The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-16
VOICE OF THE PEOPLE.
The Nicaragua Canal Project.


umn special from Washington, printed in
THE APPEAL Of October 0, than | ever
saw in an equal space before.
In the first place, the promoters OF the
Nicaragua canal ask Congress for no back
ing, no protectoratc, no financial response
bility, but simple incorporation to ena-
BILE them TO carry on the enterprise. The
terms OF the act make this so plain that he
who runs may read.
The Maritime Canal Company, OF Mica
ragua," the one now seeking incorpora-
ton by Congress, has no charter, was
never incorporated under the laws of Col
orado, nor Of any other State, was not pro-
jected until the year 1887, and must secure
incorporation before it can transact any
business. II il true that company OF
the same name, but OF an entirely differ
ent personnel, was incorporated in Colo
RADIO some years ago, TO exploit con-
cession obtained from Nicaragua in 1880.
But the concession lapsed. The incor-
poration-if il has not expired for nom
user-would do us no good, because 1t was
specifically for carrying into effect the con-
cesson OF 1880, and we do not own il and
do not want to. Some of the promoters
of the present undertaking, lifelong friends
OF the Nicaragua project, may have been
members of that company; do not know;
but the moving and controlling spirits Of
the organizations are entirely different.
What the value or importance OF q ma
tional incorporation may DO is purely a
matter OF opinion. Therefore the dictum
OF the gentlemen OF 1883" is in no way
binding upon US. We seek such charter
because IL seems to us the best form OF in
corporation to operate under in foreign
country. II we cannot have II we shall
try to get along without 1t.
As the treaty with Nicaragua OF 1867
places the inteT-oceanic route under the
protection OF the United States, no further
guarantees or reservations on that point
are required, and the government position
with relation thereto cannot be altered by
the granting or denying of this charter.
What the holders OF the concession OF
1880 asked or wanted, in the way OF sub
sidy or guarantee, has no bearing Oh the
pending question.
Last winter, when the Senate passed our
bill, we objected 10 an amendment that
nothing in the bill should commit the
United States 10 any guarantee whatever"
because nothing in the bill did so commit
the United States, and such clause would
be like an Endorsement on a recommended
tom "flonest, but watch him." How
ever, that amendment has now been added
10 tho bill in the House, and the promot-
ems OF the enterprise have Withdrawn their
opposition 10 il. In view OF that clause,
what particular "eilect in securing sub
scriptiOns abroad is the charter likely TO
have2
The surveys Of lsS7-lSSs were not
"made by naval officers at the public oX-
ponse." Every man OF the expedition,
naval officer or not, drew his salary from
the treasury OF the Nicaragua Canal Con-
struction company. OF the 200 members
/ OF the survey, three were naval officers, on
leave without pay from the government.
| The maps aud reports have not been pub
lished by the government; they have not
| been published at all; they are not ready
| for publication; but when they are pub.
lished II will be at the expense Of the
above-named company. The company
did not get it's concession translated in
the state department" but in the Office OF
| its counsel, Messs. DAILY, IIoyt d Mason,
Of No. a broadway, New York city.
What objection there may be TO "a rear
admiral and two naval officers being
/ among the incorpomtors | am unable ~
understand. The fact Is so.
The concession, which expired four
years ago, belonged 10 tho company above
referred 10, as having been incorporated
| in Colorado. With that matter the pres
ent promoters have nothing TO do; nor
with any steps that that company may
have taken tosecurc a renewal. They did
not secure a renewal.
The proposal discussed In the executive
session Of the Senate, 20 appropriate $3.50,
| 900 "to meet the necessary expenses NJ
tcndant upon foreign intercourse" had
| nothing 10 do with the concession OF 1850,
nor that Of 1887. II was TO pay the ex.
penscs incurred in negotiating the Ere.
| linghuysen.Zavala treaty OF 1884, where
under tho United States government,
was 10 build the canal; which treaty,
submitted TO the Senate by President
Arthur, was withdrawn by President
| Cleveland before IL could be voiodon, and
finally Withdrawn and permitted TO lapse
because the Democratic administration
dill not think this government ought 10 in
dulge in extra territorial adventures II
the government ought not, aud the present
promoters may not, who then shall build
the canal2 The English, or the Germans
or the French, or anybody except citizens
Of this great American republic, the pro
FOUNDER and maintainer OF the "Monro,
docirinel"
The promoters Of the canal objected q
Mr.. Phelnn's amendment on this ground,
and no other, viz That being a declare
ton In opposition 10 the Clayton Bulwei
treaty, It's presence in tho bill would
have rendered 10 obnoxious 90 the British
government, and the State department
would, In all probability, have advised th,
President 10 veto the bill.
Tho statements about the payment o
siOO.O COO 90 each OF the national commit
tees 20 secure the passage Of the bill arr
too absurd for serious notice, and are Also
lu.cly without foundation. II We had dc.
sired 90 spend corruption fund OF $780,
OOJ, We could have placed II 10 much
better advantage than that The lobby
would have welcomed our bill with open
arms.
have written this very hastily, but you
may rely upon IL general correctness, and
YOU have my permission, II you think II
adyisablc. 90 hand Il TO the editor OF THE
! ArrrAi, OF make any other public use oil
u. Very truly yocn, J. q. HuEsroS.
| Nr. ". o. Moore Replies 60 n Question.
| 10 tho Editor IT The Appeal
In your editorial Of tho 18th inst. you
ask "what has WIN. Il. Moore to say
about the murder Of the two negroes In
Rankin county, who were put out OF the
way merely because they declared their
| intention 10 vote the Democratic tickel2n