Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 November 1901 — CLEARING THE WAY. [ARTICLE]

CLEARING THE WAY.

The denouncing by the Nicaragua government of the canal treaty act of 1898 is not an unfriendly act. The formal expression of a desire for a -conclusion of that convention veils no hostility to the United States. The action of the Nicaragua government precipitates no new complications, offers no excuse for delay on the part of congress, and Indicates no opposition to the Immediate construction of the Nicaragua canal by the United States. The treaty between the United States and Nicaragua negotiated in 1867 and ratified June 20, 1868, granted to the United States the right of tran sit between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the territory of Nicaragua. A canal constructed on any route decided upon was to be used upon equal terms by both republics, Nicaragua, however, reserving its right of sovereignty over the canal. The United States, under the treaty, was to extend protection to the canal, to guarantee “the neutrality and innocent use of the same, and to employ Its Influence with other nations to Induce them to guarantee such neutrality and protection.” The United States was at liberty, on giving notice to the government of Nicaragua, to

carry troops and munitions of war through the canal, provided said troops and munitions of war were not to be employed against Central American nations friendly to Nicaragua. Troops for the protection of the canal were to be furnished by Nicaragua. It will be seen that this treaty is as obsolete as the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, ratified in 1850. We are making every effort now to secure the abrogation of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty that the United States may construct the Nicaraguan canal and hold it forever under American control. Why should we not abrogate in the same spirit the theaty with Nicaragua? The treaty of 1868 is not applicable to construction of the canal under the plans contemplated by congress. It limits our action, it pledges us to a neutral canal, which we do not want, and it does not give us control. In 1884 a treaty was negotiated between Nicaragua and the United States in which the United States government should construct, operate, and maintain exclusive control over a ship canal to be constructed on Nicaraguan territory. Nicaragua was to accord the United States an exclusive right of way across her territory from sea to /sea, to grant a

fee-simple title to a strip of land two and a half miles broad all along the route. Upon its completion the canal was to belong to Nicaragua and the United States jointly. That treaty was not ratified, but it indicated the spirit of Nicaragua, and there is no doubt that the present government is prepared to negotiate at once a new treaty to meet the demand for an American canal under American control. Nicaragua is not putting obstacles in our path, but is clearing the way.