The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
| II. |
RESOLUTIONS TOUCHING THE NAVIGATION AND JURISDICTION
OF THE POTOMAC. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
RESOLUTIONS TOUCHING THE NAVIGATION AND JURISDICTION
OF THE POTOMAC.
Resolved that the Commissioners or any two of them appointed
on the 28th. day of June last to concert with commissioners on the
part of Maryland, regulations touching the navigation and jurisdiction
of the Potowmac, be further authorized with the said
commissioners in representing to the State of Pennsylvania, that
it is in contemplation of the two States to promote the clearing
and extending the navigation of Potowmac from tide-water upwards
as far as the same may be found practicable; to open a
convenient road from the head of such navigation to the waters
running into the Ohio; and to render these waters navigable as
far as may be necessary and proper: that said work will require
great expense which may not be repaid, unless a free use be secured
to the said States & their citizens, of the waters of the Ohio
and its branches, so far as the same lie within the limits of Pennsylvania:
that as essential advantages will accrue from such works
to a considerable portion of the said State, it is thought reasonable
that the Legislature thereof should by some previous act
produce or merchandize which may be conveyed to or from either
of the said two states, through either of the said rivers within the
limits of Pennsylvania, to or from any place without the said limits,
shall pass throughout free from all duties or tolls whatsoever,
other than such tolls as may be established and be necessary for
reimbursing expenses incurred by the State or its Citizens in clearing,
or for defraying the expense of preserving the navigation of
the said rivers: and that no articles imported into the State of
Pennsylvania through the channel or channels or any part thereof
to be opened as aforesaid and vended or used within the said
State, shall be subject to any duties or imposts other than such
articles would be subject to if imported into the said State thro'
any other channel whatsoever: and it is further resolved that in
case a joint representation in behalf of this State and of Maryland
shall be rendered by circumstances unattainable, the said Commissiõrs
or any two of them may of themselves make such representations
on the subject as will in such event become proper;
and that in either event they report their proceedings to the next
General assembly.
Resolved that a copy of the above Resolutions be transmitted
forthwith by the Executive to the State of Maryland.[26]
Madison also had a scheme for improving the roads of the State, and prepared
resolutions in the winter of 1784–85 to be introduced at this session of the
Legislature, but the time being inopportune he allowed the matter to drop.
"Whereas the opening & keeping in repair of direct roads from the different
parts of this Common'th to the several market Towns, and from one market
Town to another would greatly encourage agriculture by cheapening the transportation
of its productions to the places of consumption & exportation, and
would in other respects contribute to the improvement of the Country by facilitating
intercourse between the different parts thereof, and it is considered by the
present general assembly, that altho' the various necessary burdens which now
press on the people render a general plan for the aforesaid purpose unadvisable
at this moment, yet that such a beginning ought to be made in the work as will
not only produce immediate advantage to the community; but will lead to a
more diffusive & complete execution thereof: and it is the more necessary that
the principal roads should be so straightened before the value of the ground to
be obtained from individuals increases. Be it therefore enacted that the governour
with the advice of the Council of State shall be & he hereby is authorized
to cause surveys to be made in order to determine the best courses for
roads, (having regard to the nature of the ground as well as to distance) from
& to the following places to wit; from and for executing such surveys the
Governor with the advice aforesaid is further authorized to appoint a proper
person for each of such surveys who shall be allowed a sum not exceeding
per day during his actual employment in the service, and who may take with
him so many assistants & such daily wages as the Executive shall approve, the
said Surveyors shall make to the Governour the [OMITTED]"—Mad. MSS.
| The writings of James Madison, | |