Mr. BYNUM was sorry that this reference to the North and South had been introduced. He did not believe, nor did the South believe, that the question had any thing to do with the presidency. He certainly should not vote upon it on any such grounds. He considered it both as a question of expediency and as a constitutional question. A gentleman from Georgia [Mr. JONES] had told the House that the South would nullify the system of internal improvement. Now, though Mr. B. was as much opposed to the system as that gentleman or any other gentleman could be, he hoped the South would attempt no such thing. He trusted, indeed, that, as a question of economy, the whole South would now act as one man in expressing their disapprobation of the measure; and he called upon all the friends of an economical Government, and all friends of the constitution, whether in Georgia or in Ohio, to unite with him in voting it down at once. [H. OF R. 400,000 dollars, New York above 100,000 dollars, Georgia 25,000 dollars, while 30,000 dollars had been appropriated for a river in North Carolina and Virginia. He did not complain of these acts of appropriation; he entirely approved of them all; but he insisted that the House ought to regard with the like favor other claims which were equally just. He said, however, that he was willing to reduce the amount to 25,000 dollars, instead of the original sum proposed; and he modified his motion accordingly. He then demanded the yeas and nays; but the House refused to order them. Mr. MERCER said that the House had appropriated 10,000 dollars to the survey of this river, which amount had been expended below Nashville. He had originally been opposed to the appropriation, but the House had overruled him; and, as the work had now been commenced, he should not offer any opposition to the pres Mr. HUBBARD observed that the proposition had never been submitted to the Committee of Ways and Means. Mr. FILLMORE asked if there had been any survey and estimate? rejected. Mr. BEARDSLEY said he had been aware of the ap-ent amendment. parent effort to identify this appropriation for surveys Mr. BEATY further explained, and warmly advocated with the entire system of internal improvement. The his amendment. gentleman from Vermont [Mr. EVERETT] and the gentleman from Maine [Mr. SMITH] had concurred in that view, and all the friends of the American system had taken the same ground. Mr. B. could not so regard it. He did not consider it as connected with the system of internal improvement, whether in the larger or more restricted Mr. BEATY replied and explained. A survey had interpretation of that phrase. If it was, then where did been made of the river as far as Nashville, and an estithe present administration stand? For the President had mate of $30,000 submitted: he desired to extend the imcertainly four times signed acts containing this very item.provement up the river to the head of steamboat navigaWhat was known as the system of internal improvement tion. was connected with works of a local nature; but this ap- The yeas and nays were now ordered; and, being propriation referred to national objects only. The friends taken, stood: Yeas 85, nays 95. So the amendment was of the larger American system would have this item to be a part of that system. Mr. B. insisted that it was not. He should stand by the administration, nor should he desist from voting for this item because gentlemen in the opposition might vote for it as a part of the general system. It was true that he had at first voted to keep this item out of the bill; but he did not at that time understand the bill, having but slightly examined it. Nor did be at that time know that a part of the money was to pay for services actually rendered. As to the suggestions of the gentleman from Georgia, [Mr. JONES,] he had nothing to say, The gentleman could make what comments he pleased on Mr. B.'s course. But when Mr. B. should And it necessary, on one day, to vote that, from his own personal examination of the case, A B was entitled to a seat on that floor, and on the very next day to declare that he did not know, and that it was impossible to tell, whether A B or X Y was entitled to the seat, he should then consider himself as in a better situation to be catechised by the gentleman. Cries for the question were now loud and unceasing; And it was at length put, on adopting the amendment moved by Mr. MERCER, appropriating 29,000 dollars for the continuance of surveys, and decided in the affirmative, by yeas and nays, as follows: Yeas 103, nays 87. So the amendment was agreed to, and inserted in the Mr. MARSHALL thereupon withdrew his motion to lay the bill on the table. Mr. BEATY now moved to insert 50,000 dollars for the improvement of the navigation of the Cumberland river above Nashville, as far as to the head of steamboat navigation. Mr. HAWES made some suggestion to Mr. B., which was not heard. Mr. ASHLEY now moved to insert an appropriation of $25,000 for the improvemeut of the harbor of St. Louis, Missouri. He said that he had offered a similar amendment when the bill had been in Committee of the Whole; but it had not, at that time, been