The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-04-17
ACANAL CHAMPION.
Congressman Henderson's Services for
HennepiR- Views as TO the
Situation.

In writing from Washington TO the
Davenport Democrat, Mr.. B. F. Tilling-
hast has the following to say of Hon. I.
j. Henderson, member of congress from
the Seventh district, the one Immediately
north of this:
Gen. Henderson is regarded here as the
real champion of the Hennepin canal; but
his zeal is not of the newborn kind. 1t
is not hobby with him and he is not
riding it for political effect. Twelve
years ago he took the matter up where
John L. Hawley left it, and from that
time until this no opportunity has been
lost. During a conversation last even
ing. which was not intended for publica>
ton and at which Judge Lynde, of Rock
Island, was present, but which may be
printed without apology, Gen. Henderson
made this confession Il have spent
many sleepless nights and weary DAYS
over the Hennepin canal, more than in
the interest of anything else, and yet il
never ceases TO be a trouble owing to the
vexatlons dissensions of those who
ought to present solid front in its be-
half
In an informal talk Gen. Henderson
presented his views saying, This canal
bill, as you remember, was called up in
the house some weeks since, discussed for
two hours, when it went to the calendar
as unfinished business. This is It's con,
dilion now, and when we can call it up Is
uncertain. The majority of the house
can call it up at any time. it being in
order any morning session after the frs.
two hours. The appropriation bills have
the right OF way, and very few of them
have been considered
Il am for the canal anywhere-at
Rock Island. WATERFOWL, OF by way of
the Meredosia. 1t is not so much a
question Of route to the country as it is
of canal. The Moline people By their
action are driving the canal away from
the three cities Ii it does not 90
through by the Rock Island line. shall
tRs3a on TIE HeredOsia. | can not afford
to be a demagogue, because the people
have changed my district During nv
first terms in congress, Rock Island and
Henry counties we've in my district, and
it was then that ] advocated the Rock
Island route, believing then, as now, that
it is the most practicable and the best.
know of no scheme at Milan of land
syndicate. The people there say they
will guarantee the right of way. There
is letter here from Capt. T. j. Robin
son to that effect
Our danger is in delay. The canal
could not be any stronger than it is to-
day The Knights of Labor have helpet 4
us, but they may lose their prestige. We
have this Moline opposition against us.
and it is abominabie, internal. The
Moline Water Power company has made
more trouble in congress than any
other interest in Illinois. 1t has been
perpetual and utterly selfish. Now
they threaten 10 defeat the canal
bill If they cannot name the route, and
the only object is to improve the water
power. This will never be done. Hon.
A. 5. Hewitt, the member from New
York, told me once that if the Moline
Water Power company could be induced
TO accept the entire plant and thus re-
lieve the government of an elephant, he
would both work and vote for such a
consummation."
Gen. Hatch. of Missouri. who lives
on the Mississippi river, is opposed to the
canal. The delegation from Georgia
takes the lead in the opposition. We are
getting some favor from New England
Congressman Rice, of Massachusetts. told
me the other day that he wanted to make
short argument in favor of the canal.
We hope for strength in New York, and,
as the members from that state are inter-
ested in turning the Erie canal over TO
the government. We may get it. The rail
road opposition comes more from the east
than from the west, and the stock is
principally held there"
AT the first opportunity Gen Hender-
son proposes to make an elaborate argu-
ment in the house. He has it prepared,
and 1t will do great good