Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-07-16

cost of construction for given amount of work,
with any route named the Nicaragua will COM
material can be effected with economy and
facility along the proposed line, and whatever
Is required IN wood, lime, and stone may be said
to be at hand. The country abounds in whole
some food, and would furnish q considerable
number Of the laborers that would be required
for the construction OF an fnterOcean1c ship
canal.
SO far as our national interests are concerned.
obviously the coast route between California
and our eastern coast would be the best. But
the difficulties to be met at all points, and the
great cost OF construction at even the most IA
vorable, narrows the question to commercial
consideration.
The Nicaragua government has given all
possible aid to our officers and their parties
through her territory, and has expressed de-
sire, as is known unofflcially, to forward the
work Of construction Of an interOceanic ship
canal, in whatever way, within the limits Of her
resources.
In the common interest OF all nations and
peoples, and to insure the security OF Nicaragua
ard adjacent stateS as well as for the security
and interest Of the constructors of an inter-
oceanic ship canal, a guarantee Of neutrality
and protection seems necessary on the part OF
all nations who wish its benefits, making neu-
trail approaches SO wide and so well defined as
to forbid a close or effective blockade, and that
the government OF Nicaragua should guarantee
that both ports adjacent to the sea should be
free and without port charges or let or hinder
ance.
THE UNITED STATES DECISION IN FAVOR OF THE
NICARAGUA ROUTE.
1t Will thus be seen that the government OF
the United States, after exhaustive surveys OF
Nicaragua as the most feasible route for a ship
canal. Invitations were sent to the govern
ments OF the old world, inviting their cO-opera-
ton in constructing the great work. Favorable
replies were received from England France,
Spain, Germany, Austria and Russia. The gov
ernment OF Nicaragua then sent special COM
missioner to Washington to arrange q special
treaty, involving important concessions to the
United States as the leading and controlling
power In the great work.
FAILURE OF THE TREATY WITH NICARAGUA.
The treaty was duly drawn up and presented
to President Grant, who approved it, and re-
turned II to the Secretary OF State to be trans
m1tted to Congress But for some reasons, not
yet made public, Mr.. Fish delay ed the transmits
sion OF the treaty to Congress, and the Nicara-
guam commissioner falling to obtain satisfac-
tory explanation Of the delay withdrew in
some disgust and proceeded home.
SO the matter has rested UP to the present
tine. The failure of this enterprise embold-
ened
IHR FRENCH PROJECTORS OF A SHIP CANAL
to obtain certain concessions from the United
States OF Columbia; after which they sent Lieut.
Wyse to make a survey Of the Panama route.
OF report to the canal congress recently as
sembled at Paris, and Influenced the selection
of that route by sa congress.
1t can be stated authOrttatively that this gov.
ernment will not be governed by the action OF
that congress, and that the friends OF the canal
project In this country still adhere to the Mica.
raguan route and intend to make an effort be-
fore Congress at its next session to inaugurate
the work. And 1t Is not doubted that II Con-
gress acts promptly the governments of Europe
will finally give their cooperation to the route
selected by the American commission.