The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1910-03-05
RESPECTFULLY REFERRED
TO EDITOR HARRIS

1t the amounts being expended by
the national government on the har-
bors of Jacksonville and Tampa were
intended solely, or chiefly for the ben
Gift OF the people Of those cities there
might be some reason for the growing
Of certain papers because more is not
spent for the benefit" Of the interior
towns. There would not be cent
spent here at Jacksonville If this city
had not been nable to show that the
shipment outward of goods produced
in the interior or inward Of goods in
tended for consumption in the interior
was alread yso great. when added to
the commerce caused by the demands
and activity OF our own citizens. as to
prove that both experts and imports
could be greatly increased at this
point, to the enrichment of the whole
nation, by the expenditure Of money
in improving the harbor and deepen
ing the St Johns river. The resident
at Ocala, Sanford or Orlando or at
points between-within the whole dis
trict tributary TO the port of Jackson
vile, in fact-gets about as much good
out Of every dollar expended in such
improvements Of the port Of Jackson
vile as does the resident Of this city.
All any city in Florida has to do is to
prove to the satisfaction of the ma
tonal authorities that II has a port
that is already doing so much bust
ness in exports and imports as to
warrant the belief that it can do more
il the overnment gives it boost-and
the necessary appropriation will not be
long in forthcoming. Take a broader
view Of this matter Of national APP
propriations, brother, Times Union
Short Talks.
1t is very evident Editor Harris Of
the Ocala Banner is so oversha allowed
with his crouch of Florida seaport
rates that he loses sight Of the fact
that appropriations made for such
seaport towns as Jacksonville and
Tampa are as important and beneficial
to the interior portion of the state as
they are to the port itself. Does not
the improvement of these harbors ia
cilitate and cheaper the exports Of
lumber, turpentine and phosphate: also
oranges and grapefruit. of which
immense cargoes are shipped to the
northern markets. The improvement
of these harbors is primarily for the
interchange of commodities grown in
the state. for those products grown or
produced outside. These appropria-
lions are not made primarily to create
ports of exchange and lessen the cost
OF said exchange TO the producer. thus
enhancing the value of the product to
the creator of same These appropria-
tons are simply an index of the growth
of cities. Everything is relative and the
greater the facilities for exchange, in
cost and expedition and the growth of
such exchange. the more does such
commerce accelerate the growth of
such towns. This proposition is so
self evident and has been the basis of
all appropriations by the government
to promote and facilitate the trade of
the whole country, since it's existence
that ii Is the part of wisdom to accept
the same and folly TO dispute it. To
come home and illustrates: Why does
Congressman Sparkman get appro-
Oklawaha river but to facilitate the
navigation of said stream Why do we
applaud him for said congressional la :
Dor because we deem it special ser
vice to promote our material interests.
But il We sit supinely by. grumble,
knock develop a crouch and do moth
Ing to improve the efforts of a faithful
public servant, who is to blame. And
again we ask, are such slothful and
Indifferent constituents worthy of as
sistance. If Ocala does not possess
better freight rates. where lies the
blame but with her own people, and
instead of knocking. they should be
kicked.