FREE TO EXPAND
The following letter was sent by Martin Van Buren, governor of New York, to President Andrew Jackson on January 31, 1829. “The canal system of this country is being threatened by the spread of a new form of transportation known as the railroads. The federal government must preserve the canals for the following reasons. One, if boats are supplanted by railroads, serious unemployment will result. Captains, cooks, drivers, hostlers, repairmen, and lock tenders will be left without means of livelihood, not to mention the numerous farmers now employed in growing hay for horses. Two, boat builders would suffer, and towline, whip, and harness makers would be left destitute. Three, canal boats are absolutely essential to the defense of the United States. In the event of the expected trouble with England, the Erie Canal would be the only means by which we could ever move the supplies so vital to waging modern war. As you well know, Mr. President, railroad carriages are…
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