The New York herald., 1865-05-02

~H~s~~
for trafac, although not fully completed. On
the 9Th Of April N. Lesseps, the contractor, was
met in the city Of Alexandria, Egypt, by one
hundred and twenty gentlemen, representing
the Chambers Of Commerce and great trade
centres Of the Old and New Worlds, who were
delegated to witness the ceremonial of uniting
the Mediterranean with the Red Sea. Here he
entertained them at grand banquet, and the
entire party set out the next morning for the
Isthmus of Suez; so that we shall receive
report of the event In a day or two, and hear
In short time that the canal, which Is now
readily navigable by tugs and barks OF
thirty tons, has been deepened 80 as to admit
the largest seagoing vessels; and if SO, the
route to India around the Cape Of Good Hope
will generally be abandoned.
There is one view Of this subject deserving
of consideration. II is that the completion OF
this canal will insure the supremacy of France
in the Mediterranean and give an easy access
to the East Indies for her powerful navy and
immense military force should rupture take
place with England. Thepress ofthe latter coun.
try has long considered this result, and often
expressed its apprehensions ofits reality. Nor
is the route unknown or unused by the French,
though traversable only a. yet by railway.
Between the years 1860 and 1868, especially in
1861, eight thousand soldiers and thirty thou
sand packages Of war materiel crossed the
isthmus, and At other times several thousand
moro.
Sir Henry Bulwsr, It - wen known, not q
great while since visited the works Of Lesseps,
banquetted with HIM at the Lake Of Timsah,
and afterwards had interviews with Fadil
Pacha, Governor Of Keneh, at Dendara on the
Nile, to ascertain the praeticabAity Of coun-
ter project which would render the canal j. of
: Suez OF no value. This was to construct rail-
way from Cairo 70 the port Of Kosseir, far down
the western shore Of the Red Sea and opposite
Alden. This route would save the whole tedi-
ous voyage Of that sea- and produce an i'm
mense saving Of time and distance. And
though Nubar Pacha, the present prime minis
ter of the viceroy, is distinguishing himself by
comprehensive and energetic policy Of inter-
nal improvements everywhere, he seems to
have ignored the designs Of Sir Henry, who
finds his time very fully occupied in Constanti-
nople in endeavoring to combat the hourly in
creasing growth Of French diplomacy.
France has now two great naval arsenals on
the Mediterranean in higher condition than any
other European Power, and is likely to have
third at Algiers These give her preponder-
ance of naval strength in that sea, with the
advantage of sudden concentration OF large
fleets, impossible to be effected by her neigh
Dor across the channel So that by stationing
her ships off or at Corfu, she would command
the Straits Of Otranto and intercept all COM
munication between the Adriatic and the Egyp'
tian coast, while the British vessels at their
rendezvous at Malta would have as much as
they could do to guard the other channels west
ward, extending over breadth Of three hum
dred and sixty miles, from the African shore to
the Straits of Messina. And should Italy become
the ally of France--as in all probability she
will, for veal or wo-as soon, as Rome Is
left to herself common rendezvous Of the
squadrons Of the two nations in the Adriatic
would insure the success of their joint opera
tions.
This is by no means impossible. tits certain
that the opening Of the suss canal would do
much for several Italian ports which are
coveted back from the Austrian government.
It is equally certain that the French influence
has been rapidly increasing in Egypt and is
now predominant there. Linant Bey, the emf
nent engineer mentioned in or description, is q
Frenchman, man of great ability, and princi-
nal director Of the public works of Egypt
This influence thus acquired has been steadily
exerted in favor of the viceroy against the Sui
tan. from the time of Mehemet Ali to the pres
ent day, and has been gratefully appreciated.
The Notifications at Alexandria and at the
apex Of the delta are the work Of the French.
The canal, which will, especially under their
management. become strong military position,
will be barrier against approach from Syria
and the Red Sea, and the stations themselves
may be easily converted into strategic out.
posts, in direct communication with Cairo and
Alexandria.
II Is also worthy of notice that the French have
taken possession ofa strong point just outside Of
the Straits of Babel Mandcb, which has been, or
is to be, strongly fortified, and viii countcrvail
the celebrated British station at Alden. So, too,
line of French steamers is established between
Suez and some Of their possessions in the East
Indies, between which also ply regular mail
packets. This activity is not without purpose,
nor is II even now without its full fruits. An
American gentleman in Syria writes at very
late date that the influence thus developed is
predominant everywhere in Asiatic and Euro
pcan Turkey, as well as Egypt; that the
French consus have more influence and
authority than the pachas themselves. Large
extents Of fertile territory purchased by the
Suez Company are being pro6tably cul-
tivated towns and villages are everywhere
springing up, and the native workmen, well
paid, well fed and well treated, are happier
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