerce, direct their vessels to that port where they know a supply can be relied on, either for purchase or freight. If our flour and wheat were wholly consumed in Quebec, then an additional supply vould of course lessen the price ; but as we are wholly dependent on foreign ports for our demartd, it is there where the article is consumed that we must look for competition. I shall quote the illustration of this subject by a celebrated statesman, the familiarity and clearness of which, every farmer must comprehend. " Suppose a barrel of flour raised in Ohio, and another in the Lon- don district. The former finds its way either to Liverpool or Jamaica, by way of the Erie canal; the latter by the way of the St. Lawrence. Or suppose the Ohio barrel should accompany the other, side by side, to the same place where they are consumed. Could it make any diflerence to the Canadian farmer who sold his flour in Upper Canada? We cannot lose by drawing American produce by this route to the ocean, but stand e\ery chance to increase the price, by keeping at Quebec a constant supply, and arresting the attention of foreign commerce ; besides the indirect advantages gained by every class, in the transit, commission, shipping," &c. As many may doubt the very great increase we anticipate, on the other hand, there may be some who will predict evils to arise, from the great quantity of produce, &c. which will be drawn from the western and south- ern states. For instance, " that we may manufacture their wheat and send it to Great Britain as Canadian, and that this may create alarm \i\ the agricultural interest in England, and pro;Iuce some law injurious to uu, directed against this evil." To meet every possible objection, I will observe, that very little has been done in the trade as yet ; that the prices in New- York keep nearly up to the Montreal market; and. farther, that all we can possibly draw from that quarter, will never be noticed in the English markets. The competition we have to fear, is from the Baltic, and those grain countries so much nearer the great mnrt of England. But it is obviously the policy of Great Britain to admit our grain free from duty, as well as to give a competent discriminating duty on all arti- cles passing through our waters from Ohio, over the same articles im- ir ^0 ported direct from any port in the United States. By this means she would not only obtain employment for her shipping, canals, &c. in the transit, but create a demand tor lier maiiutucturcs. The shorefl of lake Erie, on the Ohio, are destined ere long, to become a great receptacle of manufactures for the southern markets. They can be imported direct to Cleveland, via Montreal, on completion of this work, far cheaper than by New -York; and will be bartered for cotton and tobacco, the former of which already enjoys a discriminating duty of5s.6d. percwt. ft;^ Tlje above views, founded on facts and necessary deductions, I submit to my fellow-countrymen — the people of Upper Canada; confi- dent that it only requires their iittention and consideration to awaken one and all to a full sense of the leading and all-embracing object to which they tend. That being obtained, we have only to adopt means of con- centi-ating the wishes of the province, and to hasten, as fur as possible; the period of their fulfilment. For this purpose there is but one way : let our Representatives pass an act in the approaching session, "to rrnder ol'r inland communi- cations A THOROUGH AND HFFICIENT SHIP NAVIGATION FROM THK OCEAN TO THE LAKES, BY THE COMPLETION AND CONSTRUCTION OP THE WORKS REQUIRED." The time is short, but it is sufficient. All that is required is zeal and unanimity, to ensure success; and by rendering the frontier of Upper Canada a sea-board, we will reap, within a very Umited period, all the advantages and prosperity which it must command. X PROJECTOR. ^t. Catharines, JVovember, 1832. ! ,..