The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-03-08
The Grea, Paciilo s,a,na.

does the son OF TINS republic ever stop
70 think that this country reaches from
ocean 10 ocean, from Atlantic to Pacific,
and that. except Canada. which win be
part Of the Union. perhaps, one day. his
country is the only one in civilization
that does thus stretch from ocean 10
ocean, William II. Seward, who becomes
a greater man a. his various prophecies
one after another come true, predicted
that the Pacific ocean viii Be- the scene
Of mans greatest achievements in tho
future.
William 4. Merry, writing in The
Forum, declares that II the American
government and people act the part Of
wisdom these great achievements win
mainly be accomplished on our own PA.
cific 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 II
the inhabitants Of the Californian coast
did not fling it into the travellers teeth
morning. noon and night. II 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 are some 81 the varieties of wood
already renowned that 20 70 make the
Pacific coat lumber region the finest
timber district on the globe. Tho Pacific
coast fisheries are practically inexhaus-
iible. the soil Is fertile except in the
mountains; but these, not TO be left be-
hind, make up for absence Of fertility BY
heing 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 It's ruins, taxes and swarms Of fieas
and beggars. the American tourist should
take q 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 slaining prospects 81
the Pacific coast. That Is the fact
that the Nicaragua canal Il mot yet
built. That canal, which would allow
wheat to be shipped in bulk directly
through to Europe, would save 5000
600 to 100000 in freight, insurance
and interest. With that canal open the
fruits Of California could 70 from San
Francisco to Europe in Refrigeration
steamers in twenty-five days. The Pa
cifc side of Central America would
profit almost equally with orr Pacific
coast. A maritime commercial sn-
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 emf
1 grafton.
i Second-The announcement Of desirable
Caucasian emigration, as far rs practicable Of
our own people, from the states east Of the
/ Rocky mountains.
i Ihird-The, construction of the Nicaragua
canal at as early date A. possible. to give us
i 1cheap and short transportation route under
/ our control, which shall supplement- the work
Of the present and future railway systems Ia
reach the Pacific.
| A rapid development Of wealth, industry
| and population, without the canal, Ii 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 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 Pacihc,wfll become the theater 81
our future achievements, and the American
nag shall go ahoat once more; for 1t has surely
been an erroneous policy that has permitted
tina decadence Of our ocean carrying trade
Wiring In view Of tho Golden Gate, I can a.
reaA see the truth OF Mr.. Sewardis prediction