ably expended on this canal. But let us not mingle currents of
feeling that ought to be kept entirely distinct, and separate, in the
hearts of all who would do justice to all parlies to these transac-
tions. We may feel indignant at the conduct of those who de-
coyed the State into an unnecessary extravagance. But at the
same time cherish a sacred regard for our obligations to the hon-
est laborers who toiled faithfully in the service of the State, with-
out inquiring, or being qualified to understand, if he had sought to
know, what would probably be the result of that lavish outlay of
public money, for which the officers of the canal company are
alone responsible.

It is consolatory to know that the money expended on the
canal is not to be like seed sown upon stoney ground.

It will yet bring forth rich fruits for the whole people of Mary-
land. The State may not get, and probably will not receive, re-
payment of all the money the State has expended to develope
the resources of Allegany. The State may not receive large divi-
dends on stock in the canal company. The State must for look
recompense and remuneration in the immense increase that will at
a future day be manifested in all that section of the State to
which the canal is of such vital importance. And to that nu-
merous hardy, enterprising and happy people, who will soon
make Allegany their permanent homes. And in so doing assist
in giving to Maryland her proper position in our glorious con-
federacy. Opinions of men may vary as to the time when the
canal may bear on its bosom, a quantity of coal sufficient to yield
dividends to its stockholders. But there can be no diversity of
opinion as to the immense value of the coal regions of the Alle-
gany. From the Pennsylvania line to the Fairfax stone, stand-
ing at the head of the north branch of the Potomac, a distance
of over thirty miles, are coal veins two miles broad. These
veins are from eighteen inches to eleven feet in thickness. In
the summit coal field, and in the coal field extending along the
valley of the Youghiougenny river, explored by Professor Du-
catell, we have a quantity of coal equal to that deposited in the
field first mentioned. To all this immeasurable wealth, if we
add the vast deposits of iron ore, slumbering in the mountains of
the Allegany, and the immense virgin forests of timber, we may
form some feint conception of the extent to which this section of
Maryland will, one day, (and that day not very far distant,) add
to the wealth, and power of the State, we all desire to see
honored.

WILLIAM KILGOUR,

Chairman of the Committee,

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