The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-05-20

tire State
The more thorough the investigation
of all that is involved IN the PROPOSE
ton to utilize the deep water privlleg-
es now available at Galveston. the more
confidence there is that il is founded
on merit and worthy of support.
How many an enterprise has been sub
mitted to the people. for their patron
age. upon a prospectus glowing Win
iurid arguments in support Of its claims
10 public favor-the superficial eviden-
ces apparently convincing-which have
not been able to bear that keensighted,
discriminating, investigation which dis
closes the fallacy of the argument and
reveals the absence of the necessary
elements for the accomplishment of the
ends proposed.
The substantial merits Of the short
haul project, and OF the proposition 10
utilize the deep water now at our serv-
ice, are evidenced in the cordial ap-
prevail and recommendation of those
whose judgment cannot be questioned,
because they speak from the standpoint
Of experience, and nave had every op-
portunity that is afforded through OBJ
servation. A strict and impartial in
vestigation of the subject, as to every
detail, has been made by men acqualn-
ted with all that pertains TO moving
the grain crops, and they are enrhusi-
astic in their approval of the proposed
methods for reducing the cost Of trans
portation.
--i,N
value of a large volume OF tonnage as
an inducement in favor of cheap freight
who, in fact, have demonstrated the
proposition, declare, emphatically that
concentration, affording the means Of
shipment in large blocks of $50 cars,
more or less, has always awaited when
other considerations were Intellectual
to influence a reduction in freight rates.
The small shipper appeals in vain for
a special rate, but every road seeks
business, and confessions are made to
those who control large shipments at
competing points.
Commercial men, who are quick TO
discern all indications of change in the
great field oftheir operations, and appre
bend the import of every new departure,
look beyond the mere grain-hauling fea-
ture involved, and contemplate the
coming advantages which shall yield
profit to the jobber and the tradesman.
The associate short hauls and cheap
freights, with their desires for thriving
trade and financial success. The meT-
chant, who has carried a load Of dis
coura ging experiences for years, is
hopeful and expectant in view OF what
this means to him.
The activities OF his business, and
the profit he derives, are, in great mea-
sure. contingent upon the prosperity
OF the farmer, and although he is una
bic to compute the exact sum which he
shall receive IN the event that the far
mer gets two to five cents per bushel
more for his grain, he mas wit enough
to see that this grain to the farmer will
largely promote the general welfare,
and thus contribute to his success.
And the farmer, 10th 10 sell his crop
at unremuneratfve prices, directs his
thoughts to the consideration of this
important subject. He IS very conserv-
ative, and cautious in the extreme, but,
being intelligent and ser BILE, he reach
es the same conclusions entertained by
other wise people, and says the short
haul and lower freight rates in conse-
quence, are desirable and within easy
reach.
This is the sentiment that is heard
from many during the past week. None
seem to doubt. All appear confident
that the solution OF the problem has
been found, and a shorter route to the
foreign markets is morally certain to
raise the price Of grain.
This unanimity of sentiment in favor
of exporting through Galveston is evil
dence that there is merit in the project;
for all classes of people have studied
and investigated from various stand
points and no one has yet stated an
objection or given a reason against ii.
The ope question is, simply, by what
agencies may this important measure
be actively initiated and progressed to
a happy conSummation.
The necessary means will neither be
self-creative nor self-operative. Some
one must act, and action ought to be
prompt and forceful.
Already the opportunity il provided
for centering individual aid and effort
10 insure good beginning by accumu-
iating Kansas grain at Wichita, and
although the projectors Of this broad
and efficient undertaking have had
much to encourage them, the people
have not responded in proportion to
their interests, nor has any one sug-
gested a better plan or agency for expe-