The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-12-21
HAIERR ROUTES
raat Interest Manifested in the
CoaYsntion 20 be Held in Co
Iulnisia---De evslopmsHt Of
New Transportation
Routes Will Reso-
Iuti0nize Busi-
ness Con
ditions.
Ry w. Il. Mccaw.

BY w. u. MecaM.
Columbia. Dec. 19.-The convention
which is to be held here on the 2Sth
fcr Che purpose of developing the
natural water transportation routes
along the Atlantic coast, is arouslng
great interest throughous this and
neighboring States, as the scheme has
IN view q profound change in the
fyaight rate situation throughout this
section Of the South. The strictly IN
land towns which carnos hope to be
reached by any Of the inland routes
are appointing delegates andotherwlse
showing lively interest IN the matter
Snasmnch as they will be affected
greatly, is is confidently believed, al
shough their benefit will Of course
come in an Indirect way through be-
ing closer 10 towns enjoying water
rSAe. The cotton NILS IN the upcoun-
sy are particularly interested In the
objects Of the convention. though
Of course such cities as Charleston,
Georgetown, Savannah, Wilmington,
Augusta, Columbia and the Ike Will
get the greatest benefit as their ad-
VansageS will come direct.
This scheme contemplates connecting
She Great Lakes at their eastern enc
with all the hsrbor SO id the Atlantic
Coast by the Erie Canal, and con-
necting those lakes at their western
end with the whole Mississippi valleys
by she Chicago Drainage Canal AND
other available routes.
The proposed Inland Water route.by
aYoidiag Cape Hatteras and all other
danger points will provide a safe.
iourney for barges or canal boats
1rcm the norshern ports to all ports
On shs South Atlantic Coast, as far
south rs JacksonyiIle lf this coute
were open and free, Newbern, N. O.,
would be about the same distance
from New York chat Buffalo is by the
Erie Canal and she would move her
heavy products of the forest and the
saarm as cheaply as Butfaio can.
Eeorgetowns s. c., would stand IN
abont the same relation to- New York
City. chat Cleveland, Ohio. now does.
aud ought so get the same rates oy
Rate4. Barges taking the inside
gonse TO- Georgetown can carry lumber
mach cheaper than the more expensive
vessels that go outside OF Hstteras.
Nature has given ns a wonderful sys-
tenn OF water ways, which It properly
used By development of boat traffic to
the heads of navigation. would start
~ oar Southern States s1 era OF pros
Fesity unparalleled in history. Many
DasRSs ID shis State by the completion
n Snss safe Inland Water Route would
30 put in closer touch With the great
markets Of the north.
= JIG is g. great scheme, and when
rightly understood will secure the
heassy cooperation Of the immense
and daily interest dependent upon its
completion. Those interests, though
saiyerssd and widely localized in sew
arai states will sure unite to form
fne coalition required as the only
means OF gaining this great mutual
beneis.
The Columbia Chamber Of Com
nares representing the.lnland Cities
on navigahle streams has had THIS
suatsar under consideration for more
shan year, but it has been but RS
Gently that they have succeeded III Sc
cnrins. the cooperation all the ports
interested. MI. E. B. Taylor, the
Chairman Eof their Committee on In
land Water Route is now visiting the
entire Southern territory which will
be benefited by the Improvement with
d view to securing a large attendance
sc the convention. Hon. John q.
Small, Congressman from North Car
olina, gho for number Of years has
6san ske NEST prominent and active
aawoeatsr Of the Inland Water Roc$e:
Ril be one Of the many prominent
men who will attend and address the
Conyeasicn. Many United States
Senators and Representatives. have
been invited and all Of the commercial
organizations Of the South Atlantic
States interested inthis movement have
heen asked to send delegates. A
special railroad rate has been applied
for.
On the evening of Decebmer 2Sth,
the Columbia Chamber Of Commerce.
win give their annual dinner, at the
Columbia Hotel, and cordial invita-
tion has oeen extended te all those
attending the convention to be pre-.
sent at this ediDrnas guests OF the
Chamber of Commerce.
Bostocn, Dec. 19.--Communication
s-:A,, C,,,o Ho6 hv foIaphane and Eeie.