Martinsburg statesman. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1869-1906, 1904-10-07
RECLAMATION OF ARID LANDs

A vast expense of country in th4
West, portions of which are to b.
found in each of the sixteen States
and Territories. mentioned in the law
is directly affected by the National
statute-the outcome Of intelligent ana
persistent efforts OF leading citizens
providing for the reclamation OF thu
arid lands for the benefit Of homeseek-
ers. During the years OF the develop
ment OF the measure which finally re-
ceived the vote of every member Of
the upper house of Congress, II en-.
countered opposition, based to large
extent upon the view that the aim OF
its promters was TO secure the benefits
of irrigation to private owners at Gov
ernment expense. The aim of the stat
ute lis, however, to enable this vast ter
ritory to reclaim Its arid lands without
calling upon the taxpayers OF the coun-
try at large to pay for IL. Whether the
purposes OF the bill will be fully ac-
complished must depend in large meas
ure upon the ability, sobrlety Of judg-
ment, independence and honesty OF tho
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 re-
ciamation is but in its infancy. The
total cost of construction of the neces-
sary head-gates. dams, main canals,
bitches. reservoirs and pun. ping sta
lions at that time war 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 magnitude
of the conception, and the enormous ex-
pense its carrying out involves, make
us realize the overwhelming impor~
lance of broad. capable and honest
administration OF the work authorized
by the statute. II effect Is to be given
to that part of the plan that relieves
the country at large fror, ultimate La
bility.
NATIONAL FAITH BROKEN.
An Isthmian canal has long been the
hope of our statesmen. and TIE avowed
aim of the two great parties, as their
Platforms in the past show. Tho Pam
anna route having been selected. the
building of the canal should he pressed
to completion with ali reasonable ex-
pedition.
The methods by which the Execu-
tive acquired the Panama Canal route
and rights are source of regret to !
many. To them the statement that
thereby great public work was as
sured to the profit Of our people Ii not
a sufficient answer to the charge Of
violation OF National good faith. They
appreciate that the principles and
healthy convictions which In their
working out have made us free and
great, stand firmly against the argu-
ment or suggestion that we shall BE-
blind to the nature of the means eff-
ployed to promote our welfare. They
hold that adherence to principle,
whether 1t works for orr good or III,
will have a more benciicent influence
on our future destiny than all our ma
terial upbuilding. and that we should
ever remember that the Idea OF doing
wrong to a smaller, weaker nation
than we. or even all mankind. may
have a resultant good is repugnant to
the principles upon which our govern
ment was founded.
Under the laws Of the United States
the duty is imposed on the Executive
to proceed with due diligence In the
work of constructing the Canal. That
duty should be promptly performed.
AMERICAN SHIPPING.
Our commerce In American bottoms
amounts to but nine per cent. of our
total exports and imports. For forty
years prior to 1861, when the Republi~
can party came into power. our ner<
chant marine carried an average o.
eighty per cent. OF our foreign COM
merce. By 1877 1t had dwindled to
twenty-seven per cent. Now we carry
but contemptibiy small fraction Of
our exports and imports
American shipping In the foreign trade
was greater by almost one hundred
thousand tons In 1s10-nearly a hundred
years ago--than Ii was last year, In
the face OF the continuous decline n.
the record of American shipping dur
ing the last forty-three years, the
promise Of the Republican party to -
store 1t IL without encouragement.
The record of the Democratic party
gives assurance that the task can b
more wisely entrusted to 1t.
1t is an arduous task to undo the Ct
feet of forty years OF decadence, and
requires the study and investigators
of those best fitted by experiences ~
find the remedy surely does not
lie In the granting of subsidies. wrunG
from the pockets Of all the taxpayers
Recent disclosures, coupled with tho
rapid augmentation of government ex.
penditures. show need OF an invesu-
cation Of every department Of the
government. The Democrats In Com
gress demanded It, The Republicau
majority refused the demand. The
people can determine by their vote tn
November whether they wish an hon
est and thorough investigation.
Democratic Congress and Executive
will assure II.
ARMY AND NAVY.
We are justly proud OF the officers
and men OF our Army and Navy. Both,
however, have suffered from the per-
sistent injection Of personal and poiifi-s
cal influence. Promotions and appolntr
ments have been frequently based on
fayoritism instead of merit. Trials
and court-martials have been sef
aside under circumstances Indicating
political interference. These and other
abuses should be corrected.
UsURPATION IN PENSION ORDER.