New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-04-21
THE COMPULSORY RATE QUESTION.
Effect It Would Have on Railway COmpeti-
ton with Interoeeanic Canal.
70 the Editor Of The Tribune.

TO the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir; While the government IS seeking to estab lish
a fixed schedule Of rates for railway carriage. its
action in respect TO isthInan canal becomes Of
grave interest TO the railways
The Rocky Mountain chain which constitutes the
Great Divide" of the continent extends from
British Columbia 10 the Isthmus OF Tehuantepec
with only single narrow pass-where the Column
hia EiVer passes in Oregon. This stupendous up
heaval Of bygone ages constitutes an almost i'm
passabe barrier TO the free transit Of commodities
in large volumes and impediment to SUCCESS
ful railway trafic Every transcontinental railway
sscends appalling grades, crosses immense plateaus
where shifting sand and SHOWS are a constant
MANAGE 10 q safe and stable roadway; trackless
deserts. over other mountain ranges the majestic
Sierra Nevadas and then descends again by q long
tedious course 70 the normal level This barrier
constitutes great and growing upon every
passenger and every Of freight transported be-
tween the oceans. California or that portion which
Is the scene Of active life, is shut in three sides
by the vast formations Of the Great Divide"
The construction Of an isthnian canal is destined
70 overcome the Great Divide" and thus secure a
cheaper ana more expeditions mode Of transit be-
tween the oceans And the successful opening of a
great waterway across the Isthmus of Panama viii
sound The death knen Of American railways. unless
the government shall come 10 their aid. For such a
waterway viii enectually accomplish a great work,
with which the transconunentaI railways have been
struggling for half century and place them at the
mercy OF heavily subsdize foreign ships.
Instead Of further weakening The railroads by IN
wise and unnecessary legislation, the government
should enceavOT-aI least IN respect 70 the trans
continental lines-to strengthen the roads from
Io,lef5 - 49,
expose our Pacific possessions 10 a great danger
rnoae Of transit across the Great Divide'' The
completion OF the overland railroads alone enabled
foreign powers. following UP the effort TO obtain
e0a 6ea PADS 9a R6Sa the one
would never have accomplished, gave the country
the Pacific roads rendered in the shape of a perna-
than the latter ever paid for And The Government
instead Of taking millions from the railroads IN
SHOULD have permitted The roads 10 retain the
The Unconstitutional lines for mere strategic rea-
The only foreign attack We need fear is upon our
Pacific possessions; direct or oy way Of Mexico or
canaos I, was fhs PsGihe Soasi Which was ex-
outbreak Of the Spauish-Anlerican War. And il
secretary Of the Navy which led to the prompt
and effective destruction OF the Philippine feet.
A strong expansive system Of transconunental
- =, ~ needs 81 tbs aoyernnent in fire
fsltielos ~ - +,,,5 - ,,S5s. 81 81. TN liz
efncent IN the only trustworthy, protection 10
The Pacific Coast. Hawaii and the Philippines
against foreign aggression IN this respect the
recent events in Asia AFFORD US striking object
lesson The weakness OF the tFans-siDerlan Rail-
way has cost the Russian government its dearly
purchased possessions IA Manchurla and may
eject ualE cheek the aInp5t4ons 81 the Car IN the
Orient. The basic principle Of defenoe-the neglect
expensive mode Of transit for troops and munitions
q war This principle has been recognized since
the Romans conquered the world through the aid
o. strong armies ana a great system of military
roads. our mighty strength men and munitions
Of war only prove effective in time Of war by
q quick ano expeditions mode Of transit 10 the
scene Of danger Anc in this respect the American
railrOad-Nlth its marvellous advancement and per-
fection-win mark a safe and effective pathway 10
success.
Another yPoint-the commercial development Of the
Great Divide regiOn-hoding r. reserve the nurture
Sna sastenance cor ages 20 come Of population
depends upon the Joint action OF the government ia
perfectng its system OF irrigation. ana the rail-
ways And the development OF that region would
give the Pacific possessions degree Of protection
against foreign aggression almost equal 10 that
now enjoyed bv the Atlantic sea board
The establishment Of compulsory railway rates
would seriously impair II not destroy the future
expansion and usefulness Of railways. depress theiI
stock, ana cause reaction IN prosperity that might
- IN 2ante The construction oG an Inter.