davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
sEA.LEvEL CANAL PROBLEMS.
Some of the Difficulties in Con-
sfructinE a Clear Ditch.
From the EnginceTing News

EEIfll liAL-AlSaA-At -NNH+1-
There are problems in connection with
a sea-Ievel canal which have never been
solved. and no engineer can say how
many millions might be required 70 con-
ouer some Of the difficulties that face
sea-ievei cut across the isthnus-
What are some Of these difficulties? We
Will try to make them clear 20 the nom
technical reader. who thinks OF the sea
level canal as merely the task Of digging
q deep ditch all the way across the 18th
mus. That looks stupendous but simple
TO the Isyman; and for part Of the way
across the forty-nile reck OF land which
divides the oceans this correctly describes
the work. IN the pina-miIe section
through the great Culebra cut. for ex-
ample. with years enough Of time and
millions enough OF money, the engineers
can dig do 81 through thu rock and
make the enormously greater excavation
which the ses-level canal would require
But il is in the long twenty-five-mile
stretch. from GatUn 10 Bas ObispO,
through the swamps and along The course
Of the Lower Chagres River that un-
solved difficulties face the protector OF
q
will be required TO create a forty-five-
loot deep sea-level canal over this sec
tion2 Who knows how much material
will flow into the cut from the sides2 Il
is along this section that the Panama
Railroad crosses a Quagnire known as the
Black Swamp. where piles OF 100 feet long
fail 70 find bottom. Here in Ie05 500 feet
Of track Of the Panama Railroad sud
denly disappeared. L must be plain TO
any one. even il wholly unfamiliar with
engineering matters that such material
is most unfavorsble through which 10
construct a cut Of great depth Remem-
Der. too that the ground level steadily
rises from Gatun. sll the way along the
Chagres Valley. 10 Bas Obispo In
the swamp near Gatun the bottom Of
a sea-leveI canal would be some fifty feet
below the general ground level Near
BohiO the bottom would be some seventy
feet below this level At GambOa, where
the Chagres River enters. the bottom Of
the river bed would b. some ninety feet
above the canal bottom.
Can the reader imagine what would
happen TO this deep ditch, dug Tar below
the level OF the surrounding country and
for much Of the way through soft Quag-
mires? Can he form an idea Of the wash
all along the sides OF such channel sub
tected as IL would be to an enormous
Tainfail7 Has he any conception Of the
results that attend a rainfall Of twenty
inches and over in a single month"; Can
he understand the radical difference be-
tween deep ditch cut through the rain
less desert Of Suez and far deeper ditch
cut through the soft allUvial deposits OF
the Lower Chasres Valley
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
Gas Legis!stion-RepeaI Aet Of Sc.

With Congress now in its final stages,
1t is 70 he taken for granted that Chair
man GaIlinger win not press his general
gas measure.
Although Offering the basis for salts
factory and equitable legislation. as we
have repeatedly said. 1t is so laden with
questionable provisions and framed in
such ambiguous terms as TO render its
enactment into law decidedly unsafe De-
feat would certainly be its portion in its
present form: time is lacking 10 bring
the Senate and House into accord touch
ing essential amendments. and 1t is too
important a measure TO be acted upon
precipitately
Better no general legislation than i'll
digested and fH-considered legislation
which might tend to increase the burdens
the community is now carrying.
Il Is within the power of the Senate
even in these closing hours. TO give re-
lief by passing the simple House bill pro
vidlng for cheaper gas. with an amend
ment placing a restriction upon the per
centage Of carbon monoxide such prod
uct. after a reasonable period. may con-
tain. In evincing a willingness, even a
keen desire, TO supply gas al 20 cents. II
allowed TO multiply its capital by many
millions and increase its fixed charges.
the monopoly itself furnishes frrefutable
argument that it can supply gas at
q much reduced rate on its present
basis. But IT Is clearly the intention OF
the Senate committee no- TO touch the
price or regulate the quality until re-
organization OF the aIl-powerful utility
concern can be brought about at the
same time. Therefore an adjustment
must wait.
II senator Gaiiinger Is sincere in seek
ing a fair and final solution Of the vexa-
tious problems-and we do not doubt his
sincerity. though doubling the wisdom Of
the plan he proposes-certainly he viii
not fnterpose objection To the repeal OF
the section OF the act OF 1895 under which
the gas companies are en6eavoring in
the courts to increase their capitalize
ton The fact that the District Court OF
Appeals has ruled adversely on this act
gives ample warrant for its repeal.
once the gas companies are thus estop-
ped eHectuaIy in their pending effort, the
details OF legislation for a reorganization.
fair alike 20 the monopoly and the pub
lie. and providing for cheaper and safer
gas. can be carefully worked out on a
plan that VIII stand the test OF time.
And in the framing or this legislation the
Board Of Trade and the Chamber OF Com
merce. through their best legal talent,
should. without delay. lend their assist
snce and support. 10 the end that the
public interest may be conserved and
equal and exact justice reached in the
solution
The repeal of the act OF 1895 viii be q
decided step Forwards step toward al
honest reorganization and cheaper and
safer gas.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
Naval Reorganization.

