straight direction, and this route is upon such low
ground as to retain water in many places during the season, and in all
parts such as to draw two-thirds or three-fourths of the river water at
all stages.

This route is up on prairieland the whole distance;--so that it appears
to me, by removing the turf, a sufficient width, and damming up the old
channel, the whole river in a short time would wash its way through,
thereby curtailing the distance, and increasing the velocity of the
current very considerably, while there would be no timber upon the
banks to obstruct its navigation in future; and being nearly straight,
the timber which might float in at the head, would be apt to go clear
through. There are also many places above this where the river, in its
zigzag course, forms such complete peninsulas, as to be easier cut
through at the necks than to remove the obstructions from the
bends--which if done, would also lessen the distance.

What the cost of this work would be, I am unable to say. It is
probable, however, that it would not be greater than is common to
streams of the same length. Finally, I believe the improvement of the
Sangamon river, to be vastly important and highly desirable to the
improvement of the county; and if elected, any measure in the
legislature having this for its object, which may appear judicious,
will meet my approbation and shall receive my support.

It appears that the practice of loaning money at exorbitant rates of
interest, has already been opened as a field for discussion; so I
suppose I may enter upon it without claiming the honor, or risking the
danger, which may await its first explorer. It seems as though we are
never to have an end to this baneful and corroding system, acting
almost as prejudicial to the general interests of the community as a
direct tax of several thousand dollars annually laid on each county,
for the benefit of a few individuals only, unless there be a law made
setting a limit to the rates of usury. A law for this purpose, I am of
opinion, may be made without materially injuring any class of people.
In cases of extreme necessity there could always be means found to
cheat the law, while in all other cases it would have its intended
effect. I would not favor the passage of a law upon this subject which
might be very easily evaded. Let it be such that the labor and
difficulty of evading it could only be justified in cases of greatest
necessity.

Upon t