Whigs and Locofocos Change the Canal Commission
Whigs and Locofocos Change the Canal Commission By: D. Brooks T he New York State Constitution of 1821 provided for the creation of the Canal Board to oversee the operational canal, which was established in 1826. The Board originally consisted of the same officers as the Commissioners of the Canal Fund, as well as the members of the Canal Commission, thereby merging the two in practical terms. In 1846, the newly created office of State Engineer and Surveyor replaced the Surveyor General. Until 1844 the term of the commissioners was indefinite. The Act of May 6, 1844, established a four-year term, while vacancies were filled by concurrent resolution of both houses of the State Legislature, or during the recess of the Legislature, temporarily by the Governor, and a substitute was elected at the next State election if t here was a remainder of the term. The Constitution of 1846 shortened the term to three years. The off...
