Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-11-04
General Butler on the Panama Canal.


General B. F. Butler has been inter-
viewed on the Panama canal he scouts
the idea of the Monroe doctrine being
applicable to the question, but in the
spirit of its declarations, which implies
that the United States must be consult
ed about anything on American soil be-
tween the poles that affects the interests
of the republic" he fully concurs.
The General goes on to argue that as
England now controls the major part of
our Eastern commerce, she would be
able to gobble our Western trade when
the canal is built. She would compete
with the Pacific railroads and beget a
rivalry in trade which is now almost ex-
clusively our own. He argues that as,
by our own doing, coal has been made
contraband of war, our ships would be
powerless for defense, since we have no
coaling stations anywhere near the 18TH
mus, while on the other hand, the canal
in time of war would serve Great Britain
just as though Gibraltar were set down
at the Golden Gate
As to the guarantee of neutrality, ''it
would" be thinks, "be a refreshing
sight to see a British and an American
man-ofwar being hauled through the
canal in time of hostilities without firing
a shot simply because of the guarantee.
Whatever the guarantee the strongest
naval power would seize the canal in
time of war" In conclusion the Gen.
eral says;
Now, what is the remedy? 1 am
not one Of those who believe with the
administration of the late President that
we are to threaten to fiaht all the world
now if anybody attempts to build canal
at Panama, because do not believe that
the American navy at the present time
could successfully contend in battle on
the Spanish Main with the North Amer
lean British squadron, to say nothing of
the rest of Ler navy, of which that is
very inconsiderable part. But l assume
that there is nobody who doubts that
when the United States feels it for its
interests to take possession of the Pan
anna canal or of any one of the Central
American States, and goes steadily and
quietly about it, that we have not the
power to do that against all the world. 1t
would take time, men and money, and
we have plenty of each Therefore
hope that this administration, sus-
tanned by Congress with unanimity, as
it will be no party question, will sim
ply give notice to everybody that in
It's judgment, it is neither for the neces-
-sity, convenience or interest OF the
United States to have canal at Panama,
and that whoever builds it after sucn
notice must do so with the full and dis
tinct understanding that when it be-
comes, in our judgment, for the in
terests of the United States to take
possession of such, we shall do so wholly
irrespective of any rights of private pro-
perty which may be claimed for the
money put into it, after having served
them with this notice. If anybody builds
the canal upon these conditions so be it.
It may be a convenient thing to have
there when we control it, but, in my
judgment, capital will never be found to
build it when it is understood by capital
the wishes, judgment and power Of the
United States.
The above views may suit those who
are persuaded of the invincibility of the
great Yankee nation. That we could
resist the world on our own soil in de-
Tense of our liberties the world well
knows, but an offensive war is different
thing. Enthusiasts may think that we
would be able to make good threat such
as the doughty General advises, but as
the powers would have the start of us
in preparation, it would require more
than Uncle Sam could afford to tempt
to carry out such a programme.
The whole question comes back sim
ply to the plain proposition, hall we or
shall we not take care that we shall be
allowed to share in the benefits of an
enterprise that we might have set on foot
ourselves but did nott That we cannot
prevent its prosecution is manifest. Why
We should attempt to do so does not ap-
pear. The economic reasons urged by
General Butler appeal to many in favor
of its construction. NJ. de Lesseps has
not been deferred by the threats Of Hayes,
and it is hardly likely that his hackers
would order their material and ma
chInery off the isthmus and close up
their books. were the empty threat urged
by General Butler Illuminated under the
broad seal OF the republic. 1t would be
foolish in its publication and farcical in
its execution. should that ever be at
tempted.
1t is possible that General Butler takes
a humorous view of the question, but
whether facetious or serious, his remarks
are instructive. For whatever their
character, they go as far as Boosting
well can, and, whether sarcastic or bona
Jide, show the absurdity of opposing
what we cannot prevent.