Wallowa chieftain. [volume] (Joseph, Union County, Or.) 1884-1909, 1902-07-03

route mas Deen as low as S00,OO0, 600
However, we need canal of some
kind and we may get it by way OF the
Panama. Since it's nos very. prom
inently before the American people, a
little history OF the canal projects in
general, and the Panama route in par
ticular, will prove interesting.
The accomplishment Of a scheme to
secure canal across the isthmus Of
Panama has been the hope OF naviga-
tors almost from the discovery OF the
continent. The earliest known sur
veys were made under authority of an
order issued by Charles V of Spain to
Cortez, in 1884 The Nicaraguan
route was surveyed as early as 1851.
Numerous companies and government
al projects by the countries of Europe
were formed from that time up to
1878, when an international congress
OF commercial geography was held in
Paris. Ferdinand De Lessups, presi-
dent of the French Geographical So
ciety, and of the Suez Canal Company
was one nj the most active members.
An international committee of eng-
neers was chosen and met the next
year to choose route for the COZ
struction OF the canal. During the
intervening time De Lessups had Sc
cured a concession from the United
States OF Colombia for the Panama
route, had organized company and
was soliciting stock. His influence
prevailed in the section of routes and
on Jan. |, 1880, the first spadefu OF
earth was turned at Panama. For
several years the French people sub
scribed for stock literally, but the
American people did not do so we'll
Before the work was begun De Lessups
estimated the cost at $94, ,5ll 1868
By 1888, however, the total obliga-
tions OF the company was 1857 ,923,0C0
on which interest and expense Of
management amounted to twenty
millions per year. More new shares
were issued and lottery scheme was
concocted 10y Which it was hoped to
raise more money. On Dec. Is, 1888
the company defaulted payment of a
quarters interest De Lossup and his
colleagues resigned. The French gov
ernment refused to aid the continu-
ance OF work, and work ceased on
May T. 1889.
In 1892, NJ Delhage, a member OF
the Frenoh Chambe OF Deputies.
Corresponding to our congress) de-
clared that the privileges which the
Panama company had obtained had
been used to hribe number OF depu-
ties and to defraud the investors. An
Investigation led to the prosecution OF
the directors Baron Remach, II
Gnancier charged with large part OF
the corruption, died suddenly. 1t was
said he committed suicide The in
vestigation was pursued amid much
clamor, and gigantic swindle was
iexposed Over S3,000,O00 francs were
spent in advertising: 100000 francs
for political purposes: $50 deputies,
it was said were bribcd: the influence
lol several newspapers was bought and
the chief detective bureau had been in
the pay of the directors ferdinand
and Chas. De Lessups, accused Of
fraud and bribery, were brought TO
trial in 1898, found gnilty, and SEN
fenced to imprisonment for years.
Among others NJ. Eiffel was sentenced
to 2 years Imprisonment. The SEN
tence of Ferdinand Dc Lessups was
mot executed and he was allowed to
die in peace, Dec 5, 1894. Later evil
dence was produced and several others
were fined and sentenced to impriscn-
merit. In Sept. 1894, 100000 new
shares of stock we're issued and in
1895 work on the canal was resumed
by about 2000 men, but in 1856 they
struck for higher wages, and in a
short time work was discontinued.
Thus ended one of the rottenest
pieces of jobbery ever perpetrated.
Now it has been revived and some
capitalists in New York expect to
make cleanup. The next thing in
order will be an Investigation by the
people OF the United States.