generally understood. He now repeated the statement he had then made. The harbor had been surveyed, and the engineers had reported in favor of the improvement. He need not remind the House that St. Louis was one of the most important points in the whole West. Yet its harbor was in danger of being destroyed by a sand bar which was constantly accumulating, and which, if not arrested, must soon fill it up entirely. The Legislature of the State, as well as the corporation of the city itself, had memorialized Congress on the subject, setting forth its importance and urgent necessity. The survey had been laid before the War Department. The superintendent of the improvement of the Mississippi, Mr. Shreve, had personally examined the nature of the obstruction, and was in favor of the plan for its removal. The Committee on Roads and Canals had also examined the plan, and reported favorably upon it to the House. Mr. A. said he held in his hand, and would send to the Clerk's table, the memorial of the city, and the letter of the superintendent, which he desired might be read. [Cries of no! no! and much confusion.] Mr. A. said, as the House seemed indisposed to hear the papers read, and it was late in the day, he would not insist, but would content himself with asking for the yeas and nays. They were ordered. Mr. POLK stated to the House that the present bill was intended to comprise works already commenced, and these only. There was another bill reported from the Committee on Roads and Canals, which contained new Mr. BEATY said that the river below Nashville had works for the improvement of harbors, &c. The item already been examined. The object of the present mo- now proposed by the honorable member from Missouri tion was to extend the examination, and complete it, to [Mr. ASHLEY] was contained in that bill, which was now the highest point of steamboat navigation. Mr. B. plead-in Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union. ed with earnestness in favor of his favorite measure; and He did not wish to see the present bill loaded with a class reminded the House that Pennsylvania had got over of objects intended for another bill, and its passage there He would except none. [JUNE 23, 1834. In the late war by put in jeopardy. He was actuated by no particular United States. opposition to the present measure, which, for aught he they had sent forth with alacrity a band of warriors to deknew, might be very useful and necessary. But he went fend the people of the South. Should the Northern on the general ground he had just stated, in evidence of States ever undertake to oppress the South, the Southwhich he would advert to the fact that he had voted rons might rely upon their aid; and if, on the other hand, against the appropriation for the Cumberland road, though the nullifiers should grow cantankerous, these were the that road passed his own door. people who would be prompt to put them down. He de In Amidst the laugh occasioned by this remark, Mr. ASHLEY considered the remarks of the gentle-manded the yeas and nays upon the amendment. man from Tennessee as very uncandid and unfair. No Mr. POLK wanted to be informed whether this Green gentleman in the House, who knew any thing of the situ- river in the gentleman's amendment was the little stream ation of the harbor of St. Louis, would say that there that ran past the village of Bowling Green? If it was the could be a more meritorious object in the country. The same he referred to, it was a "river” about two feet deep people of that part of the Union expected this appropri- in the summer time. ation, to enable them to save their harbor from ruin. the other bill the improvement of the Missouri river was Mr. HAWES rose to explain. He said that Green inserted, but not the removal of the sand bar from this river did run past the town of Bowling Green; and he harbor. It was most necessary to the trade of the whole trusted the people of Bowling Green and Mumfordsville river. St. Louis was a port of entry, and an immense would not have reason to regret that it ran by their business was and must be done there. Yet all goods had abodes. The gentleman might have crossed the river at now to be transported, at a great expense, down to the a very dry season, when the waters were low; but the arsenal below the town, and even there the obstruction engineers had reported the average depth of the stream would soon be formed, unless its progress should be stop-at 22 feet. ped. The harbor would be destroyed in the course of a few months, if Government refused to interfere. The vote was now taken, and resulted as follows: Yeas 72, nays 96. So the amendment proposed by Mr. AsuLEY was rejected. Mr. HARDIN went into a long constitutional argument in opposition to the amendment. He stated, however, that, after the junction of Green and Big Barren rivers, they formed quite a considerable stream. Mr. CHILTON said he should not have said a word but Mr. HAWES moved an amendment appropriating for the remarks of his colleague. He stated that by far $25,000 to the improvement of the navigation of Green the greater part of the commerce on those streams was river and Big Barren