Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1907-12-06
ESEF
James ], Hill Enthusiastic Sup
porter of Deep Waterways
Project as Solution of Trans
portation Problem,
LAND LINES NO LONGER
ADEQUATE TO TRAFFIC
Noted Men Address Rivers and
HarborS Congress Now in
Session at National Capital
Big Appropriation Demanded

Us iRRl ORl lNNiNli CNil iCliNCN
IBy Morning Journal saaeini Leased Wire.
Washington. Dee. 5.-A notable
feature Of the Rivers and Harbors
congress convention. now in session in
this city, was the address delivered
by James j. Hill, president of the
Great Northern railroad, who was in
troduced TO the convention as a wiz
ard of transportation and greatest
railroad builder i'm the world" Mr.
Hin created great enthusiasm among
the two thousand delegates by de-
claring that the railroads of the
country would support cordially any
proper plan for the development of
the legitimate waterways of the
United States. He produced figures
to show that the traffic of the coun-
try had become so great and increas-
ing so tremendously that it was be-
yond 80 physical powers of the rail
re handle it. He made most
in.,s,.,aut statement on the attitude
OF railroads toward the legislation
which has been directed against rail
carries I'm America and declared that
all the railroads asked was permission
to conduct their business in proper
way. under fair regulations and fair
laws.
Notable addresses also were deliv-
cred to the congress by governors OF
states and by other men prominently
Identified with the political and com
mercial life of the nation. Among
those present today at the session
were scores of members of congress,
upon whom ii is the desire of the con-
vention that It's ideas be particularly
impressed. The convention Will con-
Clude its work tomorrow by the adop-
tion of a series of resolutions incor-
porating its idea that comprehensive
national scheme for the Improvement
of the internal waterways Of the
country should be crystalllEed into
law.
George Clinton, OF Buffalo, grand
son of the original promoter of the
Erie canal, said that Japan was
reaching out in all directions for for
eign commerce; that her statesmen
were among the brightest I'm the
world. and that they had pointed to
the failure Of America in dealing ade-
quately with the question of delivery
Of American products to tidewater.
Give us our waterways said Mr..
Clinton. "and the tonnage viii come.
Are we to await the building up of a
city until the transportation facilities
are furnished or are we to supply the
transportation in any efort to build
up the city,. That is the meat OF the
problem before us. "
Mr.. Clinton urged the adoption of
a general policy I'm the development
of the waterways of the country ana
he pointed out that the development
of the Erie canal has acted as regu-
lator of freight charges not only be-
tween the east and west but betv zen
the north and south. New YORK ne
said was not asking for anything eN-
cept a Just proportion Of the az tro-
priations made for harbors, but II re-
alizes that there must be unltA oI
a.. aNtaNua q inv n
inland waterways. and that therefore
the work must bc done under the
supervision of the national govern
ment. Governor John a. Johnson, OF
Minnesota, deliVered scholarly ad
dress. He pointed out that the trathc
pf this country had oVerburdened the
railroads and the only relief was
thrdough the medium Of water trans
portation Development of American
waterways should solve the problem.
Governor Johnson dwelt upon the de-
Velopment of the transportation or
the great states OF the northwest 40
expenditure OF money e.et made bs
the national government he declare
had paid so great returns ds mat cN-
y. -ded on the development OF the
great lakes.
The country must be developed.
said he along the lines of the great
internal waterways. because the rail-
roads admittedly have reached IN"
limits of their abilities In the trans
portation of the traffic unless there
should be a further expenditure on
the railroads Of the country OF more
than five billions. which Is maniiestly
out Of the question.
Governor johnson urged that az
projects for the Improvement OF tht
internal waterways should rest on
principles as broad as the nation
itself.
James J. I'm. head of the Great
Northern. said that it was canai
which had made he city pf Duiuin
the third largest port VI America. II
follows" he said. chat we must pic-
pare to utilize the waterways ~ ne
country as common carriers ana one
Of the projects that we must see car
ried TO 4 conclusion IS that of q chan
mel from 81 Louis 10 New Orleans.
OF at least a depth Of fifteen feet ana
eighteen feet will be twice ~ good
The traffic T. increasing al the rate
Of II per cent and the ability Of the
carriers 10 handle the traffic is in
creaSirg only one-half Of I per cent
annually. II will be necessary for "
through the medium of waI b. trans
to build Immediately seventy thousand
miles Of new railroads IN order -
adequately meet the traffic conditinns
Of the country"
Mr.. Hin said that such a task in
present conditions would be almost
impossible on account Of tnc difficulty
in obtaining proper terminals. me ne.
cessary cash with which to construct
the roads and the labor with which
60 build them.
In seeking relief" said Mr. Hin.
we naturally must turn 20 the water