330 VENEZUELA AND AFTER 



decade in history. First, the disturbing bound 

 ary of Alaska was removed from the fore 

 ground till the disagreeable feelings aroused by 

 it should have time to subside. A modus 

 vivendi was put into effect in October, 1899, 

 fixing a provisional line at the points where 

 friction was most imminent and protecting all 

 rights and claims of both parties pending the 

 definitive settlement. 



Soon followed the announcement of negotia 

 tions peculiarly calculated to give satisfaction 

 to the Americans. The Clayton-Bulwer Treaty 

 of 1850, hailed as a momentous triumph of 

 American diplomacy when it was concluded, had 

 become later offensive to the national pride. 

 It obligated the United States to refrain from 

 exclusive control of the proposed Nicaragua 

 Canal, and to insure the safety and neutrality 

 of that or any other transisthmian communica 

 tion only in association with Great Britain. 

 During the half-century that had elapsed since 

 the conclusion of this treaty, the interests and 

 the power of the United States had taken such 

 form that no canal was likely to be actually 

 constructed except in accordance with her will. 

 The restrictions on this will embodied in the 

 Clayton-Bulwer agreement were not only a 



