San Francisco and the Nicaragua Canal

The essay defends construction of an interoceanic canal through Nicaragua, systematically rebutting objections that it would be unprofitable, prohibitively costly, or harmful to Pacific ports and overland railways. It argues the government would build for strategic and commercial purposes rather than profit, offers comparative cost and operating estimates and comparisons with the Suez Canal, and emphasizes natural advantages such as abundant controllable freshwater and simpler maintenance. Distance and coaling considerations are used to show Pacific ports would gain calls and freight traffic, while projected tolls and lock operations are presented as affordable and manageable.