The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-07-19
THE SUEZ CANAL.
Tho Ceremonies that Will Attend its Opening
Interesting Letter from NJ. Lesseps.

Interesting Letter from vi. Lesseps.
On the 18th of November next the Sqez Canal
will be opened. The work of building this
canal was undertaken and carried through by
Ferdinand de Lesseps, the distinguished French
engineer and cousin of the Empress Eugenie.
The work was partially begun in 1854, but not
till 1859 did it fairly commence. The mere cut
ting of a canal or ditch through the level 18TH
mus was a small job compared with the obsta-
ces which had to be overcome. Alter the right
of way had been ceded by the Turkish and Egyp-
tian Governments for cutting canal, the British
Government, the representatives of Russia,
Austria, and the power of that gigantic mono
poly, the Peninsular and Oriental Steamship
Company, was brought to bear in getting the
commission withdrawn. The canal is finally
triumph over all obstacles; the work is finished,
and cost $50, 600 600, gold; the stock is held in
all the countries of Europe.
The following is q translation of NJ. de Les
seps' letter.
ihe opening has been fixed for the nth OF Novem-
ber next Length Of canal, 162 kilometres, 9S lilo
miles, whole distance, metres 70 Ieet depth ooi OF
feet with the exception Of three passages where this
will be found to be 60 metres 1875 leet Tolls Ior Ships
going through the canal have been fixed by the act
OF concession article II Of the act determining these
tolls. The following is the section from the conces-
sion made by Said Pacha, Vceroy of Egypt, to the
company granting the right Of way, etc. The con-
cudng Of one of these sections is to this ehect:-
First. Toll on all ships, same scale OF charges with
ont any exception or special privilege.
Second Tariff Of charges and tolls shall be pub
lished three months before the canal IS luy opened
in CAPITALS and principal commercial ports OF the
countries interested in the navigation OF this canal
Third. That the special tolls for navigating the
canal shall not exceed the maximum figure OF 10
francs $1 S7) per ton, cargo carried on smps, and
per head for passengers. An international Commits
sion is now engaged at the present time In determn
ing an oficiai scale for ships OF all flags. In the
meantime, until this is established, the Tolls OF III
francs slsT per ton capacity VIII be ald upon the
| entire cargo as shown by the ships papers.
| Steamships will go through propelled by tnelr own
| power, and will be obliged to have regular pilots.
The passage through win occupy 10 to 20 hours The
company will have suitable towage for sailing ves-
sells to pass through the whole canal me pilotage'
toWage and harbOr dues have not been determined,
| but will be upon the most liberal Dasls
The arrangements for the opening of the canal
| on the 18th of November are fully developed.
The Viceroy of Egypt proposes to entertain ms ms
! guests with unprecedented magn1hcence. On
| the bank of the canal are being erected lodges,
constructed fitted, and decorated SO as to be re-
preventative of the characteristics OF the several
countries to which the guests belong. Puollc
amusements, theatres, circuses, balls, and tetes
are to be provided tor the recreatioh 10 Oh tne ne
assembage, which promises to De as
brilliant as varied in its charac:
ter 1t was expected that the Emperor OF
the French would be able to attend IN
person, but as it is reported tnat nelIner niil
self nor his Empress WILL for state reasons, be
able to attend, it is probable that Prlnce Napo
leon will be his proxy. The heir presumptive
of the Italian Crown will represent Victor
| Emanuel; the King of Prussia will send a num-
ber of the royal family, and the Prince OF
| Wales probably accompanied by Prince
Arthur will represent Queen Victoria. The
| King Of Greece will also attend. The French
EMPEROR is having manufactured at Lyons tent
of woven silk and worsted, which will cost
| $50, 600, to be erected for the Emperor or his
REPRESENTATIVES. This tent will be taken tC
Paris after the ceremonies, and sold at public
auction the proceeds to be distributed among
the poor.
II is stated that a steamer has been chartered
TO leave Ne York about the first of September TO
Port Said, touching at Marseilles Leghorn, ant
other Mediterranean ports, so as to allow visit
ors to be present at the opening ceremonies.