The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1891-12-18

The annual report OF the maritime canal
company of Nicaragua shows that much
costly and necessary preparatory work has
been done during the year in the con-
struction Of shops, railroad tracks and
harbor piers and break-waters, and that
the work OF canal construction has made
some progress.
/ deem Il to be a matter of the highest
concern to the United States that this
canal, connecting the waters of the Allan
tic and Pacific oceans and giving TO US a
short water communication between our
ports upon those two great seas should be
speedily constructed and at the smallest
practicable limit of cost. The gain in
tre1Rhts TO the people and the direct saw
ing 70 the government Of the United
States in the use Of its naval vessels would
pay the entire cost of this work within
short series of years. the report of the
secretary Of the navy shows the saving in
our naval expenditures which would re-
suit.
The senator from Alabama, (Mr. Nor
gau) in his argument upon this subject be
fore the senate at the last session, did not
Overestimate the Importance Of this work
wnen he said that 1.-The canal is the most
important subject now connected with the
commerctnl growth and progress OF the
United States" II this work is 10 be
promoted by the usual financial methods
and without the aid of this government,
the expenditures, in its interest bearing
securities and stocks, will probably be
twice the actual cost
l dol not doubt that, built upon these
business methods, the canal would, when
fully inaugurated, earn its fixed charges
and operating expenses. But If its bonds
are TO be marketed at heavy discounts and
every bond sold is to be accompanied by a
gift OF stock, as has come to be expected
by investors in such enterprises, the traffic
will be seriously burdened 10 pay interest
and dividends. am quite willing 10 rec
Ommend government promotion in the
prosecution of a work which, If no other
means offered for its completion. IS of SUCH
tranScendsnt interest that the government
should, in my opinion. secure 1t by direct
appropriations from its treasury.
a guaranty of the bonds OF the canal
company TO an amount necessary to the
completion of the canal could, 1 think, be
SO given AS not 10 involve any serious risk
OF ultimate loss. The things TO be care
fully guarded are the completion OF the
work within the limits Of the guaranty
tn , subrogation of the United States TO
the rights of the first mortgage bond
holders for any amounts 1t may have 70
pay, and in the meantime control of the
stock OF the company as a security against
encouragement and loss. most sincerely
nCOe that neither party nor sectional lines
will be drawn upon this great American
project, so full of interest TO the people OF
all our states and so influential in its
prosperity of our common country
and occupied solely by its employees. In
September 1889, revolt took place among
these laborers, resulting in the killing of
some OF the agents OF the company, caused
as tho laborers claimed, by cruel treat
ment The president then gives the his
tory Of the case. recommend Legislation
that shall place labor contracts upon this
and other islands giving the relation that
Navassa has to the United States under
the supervision OF court commissioner,
and that shall provide, at the expense OF
the owners. an officer to reside upon the
islands with power to judge and adjust
disputes and to enforce Just and humane
treatment of employees. It Is inexcusable
- Ne~gW
within our own jurisdiction without access
70 any government officer or tribunal for
their protection and the redress OF their
wrongs.