The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-08-29
DEFINITE PROPOSALS WANTED.

IRON the coming convention which has been
| called to discuss the Nicaragua Canal project
the public will expect something than
elaborate arguments on the Importance OF such a
waterway and general resolutions favoring its
struction Enough OF such things have been provided
in the past The great mass OF the American people
are now convinced Of the need of the canal What
is desired at this time is some definite plan for at
tanning it
On two points the people are virtually agreed
First, the canal should be constructed, and second,
its construction and its operation when completed
should be under the control of the United States.
Wide differences Of opinion exist, however as to the
feasibility OF making a practicable commercial water
way across Nicaragua, and the cost OF such canal
if it be feasible These differences exist because Of
the confusion and contradiction in the reports that
have been given out concerning the proposed route
and it is to be hoped that at the convention there
will be made public sufficient mass OF information
to put an end to all honest doubts to the posi-
bity of making the enterprise successful at cost
not in excess of its usefulness.
1t has long been maintained by some opponents of
the construction and control of the proposed canal
by the United States Government that the Clayton
Bulwer treaty stood in the way OF such an undertake
ing 1t is well known that by that treaty the United
States and Great Britain mutually agreed with refer
ence to ship canal across Nicaragua that neither
government should obtain maintain any exclusive
control over such canal or COLOMBO exercise any
dominion over any part of Central America; and fur
thermore that the two powers would jointly protect
any parties having authority from the local govern
ment to the canal and would guarantee its
neutrality
There can be no question that in times past this
treaty has been serious stumbling block in the way
of the advocates of the construction of the canal by
our Government but it is no longer of great moment.
1t may be regarded certain that Great Britain
would raise no objection whatever to our assertion
of supremacy over the waterway In fact Sir Charles
Dixie one of the greatest authorities on the foreign
affairs of Great Britain has recently asserted in an
article published in the Pail Mall Gazette: "By Lord
Salisburys sudden change of front in the Venezuelan
question we have accepted the leadership of the
United States in matters American and the policy of
the Clayton Bulwer treaty is dead and be
revived"
To that extent then the pathway for the construc-
ton OF the canal by the Government and its opera
ton under Government control is made plain. All
that remains now is to formulate some plan of action
that will be acceptable to the country and to Con-
eress II the coming convention put forward such
plan it will fulfill useful purpose. If on the other
hand it is simply going to discuss the issue theo-
retcay it will be of service to any This is
one of the questions which it may be safely said
no further campaign of education is necessary What
is wanted is some proposal so definite that it will
prepare the way for action.