The Presidents recommendations as 20
naval reorganization unfortunately come
al a tine when they viii be Of little use
in the guidance Of Congress. even If that
body were az all inclined TO take up the
subject, OF which there is precious little
evidence The naval appropriation bin has
passed both Houses and is now in confer
ence. As IT left The Senate it contained
nothing in the way Of reform. not even
a legalization Of Secretary Newberry's
consultations Of navy yard activities, for
the paragraph intended to effect that re-
suit went ont on point of order So also
did a provision for a commission to con-
slider the expenditures in the Navy De-
partment with a view 10 efecting econ
omies. As 70 the navy Yards. the pow
ers that be in the Senate are convinced
that the political system is the best and
The only practicable one. 8Ir. Roosevelt.
however, lays down the correct principle
Of naval administration when he says
that it must De conducted wholly with
regard TO military efficiency. The navy
should be treated. he says. not with a
view 70 any special OF local interest. but
from the standpoint OF the interest Of
the whole country. and all other consider
atlons should be subordinated 10 keeping
It in the highest condition Of military ef-
hciency." Any one who reads. the Senate
discussions on the naval appropriation bill
viii realize that all sorts Of considerations
prevailed other than those Of the highest
military efficiency. and the working out
Of the system Of local interests is best
seen in the lack Of necessary facilities for
the care OF the fleet on either ocean while
immense sums have been expended in
fitting out political navy yards.
Mr. Roosevelt is convinced now. as he
has been for a long time. that the admin
istrative organization Of the navy needs
an entire remodeling. The commission
which at his request has been formulat-
ing recommendation favors an advisory
board superimposed on the bureau sys-
tenn, with the duty OF informing the Sac
re;ary on military andd technical matters.
and providing him with The material
upon which 60 reach intelligent conclu-
sions as 10 the important questions con-
stsntly confronting him. This is prof.
eet that promises 10 be provocative Of
sharp differences Of opinion. but il has
behind 1t the weight Of two former Secre-
taries of the Navy and some able Off
GERS But whether II is ever adopted or
not. ws believe that recent criticism Of
The bureau system and its unhappy re-
suits has been productive Of good. and
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
REGULATING THE BUDGET.
House scheme 90 that End Has Much
to Commend It.

4tek loTb kftpsfne.
Up to a few years ago. heads OF de-
partments and bureaus did not hesitate
70 spend more than their annual allow
snees. running to Congress afterward
for relief through deficiency appropria-
tons. These deficiencies used to amount
as high as 2l0OO.OO0 TO S3aOO0oo0 a year,
and the unauthorized creation of obliga-
tons became such a scandal that Con-
gress passed a law forbidding any de-
partment or bureau head 10 anticipate
his allowance or TO run into debt except
in a critical emergency. One source OF
extravaganza was thus closed. But there
has remained the tendency 70 ask for
amounts greatly in excess OF the govern
men,'s prospective income. and 20 thrust
on Congress the duty OF pairing down in
fated estimates, as well as the odiUm of
reducing appropriations IN which various
sections or services have been interested.
The House wants to have the Executive
take a larger share in the shaping Of the
budget and the balancing OF income and
outlay. Its idea is that the Secretary Of
the Treasury. who receives and trans
mits the estimates to Congress, shall
compare the total Of those estimates with
the probable revenues for the year which
they cover. and make a statement 10 the
President Of the excess Of expenditure
Indicated The President can then. in his
message 70 Congress, either point out
the cuts which can be made with least
injury 70 the public service. or suggest
new taxation 10 meet the prospective de-
hciency The executive departments
would thus be Induced 10 take q more
direct interest in governmental economy.
They would not prepare budget. as al
present. vita consideration only FOR their
own needs and ambitions. without
glance at the income sheet OF the estab-
Ishment They would have 10 measure in
advance the capacity Of the Treasury 70
pav the larger drafts on Il, and would
have TO accept joint responsibility for the
imposition OF new taxes. The plan Of the
House for relieving the obvious enbar-
"a assments OF the present situation has
much 70 commend IL
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
Roominc HindS for Congress.

