New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-19

and in war. The dual protectorate has ceased.
and the French enterprise. which was persist
emily opposed by English capitalists and en-
gineers as impracticable. is now practically I'M
der British control as a neutral waterway The
presence OF the English garrison in Lower
Egypt and of Lord Cromer in the stronghold OF
power is pledge that in time of war the canal
will be kept open to vessels Of every nation that
belligerent fleet will be allowed 10 take ref-
uge in the terminal ports and that the water
way will not be used for coaling warships or for
carrying on active measures Of warfare.
DISADVANTAGE OF JOINT PROTECTORATE.
These conditions of neutrality and free transit
would he impossible II the Nicaragua Canal
were constructed under the Joint protectorate
provided for by the Clayton Buwer treaty.
Neither England nor America would he at Nh-
erty 10 garrison the terminal ports, nor TO eXeT-
else any authority along the line Of the water
way. Their fleets could cruise about the en-
frances at a distance of three leagues. but ma =
rines could not be sent ashore nor a gun fired
in territorial waters. There would be no Anglo
American official on shore armed with the au-
thority exercised by Lord Cromor in Egypt over
the district traversed by the canal The duty
Of enforcing neutrality. Of prohibiting the use
OF terminal port as Coang station or base
Of supplies. place OF refuge for n beliger-
ent fleet would be shared by the jealous States
Of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. There would be
no adequate means of regulating and enforcing
the principles Of neutrality in time Of war. In
this respect the Clayton-Bulwer treaty has
ceased TO be an instrument for promoting and
safeguarding the interests of either England or
America. 1t requires both countries to keep
their hands off and leaves the enforcement Of
which
are Incapable Of exercising in emergency OF
war wise and firm supervision Of transit privi-
leges. .
Since this antiquated convention is no longer
available for the purposes for which ii was de-
signed. enlightened self-interest requires both
countries TO revise it on the lines Of current
practice at Suez There Is no reason TO doubt
that both Governments have already moved IN
this direction. and that The Times" reflects
the willingness of the Foreign Office 70 consent
10 notifications OF the convention which Will
reproduce the Suez conditions. That Is TO say
the present system Of imperative dual control
will be replaced by efficient single control by the
Power which takes hold OF the enterprise, pro-
vides the money for IT, and constructs the canai
as an essential link OF military and naval de-
fence: and the waterway VIII be opened 10 the
merchant and war vessels Of every flag under
conditions analogous to those now prevailing al
Suez England in this way will relinqulsh what
is OF no value to her-the principle OF dual con-
troll which has prevented the construction or
the canal for half centurT. and which would
be imperative a safeguard of neutrality u the
waterway were now open. America by the same
COMPROMISE VIII concede the British principles
adopted at Suez. and in return Will have the
privilege Of garrisonng and fortifying the ter
minal points.
one has only 10 remember how angrily the
proposals of Secretary Blaine for the modfca-
ton OF the Clayton-Bulwer treaty Were re-
ceived in England seventeen years ago TO be
impressed with the significance Of the concilia-
tory disposition now shown by THE Times"
The Spectator" The Daily Chronicle" THE
81 James's Gazette" and other well-informed
journals in discussing the same subject Sym
pathies have taken the place Of jealoHsios and
suspicons in determining the relations OF the
two countries. II ought not TO be Impossible
with the good feeling now existing. for Lord
Salisbury and Secretary Hay TO settle the canal
question. American control is essential to the
construction Of the canal as a Government
work and no practical Englishman will object
TO the principle when ne understands that the
money required Is TO be raised by United States
Treasury bonds. England. az the greatest com
rnercial nation. needs this waterway, and Will
surely he satisfied If the Suez regulations are ap-
piled 10 it as soon as ii is opened. Indeed. her
own position in Egypt as the guardian Of the
Suez Canal will be strengthened If the Nicara-
qua Canal he owned by the United States and
brought under single in place Of duai control.
l. y. +.
uDc JJpJ'oN'S loss or MEMORY