The time will doubtless arrive, and the country is rapidly progressing to the point when the quantum of produce shall be so extensive, as to support the expence of the most complete improvement of the entire internal navigation in all its parts, as contemplated by the act of incorporation, when this happens it will decidedly be the interest of the compan}', and equally that of the community ; also, to prosecute the works in tlie most complete manner, for under such circumstances the greatest per centage, on the aggregate expenditiu-e, permitted by the act maj

INLAND LOCK-NAVIGATION. 1097

be taken, without an increase of toll on the seperate articles : -- Nay, probably with a progressive diminution of the aggregate of freight and toll on each article, until it becomes stationary at its lowest possible point. But at present, to complete the navigation, on a scale more extensive than what is indispensibly necessary, would be injurious to the reputation of the company, as it would tend to burthen the produce of the country witli an extent of toll and freight little short of the present expence of land, or even water, transportation in its present state : whereas it ought to be the invariable pursuit of the company so to conduct its operations as that its interests and those of the community may go hand in hand.

If these observations are founded as the committee conceive they are, then it will follow that the exertions of the company ought to be directed in the first instance to those parts of the navigation only, in which the most immediate obstacles are interposed, and which promise the best revenue at the smallest expenditure, that is with the least possible burthen on the produce of the country. Effectually to do tliis, legislative interposition ought to be sohcited.