St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-12-20
A $1OO.OOO.OOO JOB.


Republican papers plaintiyely insist
that it is unkind and unfair to the presi-
dent to intimate that he is willing to
lend the aid of the government to pri-
Vate enterprises because he urges, in
his message, that-th Nicaragua canal
shall be taken in hand and constructed
out of the national treasury. There
should be no partisanShip in the thing,
and the views of the president should
be pronounced high-minded and states
manlike. His programme is for the gov
eminent to stand behind the 500, OO0, 900
of bonds now deemed necessary for the
construction of the work. and to
have control of the stock and a
majority in the board OF directors
to guard its interests. Then a glowing
picture is drawn of the grandeur of the
enterprise and its value to American
commerce. 1t is even asserted that it
will be a paying enterprise; that is, that
falr dividends can be had On the invest
ment. The seductive claim is made
that the government aid will secure its
construction at one-balf-the Cleveland
Leader puts it at possible one-third-of
the cost as private enterprise. That
sounds trit1e peculiar, in view of the
fact that the estimates Of the engineers.
made to the company when it was
claimed that only friendly observation
would be asked of the government.
put the cost at less than $50. 600. 600.
The record Of the movement so far is
not specially calculated TO inspire con-
fdence, even if the government were
warranted in engaging in any such en-
terpriSe. 1t was organized originally
under charter from the state of Colo
RADIO, concessions having been obtained
from Nicaragua. 1t was regarded as
highly commendable project and had the
good will of the country. Some of the
preliminary work was done under the
charter, and it was pronounced a grand
scheme, one that would reward the en-
terprising capitalists Who had put their
money and faith in it. TWAS distinct
~ declared that no assistance would
be asked of the government But the
work did not progress very rapidly, and
the company appeared at the next con-
gress asking for a charter from that
body as the Maritime Canal company,
the Colorado one not affOrding the stand
ng desirable. Money could be had more
readily as a national organization.
There were vOluble assurances by its
promoters that no financial aid was
wanted, and no liability should be in
CURED by the government. This passed
sn the Republican senate, but the house
was Democratic and less confiding. It
insisted upon Incorporating in the
act the distinct declaration that
no financial responsibility should
attach to the government, even
by implication. The Republicans de-
INJURED, and the senate rejected the
amendment, but the house stood firm,
and it was finally accepted TO save the
charter. The man that the president
cast his plying eye upon over the
breaStworkS, WARNER MIIIER.was put
at the head of the new company. This
action was before the meeting of the
last congress. That was Republican in
both branches, and in 4 mood to vote
for anything to get the troublesome sur
plus the Democrats had left oat of the
treasury. The 500. 100000 guarantee
bill again appeared, and was supported
10y the Republicans. but it was
charged that the Democrats took
up SO much time in fighting the
force bill and other Republican
schemes that it could not be reached.
Now it appears as work Of vast ma
tiOnal Importance that must be con-
structed by the government, virtually
The secretary of the int rior iudorses i
in his report, and the president argue:
ia its favor. OF course, he talks abou
the government being secure and thu
canal a source OF profit, bat incautiou
Republican papers reveal tie purpos,
to saddle the whole thing upon til,
government. 1t is understood tina
about million dollars, perhaps it'll,
more, has been put up by individuals
They would he glad to unload on IT,,
government. That Democratic house
however, may be relied upon TO st0l
the imposition OF the job upon the pub
Ire treasury.