GIFT OF 
 

/ n ^ / 
 
245 
 
 A MEMORIAL /0 /Ae General .Assembly, from the 
 
 pointed for that purpose, by the Internal* fTnprm'emVni> 
 tion, held at Springfield, Missouri, in October, 1846. 
 
 To the Honorable the General Assembly of (he Stale of Missouri: 
 
 The undersigned committee, appointed by the convention held at Spring- 
 field, on the 22d of October last, to make n statistical report on the subject 
 of internal improvements, and to forward the same to the members of the 
 Legislature from the southwest, beg leave to state that they have not yet 
 been able to cojlect such desired information as fully as they deem contem- 
 plated by the resolution owing to other necessary engagements and un- 
 controllable causes. They, however, cannot willingly disregard the ex- 
 pressed wish of so large and respectable a convention, assembled as it was 
 with the patriotic view of giving an impetus to great and important inter- 
 ests of the State; expressing, too, on the subject of internal improvements, 
 tht lively and almost undivided sentiments of the people of the southwes- 
 tern portion of the State; an^ we therefore, most respectfully submit tho 
 following facts and suggestions, for the consideration of the honorable 
 members designated in the resolutions of our appointment. 
 
 The undersigned most heartily concur in the sentiments set forth in the 
 very able and patriotic preamble and resolutions adopted by that conven- 
 tion; and, in their opinion, no reflecting man will deny, that the State is in 
 duty bound to provide for the general welfare, to promote the interests 
 and well being of all its parts, uninfluenced by sectional feeling. 
 
 To facilitate trade between different places, to render the conveyance of 
 products and merchandize less expensive and more certain, so as to give 
 to the producer and trader the choice of different markets, enabling them 
 to bring in return the conveniences, the necessaries, and even the luxuries 
 of life, from other countries, thereby promoting the wealth and happiness 
 of the community, is an obligation based in the social compact, which pub- 
 lic authority cannot willfully disregard, without treading in the dust the 
 first foundations of political organization. So, at least, thought the foun- 
 ders of our constitution, -when they engrafted in that instrument, the 
 clause declaring that internal improvements should forever be encouraged 
 in this State a clause then deemed a star in our organic laws, foreboding 
 much good to the future; and we hope its light is not less cheering now, 
 than it was a quarter of a century a"go, for surely the State is not receding 
 from its first steps towards political perfection. 
 
 Notwithstanding it was an object of the Springfield convention to en- 
 deavor to awaken a spirit of enquiry, and an interest on the subject of in- 
 ternal improvements throughout the State, yet, as the convention assem- 
 bled from its southwestern portion, this committee presume they will not 
 be considered sectional in their remarks, by confining them principally to 
 the objects of improvement within this region. 
 
 In compliance with that portion of the constitution which enjoins upon 
 the General Assembly, to make provision by law, for ascertaining the most 
 proper objects of improvement, several important surve} s have been made; 
 and, that the Osage river is the first and most proper object of improve* 
 ment, within the express meaning of the constitution, we presume there is 
 no diversity of opinion. 
 
 319038 
 
2 16 APPENDIX. 
 
 ID* the .year ,-lSiO, a scientific survey of this river was made, from its 
 -nio-uth- 10 the krwii oi Os"ceoJa, under the direction of the then existing 
 board uf internal improvement, with a view to its being made navigable. 
 Pei haps no river is more susceptable of easy improvement, or will afford 
 greater advantages, when improved, than this stream. It consists of a suc- 
 cession ot pools, averaging, as far as surveyed, '23-7 miles in length, and 
 from 5 to 20 feet in depth at low water resembling a chain of beautiful 
 lakes of unobsti ucted navigation, as far as relates to them and, these pools 
 are separated by gravelly shoals, which constitute the principle obstruc- 
 tion to steamboat navigation, as snags are by no means numerous, owing 
 to the great stability of the banks, and the very little sand in which to em- 
 bed themselves. The extent of the river, following its meanderings, so far 
 as surveyed, is '229 miles, the number of shoals in this distance being only 
 98, and the average fall in the river barely 8 inches per mile, while the 
 maximum range ot the river, from high to low water, is about 27 feet; 
 thus showing its extreme gentleness and susceptibility ofea?y improve- 
 ment. 
 
 Mr. Morell, the engineer, who surveyed the river, presented in his re- 
 port his plan for improving it, which, he thinks, would make it navigable 
 for a considerable portion of the year estimating the cost of improvement, 
 as far a surveyed, to about $200,000. The urisurveyed portion of the riv- 
 er, from the town of Osceola to the State line, is also, doubtless, suscepta- 
 ble of being made navigable for steamboats, as they have already ascended 
 as high up as the Old Harmony Mission, in Bates county. The district of 
 country above the junction ot Sac river, is of a very level character; and 
 though the volume of water in the main Osage becomes much less, the 
 strtam becomes narrower, while the banks retain their usual height, and 
 it still remains sufficiently wide for navigable purposes. 
 
