Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-06
A SEASONFOR ACTION,

When industries are prosperous, trade ac-
tive, and the means for the execution of
great enterprises abundant. then is the time
for cities which have the opportunity, to
set their future upon firm and unshakable
foundations. This applies directly to
Pittsburg, and the ship canal project. That
project approaches maturity at time when
the city and the kindred interests surround
ing have been realizing the benefits OF great
volume and uninterrupted activity in busi-
ness. 1t is seen how the whole community
prospers when the mills and manufactures
are running. ANY feasible project that
will enlarge their work and lend to their
greater profit becomes at once vital busi-
ness matter to all classes SH~
That ample water communication with the
lakes, by which cargoes could be sent there
or brought here unbroken, would in the
present state of crowded railways and high
freight charges be of great permanent bene-
fit to the leading industries of Western
Pennsylvania no one can seriously question.
Some who are naturally doubtful about all
undemonstrated undertakings satisfy an in
dolent disposition by questioning whether
ship canal can be built; but the assurances
of the engineers who have specially exam
ined the route so far as they have got, set
these doubts aside. Others do not exactly
see how the money can be raised; but if the
enterprise gives promise of large benefits,
the means, we doubt not, will eventually be
found if they are earnestly enough sought
At first sight it might seem to the super
fetal observer that the railroads would
antagonize the ship canal; but, Of all the
interests concerned, the railroads doing busi-
ness with Pittsburg would be the greatest
gamers by the addition to the general traffic
of the place. The real estate of the two
cities which is now valued at nearly three
hundred million dollars, would, similarly,
be a beneficiary to an extent which its
owners have hardly yet begun to dream of.
The benefits to manufacturers in the ship
ment of their raw material and finished pro-
duct are apparent
With its vast supplies of coal, this region
will doubtless always have pre-eminence as
the manufacturing center of the continent.
But the more reason why it should be up
anu W Jake Ol WudleN6E
tends to make the favorable situation
doubly secure. Because project is little
larger than any undertaken hitherto is no
reason why it should fail of earnest support,
if the benefits promise to be commen-
surate. THE DISPATCH bespeaks careful
attention for the details OF the ship-canal
problem as the State Commission will un-
fold them before the Legislature this winter.
If, as we think will be the case, they COM
mend themselves to the business judgment
of the community, we trust everybody will
take hand and go in for all the benefits
that can be gotten from water-communica-
tion with the lakes. In proportion to the
size and importance of the interests now to
be affected, the idea relatively is hardly
more difficult of execution than was the
slack watering of the Monongahela or the
building of the railroads in the old days.
The vista of benefits for all classes here
seems to us varied, far-reaching and
very inviting.