The Lewiston teller. (Lewiston, Idaho) 1900-1905, 1901-08-01

ne congressional COmmlttee on rivers
and harbors has completed inspection of
the Columbia basin and the members
have gone to their several homes Prior
to their departure from Portland the
Oregonian secured an expression from
several of the influential members. Chair
man Burton said:
II can hardly say that the committee
has arrived at any conclusions on this
visit. We have obtained lot of informa-
ton from original sources, have seen the
country and become conversant with its
needs and capabilities, and with the
conditions of its waterways, but this
would hardly justify us in making up our
minds definitely as to what our official
action will be when the demands of the
whole country shall be before us. We
must first determine what money can be
devoted to river and harbor improve
ments. 1t shall be $40 200, 900 direct and
$50, 900 900 ON future contracts that will
be one thing. 1t shall be SIS 5000 900 di-
rect and $25 900 for future contracts,
that will be another thing. And if we
con clude that our limit shall be $25 ,ooo,-
600 and $3s 900. respectively, that
will be still different. The total sum
available must be kept in mind when we
are fixing the appropriations for any one
place. This does not mean, however, that
every project will get one-fifth Of the sum
recommended by the engineers. Some
may get all some we ay not be able to
give anything. We have to consider all
the conditions of each particular case, as
we'll as its relation to the whole. Many
projects like those of the Columbia River
are of unquestioned merit, and are sure
to receive generous consideration.
"Our committee completes this first
visit to the Pacific Coast with the feeling
that it is as we'll acquainted with this
part Of the Nation aud its needs in the
way of river and harbor improvements
as it is with any other part of the coun-
try, an acquaintance that is source Of
satisfaction and will be Of great useful.
ness In congress-.
eve have seen many of your rivers
and harbors, and we have seen your
magnificent country and many If its re-
sources. The agricultural wealth of the
country speaks for itself at this season
Of the year. The timber is also plain to
be seen. am convinced that the min
eral output, already quite large. will oe
greatly increased Is the mines shall be
developed and adequate transportation
facilities shall be supplied. l rather ex-
pect to see this region . leader in the
worlds production Of gold and copper.
"The awakening world of trade beyond
the Pacific draws unusual interest to this
Coast. I am free to express my interest
in the development of trans. Pacific COM
merce. think the Nation should give
every proper encouragement 10 this field.
The outlook as see it. is bright tor our
trade with Japan, but there is still much
uncertainty about China. regard the
situation and opportunities Of our Pacific
Coast as very promisi, g. The demands
of Oriental >commerce will have the con-
siderations of our committee in connec-
ton with navigation improvements asked
for"
Representative Walter Reeves, Of I'LL
nois, who ranks next to Chairman Burton
on the committee, said:
"Our tour Of inspection has been an ex-