XIX 



THE ROMANCE OF THE PANAMA CANAL 



THERE is a strong probability that there 

 will be a second Panama Canal cut through 

 that narrow stretch of land which divides 

 the two Americas. The United States 

 Government is now considering the matter. 

 That such a vast expenditure can be con- 

 templated is sufficient proof that the present 

 canal has fulfilled expectations, and that 

 the traffic attracted to the isthmus is so 

 great that a single waterway will no longer 

 suffice. Yet how strange it is to reflect that 

 the first attempt at a canal across the 

 Isthmus of Panama should have been a 

 complete fiasco, involving many people in 

 serious losses and even ruin. 



The French had been very successful 

 with the Suez Canal, and it is not surprising 

 therefore that they turned to fresh fields 



