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AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
principles with the mass of its population, whose friendship I have long experienced, and sincerely reciprocated; I shall have every in- ducement to act correctly; and to regard the good of all, in prefer- ence to any considerations drawn from mere local situation. As I am known to be a republican, I do not think it necessary to say any thing in detail, with regard to my political principles._:_ There are however some points of policy, which have been adopted by the general government, in relation to this, and other territories. upon which a distinct expression of my opinions and views, is due to candor, and necessary to enable you to decide upon the correctness of the course, which if honored with your confidence, I shall endeavor to pursue. The reservation of salt licks, and lead mines from public sale, I consider to be inconsistent with an enlightened policy, injurious to the general interest of this territory, and particularly oppressive upon certain parts thereof. Placed as those objects are_within our country; it must be pre- sumed that the allwise author of the universe intended them, for the use, convenience, and benefit of its inhabitants: but the practical op- eration of the present plan of the government is calculated to coun- teract that benevolent intention, without the prospect of any real advantage to itself, for while individuals are strictly prohibited from using or occupying those favours bestowed upon us by a benefi- cent providence, they have heretofore remained, and without an entire change of measures must hereafter continue to be, a useless monopoly in the hands of the government, which is equally for- bidden by a regard to its own interest, and by justice to its citizens. Were proper encouragement given to our citizens to explore those hidden resources of individual wealth, and national prosperity; no rational man can doubt, that it would contribute infinitely more to the true and substantial interest of the nation at large, than the present contracted po]icy, which although injurious to the general government, is at the same time ruinous to the welfare of the terri- tory. Salt being an article essentially necessary to the wants of every- description of our inhabitants, measures to render its acquisition easy and convenient to both rich, and poor, are equally dictated by justice, and philanthropy. Yet though our country abounds with excellent public salines, there is no manufactory of salt established at any one of them, either by any individual authorised by the gov- ernment, or by the government itself. And so long as this state of things continues, no reduction of the price, nor deminution of the trouble, difficulty and ri$k of the transportation of that article can
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