The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1869-08-21
The Opening O e the SuseZ Canal
The Great Work and its Con.
sequences.

sequences.
On the 18th of November next one
of the greatest, if not the greatest,
works of modern times will be complet-
ed and be inaugurated with most i'm
posing ceremonies. We need hardly say
that we refer to the Suez Csnal. The
other great york osthe age, the Pacific
Railroad, which is not less remarkable
for the skill, enterprise and energy that
have markell its construction, and the
results that must flow from it, has al
ready been opened, and is in successful
operation. A greater noise has been
and will be made over the opening of
the canal, however, than OVER the COM
pktion oSthe first line of railroad across
the American Continent, because the
former, for the present, at least, has a
more international character and impor-
tance, though in the end, probably, the
latter will have as great an effect in
changing and controlling the currents
of commerce in the world. Q 1t is re-
markahle historical fact that in this
year of 1869 both these mighty works
of enterprise and of modern science will
be accomplished. They will form one
of the greatest epochs in time, and are
fraught with greater revolution per-
haps. in the history of commerce and
natisns than any proceeding epoch has
been.
But the subject we are on now is
more partic Ilarly the suez Canal. We
will look at it in its commercial, politi-
cal and social bearings upon Europe,
Asia, Egypt. Turkey and the world gem
orally. In the first place, it will change
to great extent the current of trade to
and from India, China and other parts
of Asia This trade, as we know, is
vast and highly valuable. All great
maratime and commercial nations, from
the earliest history to the present time,
have made extraordinary efforts to Sc
cure that; but hitherto it has only been
carried on by long, tedious and expen-
sive voyages round the Cape of Good
Hope. Numerous wars and extensive
conquests were made in the rich and
populous countries of Southern and
Southeastern Asia, and many colonies
were established by the British, French,
Portuguese, Dutch and other European
nations, especially by the British, for the
purpose of controlling or monopolizing
that trade. England, as we are aware,
finally obtained the largest share, as we'll
as an immense empire, in that part of
the world. 1t was to reach these rich
countries of Asia by shorter or easier
route, ~and to increase commerce with
them that led Columbus to sail west
ward across the Atlantic and to discover
America. This commercial spiiit, am
bition and rivelry, led to other impor-
tant results, which cannot be enumera-
ted here, and which would have led to
the ultimate conquest of China had not
he liberal tendencies of the age and the
Influence Of a new and great Power Of
he world, that of the United States, in
.erposed.
viii this rivalry cease with the open
ng Of the Suez Canal and= such greater
facilities for commerce Rather will it
not be more active and intensified
What quarrels, then, what wars, what
changes in the status of nations may not
AXE place in consequence? We See al
'eady the spirit of rivalry and ambition
arise, for leading French journal, spec
llating upon the future says: 1.-The sue
;ess of Mr.. de Lesseps is the success Of
IN entire nation, of an entire race. 1t
$ the rehabilitation of the Latin race
hat its rival, the Anglo Saxon race, has
30 long looked upon as incapable of car
wing out practical works, as incompe-
ent to undertake anything beyond that
which appertains to the domain of friv-
,lous arts and luxury" Yes, all the So
;alIed Latin nations bordering the Medi-
erranean-France, Spain, and Italy,
IS well as Austria-are alive to the
commercial opportunities before them,
md hence are making extraordinary
ore eparations to celebrate the great event
If opening the Suez Canal. No doubt
hey will have important advantages
ind if there be any of, the old CONNER
;ial spirit left, they may revive some of
he commerce and maritime grandeur OF
5ormer days. But England will not be
behind this race, nor win that other and
more vigorous branch of the Apglo, Sax
On race in America, which is destined |
to draw large portion Of the trade OF
Asia, across the Pacific, Independent of
Suez Canal nor, indeed, will Russia,
which is extending her railroads and |
other means Of communication toward |
Central Asia and China. ~. ..1 .'-.
The commerce with Asia will be in
creased undoubtedly through this new
md short means Of communication for |
every fresh avenue Of commerce increas-
IS trade, and it may be that those parts
IT that continent where once fourished
mighty empires, but which are now
desolate,, may revive
again. And what may not Egypt. both |
ower and upper, with its surprisingly |
.ich soil, become? 1ttmay yet be the
yranary Of the Old Wolld again The
commerce that will centre there, and
he influx and enterprise of foreigners
hat will go there must change the hab-
is of the people and the face of the
On the ruins oftthe most an
;ient civilization may, arise a modern
smpire greater than that Of the Pha- I
'aohs. This country, which after the |
.ule of the ancient Egyptians has been |
'ccessively under the empire of the Per-
'ians, the Greeks, when Alexander con-
luered the country and built the city |
t Alexandria as the seat OF a great em-
ire; the Romans, after it was reduced
o nroYince hY .Inlins Cesar; the Sara [