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

Lake Superior ports in unbroken bulks
What lot of handling it would save, and
thus lessen the cost of transportation. We
need some way of cheapening the freight on
raw materials in these days when the cry
goes up from Pittsburg that Chicago has ad-
vantageous points for getting ore cheaper
than we can. Besides that it would be a
magnificent outlet to the lake States for
our great Pittsbure coal fields. The same
\ ships that came down here laden with ore
could go back loaded with coal. In time of
war the whole United States would profit by
canal from the great lakes to the Ohio
river. Naturally, Pittsburg is the seat of
| the army and navy's heavy sup
plies. We furnished an immense
amoant of them during the war
of the Rebellion, and We would do it again
If war were to break out. Let that war be
with foreign foe and here would be the
quick route to our northern frontier, besides
furnishing safe harbor and retreat to our
own vessels. On this basis / think the gen.
eral Government should bear the expense OF
building ship canal. IF they don't, then
Pennsylvania should build it."
ABoom for Pittsburg.
Charles Muehlborner, Spring Garden
avenue, Allegheny: ST shall certainly vote
for the Lake Erie canal bill, and use all
my influence for il. 1 think that every
member of the Legislature from Western
Pennsylvania ought To be on the side OF the
enterprise. 1t will certainly benefit the
whole of the western part of the State, and
how any can conscientiously oppose it
can't understand. The building of this
canal would Re big boom for Pittsburg
and Allegheny. 1 am for anything that
will cheaper freights and bring lots of them
here. The canal as a competitor OF rail-
roads will certainly do this. Therefore we
ought to have it."
W. T. Marshall, No. Fulton street,
Allegheny-I will favor and vote for any
thing to promote the interests of the pro-
posed canal. 1 believe it would be a good
thing for Pittsburg and vicinity. l know
nothing definite yet about the report of the
Survey Commission, but 1 think it will
show the canals practicability. OF course
L would like TO see the National Govern
ment take hold and build the canal for us,
but doubt whether they could be con-
WINGED of its advantages to the country at
large. If not, then 1 think the State of
Pennsylvania should build it herself.
What Home Senators Say.
Senator John Neeb, Stockton avenue,
Allegheny have really not studied the
matter enough tn give an intelligent opinion
OF its merits. 1 only know what 1 have read
In the newspapers, but as to the engineering
questions involved, the matter of cost, and
the method proposed for doing the work, the
report of the commission alone will give
members OF the Legislature authentic data.
l am heartily in favor of internal improve
ments, and this will be good thing for the
western part of the State ii it doesn't cost
too much.
Senator William Finn, Pittsburg-We
makes its report public. There is too little
known at present of the probable cost of the
canal enterprise, the practicability of the
proposed route, etc. In general way am,
OF course, in favor of anything that would
benefit Pittsburg's interests, and as a usual
thing l think that waterways as competitors
to railroads are advantageous.
Senator John Upperman, Lawrencevllle-
L have not enough knowledge about this
matter to say how shall vote. L have read
nothing whatever about it. No, 1 have not
read anything at all in the newspapers
about it. L am always in favor of what will
advance Pittsburg's interests, but l really
do not know whether this will or not.
Pittsburg Members, Too.
J. T. Richards, Watson street, Pittsburg
Certainly 1 shall FAVOR in the Legislature
the building of the Lake Erie and Ohio
L u
glorious thing for Pittsburg.
Emmitt E. Cotton, Southside, Pittsburg-
1 am in favor of anything that will benefit
Pittsburg, so long as it is not at the expense
of the balance OF the State, and I do not
know whether this is or not 1 must first
see the report of the commission. There are
not many people in this State but who
would favor cheap highways if they can
get them. As yet know nothing of the
scope of legislation proposed, and the safest
way is to wait until the Legislature meets.
David E. Weaver, McClurg street, Pitts
burg-Two years ago in the House / voted
for the appropriation to make the survey of
a canal from Lake Erie to the Ohio river,
which has ust been completed by the COM
mission. While prefer to wait and see the
report of that survey, you may say that l
am in favor of any such enterprise, if it is
at all practicable, because it will benefit
this city and its surroundings.
The Other Members.
d. R. Jones. Homestead-I cannot form a
fair opinion until 1 see the report of the
Canal Commission.
w. NJ. Culbertson, Lawrenceville-In a
general way L am friendly TO legislation
which would be of such advantage to the
State, if suitable measures in this connec-
tion can be presented.
j. w. Nesbitt, Oakdale-I am in favor of
the Lake Erie Canal project in a general
way as a matter of public improvement.
As the means by which it is to be carried
out have not been determined Oh, or at least
not made public, shall not, until the
measure is brought before the House, wholly
commit myself TO it. The movement seems
to be step in the direction of a better
carrying system. cheaper rates of freight,
and the development of new enterprises
and improvements, and as such should
commend itself to the favorable and careful
consideration of the Legislature.