Let us then adopt as a cardinal maxim in the conduct of these great enterprises, that benefits must be made to keep pace with burthens ; in a word, that works once commenced, must be steadily and perseveringly prosecuted, and we afford the surest guarantee for the preservation of public faith.

The Croton aqueduct is but one of many works of physical improvement, constituting portions of an extensive system, commenced in a season of great prosperity, and all like this tending to develope the resources and promote the honor and welfare of the country.

Why is it, that while public confidence has forsaken all others, it has crowned the consummation of this ? Can the cause be mistaken ? Is it not that enlightened forecast, and steady, unflinching perseverance have carried this work to its destined end? The mingled emotions of pride and joy which have filled the bosoms of the vast multitudes this day assembled, afford but a foretaste of the feeling which will be kindled when our whole system of public works shall be brought into beneficial operation. With this bright example to encourage and lead us onward, shall we be told that we have not the ability to proceed further ? Away, then, with unmanly despondency Our State possesses resources !

and revenues, sure and unfailing, equal to the support of her government and the payment of all her existing debts and I here proclaim, that without embarrassment, or cause for embarrassment, she could with the expenditure of a sum but little exceeding that which the city of New York has expended on this aqueduct, complete to the utmost mile, all her unfinished canals and railroads. If the city, with three hundred and twelve thousand inhabitants, can expend on a single undertaking twelve millions of dollars, cannot the State of New York, with two and a half millions of people, and comprehending within its limits this very city, sustain the further burthen of seventeen millions, required to finish