MR. PRESIDENT,--The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. GUTHRIE] gives his
judgment in favor of the proposed ship-canal, but he gives his argument
against it. He is in favor of delay, and the reason he assigns is, that
the country is already encumbered by a large national debt, which we
should not increase by any additional expenditure; and he asks, with
a triumphant air, whether it has ever before been proposed to reduce
a national debt by increasing it. But his question does not meet the
case. It is proposed, so far as I understand, to provide additional
resources. To that end additional expenditure will be incurred. Out of
the additional resources there will be increased means for the payment
of the national debt. This is the answer to the Senator; and as I
understand him to make no other special objection to proceeding with
the matter now, I feel that he is completely answered.
I confess, however, Sir, that what fell from the Senator from Iowa
[Mr. GRIMES] produced more impression on my mind. His objection to
the execution of this work by a corporation, and to allowing that
corporation to establish tolls which the people of his State and of
other States at the West should be obliged to pay, certainly deserves
attention.
MR. SHERMAN. And there is the water power.
MR. SUMNER. Which is to be given to this corporation. I say it deserves
attention. But I think the Senator is mistaken, when on that account he
interposes the dilatory motion asking the bill recommitted. I do not
know that at a subsequent stage of the debate it may not be important
to recommit it; but I believe that at this moment we had better proceed
with the bill, and have a vote of the Senate on the amendment reported
by the Committee. For one, I wish an opportunity, and the sooner the
better, to vote against that amendment. Senators about me say, so do
they. Let us, then, proceed with the bill; and I hope the Senate will
vote down the amendment which is to invite the consent and coöperation
of the State of New York. On that question the Senate should establish
a precedent.
The time has come for us to assert the powers of the National
Government, independent of the States, in certain cases. The argument
in this debate has gone very much on the military power of the
Government, little allusion being made to that other source of power
which seems to me so ample,--the power to regulate commerce among the
States. I prefer to found this power upon that text of the National
Constitution. I ask Congress to interpose its power to regulate
commerce among the States,--to interpose it on a great occasion, under
circumstances, I admit, of special responsibility, when I consider the
time and the occasion, but under circumstances which amply justify the
exercise of the power. Who, Sir, can doubt, that, under these special
words of the National Constitution, we have full power over this whole
question? Who can doubt, that, without asking consent of New York, we
may establish a canal about the Falls of Niagara? I am at a loss to
understand how any Senator can hesitate as to the power of Congress.
Assuming, then, that Congress has the power, the only remaining
question is as to the expediency of exercising it at this time; and
that again brings me to the argument of the Senator from Kentucky, that
at this time, when we are involved in a large national debt, we should
not undertake to increase it. But to this I have already replied.
I hope, Sir, there will be no delay,--that the Senate will proceed
with the bill at once. The question is great; it is important; it is
almost historical; it is nothing less than to determine whether the
northern shores of Ohio and Illinois shall be brought forward to the
ocean itself, so that the large towns there shall become ports of the
sea. By this ship-canal Chicago and Cleveland may be made harbors on
the Atlantic coast. Sir, that is an object well worthy of an honest
ambition, and I ask the Senate without delay to do what it can for the
great result.
After debate, the bill was postponed to the second Tuesday of
December. Though considered at the next session, there was no
final action upon it.