Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-09-29

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based to n large extent upon the view
that the aim of its promoters was TO
! secure the benefits of irrigation to
/ private owners at government expense.
| The aim OF the statute is, however, to
enables this vast territory to reclaim
its arid lands without calling upon the
taxpayers of the country at large t.
pay for it. Whether the purposes of
the bill will be fully accomplished must
depend In large measure upon the abil-
iiy. sobriety Of judgment, independ-
ence and honesty OF the officers of the
interior department having this great
work in charge.
In 1902 the main canals and bitches
in the region affected aggregated more
than $4,000 miles, and the work OF rec.
lamation is but In its infancy. The to-
tai cost of construction Of the neces-
sary head gatsa, dams, main canals,
bitches, reservoirs and pumping sta
tions was at that time a little over
500 100000. which Of itself suggests
the hundreds Of millions that may
eventually be invested in the territory
covered by the statute. The magni-
tude a the conception and the enor-
nous expense ITS carrying out involves
mako us realize the overwhelming i'm
! portance of n broad. capable and honest
administration OF the work authorized
by the sta tute If effect is to be given
to that part Of the plan that relieves
the country at large from ultimate liza
bility.
Panama Canal.
An isthnian canal has long been the
hope of our statesmen and the avow
ed aim of the two great parties. as
their platforms in the past show. The
Panama route having been selected,
the building of the canal should be
pressed TO completion with all reason
able expedition.
The methods by which the executive
acquired the Panama canal route and
rights are y source Of regret to many.
To them the statement that thereby Il
great public work was assured to the
profit Of our people is not sufficient
answer TO the charge Of violation OF
national good faith They appreciate
that the principles and healthy convic
tons which in their working out have
+ made us free and great stand firmly
against the argument or suggestion
Il that we shall be blind to the nature
of the means employed to promote ouI
} welfare. They hold that adherence t.
y principle. whether II works for oul
e good or i'll. Will have more beneti
cent influence on our future destln!
/ than oil our material upbuilding. ant
a that we should ever remember tina
the idea Of doing n wrong to n sma u
) or weaker nation that we. or even al
II mankind. may have a resultant gooc
" is repugaut 10 the principles upor
whi~h our government was founded.
g Under the laws Of the United state
y the duty rs imposed on the executive
If to proceed with due diligence in thu
q work of constructing the canal. Tha
d duty should he promptly performed.
VI American Shipping.
Our commerce in American bottom
amounts to but per cent of our tota
y, exports and imports. For sevcnt.
years prior to 1850. when the Repul
llcan party came into power. our mel
chant marine carried an average o
~ per cent 81 our foreign commerce
by 1877 il hsd dwindled to 81 per cent
Now we carry but a contemptib'
~ small fraction Of our exports and in
~, ports.
- American shipping In the foreiG
trade war greater by over 100000 ton
u in 1910 nearl5 100 years ago, than
" was last ~ca.. In the face Of the cor
II -, &c "a,
~ ~ lean ship. - during the last forty
~ three years the promise of the Repuf
licsn party 10 restore II is without er
coragemeYt. "he record of the Den
n ocratic party gives assurance that III
D. task can be IA ore wisely intrusted t
De IT.
IL II IS an arGUous task 10 undo the g
q feet of forty years OF decadenc@ an
il requires the STUDY and Investigate
10 Of those hes, rtteA h. experiences
IN find the remedy. winch surely does NJ
te he In the granting Of suhsidle+ "run
rs from the pockets of all the taxpayers
III Investigation Of Government Ospar
Is ments.
We Recent disclosures coupled with II
rapid augmentation Of government, e
'" pendtureS show need of an invest
y" CATION of every department OF the 30
~ eminent. The Democrats in congre
IN demanded g. The Republican major
u ~ refused the demand. The peop
~ can determine by their vote IN y
~ vember whether they wish an hone
10 and thorough investigation. a Dem
'e cratic congress and executive will r
NV sure 1t.
.ao Army and Navy.
Nm We are Justly proud OF the office
lin and men Of our army and navy Bot
.er however, have suffered from the pc
O.. sis,ent injection Of personal and po!
on Teal influence. Promotions and nppor
I'VE ments have been frequently based I
% favoritlsIn instead Of merit, Trii
and court martials have been set asst
under circumstances indicating pol
ire zeal Interference. These and 9th
oi abuses should be corrected.
y. Pensions For Our Soldiers and Sa''o
Il, The national Democracy faVors u
=; eral pensions TO the surviving soldlt
40, and sailors and their dependents
~, the ground that they deserve libeI
m treatment. 1t pledges by its platfoi
Ga, adequate legislation to that end. II
-, il dcnies the right of the executive