Iron County register., 1881-12-29
Ex-Secretary Blaine on the Panama
Canal Question.

SECRETARY BLAINE's letter to Minister Low
oil, explaining the attitude of the United
States in reference to the Panama Canal and
the modification of the Clayton Rulwer Treaty,
was transmitted to Congress o few days ago,
by the President, in response to a resolution
by the Senate. The letter is dated November
10, 1851, and in it Mr.. Blaine declares that the
conditions under which the Clayton-Bulwer
Treaty was made had long since ceased to ex-
ist, and could never be reproduced. The de-
velopment of the Pacific States has created
new duties and responsibilities for our Govern
ment, and to the proper discharge Of those
duties a modification Of the treaty is neces-
sary. In reference to the Panama Canal, it
says that 1t would be no more unreasonable
for the United States to demand q share in the
Suez Canal fortifcations, or their neutraliza-
tion, than for England to make demand for
the perpetual naturalization of the Panama
Canal. Mr.. Blaine takes occasion to reaffirm
the Monroe doctrine, and suggests the fol-
lowing notifications in the Clayton-Bul-
wer Treaty: That every part which forbids
the United States fortifying the canal
and holding political control over it In connec-
ton with the United States Of Colombia DO
cancelled; that every part in which Great
no acquisition of territory in Central America
shall remain in force; that the United States
will not object to maintain the clause refer
ring to the establishment of q free port at each
end Of the canai, II England desires that pro-
vision retained; and that the provision by
which the two Governments agree to joint
protectorate Of whatever railroad or canal may
be constructed be considered obsolete. Tho
letter states that the United States viii mako
joint proclamation with the country In which
the canal is located that 1t shall always be open
in time Of peace to the commerce OF every
country, but in time of war will be impartially
closed to war-vessels of all nations. The com
munication concludes as follows:
"In presenting the views contained herein
to Lord Granville you will take occasion to
say thst the Government Of the United States
seeks this particular time for discussion as the
most opportune and auspicious. Atno period
since the peace of 1873 have the relations be-
tween the British and American Governments
been so cordial and friendly as now, and / am
sure her Majesty's Government will find in
the views now suggested and propositions now
submitted additional evidence Of the desire Of
this Government to remove all possible
grounds of controversy between the two Ma
tions, which have so many reasons for honora-
BILE and lasting peace.
"You will at the earliest opportunity acquaint
Lord Granville with the purpose Of the United
States touching the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty,
and in your own way you will impress him
fully with the views Of your Government
refrain from directing that . copy Of this in
struction be left with his Lordshfp, because in
reviewing the case I have necessarily been
compelled, in drawing Illustrations from Brit
tsh policy, to indulge somewhat freely in ar
0voaenfusvs al hoxn2ssns.' This course Of rea-
Souine in instructions to our own Ministers IL
altogether legitimate and pertinent, and yet
might seem discourteous II addressed directly
to the British Government You may deem II
expedicnt TO make this explanation to Lord
Granville. II afterwards he shall desire copy
Of this instruction you win. Of course, furnish
It."