river, in the State of Kentucky. not below, but above their junction. This commerce was He warned the House that he was not going to make a of great importance to the interior of Kentucky. A por speech "for Buncombe:" and if he had not the best tion of the streams ran within his own district. He felt, cause that ever had been brought upon that floor, and however, no great zeal on the subject of the amendment. the best constituents within the wide limits of the United He was no enemy to a judicious and well-regulated sys Statestem of internal improvements. On the contrary, he had [Mr. SUTHERLAND. Except mine.] fought the battles of the system against its most deter No, sir, I cannot except his, or any other man's. mined opponents. But when he found that his State, Well, sir, the United States engineers were once order- which had strenuously defended the system, was to be reed to survey these rivers, and they performed the task fused all participation in its benefits, while others who had to the best of their knowledge. And what do you think always opposed and reviled it were sharing all its advan was the result? Why, sir, when these learned gentle- tages, his ardor was greatly cooled. And he should now men returned to this city for the purpose of preparing enter the lists of opposition against all squandering of the their report, not one of them could understand his own public money; and should continue to oppose until he notes! And, in conseqence of this, the Department should see a disposition to do equal justice to all the States. were unable to lay a report and draught of the survey be- He perceived very distinctly that it had been decreed, by fore the House. There was no want of money and no the present dynasty, that Kentucky was not to receive one want of time spent in the survey; and certainly there was farthing. no want of ignorance on the part of those who made it. Mr TOMPKINS now rose and addressed the Chair They had notes, it seemed, of some sort; but no man as follows: could understand his own. But for this state of things, Mr. Speaker: My constituents are deeply interested in we should have had a survey and map long before now. the navigation of both the rivers mentioned in the amend Well, sir, the people of Kentucky, not having confi- ment, and I, of course, feel much solicitude for its success; dence in the engineers of the United States, employed yet, after what has been said by two of my colleagues one by their own funds; and they obtained a competent [Mr. HAWES and Mr. CHILTON] in favor of the appropri and skilful officer from the State of Pennsylvania. He ation, I should not, perhaps, at this late hour of the day, could understand his notes, and made a report to the have thought it necessary to detain the House by any Kentucky Legislature. In that report he declares that remarks of mine, if the importance of Big Barren as well the waters of Green river, at their high stage, are navi- as Green river, above their junction, had been sufficientgable for steamboats, and might be so during the whole ly appreciated by gentlemen. Of the former, especially, season, if these obstacles, occurring in different parts of my colleagues, who displayed so much zeal in behalf of the stream, were removed. The stream was 150 miles in Green river, seemed to know or care but little; and the length, and the United States engineers stated its average honorable member from Tennessee tauntingly inquired of depth at 22 feet. It would cost only $75,000 to remove the gentieman who introduced this amendment, whether the obstructions. The State had already appropriated Big Barren river was knee deep at Bowling Green, in the $50,000, and they looked to Congress with the confi- summer season? Sir, I can inform that gentleman, if he dent hope of obtaining the remaining $25,000. Mr. H. does not already know the fact, that the stream which he hoped there would be no objection to this small amount. represents as so insignificant, has already been navigated He wished, he said, that every gentleman who then heard by steamboats of considerable burden, in spite of the obhim was on the banks of that river. He was well assu- structions which it is the object of this amendment to rered, if they once could see the spot, they would be so move; and the people of Bowling Green and the adja transported at the scene that they would be ready to sub-cent country have been thus occasionally supplied, to scribe the money as their own free gift. The banks of some extent, with salt, sugar, and other heavy articles, that stream were inhabited by the best population in the which they are usually obliged to have transported in 4697 JUNE 23, 1834.] Harbor Bill. [H. OF R. saving in the expense of importing the commodities Mr. Speaker, it has been objected to this, as well as to It wagons, at more than double the expense, from Louisville. The navigation of Big Barren river, therefore, is not less important than that of Green river itself; and my colleague, who last addressed the House, said truly that the largest portion of the articles exported on these rivers is produced above their junction; and that the improvement of the navigation