p. 9

But it would not do to denounce the canal itself, the public have too much interest in its success to listen to such treason. It is however presumed that the company may be denounced and vilified with impurity and if it can be broken down the canal falls with it, of course-Such is clearly the design and hope of the agitators in this matter, and instances have not been wanting, where persons have carried their hostility so far and have been so regardless of truth and every moral perception as to declare in terms that some of the principal movers and supporters of the canal are actually opposed to it.

In this spirit all the acts and doings of the company have been misrepresented by those persons in the hope of exciting popular prejudice, and of operating upon the Legislature itself; so as to induce the imposition of such restrictions as will paralyze our efforts and prevent our progress; and then in time to furnish them the opportunity of saying to the world that the company never intended to progress with it-If the company by virtue of their chartered rights purchase an interest in a tract of land from a settler or any other person, which is peculiarly well situated the pittiful envy of a few of the leaders in this operation being excited, it is at once proclaimed-So! a speculation! a speculation!! The company are denounced and the Legislature invoked to enact new restrictions to take from the company rights conferred by the Legislature and conformed by Congress, and which no constitutional power under our present form of government can in any manner limit alter or avail.

Why is this so?-Why is this warfare waged against the company?-These questions admit of only one answer-Hostility to the Canal. It cannot be for the public good; and we challenge the most right scrutiny to show that the measures of the company are in any manner validated to compromise the public interest. If the company