New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-28
FOR THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
WARNER MILLER BEFORE THE HOUSE
COMMITTEE on COMMERCE..
HE cRrrrcrsEs TIE REPORT OF THE ENGINEER
COMMISSION AND SAYS THE COMPANY WILL
GO AHEAD. WHETHER THE GOVERN
NEXT ASsrMEs CONTROL OR NOT.

GO AHEAD. WHETHER THE GOVERN
NEXT ASSUMES CONTROL OR NOT
Washington March 2.-Ex Senator Warner Miller.
Of New-York. appeared before the House Committee
on Commerce this morning and gave history OF
the Nicaragua Canal Company from It's inception 10
the present time lie said that his appearance was
not for the purpose OF advocating any Nicaragua
Canal bill The company had asked Congress
to do anything in this matter. and never would 50
long as he at It's head. The company was in
corporated under the laws Of Colorado. with cap-
tai of 100000 The Surveys were begun In 1884,
and while the work was proceeding II was though;
advisable to get a charter from Congress for their
own protection. and this granted early In 1857
In 1890 he asked 10 take the presidency OF the
Construction Company In 1893 they had raisei
s.. 10000 by issuing securities OF the company ana
had also purchased machinery. etc. in tho same
way Their total expenditures thus far have been
100000 lie showed that In one case at least
work had been performed for less than the esti-
mates This conspicuously true OF eleven and
a half miles OF railway. which II was necessary TO
construct and which 1t was thought would cost
900 "A mile but IL only cost $1,000 mile. The
Maritime Canal Company. he said. holds its
cessions from Nicaragua. ard is In good standing In
the Republic After travelling extensively in Europe
AMI the United States In endcavor to educate
the people TO the necessity OF the enterprise. he
found that capitalists believed the canal ought 10
lie a Government affair. and that the Government
would sooner later take possession OF 1t. thus
leaving profit for private investors lie related
these experiences TO the Senate Committee and sug
gested that the Government guarantee the bonds OF
the company, and for this guarantee take stock TO
the amount Of $50 10000 or 100000 the company
being capitalized at 100000 bill to ths effect
was reported and passed the Senate. The company
now felt that II had grievance against the Gov
eminent because from Its action In the matter II
has become impossible to get money to construct It,
either home abroad.
Mr.. Miller next paid his respects to the Government
Commission which went to Nicaragua last summer
inspect the route OF the canal He asserted with
out qualification that tho movement 10 appoint the
Commission was made by the enemies Of the enter
prise.
In answer to questions he replied that the condi-
ton OF the cana from Greytown 10 the foothills was
excellent and that the Commissioners themselves
had reported that the banks stand almost perpen-
Ocular and good they were five years ago
He asserted that the Commission had estimated the
as men who had the great wealth OF the Nation
behind them. The company. on the other hand
estimated the cost at It's lowest hgure and with u
view to keeping the expense within the limits pre-
scribed. !.
Mr.. Miller then proceeded to show by map OF
Nicaragua and Costa Rica the extent and character
swer the inquiries propounded by the committee
lie made especial mention OF the Ochea dam ana
but that 1t could readily Withstand any volume OF
water s which nigh, be hrown a " Msr continued
the records show that there has never been serious
flood In Nicaragua. No danger from noous was 70
be expected. Referring to the reports or earth
quales ne said that in the knowledge or man there
had never been a shock in IN. neghborhood or the
canal which would have damaged II.
The Commission criticised the surveys OF the river
and lake but these. he said. were made by omcers
OF the United States Navy and not In the Interest OF
the company.
that commerce sought the shortest ana cheapest
route: Under these conditions he thought the canal
would develop the industries OF the Pacific Coast.
especially In wheat and lumber ana "onia COUPE h
country. He assumed that 100000 tons OF freight
its completion. At q tax Of 81 10 z ton this would