 The extent of territory which would be directly benefitted by the im- 
 provement of this river, comprises about one-fourth of the State; and the 
 engineer, in his report, estimates the pecur/iary advantages, in a commer- 
 cial view alone, aiising Irom the lessened expense of shipping produce from 
 the country and merchandize in return, which would accrue to the people 
 thus directly interested, by means of this navigation, at $'229,563 annually. 
 This calculation was made in 1840, and taking it as a correct standard* 
 and considering at the same time the increase in population, in agricultural 
 products, and the consumption of imported merchandize, we are induced 
 to believe that those advantages would now be at least a half million an- 
 nually, while the costs of constructing the works would be considerably 
 less, on account of the accumulation of 'labor and depreciation in its price 
 since that time. 
 
 To accomplish that by the joint efforts and combined strength of the 
 whole, which individuals cannot singly perform, stands conspicuous among 
 the primary objects for constituting government. The improvement of 
 this river should not be left to individual enterprize alone. Policy de- 
 mands that it should be performed by the strong arm of the State. Nature 
 has opened this noble channel into a region where she has planted her re- 
 sources, various and unbounded. Individual enterprize will develope the 
 latter, whenever the State shall overcome the obstructions of the former; 
 and it is by such works as these, that a State accomplishes the high pur- 
 poses of her destination instils a universal love of country, because indi- 
 vidual perfection is thereby enhanced, and eiects the monuments of her 
 own durability and glory. 
 
: * 
 
 APPENDIX. 217 
 
 But the pecuniary profit-;, as above stated, are but few of the advantages 
 which would accrue from the desired works of improvement. They would 
 cause a development of our natural resources; and stores of rntive wealth 
 have been scattered throughout this region, by the hand of Providence, 
 with much profusion. The soil, whether of prairie or timber, upland or 
 bottoms, is generally fertile. The streams, whether tributaries of the 
 Osage, South Grand, or of White river, all afford excellent, water-power, 
 offering ffreat manufacturing advantages, while in the immediate neighbor- 
 hood of many of these natural site?, iron ore of fine quality abound in abun- 
 dance. Localities of lead, too, are extensive; coal, in many parts, is inex- 
 haustible, and specimens of copper ore have been obtained from several lo- 
 calities, ranging from the north side of the Osage to the borders of White 
 river, and it is not improbable that these localities nmy be developed,, and, 
 at some future time, become as celebrated as the mines of Cornwall. 
 
 Strong inducements, too, are held out to the agriculturist; though our 
 winters are mild, the various grasses flourish as finely as in higher and 
 more northern latitudes, and no country is better adapted to the growth of 
 the various grains, as well as of hemp and tobacco. 
 
 We have thus hastily glanced at some of the natural resources of this re- 
 gion, because we are aware that the necessity and value of internal im- 
 provements are much dependant upon them. Yet, with all these natural 
 blessings, the people are not sufficiently prosperous. No people ever did or 
 ever can prosper, who have not the facilities of trade ->f exchanging their 
 commodities with other people and other countries. The expense and 
 trouble of transporting the surplus oroduce to market,- chills the nerves of 
 industry? and men of enterprize and capital are averse to locating in a coun- 
 try deprived of navigation or other means of circulating trade. 
 
 Let the State, then, awaken to these considerations and give us these 
 facilities, and a great change will be felt in southwest Missouri. No mat- 
 ter in what point of view this subject is examined, the State must re- 
 ceive great advantages from making these works of improvement. They 
 will prove a source of revenue. The wealth and strength of the State 
 is ever concurrent with and dependent upon the wealth and prosperity 
 of her citizens. Experience proves, that lands lying in the vicinity of 
 navigable streams, though of no better quality than those in the inte- 
 rior, are still of four-fold value. By these improvements, then, the 
 value of property would be enhanced, population increased, vast tracts 
 of Government lands be sold and become subject to taxation, capital 
 would flow into the country, all the various interests of the community, 
 the agricultural, manufacturing and commercial, be brought into active 
 operation; universal opulence would follow, as a natural consequence^ 
 and the treasury be supplied by these new sources of revenue. 
 
 If the State, then, by now making the small appropriation of $200,000 y 
 would, in a very short time, receive, as a -consequence thereof, the same 
 or perhaps a greater amount into the treasury annually, would she not 
 act the part of wisdom by so doing? These are works which, if ac- 
 complished at all, must be accomplished by the State; for, we presume, 
 Missouri, cherishing as she does such lively feelings of State pride, and 
 so strong an adherence to a strict construction of the federal constitu- 
 tion, will not ask of the Federal Government a direct appropriation for 
 these interior purposes. 
 
 This committee apprehend that if the State should fail to engage in 
 
248 APPENDIX. 
 
 these works, the failure will be occasioned by prudential motives and 
 a dislike to involve the State in debt. Missouri, in this respect, may 
 be considered the mother of prudence, having existed as a State for 
 more than a quarter of a century, without laying her hand, in a single 
 instance, to any work of the kind! Unkind insinuations that she de- 
 sires to see her vast territory, with all its natural advantages and inex- 
 haustable resources, remain forever in a state of nature, should be in- 
 dignantly repelled, for they are the sentiments of the wild Indian, and 
 belong exclusively to their mother barbarism, and not to the enlightened 
 and patriotic citizens of Missouri ! 
 
 These prudential motives have not remained unperceived, and the 
 General Government has granted her a half a million acres of land to 
 be applied to internal improvements, and for which application the faith 
 of the State is now plighted. But, instead of its being applied by the 
 delegated wisdom of the State, the fund has been given for appropria- 
 tion to the keen discernment of the various county courts! Such, on 
 application, approximates so nearly to individual enterprise, that it is 
 seriously apprehended that no great good will ever be produced by it. 
 
