New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-26
THE OPPOSITION AND METHODS OF A
HOSTILE LOBBY.

An ominous condition of affairs was then de-
veoped in the Hobbies and committee rooms at
the other end of the Capitol. Gentlemen of
France and of Colombia were seen hobnobblng
with Western railway men, and with a promi-
nent Representative from a far Eastern State
a State which has been the mother of ships
and, heretofore, the advocate of sea power
Space forbids. however, dissertation concern
ing the high handed, anu-Administration influ-
ences brought against the canal during the last
Known mat large majority of the House was
In favor of the immediate construction of the
waterway through Nicaragua
1t is difficult for one who has been in the thick
Of the fight since 1872, or who has year after
year witnessed the devotion of Mr.. Hitchcock
and his associates to write with patience CON
corning the events OF the closing DAYS of the
last session or to abstain from invective regard
ing the attitude OF certain Congressional OBJ
structlonists. Slanderous rumors that the COM
pany was using money illegitimately were rife:
newly begotten rivals for the possession of the
Nicaragua route were sacrilegiously quoting the
eIeEenlh hour parable to support their tardy
and dlslnterested solictude: one New York edi-
tor, with his usual antagonism to everything
American, filled columns with abuse of men
whom he had heretofore classed as among those
reputable citizens who should take an active
part in public affairs. The scene of calumny
was then changed to Washington where the
contrary argument cleverIy used in order
TO placate Representatives from the interior; the
Maritime Company being termed a collection of
rich and corrupt tnanciers, endeavOring Ito dig
a channel, not at Nicaragua but into the Treas
ury. The result of the combined opposition
was a measure which, if it only delays the be-
ginning of the canal for another year and
silences forever the claims of Panama. is not
fatal; but it behooVes the people to watch close
~ the hostile tactics which will undoubtedly be
evolved during the present session.
IN CONCLUSION
II this sketch has shown one of the high pur-
poses Of the Navy in enlisting support for the
greatest engineering problem Of the century; If 1t
has demonstrated that the naval service has
induced single minded civilians to battle for a
cause which broadened their commercial sense
into patriotic enthusiasm as the struggle thick
ened, then it viii not have been written in vain.
If, further, these pages shall promote practical
recognition Of loyal duty performed, in behalf
Of marine progress, by men who fully appreci-
ated their cOuntry's future, a most desirable
result Will have been attained.
During the passing centuries from the time
of the Crusades to the Cuban war, 1t has been
abundantly proved that, in the affairs Of ma
tions sentiment and destiny play a higher part
than money and self-interest Therefore, while
many of the results OF the history OF the last
year may still be in doubt, the mental effort,
the practical energy, and the lofty aims eXpend-
ed on the Isthman question must eventually
bring beneficent effects to the United States.
and ultimate victory to those who have fought
a thirty years war for an American canal, I'M
der American control, through Nicaragua.
j. w. MILLER,
Late Lieutenant Commander, L. S. N.
New-York Feb 20 1900