The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1890-05-31

Speeches in Congress upon food
control aud navigation improvement
usually consist III expressions of faith
in aud acceptance of the dieta OF or
thodox study and test. This is not
said in or matter of reproach. A sub
jeet Of complex and infinite details, re-
quiring in the comprehension of their
natures and the measurement of their
effects scientific knowledge and praeti-
cal investigation, it is entirely beyond
the ordinary range of information and
research. For this reason the speech
of Mr.. Catehings, on the 2Srd inst, out
side of and quite beyond the beaten
path, seems to have attracted unusual
note and favor. Reading this speech
in full in the Record, it Is found to
proceed from a thorough mastery OF
the subject only attainable through
years of painstaking study.
In the construction of the speech,
lucid and forcible statement is joined
TO consistent and most attractive ar
rangement of the different subject
features selected for the argument.
Mr.. Catchings took position on a differ
ent if not higher and broader plane
than the common one of overflow
consequences and the petitions for local
relief too apt to dull the car of the
Congressman from distant districts,
Beginning his speech with a general
sketch Of the magnitudes of the case.
he presented its commercial side in a
point Of view certain to enlist the ap-
proval of one class of his auditors, the
Western farmers, as follows:
Let us see if 1t can not be demon
strated that the project is of such
broad and extensive consequence as to
demand the thoughtful attention and
conscientious consideration of all the
representatives Of the people; that lii
successful execution would ameliorate
the condition and contribute largely
to the welfare of the vast population
now dwelling, and which will yei
come to dwell between the two great
mountain ranges of the continent; and
that the cheapened transportation and
augmented facilities for interchang
ing the products of our soil, the fabrics
oil our manufactures, and all articles
of commerce which would surely fol
low 1t, would repay the nation many
tunes more than its cost would posi-
bly, be, besides gladdening the hearts
and tightening the burdens of millions
of its citizens.
Let us see If the discussion can no
be lifted from the narrow limits which
have confined it and placed upon Sc
broad plane that every gentleman
present must find in 1t for himself, hi
constituents, and the country at large
q deep and vital interest; and in thu
effort to do this invoke the paticn
attention and earnest cooperation o
all.
The Mississippi and its navigabl'
tributaries constitute system whicl
embraces not less that $4,000 miles o
water way. They intersect, and whel
suitably improved will furnish facili
ties for transportation to, almost ever!
part of the great agricultural region
which extends from the Gulfof Mexico
to the Lakes, and from the Alleghan!
to the Rocky Mountains, comprising
an area of about 100000 square miles
which is about two-thirds of the who'll
area of the United States.
When this valley, as in accordance
with just popular demand 1t mus
soon be, is connected by way of tn
Illinois River with the great lakes d
Chicago, the value of the Mississippi
as a highway Of commerce will be 81
multiplied as to be absolutely beyon,
computation.
Speaking of this connection, MI
Ignatius Donnclly, at tho waterway
convention, held at Superior, WIS, il
August, 1889, SAID:
"Now, my friends, You can see 1t
inevitable that In the process of time
great ship-canal will yet be constructed
that will unite these two navigabl
systems, connecting by water the great
est lake system in the world and tn
greatest river valley in the world.
My friends, that Mississippi Vale.
could, | believe. contain and ampl,
support all the civilized people tha
now dwell on the face of the earth. |
caches practically from the Rock
Mountains 10 the Alleghanies scarce
| ly foot of It but is or could be mad
capable of sustaining populous humal
life. A mighty region, such as tn
world presents on no other continent.
Mr.. Donnelly docs not overstat
the possibilities. No man can forese
the density of the population whicl
| will be, IN time to come, gathered. II
this great valley, or overestimate tn
advantages which would flow fron
placing them in direct water commu
nication with tbe cities and thrivin
communities along the shores of tn
Great Lakes.
The multiplication of routes of trans
portation, the greater profits from a
agricultural and industrial pursuits
the growth of centers of populatio
which would follow this connection G
the lakes and the Mississippi Rive
would add untold millions to th
wealth of The country.
Ii is the part of wisdom to prepar
this river for The mighty work whic
the near future is certain TO impos
upon il, and every consideration
whether utilitarian or sentimental, dt
mands for 1t broad and generous trea
ment.
Even in lis present unimproved col
dition, and competing, as it docs, wit
the elaborate railway systems whic
} penetrate and intersect its valley an
often follow its actual borders, the rive
is the vehicle for the transportation {
a prodigious quantity of merchandis
and agricultural products.
As to the matter of cheapness, ca
best illustrate its advantages and util