From the Lewiston Me- Journal
There is a strong sentiment in Wash
ington and in Names First Congressional
district in support Of Asher c. Hinds
20 succeed Amos /. Allen as Congressman
from the First district Kinds was Al
lens parliamentary expert and ne has
been Caunons expert Kinds work on
parliamentary precsdents Is properly Ge-
clared to be monumental" No new man
could possibly be so valuable on the floor
Of the House as Mg. Kinds This not
only because of his caFable mind, but
because y his large experience in par
liamentary practice Mr. Hinds would
al once forge 10 the front and contribute
no HttIe to restore Maine TO high position
in the HoUse-always assuming that he
would represent the district as Allen had
not
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
Inaugural Messages.

Air. Taft's inaugural message has at
tained the rather unusual length Of 500
words. or nearly four columns Of The
Washington Herald It VIII occupy near
" an hour in reading at the inaugural
ceremonies Doubtless IT wiz be worth
hearing and worth perusal BY the even
ing lamp. This is a day OF exhaustive
and exhausting public documents. Mes
sages. speeches. reports-au are distended
to inordlnate proportions. No compiler
or composer has any pride Of brevtty-
Mr. Roosevelt has been rated a con-
spicuous offender IN this regard. for his
public communications excel not only in
length. bat In numbers. Yet he can be
concise when he likes. and his inaugural
address contained but a trihe more than
l.o00 words. To find a precedent for a
5O0O-word inaugural We should have 10 20
hack 10 the time Of Polk. who discoursed
70 the extent OF 800 words.
But six Presidents have exceeded the
4eoO-wold limit-Monroe. Van Buren. Will
IAN Henry Harrison. Polk. Benjamin
Harrison. and Mckinley. The elder Har-
rison has the championship record for
exhaustive inaugursls. his effort amount
ing TO sS08 words. while Washington,
first in everything. holds the palm for
shprtness. his second inaugural compTis-
ing but 10 words But four Presidents
have been briefer than Roosevelt-Wash-
iagton. Lincoln. Johnson. and Arthur We
should like 70 say that the briefest in
augurals have been longest remembered.
hut this is only partly true Jefferson-s
Z inaugural, 100 words long. contain
t lis famous definition Of American
and Lincoln's second, 80 words.
-nlendid prophetic diction. are
Z familiar 10 Americans Of
ms two inaugurals were
- as were both or Jack
Taylor. Grant was
ssn Of few words. his two
D. )gether making but one-half
The + Mr. Tafrs first state paper.
-Thos- % Ike TO think of our incoming
Pfesidenc as another Mckinley VIII be
Interested 20 know that Mr.. Mckinley :
frst inaugural ran 20 400 words and his
second TO 500 bOlh papers being rather
elaborate statements Of policy. Mr. Taft
IS evidently going 20 revive the idea OF
laying down the law at the beginning OF
his administration. instead OF indUlging in
a few Elittering generaIities. His inaugu-
raj VIII b. brief-would that IT were
briefer-for the new deal
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
THE HOUSE OF HOsPrrALITIEs.

Here We hroaehed the Christmas barrel
And up-piled the oillet-cnds.
Here we sang the Christmas carol
And called in friends
Time has tired me since VI met here.
When the fox noU dead were Young.
Since the visDds were 0utsef here
Ard quaint songs sung.
And the Eo7m has bored the viol
That used 90 lead the tune
Rust eaten ont the disl
That struck nights noon
NOW no Christmas brings in neighbors.
Ard the New Year cunes unlit.
WherC re sang the mole now labors
And spiders KNIT.
Yet Al Midnight. il / walk here
When The neon sheets uall and tree.
Forms 01tshape and seem 70 talk here
And smile on ne
-Thomzs Hardy. il the New Quarterly.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
why We Need the Auditorium.

