THE SUEZ CANAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 10, 12 January 1870, Page 3

THE SUEZ CANAL.

The Empress has been received with distinguished cordiality and magnificence , by the Sultan at Constantinople. Her Majesty's visit has not a little flattered old Turkish prejudices, and is likely to have a great effect in changing the status of women in the Sultan's dominions. The Empress left Constantinople on October 19, and arrived at Alexandria on the 22nd. Her Majesty will be present at the opening of the Suez Canal on November 17. Within the last day or two a fall has taken place in the Canal shares, which, according to Galignani, was caused by the receipt of the following despatch : — " The captain of the Empress's yacht L'Aigle declares that his steamer will not be able to make the passage of the Canal." Great con- j fusion is tbe result. The Empress is said ! to have insisted on the Emperor's sending direct orders to make fresh soundings and lighten L'Aigle, which must pass at any cost. The Canal has always been a favorite subject for the " croakers." At one time the scheme was declared, " on the best authority," to be a mere chimera, impossible of execution, and which could have beea designed only for the purpose of drawing money from the pockets of the foolish and the credulous. The stern logic of facts has gradually made its way, but even to the last 4t the detractors " are not at rest.. It is now said that the depth is very unequal j that ships of more than very small draught will stick in the mud ; and that a Turkish corvette which made the experiment did actually ground, and, if she had not taken the precaution to feel her way stern foremost, would not have got ofi* again. For our part, we distrust these auguries of ill, and prefer to believe that the genius and energy which have surmounted so many formidable obstacles, and accomplished already what was considered to be impracticable if not "impossible" of execution, will not be fouud wanting at the last. — European Mail.