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Abbot, Henry L. The solution of the Isthmian Canal problem. [New York : Engineering Magazine Co., 1904?].
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Vol. XXVI.
JANUARY, 1904.
No. 4.
THE SOLUTION OF THE ISTHMIAN-CANAL
PROBLEM.
By Gen. Henry L. Abbot.
General Abbot is beyond question one of the foremost authorities upon the physical
problems of the Panama Canal— especially the Chagres problem which is the key to the entire
project. His study of that question which appeared in this Magazine in December, 1902, was
not only (to quote Mr. Morison's expression in a contribution to these pages just one year
ago) "of an exhaustive character and of the greatest value." It was more—a complete demonstration
of the soundness of the choice of the Panama route as the best for an Isthmian canal.
General Abbot has been so sure of the unassailable strength of this position that he has
always chosen to demonstrate it, rather than to enter into controversial discussion of any other
route. It is therefore of very great interest, now that the determination is beyond controversy
(except probably the assaults of Senator Morgan and others of his type), to have this calm and
distinct expression of GeneralAbbot 's opinion of the Nicaragua route, judged absolutely and
by comparison with that which has been chosen for the great work.— The Editors
•
:?/.
NOW that the smoke of the battle which has so long clouded the
projected Isthmian-canal problem has cleared away, it is not
without utility to consider the dangers escaped by choosing
the route by Panama. For many years this route was considered
as pre-empted by France, and the United States could only hope to secure
the second best which was believed to be that by Nicaragua. This
latter route had been repeatedly examined, and finally, in 1899, with
some misgivings on the part of those best informed in the matter,
Congress had nearly decided to take decisive action and begin the
work of construction. Never was there a more conspicuous illustration
pa d Wisd ° m of the oId ada & e f estina lente - Now tha t the peril is
passed and in the light of the important developments made known
CM 6 1 datG by the lab ° rS ° f the Isthmian Canal Commission, we
an ca i ml and without exaggeration consider what sort of cana]
we were about to undertake.
Copyright, 1903, by John R. Dunlap.
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