Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-02-26
G|)V.VAN STINT 'SDR[AN
Predicts Great Traffic on Mis-
sissippi When Panama
Canal Is Built
ROUTE FROM GREAT LAKES
minnesota Governor, Who Is Interested
In River Business, Believes That the
Panama Canal Will Divert Traffic to
North and South Routes and Great
River in Particular.
ROUTE FROM GREAT LAKES
to mes-Republican,

4
| Dubuque Feb. &C. = Governor Van
SAINT of Minnesota, who has large in
terests on the river, is a firm believer
in the revival of commerce on the
Mississippi. With the completion of
the Panama canal and the deepening
Of the channel of the upper Mississ-
on the father of waters will reach inn
mense proportions. The great current
Of commerce will flow north and south
ne thinks. This was the burden OF
his address at Dubuque this week and
the following viii give good idea of
the enthusiasm that animates the
we'll known executive and enterprising
steamboat owner:
Love for tho River.
II have a genuine affection for the
old river. was born on its banks,
and as a boy bathed in It's cool AMI
placid waters. and ever since arriving
at mans estate, have been engaged in
It's commerce. have seen It in all it's
past glory when it was a mighty
factor in the development Of the grea,
valley that bears Its name. I have
seen 1t go into decline. but hope to
see Il not only assume It's former po-
sition, but become the greatest ar
terry OF commerce in the world.
1.-THE Panama canal will be built No
one now doubts 1t. This will rerolu-
ttonize the traffic Of our country. It will
be north and south. This will be along
natural lines, from one climate TO an
other. In word, it Is the funda-
mental law OF trade. II We are wise,
we will deepen the channel OF the
Mississippi river and also improve II
while the canal Is being constructed.
Both can then be simultaneously used
to carry the products OF the Mississ-
ippi valley to the markets OF the
world. The subject Is being agitated.
Panama canal's Past.
with completed Panama canal and
the Mississippi improved this will be
done. ind confidently look to see great
steamers with huge barges pass your
beautiful city loaded with Minnesota
-four and other products, carried to
New Orleans and there loaded on mann
moth ships for all parts Of the world
Then New Orleans will become the
largest exporting city on The continent.
This ie no idle dream. It Is the logic OF
the situation.
II We are alive to our best interests
we will not only ask congress for need
| ed appropriations but will demand that
the work be commenced at once. To
ACCOMPLISH this we must constantly
Keep IN mind the necessity for concert
| ed action. Next summer a river con-
vention will be held In your city. I
| have ti1e promise of Governor Cummins
that he will be hero. have invited
the governors OF Missouri. Illinois and
Wisconsin, and will further urge their
attendance. It Is confidently expected
that many senator's and representatives
will come and that every city, large or
small. from ST. Louis to ST. Paul. will
be represented. Such an outpourins OF
earnest, determined men Will result in
great good.
National Importance.
| AFTER all this is not local ques-
ton, but national On It's character. You
cannot benefit Iowa or Minnesota or
any other state bordering the MIS-
sissiprd river without banenting all. We
are SO constituted that what aids
part contributes to the prosperity OF
/ lne DIS Il Wuoie.
"Not only should the Mississippi be
improved, but the great waterway from,
the lakes to the river. thence to the
Gulf of Mexico. should be an accom-
plished fact. All that is necessary Is
to deepen the Chicago drainage canal
and the Illinois river in connection
witt, the work we are engaged in and
| practically our coast line will be
doubled and we will have deep wa
terway from the Atlantic to the jetties.
The state of New York. realizing the
value. yea, the necessity Of water
routes Is about to spend one hundred
millions Of dollars widening and deep
cning the Erie canal. France has spent
millions upon her canals and they have
been of incalculable benefit to the re-
public So have the other countries OF
! Europe. In view OF these facts Is 1t
unreasonable to ask congress to appro-
pirate the sum OF $l5O0000o for the
head of navigation to Cairo. The five
great states Of Missouri, Illinois. Wis
cousin. Iowa and Minnesota are many
times larger in area than New York
and nearly double that OF France, and
they are becoming more and more the
heart OF this great nation. In my
Judgment. nothing can prevent this
north and south traffic, and the twenti-
eth century will see 1t an accomplished
fact When It comes. our country will
enter upon new era of youth, devel-
opment and prosperity
War Waaed on Water Works.
Keokuk. Feb. 2s.-The war on the