The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-01-08

scheme as the sole means by which the work.
as indispensable 10 the one as 10 the other. can
be accomplished under such circumstances as
TO prevent alike the possibility Of conflict be-
tween them and OF interference from without.
The canal In. primarily. n domestic means Of
water communication between the Atlantic
and Pacific shores Of the two countries which
unite for It's construction. the one contributing
the territory and the other furnishing the
money therefor. Recognizing the advan-
taRes which the worlds commerce must
derive from the work. appreciating the
benefit OF enlarged use TO the canal itself
by contributing to it's maintenance and
by yielding an interest return on the
capital invested therein. and inspired by the
belief that eny great enterprise which inures
20 the general benefit of the world is In some
sort a trust for the common advancement OF
mankind. the two Governments have by this
treaty provided for it's peaceable use by all ma
tions on equal terms. while reservinR to the
coasting trade OF both countries lin which none
but the contracting parties are Interested the
privilege Of ~favoring tolls. The treaty provides
for the construction OF q railway and tele-
graph line. II deemed advisable. as accessories
to the canal. as both may he necessary for the
economical construction OF the work, and prob
ably In its operation when completed. The
terms OF the treaty as to the protection OF
the canal. while scrurulously confirming
the sovereignty of Nicaragua, am ply secure
that State aud the work itself from possible
contingencies OF the future which It may not be
within the sole power Of Nicaragua to meet"
President Arthur then proceeded to enum- |
crate some OF the advantages that might be
expected to accrue TO us from tho construc-
ton OF the canal. The recognition OF them
was brought home to us with emphasis during
the recent war with Spain: From a purely
commercial point Of view the completion Of
such a waterway opens a most favorable pros
pect for the future of our country. The nations
OF the Pacific coast Of North America will by
Its means be brought into close connection
with our Gulf States. The relation OF those
American countries to the United States is
that OF a natural market. from which the
want Of direct communication has hitherto
practically excluded us. BY piercing the
Isthmus tho heretofore insuperable obsta-
cles OF time and sea distance disappear. and our
vessels and productions will enter upon the
worlds competitive field with decided advan-
tage. of which they will avail themselves.
When to this is joined the large ~coasting trade
between the Atlantic and Pacific States. which
must necessarily spring IN. It Is evident that
this canal affords. even alone. an efficient
means of restoring our flag to its former place
on The seas. such a domestic ~coasting trade
would arise Immediately. for even the fishing
SSN VI ~ "IilI llO lulc u
the winter months, could then probably carry
goods between the Eastern and the Western
States. The political effect of the canal
be to knit closer the States now
depending upon railway corporations for
commercial and personal intercourse.
and 1t will not only cheaper the cost
Of transportation. but will free individuals
from the possibility OF unjust discrimina-
tons. 1t will bring the European grain mar
kets OF demand within easy distance Of our
Pacific States, and will give to the manufac-
on the Atlantic seaboard economical
access to the cities Of China. thus breaking
down the barrier which separates the principal
manufacturing centres Of the United States
rom the markets Of the vast population OF
Asia. and placing the Eastern States OF the
Union. for al purposes Of trade. midway be-
,ween Europe and Asia. In point OF time the
gain for sailing vessels would be great. amount {
from New York to San Francisco TO a saw I
ng OF seventy-tlve days; to Hong Kong. OF I
days; to Shanghai. of thirty-four
lays. and to Callao. OF ffty-two days" I