The times., 1899-06-12
MONDAY. JUNE Z. 1899.
Progress or Delay.

In a Sunday editorial. the New York
SUM-" always a strong advocate of the
Nicaragua Canal, is optimistic in regard
10 the work of the new Canal Commission
appointed by President Mckinley. 1t says:
..The new Nicaragua Canal Commission
marks another and very important step
toward the construction of the canal
Every patriotic American wishes that
the Sun" view were entirely justified by
the facts. This journal has hoped against
facts and conditions nearly fatal to hope,
that, at least. something positive would
be accomplished in the premises, but when
the opinions of many years are revived
in the most discouraging form by one of
the ablest men on the new Commission,
who was also a member OF the old one,
we must confess TO a renewal Of the
fear that the forces of political influence,
diplomacy, bribery, and treason which have
defeated the will OF the American people
in successive sessions OF Congress, will
again be potent enough to block the pro-
gress OF the national canal movement in
the next session. and as likely as not in
the one after that.
The note of warning comes from Prof.
NJ Lewis Haupt. West Point graduate
not now in the Army. who holds the chair
of physics in the University of Pennsyl-
vania. He is widely known both in this
country and abroad as one of the most
experienced and accomplished harbor,
river. and canal engineers of the genera
tion. He is also regarded as a remarkably
able student OF affairs and man of su-
perior sense and judgment. What he has
TO say on the subject in hand must and
will have respectful atteption everywhere.
In an interview in Philadelphia, on Satur-
day last, Professor Haupt said:
The appointment of this Commission is simp-
j. another game q prvcTastination brought about
lr the allied opposition TO the United States get
ling possession Of short route TO the Far East
This opposition is powerful and active. 1t never
rests, and when you come 10 analyze II, II Is
enough 10 make one despair.
To begin with, there is the technical Commits
son composed Of English, French. German, and
other engineers, who MADE their headquaF'e rs
here lsst year. Then there is the transconinental
railway opposition who believe the canal would
hurt thcir business. This Is a mistake on their
part, as deep waterways always increase the
business ~ tie railways
Thea there Is the Panama Canal interest The
millions ihat have been aquandered on that
scheme ard the general ilpracticahliity OF II are
matters ci common knowledge No Frenchnlan
can be found 10 invest a penny in II. But the
company which now controls it bought it for n
song aud wiped out all the former obligations,
and j. working upon 1t today The Government
81 Colombia gets 100000 year out ui II, and
il j. 10 their interest 10 keep the work going
But the great game is TO saddle the Panama
Csnal onto the United Siates-that IS, 10 make
this country pay for it, for France will always
the canal if il should ever be built.
lrHtaH ~ TODD ffna E~r Eaaf k.afr sr-dl ~
she Is fearful Of losing it, should the Nicaragua
Canal be opened The Clsyton-Bulwer Treaty
is the greatest obstacle to the building of the
Nicaragua Canal. and was drafted in the inter
csis q English trade.
Now. this Commission is composed Of some Of
the abiest men in the country. In fact YOU have
flresiled all the wheat out OF this thing already
They have been down there and spent two year.
and a lot OF money. They have made a elab
crate report, but who has ever seen it2 II that
report published. as it ought to have been
TIE people would know By this time why the
canal is not building. The Commission viii 50
down again, spend another two years. and tht
slme old story will be told over again. tn,
opposition is too powerful
There is altogether too much reason to
believe that the forecast OF this eminent au-
thority is painfully near the truth. Perhaps
If publication OF the suppressed portions of
the late Commissions report could be Sc
cured the public would better understand
some Of the obstructions that have been,
are being. and still will be interposed to
prevent accomplishment OF this grand aud
yitalIy necessary national work.
1t should be remembered that current
and approaching political conditions favor
the enemies OF the scheme, and will be
found to badly handicap its friends We
do not doubt that Mr.. Mckinley is earnest
ly in favor OF building an American canal
across the Isthmus al as carly a dag as
possible. or that, if he we're az the begin
ming Of his Presidential term, he would
use all the influence OF his Administration
to secure the legislation needed to accom-
plish the object. He Is not at the begin
ming, but contemplating the end OF his
tenure. which he badly wants 70 have re-
newed. Whatever may te his personal
wishes. the Nicaragua Canal question IS
too valuable bit OF political trading
property to escape the cvil eye of his party
managers. Its opponents have unlimited
means to dispense fer It's defeat. The in
dividusls who will handle the MeRinley
boom in chief will require equally unlimit-
ed means 10 promote their patriotic pur-
poses, 1t does not require the gift OF sec
ond sight or Of prophecy to realize wha,
that win mean and result in.
Professor uHapt is too diplomatic to ex.
press himself quite as freely as we Zee