The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-08
THE PANAMA CANAL AND THE. FAIR.

LIE PANAMA CANAL AND The FAIR.
That a complete model of the Panama Canal as pro-
posed and under construction will form an exhibit
at the Worlds Fair is matter of deep interest. To
picture the Titan undertaking in space twelve by
fifteen feet, the dimensions decided upon by the
Bureau OF American Republics at Washington will
endoW this small area with as great significance as
can attach to any of the largest displays in all the
| twelve hundred and odd acres Of the Fair.
The question of the canal is which should and
does command the attention of the nation large,
and of the whole civilized world. What miracle will
1t be when ships sail mountains? In that sense
"a waterway climbing the Andes-does this link be-
tween the Atlantic and Pacific compel consideration.
Remembering Its history, the Sensation of the
Age" the dramatic bursting Of the Panama Scandal"
how the French tried and failed, we find another
reason why truthful miniature representing that
narrow neck of land we know only the map, should
speak volumes. third fact is neutrality-suspicious..
The true patriot is ready to bear arms for his
country, and If he may not his heart is at 1.-THE
front" Work upon national enterprise such
as the Panama Canal is second only to war; in fact
1t should be first since is constructive rather than
destructive progress. Practical reckon such
things in fashion like this: Is the game worth
the candle? If So go ahead.
AS to the advantages of the canal, little need be
said Its value, national and International is appar-
ent If feasible, it Is necessity. Argument has been
advanced that it would cripple transcontinental rail-
roads though this has been answered The canal can
not be opened in less than ten years, during which
time the territory contiguous to the railroads will have
built up to such degree as to insure supporting
local traffic. Moreover to who has not followed
the intrcacies of debate upon the proposition mere
glance at the map shows that the project is natural
that is about tho first thing would think of to
further commerce This should demonstrate its
necessity.
The essence of the situation is included in the
two good AngloSaxon words: "Go Ahead" The Job
is cut out for Americans to do No politics warps
judgment upon the issue. The obstacles are well
known. The climatic conditions have been pictured
time and again. We have read Of the terrible fatality
among the French Consequently, viewing the little
model at the Worlds Fair. we shall know that some
Americans will sacrifice their lives down there in
Central America will be fighting at 'the 'front.'
at the moment, since the work will, be under way In
1904 Our sympathies will go out to those who fall
victims to heat and disease But the American does
not believe in failure and will echo that go Ahead
and will see that the workers do go ahead. OF such
kind is the faith and purpose which mountains,
and the stake worth the throw the United States
citizens, working all together, could make very fair
stagger at moving the entire range Of the Andes in
stead of blasting out one small shipway through
them