New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-10
TIE PORT OF NEW-FORK.

dispatch from Berlin announces that the
Prussian Cabinet has decided to propose again
10 the Landtag the construction OF a canal con-
meeting the Rhine, the Weser and the Elbe
The same dispatch quotes Congressman Burton
chairman of the Rivers and HarbOrs Committee
who has been investigating water transporta-
don in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, as
saving: Everywhere In Europe there is a dis
position 20 make increased use Of the inland
waterways. whether rivers or canals. The
value OF this means OF transportation is COM
''ing 10 he realized more and more. In France
Germany and portions OF Russia the quantity
''of freight carried by water is increasing more
than that carried by rail- There is nothing
new In Mr. BurtOn's statement but it is worthy
OF notice as the confirmation by a competent
witness Of facts bearing on the vital question
which the people OF this State are TO settle at
the coming election.
II Is probably not an exaggeration 10 say that
the State Of New-Yori is the only great com
mercial community in which, after large ex-
perience in the use OF inland waterways. grave
doust~of their permanent utility is sincerely en-
tertained by considerable number OF intelli-
gent men. In Continental Europe there have
been periods OF reaction since the adoption OF
the policy OF canal construction. but in recent
years canal extension has been one OF the most
conspicuous objects OF governmental solicitude
AS Captain Mahan said not long ago. II is Diff
cult 10 realize the amount OF Frances expendi-
lures on canals during the last third OF a CEN
fury. II the German project referred 10 at the
beginning OF this article is sanctioned IL will
complete the immense system OF internal water
ways for which the Emperor is chiefly respon-
sible. In Italy royal commission has recently
recommended the establishment OF a network of
inland watercOuTses of a total length OF Zip
miles by the construction OF 49, miles Of new
auxiliary canals. Austria has engaged 10 ex-
pend for a like purpose about s66,OO0,OO0 in the
course Of the next nine years. Besides other
works of the sort. Russia is considering a plan
10 connect the Baltic and the Black Sea In
proportion 10 her resources. Belgium is not be.
hind her neighbors in canal construction. Evil
IDENTIFY Europe does not consider that canals
have survived their maximum usefulness and
that "a ilroads are destined 70 he the universal
carriers.
Because Of what its canals have done for the
Empire State. OF fits present possession of them
10 q condition virtually compelling a choice be-
tween Improvement on q large scale and pro-
cressive abandonment, and Of the indisputable
evidence that the port OF New York is declining
in importance positively and relatively the
question submitted 10 the people by the last
legislature should their liveliest interest
New-York's loss OF exports is noted with salts
faction in some other States In a recent mum
her - The Current Issue" OF Austin Tex an
intelligent writer said: When z deep water
channel WIS made At Galveston the decline OF
the Atlantic ports was decreed." That is an
assertion which viii not be verified IL New