The herald., 1894-11-14
NICARAGUA CANAL OUTLOOK.

There is a good prospect that the Mic
aragus canal project will receive careful
consideration at the hands OF congress
during the short session that is about to
convene, and friends of the enterprise
are hopeful that favorable action may be
secured.
During the last five or six sessions of
congress the tariff issue has had the
right of way, excluding through the
length and vigor of its discussion almost
every other public question. There is a
fair prospect that it will be laid on the
shelf during the remainder OF Mr.. Ceve-
lands term. The brevity of the coming
session and the unstable character OF the
Democratic majority in the senate
makes it practically impossible to put
through any further reform legislation,
and with the senate Republican by
narrow majority, it will not be possible
to pass an oldfashioned Mckinley
cincher over the Presidents veto. The
currency question, which is the only
other matter that has recently shared
place with the tariff, is not likely to be-
taken up in earnest during this session.
too plainly to make it worth while to
attempt any radical moves in that direc-
tion. This leaves the coast clear for
other public questions, and foremost
among these the Nicaragua canal must
certainly find place.
The position OF President Cleveland
on this question has been clearly de-
fined, and q measure that guarantees
the construction OF the canal by genuine
business methods. to be finally under
the control OF the government, will
meet with no opposition from the ad-
ministration. The Democratic party is
on record as fsvoring the great improve
ment, and it would certainly rebound to
the credit of the party in power. if the
work should begin during their as
cen 1ency.
Under these circumstances, there is
very reason to hope that the Nicaragua
canal question will come up early in the
next session, and be given thorough
and an effective consideration. Mr..
Cleveland may be expected to make
some mention OF it in his message,
which he has done ON former occasions,
and measure designed to promote the
undertaking in the quickest and best
shape will be offered coon after.
Thus far the Nicaragua canal has
found its most active and enthusiastic
support among the people OF the Pacific
and Gulf states. In the east few cap
itslists and manufacturers have shown
an interest in the undertaking, but it
has not received the warm support from
the people in general to which it is en-
titled, and which it undoubtedly would
receive if its possibilities for good
were better understood. In the mid.
die west, although the enterprise has
been commended by manv political
conventions and trans mississippi con-
gresses, it does not seem to be regarded
by the public generally as matter in
which they are called upon to interest
themselves. The chief need which the
project has to secure its success is
more extended education of the psople
to its merits. and the bearing OF the
construction of this grand highway on
the prosperity OF every citizen OF the
republic. Probably no single undertake
ing could be conceived which would
contain greater prospect of advantage
to larger number OF people than this;
and yet in many sections OF the union
it is spoken Of as q project in which
only the Pacific coast is supposed to be
interested. If the canal can be brought
before this session of congress in such a
shape as to secure general public dis
cussion of its advantages to all sections
of the country, great step in advance
would be made even if no favorable ac-
ton ehould be taken. A plan 40 vast,
involving euch radical changes in the
commercial conditions of the country,
is not likely to be understood at once,
and if it ia to be undertaken with ma
tional aid, it's advantages and drawbacks
must be thoroughly comprehended by
the general public before final action
can be secured.
The commercial bodies OF San Fran
cisco. believing that blow struck now
will be more effective than ever before,
have called convention to meet in ha (
city November 18th, at which the sub
ject will be treated to vigorous discus
sion, and an expression of public opin-
ion will be obtained. Los Angeles will
be represented at this convention by
Mr.. Geo. II. Stewart of this city. and
perhaps by others. The chamber OF
commerce of this city recently ex-
pressed itHelf in strong resolutions on
this subject. declaring its belief that it
was the imperative duty of congress to
take action. The senators and repre-
sentatives of this state understand that
the people of the coast are unit on
this point, and they may be expected to
do their best to secure early action a t
the coming session of congress.