The New York herald., 1879-12-17
short radius going down even to $40 metres, which

would uot allow u large vessel
THE WHY AND WHEREFORE.
An obstacle W hich would tend greatly to augment
the difficulty of keeping the Nicaragua Canal in
pair is the frequent recurrence of earthquakes III
that volcanic region Does the reader consider what
difficulties would be occasioned by earthquakes,
where 1t would be necessary to construct locks
which would be rendered incapable of use when
ever tho slopes OF the canal should be destroyed?
do not hesitate to assert after my experience in
connection with tho Suez Canal. that the Mica
ragua Canal could never be anything else than
channel for inferior navigation; and that. in spite
tion 1t could never accommodate the large vessels
which now perform the commerce of the world.
Besides why should not the United States build the
canal themselves ii they consider it useful work?
They would in this way encourage the development
OF the state OF Nicaragua in which they appear to
SHOULD be we'll satisfied with such course for every
new highway is . step forward; and. moreover. one
injury the canal Of Panama which Is destined to
perform wholly different ofice-that OF giving
commodation to the higher navigation.
ADVANTAGES OF PANAMA.
At Panama there are no earthquakes. TO be as
geological charts. and. among others, at the cole
brated atlas of Berghanss neither there locks
and l trust no serious physical obstacles. only
harbors at the extremities already much requented
ard railway the whole distance. which will greatly
necessary to trench and cut through eightysevcn
metres in the mountain Nicaragua its part offers
solid obstacle thicker still II lessCleyated. and be-
sides this crees to be removed. Moreover,
Is it to be supposed that the accomplished American
engineers who selected the line of Colon Panama for
the construction of the railway did SO at aphazard?
Was II not. on the cbnJrary, because they recog-
nized at the outset that this of the most ee
waited points ON the lsthmus and therefore the best
adapted for their purpose? The location in quos-
ton was selected with great sagacity It gives
much pleasure in this connection to render the
homage which Is due to him to the eminent engineer
Totten, who comprehending the full importance of
the Panama Canal. both to the commerce and to the
marine of the United States, has signifed his will
inRness TO give me his valuable assistance, aud to
meet ut Panama in order to take part in the In
ternational Commission which propose to convene
there at end OF the present year. and which will
include among skillful engineers the celebrated con-
fer to the Dutch Engineerin Chief. NJ. Dirks we'll
known for his experience on all questions relating
to canals.
When the Congress of 1879, acting with the most
conscientious fidelity, and after the most searching
composed it spent their nights as we'll rs their days
IN the labor OF Investigation decided that canal
without locks such e. A. have advocated. . was tho
impulse of the moment, and without consulting
anybody, acceded to demand which had been
direction direct on Of IT the n enterprise. mt did this perhaps
without much reflection. but reflection has only
served to convince me that was right
NOTHING.
The parties who held the concession for the canal
came to me and said 1--WE have the concession, but
we do nothing without you." replied to them.
Gentlemen. am very sorry for cannot take upon
myself organize such enterprise in connection
its behalf. do not doubt that you thoroughly
honorable men; but. when engage In such an un-
dertaking as this cannot share the responsibility Of
1t with anybody. have my own ideas, which are not
those of all the world; must. therefore. retain my
full liberty Of action. began my diplomatic career
In Egypt. being accredited to MeAemet Ali, tho
generator Of that country. He one day said to
MY dear Lesseps. you are very young. and give you
future career-Remember. when you have anything
important to accomplish that If there are two OF
Iaccordingly said to those gentlemen :--I do not
doubt your loyalty but far 1t relates to shap-
ing the enterprise. desire to be alone when cap.
ita to be enlisted in 1t, the owners Of that
capital will administer themselves through their
proper represen satives. Tell me what you wish.
You have incurred certain expenses; others have
Joined you in the expectation of making money.
State your claims and will have them examined by
my legal advisers: d. upon whose counsel, have re-
they decide shat ought to give. will give you" "
On the basis Of these assurances entered into .
the situation. It is in this way that have assumed
the responsibility of the enterprise else has
responsibility for it whatever Such Ia the pres
REAL1zArroN OF A DREAM.
Since then we have sent engineers to the hthmus
with apparatus for sounding and with everything
else necessary for making the Investigations which
are being prosecuted and the abors of which pro-
mission already mentioned. The hour is come for
the realization OF what has, for long time. been
only a dream-the opening OF the Isthmus. The de-
cision OF the Congress- which has performed ono Of
the most useful of public services cannot fail to be
oppose the opening Of the Panama Canal. work SO
important, as have above demonstrated 1t to be, to
the commerce Of the world? Certainly not the
United States-that great nation-which. with its
practical good sense, understands better than any
other the importance and usefulness for all man.
kind aud especially for ITSELF of this new maritime
highway the Isthmus. in binding together the
Atlantic and Pacific coasts. and In giving new i'm
pulse to its national prosperity.
AMERICAN UMBRAGE.
Certain American interests. 1t Is true. have taken
umbrage; the railways already projected. in pro-
OF construction. and which intended to unto
the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. have had momen-
tary alarm. but reflection has led them to see how
foolish and chimerioal their fears have been These
exists to-day; what will that transportation be
when. under the influence Of the canal the interven
ing sections OF country shall become populous
aud developed, and afford to the transcontnental
railways which serve them greater opportunities Of
long carriage? 1t should be remembered that just
In proportion the avenues Of communication in
far from injurng each other they give rise
tv. thsr hS ~ Al nav W
capable OF affording to them the necessary sup
port The United States have only to cast their
eyes the vast network OF railways which they
already possess in order to verify the truth of this
economic principle. 1t is. moreover, to be remem-
bered that railways and canals supported by the
carriage of different species OF merchandise
ducts Of great value and small bulk voluntarily
selecting the more rapid channel Of the railway
while other products choose the maritime highway.
Two IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.
The important bearing which the interoceanic
very naturally attracted the public attention of that
country to two points worthy OF consderation:-
rlxSts tne natlOnalty OF canal; anu seconu tno
share which the great American Republic should
have in its administration. These questions.
which might be very difficult to solve
it governments were concerned In the project.
become very simple from the fact that the
maritime canal is to be the private property of all
natioualities, and that nation could attempt to
lay hands It without injurously affecting the
rights Of Others and no administration would con-
sent to this being done. Is there not in this fact the
strongest guarantee OF the neutrality Of the transit?
1t is for precisely the reason that the Suez
Canal. lying between nations which have deluged
Eurta IL md In all h~ov
respected-to such degree even that. at certain
moments. the vessels Of war OF belligerent nations
have found themselves side by side within its pre-
cincts. just as IL they had been in absolutely neu
tral waters.
As to the second point the answer Is easy. In o
general company, such that Of tho Interoceanic
Canal all decisions rest with the general assembly
of shareholders, who cause them to be executed by
agents OF their appointment. Now. in the Inero
ceanic Canal Company the capital subscribed must
be administered by those chosen 10 represent it, il
will be the right Of the United States to have such
share in the administration 10 proportoned to the
number of shares subscribed by them; they will,
therefore. have nobody but themselves TO blame IL
hatro a. MAJ, IA a.. t~,..