The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1881-12-24
Ex-Secretary Blaine on the Panama
Canal Question.

SECRETARY BLAINE's letter TO Minister Low
ell, explaining the attitude of the United
States in reference to the Panama Canal and
the modification of the ClaYton-Ru Treaty,
was transmitted to Congress few days ago,
by the President in response to resolution
by the Senate, The letter is dated November
10, 1881, and in it Mr.. Blaine declares that the
conditions under which the Clayton-Bulwer
Treaty was made had long since ceased to ex-
list, and could never be reproduced. The de-
yeloD~-nt of the Pacific States has created
new adties and responsibilities for our Govern
ment, and to the proper discharge of those
duties modification Of the treaty is neces-
sary. In reference to the Panama Canal, it
says that it would be no more unreasonable
for the United States to demand a share in the
Suez Canal Notifications, or their neutraliza-
tion, than for England to make demand for
the perpetual naturalization of the Panama
Canal. Mr.. Blaine takes occasion to reatfirm
the Monroe doctrine, and suggests the fol-
lowing notifications In the Clayton-Bul-
wer Treaty: That every part which forbids
the United States terrifying the canal
and holding political control over it in connec-
ton with the United States of Colombia be
c~lceled; 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 a free port at each
end of the canal, if England desires that pro
vision retained; and that the provision by
which the two Governments agree to a joint
protectorate of whatever railroad or canal may
be constructed be considered obsolete. The
letter states that the United States will make
joint proclamation with the country in which
the canal is located that it shall always beopen
in time of peace to the commerce of every
country, but in time of war will be mpartially
closed to war-vessels of all nations. The com
munication concludes as follows
ain presenting the views contained herein
TO Lord Granville you will take occasion to
say that the Government of the United States
seeks this particular time for discussion as the
most opportune and auspcious. Atno period
since the peace of 1888 have the relations be-
tween the British and American Governments
been so cordial and friendly as now, and am
sure her Majestys 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 msly reasons for honora-
| bic 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
| FUZZY with the views OF your Government |
refrain from directing that copy of this in
struction be left with his Lordship, because in
| reviewing the case | haze necessarily been
! compelled In drawing illustrations from Brit
iCh TATlia 70 .It41f
| gaDlAntum dd hOtnHem.' This course Of rea-
/ soning In instructions TO our own Ministers is
altogether legitimate and pertinent, and yet
might seem discOurteous II addressed directly
% the British Government. You may deem II
expedient to make this explanation 10 Lord
| Granville II afterwards he shall desire a copy
Of this instruction you will, Of course, furnish
NJ