 The improvements of the State must necessarily be progressive, and 
 it is confidently believed that the proceeds of the Congressional grant 
 will be amply sufficient for a considerable length of time to come. 
 
 We are aware that many persons, in some portions of the State, are 
 disposed to ask of Congress a change of this grant, so that it may be 
 applied to the purposes of education. We have already a large educa- 
 tional fund; and, besides, the rearing of children is a domestic duty, 
 which the human sympathies never neglect, whenever proper means 
 are afforded. Then give to the State the proper means of general pros- 
 perity, and well educated children will be the natural consequence of 
 such prosperity. While we give to our children good education, let us 
 also give to them a country which will prove a fit theatre for the action 
 of their expanded minds. 
 
 When we consider the subject of internal improvements, in a national 
 point of view, it loses none of its importance. The several States con- 
 stitute the nation, and the national strength and perfection depends upon 
 the possession of these qualities by the States. The national treasury, 
 too, is mainly supplied by commercial operations. To facilitate trade, 
 both internal and foreign, should be the peculiar object of this great 
 republic, for no prosperous nation neglects it. Commerce enriched 
 ancient Carthage, and counterbalanced Roman fortune, courage, and 
 greatness. Nor has it been less propitious to modern Europe. It has 
 decorated the marshes of Holland with the riches of India, and it con- 
 stitutes the crown of England's glory ! Our foreign trade should be 
 principally supplied by the products of the interior, and they, in future 
 time, will be sufficient to supply the deficiencies of half the globe, if 
 ready facilities of transporting them to the seaboard shall be afforded. 
 
 It is an inter ssting spectacle to behold the magnificence of extent of this 
 republic. It comprehends within its limits the temperate zone! .Tro- 
 pical fruits enrich the gardens of our southern, while the snows are 
 deep on our northern boundary! The Atlantic billows announce to our 
 citizens the rising sun, and the waves of the Pacific cheer our citizens 
 with his effulgence at evening! Such is the extent of our country, with 
 all its consequent diversity of interests and pursuits, throughout its im- 
 
* 
 
 APPENDIX. 549 
 
 mense interior! Without the facilities of intercommunication, this great 
 extent, perhaps, might be thought a national weakness; for nothing is 
 so much calculated to estrange the feelings and sympathies of a people 
 as distance and non-intercourse. But the surest cement of the Union 
 is a, general and ready intercourse throughout all its parts. To con- 
 quer space, to annihilate distance, is the great consideration of the 
 American people. Give a ready and rapid circulation of interests and 
 sentiments, enlarge and accelerate social intercourse, and you thereby 
 constitute the firmest bonds of perpetual union. Channels of commu* 
 nication throughout the interior,are as necessary to the healthful action of 
 the great body politic, as the veins and arteries are to the action of the 
 heart. Nature has been exceedingly bountiful in intersecting the coun- 
 try with so many rivers, and belting it with larger waters. But much 
 remains to be done by the States. Nor have our sister States been un*- 
 mindful of this great duty, the timely performance of which they owe 
 to themselves, to the public at large, and to posterity. Missouri en- 
 joys largely the benefits of internal improvements constructed by other 
 States, and will she refuse to afford benefits in return, of a similar char*- 
 acter, especially when the General Government has placed in her pos- 
 session the means of so doing? 
 
 When we duly consider that our government, whether State or na- 
 tional, is exclusively a government of the people that the monuments 
 of national strength and glory must arise from their hands, and wher- 
 ever they are erected, the most distant portions look to them with equal 
 interest and pride when we recollect that our fathers, while they were 
 securing, through blood and slaughter, the alma libertas which is our fe- 
 licity now to enjoy, were enduring hardships not so much for themselves 
 as for posterity, we should not be unmindful of the duty which is due 
 from us to our common country and to posterity, of the obligations we 
 are tinder to assist in giving that gradual perfection to our institutions 
 so necessary to their perpetual existence. 
 
 Missouri, with a territory more extensive than any other State, and 
 more highly blessed with the stores of nature's wealth, may perhaps 
 continue to neglect them, while the States around her, sensible of theii 
 self-interest, and with energies strengthened by the fires of patriotism? 
 are "onward and upward" in their march. But let Missouri stand not 
 solitary and alone, in masterty inactivity, and to the patriotic exertion^ 
 of the honorable members from the south-western portion of the State 
 an extensive community look with enlivened anxiety arid confidence. 
 
 F. P. WRIGHT, 
 JAMES M. MAJOR, 
 JAMES WINSTON 
 
 A* 
 
250 APPENDIX, 
 
 
 
 REPORT 
 
 OF THE COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS, 
 
 In favor of a Geological Survey of the State. 
 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, > 
 January 22, 1847. \ 
 
 The Committee on Internal Improvements, to whom was referred so 
 much of the Governor's Message as relates to a geological survey of 
 the State, have maturely considered the subject committed to their 
 charge, and beg leave to report, that they are deeply impressed with 
 the importance and necessity of the measures sought for, and recom- 
 mend a geological survey of the State. 
 
