THE PANAMA CANAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2532, 3 May 1881, Page 3

THE PANAMA CANAL.

Two great enterprises, in both of which the Australians are indirectly greatly interested, are now actually started. These are the two new ways—a water Way and an iron way—across the North American. Continent. The first is the long-talked-of Panama Canal; the second fire Canadian Pacific Railway. The pioneers of the Panama Canal have reach ed Panama, and have really begun work. This is, of course, only preliminary. It is necessary first to lay down the exact line by which the canal is to proceed ; the timber and other surface obstacles must be cleared away ; grants and concessions must be obtained of rights of Way, and other privileges. After this it will be necessary to organise and divide the colossal works which must be Undertaken, to prepare and collect the vast machinery, engines of all kinds for dredging, drilling, blasting, winch are to be so largely used in tbs construction of the canal, with the object of mini raising human labour in this unhealthy clime. A year will suffice, it is said, to complete all these arrangements, and various sections and commissions have been formed to attend to each. Meanwhile the shareholders have met again to listen to, and renew confidence in, the great originator of the scheme. M. de Lesseps congratulated his supporters on the brilliant prospect before the canal. All Translantic jealousy was at an end. The common sense of the American nation had triumphed, ahd the people of the United States now warmly approved of a project likely to produce enduring benefit to their country. He also reminded them of the dismal forebodings which had preceded the construction of the Suez Canal, and said that people were quite as incredulous about this new and if anything still greater enterprise. If all goes well, it is expected that seven years will see the completion of the work.

complains that he cannot get a washerwoman to wash his clothes for him. Similar difficulties have here and there been found with the butchers and livery stable-keepers, who objected to sell-their beef-steaks and let out their carriages. At Tournon a blacksmith of La Louvesc, who forced the doors of a neighborinc monastery, has been reduced to a des pera'e condition. The priests have warned their congregations against him, and no one will employ him.