COMMERCE OF THE LAKES, AND ERIE CANAL. BY JAMES L. BARTON. BUFFALO: SEAVER'S POWER PRESSES, COURIER OFFICE. 1851. COMMERCE OF THE LAKES AND THE ERIE CANAL. Notwithstanding the great amount of information already spread before the public, in relation to the sudden rise, rapid growth and constantly increasing trade with the Great West, it does not seem to be out of place, to scatter yet more. It is only in this way, this important matter can be kept fresh in the mind, and secure to it that attention it is so justly entitled to. In undertaking to give some slight account of the business done on the Lakes and Erie Canal in the year 1850, I do not intend, for I have not the necessary documents for doing so, to exhibit any part of it, except what has passed through the Port of Buffalo, only. The variety and extent of the Commerce of allthe Lakes, above and below the Niagara Falls, may be judged of by what passes through Buffalo, where, probably, the largest half of the whole direct trade is done. 4 To collect a full account of all the Commerce of the several ports and places on all of the great Lakes, is a task that cannot be performed by any one individual, unless he gives up his whole time to it; and few are found, who are able and willing to incur such an expense voluntarily. At the port of Buffalo, where the utmost care has been taken to collect all the facts in relation to this trade, much property passes up and down the Lakes, of which no account is, or can be taken. The trips to perform, particularly across Lake Erie, are so short, and many steam vessels leaving port in the night, but continuing to receive cargo until the moment of departure, much property is carried away that is not put on the manifest. Such is the case with vessels arriving from up the Lake. Much property is also shipped to and received from ports within the District, of which no report or manifest is required. It therefore follows as a matter of necessity, and after taking all the care possible, to get an account of all the Commerce passing out and in at the port of Buffalo, all we do get, falls much short of the real amount. The statement here given, of the Imports at Buffalo in 1850, from the Lakes, has been most carefully made up from the manifests exhibited at the Custom House.With the view of showing the variety of articles which enter into and form the trade from the West, I have taken the pains to enumerate very many. The valuation has been calculated from actual sales and prices given by our heavy dealers. Great care has been taken, in arriving at the quantity and value as near as possible, that a just and true exhibit might be made of the present magnitude of this Commerce, as the certain and carefully ascertained facts would warrant. 5 The rapid and constant increase of the trade from the Western country can be best realized, by comparing periods of time, only a few years past, with the present. In the year 1835, the following articles were received from Ohio, the then only exporting Western State, and shipped towards tide water on the Erie Canal: Ibs. butter, bbls. flour. bu. wheat. bu. corn. bbls provis. bbls ashes. lb,. staves. lbs. wool. cheese, lard. 86,233 I 95,071 I 14,579 1 6,562 1 4,419 1 2,565,272 1 140,911 1 1,030,632 In 1840 other States commenced exporting. 633.790 1 881.192 I 47.885'25.070 1 7.!08 1 22.410.660 1 107.794 1 3.422.637 In 1845 all the Western States became exporters. 717.466 1 1.354.990 1 33.069 1 68.000 1 34.602 1 88.296.431 1 2.957.761 1 6.597 007 In 1850 the same sources have furnished984.430 1 3.304.647 1 2.608.967 1 146.836 1 17.504 1 159,479.504 1 8.805.817 1 17.534.981 In the five North-western States the Wheat crop of 1850 is fully fifty millions of bushels; and that of Corn much greater than in 1849. But a small portion of the former and scarcely any of the latter has gone to market this fall, leaving an immense quantity on hand to come forward next spring. The following statement shows the kind and quantity of property imported into Buffalo, from the Western States, (with a very little from Canada included,) during the year 1850; so far, as it can be obtained from the manifests of vessels reported at the Custom House: 6 IMPORTS. Flour,...... barrels 1,103,039 Butter......... barrels 2,203 Rye flour....... " 280 Butter........ kegs 40,135 Buckwheat flour. " 16 Cheese.........boxes 161,110 Buckwheat flour.bags 347 Cheese.........casks 3,158 Corn meal......barrels 15,279 Tallow.......... " 6,295 Wheat......... bushels 3,681,346 Dried fruit.....sacks 1,276 Corn.......... " 2,593,378 Dried fruit....barrels 8,769 Rye............ " 115 Dried fruit......boxes 326 Oats........... 359,580 Greenfruit......barrels 5,113 Barley......... 3,660 Highwines & whis " 32,659 Ashes.......... barrels 17,528 Ale and beer... 125 Ashes.......... boxes 423 Cider.......... 293 Pork......... barrels 41,472 Eggs.......... 6,844 Beef....... tierces 16,055 Feather........rolls 8,476 Beef...........barrels 58,541 Wool........bales 53,867 Beef tongues..... " 168 Sheep pelts...... " 8,288 Beef tongues, half. " 149 Leathers......... 2,588 Tripe......... 236 Hemp.......... 517 Bacon......... casks 17,253 Flax............ " 366 Bacon.........boxes 1,897 Cotton......... " 527 Bacon.........pieces 4,888 Moss.......... " 10 Hams...........number 13,676 Hair and bristles.. " 754 Mutton hams.... casks 125 Rags.......... " 3,918 Lard, casks and.. barrels 14,848 Broom corn..... " 8,089 Lard..........kegs 5,826 Horses........number 1,947 Grease.........barrels 4,455 Cattle........ " 4,260 Lard & Lins'd oil, " 5,105 Sheep.......... 10,180 Castor oil....... " 6 Hogs, (live).. " 46,448 Corn oil......... 10 Hogs, (slaught'd). " 7,420 Rock oil......boxes 160 Hides and skins.. " 72,294 Fish..........barrels 10,379 Hides and skins..bundles - 751 Fire clay....... " 973 Furs and peltries. packs 3,547 Fire brick.......number 16,800 Furs and peltries. casks 121 Mineral paint.... barrels 7,386 Furs and peltries.boxes 104 Grass& clov' seed " 8,222 Horn tips.......hhds 62 Flax seed....... " 465 Horn tips.......barrels 26 Flax seed.......bushels 2,586 Bones.........casks 303 Hemp seed.....boxes 24 Furniture....... packages 2,805 Grindstones..,...number 5,156 Furniture........ tons 6 Grindstones......tons 528 Sugar.......hhds 47 Whet & scy'e st's boxes 273 Sugar....... barrels 109 Lead, pig..... number 19,353 Sugar.......boxes 15 Pig iron.....tons 3,162 Molasses.......barrels 48 Starch..........casks 615 Tobacco, unmfd,.. hhds 547 Starch........ boxes 3,391 Tobacco, unmfd,..boxes 1,711 Candles.......... " 4,951 Saleratus....... casks 887 Soap........... 688 Saleratus....... boxes 270 7 Potatoes........bushels 8,398 Forks..........dozen 491 Peas and beans.. casks 1,619 Scoops......... 51 Mineral coal.....tons 10,866 Rakes.......... " 206 Reapers....number 241 Brooms......... " 1,008 Glue. barrels 86 Shovels and spades, bundles 374 Cranberries..... " 985 Hoes........... 594 Hickory & chest's " 3,618 Scythes.......... 46 Sourkrout, kgs and " 134 Paper......... 7,166 Wild pigeons.... number 23,000 Cane rods..... " 158 Live Turkeys.... " 450 Iron............ " 189 Boards &scantlingfeet 52,124,275 Iron scrap......tons 23 Laths......... " 1,184,100 Iron bars.......number 1,657 Staves.......No. 1-9,988,962 Iron pieces...... " 465 Shingles..... " 4,568,000 Steel........ cases 49 Shingle bolts....cords 372 Axes.........,. boxes 389 Hoop poles... number 4,300 Adz..........:" 5 Ship knees.... " 2,816 Sad-irons....casks 15 Currier blocks.... " 1,044 Springs and axles.number 164 Oars........ feet 782,480 -Nails and spikes..kegs 1,721 Oars........ number 6,065 Copper ore.....masses 171 Hubs and felloes.. " 885,000 Copper.........tons 118 Railroad ties..... " 632 Copper.........casks 185 Wagon tops...feet 2,250 Copper.........ingots 6,627 Wood........ cords 215 Copper.........plates 374 Clothes pins......boxes 150 Oil cake.......tons 921 Broom handles... number 4,000 Oil cake........casks 1,041 Axe helves......boxes 44 Oil cake........boxes 10 Cedar posts.......cords 428 Bucks horns.. number 213 Cedar posts....... number 9,978 Hog skins....... boxes 6 Lights of sash... " 3,500 Gas pipes...... tons 11 Gun stocks..... " 6,000 SUNDRIES, Merchandise, Plaster, Ginseng, Essential Oils, different kinds of Roots, casks of Elm and Tan Bark, Vinegar, Maple Sugar, Veneering, boxes Glass and Glass ware, &c., &..................................packages, 29,532 Also, large quantities of building, docking and ship Timber, Plank, Spars, Pine Saw Logs, &c., the whole forming an estimated value of..............................$22,525,781 EXPORTS. The only way to obtain any accurate account of the Export Commerce from Buffalo to the Western States is, to depend upon the statements of Property received here by the Erie Canal, the Albany and Buffalo Railroad, and estimating the sales and manufactures of our City; they being the chief sources of supply. This will not be perfectly exact, but it will come so near being so, that all useful purposes will be answered: No. II.-Statement of Property landed at Buffalo, from the Erie Canal during the season of ANavigation, (seven months,) in the years 1849 and 1850, and its destination. 1849. 1850. Difference. ARTICLES. ARTICLES. Dest. to W. Dest. to W. States and For Total. States and For Total. Increase. Decrease. Canada. N. York. _Canada. N. York._ Of the Forest. Furs and Peltries.......pounds 12,216 4,087 16,303 7,841 8,253 16,074 229 Boards and Scantling.......feet 3,028 5,472,107 5,475,135 2,356 8,757,531 8,759,887 3,284,752 Shingles..................M. 80 80 136 136 56 Timber..............C. feet 44,426 44,426 125,725 125,725 81,299 Staves................ pounds 21,500 21,500 196,650 196,650 175,150 Wood..................cords 17,357 17,357 18,955 18,955 1,598 Ashes..................barrels 20 20 2 2 18 Product of Animals. Pork................barrels 303 303 142 142 161 Beef................ " 133 34 34 Bacon................ pounds 1,200 1,200 1,200 Cheese............... " 1,011 11,755 12,766 4,516 12,296 16,812 4,046 Butter................. " 3,401 3,401 3,996 3,996 595 Wool................. " 5,139 1,131 6,270 10,028 21,283 31,311 25,041 Hides................ 389,742 1,368,845 1,758,587 440,696 978,859 1,419,555 339,032 Vegetable Food. Flour................barrels 4 10,138 10,142 18,338 18,338 8,196 Wheat............ bushels 3 11,778 11,781 2 777 779 11,002 Rye.................bushels 2,000 2,000 2,000 Corn................. 1,020 1,020 1,020 Corn meal.............barrels I 1 Barley................bushels 45,802 45,802 30,789 30,789 15,013 Oats................... " 10 10 129 129 119 Bran and ship-stuffs.....pounds 119,726 119,726 315,180 315,180 195,464 Peas and Beans......... bushels 34 34 34 Potatoes.............. " 36 5,252 5,288 30 12,896 12,926 7,638 Dried fruit............pounds 2,315 44,092 46,407 1,474 13,712 15,186 31,221 All other Agricultural Products. Unmanufactured tobacco.pounds 195,161 44,978 240,139 221,271 89,301 310,572 70,433 Hemp................. " 6,616 382 6,998 6,998 Clover and grass seed.... 3,604 6,573 10,177 6,342 7,868 14,210 4,033 Flax seed.............. " 830 830 830 Hops........ ". 136,569 135,576 272,145 108,439 180,2.97 288,736 16,591 < Manufactures. Domestic spirits........gallons 2,1.30 2,130 300 300 1,830 Beer.................. barrels 11 87 98 98 Starch.............pounds 14,680 2,600 17,280 17,280 Leather............ " 225,266 11,786 237,052 489,417 51,355 440,772 203,720 Furniture............... 6,894,730 1,349,206 8,243,936 5,155,651 1,778,572 6,934,223 1,309,713 Agricultural implements.. " 120,004 23,118 143,122 143,122 Bar and Pig Lead...... " 779 2,394 3,173 3,173 Pig Iron.............. " 192,904 905,962 1,098,866 308,289 3,238,520 3,546,809 2,447,943 Castings and Iron-ware... " 4,143,327 1,670,069 5,813,396 5,285,237 3,481,883 8,855,233 3,041,847 Machines and parts thereof " 612,827 534,333 1,147,160 1,147,160 Bloom and Bar Iron..... " 10,044 1,113,631 1,123,675 20,347 221,980 242,327 881,348 Domestic Woolens...... " 400 400 2,315 1,800 4,115 3,715 No. II CONTINUED.-Statement of Property landed at Buffalo, from the Erie Canial during the season of Navigation, (seven'months,) in the years 1849 and 1850, and its destination. 1849. 1850. Difference. ARTICLES' ARTICLES. Dest. to W.I Dest. to WV. States and For Total. States and For Total. Increase. Decrease. Canada. N. York. Canada. N. York. Domestic Cottons.......pounds 7,000 31,779 38,779 19,563 25,250 44,813 6,034 Domestic Salt.........bushels 1,070,155 1,070,155 682,129 682,129 388,026 Foreign Salt...........pounds 134,088 86,775 220,863 220,863 Mierchandise. Light 8 mill toll........pounds 90,598,219 17,527,565 108,125,784 88,327,056 17,085,938 105,412,994 2,712,790 ~ Sugar................ " 9,943,062 2,722,119 12,665,181 10,167,560 2,413,224 12,580,78'4 84,397 Molasses............... 9,137,546 2,034,887 11,172,433 12,282,562 2,241,775 14,524,327 3,351,894 Coffee................ " 5,071,882 771,670 5,843,552 4,239,183 665,671 4,904,854 938,698 Nails and Spikes........ 4,433,113 1,172,195 5,605,308 6,719,790 2,395,433 9,115,225 3,509,917 Iron............ " 6,942,397 2,256,314 9,198,71111,911,716 2,671,360 14,583,076 5,394,365 Railroad Iron.......... " 7,991,259 4,222,876 12,214,135 12,214,135 Steel................. " 340,449 118,731 459,178 459,178 Horse Shoes........... " 7,901 660 8,561 8,561 Crockery and Glass-ware. " 9,692,636 1,470,080 11,162,716 16,474,345 2,550,548 19,024,893 7,862,177 Oysters and Clams...... " 236,066 696,952 933,018 350,226 687,113 1,037,339 104,321 All other Articles. Horses, cattle, hogs & sh'p " 1,200 46,180 47,380 47,380 Stone, lime and clay.... 3,775,72233,806,907 37,582,629 4,493,524 88,771,296 93,264,820 59,457,911 Gypsum......"... 3,600 3,600 11,406 140,945 152,351 148,751 Mineral coal........... 345,261 13,022,334 13,367,595 71,111 14,277,924 14,349,035 982,440 Fish...... 2,120,039 706,702 2,826,741 2,826,741 Sundries............. 983,081. 1,408,710 2,391,91 2458,647 4,368,274 6,826,921 4,435,130 1850 Valuation Western States and Canada........................................... $33,970,645 do New York............................................ 7,888,525 Total................$411.,7.0.................... 41,859,170 12 No. III.-Statement of Property taken from and left at Buffalo from first January to 31st December, 1850, by the Albany and Buffalo Railroad. 1850. ARTICLES. Shipped Left from at Buffalo. Buffalo. Of the Forest. Furs and Peltries.....................pounds 91,389 Boards and Scantling.................feet 240,787 Shingles........................... M 39 Staves............................pounds 3,252,300 Ashes............................ barrels 1,559 Products of Animals. Pork............................ barrels 3,342 Pork in the hog......................pounds 894,912 Beef............................. barrels 367 Bacon............................ pounds 706,064 2,195 Cheese............................ " 336,651 3,282 Butter............................. 693,352 10,607 Lard.............................. 136,300 Wool............................. " 1,114,604 1,395 Hides............................... 429,977 135,144 Tallow............................ 192,491 Vegetable Food. Flour............................. barrels 5,366 13 Wheat........................... bushels 40 123 Corn............................... " 159 Barley....................... " 5,910 Peas and Beans.................... 478 Potatoes............................. " 1,151 Dried fruit....................... pounds 572,474 All other Agricultural Products. Cotton........................... pouhds 857 Unmanufactured tobacco............... " 14,455 112,926 Clover and grass seed................. " 1,250,900 Flax seed......................... " 25,238 HIops............................. 3,177 38,818 Manufactures. Domestic spirits.....................gallons 33,553 328 Leather.......................... pounds 183,145 58,467 Furniture......................... " 135,188 507,333 Pig Iron......................... 1 10,665 Bloom and Bar Iron.................. " 26,572 151,003 Iron-ware.......................... 13,995 223,567 13 No. III CoNTINUED.-Statement of Property taken fJom and left at Buffalo from 1st January to 31st D-ecember, 1850, by the Albany and Bafalo Railroad. 1850. ARTICLES. S hipped Left from at Buffalo. Buffalo. Domestic Woolens..............pounds 20,340 6,400 Domestic salt....................... bushels 60 Merchandise. Light 8 mill toll...................pounds 226,094 15,251,240 Sugar............................. " 3,170 113,605 Molasses........................... " 22,929 Coffee............................ " 59,271 Nails and spikes...................... " 2825 104,631 Iron............................ 21,081 91,921 Crockery and Glass-ware............ " 23,845 177,765 Oysters and Clams................... " 615,986 All other Articles. Cattle 13,000, and hogs 4,797,588........ " 4,810,588 Stone, Lime and Clay.................. " 28,274 60,911 Gypsum........................... " 41,470 Mineral Coal................ " 46,000 Sundries............................. " 3,110,744 3,326,334 No. IV.-Statement of Property shipped from Buffalo on the Erie Canal during, the years of 1849 and 1850. 1849. 1850. Difference. ARTICLES. From West From West States and From Total. States and From Total. Increase. Decrease. Canada. N. York. Canada. N. York. Of the Forest. Furs and Peltries, pounds.... 1,117,340 20,456 1,137,796 480,098 2,000 482,098 655,698 Boards and Scantling, feet... 33,796,729 4,746,678 38,543,407 45,791,525 4,099,691 49,891,116 11,347,709 Shingles, M............... 538 77 615 6,630 12,280 18,910 18,295 Timber, cubic feet.......... 11,880 861 12,741 1,000 37,304 38,304 25,563 Staves, pounds............ 123,399,932 855,027 124,254,959 159,047,354 432,150 159,479,504 35,224,545 Wood, cords.............. 159 159 56 643 699 540 Ashes, barrels............ 13,517 827 14,344 16,712 792 17,504 3,160 Product of Animals. Pork, barrels.............. 40,709 934 41,643 27,517 946 28,463 13,180 Beef, barrels.............. 58,978 466 59,444 78,853 46 78,899 19,455 Bacon, pounds............ 4,322,664 56,394 4,379,058 7,791,466 103,253 7,894,719 3,515,661 Cheese, pounds............ 7,930,065 1,704,620 9,634,745 5,781,390 1,053,926 6,835,316 2,799,429 Butter, pounds............ 5,607,103 983,249 6,590,352 4,437,923 413,066 4,850,989 1,739,363 Lard, pounds............. 4,202,573 142,152 4,344,725 5,795,085 53,591 5,848,676 1,503,951 Lard Oil, gallons.......... 69,102 100 69,202 6,9202 Wool, pounds............. 8,169,935 470,474 8,640,409 8,514,695 291,122 8,805,817 165,408 Hides, pounds............. 738,668 103,774 842,442 962,130 27,073 989,203 146,761 Tallow, pounds............ 872,37 4,191 876,568 876,568 Vegetable Food. Flour, barrels........... 1,020,578 14,360 1,034,938 974,404 10,026 984,430 50,508 Wheat, bushels.............. 3,903,140 37,210 3,940,350 3,296,482 8,165 3,304,647 635,703 Rye, bushels................ 2,210 2,200 4,410 100 30 130 4,280 Corn, bushels............... 