The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-01-15
The Great Pacific states.

The Great Pacific States.
Does the son of this republic ever stop
to think that this country reaches from
ocean to ocean, from Atlantic to Pacific,
and that, except Canada, which win be a
part of the Union, perhaps, one day. his
country is the only one in civilization
that does thus stretch from ocean to
ocean? William 81. Seward, who becomes
a greater man as his various prophecies
one after another come true, predicted
that the Pacific ocean will be the scene
of mans greatest achievements in the
future.
William L. Merry, writing in The
Forum, declares that il the American
government and people act the part OF
wisdom these great achievements will
mainly be accomplished ON our own Pa
ciic coast, and thus the United States
win gain the supremacy Of the world.
First of all he mentions the climate" OF
the Pacific coast, which tourist writes
In private letter would be tolerable il
the inhabitants OF the Californian coast
did not fling it into the travellers teeth
morning. noon and night. II the tourist
could have q little rest on the subject
he would think more Of this glorious
climate.
Mr.. Merry points out 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 are 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 intellectually rich in minerals. The
capacity of the ground for agricultural
production can only be measured when
irrigation is fully developed.
California is becoming the Italy of
America. Instead of going to old Italy,
with its ruins, taxes and swarms of heas
and beggars. the American tourist should
take a 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 iudg-
ment of Mr.. Merry and the people
of the Pacific coast, one grievous
lack mars the shining prospects Of
the Pacific coast. That is the fact
that the Nicaragua canal is not yet
built That canal, which would allow
wheat to he shipped in bulk directly
through to Europe, would save s. ,000,-
600 to 100000 in freight, insurance
and interest. With that canal open the
fruits of California could go from San
Francisco to Europe in refrigerator
steamers in twenty-five days. The Pa
cifc side of Central America would
profit almost equally with our Pacific
coast A maritime commercial SUI
premacy which dazzles the understand
ing to contemplate would result to the
United States.
For this magnificent development Mr..
Merry pronounces three conditions nee
essary:
First-A rigid exclusion of Monaghan emil
grafton.
Second-The encouragement Of desirable
Caucasian emigration, as far as practicable of
our own people, from the states east Of the
Rocky mountains. =
Third-The construction of the Nicaragua
canal at as early date as possible, to give US
. cheap and short transportation route under
our control, which shah supplement- the work
Of the present and future railway systems to
reach the Pacific.
A rapid development Of wealth, industry
and population, without the canal, Is an i'm
possibility. Until that Is completed we must
he content with such comparatively slow
growth as expensive transportation necessi-
! tates- In the councils Of the nation we have
little voice, because we have few votes Our
interests have too frequently failed to receive
from congress the consideration that they de
serve. But with the opening Of the Nicaragua
canal the Pacific will become the theater OF
our future achievements, and the American
flag shall go afoat once mores for II has surely
been an erroneous policy that has permitted
tina decadence OF our ocean carrying trade.
Wiring In view OF the Golden Gate,,I can al
reA.AA Sc the truth OF Mr.. Stewards prediction