p. 16

in the location of the line, and consequently the company were under the necessity of employing another engineer to perform that duty-thereby incurring the expense of two officers, of the same claim to perform duties, which could be discharged by one. The Territorial authorities having failed in making a loan it would appear quite superfluous to employ more officers than those absolutely required to conduct the business relative to the lands until a loan shall be obtained.

Wherever this state of things shall happen, we feel no doubt but the company will concur with the commissioners, or with any appointing power which the Legislature may prescribe in the selection of an engineer leaving it discretionary with such appointing power to fix the salary with a limitation fixed by law, which the salary should not exceed; and incase of the commissioners and directors so agreeing the salary could be paid, one moiety by the Territory and the other by the Canal Company. Consequently if a competent Engineer can be employed for $2000 per annum only $1000 would be chargeable to the canal fund instead of $3,000 as in the present arrangement.

Some such modifications seem to be demanded for the purpose of curtailment, at a time when from the extraordinary condition of the financial affairs of the country, the most populous and wealthy states in the Union are suspending their works for want of funds to proceed; and at a time too when it has been ascertained that the Territory are not for the present able to obtain a loan with which to commence the only work for which she has a basis whereon to erect an available fund.

It is however believed that by another year the times will be more propitious for obtaining a loan; and that the Territory may then secure the means without difficulty for progressing with the work under ampicious circumstances-So long however, as this subject remains in doubt, would it not be in accordance with the dictates of prudence to suspend