New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-03
Charles A. Schieren Says That Is the Issue
on the Canal Proposition.
o the Editor Of The Tribune

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: Ny attention has been called TO very ex-
tended article. emanating from the so-caHed state
Executive Committee in opposition TO the barge
canal scheme
This committee consists practically. Of man,
John l. Platt, of Poughkeepse. Editor Of ''The
Eagle Of that city. From the tone of his letter
II would appear that from the fact that the large
number Of persons whom he has addressed. chal-
longing them debate the canal question had paid
no attention 10 his communications. therefore there
was IN the State who would dare to meet
him and debate the canal proposition-
Mr. Plat has been before the public in opposition
TO canal improvement for many years whenever
opportunity has presented he has raised his voice
in opposition to the improvement Of the waterways
OF the State
The extended letter which he has sent you gives
the only argument which he is able to make in
opposition the proposition.
His ideas well understood that it seems
unnecessary. doubtless. for any to waste mere
time in discussing this matter with him. 1t might
be said however. that there have beer number
of who have met Mr.. Plat in joint debate at
Syracuse, Albany Troy Ogdensburg. Long Point
and various other places in the State.
Henry W. Hill. OF Buffalo; P W easier. Of
Little Falls: F. T. Watson. OF Clinton; John D.
Herman. Of Utica and G. H. Raymond. Of Buffalo.
have all met this gentleman. and have heard him
rehearse the arguments which he has used in your
columns to-day.
The canal situation in this State NAV perhaps be
summarized in a few words: The masses Of our
people-manufacturers. iron and steel makers. ex-
port and import merchants, shipbuilders. steve
dores wholesale and retail dealers in all lines OF
trade. the laboring man the professional meu-alI
desire reasonable rates Of transportation. They
have desire TO destroy the railroads but do de-
sire keep within their own control some check
upon the railroad rates Of the country.
On the other side of the proposition natu-
rally. the railroads. who desire to the absO-
lutte control Of the transportation interests OF the
country. and thereby be able to secure rates Of
freight as much the traffic viii bear"
Nj Plat avowedly represents the railroads and
he has persistenty labored for the destruction of
the canal system Of the State for many years. Our
citizens. then should bear IN mind simply this
proposition in respect &c the 1OcO-ton barge canal
upon which question we shall vote tomorrow The
masses for II. the railroads against it. 1t
will be easy task for the voter TO decide how he
It is possible by various misleading and garblcd
statements 10 arouse a suspicion In the minds Of
great canal improvement. This seems TO be the
purpose Of the enemies OF the proposition.
guide for every citizen Of the great city OF New
thaf ms oto farse Canal Sgesfio5 s6oId re
ceive the support OF our people; when the most
bitter partisans in this city meet as they did in
aside all partisan feeling stand shouidsr to shou
der in support Of this great public work Is 1t our
Judgment to what is best for our city and our
Gu1tx papsT to leave his own 0eope and
here to advise US what is best for our own we'll
The answer to the Duchess County editor will
be given tomorrow at the polls. The election Of a
Mayor IS a very important matter. but can
elect a Mayor every two years II desire.
We cannot, perhaps have the opportunity Of voting
the canal question again in hundred years
II defeated tomorrow.
The opinions OF the two candidates for Mayor IN
greater New-Y are as follows:
Mayor Seth Low in public letter says The
proposed enlargement OF the Erie Canal seems TO
be greatly in the interest Of New-YOrk City
and the entire State. for the trade and commerce
cannot suffer without seriously affecting all its
terests. New-YOrk must either nOdernize its
canals abandon them. The old railroads have
been modernized-why not modernize the caual2'
says: Il quite of US lack civic pride.
and intelligent consideration OF the question
must bring to the support OF this measure every
citizen of this State. because the welfare Of the
State is in large way affected by the welfare OF
the city and anything which will increase the COM
mercal Industrial prosperity Of this city will
have benehcent effect upon the interior Of the
myself in behalf OF the l00oton barge canal propo-
stion.''
Samuel GOmpers. the president Of the American
Federation Of Labor gives his Endorsement in these
words II In entire sympathy with the move
ment for the Improvement OF the canals OF the
State Of New-York. which will make for the good
Of all Of the people Of New York and our country
morrow make II your business TO put your cross
next TO the word Yes the canal ballot which
will be handed you by the election clerks In
this way you will stand for the prosperity OF the
great city Of NewYork and for your own welfare
CHARLES A. SCHIEREN
Chairman Canal IMPROVEMENT State Committee
New-YoTk. Nov. 2 1903