The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-12

commerce OF all nations when the great
work is completed.
May We not. in equity and good con-
science. defer payment Of part OF the
cost Of construction by an issue OF low IN
terest-bearng bonds from time TO time.
as may be necessary. and then pay the
bonds as they shall mature. in whole or IN
part, from the tribute which Will flow from
the commerce of the world when the canal
is completedf
Il would rather see the canal paid for
out OF the treasury as the work progresses
and without Issuing a solitary bond there
for. but there are many urgent ana
proper drafts upon the treasury that fear
II could not be done without imposing an
undue burden upon IL. Our expanding
commerce demands larger appropriations
for the Improvement and protection OF
rivers and harbors; our navy makes IN
creasingly large drafts upon the revenues;
the pension roll must be faithfully and
punctually discharged-there can be no de-
fault In the payment Of this sacred obn-
cation OF the country; the extension OF the
rural free delivery service Is no longer an
experimental has become obvious and
urgent necessity: the erection OF public
buildings is demanded in the prompt and
proper discharge Of the public business.
and is necessary 10 avoid large expendl-
lures in the way Of rent for inadequate
service
These and many other demands are
pressing upon the current revenues OF the
government. and Will continue TO do so dur
ing the progress OF the construction OF the
canal and thereafter So that IL Is the part
of conservatism that we should make am
pie provision for the prosecution OF the
great isthmian enterprise. which Is 20 bene-
Mt the future as well as ourselves without
forcing the government TO the alternative
Of increasing the tax rate or Of abridging
the work TO which 1 have alluded.
Il do not believe i'm a policy Of putting
undue burdens upon posterity, but believe
that may fairly provide that a just
and equitable portion OF the cost OF the
present work shall be paid in the futura
Provision may be made now for an ade-
quate issue of bonds to prosecute this great
national undertaking, or we may PROVIDE
therefor in the future by appropriate legis-
lation.
There are considerations. as the COM
mission says. more important than rev.
enue. II may be deemed wise. in the ex-
ercise of a broad policy, TO reduce the tolls
so that they Will cover merely the cost OF
operation and maintenance. IL this should
be done the redemption of the bonds would
be provided for from the general treasury
as readily as payments could be made from
that source during the progress OF construc-
ton.
1--WE are not obliged determine the
wisdom or policy of the construction of an
interoceanic canal. That has been de-
termined by the people, and we are left to
execute their wishes.
The canal. IT is believed. will have
vital. beneficial effect upon the commerce
of the United States. All sections OF the
country will share. in greater or less de-
gree. In the benefits arising from the COM
pletion OF This great highway. The
Isthmian Canal Commission has pointed
out the advantages TO accrue TO our COM
merce so fully and pontedly that beg TO
direct the attention of the Senate thereto
The senator here quoted from the Canal
Commissions report, and concluded as fol-
lows:
The honora BILE senator from Kansas
(Nr. Harris) in the course OF his very in
teresting and able speech expressed his
unwillingness to question the motives of
those who did not favor the Nicaraguan
route. To those who know the honorable
senator this statement was wholly unnec-
sary, for no one would impute 10 him the
impeachment OF the motives of those who
might differ with him upon any question
before the Senate.
1T is unnecessary. 1t seems to me- that
the question OF personal motive should be
raised, for there certainly is difference
whatever among US with respect 10 the ulu-
mate object to be attained. The sugges-
ton is made that those who oppose the con-
struction of isthmian canal are In favor
of the Panama route. believing that It's
consideration will operate at least 10 furth-
er delay the enterprise.
Mr. President, there may be those who
oppose any canal and who favor the Pan
anna route for the reason Indicated. but
that suggestion certainly does not apply TO
| those upon this floor who appear In advo-
( cacy of the Panama line. / cannot believe
/ for moment that that MOTIVE Inspired
! the Isthmian Canal Commission to~reccY1-
mend the adoption of the Panama route.
II have no doubt that the commissioners
were and are sincerely DESTROYS of seeing
| United States at an early date. and that
they recommended the Panama route be-
cause they believed scientists. men OF
large experience. as patriotic Americs ans.
| would accomplish In the best possible man
ner the result we have in View.