The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-03-25

DoN ~ son Of this repoblic ever stop
. think hat this country rseches fron
ocoan . octsn. from Atlantic 70 Paci6c,
| and thnk. except C&n,dn. which win Be .
| part Of the Union. perhaps. one day. hi,
country i The only one in civilization
that does thus stretch from ocean 10
ooeanf William H. Seward, who becomes
greater man ~ his various prophecies
one after another come true, predicted
that the Pacific ocean win be the scene
Of mans greatest achievements IN the
| future.
William l. Merry. writing in The
Forum, declares that II the American
government and people act the part Of
wisdom these great achievements will
mainly be accomplished on our own Pa
cific coast, and thus the United States
win gain the supremacy Of the world.
First Of all be mentions the climate. Of
the Pacific coast. which tourist writes
in private letter would be tolerable II
the inhabitants Of the Californian coast
did not fling it into the travellers teeth
morning. noon and night. r. the tourist
could have = little rest on the subject
he would think more Of this glorious
| climate.
Mr.. Merry points ont the factors which
are to make the Pacific states leaders in
the grand march of civilization. The
California redwood, the white cedar Of
Oregon, the sugar pine and the Oregon
pine ara some of the varieties Of wood
already renowned that go to make the
Pacific coast lumber region the finest
timber district on the globe. The Pacific
coast fisheries are practically inexhaus-
tible. the soil is fertile except in the
mountains; but these, not to be left be-
hind, make up for absence Of fertility by
being incidentally rich in minerals. The
capacity of the ground for agricultural
production can only be measured when
irrigation is fully developed.
California il becoming the Italy Of
America. Instead Of going to old Italy.
with rs ruins, taxes and swarms Of deas
and baggars, the American tourist should
take trip to California, see the sunset
through the Golden Gate, and then real.
ize for the first time that his country
spans the continent. But in the judg-
ment Of Mr.. Merry and the people
Of the Pacific coast, one grievous
lack mars the shining prospects Of
tho Pacific coast. That is the fact
that the Nicaragua canal is not yet
built. That canal, which would allow
wheat to be shipped in bulk directly
through TO Europe, would save 5000
900 to $1,000, 900 in freight, insurance
and interest. With that canal open the
fruits Of California could 20 from San
Francisco to Europe in refrigerator
steamers in twenty-five days. The Pa
cific side of Central America would
profit almost equally with our Pacific
coast. A maritime commercial sn-
premacy which dazzles the understand
ing 10 contemplate would result to the.
United States.
For this magnificent development Mr..
Merry pronounces three conditions nee
essary:
Ffrst-A rigid exclusion Of Monaghan emil
grafton.
Secnd-The encouragement Of desirable
Cancaa1an emigration, as far as practicable Of
orr own people. from the states east Of the
Rocky mountains.
Third-The construction Of the Nicaragua
canal = - early date ~ possible, 70 give W.
3 chap and short transportation route under
our cnnlEol, which shall supplement the work
Of thu psesnnt and future railway systems 70
reach tho Pacific
A raDid development Of wealth, industry
and population, without the canal. Is an inn
possibility. Until that Is completed we must
be content with such comparatively slow
growth as expensive transportation necessi-
tates. In the councils OF the nation we have
little voica, becanse we have few votes. Our
interests have too frequently failed to receive
from congre8 the consideration that they de-
servo. But with the opening Of the Nicaragua
canal tho Pacific win become the theater Of
our future achievements. and the American
fsg shall q atlDat once more: for it has surely
boen m erroneous policy that has permitted
tina decadence OF our ocean carrying trade
Wrising In view Of the Golden Gate, / can al
raAd4 sea the truth Of Mr.. SeWArd's prediction.
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