Awnser:
The American economy was experiencing a boom. Canal and railroad builders were at a peak of activity. Prices were rising, money was plentiful, and credit was easy as banks increased their loans and notes with little regard to their reserves of cash. The land business was booming. The government was selling public land, which created a federal budget surplus and reduced the national debt. Congress passed a "distribution" act requiring Congress to pay its surplus funds to the states by issuing unsecured "loans" which the states in turn used for construction of roads, highways, canals, and railroads.