3,267,192 61,271 3,328,463 2,606,827 2,140 2,608,967 713,496 Corn Meal, barrels........... 14,216 63 14,279 14,279 Barley, bushels.............. 859 859 859 Oats, bushels................ 326,704 19,484 346,188 286,336 1,624 287,960 58,228 Bran and Ship-Stuffs, pounds... 56,180 2,100 58,280 29,538 216,721 246,259 187,979 Peas and Beans, bushels....... 982 58 1,040 3,632 382 4,014 2,974 Potatoes. bushels............. 990 32 1,022 218 103 321 701 Dried Fruit, pounds.......... 95,366 7,191 102,557 816,254 87,172 903,426 800,869 All other Agricultural Products. Cotton, pounds.............. 136,015 136,015 236,163 236,163 100,148 Unmanufactured Tobacco, pounds 1,601,360 1,601,360 675,901 675,901 925,459 Q Hemp, pounds.............. 115,130 518 115,648 115,648 Clover and Grass Seed, pounds.. 2,380,859 129,534 2,510,393 1,033,344 46,869 1,080,213 1,430,180 Flax Seed, pounds........... 555,978 210 556,188 285,198 14,069 299,267 256,921 Hops, pounds............... 8,035 8,035 8,035 Manufactures. Domestic Spirits, gallons....... 1,234,605 66,507 1,301,112 793,963 28,938 822,901 478,211 Beer, barrels............... 55 39 94 94 Linseed Oil, gallons........... 630 120 750 750 Oil Cake and Meal, pounds..... 1,957,477 74,000 2,031,477 2,031,477 Starch, pounds.............. 214,199 18,887 233,086 233,086 Leather, pounds.............. 466,705 98,653 565,358 944,335 194,605 1,138,940 573,582 Furniture, pounds............ 684,579 170,551 855,130 629,072 226,943 856,015 885 Agricultural Implements, pounds 29,250 22,775 52,025 52,025 No. IV CONTINUED.-Statement of Property shipped from Buffalo on the Erie Canal, during the years of 1849 and 1850. 1849. 1850. Difference. ARTICLES. From West From West States and From Total. States and From Total. Increase. Decrease. Canada. N. York. Canada. N. York. ManuJactures-Continued. Bar and Pig Lead, pounds..... 99,352 99,352 72,191 72,191 27,161 Pig Iron, pounds............ 70,000 70,000 20,000 20,000 50,000 Castings, pounds............ 16,741 74,177 90,918 90,918 Machines and parts thereof, lbs... 8,373 239,350 247,723 247,723 Bloom and Bar Iron, pounds... 33,158 83,111 116,269 116,269 I Iron Ware, pounds........... 16,629 11,962 28,591 28,591 Domestic Woolens, pounds..... 17,484 9,137 26,621 37,548 24,832 62,380 35,759 do. Cottons, pounds...... 9,177 10,731 19,908 3,974 872 4,846 15,062 Mlerchandise. Light 8 mill toll, pounds...... 153,942 157,360 311,302 22,670 64,083 86,753 224,549 Sugar, pounds............... 3,695 9,335 13,030 9,190 34,471 43,661 30,631 Molasses, pounds............. 8,686 8,686 3,862 3,862 4,824 Coffee, pounds.............. 1,726 1,72.6 1,726 Nails and Spikes, pounds...... 113,970 14,211 128,181 600 4,906 5,506 122,675 Iron, pounds................ 5,038 75,038 28,452 78,247 106,699 31,661 Steel, pounds...............14,224 14,224 14,224 Crockery and Glass Ware, Ibs... 60,991 20,550 81,541 115,018 98,339 213,357 131,816 Oysters and Clams, pounds..... 600 600 1,900 1,900 1,300 All other Articles. Horses, Cattle, Hogs, Sheep, lbs.. 273,196 4,200 277,396 277,396 Stone Lime and Clay, pounds.. 4,186,845 224,207 4,411,052 4,261,586 329,917 4,591,503 180,451 Eggs, pounds............... 910,888 7,744 918,632 918,632 Mineral Coal, pounds......... 2,990,300 2,990,300 7,987,950 7,987,950 4,997,650 Fish, pounds................ 1,353,720 13,790 1,367,510 1,367,510 Copper Ore, pounds.......... 369,840 369,840 369,840 Sundries, pounds............ 16,814,993 2,185,871 19,000,864 9,204,622 1,048,926 10,253,548 8,747,316 1850-Valuation of Western States and Canada.......................................$17,906,418 Do. —Valuation of New York.......................................................... 606,493 Total...................................................... $18,512,911 18 From the foregoing Tables a knowledge of the Commerce entering and leaving the Port of Buffalo in 1850, is pretty correctly arrived at. They sum up thus: Table No. 1 shows that the value of the Imports from the Lakes was.- - $22,525,781 Table No. 2 shows that the Erie Canal delivered here, originally destined to go to the Western States and Canada, - 33,970,645 And for delivery in the City and that portion of New York, on and near Lake Erie, - - $7,888,525 Table No. 3 gives the amount received by the Railroad from March 15th to Dec. 20th, - 6,152,931 $14,041,456 It is quite difficult to determine what portion of this $14,041,456 enters into the exports. But it will not be far out of the way to estimate that, by adding to it, the value of the manufactured articles of ironmongry, cabinet ware, leather, white lead, upholstery, and the productions of numerous other manufactures in this city; a large portion of the dry goods of light weight but valuable, brought by the Railroad, originally started for the Western States; the export of the 19 largest portion of the Salt bro't up the Canal; the large amount of merchandise sold wholesale and retail to Western traders: the retail trade with Canada; and the amount originally destined for that portion of New York bordering on Lake Erie; to place the amount at three-fourths of the Canal and Railroad importations: which will give the sum of - -- - $10,531,092 Total Exports, - - $67,027,518 These statements show that the Import Commerce of Buffalo, in 1850, amounted to - - $22,525,781 The Exports to - - - 44,501,737 Forming a valuation of, $67,027,518 To which it is proper to add the Commerce of Black Rock and Tonawanda, ports at the lower end of Lake Erie visited by vessels, in order to show the total of the Commerce of the upper Lakes which concentrates at Buffalo and the lower end of Lake Erie. At Black Rock the value of Western and Canada property received and shipped down the Erie Canal in 1850, is - - $1,359,870 Property received by the Canal and shipped to Western States and Canada, - - 587,823 The business of Tonawanda to Western States and Canada, 86,812 From Western States and Canada, - 1,118,682 The whole forming an aggregate of $70,180,705 20 Without taking into consideration the immense passenger trade, the large sums of money carried across the Lakes by purchasers of produce, Emigrants, Government funds and Bank operations, which amount to many millions of dollars. The States and countries which the property went to and came from, are:-Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minesota, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Canada and that portion of New York bordering on Lake Erie. The Lake Commerce of the same States in 1848,'with the port of Buffalo alone, made up in the same manner, as this statement is filed in the Topographical Bureau at Washington, was - - -$60,140,062 In 1850 it is - - - - - 67,027,518 Being an increase in two years of $ 6,887,456 The number of Arrivals and Departures, and aggregate Tonnage during the season have beenARRIVALS. CLEARED. Men Men No. Tonnage. and No. Tonnage. and Boys. Boys. Foreign Vessels from Foreign Ports. Quarter endimg June 30th, 1850................................ 164 26,704,50 1,977 156 24,590,83 1,870 " " Sept. 30th, 1850............................... 212 34,007,55 2,451 209 33,666,93 2,445 " " Dec. 31st, 1850............................... 97 14,927,87 1,098 101 15,639,54 1,151 Total....................................... 473 75,640,02 466 73,897,40 1 American Vesselsfrom Foreign Ports. Quarter ending June 30th, 1850............................... 56 5,495,16 367 65 6,433,14 426 " Sept. 30th, 1850............................... 68 10,220,48 702 91 12,433,87 855 i" " Dec. 31st, 1850...................... 32 5,025,29 349 36 5,217,74 347 Total..................................... 156 20,740,93 192 24,084,80 Coasting Trade. Quarter ending March 31st, 1850............................... 12 6,883,71 316 12 6,883,71 316 " " June 30th, 1850............................... 1,216 436,352,70 19,002 1,250 435,634,37 20,505 " " Sept. 30th, 1850.............................. 1,403 470,648,68 21,117 1,400 493,974,38 21,221 " " Dec. 31st, 1850............................... 927 341,545,39 14,754 937 327,414,47 14,403 Total............................. 3,558 1,255,430,58 3,599 1;-263,907,03 22 The whole forming an aggregate as follows: No. Tonnage. Foreign Vessels from Foreign Ports......arrived 473 75,640,02 Foreign Vessels from Foreign Ports...cleared 466 73,897,40 American Vessels from Foreign Ports....arrived 156 20,740,93 American Vessels from Foreign Ports....cleared 192 24,084,80 Coasting Trade.................... arrived 3,558 1,255,430,58 Coasting Trade.....................cleared 3,599 1,263,907,03 Vessels....................8,444 2,713,700,86-95 The following description of Vessels are now wintering in the Port of Buffalo:18 Steamboats.........................tons 13,170,14 17 Propellers......................... " 6,362,69 20 Brigs.............................. " 4,705,30 46 Schooners.......................... " 8,815,35 2 Sailboats............................ " 18,70 103 33,072,28-95 The whole forming an exhibit worthy to be compared with almost any of our Atlantic seaport towns. Forming this Commerce, we find the sugar of Louisiana, the cotton of Tennessee and Mississippi, the hemp of Kentucky, the furs of Missouri and distant West, the copper of Lake Superior, the lead of Wisconsin, the agricultural and forest products of all the States bordering on the Lakes, the manufactures of New England and New York, and a small amount of$438,026, in bond and otherwise, of Canadian products. This Commerce is conducted at great risk to life and property, security to which should be rendered more certain, by the building of good harbors to shelter it from storms, and by the improvement of the shallow navigation through Lake St. Clair. If this were done the saving in time and reduction in the price of freight, lighter insurance, saving of lighterage and damage to ves 23 sels and cargoes, and the greater loads that could be carried, would repay the expense in one year. The partially finished harbors around the Lakes, having been left several years without any appropriations or repairs, are rapidly giving away before the storms. Bars are forming at their mouths, so that many ports cannot be entered by heavily loaded vessels without grounding and sticking fast, greatly endangering vessel and cargo in a storm. In others the channel of entrance has changed, and the difficulty of entering and leaving is greatly increased. At this Port, where more than half of all the Commerce of all the Lakes concentrates, it is not an uncommon sight, to see half a dozen loaded vessels at a time fast on the bar at the entrance of the harbor. The periods between appropriations for these works are so long, and the amount so limited each time, that the work done under one appropriation is nearly destroyed, or damaged to that degree that the subsequent appropriation is consumed in repairs without adding any new works towards completing the original design. Great and important interests, so especially necessary to the welfare of the people, as the internal trade of the country, it is no more than reasonable to suppose, would receive attention from Legislators. Cultivated and promoted as it is by any and all other people, in this day in our own land it is looked upon as a secondary consideration and treated as such. Questions of an abstract character, not merely useless in themselves, but absolutely mischievous'in their tendency, alone engage the attention of Legislators, State as well as National. Instead of devoting their time and talents to legislate for the interest and good of the many millions who now possess this happy land, and enjoy, under the mercies of God, all 24 the blessings and privileges a people can hope for;-instead of striving to bind the great family of American States stronger together, by bonds of mutual interests and good feelings, mischievous spirits, desecrating the talents which God gave them for good and useful purposes, are engendering discord and promoting ill will and disunion, and if possible, endeavoring to destroy the last hope of every lover of free institutions, and weaken very much the belief in the capacity of man for self-government. The great chain of Lakes, upon which some eight States are bounded, and the Mississippi River the common outlet for more than a dozen others, are channels possessing national character and importance enough to engage the attention of Congress, which alone has the power, right and ability to make appropriations for this purpose, and "to regulate trade between the several States," is altogether neglected. Improvements by Congress on these two great routes, the great avenues of trade of the whole Union, cannot by any fair construction or reasonable language be called local in character or purpose. The constant and absolute necessary use of them by so many different States, forbids such an idea. That there is a pressing want, calling loudly upon Congress to make appropriations for harbors, light-houses, beacons, dredging out channels on the Lakes, and removing bars, snags or obstructions in the Mississippi, is very evident, from the wrecks of vessels, destruction of lives and property annually taking place, for the want of these improvements. The Mississippi River and the Lakes constitute the only connecting water links between the Atlantic and the great West. Through them are annually pouring millions of 25 property, the product of home labor, and carrying back the manufactures of the old States, building up our Atlantic Cities, and extending the Foreign Commerce of our country with all the world. The West for years has been applying to Congress for slight appropriations to improve and render safe these National Water Courses, without effect; while they in turn have been asked by the older States to appropriate millions for protection to Ocean Commerce, not merely at home, but in all parts of the world, which they have cheerfully done. The West think, and think justly, that a million of dollars worth of property, exposed to the storms and tempests on a Lake coast, is as much entitled to harbors for shelter as the same amount of property is, on the Atlantic coast. They furnish largely the materials to form the Foreign Commerce of the country and cheerfully assist to maintain a Navy as well as light-houses, harbors, and forts, to shelter and protect it. Yet, when they ask for slight appropriations, to improve the navigation of the inland seas of the country, over which floats annually twice the value of commerce that the foreign trade amounts to, their application is met with the most captious and wire-drawn objections, from sources that are contiually participating in Governmental expenditures of one kind or another. The older States should reflect, that the march of Empire is Westward. But a few years time is required to change the representation in Congress. The representatives from the Atlantic States will be diminishing, while the West will be gaining rapidly. Should the West, then, pursue the same illiberal course the Atlantic States are now acting towards them, a less share of ap 26 propriations may fall to the Atlantic Coast than they would desire. This state of things need never happen, if the West is treated fairly and as they should be. They ask but little; let Congress grant it, and no portion of the Union will be found more willing and ready to make sacrifices to any extent, or contribute more cheerfully to the glory and welfare of the Nation than the West will be. The improvement of the Mississippi River and the navigation of the great Lakes are matters of the highest importance to them. The want thereof taxes them millions of dollars annually, in additional expense of moving their products and the loss and damage of property, vessels and lives. These unnecessary burthens it cannot be expected they will always bear. The improvements they ask, made in these great channels of trade, have nothing in them of a local character, and the benefits resulting will be national and general, and beneficially felt in every part of the Union. 27 THE ERIE CANAL. The figures I present in relation to the business transacted on this route, from Lake Erie to Tide-water, both ways, are perfectly correct, and represent truly the business done. On this avenue every pound and foot of property is weighed or measured, and the actual quantity ascertained with great care. By referring back to Tables No. 2 and 4, these figures and statements will be found. They not only give the business done in 1850, but also that of 1849. This I have done to exhibit the effect on trade, of high and low tolls. The purpose for which statistics are collected, is not merely to fill up paper with figures, but to obtain reliable information for the safe guidance of legislation and other business. Aware as I am, that the great majority of people take but little interest in such things, and never for themselves take the trouble of investigating " causes and effects," and have but little appreciation of the advantages of such investigations, I shall take the trouble of analyzing these canal exhibits, and placing in a clear and distinct light, the effect cheap transportation has upon the movement of property. This labor of mine, I am sure, will be most acceptable to all enlightened, wise and prudent Legislators, saving them a great amount of labor, and furnishing them a sure foundation to act upon. Ever since the Canal was constructed, the want of ascending tonnage has been severely felt, not merely as a great source of revenue, but as a business to transporters, to enable them to carry down freight at less rates, and thus do away the necessity and wrong of charging upon down freight alone, the greater part of the expense of 28 running boats, to and from tide-water. This could only be accomplished by lowering the tolls, as they constituted the greater portion of the expense in moving property, and extending the markets for our own manufactures of iron, steel, nails and spikes, castings, machinery, pig iron, salt, domestic cottons, and the heavy foreign groceries required in the western country. From long experience in the business, and from the series of facts I had collected and embodied in a Memorial to the Canal Board last winter, and further enforced before them by other facts and argument, I clearly showed, that the ascending tonnage of the Erie Canal, if the tolls were reduced to the point I desired, would, in three years, increase the amount of up freiglt, known as merchandise, 76,133,527 pounds, or 38,167 tons, of light and heavy goods. The actual ascertained increase in this particular kind of property, under the operation of a wise and discreet reduction of tolls on some leading articles, has been 32,005,684 pounds, or over 16,000 tons, in one and the first year of the experiment. That the circle of trade has been enlarged, and our trade with the most distant portions of the country been greatly increased by reducing the tolls, see the following statement: Comparative amount of Goods received at Buffalo by the Erie Canal in 1849 and 1850, and Destination. Nails Merchan'dze Sugar. Molasses. Coffee, and Iron and Crockery: R. R. Iron. Fish. Spikes. Steel. In' in iron Inserted in Ohio.........1849 20,975,506 2,157,078 1,537,134 1,540,989 757,170 1,437,490 1,809,419 and steel. Merchan'dze. "........1850 16,793,600 1,641,611 1,775,649 946,340 1,068,582 1,965,873 2,244,930 2,123,153 533,580 Michigan.....1849 12,461,578 1,910,020 1,488,678 680,445 953,894 1,072,587 1,343,275 in I. and S. in Merch'dze....... 1850 1,761,146 1,719,065 1,838,638 518,302 1,142,634 1,708,028 2,045,145 3,702,167 317,168 Illinois.... 