Prom the Chicago Record Herald
Il would seem II local enterprise does
not supply a modern auditorium that
either the inaugural ball will have TO
be eliminated or lose its luster or else
continue 70 be housed in the Pension
building And the ball has come TO be so
much Of an Institution that the repre-
sentatiyes Of the great American public
who attend Inauguration ceremonies
would feel its loss bitterly.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

From the Chicago Post
To put the Roosevelt policies effectively
and permanently into the law Of the
land is task worthy Of the most ma
jestic tradition Of the law That the
head OF the government thus dedicates
himself 10 that task should be an in
spiration 10 the great profession which
he chose as his own Il IS high service.
tt should, and in our judgment il viii,
bring out willing volunteers 10 aid in its
accomplishment.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
Information of Importance.

From Oliver HsrfoEd's simple JoETaphy-
The Axis of the Earth IS an imaginary
Big Stick round which il revOlves-
Boston is a Center Of Gravity sur
rounded By Newtons.
France is the greatest Millinery Power
on earth.
The Folding BedOUins and the Hau
ROomanians are seni-nOmadic tribes be
lieved by some 70 be descended from the
original race of the Red Inczs OF Bo-
hernia
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

that the system is not likely in the future
to become as ineffective as it has been on
occasions in the past The problem Of
efficiency in naval administration is being
solved. even under existing limitations.
and it needs but a strong and sensible
Secretary. ike Mr.. NeWbery, 10 keep
the machine in fair working order
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

that he may be differentiated from his
descendant the junior Senator from
Arkansas We had hoped this matter
might be adjusted without friction. but
We fear that pesky word descendant
viii start something pusnacious down
South.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
NO CAUSE FOR GLOOM.
Tariff Agitation Cannot InJure Bus
ineSs for Long.


mess for Long.
From the Phfadelnhia Public Lodggr
Il Is not that there Is danger IN the
mist There IS only obscGrity. II has
been often shown that this country can
thrive under any kind Of tariff, or un-
der ve-y imperfect laws. II only it have
the chance 10 adapt itself 20 their Op-
gress shall perform this work OF tariff
revision carefully. Il is far more impor-
tant that Il shall be done promptly.
with such provision for future adapta-
tons as shall put II beyond the muta-
tions of political whim Until this has
been done. the resumption % manufac-
turing industry. on which All our East
ern activities are based mast be eau
tious and slew. even though the agTi-
cultural West is already gathering its
riches and Offering q market for our
products
No one can for a moment consider the
actual conditions in this country to-day
without perceiving that al this present
dUllness is but the preparation for a
great activity We may have been mis-
taken in expecting prosperity 10 return
al once. but its return is inevitable as
the seasons So while In this waiting
period we are subject 70 furTies Of de-
preston. the man who would be a
bear on the future Of the United
States. as Mr. Morgan has pertinently
said. is certain to turn Jp OF the wrong
side Of the market in he end II the
people who are subject to stOck-mar-
ket scares were capable Of reasoning.
they would not need 10 be told that this
is not a time 70 sell anything that you
GO not need 20 sell. Il is a time 70 buy,
a time TO bank upon the teeming re-
sources Of the country. that need only
the assurance OF stable conditions to
compel the healthy resumption OF pro-
ductive activity everywhere. Gamblers
may find their profits OF their losses in
uncertainty. but the responsible man OF
affairs viii not be driven from his con-
fidence
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

-HamptOn's Magazine two months ago
called for real poetry in the voice of
strong man crying IN the wilderness. Re
suit so far. Alfred Austin's You and
U.s. says the Chicago<Post- Probably
Hampton's desires to begin at the bottom
and build upward by easy stages.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
Cireumventinr the Interests

Fron the Kansas City Times
Mr. Taft's Cabinet appointments thus
far announced include only lawyers. This
may be not so much because Mr.. Taft
is partial TO lawyers as a class. as be
cause legal talent of a high order viii
be required 10 ciTCumvent the able ceun-
sci Of the interests opposed 10 the ad-
ministrati0n's policies.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

The Prussian crown prince has in
dicateG a desire 10 visit this country,
provided he can come over "as a pri-
vete gentleman might" We assure his
royal highness he may come over in that
manner, without doubt As 10 what will
happen TO him after he gets here, de-
ponent sayeth not.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Can a mule be silenced?" inquiries
some one of Poet Paul Cook in the Bir-
mingham Age-HeralG- There appears &c
be no way in which he may be prevented
from registering his kick whenever the
spfFi+ moves him
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
ALITTLE NONSENSE.
THE DRAMA.

