The New York herald., 1879-08-29
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.

SECRETARY sEwARD's PRoJEcr-CoRREsPoN-
DENcE RELATING TO IT.
Colonel Conkling found ut his Office yesterday
and chcerfully acceded to the request of HERALD
reporter to produce the correspondence relating to
the Isthmus Canal Company. of which he was sec
retary in 1868. From the mass Of letters and docu
ments some interesting extracts are given.
Mr.. Thomas Hillhouse, Sub-Treasurer Of the
United states writes to Mr Peter Cooper. president
OF the company. and says that the subject of the
conference (the meeting at Mr.. Coopers house, was
one Of great importance. The beneficial effects OF
SO stupendous an enterprise the commerce Of the
world can hardly be over estimated. He desires to
aid it to the extent of his ability and experience.
Mr.. Cyrus Butler says:-"This enterprise has oc-
cupied my mind for years. and has been regarded by
myself and associates the grandcst work earth
At time when many regarded capital invested in
such an enterprise wild speculation furnished
two-thirds of the money necessary to complete the
surveys Of the only that declared practices
BILE, and which reduced to dollars and yards.
The success of such undertaking is nearer my
heart than any other and am only too happy to
become director in your company
DIR. Cullen. surgeon of Dublin. Ireland. writes
that he has been engaged in the same enterprise tor
twenty and that he pctitoncd the British Par
lament to take action in reference to it.
Mr.. Frederick Vose of New Hampshire, wants
proper checks to be placed the management ''in
view the vast and great capital involved
He suggests the apportioninent OF the stock by
States. including necessary European subdivisions,
and giving each subordinate body voice In tho
election of the Board of Directors.
M. Thome de Gamond French engineer. claims
that he has studied tho question tor fifteen years,
and that he and his always looked for the
initstory movement to come from the United
States.
Messrs. Fred. M. Kelly and william II. Seward, Jr.,
consent to become directors Of the new company.
NJ. l.. NJ. Ruiz. writing from Paris. intimatcs that
he has q friend who can furnish documents to the
company relating to the most convenient locality
for ship canal These documents he offers to sell
for the modest amount OF $iO0.000.
AMERICAN GENERAL?
Messrs. Lucas and Wilkinson, who were interested
in the canal from u British point OF view. write in
alarm Dr. Cullen. of Dublin. that in October. 1868.
American general arrived at Bogota with letters
of credit rom the United states government to tho
highway for vessels.
Mr.. z. II. Gibbon. of Charlotte. N. c.. says that
the "caiiai' Is freely bestowed by Spaniards
and Indians very slight means OF water commu-
nication between the head waters of rivers in Gem
years ago two Americans journcyed up the River
Duena Ventura from tina lay OF Chico. Each had
mules load OF baggage which. together with the
travellers was placed III large barge or rather dug
out canoe, propelled by paddles As they assembled
the river became shallower. and the craft was
exchanged for two of u smaller size.
These were forced against tho current by
the Indian boatinen by means OF poles. Near
ing the mountains. stu smaller canoes
passenger and another for his baggage.
But the most interesting part OF the correspond
ence IN tnc cntfEy uispayeu oy ooOretory coWhru III
furthering the objects OF the enterprise All the
sources OF the State Department were employed in
giving effect to his views. II seemed to be the
crowning object of long and brilliant public
career to accomplish tins great international work.
He left no stone unturned IN his ehor.s to bring
the un ertaking to successful issue. and his letters
have the unmistakable impress of earnestness and
decision. The great channel of commerce which
was to we'd two and to open the treasures OF
Asia to American commerce seems to have been up
pormost in his thoughts. He advised President
Cooper frequently of tne progress of the enterprise
anu gave much vauabIe Information to the
various complications which arose from time TO
time. Stirring appeals to the patriotic feelings OF
representative men are made. and glowing accounts
of the noble character of the work may be found In
every page. He did not live to SEQ the consumma-
ton OF his dearest hopes.