1849 13,023,849 1,377,765 1,193,229 701,574 592,221 981,492 1,226,359 in I. and S. in Merch'dze. "........1850 12,573,346 1,535,585 1,644,535 610,957 1,081,034 2,407,842 2,044,497 1,831,693 310,148 Wisconsin.....1849 11,686,392 1,965,147 1,551,585 691,443 609,413 1,165,028 1,123,537 in I. and S.in Merch'dze.........1850 12)991,769 2,084,699 2,195,214 735,137 1,216,311 2,061,224 1,797,002' 134,000 408,968 Indiana.......1849 8,887,100 811,756 901,696 518,468 366,907 574,095 972,737 none. in Merch'dze. "........1850 7,887,538 806,645 1,136,667 436,023 567,098 1,005,534 1,406,587 " 140,159 Pennsylvania...1849 6,696,971 669,911 865,094 285,612 178,275 265,361 1,056,842 in I. and S. in Merch'dze.........1850 5,888,897 633,919 1,115,579 229,207 280,841 467,183 1,816,179 200,206 91,136 Kentucky.... 1849 2,252,457 41,369 61,322 56,940 91,414 105,203 134,332 none. in Merch'dze........1850 2,609,841 137,602 178,963 73,856 75,975 162,040 715,105 " 68,783 Missouri......1849 5,898,406 330,568 438,572 237,327 279,800 499,687 775,776' in Merch'dze. "........1850 6,350,425 523,759 692,384 225,625 518,555 880,988 1,314,320 " 91,784 Tennessee.....1849 996,758 26,941 27,928 52,825 58,528 98,726 127,906 in Merch'dze. "........1850 2,087,971 153,227 191,175 73,807 72,336 179,489 625,147 " 15,873 Alabama.....1849 "........1850 3,136 CONTINUED.-Comparative amount of Goods received at Buffalo by the Erie Canal in 1849 and 1850, and Destination. Nails Merch'dze. Sugar. Molasses. Coffee. and Iron and Crockery. R. R. Iron. Fish. ___________________ l | |Spikes. Steel. Iowa........1849 5,322,988 438,151 753,329 195,424 373,531 467,885 687,221 in Merch'dze.........1850 6,931,448 681,905 1,167,929 244,662 558,581 1,058,787 1,657,490 " 91,140 Arkansas......1849........1850 825 Canada....... 1849 2,394,214 214,356 318,979 110,835 171,960 174,843 435,232 " in Merch'dze. "........1850 2,462,395 249,543 345,829 95,217 137,843 363,505 827,934 " 51,300 NewYork....1849 17,527,565 2,722,119 2,034,887 771,670 1,172,195 2,256,314 1,407,080inI. andS. inMerch'dze. "......1850 17,088,538 2,413,224 2,241,775 665,671 2,395,433 2,790,751 2,550,548 4,222,876 706,702 C Total....1849 108,125,780 12,665,181 11,172,433 5,843,552 5,605,308 9,198,711 11,162,716 in Merch'dze. "....1850 105,430,875 12,580,784 14,524,337 4,904,854 9,115,225 15,050,815 19,024,893 12,214,135 2,826,741 31 The necessity of reducing the tolls on heavy goods has become so manifest from the disclosure of the fact, that the delivery in 1849, at Buffalo, of Sugar, Molasses, Coffee, Iron and Steel, Nails and Spikes, Crockery and Glass Ware, with Oysters and Clams, was but 56,580,919 pounds, against 64,346,841 pounds of the same kind of goods in 1848 —showing a falling off of 7,765,922 pounds, which were not purchased, or which had been diverted through other States and routes, to the injury of the canal revenues and its business. That this trade must be invited back, and more with it, was no longer a question to speculate upon. It must be done, and done immediately. The first step to accomplish it was a discreet reduction in the tolls. The forwarders were doing more than their share to preserve it, by carrying light and heavy goods for 15 cents a hundred, the whole length of the canal, while the State was enforcing a charge of 24 cents a hundred, and two cents a mile and boat run, for using the canal. A crisis had come; the State must relinquish a part of this unjust and unwise tax, or lose a great share of the business the Erie Canal was constructed to perform, and deprive our own citizens from reaching distant markets for the sale of their own productions. Reductions were made (but not to the extent that should have been done on certain articles,) on Sugar, Molasses, Coffee, Iron, Nails and Spikes, of 20 per cent.; Pig Iron 25 per cent.; on Salted Fish 50 per cent.; on Foreign Salt 50 per cent.; largely on agricultural implements, undressed stone, and several other articles, ascending. On property going down the Canal, the rates on Pork, Bacon, Lard, and Whiskey, were reduced 25 per cent.; on Oats 33' per cent.; Black Walnut Lumber 30 32 per cent.; Bloom Iron 25 per cent.; Tan Bark 50 per cent,; on Charcoal 87t per cent.; and relieved the Horses used in towing boats from paying any toll. These reductions made an average of from 20 to 25 per cent. on the whole rates. The amount of property passing: on all the canals in this State, in 1849, at rates of toll then charged, produced a revenue of 3,268,226 dollars. The same amount of property passing in 1850, under the reduced rates, would give only 2,614,580 dollars, being a loss in the revenue of 653,645 dollars, or 20 per cent. The business of the year 1850 has closed-and although breaks in the Canal, interrupting navigation, have been more frequent than usual, and more serious in character, requiring great length of time to repair —the deficit.of the great leading articles of Wheat, Flour and Corn, until after the 1st of September-the low prices which have ruled in market, for our agricultural products-the unfounded reports set afloat by interested parties, and kept alive by silly articles in the newspapers, throwing a discouraging aspect over business, with numerous other drawbacks;-all of which, under any other circumstances than the cheapened rate at which property was invited forward, would have caused a serious loss to business and revenue. These Tables and Exhibits present the business done in 1849 and 1850. They can be compared, and the actual effect low rates of toll has had in increasing the movement of property and revenue, can be easily seen. I respectfully suggested and explained to the Canal Board the advantages that would be derived, enabling us to legislate more intelligibly, if an alteration was made in the manner of keeping the accounts of property 33 passing on the canals. They readily saw the suggestion was a proper one, and permitted the Tables to be formed under my advice and assistance, very much as they now appear. Many articles are now enumerated that have heretofore been classed amongst the item "Sundries." We are now enabled to know something of the kind and description of property transported on the Canal. Thus, Corn Meal, Tallow, Lard, and Linseed Oil; Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and Hogs; Machinery, and parts thereof; Oats, Eggs, Salt Fish, Copper Ore, Oil Cake, Hemp, Foreign Salt, and some others, are enumerated. The accounts previous to 1850 do not show that any of this kind of property was ever moved on the canals. This will explain why the term "Sundries," in the foregoing table of down freight, shows a less tonnage in 1850 than in 1849. But by adding to it these several items it greatly exceeds. Last year the term "Iron Ware" was used; this year, " Castings." A separate account is kept this year of Steel; last year it was mingled with Iron. Railroad Iron is now distinguished from other iron; heretofore, if any, it has been put into the same account. Salted Fish is a distinct article, as is also Foreign Salt and Starch; these articles have previously been mixed in the account of light or eight mill goods. These explanations of the New Tables are made, so that the attention may be more easily directed to the increase or quantity of each article. The following concise statement shows the effect, reduction in the tolls has had in increasing keavy up freigt, denominated merchandise, and causing it to be transported the whole length of the canal:3 34 Received at Buffalo in 1849. 