The age-herald., 1902-01-20
Washington Letter
w. T. MA INNING.

Washington, January 17.-When the of the Senate it will, say those opposed to 1t, be in such form that It's friends will not be able to recognize 1t. Certain great railroad interests are bitter in their hos tility to the measure, whether the route be by way of Nicaragua or Panama and they remain to be heard from. Their fight will be made in the Senate and the strug- gle will be a fierce one. The fact is an anti-canal lobby is on the ground in force with full power to act in the interest of it's employers and backed by millions. Both parties in their national platforms are committed to the project but that makes no difference. Millionaire railroad presidents and capitalists care nothing about such things and find way of brushing them aside when 1t suits their purposes to do so Delay in the construc- ton of the work is the policy of these gentlemen and it will be interesting to watch the legislative tactics which they will employ in carrying 1t out.
 It is now certain that some measure of Cuban reciprocity will be passed, not be-
 
 bans, but for the reason that large Amer ican interests both within the island and without 1t demand such action. If the present tariff schedules against the chief products of Cuba are maintained her prosperity will be destroyed and millions of American money invested there both before and since the war will be lost. It is only just to say that there are many men, Senators and Representatives, who -..I the island on far higher grounds. They hold that Cuba is our ward. our adopted daughter, so to say, and that we are re- sponsible to the world not only for her freedom but her prosperity. This was the view the late President took, and his policy will prevail despite the selfish in terests that would defeat it. President Roosevelt and Secretary of War Root are putting themselves good deal in evidence on the question. Their spokes- men say that they will not accept any thing but reciprocal traiff arrange ment." said a prominent Republican Sem ator, few days ago, that it is their province to dictate to the legislative de- partment of the government what 1t shall or shall not do. They forget that their only function in the machine Is to do what Congress tells them to do."
 The last war came to an end nearly three years ago. When the people were asked to accept the increased taxation, that is raise the money and put their hands deep down into their pockets to carry 1t on, they did 1t. They willingly made the sacrifice to protect their gov ernment and in a conflict with foreign power bring it out ahead. Now that 1t is ali over, what? The taxes imposed for war purposes are continued for so-called peace purposes. That Is not wise states manship. Thoughtful men, earnest Re- publicans, who have fought for the party, believe that a policy of this kind spells ruin.
 
 Those interested in the great industry of shipbuilding are amazed at the action which the Insular Bureau of the War De- partment, upon the recommendation of Governor Taft of the Philippines is re- ported to have taken in making con tract with Furman & Boyd, an English firm at Shanghai, China, for the con struction ofsten out of total of twen- ty-one vessels for use in the archipelago These vessels will be 150 feet in length by 30 beam, 10 foot draught and nine knots speed hull, machinery and equip ment costing about $50,000 per vessel, to be built in China of English material