New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-11-12


populations OF Europe, the new fields which it
woa,l open to enterprise, and the diffusion Of
light knowledge and civilization which follows al
ways upon Any great Improvement the physical
condition OF mankind, ard which Increases with
every saving Of an hours time, or a miles dis
lance II the communications between nations
all these are considerations which must lead the
Statesman, tie Philosopher, the Christian and the
FbilaDthroplst, to regard tie proposed andertah
ing with deeper interest than any which has
claimed the attention OF mankind The conj1nc-
ton OF time and circumstance is favorable for the
wogk and Ii now seems that the star of empire,
which, in its Westward progress, stood still for
awhile upon the crown of the Cordille-as is des-
tined to pass onward to its elimination, while the
giant arm OF conioned capital and labor smites
through the barriers which nature has set mp be-
tween the two hemispheres.
TIATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE IL RE
SPECT TO OPENING THE CANAL.
1t viii not be uninteresting, now that the pro-
iect OF opening Canal across the Isthnus Of Mic.
aragua has assumed practical form. and seems
certain to be carried into execution, TO notice
briefly some of the measures which have hereto
tore been taken in respect to it. | have already
mentioned, that early in the 10th century the
practlcahllity OF such an undertaking was assert
ed and its advantages put forward in a striking
light but nothing was practically attempted until
late IN the 18th century, when the attention of the
Spanish Government was called to the subiact
once more by Godoy, the Prince of Peace, and
a survey of the route was made under his drec
ton. The documents relating to it still exist in
the archives of Guatemala. After the indepen
dence of Central America, another attempt to-
ward the accomplishment of the same object was
made by Senor Manuel Antonio de la Cerda, al
terWard Governor Of the State OF Nicaragua, who,
in July 1923. urged the matter upon the Federal
Int ilaI ot
that time. In the year 1926 different proposals
were made from abroad upon the subject and the
National Congress. in June Of thatyear passed the
following decree
''ART1cLE l. Authorizes the opening ola Canal fitted FOR
the passage the largest vessels in the Stale OF Nicaragua
"ART 9 The works 10 be of the most solid construction
ART. The Government shall offer to the undertakers
ali ndcmihcaou equivalent 10 The cost and labor OF the
ART 4. The Government shall take all means of faci-
the notwithstanding the plans and, generally in ey-
cry manner not injurious 70 public or private Interests
machinery imported for the works OF the Canal.
ART s Theexpense OF tue work shall be acknowledged
National Debt and the tolls of the Canal lai be ap-
Piled to lis eXtnguishmen after deducng the necessary
COSTS Of main and repairs, and the maintenance oil
garrison for its defense.
ofoutlay, shalbe determined according 10 lie laws OF the
Republic, ---,.-,,.,.... ......,.,;.,, 49,,
all times alter The rates OF toll as may think proper
'ART. g. The navigation shall be open t. all nations.
friends neufdIs. without privilege or EXCLUSION
ART. 10. The Government shall maintain on the Lake
the necessary vessels for its defense
Arr H. If invincihe mpedments, discovered in the
course OF the work, prevent lis execution me tepuoc
shall not be liable 10 make any remuneration Whatever
i" ART. - In only boat canal canbe opened the
ndeTnitcaon shall be proPorioned 10 te smaller benefit
which will then result to the Republic
This decree was published jointly with another
fixing six months for receiving proposals, but the
term proposed was too short for any measures to
be taken on the part Of companies or individuals
" a n
part of the proposals before made.
The principal OF these were made by Mr. Bailey
and MI Charles Beniski-the first as agent tor the
English house Of Messrs Barclay. Herring, Rich,
ardson K Co. ard the second for Mr. Aaron II.
Pamerof New y ork. Mr.. Bailey offer was con.
ditonal, while Mr.. Beniskis was positive and
was therefore accepted by the Republic. The
contractors, under the name and style OF the Cen:
trail American and United States Atlantic and
Pacific Canal Company, were bound to open
through Nicaragua a canal nayigable tor vessels
of all Sizes and to deposit In the city OF Grenada
the sum of 100000 for the preliminary expenses
within six months to erect tortrcsses tor the pro-
lection of the canal, and to have the Works III
PROCESS within a period OF twelve mouths -, &c
CONDENSATION they were to have tWo-tnlrqIs "
tie profits of the tolls upon the canal ul,eI al, 'e
canitnI expended in the work was repaid, WITH IN
terest at the rate of 0 per cent beside atterWard
receiving one half of the proceeds OF the canal Tor
seven years with certain privileges Tor introducing
steam vessels The Government was to put at
their disposal all the documents relating to the
subject existing in its archives, to permit the cut.
ting Of wood and to furnish Iaborers at certain
rates of wages In case of non.competion, the
works were to revert Internationally to the Re.
Dublic This contract bore date June II, 1870, ana
tie contractors at once endeayored to secure the
cooperation Of the Government OF the United
States A memorial was presented to Congress
ana referred TO a Committee. which reported IN
~, 4t.ars
il appears to have received the sanction OF De
Witt Clinton and other distinguished men
Previous to this transaction, however, III leo
the Envoy extraordinary from Central America
In the nited States called the attention OF the
Government to it in an oifciol letter, requesting
the cooperation of the United States In preference
to any other nation, and proposing, by means OF
treaty. "effeCtuay TO secure its adyadantages to
the two nations The Charge Affairs OF the
[ nited States in Central America, Col. John w
hams was accordingly specially instructed to
assure the Government OF Central America OF the
deep interest taken by the United States in an
undertaking so highly calculated to dlituse
favorable influence on the affairs OF mnnkind, and
to Investigate with the greatest care the facilities
offered by she route, and to remit the information
to the United States. But It appears no norna-
ton of TIE character required ever reached the
American Government
Tie project seems TO have been allowed to
slumber from this period until Ostober 28, when
the work was proposed to be undertaken by an
association Of tho Netherlands under the special
patronage of the King OF Holland. The idea seems
to have originated with General Veryeer, Com
missioner Tor the Netherlands to the Grand Diet
OF Bavaria, upon the representation OF the Com
missioners for Central America, Senors Larrizabel
and Molina. In March, 1929 the Dutch General
arrived in Guatemala. as Plenipotentiary OF his
Government. with instructions regarding the an.
dertaking OF the Canal In consequence of civil
distractions, the subject was not taken up until
the succeeding October, when the Federal Con
gress passed new resolutions upon 1t
The offers made by the Association were ex
ceedingly liberal the work was to be executed
under the protection Of the King, and as soon as
the outlay with 10 per cent interest on the same,
was repaid TO the Company, the work was to re-
vert to the Republic. Arrangements were made
T., s.vd + uVavs m the Netherlands with full