No. 157.
Mr. Noyes
to Mr. Evarts.
Paris, May 30, 1879. (Received June 11.)
Sir: I beg leave to congratulate you, and through you the President, upon the magnificent manner in which the representatives of the United States acquitted themselves in the Interoceanic Canal Congress, which has just closed its session in Paris.
In a congress composed in considerable part of the most learned and experienced civil engineers of the world, by common consent it is admitted that no government appeared to better advantage than our own. Rear-Admiral Ammen presented the general considerations pertaining to the subject with great force and attractiveness, while Mr. Menocal, civil engineer, exhibited the maps and explained the details of our surveys in a manner which convinced the leading scientific members of the congress, and commanded the admiration of all. Other American representatives also took prominent part in the discussions.
As to the final determination, the practicability of the plan adopted, and the inducements which controlled the decision, I do not feel at liberty to speak. But all that will, of course, be embodied in the report which will be made by your delegates.
For the first time, the civil engineers and others in Europe know something of what has been done by the United States Government in the matter of the interoceanic canal across the American isthmus.
I have, &c.,