Whereas the States on the Atlantic, in common with those of the great interior of the West, feel a deep and common interest in the construction of lines of inter-communication from the seaboard to the Mississippi river; and whereas the State of Indiana has embarked in carrying out these national enterprises, with a magnanimity of design and efficiency of execution that reflects infinite credit on her State character:

And whereas the State of Illinois views, with peculiar satisfaction, the liberality with which the State of Indiana has concurred in all the propositions made by Illinois to cement the bonds of union which should unite two States whose interests are so closely allied, by authorizing connections with her lines of improvement: Therefore,

Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, That the passage of the act of the General Assembly of Indiana, at their late session (of which official information is received) authorizing a connection of the Erie and Michigan canal of Indiana with the Illinois and Michigan Canal of Illinois, thereby forming a continuous line of canal navigation from Lake Erie to the navigable waters of the Mississippi river, is recognized by this General Assembly as another magnanimous manifestation, on the part of Indiana, of her settled disposition to identity the best interests of the two States, and to promote their common and the national weal; and is most cheerfully reciprocated on the part of Illinois.

Resolved, That the Governor be requested to transmit a copy of this preamble and resolutions to the Governor of Indiana, with a request to lay the same before the Legislature of that State.