In siIken shoes and ragged dress,
Forlorn she stands.
A peck Of diamonds, more or less,
Adorn her hands.
Yet she must beg. she doth confess,
In foreign lands
The canvas grove is dark and vast.
The wintry breeze
Comes whistling in a bitter blast
Through canvas trees.
The paper snow is falling fast
And she VIII freeze.
And now the wolves are on the run;
We hear their whoops.
To yelp and howl have they begun
In sullen groups.
I understand the trick is done
Outside by supes.
The hero dashes from the wings:
The wolves skidOo.
The leading lady to him clings;
They bin and coo.
We may as well put on our things;
The play is through.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
4 Lasting Job.

From the Houston Post.
Andrew Carnegie announces a gift Of
$685. with which TO begin moral re-
demption Of PittsbUrg, We congratulate
the old ScotChman. he has at last
tackled a job which viii enable him 70
die poor If he remains on il
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

England is building a battle ship that
is 70 have no tunnels says the Phila-
delphia Ledger. BY and by, Uncle
Andy CaTnegie's dream OF the gunless
battle ship may come true
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
WifeIy Hints.

Hints OF springtime are a bane.
That is fat
For they mostly appertain
To a hat.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Illinois is considering a scheme 10
libel unmarried men," says 2 cOntempo-
rary. Hold on, This libel business may
be carried 10 an extreme. even in the pro-
mitigation Of anti-race suicide ideas
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

The umteenth crisis Of the season has
made its appearance in the Balkans. II
It holds out until after the inauguration,
we may find time TO take elaborate notice
Of IL
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
Something In.

What would you do n man should
come in and offer 20 subscribe for three
years and pay cash in advance
I'd tell him I couldn't suppress the
story. signed the country editor
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Mr.. Hoke Smith says he viii run for
governor OF Georgia again IF Joe Brown
runs" Little joe" apparently, prefers
70 gallcp
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

The lately invented crown top for bot
ties Is said to have ali but ruined the
corkscrew business. There is something
crooked about this story, plainly enough.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

The Richmond Journal says Mr.. Bryan
is "stIH far in advance Of his time" Per-
haps the Democracy made a mistake in
not postponing Mr.. Bryan twenty-five
years or so.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Gov. Hughes says his favorite author
IS Epictetus.' notes the Concord Monitor.
Wen, we'll, And what do you think OF
the governors taste, anyway?
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Notwithstanding the royal smacks ex-
changed by Edward and William, the
construction OF Z5OoO-t6n battle ships VIII
go merrily forward. it seems.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
Real Rain.

How are these open air perform
ances?"
"AI right. except when Nature insists
on acting as property man
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

SECRETARY James Wilson is one of the
few remaining official precedents OF long
staining that have not been overturned
at least once during the past few years.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Capt. Hobson is evidently firm in the
faith that our fleet could not do il again
without getting into sIl sorts OF trouble.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Atlanta has raised some $50 with
which to send her soldier boys 10 Wash
ingt0n next week. And Atlanta may
take it from Us. the show viii be che4D
a. the price.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

The English Parliament has replied 10
Contrary 10 American custom Of latter
days. that wiz not necessarily bring on
more tax
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
4 Good scheme.

Il never throw away old junk. for that
would make me feel wastefuL"
''well?"
SO I give fl away. and feel char
liable"
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Think a little. says the Nashville
American 10 the Tennessee legislature.
Apparently. that honorable body prefers
to postpone little matters OF that per-
suasion until after adjournment
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Chicago is growing faster than New
York" says a Windy City editor We
fear both Of these wayward cities are
faster than they ought 10 be now
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

II is quite evident that nothing less
than forty-slx summer White Houses viii
really satisfy this country.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

Senator Hopkins. of Illinois, seems
fated to be attached 10 that undesirable
little "ex." IN spite OF all he can DO
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
They should BE EneeuraEed.

From the New Yors wo-.d
StiH. We recall one or two fairly clean
plsys that received tremendous patron
age.
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
ErnInined.

What's this survival Of the fttest?"
ITS this way. Some wimmen git
through the winter in spite OF their peek
ahOO clothes
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26
In PuriIissie ParIance.

1T was a sad Jolt TO her when she los:
the duke
We'll. what did she do2"
she took the count
The Washington herald., 1909-02-26

The New York Globe thinks Jefferson
Davis name should he restored to that
tablet on Cabin John Bridge, in order