The Washington times., 1902-06-11
Mr.. CorliSs Urges Govern
nnent to Build for Pa
triOtic Motives.
AMERICAN MADE AND LAID
Estimates Cost of Construction at &c.,
100000 and of Operation 100000
Annually-Necessary to the Peace CT
the Pacific.

ton of cable from some point on the
Pacific Coast 10 Hawaii. Guam, and Ma
Mia, to be owned and operated by the
Government.
The bill was reported by the Commit
tee on Interstatefand Foreign Com
merce more than two months ago. 1t
has been understood for the past ten
days that the measure would be taken
up this week.
After disposing of the forest reserve
bill. MIR. Dalzell, from the Committee
on Rules, reported a resolution making
the cable bill a special order for imme-
diate consideration, with four hours for
general debate, and providing that any
amendment in line with an oceanic
cable shall be germane.
Postpouement Asked.
Mr. Richardson Dem. Tenn.) stated
that two Republican members of the
Committee on Commerce, Messrs. Hep
burn and Sherman, vino were opposed
TO the bill, were absent. While he was
not authorized to make the request for
them, he asked that consideration Of the
resolution be postponed.
Mr.. Dalzell replied that the chairman
of the Committee on Rules had been in
communication with these two members,
and in view of the state of public bust
ness and the prospects of adjournment,
it had been decided ineXpedient to
change the program.
Mr.. Richardson suggested that the ir-
rigation bill might be taken up.
Mr.. Adamson Dem, Ca and Mr.
Richardson Dem, Ala.), both members
of the Commerce Committee. opposed
the adoption of the rule and the con-
struction of the cable by the Govern
ment
Mr.. Adamson said that the private
company which had planned to lay the
cable to the Philippines should be al
lowed to do so. He protested against
the Government entering into conflict
with capital and labor engaged in pri-
vate enterprise.
The Government had the privilege of
Selling and using the Commercial Com
pany's cable after II was built. If it
was not completed to Hawaii, as prom
Used. in November, it would be time
enough then for Congress to authorize a
Government cable
Mr.. Richardson's Views.
Mr.. Richardson said there was abb
solutely no necessity for the Govern
ment to lay cable when private enter
prise had already begun the construc-
ton of cable under terms which were
advantageous to the Government. Mr..
Dalzell urged the adoption of the rule,
although he declared himself opposed
to the bill.
Mr.. Dalzell also opposed the Mackey
construction for the reason. he said,
that Mr.. Mackey would have his cable
made in England by English workmen
What he wanted was a cable built by
American workmen, and laid with ships
sailing under the American flag.
The resolution was finally adopted on
roll call by a vote OF los to 49, Mr.
Corliss, the author OF the measure
then addressed the House in support of
the bill
The measure provides" he said. FOR
Government cable uniting our islands
IN the Pacific Ocean, which shall be
American made, laid by American ships.
manned by American citizens, and under
the American flag, and managed by
the American Government"
A Public Utility.
The right TO lay, land, and regulate
cables is a public utility or franchise
held by the people, and its control is
az inherent right OF the nation. he
said. He placed the cost of construc-
ton, on the testimony Of the best ex-
perts, at not exceeding $40. 900. coo. and
the cost of operation at 300 600 per an
num- A Government survey of the
route has already been made at the
expense OF $780, 900.
He estimated the revenue from com
mercial business alone would be far in
excess Of the cost OF operation.
Mr.. Corliess presented to the Housa
certified copies Of the exclusive grants
obtained by the Eastern Extension Cable
Company from China. Japan. and the
Spanish islands in the Pacific. irclud-
ing Guam, the Philippines and Marshall
Island. from which It was shown that
this cable monopoly has absolute control
OF cable communication with the Far
East. and owns or controls over 70. coo
miles OF submarine cables. It's exclusive
monopoly in China rurs until 1880 and
its Spanish grant over our own posses
sions until 1870.
Ally Of a Monopoly.
He contendeI that the Commercial Pa
cihc Cable COMPANY, which proposes 10
lay a cable 10 Hawaii and thence to
Manila. was merely the American
branch or ally Of the Eastern cable
monopoly and referred with telling effect
to the admissions OF Vice President Ward
before the House Committee on Com
merce. showing the combinations made
in London last August.
Mr. Corliss appealed TO the patriotism
OF his hearers in support Of his argu-
ment for protection to American cable
manufacturing plants. The existence Of
a suitable plant. he maintained. was as
necessary to the peace CT the Pacific as
navy yards. cOaling stations CT factories
for the manufacture OF armor plate ana
munitions Of war. England has expand-
ed a hundred million dollars in the con-
struction and purchase OF submarine
cables under control Of the goyeTuua-r.
and France and Germany have subsI
died cable plants.
Mr.. Corliss dramatically denounced
lContiuled on Eighth Pdse)