 Your committee were not averse to combining n zoological and bota- 
 nical, with a geological survey; but were deterred from the recom- 
 mendation by a consideration of the expense and remote attendant ad- 
 vantages ; but would suggest that it be kept in view, and appropriation 
 made as soon as the finances of the State will warrant such an outlay. 
 
 The object of geology is the investigation of the structure of the 
 earth; of the mineral and organic substnnces of which it is composed, 
 and of their relations to one another; of the changes which have oc- 
 curred in its physical condition during the revolutions of time, and the 
 influence they have exercised in bringing about the present order of 
 things, together with the laws which have governed the world during 
 its different epochs, while it furnishes the best guide for discovering 
 the various mineral ingredients, which occur in the earth. 
 
 Connected so intimitely with the great interests of mankind, it has 
 not failed to attract the most earnest attention in every portion of the 
 civilized world; and it has been justly remarked, that a correct scale 
 of the intelligence and prosperity of nations could be formed by dis- 
 cerning the relative degrees in which they have cultivated this science. 
 
 The importance and value attached to geology in Europe, are fully 
 supported by the measures which the governments of England, France, 
 and Russia, have instituted to secure minute and accurate geological 
 surveys. England has just completed the " ordinance geological sur- 
 vey," under the able directions of H. T. De la""Bach. It embraces a 
 very detailed account of the geology of the country, and is accompa- 
 nied with numerous colored maps and sections ; and this is of a region 
 where there had been previous surveys and examinations, by all their 
 distinguished geologists, for more than a half a century. Still, the 
 government, in consideration of the importance of the subject, had this 
 most thorough and complete survey made. 
 
 France, too, has been engaged for nearly twenty years, in executing 
 a geological survey and map of their whole kingdom. The work has 
 been completed by M. M. Elie-de-Beunmont and M. M. Dufrenoy. 
 Even Russia has had an examination of her rocks and minerals by 
 Messrs, Murchison and Verncuil. At the close of their observations 
 
APPENDIX. 251 
 
 they were both knighted by the Czar, in acknowledgment of the ser- 
 vices they had rendered the country and the value set on their labors. 
 
 It is gratifying, therefore, to perceive that the American people 
 have not been found behind the age, as our own government has had 
 David Dale Owen employed as United States geologist, and a survey 
 has been made of the territories of Iowa and Wisconsin, a valuable, 
 minute and complete report has been the result. Twenty-two ot" the 
 States in the Union have engaged in the >work ; in ten of them the 
 work is already finished; many of our western sister States, have or- 
 dered surveys, of which valuable reports have been made ; that of 
 Ohio, by Charles Whittlesey and associates ; of Indianjby D. D. Owen. 
 A reconnoisance report has been made of Kentucky^ and it is expected 
 a detailed survey will be ordered this winter. A survey has been or- 
 dered in Arkansas, and preparatory steps were taken at the last session 
 of the legislature of Illinois, for a similar purpose in that State. 
 
 But researches and investigations elsewhere, will not avail us in 
 illustrating our resources, providing they were to be discovered in 
 similar formations ; much less, when the rocks differ so widely in thek 
 character and mineral contents. 
 
 Nor should these interests be any longer left to individuals in their 
 private capacities, and at their own expense. True, they have ac- 
 complished much, and m'ay yet do more in this way; and to those en- 
 terprizing citizens of the mineral regions, whose labors exerted under 
 such unfavorable auspices, have nevertheless succeeded so well, are 
 entitled to the highest praise, as disinterested promoters of the public 
 welfare. But it should not be left to individual exertion, as much 
 would be lost for the want of exact knowledge in this department of 
 science; and in particular, much would be expended in speculations 
 in a business, the principles of which are but little known, and but 
 imperfectly established among our citizens. The expression of these 
 views are unimportant to the enlightened body before whom they are 
 to be laid ; yet they may assist in sustaining a policy which may not be 
 so well understood by those whose means of information are for any 
 cause deficient. 
 
 The objects of geological surveys are to arrive at a correct know- 
 ledge in detail of the earth's structure ; its hidden contents; their con- 
 dition, and their relation to the uses of man. Some of the most obvi- 
 ous benefits to be derived from them are, to gain a knowledge of the 
 existence or absence of useful and valuable ores and minerals, as well 
 as a great variety of other materials found either in the soil, under the 
 soil, or in the bowels of the earth, which may be important in an 
 economical point of view. For instance, coal, ores of iron, zinc, lead, 
 tin, copper, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cobalt, nickel, silver, gold, 
 and other metals, useful in the arts ; limestone, suitable for marble, 
 lithographic uses, ornamental purposes, or for burning into lime ; roof- 
 ing slates ; clays for pottery, porcelain, earthern ware, stone ware, and 
 modelling, or for making common bricks, fire bricks ; sands for glass ; 
 rock salt, or brines; copperas, allum, soda, saltpetre, epsom or glauber 
 salts ; hydraulic cement ; durable materials for construction, whether 
 they are freestone, limestone, granite, lignite, porphyry, or serpentine ; 
 gypsum ; fluxes for the reduction of metalic ores ; marls or other min- 
 eral manures proper for the improvement of the soil. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 The discovery of these, however, is but a small part of the informa- 
 tion to be gained by geological researches, for many valuable minerals 
 or materials may be almost worthless, either from being accessible 
 only at a great cost or from injurious admixture of other substances, or 
 from lying in beds or veins too inconsiderable to warrant the expense 
 of working them, or because they run into the earth in such manner 
 that the excavation would become too expensive to keep the mine in- 
 working condition. It would be the duty of the geologist to investi- 
 gate, in an especial manner, all these points, as well as others which 
 may have an important bearing on the commercial value of such dis- 
 coveries. Suppose, for example, the geologist had discovered a bed 
 of coal, he would ascertain its thickness, what inclination or dip it has., 
 that is, whether it pitches into the hill or towards the valley; by which 
 alone, the practicability of draining the mine can be determined, and 
 what underlays and overlaps it; for, on the hardness and stability of 
 the roof, as a coal mine, depends the necessity of proping, which in- 
 volves great expense. He would ascertain the quality of the coal 7 
 which in many instances may require an accurate chemical analysis, 
 since foreign minerals disseminated through coal, may render it almost 
 worthless. He would make observations with the proper instruments 
 at various points, to determine at what depth any given seam of coal 
 may be found, either in the body of a hill or beneath the general level 
 of the country, after disappearing from the surface. Observations 
 would determine the range, extent, and bearing of the seams of coal, 
 which would determine the precise area, and extent of the coal-field. 
 
