Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-11-19
THE CORVALLIS GAZETTE.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1901.
WILL CONGRESS FAIL?

congress should fail to authorize
the construction of an isthmian
ranal. The people understand
the commercial necessity of it
and know that every section of
the country would be benefited
by its construction.
The nation i; at peace. Our
prosperity and rapid development
are unparalleled. The government
is fiji ,ncially able to undertake
and successfully complete the
work. The people see this and
are more earn stlv insiSient than
ever before that the work shall
be undertaken at once. The re-
publican party has time and
time again gone on record as fav-
oring the measure, and has prom
ised the people that it would
push the project to completion.
The party controls the govern
1nent and the people demand that
the promise shall be kept. 1t
seems certain that the measure has
stronger support in congress thau
ever heretofore; it is equally GER
tain that opposition to the meas.
ure was never more earnest and
determined.
1t is well known that the op-
position is principally by the
great trans-continental railroad
companies. 1t is altogether
probable that many members of
congress do not fully realize the
character of this opposition and
the far reaching, subtitle means it
employs in its work of obstruc-
ton.
With a congress pledged to
build the canal it is not possible
to defeat it by lobbying and brib-
cry, nor by presenting choice of
two routes and so dividing the
counsels of its friends. 1t is pop
ularly believed these means have
been employed and they may be
again, but other means will be,
must be used. These are meas
ures Of obstruction interposed
outside of congress. and quite be-
yond congressional power to re-
move. Are they not apparent
IN treaty conditions, in concess-
ions withdrawn or so modified as
to be practically unacceptable?
Is it not possible that officials of
Nicaragua and COST Rica are
holders Of trans continental rail-
road stocks? It is not easy to
believe that J. P. Morgan, James
J. Hlll and their associates who
control the great railroads of the
country have neglected this
means of obstruction.
Although the people demand
that the canal be constructed; al.
though the two great political
parties have pledged themselves
to build it; although congress and
and the president be unanimous
1y in favor of the project, it may
be seen how easily the whole en-
terprise may be blocked by p1ac-
ing few shares of transcontinen-
tai stock "where they will do
the most good" Thousands of
nen believe this has been done,
and it certainly is rational sur
mise. 1t would be interesting to
hear just what efforts have been
put forth in this direction, but it
IS one of the things past finding
cut. Its purpose may be defeat
ed however. No long g-drawn-out
congressional inves tigation
IS necessary. There is a
surer method, better source of
action is open. Let congress
promptly take measures to pass
these railroads under the owner
ship and control of the govern.
ment. This would break their
grasp and free legislation from
the paralysis of its influence.
It may become necessary to do
this. The menace of it may be
sufficient, but if it do become
necessary will it be done? Have
republican leaders in congress the
requisite moral courage?
If they nave not they will be
thrust aside. Will the party
rise to the occasion? If it prove
1ecalcitrant to its duty it will be
hurled from power and another
party be chosen to do the work.
1t is unthinkable that a few sell
fish, avaricious and designing
men shall be allowed to frustrate
the will and prevent the purpose
of eighty millions of people.
The American people are in
earnest in this matter. They
have way of displaying their
courage, of achieving their pur-
1,oce what ever diMc,,1+iae