856

JOINT RESOLUTIONS.

more and the great agricultural sections of the

Southwest, the West and the Northwest, which

find their nearest and natural outlet at Balti-

more city ;

And whereas the said canal would afford the

cheapest and most effectual means of defending

the cities of Washington, Baltimore and An-

napolis on the south side, and Philadelphia,

Chester, Wilmington, New York and the New

Preamble.

England seaports on the north side, in case of

war, by enabling the naval forces of the United

States freely and speedily to pass from bay to

bay, and on interior lines to pass up the Atlan-

tic coast for the defense of threatened points,

and would also enable merchant shipping to re-

treat from one bay to the other in case of dan-

ger from a hostile fleet ;

And whereas the Federal Government is charged

with the public defense, and it is its duty to

Preamble.

adopt the most complete modes of rendering

the capital of the United States and the great

seaboard cities impregnable, and the interests

heretofore mentioned are of national and the

construction of said canal of international im-

portance ;

And whereas private individuals are about to

take upon themselves the construction of this

Preamble.

great work, and are seeking to obtain the neces-

sary means to ensure its successful completion ;

now, therefore —

Be it resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland,
That the Representatives and Senators from Ma-