 The extent or practicability of working each bed or vein of iron, 
 copper, lead, or other metallic ore, would be determined in the same 
 manner as the coal ; and the nature of the vein, stone, wall rock, and 
 appearance of earth surrounding the ore, the admixture or dissemina- 
 tion of rock through the ore, the practicability of draining or freeing 
 the works from water, besides a thousand minor investigations which 
 will determine its profitableness or value. 
 
 The same examinations would be made of the extent, area, quality, 
 and quantity of the strata of rocks, clays, sands, or earth, that could be 
 used lor building purposes, or that might afford salt, soda, copperas, 
 saltpetre, or lime cement; clays suitable for porcelain, earthern ware, 
 stone ware; sand suitable for the manufacture of glass, &c. If a me- 
 talic ore should be found, which the geologist had reasons to believe 
 had been derived from some neighboring vein, he would endeavor to 
 trace the specimen to its natural vein ; having discovered this, he 
 would determine the course of the vein; then, by "prospecting," as- 
 Certain its extent as well as its thickness. 
 
 The most important and valuable of all minerals, to an industrious 
 and cultivated people, is, perhaps, coal ; and will ultimately be found 
 so to the people of this State, on account of the scarcity of timber. 
 One of the objects of a geological survey, would be to determine the 
 precise area and extent of the coal field in our State, (which we be- 
 lieve will be found to extend over at least one half of the State, and 
 connected in the northeast with the great Illinois coal field,) so the 
 people might know in what area this combustible is likely to be found, 
 and at what depth, and where it would be useless to search for it. Im- 
 mense sums of money, more than enough for a detailed survey, are ex- 
 
~ , 
 
 APPENDIX. 253 
 
 pended in almost every State in the Union in search of coal, in districts 
 of country where it is impossible to find it. An experienced geologist, 
 as soon as he gets a view of the surface rock, can at once pronounce, 
 with the utmost certainty, as to the possibility and impossibility of 
 finding coal. There is no formation which is of more importance, 
 which should be more accurately surveyed. Some of the coal depos- 
 ites in this State are represented to have a workable thickness of forty 
 feet, being nearly twice the thickness of any in Europe, and, hi extent, 
 many times greater than their ''great coal field," as they term it. 
 
 There have been calculations made of general accuracy, of which 
 there is no doubt, when we consider the minute geological surveys of 
 that country, showing the time it will take to exhaust the coal in Eng- 
 land. When this time cornes, what is to become of her Manchesters, 
 Birminghams and Sheffields? 3?he "workshops of the world" will be 
 found in the coal-fields of the United Stetes. Among the causes \\hich 
 will facilitate the westward course of empire, and cause it to seek its 
 permanent abode on the banks of the Mississippi, Missouri and Osage, 
 none are more important than the mineral wealth of the region drained 
 by those mighty rivers. A bushel of coal, economically applied to the 
 most efficient form of steam engine? will do the work of sixteen horses 
 or eighty-eight men. Who can calculate the industrial facilities of the 
 coal region of Missouri? a region exceeding in size many of the king- 
 doms of Europe. The coal basin in the vicinity of St. Louis is capa- 
 ble of producing, annually, an amount of coal that, properly applied, 
 would equal the labor of fifty millions of men. The coal mines of Mis- 
 souri have the capacity of yielding, for thousands of years, an annual 
 quantity of coal which may be* made to do more work than the inhabi- 
 tants of the whole world. 
 
 In a geological survey of our State, the mineral regions, and partic- 
 ularly the valuable ores of iron, copper and lead, would be minutely 
 examined; the indications as to their presence would receive a full in- 
 vestigation, in order that a system of rules might be formed, by which 
 the miner could judge of the presence or absence of any given mineral: 
 the extent of the mineral region, and where it would be probably of 
 use to make examinations for ores of lead, iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, 
 &c. 
 
