The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-02-16
MILLIONAIRE GIVES Ills VIEWS
Urges Adoption of Panama
Waterway.
PERTINENT REASONS.
Congressman Attacks the Statements
Made by the Steel kinE-Dcfcnds
the Feasibility of Nicaraguan
Canal - Comm un icatiOns All Adj
dressed to Senator Plat.

The subjoined correspondence between
Andrew Carnegie and Senators Platt and
Harris explains itself The later are
members of the Senate Committee on In
teroceanic Canals. which has under con-
sideration the House Nicaragua canal bill,
and Mr.. Harris is chairman of the sub
committee TO which the letter was re-
ferred.
Mr.. Carnegie's Letter.
The communications follow:
New York, Jan. IL.
Senator T. C. Platt,
Washington, D. C.
My Dear Senator: The senior Senator
from New York should have command
ing voice in regard to the isthmian canal.
subscribed 10000 to test the Mica
raguan scheme. but General Ludlow's re-
port satisfied me that it was not to be
thought of as a reasonable undertaking
/ think that have read every official re-
port published since then, and all have
confirmed my opinion that, instead of
$500 ,0O0,O 900, it will cost s400. 900. coo. and
will not be a serviceable canal when fin
ished
1t has curves of 1000 feet radius. The
Manchester has nothing under 5000 feet,
and yet tugs are required fore and after
of every vessel that tries to pass round
these curves.
Passage in Daylight.
l understand that Senator Morgan and
our Southern friends believe that the Mic
anna, but in this l think them mistaken
The Commission gives thirty three hours
for the passage: this means day light
only, really three days. 1t will be found
impracticable to pass through at night.
May l suggest to you that it would be
well to call before the committee the
members of the Commission and cross ex-
anime them about their preference, Pan
anna or Nicaragua.
There is another point which you. as
representing a great commercial city,
think should consider. There has never
been a committee of experts appointed
TO report upon the traffic tributary to an
SO much during the past ten years that
the best informed believe that instead OF
5000, 900 of tons of traffic. there will not
be more than quarter OF that
Railroads will reduce their rates a very
low point. when it become sa question Of
taking additional traffic. But. although
the canal will not obtain as much traffic
as expected IL will. of course, have a
coed effect by reducing rates But the
Panama. costing sl.3G0, eco per year less to
work. becomes important.
Questions of Maintenance.
The commission estimates the increased
cost Of operating the Nicaragua Canal at
1900, 000 more per year than the Pana-
ma. This is merely for operating. but
what of maintenance. This is far more
important point, and the longer distance
of the Nicaragua will of course. entail
more replacement and repairs, and liabil-
ity to disaster.
AS you know, | have had considerable
experience in navigating canals, in
handling our ore shipments. and l wish
to go on record as assuring Senator Nor
gan and his friends of the South as we'll
as the North. that they will be more bene-
fitted by the Panama Canal than by the
Nicaragua.
am sure, Senator, that this is a mat
ter which deserves a great deal more
consideration than has yet been given
to 1t.
Now, since the Panama seems within
reach. beg you to exert your influence TO
have the question threshed out before the
committee.
With the greetings Of the season.
Very Truly Yours,
ANDREW CARNEGIE.