The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1894-12-13

VAoCOONi FERDINAND DE LESSEfSs E&
expediency of constructing canal across
the isthmus of Suez, connecting the Med
iterranean with the Red sea- After un.
remitting effort for many years he oh
tanned a frman from Said Pasha in 1854
and enlisting French and English capital.
lists undertook the work, which was vigor-
ously prosecuted to completion despite
many obstacles that would have discour-
aged less resolute man.
The Wozk on the Canal.
The viceroy of Egypt granted conces-
sion in 1856. The work was begun in 1859.
1t soon commanded the attention of the
various governments, which subscribed
literally to the undertaking as the work
progressed and its practicability became
assured. The Turkish government ten
dered substantial help, but this was con
strued as an attempt to strengthen the po-
litical power of the porte in Egypt and
was resisted by the other powers inter
ested, principally Great Britain and
France. Work was suspended for time
on account of these complications, but
finally the matter was submitted to arbi-
tration and satisfactorily adjusted.
A canal of sufficient depth to admit of
the passage of small steam vessels was
opened Aug. Is, 1865, and by degrees the
channel was deepened and enlarged so
that small ships and schooners were ena-
bled to pass through in March, 1867.
Aug. Is, 1859, the wa. ers of the Mediter-
ranean mingled with those of the Red sea,
and the formal opening of the canal was
celebrated with great pomp and rejoicing
at Suez, and on Nov. IS the canal was
formally opened to Port Said.
Honored by Royalty.
A few days after this event NJ de Les
seps married Mile. Antard de Bragard, a
young creole of English extraction and
considerable wealth. He received honor
able decorations from nearly every gov
eminent of Europe. Queen Victoria's
gift was his nomination of an honorary
knight grand commander of the Order of
the Star of India. The freedom of the city
OF London was also presented to him. In
1873 he was chosen free member of the
French academy. Turning his attention
to the new world, M. de Lesseps under
took the construction of canal across the |
isthmus of Panama. The original capital
of the company, GOO, 0OO, 600 francs, was ex-
when the subscribers refused to
advance more money and the enterprise |
was abandoned. De Lesseps' private for
tune was also absorbed in the undertake |
Ing, and he was left comparatively poor. He
continued his efforts to procure means
with which to prosecute the work, but |
capital was timid, and he was unable to
procure the necessary assistance
De Lesseps' Downfall. /
Then came the report of fraud in con-
1ection with the Panama canal loan and
ottery schemes. At first but murmur.
t became a rumble which developed into
! roar when Deroulde committed suicide
md the damning revelations against
prominent Frenchmen were published.
The storm shivered honored names and
ore exalted regulations to tatters in it's
ury, which eliminated when the aged De
4esseps stood with bent shoulders, moist
yes and quivering chin and heard the pre-
iding magistrate pronounce the words
which consigned him to prison cell for
I've years. De Lesseps was stunned The
entence had destroyed his desire to live.
nd thenceforward up to the time of his
cath life was to him but a series of me-
hanical processes De Lesseps had expe-
fenced the exaltation OF honors; he also
elt the hopeless despair of disgrace,