 Besides these economical considerations, there are others, which re- 
 late to science in general, and which would be promoted by exact and 
 particular observation, on the accumulation of mineral matter. Every 
 fact would be brought out which bears even remotely on the subject. 
 By ordering such a survey, only may we hope to advance the science 
 of geology in our State, and place it on a foundation that will make it 
 useful to the miner, the mechanic, and the agriculturist. 
 
 A geological survey would be of particular benefit, to the miner as 
 the geologist, in that part of the report relating to metallurgy would 
 give the art of reducing metals from their ores, and working them into 
 different forms; also their quality and value; whether they would smelt 
 easily, and the per centage they would yield in the furnace, and the 
 quality of the metal, and the most economical mode of smelting them, 
 with suggestions and plans for building furnaces and other necessary 
 machinery, as well as how near it may be situated to coal or timber, 
 water power, the proper fluxes, and building materials, &c. For, with 
 
APPE.MJIX. 
 
 the proper information, iron, copper, zinc, nickel, and cobalt could be 
 manufactured to any extent. 
 
 Iron. So plentiful is this mineral, that Missouri has been styled the 
 4 'Iron State," and there is probably no portion of the world that can vie 
 with us either in quantity or quality of this most valuable of all metalic 
 ores. It is to this metal we owe our superiority over uncivilized man. 
 Its magnetic properties guided the skilful mariner across the ocean, and 
 enabled European civilization to extend itself to this country. Such is 
 its abundance, that in many places it is only to be quarried as the com- 
 mon rocks of the country, and all the varieties oi ore found either suit- 
 able for malleable iron, steel, or castings. With all these advantages, 
 there is not within this State more than two furnaces for smelting iron, 
 and one of these has been erected but recently, while the States of 
 Pennsylvania, New York, and Tennessee, are deriving an immense in- 
 come from their iron works, possessing but a moiety of our advantages; 
 but they have all had geological surveys, and their limited resources, 
 compared with ours, made known. 
 
 It is only within a few years that the Iron Mountain has been heard 
 of that unrivalled deposit of iron and the accounts of it even now are 
 so vague, that there can be no great reliance placed on them; and of 
 many other immense deposits there is still less information. 
 
 Copper. This valuable metal stands next to iron in its economical 
 value, and is indispensable in the arts. Our copper ores, by scientific 
 investigation, no doubt, will be found to* be as rich and valuable as the 
 famed Lake Superior ores, the richest in the world, and which have 
 attracted so much attention within the last few years. The lamented 
 Dr. Houghton first called attention to them by his geological survey 
 of that region, ordered by the State of Michigan. We believe they are 
 not worked, (with but a single exception in the State, and that not 
 very successfully,) for the want of information as to the most proper 
 mode of smelting kind of furnaces, fluxes, &c. which can only be 
 determined by a most accurate analysis of the various ores, which no 
 private individuals feel warranted in making. 
 
 Some little impure copper has been made at several places in the 
 State from the carbonate. One of the most easily wrought of the ores, 
 a gentleman of science, Dr. J. O. Mullowny, who has had some exper- 
 ience in the matter, says, that all that has been done so far, has been 
 done at great loss. 
 
 Zinc. This useful metal has never been smelted within the State, 
 though the ore is found in abundance. It is daily becoming more im- 
 portant in the arts, and has been steadily increasing in price for some 
 years. For the want of proper information for smelting it, our State is 
 deprived of a large revenue, as sale could be found for any quantity of 
 the metal. 
 
 Lead. This is the only ore that is worked to any extent within the 
 State; it is easily reduced, and but little skill is required in obtaining 
 the metal. But the profits of a furnace depend on the workmen able 
 to obtain the largest possible quantity from the ore. There are now 
 about thirty furnaces in the State. The amount of lead smelted must 
 be from thirty to thirty-five millions of pounds, and worth more than a 
 million of dollars, being as much as all the hemp and tobacco raised in the 
 State. But who can say that the business is conducted in the best man- 
 
If 
 
 I APPENDIX. 255 
 
 ner? They are now collecting and smelting over the cinders they threw 
 away but a few years since, and collecting the ore they passed over as 
 worthless. In Europe they find it a profitable business to extract the 
 silver that is fourfd in the lead. It is only a few years since they had 
 much difficulty and great loss in smelting the lead at one of the princi- 
 pal mines in the State, on account of some foreign mineral being found 
 in it, which would have been remedied in a few hours by the geologist. 
 
 A gentleman, eminent for his scientific acquirements, Dr. H. King, 
 who resides in the mineral region, says there is a larger amount lost 
 every year by the smelters than would pay for a geological survey, in 
 not knowing the proper fluxes to smelt some of the lead ores that have 
 other metals associated with them. 
 
 Cobalt and Nickel Two very valuable metals in the arts, are found 
 in abundance; and, of the former, the deposit is the most valuable of 
 any known in the world; but no attempt, with a single exception, have 
 ever been made to work them. 
 
 This sketch of valuable ores could be extended to a greater length, 
 even with the knowledge that is possessed, but these will suffice to show 
 that the mineral resources of Missouri, if properly developed, must 
 form an important element of her future greatness. 
 
