Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1914-06-26
bin to Give Republic Steam
Launch Louise in Token of
Appreciation
IBy Latest Mani.

WASHINGTON "A little bill intro.
duced recently by Senator Root Is
Characteristic of the efforts being put
forth from day to day by certain
statesmen in the interest of world
peace. The bin, which Is but dozen
lines In length. proposes to present to
the French government the steam
launch Louise, little craft that has
been in service in building the Pana-
ma canal on both the French and
United States projects.
On the surface this measure may
appear to be merely the embodiment
OF passing thought as an appropriate
thing to do, but when II is known that
the introduction Of this bill is the re-
I.sult OF an extended correspondence
between the New York senator and va
rious officials of this government and
French government and the Panama
canal officials & assumes a more i'm.
portant aspect.
Though the presentation Of this boat
to France is in itself small matter
its proposal hints the Importance at
tached by public men who have to do
with international matters to such lit
tie scourtesies and expressions Of good
feeling between nations. 1t is truth
that statesmen accustomed to dealing
with other governments appraise as
most potent promoters and guardians
OF international amity just such APP
parently trifling tokens of friendship
as Senator Root proposes. They are
thought to have an effect upon ma
ton such as is produced by the occa-
sional kindly word passed from one
individual to another, tending to foster
cordially and cement friendship.
Senator Lodges Idea.
The first mention of this PROPOSE
tion was made by Senator Lodge when
he delivered his speech in the senate
on the Panama tolls exemption repeal
bilI-the opening speech on this Inn
portant debate. The Massachusetts,
senator concluded his remarks by ex-
pressing the hope that the Louise
might be given the place OF honor IN
the procession Of ships going through
fhe canal at the time of its formal ded-
ication. and that 1t might then be pre-,
scented TO the French government.
The paris newspaper Figaro proposed
4 public subscription to buy the boat
= senator Roots bill proposes that
a. 4 mark Of appreciation Of the sac
rifices and services Of the French peo-
nle n the construction of the Panama
canal the steam launch Louise, Dullt
N France in 1886 and employed IN
the construction of the canal success.
siyely by the French Panama Canal
company and by the United states,
be put In good condition and presented
70 the French government and thai
ii the first formal or ceremonial op'
ening or passage of the canal, the place
Of honor be accorded to said steam
launch. bearing the flag Of the French
republic. A sum of $4,000 is appro'
priated to put the launch in good con
dition.
Gift Worth $4,000.
Colonel Goethals, in q letter to Har'
nv S. Welsh of New York, who has
interested himself in the matter. de
scribes the Louise as a steam launch
of 25 tons, SO feet long, II feet beam
and s feet draft Her present value Il
given as $4,000, which would make the
gift about $4,000 in money considera
ton, after repairs are made. She would
be q useful boat after the canal is
comuleted said Colonel Goethals, but