North America

The site of the present city of Washington was chosen with three special
views; firstly, that being on the Potomac it might have the full advantage of
water-carriage and a sea-port; secondly, that it might be so far removed from
the seaboard as to be safe from invasion; and, thirdly, that it might be
central alike to all the States. It was presumed when Washington was founded
that these three advantages would be secured by the selected position. As
regards the first, the Potomac affords to the city but few of the advantages
of a sea-port. Ships can come up, but not ships of large burthen. The river
seems to have dwindled since the site was chosen; and at present it is, I
think, evident that Washington can never be great in its shipping. Statio
benefida carinis can never be its motto. As regards the second point,
singularly enough Washington is the only city of the Union that has been in an
enemy's possession since the United States became a nation. In the war of 1812
it fell into our hands, and we burnt it. As regards the third point,
Washington, from the lie of the land, can hardly have been said to be
centrical at any time. Owing to the irregularities of the coast it is not easy
of access by railways from different sides. Baltimore would have been far
better. But as far as we can now see, and as well as we can now judge,
Washington will soon be on the borders of the nation to which it belongs,
instead of at its centre. I fear, therefore, that we must acknowledge that the
site chosen for his country's capital by George Washington has not been
fortunate.

I have a strong idea, which I expressed before in speaking of the capital of
the Canadas, that no man can ordain that on such a spot shall be built a great
and thriving city. No man can so ordain even though he leave behind him, as
was the case with Washington, a prestige sufficient to bind his successors to
his wishes. The political leaders of the country have done what they could for
Washington. The pride of the nation has endeavoured to sustain the character
of its chosen metropolis. There has been no rival, soliciting favour on the
strength of other charms. The country has all been agreed on the point since
the father of the country first commenced the work.