CHAPTER LVIII.

EFFORTS TO CONSTRUCT THE NICARAGUAN CANAL. Early Recognition of the Need of a Canal Across the Isthmus Connecting North and South America--M. de Lesseps Attempts to Build a Water Way at Panama--Feasability of a Route by Lake Nicaragua-- First Attempts in 1825 to Secure Aid from Congress--The Clayton- Bulwer Convention of 1850--Hindrance to the Work Caused by This Treaty--Report of the Committee on Foreign Relations in 1891-- Failure to Secure a Treaty Between the United States and Nicaragua in 1884--Cleveland's Reasons for Withdrawing This Treaty--Incorporation of the Maritime Canal Company of Nicaragua--Inevitable Failure of Their Attempts Unless Aided by the Government--Why We Should Purchase Outright the Concessions of the Maritime Company--Brief Description of the Proposed Canal--My Last Letter from General Sherman--His Death from Pneumonia After a Few Days' Illness--Messages of President Harrison--Resolution--My Commemorative Address Delivered Before the Loyal Legion.