The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-08-06
The Leader of the Nations.

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The Leader of the Nations.
The remarks at Chicago made by
Senator Morgan at the banquet given
to the Hawaiian commissioners cpl
tomize the general policy Of the United
states. That the annexation of Hawaii
viii, lead to the construction of the
Nicaragua canal is a necessary and
unavoidable corollary. Important
commercially and indispensable poll
tically as the absorption of these
islands were seen to be since the con-
tinental eXpanse on the Pacific slope
was brought under industrial and civic
subjugation, the construction of the
Nicaragua canal is no less indispens-
able If we are to make the most OF
what we already possess in the inter-
ests of the people of this country.
While we were stretching out those
vast iron tentacles which radiate from
the Atlantic across the Mississippi val
ley, over the Rocky Mountains, through
prairies and savannahs, to the Golden
Gate and the Pacific ocean, the Mica
ragua canal was neglected but not for
gotten. 1t was too much even for the
wealth and enterprise of this country
to carry on the two undertakings at
the same time. Allowing that 1t had
been possible to do so, the need of an
Isthmian canal was not pressing, and
to large number Of people, it seemed
If not impracticabe at all events pre-
mature when so much of the wealth of
the East was being absorbed In the de-
velopment of the West. Again, the in
superable difficulties which so unex-
pectedly arose in the construction of
the Panama canal and before which
even De Lesseps went under, almost
bringing the French republic into col
lapse, deferred the most optimistic
from entertaining ideas of a project
which seemed beyond the scope of hu-
man accomplishment. Now, however,
we have awakened to it's imperious ne
cessity, and this means concisely that
it will be built. Nor will it's construc-
ton in the present temper of our re-
lations with Great Britain be likely to
be attended with complications grow
ing out of the Clayton Bulwer treaty,
as would be the case If instead of
Anglo-SaXon harmony and good will
there were the old-time chickering's and
mutual MISUNDERSTANDING.
Another great undertaking which
Senator Morgan alluded to would be a
ship canal connection between Lake
Michigan, the Mississippi and the Guf
of Mexico. Such connection would
be of the utmost Importance. 1t would
establish that great connecting link
between North and South which can
only be full realized by a water high
way which connects the Great Lakes
and the Father of Waters with the
Gulf stream. Railways cannot supply
its place. The great ship canal in Eng
land that lies between Liverpool and
Manchester, which was opened a few
years ago at a cost of nearly So, 900, 900
was an undertaking more formidable
than that Of the Suez canal. 1t is six
teen miles in length, and ships of he
largest tonnage come direct from Ga
cargoes to the great central cotton
mart of Lancashire. Manchester is
nearly twenty-five miles from the sea,
while the nearest natural waterway in
its vicinity is not deeper and certainly
not more pellucid than the Lackawan-
| ma river. This wonderful work was
undertaken to compete with the rail-
ways, and strange to say, much of the
money sunk in it's construction came
from the earnings of coal miners and
cotton operatives. Americans, when
they think Of Isthmian and Hennepin
canals as difficult of accomplishment
should take courage from the example
of English artisans, who have helped
TO construct out of their earnings the
most wonderful artificial waterway on
the face of the globe.
We confess we have not much hope
in the proposed canal between New
York and Albemarle sound. The cana
would probably prove financial sue
cess, although even that is open tc
| doubt. But New York has made sucl
| wretched use of port and maritime
| facilities which she already possesses
| that giving her more would be like
| supplying a spendthrift with unlimited
| funds. The trade of her port ha.
| fallen off alarmingly within the las
| few years, while that of Philadelphia
| Boston, Baltimore, Newport News
| Galveston and other places has largely
| increased. Her docks quays and water
| side warehouses are a disgrace TO
| great maritime city. Let New York
make some better use of the inestim.
| able maritime facilities she has be
fore the country is asked to contribute
to another Erie canal.
BE this as it may, the quckness with
which American craftsmanship in this
hour of national revival of spirit turn,
as well to consideration of internal i'm.
| provements as to extension of externa
| power bellies the argument that ma
tional expansion will necessitate in
ternal neglect. America, which is t.
be the leader among the nations, will
never forget to lead at home as wei
as abroad.
| Aguinaldo wants TO know our inten
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