The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-22
The suez ship Canal.

The interesting accounts we have published
of the progress of the Suez Canal show that
this greatest engineering work Of history is to
be success. The subject was first suggested
! by Ferdinand de Lesseps, and it is only since
1876 that the first surveys were made to test
its practicability. AT that date the foremost
engineers of the world were consulted as to
the feasibility Of the gig antic work. The best
English engineers, headed by George Steven
son, condemned it as chimerical scheme; but
France, feeling that there was more of national
jealousy than engineering judgment in the de-
cision, and being advised by her most scientific
men that it was possible, boldly launched out
her capital, and now sees success browning her
efforts. The amount thus far invested in the
work is eighty millions Of dollars in gold; but
it will probably require an additional expendi-
ture of forty millions more before the work is
thoroughly completed so that ship drawing
twenty-five feet of water can pass from the
Mediterranean to the Red Sea. Vessels of
light draught already pass it. AS yet how
ever, it cannot compete with the English rail
way from Alexandria to Suez, two hundred
and ifty-tw miles in length
The great work once completed it will give
new avenue to European commerce and
force the Old World trade almost back again
in the direction it took before Vasco de Cana
opened the route via the Cape of Goot Hope.
The Mediterranean nations have wonderful
interest in its completion. 1t is essentially
work for the advancement of Latin against
Anglo Saxon interests, and the brain that has
forced French capital to this task SO views it.
Science will have another chance for CONNER
cial greatness; and Italy, past whose doors
will pour vast Indian trade, will not be slow
to reap from the harvest and make herself
again felt as great nation. The Suez Canal
will do more to build up and strengthen Latin
Europe than all the wars and all the diplomacy
that have been expended in the past hundred
years. French statesmen, wisely SEEING it,
win force the work through despite cos or OPP
position. It will do their nation more honor
than any victory at arms they have even won,
and will be in keeping with the grea ami
mating idea Of France-the building uL and
consolidation Of Latin interests all over the
world.
There is, however, limit to this Old World
development This lies in the destiny of the
Western Continent. They do all they can
with what they possess, but it is impossible
for them to change the geography of the
world, however much they may break down
typographical barriers and turn trade channels.
As an offset to Suez we have Panama, which
fortune appears to have conceded to the New
World The Suez Canal will do an enormous
trade for the whole Of Europe, including Ger
many and Great Britain, until the completion
of canal across the Isthmus of Darien. Then
the Suez route will belong essentiallyto South
ern Europe, while its whole Atlaltic coast
will turn westward for its commerce with In
Ola, simply because it will be cheaper, safer
and more expeditions route to Eastern Asia.
Notwithstanding this, we believe thst the Suez
enterprise is one worthy of the age and of
modern civilization. 1t must and will accom-
modate vast commerce. France in COM
pleting it, not alone compliments modern civil
ization, but confers an honor upon herself and
upon all the nations of the world.