THE ORIGIN OF THE SUEZ CANAL. 283 



gence. The prosperity of the East is now dependent 

 upon the interests of civilization at large, and the best 

 means of contributing to its welfare, as well as to 

 that of humanity, is to break down the barriers which 

 still divide men, races, and nations." 



Circular to the Members of Parliament , Merchants, 

 Indian Shipotvners, fyc. 



"LONDON, August 8, 1855. 



" I have the honour to send you a copy of my work 

 relating to the piercing of the Isthmus of Suez. I 

 hope that, after having perused the various docu- 

 ments submitted to your notice, you will favour me 

 with your views as to the advantages of this impor- 

 tant undertaking, in the successful accomplishment of 

 which I believe Great Britain to be more interested 

 than all the other nations. 



" The alliance which exists between our two coun- 

 tries induces me to attach great importance to the 

 views of the most enlightened Englishmen concording 

 with those which prevail in France on this subject. 

 You will observe that the project of the engineers of 

 the Viceroy of Egypt is to be submitted, before 

 being carried into effect, to a Commission selected 

 from among the most celebrated engineers in Europe. 

 Mr. Eendel, well known for the remarkable works 

 executed by him in English ports, will be a member 

 of this Commission. 



" I shall be obliged if you will address your reply 



