The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-12-05

a Losr OPPORTUNITY.

The Nicaragua canal project Is one
arAlzst which. as a work prosnectively
rroasasls AID potentially beneficial TO the
commerce Of this country and the world,
nse!asea o. The United States can properly
protest. "a a private enterprise embarked
IN ex tie citizens Of this country, there are
none who aave not from It's inception en-
eoaTAgcd and applauded both the venture
and its sponsors.
When IL became apparent that the COM
pletion of the undertaking by private
means was I'm possible both on account OF
its magnitude and the financial stress. the
shadows of which were then Impending.
the suggestion that governmental aid be
extended did not at hrst appeal with
conclusive force TO but small minority
Of congress or the public at large.
Education was necessary. The DEMENT'S
to be secured by this second artificial COM
mingling OF the waters Of two great oceans
were not fully nor clearly comprehended.
Detailed explanations we're requisite; facts
and figures were demanded.
These have been supplied eopiously. so-
curaseiy and irrssistiDly conclusive. Upon
the Pacific coast. which, when this great
work shall have been completed. will first
aud probably to greater degree than any
other section of the country feel and APP
propriate its direct benefi t.. there is de-
mand, non-partisan aud practically unan-
imous that. under proper safeguards, the
credit of the nation be promptly and freely
extended to prosecute the work to final
completion.
Irrespective OF party all representatives.
from states west of the Missouri river
favor such action. This 10 also true Of tho
states bordering on the Gulf of Mexico.
aad measurahly so throughout the entire
South. At the East and in the central por-
tion Of the nation, while there has NOT
been so demonstrsuve and pronounced
expression of opinion in favor Of the pro-
isct, neither has there been offered serious
1 objection.
! IL Is safe TO say that very large IRA
l iority of the people, o majority OF abe
\ present congress and certainly a pro-
tneunced majority of the congress Just
ELECTED ara either svowed advocates of or
Aaeitiy favor the extension OF govern
Mental aid TO build this gres; waterway.
lFrlends og the president and Of the
prljeet undoubtedly anticipated that some
reference to it would be made in his an
nual message TO congress. IL Was hoped
by its abiest supporters that some sug-
ressions might be made. and perhaps lines
Indicated Shereon bill might be framed
and passed by the Democratic majority ss
would secure the end sought and also re-
eeiye executive approval
The pahho At large. the people of the
soesh and Of this Coast especially. hope q
for appreciation Of the project by the presi-
dent ia his message. II only IN general
terms. Far-sseing Democrats saw in such
action and the proapt enactment OF a Law
In fartherancs thereof partisan oppor-
tantty, chance for party recupsratiou.
for restoration 81 some degree OF pubic
eonhdence ia the capacity Of the psrty "a
aastmatlwely legisiAss for national benefit
TAvy have been disappointed. In ;hs
wearssouae reeitsls OF voluminous mess
age. the oa,y reference made By the prssi
dent 20 thi. great wcFk II 70 say that ''tAs
Nicarsgaa authorities. having given noties
Of forfeitarc of the concession % the cana
company on grounds parely technical and
nos embraced IN the eeatrsct. have rseeiea
from that position" Not word Of sux
resalon either In favor or antagonists q
The proposition Of governmental aid. own
srship and control.
Ny this omisson. whether tntsn s.anAl 81
oIberwisc. the president has missed
golden opportunity. ore which. however
msy possibly again present itself shoult
this Democratic congress fail % percesv'
ana rrompily selEs upoa The chance &
make a. Affirmative and popular record
Congress has II In its power--she present
eongrsss-,o enact bill Whereby within
SIX meaths work upen tae canal mar b.
actually resumed. Hut N that event
which Is improbable. Cleveland will rsceir,
re credit Claiming 70 Re a leader. he ha,
Ia ls3 81 seize urea spronassinE epporsa
nifty 10 iassity tae title ans recover. q
some extent. ais lest prestige.
The Nicaragua caaA viii Re baut /
viii be constructed BY tAe aid q TIE rs
tonal credit IL new seems hisAly prob.
be, hesever. tAat ike 81 other works Q
national impcrssnos and hsHstt FssPoa
slhslaty gsT as inilssoEy Esys and susie