The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-12-20

WASHINGTON. ec.lD.---is the coun.
/, try face 10 face once more with car
famineY Arc conditions that tied up the
northwest last winter 70 rule again 7
This IL a subject that II worrying the
administration Franklin X. Lane. d
member Of the Interstate Commerce
Commission, recently made a trip
through the West and Middle West to
look over the ground, He returned with
his apprehension somewhat alayed. but
recent reports have served TO renew his
fears.
The report on tho internal commerce
Of the country during October just is.
sued by the Department Of Commerce
and Labor, throws d significant sidelight
on tho problem. The report says:
'eIhe number Of cars hafdled during
the month by ~ reporting car associa.
tions. 3605,1p0. was over seven per cent
larger than the number handled in Oct.
1905, although even tho larger car supply
did not prevent accumulation and delay
Of traffic at important centers The In
ability Of the railroads to move all traf-
fic offered il best illustrated by the de-
cisioa OF certain trunk lines to liseon-
tlnae temporarily the making OF con.
tracts with western shippers for the
transportation Of grain rom the lakes
10 the Atlantic seaboard"
During the month the congestion was
least felt along the Great Lakes, where
the traffic. ll,s20.000 net tons, was
greater than Lny month during the sea
son, except August, and exceeded by 2S
per cent the total Of freight carried in
October Of last year. With their fleets
Of steamers developing rapidly, the
Lakes are being resorted TO as means
for relieving the pressure on the rail
roads. They are proving the salvation
OF the Northwest.
Tho solution OF tho traffic question,
which is becoming most serious one. Is
TO be found In a scientific development
OF the rivers Of the country. This is
the opinion Of practically every public
man. President RooseYelt's belief In II
is well known. He Is supported by stud
cnts Of economic conditions In every
walk OF life.
In order to push forward this work OF
improvement. the government cannot
spend less than $500OOOO0 year. To
spend less will mean that the Panama
Canal viii be finished before the rivers.
and harbors of the country are in con-
ditions to share In the increase OF com.
meree that the opening OF the big ditch
win bring about. There Is now vast
amount OF work. approved by the gov.
ernment engineers and awaiting only the
funds necessary for its undertaking.
This work contemplates the expenditure
of upwards Of $500000000 At a year.
ly expenditure Of $50,0O0,000 spread
over ten years this can be cared for.
The National Rivers Il Harbors Con-
gress has been consistent advocate of
such an expenditure. 1t has maintained
that the time was approaching, and ap-
preaching rapidly, when the railroads
will be physically unable to care for
title OF the traffic offered. AT the organ.
ization's great convention here this
month. James j. Hill, Of the Great
Northern. and w. w. Finley president
Of the Southern Railway, frankly con.
fessed that the fears Of the advocates
Of waterway development were well
grounded,
Captain j. #. Ellison secretary and
treasurer Of the National Rivers & Har-
bors Congress, has returned to his head.
quarters In Cincinnati, and is planning
for q vigorous crusade for new members.
The membership Of the organization ex.
tends TO every state and territory in the |
Union. but 1t 10 planned to continue the |
campaign until every believer in added |
means Of transportation for the coun-
Try Is enrolled.