The Hawaiian gazette., 1879-08-13
The rnteroceanic Canal.

WASHINGTON June l3. 1679.-The following
message from the President. az accompanied by the
report OF tue Secretary of Safe. was laid before
the House previous to adjournment to day
To the House of Representatives. -
Transmit herewith, in compliance with the House
resolution of the 18th ut report of the Secretary of
State relative to the steps taken by this Govern
to promote the establishment of nteroceanic canal
across, or near, the Isthmus of Daren.
Washington, june IL, 1879. K. B. HAYES.
The report of the Secretary of State refers at
length TO the history OF negotiations and treaties
between this country aud the different Central
American States relative to intercommu ncation
between the two oceans. II quotes from treaties
made from l84S down to the present time. IL
refers also TO the surveys made by order of Con-
gress at different times. including those Of Shu-
teldt IN 1871. of Seliridge in 1873, and of Hat
Geld and Lull in 1928. The report concludes
as follows
Toward the close of the last administration
there we're elaborate negotiations here for treaty
with Nicaragua relative to a ship canal. Their
results, however, not successful for the rea-
son as is understood that the plenipotentiary on
the part OF that government required terms that
could cot be accepted. AS the canal by the Nj
caragua route would probably have to pass along
part OF the course Of the San Juan River, over
III,
would be advisable to have treaty upon the
subject with that Republic as we'll as with
Nicaragua. Early 10 the last year the Min
lister of the United States to Central America
was consequently Instructed upon the subject,
but he reported that Nicaragua wac not disposed
to negotiate, especially in connection with Costa
Rica. !"
The latest step taken by this government has
been The sending of two commissioners TO take
part in the lnieroceanc Canal Congress, which
met at Paris on the 18th ult.. under the auspices
of the Geographical Society of that city and IN.
der tue immediate direction of NJ. Ferdinad de
Lesseps The successful engineer of the Suez Co.
nal. Pursuant to the unofficial invitation ten
dered by NJ. de Lesseps, the President designated
Rear Admiral Daniel Ammen and Civil Engineer
A. u. Monecal. both OF the navy, TO take part in
the deliberations Of that Congress but they were
not authorized to commit this government to any
engagement. either US to The choice of the route
or the assumption Of any material guarantee for
the expense of constructing the canal. II is un.
derst0Od that the high character of these officers
and the knowledge OF the subject acquired by
them 10 repeated surveys and explorations over
the different routes caused their views 10 be re-
ceived with attention. Their report of the pro.
ceedings and conclusions Of the Congress has not
yet been received.
n The policy of the United States on the general
subject OF lsthmean transit is understood to have
been and to he not to undertake the construction
OF a ship canal on its own account, even if the
practicabty Of snch work at reasonable cost,
we're TO be shown. but to secure by treaties pro-
lection to the capital of such citizens as may be
disposed to embark IN the enterprise. II will be
my purpose to give an attentive consideration to
whatever may pass in other commercial countries
rulAIlVn this enhlppt md In foun
opportunity for useful negotiations 10 behalf of
the interests of this government and the ,com-
merciaI enterprise Of its citizens.
VIM NJ EyARTs