Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial. (Wilmington, Del.) 1878-1928, 1918-06-05
HEAD Of MARITIME
EXCHANGE URGES
CANAL PURCHASE
It's Value in Time of War With
U-Boats About Cannot
Be Estimated,
is VITAL TO COMMERCE

l. s W Holton, president of the Phil
adolphia Maritime Exchange, has some
very pronounced ideas as to why the
government should purchase the Chesa
peake and Delaware Canal, and make it
one of the country's leading back OF the
coast" lines of transportation
MIR lIolton is not alone head of the
leading organized shipping body of the
Quaker City, but is engaged IN private
business that affords him an opportunity
TO investigate and learn as a business man
why this mode of transportation and the
route would be of inestimahle value To
the country if developed under govern
mcnt control
In mn interview with an Every Evening
representative. Mr.. lTolton outlined many
of the advantages that would accrue to
the eastern section Of the country with
the purchase of the canal by Uncle Sam
Among other things. he said
'"rhe establishment of free and open
waterway. capable Of meeting modern
requirements, is vital TO the economical
movement Of waterhorne commerce
through the inland waterway between
the Delaware and Chesapeake bays
IF the canal were made available for
uninterrupted intercommunicatlon be-
tween the Delaware and Chesapeake
BAYS. its strategic value for military
purposes could not he estimated
THE highest military engineering au-
liberties Of Tire tultci States have, IN
their several reports, recommended the
Improvement of the Chesapeake and
Delaware Canal, and the merits and
practlcahhty u the project, therefore
arc matter of official record
The commercial advantages that have
resulted from the cheap movement ~
tho many commodities which now pass
through the canal. even III ia present
antiQuatcd condition. cannot be over
estimated and when we realize. that for
the want Of the authorization Of the cX-
penditurc III 81 comparatively small sum
that would be required for such a vast
Improvement. Il IS difficult 70 under
stand why action is delayed
MANY 81 the great Industries 81 the
country have located on the FeHhoHrd 20
take advantage ~ cheap water transporfa-
ton. aud IN tins respect there has been
marked development along the Delaware
IN the last few wears.
great III, rease IN the saving 81 the
cost nf freight would naturally lie effected
hy the opening % the canal Ia free and
unrestricted movement Of the large
amount az commerce that would flow
through the improved waterway
Ills strategic value IN the defence q
oar important coast cities Is admitted
and urged by the highest authorities.
The Chesapeake and Delaware canal
is one IL the most important inland water
uavs that connect the industries Of the
Delaware river and It's tributaries with
southern cities, and its purchase and
SUBSEQUENT Improvement hv the govern
mont would establish Il ms an economical
factor of vast Importance 70 the com
ncrce If the entire Atlantic coast.
"1he city IF Philadelphia Is committed
10 the expenditure Of many millions Of
dollars. IL literally provide for extensive
harbor improvements and port facilities.
and this fact should have an important
influence On Congress IL lis established
custom II giving more favorable con
sderatIun IL such mcritorlous projects
is are gwen substantial financial sup
port by the communities that may be
directly benefited
IT i the earnest hope Of I'll com
nlerclal interests that tins Improvement.
which is 50 vitality important to the na-
tional welfare, shall no longer be neg
lertcd