The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-12-15
SEATTLE, THURSDAY, DEC. 10.
PUBLIC ACTION NECESSARY.

S PUBLIC ACTION NECESSARY.
& An interview with Senator Morgan,
printed elsewhere In todays Post-Intel-
lisencer. makes the fact apparent that
Nicaraguan canal affairs have reached
serious crisis Within the next few
weeks the construction and ownership
of the canal by the United States is TO
be definitely secured or finally lost Sen
ator Morgan and those who have long
been active in driving the measure
through congress are making the most
vigorous and determined stand possible
50 human effort, but the coalition OF In
ferests arrayed for the defeat Of the
proposition In tremendous and threatens
ultimate defeat. Nothing can now SO
surely carry the issue through as
prompt and unmisiakable expression OF
public opinion.
The commercial utility. the strategic
necessity and the practical feasibility
Of the canal have been established be-
yond peradventure. American people
have discussed these matters for more
than q quarter of century. and I. 10
doubtful IL any public question In the
history Of the country has received such
unanimous popular and official indorse-
ment. 1t has become matter on which
no political division exists. Yet the
public will Ii faced by a powerful con-
ccrtsd opposition.
Senator Morgans report to congress
on Wednesday OF last week disclosed
The comprehensive nature OF this oppo-
sition. 1t Includes every interest that
could possibly profit By the defeat of
the proposition-ths astute and untir-
Company. the business interests of the
Tehuantepec ship railway. the Suex
Canal Company. whose vast tariff rev.
enue from Asiatic commerce will be
seriously affected by the new canal,
and lastly. the great capitalistic COM
bination concerned in the completion OF
the visionary Panama canal
BY subterfuges and political methods
which do not admit of being denomin-
ated truthfuiiy. these consolidated in
kerests have confused and complicated
the situation. have arrayed parties to
the proposition one against another, un-
I'll nothing but popular perception and
popular expression Of absolute demand
for the canal can preserve the scheme
and bring II To success.
The Nicarsguan government has been
induced. by means which Senator Nor
gan has been too courteous to give their
proper name. virtually To cancel the
concession te the Maritime Company.
The syndicate represented by the Chi.
cage engineers. which Senator Morgan
declares Ia be In she direct employ Of
the allied opposition 10 the canal. has
been granted "a concession irrelative AZ
ihe joint rights of Costa Rica tn par
ficirate I'm the concession. Political g.
sues and International considerations
and objections have been propounaeSi
Tor no other apparent purpose than fur
ther 10 confuse tho situation.
Stress has been laid UPON The pro-
visions OF the Clayton Bulwer treaty.
which Great Britain herself long since
signifled her desire 90 have repealed
And now alarm Is raised lest the pro-
fosai % inaorSe the bonds ~ the Mari.
time Canal Company head 70 a repetition
OF the iamcn:ahls Pacific railroads az.
fairs.
The sivantagc Of such confusion T.
the opposition 70 the canal Is all toe
easily conceived with congrexsianai
sentiment divided With ;he poweyfal In.
nuence ~ the railroads at work upor
individuals IN the national ierfsia s,,rs
with the cnpiiity ~ the Central Asnrrs.
can states aroused with she slow
processes ot diplomacy taking = hand
In the matter, with possible rivalries
between the Central American states
the completion OK the canal raay eAsliy
be indefinitely postponed
On the other hand. Senator Mo!gan's
position With reference ~ she rentins
BIN as % TIE Maritime carnpany's bends
ss simple The Maritime Company now
holds The canai concession. Il has ex.
MISS wfr.zfxshl. c,p,se.an. IL