The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-12-13
Let tho Facts Speak.

LOT Ino RACKS speak.
The action OF the navy department In
causing an inquiry to be made into the
ability of the Moran Brothers shipyard at
Seattle to construct battleship or a
cruiser Is distinctly encouraging. The de-
partment already has evidence before It
that is unofficialiy decisive. II has the
testimony Of representatives Of this state,
Of some Of its prominent citizens in WASH
ington, Of the Seattle city council and the
Seattle Chamber of Commerce. All of
these have vouched amply and volun-
tarily for the ability OF the concern TO
carry through its undertaking and for its
entire responsibility. The present inquiry
is more technical one. to be conducted
by expert navy officers We have no
doubt what its report will be. and should
be glad to have the awarding OF con-
tract conditioned upon it.
For several years past the state OF
Washington. the port OF Puget Sound and
the city of Seattle have been occupied
principally with getting facts to the
knowledge OF the Eastern public. That
lie all that is necessary. Given informa-
ton, all that we desire follows naturally
and inevitably. For the natural advan-
tages are with us. the skill and enterprise
and public spirit of the people are ad-
mirable. the foundation IL laid for great
works here and the only need Is that those
In authority should see or learn for them
selves. Seattle. specifically. has never ask
ed anything, never proposed anything OF
the nature Of a public Improvement that
did not prove Its own conclusive recon-
mendation II II could succeed in having
an examination OF its claims. Our only
drawbacks have been our distance from
the financial and political centers of the
East. and the consequent and not at all
surprising vagueness of information con.
corning this city and this Coast
The Lake Washington canal stands on
this basis. No government engineer ever
looked over the ground and made an rn-
favorable report upon It. We believe that
II the heads of departments and the men,
bers of congress could inspect the project
personally. the canal wos>a be completed
as fast as men and money could finish e.
The naval station at Bremerton Is an
other instance For years this has strug-
gled along. while naval repair work was
done at points far less favorable. It's I'M
| surpassed facilities were first impressed
upon the official mind by the fact that
work which must be done upon this Coast
had 20 come to Port orchard to find ac-
| commodations. Thence resulted investi-
| cations by those high In authority. and
| the enthusiastic reports which they sent
In have probably ensured the crea ton OF
a great navy yard at Bremerton In tho
not distant future, II was the same with
the directing here OF portion OF the
transport business. From the moment
when this was authorized II careful ex-
animation OF the fac, should warrant II,
Il was secure. So we needed only TO have
tho ground looked over to have an ade-
auate measure made for o new public
building. From first 10 last all that this
city and country wish In TO get the facts
relating to them fairly before the public
Moran Brothers did not so into this
competition without knowing exactly what
they were doing. For years their facill-
Ties have been expanding with their bust
ness. They have made great additions to
their plant and this enterprise upon whlch
view There Is no question in the mind
Of any man who knows the frm and lts
capacity that u can turn out. according
10 It's hld. warshia equal 70 any that
may be baih anywhere else IN the United
States There VIII he no such question In
the mind % any exper, who makes per
sonal inquiry into The facts This section
and this city have won all ,hs, they en-
JOY. by hard work and on their merits
Those are the victories that count, for
they are permanent We hope and believe
that the award Of the navy department
will add another TO the list;
The minority in congress does not know
an opportunity when It sees one In
stead Of opposing the reduction Of taxes
on beer and cigars. It goes the commit
TIE one better by proposing to make the
reduction of revenue s7o.ooa 90 instead OF
| Sc. 900 600 As one Objection 10 the I'M