1850. Sugar, - - 12,665,181 12,580,784 Molasses, - - 11,172,433 14,524,327 Coffee, - - 5,843,552 4,904,854 Nails and Spikes, - 5,605,308 9,115,225 Iron and Steel, - 9,198,711 27,264,950 Crockery and Glass Ware, 1,162,716 19,024,893 Oysters and Clams, - 933,018 1,037,339 Pounds, 56,580,919 Pounds,88,455,372 Being a gain of 31,874,453 pounds over 1849, and 24,108,531 pounds over 1848, the year the largest quantity was ever transported on the Canal. See also the great increase in Hides and Leather, Castings, and Iron Ware, Pig Iron, Stone, Lime and Clay, Mineral Coal, and sundries. And what is the most gratifying, as well as the most beneficial effect of this is, much the largest portion of this increase has passed over the Lakes, giving business to our shipping as well as adding largely to the business of Canals and Railroads in other States. There is a slight increase in light or eight mill goods, although no reduction was made in the tolls. To show the real increase in this kind of property, it is proper to add the Salted Fish and Starch, as these articles were included in the light goods in 1849, and paid the same toll. This will give an increase in light goods of 131,231 pounds. The whole amount of tonnage delivered at Buffalo in 1849 was - - - 211,047 tons. 1850 was - - - 260,923 tons. Increase, 49,876 tons. The result in regard to down freight is no less conclusive in favor of the effect the reduction of the tolls has had in moving forward property. The increase in Bacon and Lard is 60 per cent. over 1849, and much greater than ever shipped on the Canal in any year. The same of Lumber, Beef, Wool, Fish, Copper Ore, 35 Charcoal, and many other articles. Pork is below last year. Several reasons can be assigned: Much goes off in the hog, leaving less to pack in the Western Country. Another, and not slight reason which had its effect: expectations were had that the tolls would be reduced; but the action of the Canal Board on the subject was deferred until the first week in March-and information did not get into the Wabash Valley that the tolls were reduced until the middle of the month-when the greater portion of that article had taken a southerly direction. Next year, the Pork of that country will, under the reductions on the New York and Indiana canals, be relieved the sum of two and one quarter dollars per ton, which will have a great influence in determining the route it will take to market. This article moves early in the spring. Not so with Bacon and Lard —they come along at all times during the season of navigation; and the greatly increased quantity in 1850 over any other year, shows clearly that the reduction in the cost of transportation has caused it to come this way. It requires no explanation why Wheat, Flour, Corn, and Whiskey, are less than in 1849: The scarcity of old grain in the country and the unexpected demand on the Mississippi, explains why it is so. Since the coming in of the new crop, from the first of September, the quantity of Wheat and Flour which has gone forward, exceeds last year. The severe drouth in the western country is the cause and only cause of a deficiency in Butter, Cheese, and Seeds. The great increase in all articles from the western country, except a few leading ones (which the country did not possess,) that every body looks to and talks about, should be cause of entire satisfaction and work 36 conviction in the minds of all, that the true way to obtain business and revenue to the Erie Canal is, to discreetly reduce the tolls more. It wants no radical, violent breaking down of the present rates-no sensible or prudent person would ask such action-but a discreet, wise and judicious revision and reduction, justified by ascertained facts and results, and the enlarged condition of the country and its products to transport, do demand and require reasonable reductions. This revision should take place every year. Some leading articles require greater reduction than others. In securing some prominent article, which every route is striving for, a host of other smaller ones overlooked by every body, come along with it. Who, a few years ago, would have looked to the Erie Canal as the transporter of four hundred and sixty tons of Eggs from the Western'States, towards tide-water? yet that quantity did, in 1850, leave Buffalo on the Canal for such destination. I mention this article as one of a multitude of a similar kind. Is not the business and revenue derived from this article as good as if obtained from wheat or any other product, to the same extent? Charcoal to the amount of forty thousand bushels, owing to 87' per cent. toll being taken off, has gone fiom Tonawanda to New York for the first time since the Canal was constructed; although there has been timber in any quantity, to manufacture the article. The tolls have heretofore been utterly prohibitory; and never has a cent of revenue or business been derived from this article until this year. This being an entirely new business, has required one year's experience to acquire the necessary knowledge to manage it profitably. This has been ascertained; and I am informed by those interested, that 37 extensive arrangements are being made to go largely into this business next year. Is not the great interest of the people as much entitled to energetic, watchful and judicious attention, from those having it in charge, as the interests of individuals or corporations are Are not Railroads owned by citizens in this as well as other States, and Canals in foreign countries, all putting forth every exertion it is possible, to divert away business from the Erie Canal, in which all the people of this State have an interest? And do not the high tolls imposed by the State authorities, give them greater aid than any and all other things put together. Are not privileges asked for and granted to Railroads, the Canal would blush to think of? Who or where is the citizen that asks all the tolls taken from the Erie Canal, while combined interests of corporations are overriding the authorities of the State and its lawmakers, claim to and do receive that privilege? They are not satisfied to be put upon an equality with the public. A reduction of tolls on the Canals is a like reduction on the Railroads. But this is not, nor will it be satisfactory to them; private corporations in this land of equal rights are much more sacred and worthy of protection than the public rights. Who carries to the consumer on the seaboard his barrel of flour for twenty-five cents, and who takes the farmer his fish, salt, sugar, iron, nails, and other supplies, at one dollar a ton, the whole length of the State? it is the Erie Canal, the people's property, the great public benefactor-and not the labor or liberality of private corporations. All that is charged above these rates, are the penalties affixed by the public authorities for using this great State Work. While thousands are readily found to shout for Rail 38 roads and every new thing that appears, few think of the Erie Canal, or the millions of property it has added to the State, and created the very means now used to bury it in oblivion. None turn towards the seaboard and witness the growth of the Cities, or look to the West and see a mighty Empire springing into existence, and render honor where honor is due, and say, this is the work of the Erie Canal. I do not wish to be understood as saying anything hostile against Railroads or any other route, for I do not feel so. Railroads are useful and necessary, and even indispensable, when no better and cheaper conveyance for doing the business transportation of the country can be had; but for a State, blessed as this is, with a water communication like the Erie Canal, connecting the Ocean with the great Lakes, forgetful of the known and realized benefits of the greater, and permitting themselves to become infatuated with the promised superior benefits of the inferior, is surprising. But I do desire to be known as a friend of the Erie Canal, and, if possible, revive those feelings of friendship for it, which sprung into existence, when, on the morning of Oct. 25th, 1825, the cannon placed on its banks, announced to the people, from Lake Erie to Sandy Hook, the completion of this Great Work-that the great avenue of trade was now opened, through which the illimitable trade of the West would flow, enriching this State to a degree hardly within the reach of the imagination to estimate, and which from the records and evidences of the benefits it has conferred, not merely on this State, but the whole country, it has never justly forfeited-An avenue of commerce of more advantage to the great public than all the others-The regulator of all other routes and modes 39 of conveyance throughout the broadest extent of the land, for carrying on the transportation of the products of the country. If it can be permitted to exhibit its ability, by relieving property passing on it from unnecessary burthen, to diffuse blessings untold, it will be found as it ever has been, the true and faithful servant, which will always do its duty, although it shall be rewarded with sneers, and be spoken of as having in a measure become useless and seen its best days. Before we condemn and discard this faithful old servant, the Erie Canal, let us appeal to the records of its business done, and see if we have any just cause for doing so. The Albany Argus states, that the delivery at tide-water in fifteen working days, that is, from the 15th to the 30th November, 1850, both days inclusive, to have been, in Flour, barrels................................. 565.417 Wheat, Corn, Rye, Barley, and Oats, 1,644,581 bushels, equal.................................... 328,917 Pork, Beef, and Ashes, 50,087 barrels.............. 77,551 Butter, Lard, Bacon, Cheese, and Wool, 13,645,785, lbs. 63,175 1,035,060 Lumber, Timber, Staves, Wood, Coal, Corn Meal, Oils, Tobacco, Seeds, Dried Fruits, Leather, Domestic Spirits, Bran and Ship-stuffs, Pig Iron, and numerous other articles during the same time, I estimate 350,000 The whole being equal to............ 1.385,060 Barrels of Flour, of nearly 100,000 barrels a day for fifteen consecutive days. This would be looked upon as a pretty fair business to be done in so short a time, on a channel "that has seen its best days," whose " tow-path is becoming covered with grass," "its waters a solitude," and from their stagnant condition becoming unhealthy "for want of being stirred up by passing boats!" This exhibit only shows 40 the business done one way. It it quite probable a few tons more or less left tide-water for the interior during the same time. The following concise statement of the movement of property on the Erie Canal to and from tide-water, for the years 1847,'48,'49, and'50, I have taken from the Evening Journal, which has had access to the accounts of 1850, since they were made up: To Tide TWater. From Tide Water. Total Movement 4 Value. Tons, Valuation. Tons. Valuation. Tons. Valuation. 