did public roads with which we have intersected the country, and the beautiful edifices, fountains, &c. that we have built in our city, in proof of our 'avarice'—and direct public attention to North Point and Fort McHenry, for evidences of our 'ambition:' and, as to being 'selfish' or 'jealous,' these are nearly the last things that should be said about Baltimore; . . So far as my information goes, . . the citizens of Baltimore are not opposed to the Potomac canal: but how is it possible to expect their support for it when the following facts are considered:
"1. We have expended a million of dollars on certain public roads, to obtain that trade which the canal is designed to deprive us of.
"2. Yet, and notwithstanding we are to suffer this loss of capital and trade, if the canal should be made as heretofore proposed, we must pay one third of Maryland's share of the expense of making it: that is to say, 10,000 dollars a year will be added to the amount of our taxes, though such is our present condition that the usual taxes can hardly be collected, through the
