The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1880-03-11
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

10 THE SENATE: transmit herewith
the report Of the secretary of state and &C.
companylng papers in response to the reso-
luton adopted by the senate on the nth Of
teDuaiy last, requesting copies of all
correspondence between this government
and any foreign government since Febru-
airy, 1919, respecting a ship canal across
the lsthmus between North America and
south America, together with copies Of any
project OF treaties respecting the same which
the department Of state may have pro
posed or submitted since that date to any
foreign power or its diplomatic representa-
t!Yes' In further compliance with the
resolution Of the senate, deem it proper to
state briefly my opinion as to the policy of
the United States with respect
to the construction of an inter
oceanic canal by any route across
the American isthmus. The policy of this
country is canal under American control.
The United States cannot consent TO surren-
der this contro, to any European power, OF
to any combination Of European powers.
II existing treaties between the United
States aad any other nations, or if rights Of
sovereignty or property Of other nations
stand in the way of this policy--.a contin-
gency is not apprehended--suitablc steps
should be taken by just and liberal nego.
tiationi, 50 promote and establish the Amer
lean policy on this subject consistently with
the rights OF the nations to be affected by
It. The capital invested by corporations or
citizens Of other countries in such an Gu
terpr!se must, in great degree look for pro-
lection to one or more of the great powers
Of the world. No European power can in
tervcnc for such protection without adopt
ing measures on th: continent which the
United States would deem wholly inadulis-
slo!c. II the protection of the United
States IS relied upon, the United States
must exercise such coatro as will enable
this country to protect its national interests
AMI maintain the rights Of those whose
private capita! is embarked in the work.
An inter.oCeanic canal across the Ameri-
can isthmus will essentially change the
geographical relations between the Atlantic
and Pacific coasts Of the United States and
the rest Of the world. It will be the great
ocean thosoughtare between our Atlantic
and our Pacific shores. and virtually A oar,
OF the coast line of the United States. Our
merely commercial interest in it is greater
than that OF all other countries. While its
relations to our power and prosperity as a
nation to our means of defense. our univ,
peace, and safety, are matters of paramount
consideration to the people Of the United
States, NJ other power would, under similar
circumstances, fail to assert righttul con
tro over work 50 closely and vitality af-
tcctlng It, interest and welfare
Without urging further grounds Of my
opinion, | repeat, in CONCLUSION, that it is
the right and duty Of the United States to
assert and maintain such supervision and
authority over any inter.oceanic canal
across the isthmus that connects North and
South America as will protect our national
interests This am quite sure. will be
found not only compatible with, but pro-
motive OF the widest and most permanent
advantage to commerce and civilization.
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES,
Executive Mansion, March 8, 1889.