PAGE SIX
TA K. 77E 1(5 ’ UNION DEPARTMENT
DEVELOPING OUR WATERWAYS.
Turning aside from the warring l political
factions, however, let us glance at some pub
lic questions not in politics proper, but of no
less importance than the 11 burning issues”
of the party platforms. It was only last week
that we looked abroad for evidence of a great
moral awakening that seems to include in its
'mighty sweep all races of men and all conti
nents of the earth.
Turning to the subjects engaging attention
in our own country, one finds no affront to
this spirit of optimism. Os our improving
moral standards mention was made last week:
witness also, from an industrial and econ
omic standpoint, the large number of construc
tive movements now under consideration in
Congress. Their progress is slow, of course,
but though slow, it is sure. It was only the
other day for example that President Roose
velt sent a most striking message to Congress
upon the subject of inland waterways, plead
ing for some broad and comprehensive policy
in handling and developing these neglected ar
teries of commercial life. “In extent, dis
tribution, navigability, and ease of use,” said
the President, “they stand first. Yet the riv
ers of no other civilized country are so poorly
developed, so little used or play so small a
part in the industrial life of the Nation as
those of the United States.” This subject,
too, is one of great importance to fanners as a
class. The money heretofore spent for river
and harbor improvement has been of most di
rect benefit to the cities, while the develop
ment of our inland waterways should be of
most direct benefit to our farming interests.
