Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-08
EXAMPLES FOR PTTTsBURG.

Two new illustrations of the importance
of internal water navigation have received
attention in the public press during the past
few days. Both are important examples of
what is likely to prove a matter OF the
vastest Importance to Pittsburg and
Western Pennsylvania.
One is an illustration of carrying Goals
to Newcastle" This industrial anomaly
for generations the synonym of commercial
foolishness-is likely to prove in the future
legitimate and profitable enterprise.
Partly on account of the exhaustion of
English coal mines, but more Immediately
as result of the construction of adequate
canals, the German coal mines will be en-
abled to lay down coal in Newcastle more
cheaply than English coal can be put there.
The Rhine-Ems Canal will give outlet to
the Westphalian coal, and the widening of
the Oder-Spree Canal will do the same for the
Silesian coal This il what Germany is doing
to aid its industries in the line of affording
cheap transportation. Yet. in proportion to
the magnitude Of the industries affected and
the scope of market reached, the sum re-
quired to give Western Pennsylyania the
command of the lake and northwestern
markets for her coal, coke, iron and steel,
and the illimitabIe seaboard market through
the Erie Canal. is small in proportion to the
German expenditures.
Another example nearer home is furnished
by the recent announcement that the first
steamer loaded with produce and manu-
factures passed through the Muscle Shoals
Canal from Chattanooga to the Ohio river.
By the construction of that canal continu-
GUS water navigation is established along
the Tennessee river from its mouth to Knox
vile. The Southern iron region-rapidly
rising to the position of a competitor with
Western Pennsylvania-is given a water
route that offers cheap transportation all
over the Mississippi basin. The Warrior
coal field, if we mistake not, may thus be
brought into sharp competition with Pitts
burg coal for the trade of the South and
West. In short, the construction of
twenty-five mile canal has raised the Ten
nessee, Alabama and Georgia fields to q
commanding position which compels the at
tention of the older industries of Western |
and Eastern Ohio.
We do not think Pittsburg and Western |
Pennsylvania have any criticisms to offer on |
the work of the Government in constructing |
that canal, any more than in providing free |
on the Kanawha. 1t is a
great work, and its value will be amply |
proved by the growth of the region which
it serves under the stimulus of cheap trans
portatior. But as bearing on the interests
Of this section it has two vital aspects.
First. the Government has provided i'm
proved and free waterways for two compet-
ing districts; and in comparison with the
magnitude of the interests it would not be
ioing relatively more for Western Penn
'ylvania, by freeing the Monongahela river
from tolls and materially aiding the con-
nection of the Ohio river with the lakes by
q ship canal. Next, Western Pennsylvania
should understand that with these ad-
vantages secured to rising and rival dis
.ricts. it behoove: our section to use every
Effort to secure equally favorabla transporta.
lion.
With the Pittsburg and Lake Erie Canal
Western Pennsylvania can meet all rivals
IN equal terms. Without it we must ex-
oect to find our business circumscribed by
powerful competition on either side. and
,ur growth restricted by the more fortunate
situation of the rival sections.