Evening star., 1898-08-03
THE NICARAGUA WATERWAY
Lyman E. Cooley Thinks the United States
Will Build the Canal
Recent DfscOveries VIII Reduce by
Several Millions of Dollar. the
Cost of ConstructiOn.

CHICAGO, August 3.--Lyman E. Cooley.
the weil-known civil engineer, after visit
east and conference in New York with
| representatives of the National Cana!
Company, owners of all the rights and
concessions along the proposed route of
the Nicaragua canal. believes tha. the
government of the United States vii. con-
struct the great waterway in preference
to letting the contract to private compa-
ries or corporations
Mr.. Cooley says that on this important
point the complexion of the Nicaraguan
canal matter had changed perceptiby
since last winter, when he, with q party Of
engineers. looked over the ground of the
future enterprise.
On being shown a dispatch from Wash
| irgton. stating that Admiral Walker of the
| canal commission has received a number
OF reports. indicating that the cost nf the
work will be Lauch less than hitherto esti-
mated; -, Mr.: Cooley gave a list of the re-
cent discoveries, which, he believes. are
responsible for Admiral Walkers opinions.
They are:
Six miles of dredging in the lower end Of
Lake Nicarag qua.
Non-existence of rock in San Juan river
to Toro rapids.
Good foundation for immense dam at
OchcG.
Favorable conditions for embankments
at San Francisco basin.
Now site for a dam at Tansor GranGe.
Millions Saved.
According to the estimate of the formu-
is represented in these items
The expenses incurred by the govern
ment in war, and the rapidly developing in
dications that the Nicaragua canal cannot
only be constructed more cheaply than at
hrst imagined, but ought to be built by the
United States, are conspiring, he intimates
10 assure the waterway connection between
lhe Atlantic and the Pacific within a few
Years.
president Mckinley" said Mr.. Cooley
and many of the leading members of Con-
sress now appreciate more than ever be-
tore the supreme Importance of this canal
10 our country. Senator Morgan said to me
not long ago that the annexation of Ha-
wall practically clears up the question OF
immediate necessity of the Nicaragua canal.
II ~ IS question, however, whether or not
congress Will be able to pass the proper
law or take the proper action at the short
session beginning in the fall, to enable the
work to be begun at an early date
ne construction of the water way will
NOT De tremendous undertaking. though
1t may take seven wears to do II Tbe
maritime canal Company asks for S11 800
wv from the government to relinuuish all
oI ltS rights and concessions. The COM
Fany, /. is understood will take 81 900 OOO
in the stock of d new companv that tbe
government might form and 81 800 600 from
'he government to validate its bonds
bought the Concessions
The company bought out all the con-
cessfons of the old Nicaragua Association.
which is said to have expended something
ike $6,oOO,00O. The Maritime Canal Com
pany was then organized, and 1t has spen.
$2,0oo,Oo0 IL Nicaragua on the canal under
taking but had to quit the work The
company is perfectly right when it says
tEat no private corporation could be ex-
pected to take up the canal project now
since Congress has put it's hand in the mat
ter, and when there is a strong likelihood
OF the government building the ditch it
self
These are some of the hindrances in
the way Of an early opening of the mar
row strip of land between the two great
oceans. Again. it. is not definitely known
that the commission will be ready with its
report during the short session of Con-
g1ess. The report may be submitted and
may cause vast difference of views as to
what course should be pursued Senator
Morgan and all other canal advocates ap-
preciate these things, but the manifest
broadening of the scope of our national
policy OF late has impressed every one so
strongly that none can see any obstacle
large enough to prevent the construction
of what will be an invaluable holding and
possession in the United States In time of
peace and in time of war"