The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-01-22

Cert. Crev.Irshseis OF she Bsssie sh'p
rx.,r, .. Geverrnest ownerships

ps.,r, =, roverrne.t Ow.ership.
To ryH Eprron or The SuS-ST: AZ the
Nicaragua Canal Is now receiving considera-
ton In Congress. the time seems opportune 10
call attention TO one or two points In regard TO
the relation that would be brought about De-
tween the United States and the canal by the
passage OF the bill now before Congress.
strong sentiment has always existed In this
country that whenever any cana, across the
American i.thmus was constructed. no matter
by whom. II was to be controlled by the United
States. This sentiment has more than once
taken form In oficiai expression By several or
our Presidents. Sir. Hayes. in his message. using
strong language on this point at the time the
Panama Canal Company began operations.
1t is stated by vattel that nations. like midi
viduals. control what they own; no more. no
less. Now. II It Is the desire Of the American
people to control the Nicaragua Canal. the
practical way to do 90 is through ownership;
or. as proposed oy this bill. the Government tn
guarantee tho company's bonds. the Govern
ment taking n large majority OF the stock.
voting the same and appointing n majority Of
the directors.
AZ the concession forbids its transfer to any
foreign Government. there Is no other method
than this of the American people obtaining the
control so much desired. The moment the
this Indirect method becomes q proprietor. the
question OF control can no longer he doubtful,
We would at once lift the whole subject to
q higher plane. q plane above all treaties or
conventions curtsiling our right of control; for.
many persons a matter Of sentiment. It would
now assume q position the strongest possible.
based as it would be on ownership; and from
the beginning OF history no better argument In
favor OF the right to control q piece Of property
has ever been advanced than ownership.
II. 10 we'll TO bear in mind that the concession
held by the Maritime Canal Company has not .
very Ion long o s1,ne 70 run; and ,o mn 4. /. fstse s,ep.
Government may declare Il void: ,Whether tbs
TO an American company. or rather to an
English. French. or German company. 10 q mat
ter for setions consideration. hn a pity that
all possible future. complications cannot be set
tied now. once and forever. by taking advantage
Of this opportunity.
for the sake OF making more surveys. The pro-
posed route for the canal has been thoroughly
30 for the Government to decide whether il Win
settle thi. important question OF control now,
possible complication. to the future.
The question IS no LONGER one OF engineering.
Feasibility Of the esnsl. ' aseept IN ,ome dstaiIs.
has long ago been settled IN the Affirmative.
boards and commissions have reported favor
ably on this work over and over again. so We do
not COW need any more commissions; what We
do need is q proper appreciation Of our gree, In
and strong ground upon which we would stand
10 the eyes of the world by assuming control
s .Raoa esn. ,s ssss wa. s.es ses up 'S Sy an an. arsuP pcs,t
that was unassa,iable. Ola treaties and conven-
lions would thus become obeolete through this
new condition and the matter Of control would
pass from q mere sentiment to an actual fact.
The argument of control through ownership
would be inevitable. and the nation or individ-
ual that would assail IL would indeed be bold.
The time has come to do either one thing or the
other. Either let US stop talking about CONTROL
ling the canal. or else let Us assume that control.
Ii the only practical way possible.
1t IL TO be hoped that Congress will rise to q
proper appreciation of the subject; that no pro-
poeal for more surveys. or more commissions.
or possible opposition OF transcontinental rail-
roads. will deter 10 from the real issue. which Is
now one OF control and ownership.
A. &. CRowNINsHrEL
Captain U. s. Navy.
AMPTo ROADS, Va, Jan. 20.