180 THE NICARAGUA CANAL. 
These are the passage ways, if not, some day, the ulti- 
mate destinations, of the richest products of our indus- 
try, floated southward from our great central region, 
and passing through Mobile, New Orleans, and Gal- 
veston to the sea. Duty and interest, then, seem to de- 
mand that we prepare for this control in the future. It 
is more than a consequent of greatness, it 1s greatness 
itself ; it is part of the definition—we cannot bea nation 
of the first rank while lacking the control of the seas 
and coasts immediately south of us. 
From a naval and military point of view, therefore, the 
direct advantage of holding such a great base of opera- 
tions as lake Nicaragua is immense—is, perhaps, when 
we consider all the circumstances, without parallel in 
history. If we consider the unhealthiness of the har- 
bors, coasts, and navigable rivers of the Caribbean 
region, and, on the other hand, the comparative im- 
munity from disease to be enjoyed by a fleet occupying 
the elevated waters of this fresh-water lake, with hill 
slopes on its islands reaching far above the yellow-fever 
line; if we note the rapid destruction of iron ships’ 
hulls in sea-water, the alarming fouling of barnacles 
and grass, and consequent serious decrease of speed, 
frequently reducing a fourteen-knot steamer to eight | 
knots ; and if we then reflect upon the quick remedy 
which fresh water always affords in this difficulty ; if 
we consider the admirable strategic position of the lake, 
and regard its size and depth—so great as to permit the 
largest fleet to drill itself to the highest evolutionary 
efficiency ;—these and numerous minor details, if well 
considered, will not fail to convince us of the value of 
this great possible depot and station. 
A well-appointed dockyard would be established on 
the shores of the lake, or on its lofty island of Omete- 
pee. Hospital sites and camping-grounds for the crews 
of vessels would be selected close to the fleet’s anchorage, 
64 
