THE ONLY THING PERMANENT IS THE FEAR OF CHANGE

Innovation always had its Cassandra. Those who are afraid of innovations and change leave no stone unturned in opposing it. Here is the Governor of New York, in 1829, marshaling arguments against the introduction railroad which went against the will of God, who certainly never intended people to travel at such breakneck speed of 15 miles per hour.

President Andrew Jackson

Washington DC.

The canal system of this country is being threatened by the spread of a new form of transportation known as ‘railroads’. The Federal Government must preserve the canals for the following reasons:

ONE – If the canal boats are supplanted by ‘railroads’, serious unemployment will result. Captains, cooks, drivers, hostlers, repairmen and lock tenders will be left without means of livelihood, not to mention the numerous farmers now employed in growing hay for horses.

TWO – Boat builders would suffer and towline, whip and harness makers would be left destitute.

THREE - Canal boats are absolutely essential to the defense of the United States. In the event of the expected trouble with England, the Erie Canal would be the only means by which we could ever move the supplies so vital to waging modern war.

            For the above mentioned reasons, the government should create an Interstate Commerce Commission to protect the American people from the evils of the railroads and to preserve the canals for prosperity.

            As you may well know, Mr. President, railroad carriages are pulled at the enormous speed of 15 miles per hour by ‘engines’ which in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roar and snort their way through the countryside, setting fire to the crops, scaring the livestock and  frightening women and children. The almighty certainly never intended that people should travel at such breakneck speed.

Respectfully yours,

Martin Van Buren

Governor of New York.     

On 3/20/2014