The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-08-28

,,rt of tho huge commerce Of that country
would lie saved through USING The canal
sometimes between 5,sD and 1900 miles II
travel"
AN IMPETUS 10 COMMERCE.
I'm addition to what | have mentioned
there Is the prospect OF new activity IN the
trade between Australia aud our Atlantic
ports. which. even under present conditions,
has quadrupled since 1850. Another most
important feature will be the Development
of the cOastng trade Of the United states.
When the canal Is opened our coast line
will be practically continuous from Maine
to Alaska. The coasting trade already
amounts to over 100000 tons per annum be-
tween our Atlantic and Gulf ports and
Central America aud Columbus. Calves
ton. New Orleans. Mobile, Pearl River. Pen
sacola, Savannah. Brunswick. Beaufort,
wilmington. Norfolk. Baltimore. Philadel-
phia. New York, and Boston are all inter-
e=ted in the total.
"Steamers built for the purpose trade
along the shores Of the Caribbean sea, eX-
changing our articles Of commerce for The
products Of the tropics; but the best har-
bors and the richest districts and most val
liable products of.lhose ncighbOrs of ours
are on the Pacific side where our vessels
cannot reach them. so they fall TO the
British and other steamers that ply on the
west coast. and the trade goes to Europe.
When. the opening ri the canal shall
have enabled the little steamers and coast
ing schO0ners % push through to the Paciiic
side and complete for its rich trade, with
the advantage Of home ports and markets
thousands OF miles nearer than those oil Ia
rope. il will not De long before our c0asting
trade shall have grown to many times its
present volume. These are conditions
which will tend TO make san Francisco, on
the Pacific, and New York, on the Atlantic,
the markets Of the world, and the DnIted
states, situated as IL is betwec "a the two
oceans. with practically an endless coast
line. the mistress Of is commerce.
40 this possibility the geographical loca-
ton and natural features Oi the Nicaragua
canal are most advantageous, aud Lake
Nicaragua-iho summit level Of the canal,
mighty body 0i fresh water "a hundred
miles in length by foriy-hYe in width, deep
enin. O. lj1 feet. swept continually by the
trade winds. with delightful and healthy
olimaX-g!yos 90 Che route "a political and
international importance unique and sig
ulicant. The nation that controls this
canal under terms of amitv with Nicaragua
will here lind rest aud refreshment for its
| fleets and point d'appui from which either
ocean may readily Doe reached IN case Of
need.
40 THIS sheltered stronghold us squad
rons. after service done on either ocean at
the bidding of "a telegraphic sign from the
home government. may return % reiit and
rest i'm absolute security until some re-
newed deed OF action calls again for their
services. There cannot bee imagined "a
more potent mean, OF avoiding difficulty
! than such efficient preparation in advance
70 quiet promptly any disturbances which
NAV arise.
placed thus adyantagcousiy. one fleet
would readily DO the work OF TWO. and with
| a naval depot thus conveniently located. the
/ Pacific coast and our Alaskan possessions,
as Wei rs our commerce on both oceans.
would Boz as well guarded as our Atlantic
/ coast.
This, however. is merely incidental 10
the canal a. an American enterprise and q
reason outside Of financial considerations
why 10 should command american sup
port