above the mouth of Big Barren is, therefore, not less for the interest of the country than below. Sir, Green river, which unites with Big Barren river about one hundred and fifty miles from the Ohio, is decidedly the most important navigable stream in Kentucky, whether we consider the facility with which it may be improved and rendered safe for the passage of steamboats, or the quantity and value of the property which must be transported through its channel to a market. When I say it is the most important river in Kentucky, I will, of course, be understood as referring to those which have their navigable course exclusively within the limits of the State; and of these, I repeat, it is decidedly the most important, without excepting that which gives name to the State. The principal agricultural product of the country is tobacco, of which a large quantity is annually produced and exported, and of such a quality as to have obtained already for the Green river tobacco a reputation little inferior, if not quite equal, to that of James river, in Virginia. Of this article, according to information received by me, of the correctness of which I have no doubt, there is annually raised, in the county of Barren, where I reside, about 2,000 hhds. ; in the adjoining county of Green, justly referred to, by my colleague who represents it, as celebrated for the excellent quality of its crops, 1,800 hhds.; and in Warren, another adjoining county, 1,500 hdds. But, without being more particular, I will say that, in twelve or thirteen counties, situated above and a short distance below the junction of Big Barren and Green rivers, the average annual production of this article is between nine and ten thousand hogsheads, the value of which may be estimated at nearly $400,000; and the other Surplus products of the country, consisting of live stock, Indian corn, pork, beef, and other articles of minor importance, will probably amount to an equal sum. And let it be remembered that the quantity of all these productions is continually increasing; for, as yet, not one-half of the good lands on the waters of Big Barren and Green rivers have been brought into cultivation. Mr. Speaker, the farmers and planters of that country are dependent on their rivers exclusively for the transportation of all this The result of the examination made by these engineers property to New Orleans, the only market accessible to them; and, according to the present uncertain mode of conveyance, in heavy flat-bottomed boats, the freight was, as I have understood from good authority, every alone will amount to not less than twenty pcr cent. on the way favorable to the object now proposed; and their value of their property, to say nothing of the disappoint-views and opinions correspond substantially with those of ments suffered, and the losses sustained, by the accidents a distinguished engineer, afterwards employed under the and delays unavoidable in this species of navigation. I authority of the Legislature of Kentucky, and who, in have stated the value of the tobacco annually exported at pursuance of his engagement, made an examination and nearly 400,000 dollars, and all other articles together at survey of Green river, and a particular estimate of the about an equal sum. But, estimating the aggregate value expenditures necessary to remove the several obstructions of all the produce annually exported on the river from the to its navigation. The report of this gentleman, and counties mentioned, at 700,000 dollars, (which is certainly another engineer with whom he was associated, has almoderate,) the freight, according to the rate stated, would ready been referred to by my colleague; and a report of amount to the sum of 140,000 annually. This is an enor- the commissioners appointed by the Kentucky Legislature mous tax on the labor of the husbandman; which, on the to superintend the work is also in my possession. It introduction of steamboat navigation, would be reduced may be proper here to state, that the engineer to whom I at least one-half. For I understand that the freight paid have alluded is a distinguished citizen of Pennsylvania, on a hogshead of tobacco, shipped from Louisville to New whose eminent qualifications are, no doubt, well known to Orleans, is only four dollars; whereas the planter is oblig- many honorable members of this House; and the comed to pay nine, and sometimes ten, dollars per hogshead missioners are respectable, intelligent, and enterprising from the neighborhood where I reside. And it is rea- citizens, residing in the immediate vicinity of the river, sonable to presume there is an equal difference in the some of them having intimate and experimental acquaintfreight of other articles exported. But the reduction of ance with its navigation, and all of them well qualified to the expense of exportation would be but part of the ben- discharge the duties assigned to them. efits the people would derive from the improvement of There would be a farther and important their rivers. Sir, it does seem to me that the reports of these engi neers and commissioners, all of them respectable, compe H. OF R.] Horbor Bill. [JUNE 23, 