 During a geological survey, the origin and consequence of earth- 
 quakes, in the southeastern part of the State, would be studied; the 
 probability of danger by commotions taking place; the practicability 
 and best manner of draining the swamps and ponds in that region and 
 elsewhere; the proper place to levee, so that the water would be pre- 
 vented from seaping through under them, and thereby rendering them 
 useless; besides, valuable information would be obtained, which would 
 serve as a guide in estimating the cost and proper location of internal 
 improvements; as the most practicable routes for railroads and other 
 internal improvements have been pointed out by the geologists of the 
 States through which they have passed, which is easily accounted for 
 from the intimate connection of the the form of the surface with the 
 geological arrangement. An exact knowledge of the latter would fur- 
 nish the truest guide in all topographical investigations for such pur- 
 poses. 
 
 The measurement of hills and strata necessarily taken, would show 
 the relative highths of summit levels, and the amount of earth and rock 
 excavations required in cutting through hills, as well as the fillings and 
 embankments necessary in carrying a road across valleys. The acces- 
 sibility of the proper material for metaling roads, would also become 
 known, which will be of the greatest importance in the constructing of 
 turnpikes, as materials are frequently put on that disappear in the shape 
 of mud and dust, in a a few years. Most of the expense of keeping 
 McAdamized roads in repair, is occasioned by the quality of the mate- 
 rials of which they are constructed. 
 
 A want of knowledge with regard to the durability of materials of 
 construction, has been a source of vast pecuniary loss, especially in 
 public works in the west; many costly structures are fast crumbling 
 before the atmospheric vicissitudes, in consequence of employing a 
 building rock of a perishable character, that will scale, or crumble to 
 sand or powder in a few years; while others might be contaminated by 
 the presence of pyrites and protoxyd of iron, both of which not only 
 
236 APPENDIX. 
 
 produce unsightly stains, but greatly injure the quality. The rocks that 
 would crumble by the action of frost, might answer for permanent ar- 
 chitecture in a milder climate^ and thus be a source of wealth to our 
 State. 
 
 An experienced geologist would determine these points. Could we 
 enumerate the aggregate sum lost yearly to the citizens of the State, 
 by the employment of unsound materials in private structures, we have 
 no hesitation in saying it would amount to double the necessary appro- 
 appropriation for a thorough geological survey. 
 
 A chenfical analysys of the limestones, and how they would act in 
 the fire, their power of slacking, strength of the mortar, whether suit- 
 able for cement for the construction of cisterns, dams, water-proof cel- 
 lars, &c., or for agricultural purposes, and all other practical operations 
 for which they are required, and the precise quantity of the lime ne- 
 cessary, will be carefully exhibited. It is frequently the case that an 
 inferior article is used, when a better could have been easily obtained. 
 
 The geologist would also make an analysis of the various waters. 
 The settlers of the country feel great interest in being assured of the 
 salubrity of the water of their wells and springs. It would be his duty 
 also to inquire how sections of country, apparently without water, might, 
 by artificial means, be supplied with an abundance of an article so in- 
 dispensable to man and beast. 
 
 By a survey, the resources of the State would be illustrated; and by 
 spreading information abroad respecting their nature, emigration would 
 be induced, and our citizens kept at home, through the profitable in- 
 vestments which would be pointed out for their capital. The value of 
 individual property, the aggregate of which forms the sum of the State 
 wealth, would be greatly increased; new resources wx>uld be discov- 
 ered, and the extent and value of those now but little known, would be 
 ascertained and reported; mines and minerals would be brought to 
 light and wrought, and fabrics that are now imported at high cost 
 would be easily produced at a cheaper rate at home, which would have 
 the double effect of retaining capital and promoting domestic industry. 
 The immediate results of which would be the increase of the common 
 wealth of the State, and the alleviations of the public burdens by tax- 
 ation or otherwise. The saving of time, labor and expense in vain re- 
 searches after lead and other metals, and for coal and salt in districts 
 where such substances never occur, would annually amount to more 
 than the cost of a geological survey;* besides, it would check decep- 
 tions in mineral substances, as the whole community would possess the 
 same sources of information, so that one man could not practice to any 
 extent upon the ignorance and credulity of others. 
 
 The cabinet of minerals which would be collected for the State, 
 would become one of the most interesting objects to citizens and stran- 
 
 * Some years ago, twenty thousand pounds were expended in England in a useless search 
 for coal in Hastings sand. 'Although there we re some apparent indications, a jjeoligisl could 
 at once have predicted failure. "All are familiar," says James Hall, "with the mining en- 
 terprizes, now less frequent, in search of coal along the valley of the Hudson, in which 
 there have been expended more than a half a million of dollars within the last fifty years." 
 And Murchison, in his treatises on the geology of Wales, remarks, that more wealth has 
 been expended in the useless search for coal in that part of the country, than all the geolo- 
 gical investigations of the whole world have cost. 
 
-'. - 
 
 APPENDIX. 257 
 
 gers visiting the capitol, and present at once the means of judging re's- ' 
 pecting the relative value of any important mineral in the State, and 
 might come to the means of settling questions concerning acts of incor- 
 poration for working mines, and thereby prevent much fraud, as the 
 committee might be at once referred to specimens in the cabinet by 
 which they would perceive whether there were well founded reasons 
 for granting the charter. 
 
 Of all the arts, none are more likely to be improved by geological 
 examination, than that of agriculture, since the composition of soils in- 
 dicates their fertility, or capability of improvement, and the causes of 
 barrenness. The science of Geology demonstrates the origin and dis- 
 tribution of the mineral matters constituting the basis of all soils, to 
 which they chiefly owe their peculiarities. 
 
