[214] Before his annual message Monroe wrote to Madison: “The question respecting canals and roads is full of difficulty, growing out of what has passed on it. After all the considerations I have given it, I am fixed in the opinion, that the right is not in Congress, and that it would be improper in me, after your negative, to allow them to discuss the subject and bring in a bill for me to sign in the expectation that I would do it. I have therefore decided ... to recommend the procuring of an amendment from the states, so as to vest the right in Congress.” Writings of James Monroe, vol. vi, p. 32. Madison replied, approving this course. “The expediency of vesting in Congress,” he said, “a power as to roads and canals, I have never doubted, and there has never been a moment when such a proposition to the states was so likely to be approved.” Letters ... of James Madison, vol. iii, p. 50.
[215] Richardson, vol. ii, p. 18.
[216] Annals of 15th Congress, 1st Sess., vol. i, p. 451.
[217] Annals of 15th Cong., 1st Sess., vol. ii, p. 1366.
[218] Annals of 15th Cong., 1st Sess., vol. i, p. 1173. On April 27, 1816, Congress appropriated money “for the purpose of repairing and keeping in repair” certain roads under the direction of the Secretary of War. 3 Stat. L. 315. On May 20, 1826, provision was made for the repair of a postroad under the direction of the postmaster general. 4 Stat. L. 190, 154. No mention was made of the consent of the states.
[219] Annals of 15th Congress, 1st Sess., vol. i, p. 1169.
[220] Annals of 15th Cong., 1st Sess., vol. ii, p. 1380 ff.
[221] Ames, The Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the United States during the First Century of its History, p. 20. (Report of the American Historical Association, 1896.)
[222] Annals of 15th Congress, 1st Sess., vol. i, pp. 211, 292; Ames, p. 260. Martin Van Buren while in the Senate urged a similar amendment (1824–1825) and there were others who proposed like resolutions. Ames, p. 261.
[223] See above, p. 67.