1847 - 1,744,283 $ 313,031$ 2,057,314$151,612,109 1848 - 1,447,905 50,883,907 329,461 74,943,450! 1,777,366 125,827,357 1849 - 1,579,946 52,375,521 317.364 75,266,073 1,809,310 127,641,594 1850 - 2,034,018 55,480,941 441,582 85,177,068 2,475,600 140,658,009 Increase tonnage 1850 over 1849, more than 30 per cent. " valuation - near 11 per cent. The amount of tonnage moved in 1847 is greatly exceeded in 1850; but the extraordinary quantity of wheat and flour sent to market that year and the unusually high prices they commanded, give the values that year the ascendency over any subsequent one. But in all the essentials of business and benefits to the country, it loses its position, and must succumb to 1850. TOLLS COLLECTED IN 1847 - - 3,635,381 1849 - - 3,268,226 1848 - - 3,252,212 1850 - - 3,276,903 Does the business done upon, and the revenue derived from, the Erie Canal in 1850, show, that "the great State of New York must abandon her Canals-groan under an impoverished treasury and magnificent debt, &c., &c."! On the contrary, do not these figures demonstrate with what fidelity and watchful care this State should guard and cherish the Erie Canal, which has secured to them the immense treasures of the business 41 of the illimitable and prolific West, which trade can never be taken from them, but can annually be increased, if they are faithful to the great trust resting on them. I have procured these figures and facts and made these remarks from a high regard for the best interests of the people of this State, in the hope it will arouse a latent feeling of duty on the part of legislators and those having in charge the public works, not to sacrifice them, by reducing the revenue derived from them, which goes into every man's pocket, by giving to rival and incompetent means (Railroads) privileges for doing the business this State has expended her tens of millions of dollars to secure, not enjoyed by the great public, to satisfy the craving avarice of the few. Place all the Canals and Railroads everywhere in the State on the same footing of equality: If tolls are taken off on one mode of conveyance take it off the other. In the meantime exact the same care and watchfulness in collecting tolls and seeing that property does not escape scot-free on the one that is watched by hundreds of eyes on the other. On the Canals no man is trusted a moment for tolls-his bills of weight not confided in-inspectors are multiplied to watch him at every point-expensive weigh-locks are constructed to weigh boat and cargo, to detect any attempt at fraud, and when caught at it, severe fines and penalties are imposed. See how Railroads are indulged. No one looks after them-exceptions are made in their favor-they carry what they please-return an amount for as much as they please, and some time in the course of the next month after the tolls are due, they are paid on just so much as the managers see fit to return. I do not say the Railroad managers would be guilty of de 42 frauding the State of its just dues, but I do say, that all men are very much alike when looking to their own interests. Accidental mistakes must always happen in their favor; and I happen to know, for they have been caught at it and exposed and fined, that dishonest men doing business on the Canal have resorted to every kind of ingenuity to cheat the State out of tolls. The Erie Canal has already built and sustains the Chemung Canal, Chenango Canal, Crooked Lake Canal, Montezuma and Seneca Canal, Oneida Lake improvement, contributed three millions to the New York and Erie Railroad, and is now constructing the Genesee Valley Canal, the Black River Canal, paying for its own construction and enlargement, and furnishing annually large sums to support the State Government. Having already done so much, and all the time doing more good, would certainly seem to entitle it to every care and protection until all these great objects are completed, when the tolls on all routes may be reduced to nominal rates, which will remove the necessity of taxation to support the State Government-with our magnificent system of internal improvement completed and paid for, and annually adding millions of dollars to the value of property in this State, even while these works are progressing to completion. The truth is, we have lost sight of the polar star which has led this State in her march to greatness, and have been following imaginary lights which recede from us as we approach them, leaving us disappointed, discontented, and unhappy, and almost ready to abandon the very agent which each revolving year is adding millions to the wealth of the State, and preeminently distinguishes her above all others. It is time we should come 43 back from our visionary speculations and wanderings to the sober realities of fact. The State of New York possesses in her Erie Canal, an unrivalled and never to be equalled channel of communication between the Ocean and Western country. A judicious and wise administration of its management, discreetly reducing tolls from time to time, when doing so will increase business and revenue-enlarging its capacity as is now being done every year, making it more convenient and inviting to trade to pass it-a steady and judicious course of action, uninfluenced by the clap-trap hue and cry from every interested quarter and interest, is all that is required, to make this work what it was originally designed to bethe great business route to and from the Atlantic to the great and growing West-securing as it has done that trade to the benefit of the people of this State-paying for its own construction-discharging the debts of the State-furnishing means to carry on the State Government, as well as for accomplishing other works of improvement, and all without costing a citizen one cent. Little as I fear its business being drawn away, by any of the new routes and modes of conveyance now completed, or to be completed, I am decidedly in favor of discreet reductions being made in the rates of toll on certain great and leading articlesBecause, it will be the means of increasing its business and revenue-give constant employment during the season of navigation, to the more than 40,000 persons engaged upon it, many of whom having the fruits of the labor of their lives invested in a boat and horses, are entitled to this consideration from the State, while from the joint labor of all, the Treasury receives annually more than 3,250,000 dollars: Because, a reduction in the tolls 44 on the Erie Canal, will compel overy other route and mode of transportation to reduce their charges, thereby making them more useful than they would otherwise be, and thus afford the benefit of cheap transport, to the most extended portions of our country: Because, by such reduction, the consumer will be furnished with cheap bread, the producer relieved from an unnecessary tax in carrying it to market, and will enable the necessitous millions of Europe to obtain supplies in our seaboard markets cheaper than in any other country, and aid essentially in increasing our Foreign trade: Because, the increase of business annually required to be done to and from a rapidly growing country, will more than replace any deficiency in the revenue, caused by a reduction in the rates of toll, although the precise article on which the reduction may be made, may not increase sufficiently to make good that particular loss-yet a reduction on certain great leading articles will cause such a general movement in all, through the Canal, that no loss of revenue need be apprehended: Because, a series of facts collected yearly and from different sources, all concur to prove that a reduction in the tolls on the Erie Canal extends the circle of trade, enlarges the market for our own manufactures, and adds greatly to the business for our shipping on the Lakes, the Canal, and the Ocean: Because, the tolls on the Western Canals connecting with the Lakes, desirous of receiving from and giving the Erie Canal business, are steadily being reduced to the mutual advantage of both: Because, the more business done on the Erie Canal, and the more revenue collected therefrom, will inure to the benefit of every citizen of this State, and be advantageously felt in every department and occupation in life: And because, experience, several 45 and different periods of times repeated, has uniformly demonstrated that every reduction in the cost of moving property on the Erie Canal, has resulted in largely increasing its business and revenue. The Erie Canal was not constructed merely for the purpose of piling up money in the Treasury, but to develope the resources of the State, build up our cities and towns, give employment to every branch of industry pursued by our citizens, and make the city of New York the great Commercial Emporium of the Continent, by inviting through it the trade of the West. This it has accomplished, in a most eminent degree. Look around in every section of the State, and see the rapid growth of our towns, the ready formed cash markets, our foreign commerce greatly increased, the improved condition of our farms and agriculture, the numerous manufactures, schools, colleges, churches, and other public buildings, the improved taste in building in town and country, resulting from the ability to indulge it-looking at all these things, who will say that this