 The amendments required would be determined by the geologist, who 
 would make known whether the required materials occur in the vicinity 
 where they are wanted; for it would be of no use to the farmer to in- 
 form him that the substance required occured a hundred miles off; be- 
 cause the large quantity of matter demanded would forbid the expense 
 of distant transportation. ' Every enlightened farmer appreciates now 
 the value of the knowledge to be obtained by a correct analysis of his 
 soil, both with regard to its peculiar fitness for the production of certain 
 crops, and the manures proper to be applied in cases where some one 
 or more of its constituents have been measurably or wholly exhausted. 
 
 It will no longer suffice, however, to make an approximate analysis 
 of the earthy and organic matters and salts. 
 
 An analysis, to be useful, or, in other words, to enable the agricultu- 
 rist to form a correct opinion of the crop suitable for any of his different 
 soils, and to suggest the proper organic or inorganic manures for his 
 land, must be carried to the utmost nicety, so as to determine, even to 
 the fraction of a grain, the quantity of acids, alkalis, and metalic oxyds 
 which enter into its composition. This is not to be accomplished in an 
 hour or a day, by the rough estimates formerly resorted to; it requires 
 weeks of the most rigid manipulation, and the application of the most 
 improved process in chemistry. Such investigations ought to be among 
 the leading features of a geological survey. 
 
 A thorough inquiry into all of the before mentioned topics and the 
 actual state of the country, with its available resources, are only to be 
 developed by such researches idle and fraudulent speculations origi- 
 nating from self-delusions and impostures, would be thoroughly check- 
 ed, and erroneous opinions concerning minerals would be corrected, 
 and vast sums of time and money would be saved to the people every 
 year. A handful of iron ore would no longer be liable to be taken for 
 an inexhaustable and valuable mine, but those ores which are really 
 valuable would be fully explored and described, and the exact quantity 
 that might be depended upon for the supply of the furnace be made 
 known; the situation, extent and value of every available quarry be 
 described, and the quality of the rock tested. 
 
 Your committee, influenced by the above considerations, have, with 
 a perfect unanimity, worthy of the subject and importance of the ob- 
 ject to be accomplished, instructed me to report the accompanying bill 
 and recommend its passage. 
 
 DEWITT C. BALLOU, of Benton, 
 32A*. Chairman. 
 
358 APPENDIX. 
 
 i 
 
 > x s- _, > - N r> 3- 1 -. 
 
 - r ' , - >' ^ ; , '. *-\.'../ 
 
 \ 
 
 REPORTS OF STANDING, COMMITTEES 
 
 COMMITTEE ON FEDERAL RELATIONS, 
 
 MR. SPEAKER: 
 
 The Committee on Federal Relations, to whom was referred the 
 message of the Governor, in relation to the imprisonment of Jonathan 
 Riggs, late of Schuyler county, by the authorities of Iowa Territory, 
 have instructed me to make the following 
 
 REPORT: 
 
 That after the organization of the county of Schuyler, by the last 
 General Assembly of the State of Missouri^ it was found difficult to in- 
 duce any one to accept the office of sheriff of said county, in 
 consequence of the dispute existing between this State and Iowa Ter- 
 ritory, as to which was entitled to jurisdiction over a portion of territory 
 embraced within the limits of said county .Frequent disturbances occur- 
 ed between those living in the disputed territory. Iowa resolutely main- 
 tained her right to the territory in dispute, and no citizen of this State 
 could attempt to enforce the laws aver the same, without subjecting 
 himself to all the evil consequences of a collision with the government 
 of Iowa. It required no ordinary degree of firmness and moral courage 
 to attempt this dangerous office. Jonathan Riggs, under these circum- 
 stances, was recommended to the Executive of this State as a man well 
 qualified for the emergency; and, at the solicitation of friends, was ap- 
 pointed sheriff of said county. Riggs entered upon the discharge of 
 the duties of his office, soon after his appointment. In the month of May 
 succeeding while in the discharge of the duties of his office, and while as- 
 serting, and enforcing the sovereignty of Missouri over the territory in 
 dispute, and executing her laws in the same, as a true and faithful citi- 
 zen, was arrested by those acting under the laws of Iowa taken to the 
 jail in Van Buren county in said territory, and there incarcerated in 
 the same dungeon with a felon, under sentence of death. Riggs' of- 
 fence consisted in asserting and maintaining the sovereignty of Missouri, 
 over the territory in dispute, and faithfully discharging his duties as a 
 citizen and officer; and for this offence, he was snatched from his fami- 
 ly, deprived of his liberty, and subjected to all the privations and hard- 
 ships of a common felon. To add to the peculiar hardship of his case, 
 he is, as your committee are informed, a poor man, with a large family 
 dependant on his own labor for support. At the busy season of thefyear, 
 when the farmers are planting their corn, and sowing for the harvest, 
 he is suddenly snatched from the bosom of his family, are left in suffer- 
 ing and want, and the mntal anguish consequent upon such a state of 
 facts, is added to his bodily sufferings. All this he bore with patience 
 and fortitude byoyed by th# hope and belief that, at the hands of conn- 
 

 , 
 
 s= 
 
YC 1 04852 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY