St. Landry democrat., 1881-12-31
E1-Secretary Blaine on the Panama
Canal Question,

SECRETARY BLAINE'S letter to Minister Ioy-
ell, explaining the attitude Of the United
| states III reference to the Panama Canal and
the modification of the CLAYTON Rulwer Treaty
was transmitted to Congress a few DAYS ayo
py the President, in response to q resolution
| by the Senate. The letter is dated November
H. lssl, and in it Mr.. Blaine declares that the
CONDITIONS under which the Clavton-Bulwer
treaty was made had long since ceased to ex-
Isl, and could never be reproduced. The DE-
felolihent OF the Pacific States has created
ne" duties and responsibilities forour Govern
nleht' and to the proper discharge Of those
duties modification Of the treaty is ncces-
saFy In reference to the Panama Canal. II
says that 1t would be no more unreasonable
Tor Tie nlted States to demand share in the
eueZ canal fortilicati 0ns or their neutraliza
uo1, than for England to make demand for
lHe perpetual naturalization Of the Panama
eallal. Mr.. Blaine takes occasion to reatfirm
tne monroe doctrine, and suggests the fol- |
lowing notifications in the Clayton-Bul- |
"ef treaty: That every part which forbids |
the United States terrifying the canal
ana holding political control over it in caunec-
tlon with the United States of Colombia ha |
'iA' WY pa LII WHICH Gfplt |
britain and the United States agreed ia make
w acquisition OF territory in Central America
snail remain III force; that the United States
VIII not OBJECT to maintain the clause refer
ring 10 the establishment Of free port at each
ehd OF the canal, if England desires that pro-
'lslon retained; and that the provision bv
which the two Governments agree to Joint
pfotectorate OF whatever railroad or canal NAV
pe constructed be considered obsolete The
ietler states that the United States will make
lolnt Proclamation with the country in which
LIE canal is located that it shall always be open
III time OF peace to the commerce of every
country, but in time of war will be impartially
'iosed to war-yessels of all nations The com
hunlcat1on concludes as follows: ,
In presenting the views contained herein
- Loro Granville you will take occasion to
ay mat the Government of the United States
eeks this particular time for discussion as the .
most opportune and suspicious. Atno period
lnce the peace of 1888 have the relations be-
ween the British and American Governments
cen so cordial and friendly as now, and am
ure her Majesty's Government will find in {
ne views now suggested and propositions now
ubmltted additional evidence Of the desire Of q
lis government to remove all possible
rounds OF controversy between the two Ma.
ons, which have SO mny reasons for honora- v
lie and lasting peace. a
You u will at the earliest opportunity acquaint "
ora Granville with the purpose of the United Il
.ates touching the Clayton Bulwer Treaty. y
"a IN your own way you will impress him q
ny with the views of your Government q
train from directing that a copy of this in n
ruction be left with his Lordship, because in :.
viewing the case | have necessarily been :.
mpelled, In drawing illustrations from Brit
policy to indulge somewhat freely in sar- 81
'naentum ad hon,inem.' This course of rea. "
nlng In instructions to our own Ministers 10 ~
together legitimate and pertinent, and vet =. =,
lght seem discourteous If addressed direcfIv t[
the British Government. You may deem 4
pedient to make this explanation to Lord
awhile If afterwards he shall desire a cow +
this instruction you will, of course, furnish h