Gilpin observer., 1901-03-21
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From Our Regular Correspondent
Washington, D. C., March IS, 100,


seemingly in the interest of delay in the
construction OF an American Isthmian
canal, it is in reality most likely to prove
n most potent factor in hastening legis
lation for the construction of that canal.
The only thing that prevented action at
the late session of congress was the feel
ing of senators that it was the only
proper courtesy to give the government
of Great Britain time to consider and ex
press it's opinion on American sentiment
as expressed in the senate amendments
to the Hay Paunceforte treaty. This it
has done by rejecting the treaty. The
most influential senators, regardless of
party, believe that action has removed
Great Britain as a factor in the con-
struction of the canal, and whatever act
ion the administration may take during
the congressional recess toward future
attempt to negotiate a treaty that will
supplant the Clayton Bulwer treaty,
the next session of congress will declair
the latter treaty abrogated and author
ize the construction of the canal; and
that it will be over the Nicaragua route.
notwithstanding sensational stories CT
schemes being supported by prominent
politicians to have this government &C.
quire the uncompleted Panama canal
finish 1t. There are unquestionably
powerful influences behind this Panama
scheme. but it is Thoroughly saturated
with fraud and scandal to ever receive
the support Of congress.
The government fags at Washington
have seldom been half mested for the
death Of statesman who was more
thoroughly and uncomprisingly Amer
ican in his make up than the late Hon.
Benjamin Harrison, Mr.. Harrison
lacked the qualities which gave such
men as Clay, Blaine, and in our own day
Bryan, great personal popularity, but
no president Of the United States ever
had higher intellectual attainments, and
very few as high and no president ever
left cleaner personal record. His in
tregrity and his patriotism we're never
impeached even in the midst of the most
bitter partisan campaign. The usual
proclamation announcing the death Of
an ex-president was issued by the pres.
ident. The last of the kind was issued
by MIR. Harrison, announcing the death
of ex- President Hayes.
More patents are taken out by Amer
leans than by the citizens OF any other
country, and more patents are obtained
by c. A. Snow Il Co., the Washington
patent lawers, than by any other firm
in the world. They have obtained more
than 22,0O0 patents for their clients.
In lecture before the National Geo
graphic Society, on the The Growth Of
ASIA" Hon. John Barrett, ex-U. S. Min
lister to Siam, said regarding American
interest in the Chinese province Of Man
churia, now under the control is only
temporary claim that Is doubted
| by the other powers but apparently
believed by the U. S. government; The
future of Manchuria directly concerns
the U. s.. and we have more at stake
/ than any other nation. American i'm
ports into Manchuria have more than
| tripled since 1893, and are still growing.
] 1t is the Manchurian demand that has
caused the wonderful increase to $40,
100000 in the annual value of our manu-
factured Gotten goods sold in China.
The demand for flour, oil and manu-
factured iron, steel bids fair to increase
ia proportion il the door Of trade is not
closed against us" The administration
/ is now seeking guarantee from Russia
| that our trade rights IN AanChulia shall
be respected while the province remains
uader its control.
Secretary Root is nearly worried to
death by the friends of the more than
| 1000 applicants for The 100 second lieu
tcnautes in the reorgauized regular
army, and il he had his way would glad
~ accept the suggestion Of Gen. Corbn.
that all these appointments be distribu'
r. among the most mcriturious men now
serving in the ranks in the Philippines,
merit To be decided solely by the official
records. But of course. he knows that
the thing cannot be done in that way,
owing tu the power Of the politicians.
It does seem shame that u member Of
the cabinet cannot transact his official
business without having to lcck him
self up in his office, as Secretary Root
has been compelled to do, 10 keep on,
the lorie of Office seekers.
II congressional sentiment is the same
after the next session meets that II IL
now. the st. Louis exposition will be IN
danger Of losing the s5,O0O,o0O approp
rated by the last congress, il the pres
ent intention fasking congress to author-
zc the postponement of the exposition