We note with the greatest possible satisfaction that the clauses
of the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty which, in effect, forbade the making of the Nicaragua Canal, have been abrogated by a Convention between the United Kingdom and America, and it has been agreed that America shall alone make and control the Canal. Its neutrality is, however, to be secured after the manner of the Suez Canal. America also agrees not to fortify the Canal. It is said that the anti-British Senators— for which we must read anti-Republican Senators—declare that they will not agree to the Convention in this respect, and represent our Government as having forced this clause on the State Department. We shall be very much surprised if there is the slightest scintilla of truth in this allegation. It is very much more likely that the United States Government had the anti-fortification clause inserted at their own request and in order not to wound the susceptibilities of the Continental Powers. Many American Senators really seem to think that the only two Powers in the world are the United Kingdom and the United States. Some day they will realise their mis- take. When they do let ne trust that their fleet will be as numerous as it is certain to be sound in quality. Meantime, we can only say that as far as British interests are concerned it would be far better to have the Canal fortified. Our prime object, in the event of war, is to have the neutrality of the water-way enforced at all costs. Therefore, the stronger the hold of America on the Canal, the more complete its neutrality. American forts at each end will enable America to maintain the neutrality of the Canal against all comers.
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