1834. tent men, and acting under their responsibility to the altogether inadmissible to apply any portion of the public Government that employed them, are entitled to the full money to the improvement of navigable rivers on the confidence of this House; and, from the information fur- other side of the mountains, and, I must add, with regret, nished by them, the practicability of improving the rivers that this singular doctrine has been applied with peculiar mentioned in the amendment, so as to render them safe severity to Kentucky. Hence, large sums are annually for steamboat navigation, at an inconsiderable expense, expended for the improvement of the navigation connectcompared to the beneficial results, is made quite manifest.ed with the seaports and harbors on the lakes, while the Green river is represented to be remarkable for the State from which I come has been wholly excluded from depth of its water and the gentleness of its current. From all participation in such benefits. I do not mention this in the examination made by the engineers, it appears that the spirit of complaint, much less of reproach against any the average depth of Green river, for more than one administration or any party, but intend only to state the hundred miles from its mouth, exceeds twenty feet. fact, to strengthen, if possible, our claim to the justice, or, There is no river in the Western country for the naviga- if you please, the liberality of this House. It is not, sir, tion of which nature has done so much, and left so little my purpose to enter into any discussion of the constitu to be performed by the art and industry of man. The tional question; neither shall I detain the House by a parnavigation, as has been remarked by my colleague, is ob- ticular examination of the distinction that is said to exist structed by rapids at three or four points on the river; in principle between the power to construct a breakwater none of them are very formidable, and all of them may be in the Delaware, and to remove obstructions to the naviovercome, according to the opinion of the engineers, by gation of Green river in Kentucky. In my opinion, no the construction of three dams and locks, whereby, at a such distinction is deducible from the constitution. If the very moderate expense, a safe slack-water navigation may grant of power to regulate foreign commerce gives aube obtained from the mouth of Green river to the junc- thority to Congress to improve a harbor or erect a beation of that stream with Big Barren river, a distance of con on tide water, the power to regulate commerce beabout one hundred and fifty miles; and it is estimated that tween the States equally authorizes the improvement of all the necessary works for this purpose may be comple- a navigable river in the valley of the Mississippi. The ted at an expense of little more than $100,000. Such power must be exercised in all cases where the interest of are the views of General Lacock and the gentleman as- the people requires it, whether to promote the interests sociated with him, as set forth in their report; and they of foreign commerce or of commerce between the States, are, as I understand, corroborated by the opinions of the or it must be exercised in none. engineers who some years ago made a survey of Green Sir, the people of Kentucky have been the decided and river, under the orders of the Secretary of War; and consistent advocates of a wise and prudent exercise of they are confirmed by the commissioners charged with this power, although they have never derived any special the superintendence of the work, who have made a re-advantage from it. They pay their equal share of the port of their own. The utility and the practicability of revenue of the country, and have contributed their full the work, therefore, cannot be doubted. The able re- proportion of the millions expended for internal improveports to which I have referred, although not proceeding ments in the other States; but, unless a more liberal polfrom an Executive department of this Government, must, I think, be considered satisfactory, and worthy of the confidence of the House. icy shall at length be observed towards that State, she will be compelled, in justice to herself, to withhold her support from a system, from the benefits of which she must be excluded." Sir, the importance of Green river, as may be inferred from what has been said, has already attracted the attenAll attempts that have been made to obtain for that tion and employed the care of the Kentucky Legislature. State a portion of these benefits have hitherto proved unBesides causing a survey to be made, they have appro- successful; sometimes on pretence that there had been priated, at different times, the sum of $75,000 towards no survey executed, or no estimate made of the necessary the accomplishment of the work necessary to remove the expenditure; and sometimes it has been alleged that the obstructions to the navigation; and that sum, it is believ-work was not national, but local, and therefore inexpeed, in addition to the amount now proposed to be appro- dient or unconstitutional. And it is possible that this last priated