[Document, 1795 April 17]

Date: April 17, 1795
Language: English
Physical Description: 10 pages
Subjects: United States--History--Constitutional period, 1789-1809; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary: As John Jay suggested, he plans to send a model of the newly invented iron bridge to George Washington. In regard to the Connecticut canal that operates with inclined planes instead of locks, he finds Pinckney's description in complete, but is certain that he has devised a less expensive method. Canals would be more useful without locks, in that such a design would make possible the local dissemination of agricultural produce. Anderson's device will make it possible for small farmer's boats to use the canals, and is called an "elevator". Political obstructions and customs retard the use of canals. The expense of special enabling legislation should be avoided through the establishment of a commission authorized to approve condemnations of land for canal building. Another evil is private ownership of canals, which creates competition that is harmful to the public. Canals should be considered in the same light as public roads, and should be constructed with public funds.
Identifier: columbia.jay.05473