Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 April 1890 — GOSSIP OF THE CAPITAL. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

GOSSIP OF THE CAPITAL.

JERRY MURPHY TALKING FOB THE HENNEPIN CANAL. He Reviews the Steps Previously Taken Toward Its Construction and Advance I New Arguments In Its Favor— Anothei Announcement of J. 8. Clarkson’s Retirement. Washington dispatch: An extended and forcible argument in favor of a government appropriation for the building of the Hennepin canal was made before the river and harbor committee of of the House by Jerry H. Murphy, the long-timo advocate of the project. Nearly all of the Illinois congressmen and many other western congressmen were present. Mr. Murphv reviewed the 9teps heretofore takeu in the efforts to establish this great project, and set forth the overwhelming indorsement of the enterprise by statesmen, legislative bodies, conventions, and others since 1845, when John C. Calhoun, “that strict constructionist,” presided over a convention at Memphis which adopted a resolution declaring that the prolect of connecting the Mississippi river with the lakes of the north by a canal, and thus with the Atlantic ocean, was a measure worthy of the consideration of Congress. He submitted many figures to show that the United States had done less to Improve her waterways in the Interest of commerce than England, France, Bussia, Germany, Holland, Sweden, or Austria. The importance of the Hennepin canal for defensive purposes In time of war was also elaborately set forth. Speaking of what the canal would do for agriculture and commerce, Mr. Murphy said; “I make the statement, and challenge Investigation, that if the government, through its representatives, will do Its duty and construct this canal there will bo a saving of at least 4 cents per bushel over present railroad rates now charged from the Mississippi river to the lakes. And the saving of 4 cents per bushel on the surplus grain of Illinois, lowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will amount annually to $20,884,070, enough to build this canal three times, and not including In this estimate other products of the Western toilers that would amount to millions more.” It is announced that Mr. Clarkson, first assistant Postmaster General, will retire on June 1. Mr. Clarkson’s resignation, to take effect on that date, has been prepared and will be handed in shortly.

Mr. Clarkson is tired of the place and its drudgery. The pay is $4,000 a year, and this is not commensurate with tho duties. Besides, as ho says, ho only took the place temporarily, and he has been ready to leave it for a number of months. He has bepn importuned to hang on until now, when he can turn over the office to other hands.