"NEW YORK, _March 25th, 1875_.
"MY DEAR SIR,--I have seen, in common with others of your
fellow-citizens, the published account of your statements and messages
in reference to the management of those intrusted with a great and
valuable interest of the people--the canals of our State.
"Having for a long time, in fact, from the beginning of that industrial
enterprise, taken a deep concern in the prosperity and improvement
of the canals of New York, and having, in common with many others
interested in them, been much disappointed in the vast expense that has
attended the keeping of this great highway of commerce in repair, allow
me, my dear sir, to congratulate and thank you for the efficient and
courageous method you have taken to investigate what abuses may have
existed in times past, and to put this great industrial and commercial
interest into a more favorable if not a more honest administration.
"I impeach no one personally. It will be your province to investigate
the facts and personal bearings of such charges as you have put forth
in your excellent message in regard to the administration of the
canals. But the results are obvious to every intelligent citizen, and
lead to the natural inference that the large sums appropriated, and the
legislation hitherto employed by the people of this State, to guard,
improve, and administer economically this great public enterprise, have
been intrusted to parties either ignorant or irresponsible as to their
duties in this matter.
"This is the present feeling of the people. And I only express a
general desire that the investigation you recommend shall be conducted
at once by a committee of intelligent and honest men; that this
investigation may lead to the truth is the fervent desire of all good
citizens. With renewed expressions of thanks, and with great esteem,
"I remain, Yours with Great Respect,
"PETER COOPER."