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amount may be a subject of discussion, but it is confidently believed that it will be allowed in conformity to the principles which have governed in the settlement of similar claims from other States. It may be necessary that measures should be adopted to procure the receipt of this money into the treasury of the State, the payment of which seems still to be subjected to great delays, and also to provide a mode for its most secure and profitable investment when received. The whole amount, after deducting the public debt of the State has already been appropriated by the act providing for the promotion of education, as a fund, to be reserved for the support of primary schools.

The course, which has been pursued by the general government in the appropriations for the purposes on internal improvement, has heretofore received the attention of a previous legislature, and from the direct bearing, which it has upon the equal rights, interests and sovereignty of the individual States, has become a subject of too great importance to be now regarded with indifference or suffered to pass by without being presented to the consideration of the legislature and people of this State. If it should continue to be the policy of the U. States to raise an annual revenue from duties on imports and from other sources, more than sufficient for the gradual extinction of the public, and the ordinary expenses of the government, the surplus fund will remain in the national treasury without any benefit resulting therefore to the people, or some constitutional mode must be devised for its appropriation and expenditure. Perhaps no plan could be suggested less objectionable or more conclusive to the interests of this State, and of the Union, than the one which proposes the apportionment of this fund among the several States according to their ratio of representation to be by them expended for internal improvements, and the promotion of education. The extent of our public lands, the settlement and value of which might be greatly promoted by roads and canals, our numerous rivers, many of which by a comparatively small expense