Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1901. NICARAGUAN CANAL.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 16 April 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1901. NICARAGUAN CANAL.

The settlement of the Nicaraguan Canal dispute is much to be desired. it one time it was actually arranged but the United States made some amendments in the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty that Britain declined to accept. This action roused the anger of some States Senators, and threats were made to proceed with the construction of the canal without reference to Britain or any other power. The HayPauncefote Treaty took the place of a previous arrangement. As originally framed it gave certain rights of control to Britain in conjunction with the States, and it was on this point that the Senate differed, a majority holding that the convention as it left the hands of Secretary Hay and the British Minister infringed upon the Munroe Doctrine and consequently it was so amended as to give undivided control to America. These amendments did not meet with the approval of either Hay or the President, but the document was sent on to England as so amonded. These amendments were rejected. Such rejection, while it carried but little surprise in America, directed public attention more pointedly to the subject, and intensified the desire for a waterway communication between the two oceans. The American people too are getting impatient over the delay, while the strong international competition for Chinese trade convinces them that this important highway to China must not longer be neglected. They argue that British commerce will be quite safe in their hands, but British statesmen desire such better protection as was provided for in the two previous treaties. Our telegrams yesterday informed us that Mr. Hay was sounding the Senate with the object of re-opening negotiations. It is estimated that it will take eight or ten years to complete the canal—or rather series of water locks and, as it will bo constructed with American capital, it is hoped Britain will give way a good deal in order to prevent further delay. The construction of the waterway is of great importance to the Australasian colonies as providing another and better highway of communication with Europe and the Eastern Coast of America than via the Bed Sea.