The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-06-18
NAVY IcARAGUA CANAL TRADE Ex-
PANSl0N.

There is no mistaking the fact that
there is growing sentiment in favor Of
territorial acquisition. The Manufactur-
ers' Record recently sent letter to the
leading Southern manufacturers, asking
three questions:
Il. Should the United States build the
Nicaraguan canal?
so. Should we establish a strong navy?
80. Do you believe that after the war
is over we ought to hold and develop
Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippine
Islands, or should we turn them over
to the insurgentsY'
In this weeks issue it publishes a num-
Der of replies. Nearly every one advo-
Gates the building of the Nicaragua ca
nal and the establishment of strong
navy. There is wide difference of opin-
ion as to the proper course to. be pur-
sued when Cuba, Porto Rico and the
Philippines are in our hands Most of
the cotton manufacturers are in favor
of policy that will give the trade Of
these islands to America. We have space
only for two of the answers. Mr.. Frank
o. Moring, secretary and treasurer of
the Caraleigh Mills, Raleigh, writes:
''As to the building Of the Nicaraguan
canal, we will say that the trip of the
Oregon proves conclusiyely that this
canal should have been already com
pleted. We have always thought the
United States alone should build and
control this canal. You ask shall we
establish strong navy. The only an
swer to this question is, yes, and the
strongest IN the world, as we are able
to do it. AS to holding and developing
the islands you name, will say that We
have always thought Cuba especially.
and Porto Rico probably, should be Il
part of the United States. As to the
Philippines, we hardly think it advis
able for them to be owned by the Uni
ted States, as the cost Of fOrtifying and
keeping n sufficient force on the islands
strong enough to protect them would
probably be more than they are worth.
Mr.. ID. A. Tompkins, of Charlotte.
writes:
Il believe that the United States ought
to build the Nicaraguan canal. 1t would
be far more than worth its cost for its
value in defending the nation in case of
war. Its commercial value would also
alone far more than justify the expendi-
lures that have been expressed in the
estimate of the engineers.
Il believe that the government ought
to have a navy second to none in the
world. The United States has been PEE
culiarly deficient since the civil war IN
the maintenance of maritime interests.
| regard it to be not only important to
maintain Il strong navy, but measures
should be enacted that will also build up
a merchant marine.
Assuming that he will conquer Cuba
and the Philippines. / believe we ought
to maintain control of them in such
way as will give the United States prac-
teal control of the trade with them. In
each of these countries we could dispose
of large quantities of cotton goods. The
additional trade would probably give re-
lief to the mills of the United States with
very little delay The islands themselves
would be very much benefited by the
good government that they ought 10 get
under our control. Our young men would
find openings in these new countries, as
the English do in India. They are all
countries that we are told are capable |
Of great development"