natural causes, which shoaling, if as asserted, would eventually effect a blockade of the outer end of any canal debouching into Isle

Breton pass.

Such evidence as we now have shows that no such shoaling has taken place within the past one hundred years, but that, on the contrary, the pass has actually deepened. Without calling in question the correctness of this evidence, I am yet of opinion that it should be verified by soundings of later date than those we have, before presenting the project to Congress for definite action. Such soundings can be obtained in time to present to Congress at its next session, and will be found in a report I shall make in November, to the Chief Engineer, U. S. A. Assuming the depth of the pass not naturally subject to diminution, the construction of this projected canal, will involve but a single problem requiring more than ordinary engineering ability, namely: the projection of its debouché into the deep water of the pass, in such a manner as not to cause shoaling, by obstructing the currents, (tidal or others) through the pass.

The work of excavation will be of the simplest and least expensive character, and there is no question as to finding or making proper foundations for locks and other structures.

A review of the estimates made by Mr. R. MONTAGUE, C. E., and published in 1869, satisfies me that they are too small. I have not had time to review them. Of this plan I have only to suggest that the width of water way should at least be doubled.

However successful the work now in progress, for improving channels across the bars at the mouth of the Mississippi may prove, a canal such as the one projected, will yet be of incalculable benefit to the commerce of that river-a commerce destined to equal that of New York.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. W. HOWELL, Capt. Topog'rs. U. S. A.

The report and resolutions were adopted.

Mr. BRANCH, of Virginia, presented and read a partial report of the Committee on Finance and Taxation, as follows:

Your Committee fully recognize the importance and magnitude of the topics which have been referred to them, and that they may be the better able to discharge the duties assigned them, beg leave

at this time to submit a report covering only a part of the subject matter of their investigations, and at the same time ask for further time to prepare an additional report.

Upon the subject of tariff, they recommend the adoption of the following:

Resolved. That we are in favor of a tariff for purposes of revenue only.

That duties should never be levied with a view to give one branch of industry, or one section of the country an advantage over others; that the rates should be fixed with regard solely to revenue, and should be made to bear as lightly as possible on all branches of industry, and upon all sections of the country.

Upon the subject of internal revenue taxation, your Committee recommend that the system be further amended by the entire abolition of the income tax, taxation be restricted to articles of luxury, and that their number be as small as may be compatible with the amount of revenue to be raised.

Mr. JEWETT, of Missouri, announced that the report as presented by Mr. BRANCH, did not meet with the endorsement of the entire Committee, and that the minority of the Committee had thought of also presenting a report, but after consideration, decided that it was not necessary to do so.

On motion of Mr. JEWETT, the consideration of the report was deferred until the full and final report of the Committee was submitted.

Mr. W. T. NEWMAN, of Georgia, Chairman of Committee on The Enlargement of the more important Lines of Canals in the United States, so as to render them navigable for Vessels propelled by Steam, then presented and read the report of that Committee, as follows:

Mr. Chairman: The Committee appointed to consider the enlargement of the more important lines of canals in the United States, so as to render them navigable for vessels propelled by steam, in view of the very great pressure of business before the Convention, recommend that the subject submitted to them, be continued until the next session of the Convention.

Which was unanimously adopted.

Mr. JOHN G. Fox, of Nevada, then presented and read the report of the Committee on the Charges on Passenger and Freight Traffic on Rail and Water Lines, as follows:

The Committee on the Charges on Passenger and Freight Traffic on Railroad and Water Lines, respectfully report the following resolution, and recommend its adoption:

Resolved, That Congress be invoked to pass such laws as may be deemed necessary to establish a fair and equitable schedule of rates for freight and passenger transportation, without discrimination against local traffic, on all roads endowed by government, either by grants of land or money, and that the same action be invoked by State Legislatures, with reference to roads under their control.

Which was unanimously adopted.

