The Forum (Volume 31) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901. Excerpt: ... THE PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE ISTHMIAN CANAL COMMISSION. In view of the lack of definite information on the subject of the proposed Isthmian canal, the conflicting claims of rival routes, the vast expenditure proposed, and the importance of the subject to the people of the United States both in their internal and external relations, the appointment of the present Isthmian Canal Commission on June 10,1899, met with general approbation. While there were then a few who felt that their knowledge of the subject was sufficient to entitle them to deal with the complicated questions presented without the necessity of further enlightenment, the public at large, including the great body of our public men, were unwilling that the United States should engage in the actual construction of an Isthmian canal until the subject had been further studied by a representative body of capable and independent experts. The appointment of a special commission for this purpose was authorized by four sections of the River and Harbor Bill, passed at the third session of the Eifty-fifth Congress. In these sections the President was authorized to make investigation of any and all practicable routes for a canal across the Isthmus of Panama, and particularly to investigate the two routes known respectively as the "Nicaragua Route" and the "Panama Eoute," with a view of determining the most practicable and feasible route for such canal, together with the approximate and probable cost of constructing a canal at two or more of said routes. He was further authorized to investigate and ascertain what rights, privileges and Permission to republish artkUx is reserved. franchises, if any, were held and owned by any corporations, associations or individuals, and what work, if any, had been done ...