The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-12-26
SHOULD BE PROMPTLY Passed.

That the strip OF land which anites
the Northern and Southern continents
OF the Western hemisphere viii be
crossed by a ship canal very early In
the twentieth century Is moi to be
BE- doubted. The necessities Of COM
merce already demand. and the certain
profits inpel It's early construction.
That the Nicaragua canal, when conn
pleted, ought to be an American water
way. constructed by the United States.
available for the ships of all nations in
time Of peace and in possession of this
government In time OF war, is recog-
nizcd and admitted by every intelligent.
citizen. That the opportunity Is now
presented and the duty of congress
made apparent is equally true
But will the United States govern
ment control the canal? VIII 1t aid in.
or assume charge OF Its construction?
Win 10 embrace the opportunity of ac-
curing the concessions made by the
Nicaraguan government to the company
that has already expended several mill
ions of dollars in this work OF internal
tional Importance? VIII the bill row
before congress. authorizing the use
OF national credit for the enterprise. be
promptly enacted?
VIII this government enter into part
nership with It's eva people to con-
struct and forever own the proposed
highway of commerce between Europe
and the Eastern shores of Asia?
Not IL 1t dawile, and discuss and de-
lay action, will the result 50 earnestly
hoped. SO essential to commerce, so ne
cessary for future independence, be
achieved. II is a well-known fact that
British capital stands ready To reim-
for their outlay, to take the work off
theirs hands. 1t is not to be doubted
that should this be done British capital
would complete the canal. Wherever
British capital is invested in works of
public character. or in fact at all,
whether it be in China. South America
or Nicaragua. Great Britain asserts the
right 10 protect the interests of it's .citi-
zens. This would mean control of the
canal. Ii would bring this nation face
10 face with the alternative. either TO
abandon or enforce the Monroe doc
thine.
IL Is time that the United States gov
eminent awoke Ia the Importance OF
this work, time 10 bestir itself. to cease
boasting about It's .mpregnability 10 at
tack and sure ability TO defend itself:
time to note the aggressiveness of other
powers and prepare To meet any ext
gency which may arise. The value Of
the Nicaragua canal from q military
and political standpoint can hardly be
oserestinaated. 1t makes certain orr
dominion or psotcctorate. ever the
North American continent. II will be
a binding link between the Atlantic and
Pacific. 10 be utilized in necessity as
safe harhnr, tn the lakes along the
route our great warshsps can float.
From there they can emerge to strike
an enemy either ca the Atlantic or Pa
oiiic. or mass In South American waters
With dispatch.
Congress cannot afford to iuggle with
this question OF all those now press
ing for action, with perhaps a single
exception. the currency. the bill 10 build
the Nicaragua canal is most important
and notent with benefit. II is rnea-
sure OF wosla-wide concern. and its pro-
gvess Is eagerly watched by all CONNER
eial nations. Our own commercial fa-
ture largely depends upon II. without
| Il. our resources and prestige will ba
restricted and the two great coast lines
II orr nation remain. as now. widely
| apart. It's construction would render
| communication between she east and
west coasts az Dur continent safe. pro-
fitaele and capable OF an indefinite ex-
| ISansIon.
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