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money and share equally in the benefits to be derived from the work-and we extend this invitation to those who have assailed us most violently and bitterly. Let them but invert their means and we will freely yield to them all the advantages which can be derived from the privileges which are conferred on us. But those opponents will not do this-their object is not thus to advance the interests of the country by aiding in public improvements; and it is worthy of remark that the persons in this county who have been most hostile to the canal have never themselves advanced one dollar for any public measure of any kind for the benefit of the country.

We have labored indefatigably in this cause, and not only devoted to it our time but a considerable amount of our private means; the result of which thus far is chiefly in having secured to the Territory a magnificent grant to aid in the prosecution of this inestimable work. Shall it be said then that the country is willing to receive the fruits of our labor, and that on return for our exertions an attempt should be made to disfranchise us, not only of rights previously conferred by solemn enactment, but also of the ordinary rights of citizens conferred by a beneficent power superior to all human legislation? Shall we be the first and only persons in the community restricted from the exercise of their natural faculties in securing such personal benefits as are incident to the progressive improvement of the country, of which every citizen has a right to avail himself? We trust not.

Your memorialists would further respectfully represent that, feeling as they have before said a deep anxiety for the successful prosecution of this work and consequently for an economical and judicious expenditure of the amount which may be realized, from the sale of canal lands they would most respectfully suggest for the consideration of your honorable body, certain modifications in the