The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-01-12
systems of the world are pygmies.

systems of the world are pygmies.
1t is of primary Importance to
standardize the waterways for the
same reason it was necessary to
standardize the railroads.
Freight cannot pass from one of our
rivers to another without, first. a
transfer to a railroad or coastwise
boat. Second, to which a higher rate
of freight is paid, in many cases with
an increase of insurance. Third. an
other transfer to warehouses or dis
tributing river boat or railroad.
For this reason any adequate use OF
our rivers as freight carriers is now
an economic impossibility.
Also please observe that coastwise
boats can only enter few more or
less developed ports; that railroads
touch our rivers and coasts at very
few points, and these points all have
more or less of the benefits realized
from water and rail competition, re-
sulting in a congestion of population
and commerce at these points.
If the inland waterways were con-
tinuous, first, through rates and car
goes to and from any points on the
would result. Second, the coasts will
be provided with transportation at any
point, instead of at a few ports only
resulting in a distribution of populE-
ton and commerce along the coasts.
1t has been demonstrated that as
the average length of haul increases,
the rate per mile rapidly decreases.
In a statement made to a board of
f1eH6 y ~
on the across Florida product, in
Jacksonville this fall, I said that If
the connection of the rivers by means
of canals extended the average length
of haul not more than 100 miles there
would result a saving Of about Sc mil
lion dollars annually on the exchange
of commerce between the Atlantic and
Mississippi valley states.
Because some of our rivers are too
shallow to admit the carriers of deep
draft which may navigate the larger
rivers and proposed canals, does not
alter the fact that the connecting
canals will standardize the rivers, Cor
the shallow draft carriers of the
smaller rivers will find easy passage
to and from originating points over
the deeper canals and rivers.
feel sure that it is not the pur-
pose of this board to make impossible
the standardizing of the inland waters
by means of a continuous coastal ca
nal, because the commerce of a seq
ment of it viii not justify the con-
struction of that part. 1t is not a
number of independent projects, but a
single one intended to make possible
the fundamental principle of economic
transportation.
The lakes to the gulf project has re-
ceived some recognition from your
board. The board of engineers on
GERS have recommended the lower part
of the Atlantic inland waterway.
Your board has recently approved a
large portion of the northern part.
Recommendations have been made
along the gulf coast.
The Mississippi river system exists.
Let us suppose that a continuous in
land waterway is constructed along
the Atlantic. Each system will be de-
tached. There can be no interchange
of commerce by water carriers with
out transfer of cargo and increased
insurance. The coastal canal to and
across Florida forms the connecting
link, which will join the Atlantic and
Mississippi systems, the Great Lakes
and the rivers flowing to the gulf. 1t
will be the means Of a large increase
in the average length of haul. Pro-
vide cheaper water rates, and havt an
influence on all rail rates between the
points on the waterway system.
Pensacola is interested in the con-
struction of the entire project along
the lines 1 have stated.
She is particularly interested in the
construction of that part from the
Apalachicola river to the Mississippi
river.
1t would be of benefit to 100000
people in her trade territory.
Her export business is more than
twenty million dollars annually.
II would mean saving of $62.500
annually on her coal. $4,000 annually
on steel rails she exports, $4,000 an
nuaIly on her cotton, or over s250.o0o
annually from these shipments alone.
The canal to Mobile will reduce coal
and iron rates. The canal to the Mis-
sissippf will reduce rates on sugar.
grain, hides and all Mississippi valley
PRODUCTS, while the canal to the Apa-
lachicola river will lower rates on
cotton and naval stores to Pensacola
and give her inland water connection
with much Of her trade territory. .