The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1880-05-26

The San Francisco Merchant of April 9Th con-
tains the able report OF the Special Committee of
the San Francisco Board OF Tradu on inter
oceanic canals. This report gives al length a
comparison of the proposed canals across Nlcara-
qua and across Panama, concluding with prefer
eRce of the former.
When Count Lesseps was In San Francisco last
March, he appeared before the Board of Trade,
and explained his views regarding the Panama
Canal, full account OF winch Is gwen IN the
Merchant of March 18th. From the lively public
interest now awakened on the matter, II appears
possible that the long thought of prolect, for
Meeting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, may be
undertaken.
Our islands have deep interest in this project,
and note with pleasure what Is beng done IL
true, In a general way that our commercial con-
nectlon with the countries OF the Atlantic, would
be improved by canal through either lsthnus; /;
yet We are alike interested with San Francisco and
the Pacific Coast n the canal, which they thlnk
will most enhance their commercial facilities
Capt. Merry the chairman OF the committee says
pertlnently, "CalifornIs beyond any State In tue
Union ana San Francisco beyond any city In the
world should urge the commencement of tins bene-
hcent enterprise, and as representative mercan-
tile body should not wait until otner kindred
associations declare themselves. Why should We
not be most active In urging the attention or our
government and the commercial world, 10 tins
project so rich in results TO our commonwealth,
the Pacific Coast and our country r. ~
memorial was prepared for presentation to
the U. = Senate and House OF Representatives
praying that, the government Will assume the
protection, and support with It's moral influence
the execution of this great work"
We sincerely hope, that the public interest now
aroused will not siacken, until the waters OF the At
lantlc and Pacific shall be united. Ii mas been
suggested that our Chamber OF Commerce should
take notlce on the subject and JON with other
association In exciting public attention TO 1t.
For the information OF our readers we give the
following extract from the report:
COMPARISON OF FRoUTEs.-NIoARAeUA.
!. Longer canal and lift locks to attain lake
level of lu75x feet.
J. About half cost of Panama.
5. Passes through country of great but only
snghtly developed resources. 'rr
L Fresh water and splendid inland harbor.
.. Materials for construction and maintenance
mostly In this country.
8. Accessible TO sailing ships with slight delay.
z. Free from financial claims against the parties
constructing Il.
s. Route through country with 5S inches aver
age rainfall, and, by reason OF the lake receiving
the drainage, not liable 10 Hoods.
3. Lift locks remotely liable to damage By earth
quakes-
10. Two days to pass.
IL. Saving about 500 miles between east and
lSO miles TO and from South American west coast
ports, for steamers. Loss to sailing ships in lat
ter case, little or n,,ne. f-
PANAMA
l. Short Low Side Level cut, with tidal lock at
Pacific terminus.
2. About double cost of Nicaragua comparatively
3. Passes through country OF comparatively no
resources.
g. Salt water and no harbors except at the ter
mini.
8. Material for construction and maintenance
mostly to be imported. 1e--- 3
s. Inaccessible to sailing ships without great de-
lay by reason of Gains.
Z. Required to pay Lieut.. Wyse 10000 900 francs
for concession and Panama Il. R. Co., l00OO0000
francs for value of railroad.
g. Route through country with 124 inches
average annual rainfall, and liable to very hign
floods, endangering the canal works thereby.
8. Chagres dam remotely liable to damage by
earthquakes. and to destruction by floods In rainy
season.
10. One day to pass through.
II. Losing about 500 miles between East and
West Coast United States ports, and saving about
180 miles TO steamers TO and from South American
West Coast ports. Gain to sailing ships in latter
case little or none.