great avenue of trade has not enriched the people of all New York millions of dollars, and thrust forward the Empire State to a high and commanding position? Yet a great many persons are found, and always will be, of small capacity and contracted views, ever ready to determine important matters, who never take the trouble to consult facts to enlighten and form their judgment, whose opinions, when given, only lead to error; who declare, and act accordingly that it is no benefit, but an injury to this State, to have such a volume of western trade flowing through it, filling our markets to the loss of our own producers. Were it possible, after merely consulting our own eyes, that this could be true in any respect, 46 their opinions, crude and unsound as they are, would be entitled to the consideration of an investigation. But they are not. It is only a waste of time to combat such folly. It merely requires the facts in regard to this matter to be stated, to expose the absurdity of such notions, without the labor of argument. The greater the western trade is, passing through the Erie Canal, the faster the domestic trade of the State increases. The movement of property on the New York Canals at different periods, is shown by the "Red Book," or Legislative Manual, page 412 and 421. ARRIVING AT TIDE-WATER. Going By way of Erie Canal. Champlain Canal. from _ Total arri- Internal Tide From W. From this From Vt. From this ving at Tide Trade of Total Tolls Water. States. State. & Canada. State. Water. this State. movement. collected. Year. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Dollars. 1837............. 122,130 56,255 331,251 43,546 180,729 611,781 437,385 1,171,296 1,287,430 1843............. 143,595 256,376 378,969 32,126 169,390 836,861 532,983 1,513,439 2,601,590 1847............. 288,267 812,840 618,412 51,377 261,654 1,744,283 837,260 2,869,810 3,635,381 1849............. 315,550 768,659 498,065 65,471 247,751 1,579,946 999,236 2,894,732 3,268,226 The precise movement of property in 1850 I am unable to give, as the accounts are not yet made up by the Canal Department. But that a great increase has taken place, is evident, from the greater tolls collected. As the reduction was equal to 20 per cent. in the rates of toll, and the total amount already known to have been received, (as the auditor of the Canal Board writes me, with some returns to come in, which will increase it,) in 1850, is- $3,276,903 Against the sum in 1849 under the high toll system, of - -3,268,226 Being a gain of - - -- $8,677 after overcoming the loss of $653,645, the amount of the reduction on the rates of 1849. If to the amount of tolls collected in 1850 we add 20 per cent., it will show that the increased move 48 ment in property, if charged at former rates of toll, to have produced a revenue of$3,932,284; being $300,000 more than was ever received before-even in 1847, when starving Europe called for every eatable thing we had to spare. Is it not evident, from these ascertained facts, that much property, heretofore prohibited from seeking a market, has been made an extensive matter of trade, merely by cheapening the cost of moving it? And has not the great public been relieved from an uncalled for tax upon their labor and productions, of little short of 700,000 dollars, and yet the revenue has been increased? It has been objected in some quarters that I give too much importance to reduction of tolls, or cheapening transportation, in increasing our canal trade; and that I do not sufficiently take into account the great growth of the country and its business to be done. This is not so. It matters not how much the western country may multiply in population, or increase its business, if this State, by high and unnecessary charges for using her Canals, prevents their property from passing on them. If it is driven to seek other and cheaper routes-and in every direction efforts are making to secure it-what benefit is the increase of western business to us? It is plain, therefore, that the primary cause of the great increase of our Canal trade is the cheaper rate at which it can be done. There is sound wisdom in such a course, not only as regards the best interests of the people of this State, but justice to the citizens of other States, whose business it is our wish and interest to secure. The Erie Canal, in connection with the Lakes, is national in its benefits and influence, although only a State work. The authorities of this State alone can manage and do what is necessary to promote the public welfare 49 in this particular. Constructed by New York to develope the resources of the State and to invite the trade of the West through it, for the advancement of her own particular interests, and having been selected by the West as the principal channel for doing their great and growing business, it loses in a certain degree its simple character of a State work, and becomes a National necessity, and other States than New York have a deep interest in it and its management. No one act this State can do will so much benefit herself and other States as great liberality in allowing their property to pass through her Canals at reasonable rates of toll. The use of this great work, constructed to invite their use of it for the benefit of this State, and'being their only water communication to the ocean, except through a foreign country, it has become so indispensably necessary to so many States, if arbitrary and severe charges, wholly uncalled for, are imposed upon their property for using it, the question of right of way may at some future day arise, to trouble all parties. No difficulty need ever be apprehended on this point, if New York pursues a liberal and enlightened policy. The West are furnishing largely the business ifrom which the means are derived for constructing it, and having done so, is it not the best policy, saying nothing about the justice of the thing, to allow them and our own citizens, the use of it at the cheapest rate, having a due regard to secure revenue to finish its completion, as well as the other works dependent upon it; paying its own charges for repairs and superintendence; the obligations of the State for constructing it, and after doing all this, leave a large amount of money for State purposes. All this can be easily accomplished, by judicious action on 4 50 the part of the Canal Board; for they will be more than aided by the reciprocal good feeling of the West, who will do their great and yearly increasing business upon the Erie Canal. The course of New York in this matter is plainly and distinctly marked out. Multiply the business and increase the revenue of the Erie Canal, by a careful and discreet revision and reduction of canal tolls-complete the enlargement as soon as possible, that every facility and inducement may be given to other States who desire to do their business through this channel, and thus secure the profits arising from the business to ourselves. The great increase in the trade through this channel in 1850, should satisfy those having charge of it, the good effect the reduction of tolls has had upon'the feelings of the Western people, by the greater trade they have given to us, to the benefit of our citizens and the State Treasury. A striking and peculiar fe. ture in relation to the Lakes and Erie Canal, which stamp s them with a national character, is this: they and th( ~ alone determine the price or cost of the transportati -n business of the country throughout its broadest extent. They govern and regulate all other routes and modes of transportation, and fix the price for doing the business. Hence, the lower it is done upon them, the greate' and more diffused are the benefits conferred upon the great public. This ability to do so much and general good, at so little cost, imposes a high duty on Cor.ess and the State of New York to perform it. A matter of the highest Importance, and which should be impressed upon the State Legislature, is the remembrance of the fact, that the only source allowed by the 51 Constitution, to obtain the means of enlarging the Erie Canal, is the surplus (after. providing largely for other objects) of its own earnings. This surplus is constitutionally appropriated to the enlargement of the Erie Canal, and the completion of the Genesee and Black River Canals. All discretionary power of diverting this money to any other purpose is taken away from the Legislature, and their sound judgment and discretion alone is to determine what portion of this Fund shall be allowed to each, of these works. On the first of June, 1855, the Constitution requires 400,000 dollars additional to be taken from this surplus, and placed to the credit of the Sinking Fund. On that day the means constitutionally provided for the three works named will be diminished this amount. Does it not, therefore, behoove the Legislature in the meantime, to set apart annually nearly the whole constitutional sum, the surplus to complete, as far as possible in that time, the enlargement of the Erie Canal, as the surest and quickest mode of obtaining the money to finish the other works, within any reasonable time? And, in the meanwhile, that the most' judicious and liberal course, the most inviting to the trade of other States, should be adopted to increase our business and revenue, and add largely to the surplus, that the great and important objects to which it is constitutionally devoted, may be the sooner accomplished. J. L. BARTON. BUFFALO, January, 1851,