The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-20

most earnestly favor the building of snoth-
er in case of its completion. We therefore
favor the esrly consideration and conclu-
sion Of such treaty with the Government
of Nicaragua or Central America as shall
look to the prosecution OF 8 waterway
through their territories under the control
and supervision Of the United States. This
route should be- for all public purposes of
War and peace, an established mail and mil
ttaIy line Of the Government of the United
States. The effect of such an enterprise
would be to shorten many months the voy.
age round Cape Horn, to practically
move the Isthmus more than q thousand
miles north, and to place the
means of communication between
our eastern and western shores by water,
wholly under our own control. much nearer
the lines OF the United States boundary and
within easy supporting distance of the vessels
OF the Gulf squadron, station ed at Key West
or Galveston.
We are not advised as to what the expenses
OF such q work may be, but We think the
immediate expenditure required can not be
very large; We mean the outlay necessary
to conclude the treaty and acquire the terri
torisl right of way and the jurisdiction of
the route for canal. The fnsl expendi-
lures might for the present await the e0ntin-
gency of the success of the Darien scheme.
But We ought to be ready for that emergency,
and not tarry too long to avail
ourselves of the opportunities nov
offered 10 compete with and counteract it
We think sincerely in the end that tho Cen
trail American canal route might not prove
even financially remunerative. 1t is certain
IL the best aud easiest transit for anything
Ike northern sea trade. France snd Eng
land might discriminate against il for
swhile, throwing their traffic through the
Psnams route, but this would not last al
ways. Ii may be said this country ought
not to own a canal in a foreign dominion.
This was said very often in England before
the Suez Canal became what il really is
British channel, connecting the mother
country with The East Indian Colonies. 1t
must be recollected that this canal re-
ferred ito. although in foreign domin-
ion, actually would connect the pub
lie waters OF our own coast with
each other. It would be an American road
stead connecting the harbors of New York
and San Francisco. This is certainly a
necessity, measure of domestic safety snd
commercial convenience. We must have
water-route of our own, if one be made by
the way of the isthmus. We can not cut a
canal on the line OF our own boundary, up
| the Rio Grande and so across mountains
and deserts to the western coast. This is
impossible. Then let us take the necessary
| steps 10 closely ally ourselves with the
people and Government Of CentFsk Americs,
/ who control the nearest and best route con-
Meeting the seas OF our distant shores with
each other. This seems 10 as to De
a work OF the highest expediency,
and one necessary to our National
| safety and honor Whethet the actual
work OF construction be undertake. By our
| Government or by the Government of
| Nicaragua, or jointly by both; o., whether
| il may be let to private capitalists under the
auspices and guarantee of the United States
! these are details which will and may arrange
Themselves in the future. What we want is
the right, power and franchise to build and
navigate the canal as soon as it may be nee
essary or expediept to do so. The entire es-
timated cost Of the work, even If paid by the
| United states Government, does not equal
! in value one-tenth OF the subsidies granted
| to the Pacific Railway Companies. Yet tbs
object OF these two enterprises is the
same, that of sffording safe and speedy
means of communication between these
| distant portions OF our country. 1t may
be said Indiana is little concerned IN
| thi, question. We answer that every citizen
of Indiana would speedily feel the effect OF
losing the control of the mouth OF the Missis-
sippi, of the blockade of our southern or east
ern sea ports, of the bombsrdment of Boston,
| Baltimore or Philadelphia, or any other oil
the maritime depots of our coast all OF which
might occur for the want of the waterway
through Nicarsgus, IL the Darien passage
were completed and held by hostile power
The Darien Canal completed and success
fully operated Dder European companies
without competition, is a standing menacs
TO the peace and honor of our Government
and people. We are for the stTictest econo
my in all public expenditures, but an econo
my which disdains necessary precsution anC
preparation for the difficulties and Danger
of the future, and which may leave the
whole eastern or western coast Of the ooun
try without means OF defense or with made
quste means therefor. 10 unwise, unjust, and
in the end may be exceedingly expensive.
-
| ST. JOHNS GRIP ON HIS DEFANERS
We hope that the Blaine organs Will con
time to sgitate the alleged bribery of Mr.
st. John. Their first attempts partially IN
| covered a deal of Republican rascalitY. Will