National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-02-07
FIFTY CENTS PER MONTH.


inst, when IL rose FIVE feet in three hours, and
any irregularities in the seasons on the 18th
mus are occasions for an increase in the NUM-
Der of chances against health aud life. The
good fortune of the DE Losseps party, as re-
CARDS health, has been exceptional aud all
the more remarkable that many of its mem
bers have been exposed during the unusual
and unexpected rains of the last fortnight,
and all have exhibited as much indifference to
the climate as though they were in their own
countries.
Tho geological strides of the commission
arc now being extended to the mouth of the
Rio Grande, and thence along the approaches
to tho present anchorage. The bottom ex-
hibits but little difference with tho bsd.rock
on the main land, and the rock is found to
be soft, with deep mud-holcs at intervals.
No difficulty will be experienced in making
the submarine excavations necessary to open
the entrance to the canal.
Colonlbia's interest in Nj. do Lesseps' canal
scheme is shown by the fact that DR.. Antonio
Ferro tho leader Of the Colombian commits.
sioners who received NJ. De Lesseps on his
arrival on the Isthmus, goes TO New York to-
day on matters connected with the canal.
The tone of the American press, its insist
ence of American control of the Panama canal
while avOwing that not q dollar of capital will
ever be subscribed toward its construction,
and many other evidences of American hostil-
ity TO any canal begun by NJ. de Lesseps on
Colombian territory have convinced the Co.
lOmbians of two facts, viz, that the Ameri.
cans are opposed to the construction of any
canal whatever; aud secondly, that they are
disposed to nrrogate prctentiOns based on the
Monroe doctrine, which are distasteiul and Of
fcnsive to the dignity Of free people, Although
Colombas concession has been granted to u
French company ii has no understanding with
France or auy other country, further
than that already expressed in treaties exist
ing previous to the commencement of efforts
by tile company which secured the concession.
The conditions of the concession are very SINH
lar to those granted to the Panama Railroad
Company years ago. which have BEEN found to
work well, and without iavoring the interests
of one nation moro than another. The cap.
tious opposition of the American press, the
misrepresentation il has circulated concern
ing everything connected with the Panama
route, and the decided championship of the
Nicaragua route havo had the natural effect OF
alternating Colombian sympathy from the
United States in some degree aud creating
corresponding kindlncss toward De Lesseps
and the capital and influence of those in
favor of the Panama canal. More especially
is this the case when Government officers,
oX-presidents, foreign representatives and
others are represented by the press as joining
in the tilt against Colombia's flvorite canal
route.
Many of his countrymen nre not greatly
pleased with the views expressed by Mr.. Deich
man, the American Minister to Bogota. whose
interview with New York reporter was pub
lished in this city some days ago
NJ. De Lesseps will hardly arrive in New
York before the 2Sth of February lie will
be accompanied by his family, secretaries and
staff, The Engineer Corps will remain aud
complete the work In survey.