Los Angeles herald., 1910-04-12

HISTORY relates many civic
II achievements of the human race
A wonderful in magnitude sand
thrilling in character, but there is moth
ing in any one of them so resplendent
with heroism, grandeur and resultant
benefits to the world as the construc-
ton of our nationality in comblna-
tion of numbers, wealth, intelligence,
civilization, character of government
and social institutions, Our domain
on the mainland is nearly equal TO
the superficial area of the European
continent our population is hardly 40
per cent less than that of France, Ger
many and the United Kingdom COM
bined, which are more than twenty
centuries old. Since distinct national
ity was achieved by the United states
less than a century and a third nave
elapsed, and yet 1t has wealth greater
than the three countries named,
larger external commerce than any
other nation, and her internal COM
merce exceeds that of any three ma
tions of Europe. There is but one
commercial center in all the world
greater than New York, and the coun-
try possesses cities that rank second,
third and fourth. Within the term OF
life of the present generation the flrst
place as a commercial center VIII pc
on the western shore of the Atlantic
and two or three other cities will pass
to a Dosition in the very front.
II is not trade alone in modern times
that has built up the greatest cities
though in many cases 1t has been the
prime factor. Especially has 1t been
such in London and New York, thousn
in the latter manufacturing Industries
have materially contributed TO her
growth in population and wealth.. Phll-
adelphia derives far more from her
industries than from her commerce m
dependent of them. Chicago is the
beneficiary of both industries and
trade, and st. Louis gains most from
her manufactures. No nation ap-
proaches the United states In the
magnitude of internal commerce III
versitv and magnitude of her industries
made this possible
This country has failed in occupying
the position she should in international
and intercontinental commerce. con
sidering the strength of her popula-
tion. wealth. natural resources and the
qualities of the people. The failure mas
been from neglect in acquiring anu
maintaining an adequate merchant ma
rine The neglect has resulted from
the many other opportunities Tor the
employment of capital in railway CON
struction, manufacturing, mining dIu
in other lines that anorded larger
profit it has been believed, than would
he derived from maritime ventures.
Conditions have changed within the
last two decades. The meaus of pro-
auction have been so improved that our
greatest commercial need Is eXporta- a-
tion of our products, and that need on
the whole Is destined to become greater
1t is essential to this branch OF inter-
national commerce that we should nave
ships Of our own to do that work. Ma
tional interest and pride in merchant
marine built up by American capltal,
operated by our own people, and under
the stars and Stripes, will make for
what is most advantageous to the
country. Our capitalists are putting
their money into foreign countries and
enterprises, when 1t would seem best
for them. and surely for the country
to invest it in home enterprises. Inc
maritime is vast field for them, and
if other people find it advantageous
our enterprising people should be abb