Page:Journal of the Sixth Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan.djvu/16

6 this peninsula. Nature has prepared the ground, and the small expense which would be incurred in constructing a Rail Road, would be soon reimbursed by the increased amount of sales, and the numerous other advantages that would result as well to the government as to individuals.

The large tract of valuable country along the western shore of lake Michigan, and the two reservations on the St. Joseph river, ceded by the Potawatamies, in the late treaty held at Chicago, will soon come into market. These lands cannot fail to attract the attention of persons inclined to migrate thither. The advance which the government will receive on their sale, will be more than sufficient to construct a Rail Road from the Detroit river to lake Michigan. May we not, therefore, reasonably ask the Federal Government to construct this Road;—forming as it does, so important a link in the chain of communication between the Atlantic and the Mississippi;—in which all the North, North-east and Western sections of the Union are so deeply interested?

It is suggested for consideration, whether this, with many other subjects already presented to the attention of congress, would not receive additional weight by your especial recommendation, as the representatives of the people of this territory. Among these is the improvement of the navigation of the St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rivers; the construction of harbors at their mouths;—the removal of the bar and construction of a pier at the mouth of Clinton River; the improvement of the navigation through the flats at the mouth of St. Clair River;—at the junction of Fox River with Green Bay; and of the Fox River above and below Lake Winnebago. A small appropriation of the public money for removing the obstructions to the navigation of the Fox River, would save to the government, in the transportation of provisions and military stores, which are annually carried along it, a very considerable expenditure:—added to this, the valuable section of country, lately ceded by the Menominee Indians, is about to be surveyed and put in market; and the safe and easy navigation of this stream will add to the many other inducements which individuals will have to settle in this part of the territory.

It is believed that no more propitious period in the history of our country has occurred for presenting these subjects to the consideration of congress. By the wise and prudent administration of the general government, the national debt is nearly extinguished; the difficulties, which, a twelve month since, were likely to disturb the harmony and tranquility of the Union, have been adjusted; and the importance of preserving our present admirable form of government is admitted by all.

I conclusion, permit me to assure you that in the discharge of your duties, you may expect my hearty co-operation in all measures having a tendency to public good, and to advance the prosperity of the people.

G. B. PORTER.

Detroit, January 8,1834.

On motion of Mr. Farnsworth, one thousand copies of the speech