The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1888-01-26
CAUSE AND EFFECTS.
discussions OF National Topics Before
Ehe BOARD of Trade.

she Board Of Trade.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19.-Before the
ma tional board Of trade Captain H. c.
Taylor, United States navy, read by
courtesy of the board, an interesting
the Nicarauga Canal, and the impor-
tant commercial results to follow its
construction. Captain T aylor said that
the requirements Of commerce make it
certain that there will be transit for
ships between the Atlantic and Pacific
oceans. The only questions are when,
where and how. The Nicarauga route,
with the lake as summit
level has been surveyed several
times under the auspices of the United
States government, and has been pre-
ferred by our engineers and surveyors
as the easiest, cheapest and surest
route for the solution of the question
of Isthmus transit. A company of
American citizens hold a liberal con-
cession from Nicarauga. American
engineers are now on the ground sur
veying the route and making the final
location of the line of the
canal. There are no complicated
political questions involved as the
| transit is already under the protection
Clayton-BulWer treaty, and the treaty
of 1857, between the United States and
Nicarauga. There is no question of
subsidy or guarantee by our govern
ment. The company's charter, re-
Gently introduced in the Eenate by Mr..
Edmunds, provides for nothing but an
Incorporation.
J. w Millar, of York, manager
Of the Stonington Steam Boat
1 inn SOIl0und NaOtain TavIOr He
said the internal commerce of our
western states, seeking exit through
the Mississippi, is ready for the
markets of South America. The min
erals, grain and lumber of our Pacific
states and territories await new and
cheaper canals to the eastern markets.
What may be the development of
the future must show, but to-day a
tonnage exists to yield to an Isthman
canal II per cent. on a capital of a
500, OOO, 900. Mr.. Millar agreed to the
superiority of the Nicarauga route,
and declared that England and Ger
many stand ready to avail themselves
of the opportunity should il offer to
control this route. No action was
taken upon the subject.
POSTAL telegraph was the first sub
ject taken up on the regular pro-
gramme. Mr. Thurber, of New York,
spoke in favor of the postal department
assuming charge Of telegraphy COM
municatiOn. He read a letter from
Kenric B. Murray, secretary of the
London chamber of commerce, reply
ing to certain questions previously sub
mitted by Mr.. Thurber.
Among the more important Ques-
lions and answers are the following:
Question-HaS the result of the pur-
| chase and operation of the telegraph OF
the government in Great Britain been
successful or otherwise?
Answer-SucceSsful as far as ser
vice is concerned, but not financially tt
the postofice. The government work
ing of the telegraph has indeed beer
. so satisfactory that public opinion
is now in favor of their taking owe
and working the cables to Europe, thu
monopoly of which is now expiring.
Ouestion-Was the Quickness anC
5 certainty of the service. improved o
diminished.
e the QuickneSS, certainty and secrecy o
] the service have improved under tn
3 poStofice.
Ouestion-Has the increase in tn
T number Of employees in the postoffic
] department been productive of pOliti
q cal evils.
T AnsWer-None worthy of being moi
e gu. Sl1Rub COLu P1dAnbS nave CCdStOu6ll
arisen Is regard to promotion in difft
rent departments Of the postoffice, bu
g considering the magnitude of the serN
: ice, numbering 81 800 persons regularl
b employed, it is exceptionally free froI
"a ''pOlitical evils" There have been on
n or two agitations for increase of salariE
It one of which was successful.
10 Question-Have improvements an
j. invention in telegraphic communica
r ton in consequence of the Telegram
1t being owned by the government cease
= or diminished as compared with thOs
n previous to the purchase by the go
,e eminent?
ID Answer-Not altogether ceased, /.
b the postofice departments have
II their employment eminent elect,
ID clan and engineers, who introdu
r improvements annually, or adopt on
al side inventions when thought desirabl
Il The inducement is probably not
ID great Ito invent as when the tel
" graphs were in private hands.
Question-Has the recent reduc: Il
in the price of kilograms to Sd +
he twelve words throughout Great Brita
Of been Of benefit to the public, and be
v. much has It decreased the revenue