by this Government, will be sufficient to make objection may have weight on the minds of some gentlethe navigation of Green river safe and commodious for men in the present case; for Green river has its navigable steamboats of two hundred tons burden, up to its junc- course exclusively within the limits of the State of Kention with Big Barren river; an event from which incalcu- tucky; so has Big Barren river; and other works of inlable advantages will be derived by a numerous and internal improvement have been pronounced by high au dustrious population, and especially my own constituents; thority to be local, and therefore unconstitutional, on no and I cannot but hope that so small a sum will not be re- better reason than this. But it will be borne in mind that fused by this House, when such extensive and important the trade of Green river contributes to swell that of the benefits are to result from its expenditure. Ohio and Mississippi, in the commerce of which great Some gentlemen, I know, have constitutional objections rivers not less than twelve or thirteen States and Territoto this amendment, as well as to all appropriations for ries are interested. The trade of Green river connects works of improvement. I shall certainly not attempt to itself especially with that of Louisiana, in whose commer remove them. These gentlemen have at least the merit cial metropolis the products exported through its channel of consistency, and are impartial in the application of annually find a market, though not always a ready or a their rule. But there are others who, without feeling any profitable one. It is intimately connected with all the scruples as to the general power of Congress to appro- States whose commerce centers at the same great western priate money for objects of internal improvement, are market; and it may be said, indeed, that the whole nation yet disposed to make a distinction between improvements has an interest more or less in this trade. The principal made on the seaboard or the lakes, and those on the riv-product exported from the Green river country is infeers in the interior. These gentlemen can perceive no- rior in importance only to the cotton of the South, as an thing unconstitutional or inexpedient in the appropriation article of foreign commerce. The tobacco of Green of money to facilitate foreign commerce; to render secure river finds its way to the ports of the Atlantic; to Liver. and cheapen the transportation of merchandise to and pool, to London, and to the ports of the European contifrom our seaports, at which vessels arriving from foreign nent. A public work, therefore, although located on a countries break bulk, to use an expression of one of my river not passing out of the limits of a single State, the honorable colleagues, [Mr. HARDIN;] but they consider it effect of which is to expedite and render more secure the JUNE 23, 1834.] Harbor Bill. transportation of this and other valuable articles of commerce, and consequently to lessen the price to purchasers every where, is of national concern, and not local merely. Its benefits are not confined to the people of one State or of one neighborhood, although I admit they are interested to a greater extent, and more directly, than the rest of the community; but this is equally true of all works of internal improvement, wheresoever situated, whether at Oswego or Buffalo in New York, or at the falls of Vienna on Green river. [H. of R. should not ask so much as he had done before; he would now be content with 30,000 dollars instead of 60,000, and glad to get even that. His amendment was negatived. Mr. MANN renewed his former motion to amend Mr. MORRIS's amendment by striking out $20,000 and inserting $17,000; but the Chair pronounced it not to be in order, inasmuch as Mr. MERCER'S motion was itself an amendment to the amendment reported from the Committee of the Whole. Mr. MERCER regretted that he could not support the Mr. GARLAND, of Louisiana, said he had now a letter amendment, but went at length into a series of explana- from the Engineer department, in relation to the approtions of the views which governed his course in relation to priation for cutting through the raft in Red river, which proposed objects of improvement. he desired to send to the Clerk's table, that it might be The question was then put, and the amendment re-read. It would obviate the objection which had been jected. made to the amendment he had offered. The CHAIR reminded Mr. G. that his motion was out of time at present; the bill must first be gone through with, then would there be an opportunity. [It was now late in the evening; lights had for some time been in the hall, and much impatience and great confusion prevailed. The Chair exerted itself to restore and to preserve order, frequently interposing and stop- The item for an appropriation for Deep creek, at the ping all business, until something like quietness was ob- mouth of the Dismal Swamp canal, having been read— tained. To add to the uproar, a very heavy storm of Mr. HAWES said he wished to have some further inwind, thunder, and lightning, broke over the Capitol; formation as to this Deep creek