Some diversity of opinion has prevailed with regard to the powers of Congress for legislation upon objects of this nature.

The most respectful deference is due to doubts, originating in pure patriotism, and sustained by venerated authority.

But nearly twenty years have passed since the construction of the first national road was commenced.

The authority for its construction was then unquestioned.

To how many thousands of our countrymen has it proved a benefit?
To what single individual has it ever proved an injury?
Repeated, liberal and candid discussions in the Legislature have conciliated the sentiments, and approximated the opinions of enlightened minds, upon the question of constitutional power.