The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1896-02-04

Mckinley on the RIVER Improvements
The Importance OF the work OF the
improvement Of the Ohio river Is recog-
nized by everybody conversant with the
needs OF the river, and 1t is encourage
ing TO note that leading men in Con-
gress and in all parts OF the country
are ready to lend helping hand In the
direction of securing congressional ac-
ton. 1t has been said that the only
thing in the way Of obtaining an ade-
quate appropriation this year is the de-
pleted state of the treasury and the
lack OF revenue; that Speaker Reed and
others are not in favor. in view Of this
state of affairs, of large appropriations
this year for rivers and harbors.
1t is confidently believed, however,
that the great Importance of the Ohio
river project, and the fact that the
benefits OF the improvements will not
be merely local. will so impress them
selves upon the minds Of the statesmen
at Washington that some way will be
found to set on foot a work which
means so much to the commercial in
terests OF the Ohio Valley and to the in
dustrial interests of the country in gem
eral. Nothing will be left undone to-
bring to the attention Of Congress the
Importance OF Immediate action.
Ex-Governor Mckinley has written a
letter to the Cincinnati Tribune which
shows how that gentleman appreciates
the undertaking. and which We COM
mend to the attention OF Congress. The
following extracts will serve to show
the tone OF the letter:
! have read with interest the proceed
ings Of the Ohio Valley Improvement Con-
Vention. held at Cincinnati. and ind the
ENORMOUS tonnage OF the Ohio Valley. as
Restive and interesting. to-wit: That the
commercial tonnage handled by the Ohio
river and Its tributaries, In 1880, was
greater than the tonnage handled during
the same year BY the upper and lower
Mississippi, the Missouri and their tribu-
taries combined"
Colonel Stlckney's statement Is most
valuable. and hope that what he sug-
gestS or something equally us good. may
be authorized by Congress, | appreciate
the deslrability OF alording the people
every facility that will enable them by
Increased use OF our waterways TO find
market for their products.
II favor the development Of our natural
highways OF commerce. and hope to sec
the Ohio river improved to the extent
which its Importance demands. Sincerely
yours, W. MRlSLEY.
In commenting on this expression OF
a man who lends the weight of his
powerful influence to the proposition
which will be presented to Congress-.
the Tribune says that the entire indus
trial world of the Ohio Valley is now
united in demand that the Ohio river
shall, at last receive the Justice which
has been denied It in the past. William
Mckinley adds his voice to that de-
mand and in him the men and tho or
CARNATIONS who are fighting for the
cause OF an increased prosperity and
IN unfettered Interstate commerce
have a powerful ally.
1t may be necessary TO curtall appro-
prlations somewhat this year on nc.
count OF the financial condition OF the
government, but we can scarcely be-
lieve that in the curtailment the i'm
portance OF work which means 30
much to the commercial world will be
ignored. 1t is good enough thing to
be pushed along at any cost. And It
win be pushed.