Mr. Wm. S. HASTIE, of South Carolina, presented and read the report of the Committee on subject No. 13—To abolish throughout the whole country all license imposed on Commercial Travelers, as follows:

The Committee to whom was referred the subject To abolish throughout the whole country, all license imposed on Commercial Travelers, beg leave to report, that after a long discussion, the vote resulted in a tie, and the Committee throw the whole matter in the hands of the Convention, without any recommendation.

On motion, the report was laid on the table.

The Committee on Free Trade in Money reported through its chairman, Mr. CHARLES REEMELIN, of Ohio, the following resolution, viz:

Resolved, That all restrictions upon the rates of interest, they being but the price of money, serve to increase rather than to diminish its cost; that to bring the rate of interest to the lowest practical standard, the trade in money should be left as free as the trade in merchandise, and this Convention recommends to the several States the repeal of all usury laws and of all statutes by which contracts expressed in money are treated exceptionally.

Resolved, That the banking laws of the country should be so amended as to take from them all monopoly in the supply of currency or other forms of credit for the wants of business, and so as to allow every person the free use of his credit.

Resolved, That the free use of their means and their credit is the natural right of all human beings, and no government has the right to interfere with this freedom, except where fraud or crime enters into the transaction and is duly proven in a court of justice.

The motion to adopt the resolutions occasioned a lengthy discussion, resulting in their passage, but on motion of Mr. WICKERSHAM, of Alabama, the vote adopting them was reconsidered, and the further consideration of the subject postponed until the afternoon session of the Convention.

Mr. FLUELLEN, of Georgia, by general consent, offered the following:

Resolved, That the Southern Commercial Convention respectfully recommend that the United States Congress donate or appropriate certain lands for railroad purposes, to each of the Southern States, and, to locate said lands in some of the Territories. That these lands shall be sold at stated times by State authority, and never less than at the price of United States public lands in the same sections of country.

Which was referred to the Committee on the subject of a Settled Policy in regard to the Disposition of the Public Lands.

Mr. CAMPBELL, of North Carolina, by general consent, offered the following:

WHEREAS, The State of North Carolina ceded to the United States the territory now forming the State of Tennessee, an area of land surpassing in excellence and richness that derived from any other source, except the North-west Territory, ceded by Virginia; and

WHEREAS, One of the great highways from the Southern Pacific Railroad to the middle East lies through her mountain lands; therefore

Resolved, That we recommend the passage by the United States Congress of a liberal appropriation to the Transatlantic Western North Carolina Railroad.

Which was referred to the Committee on Railroads Generally.

Mr. DORN, of Kentucky, by general consent, offered the following:

Resolved, That the proposed connection of the Atlantic and Pacific waters by means of the Darien canal, is of the greatest importance to American trade and commerce, and should be the work of American energy, American talent, and American money; and we do most respectfully ask of the Congress of the United States. all legitimate aid, and its fostering care, to this great American project.

Which was adopted.

The Convention then, on motion, adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

The Convention was called to order at 3 P. M., Mr. GARRETT presiding.

Mr. CORWINE, of Ohio, arose to a question of privilege, and said:

Mr. President, since the adjournment of this Convention last evening, and during its session this morning, a member of this Convention, a delegate, has died. Died suddenly. Died in the midst. of life, and in the midst of usefulness. Died under circumstances of peculiar distress to his friends. Mr. GEORGE L. JOHNSON, a delegate representing the Board of Trade of Cincinnati in this Convention, fell dead this morning of heart disease. The Ohio delegation, who have directed me to announce this melancholy event to this Convention, desire me to say of him that he was a man of irreproachable character and integrity, and he had promise of a future alike creditable to himself and the city in which he lived.

Mr. Chairman, I beg to add one remark. I knew him when he was a boy. I knew him on the soil of Kentucky. I knew him there as a boy who gave great promise of future usefulness in this life which has suddenly come to an end, regretted by me and regretted by the community.

The President of the Convention said:

The Chair fully appreciates the circumstances of the melancholy announcement made by the gentleman from Ohio, and extends the heartfelt sympathy of the Convention to the friends and family of the deceased.