appropriation. When and, as the upper windows were all open on account of rivers, in which the Western States had an interest, were the heat, the wind threw the large curtains of the gallery rejected, and their improvement refused, without a diviabout with great violence, while the rain, beating on the sion, he wanted to have the yeas and nays, that he might range of large southern windows, occasioned such a noise see who went for creeks and deep creeks when rivers as to drown effectually every other sound. During this were rejected. time several motions were attempted, and the movers addressed the Chair, but neither the motion nor speech could be heard.] Mr. EWING moved an item of 20,000 dollars for the improvement of the Wabash river. Mr. E. supported this motion in a speech of some length. Mr. HUBBARD explained. He stated the ground on which the Committee of Ways and Means had inserted this item. A bill had once passed the House, in which this appropriation was included; but it was vetoed on other grounds. The United States were deeply concerned in having the object effected, inasmuch as it was important to the navigation of the Dismal Swamp canal: a work in which the Government held a large proportion of the stock. Mr. KINNARD said he was against all attempts at browbeating. He had waited for other members, of more age and experience, to raise their voices in opposition to it; but, as he heard none, he had broken the Mr. BEATY observed that an act exactly similar had silence which he had imposed upon himself since the passed in favor of the improvement of Cumberland river. opening of the session, for the purpose of administering If it was a good reason in favor of one object, why was a modest and humble, but merited, rebuke to such con- it a bad reason in favor of another? Would the gentleduct on the part of the representatives of a free people man give to one and withhold from the other, both being toward one who enjoyed the same rights with themselves. situated alike? The appropriation for Deep creek had He would refer gentlemen to the records of the country not been asked for, yet the gentleman had resolutely deto prove that the river Wabash was one of the navigable termined to give these $29,000 to Deep creek, a stream waters of the United States. He should not reproach not half the size of Cumberland river. Mr. B. hoped that them with ignorance of the geography of their own some gentleman from North Carolina would rise and excountry. Mr. K. here quoted some printed documents, plain the necessity for such an appropriation, and not let from which he read, interposing occasional comments; it rest upon a member of the Committee of Ways and he spoke with emphasis and much animation, but, such Means to take it entirely under his own patronage. was the confusion, that we cannot attempt even an out- Mr. MERCER asked a division of the question; but, line of what he said. Ile repelled, with much spirit, the after a brief debate on the question of order, he withimputation of land-jobbing and begging which had been drew his demand. As to this being called a creek, the cast upon the people of the States northwest of the Ohio, terms creek, run, brook, and branch, were all applied and explained at length the claims of the State of Indi-indiscriminately, almost, to streams of water of very difana, and the importance of the contemplated improve- ferent sizes, and very different degrees of importance in ment. He demanded the yeas and nays, but the House different parts of the Union. Mr. M. knew of one inrefused to order them; and the amendment was rejected: Ayes 48, noes not counted. Mr. CARR, of Indiana, renewed the amendment he had offered in Committee of the Whole, for an appropriation for deepening the Indian chute, in the falls of the Ohio. He said that, when he had before submitted this amendment, there were no estimates to support it; since then he had obtained estimates, made by Captain Shreve. He wished they should be read, and he sent them to the Clerk's table for that purpose; but the House refused to hear them, and the amendment was rejected without a count. Mr. CROCKETT moved again his amendment for improving the navigation of Hatchie river, and some other streams in his district. He observed, however, that, as nobody knew where the money of the country was, he stance where it so happened that a " river" ran into a "creek." The name, therefore, gave no criterion from which to judge of the importance of the stream, nor the necessity or propriety of improving its navigation. Mr. HUBBARD disclaimed any particular affection for this item in the bill. The committee had agreed to insert it, and it had been in the bill of 1831. It was said that some of the members from Virginia were opposed to it, though it was in part a Virginia improvement. If so, let them reject it: Mr. H. was not streneous, however, on the matter. Mr. MERCER said he would explain the fact, in relation to this improvement in Deep creek, which would relieve gentlemen from some of the difficulties they seemed to feel in 'regard to it. Mr. M. then went into a detailed explanation, insisting that the interest of the canal |