Panama, the little republic of only ten years, is sufficiently important commercially to be noticed, yet its fame will always rest upon its great canal. Clubs should give a number of meetings upon this subject, for it is of world-wide interest, and the future of South America, and largely our own, is closely connected with it.
The early dream of such a canal should first be followed out from its inception till the time of the formation of the early company by De Lesseps in 1881, through the failure of this with its disastrous financial effect in France. New plans were made which were to enlist the help of Russia, but these failed also. Study the idea of the Nicaraguan canal, its abandonment; the negotiations with Colombia; the treaties made; the difficulties with the different South American countries; the recognition of Panama by the four great powers; the ratification by the Senate of the Hay-Bunau-Varilla treaty, the making of plans for the canal on different lines, and, last, its actual beginning.
Here there should be a paper on the physical conditions at Panama, the deadly climate, the yellow fever, the malarial mosquitoes, the lack of sanitation, and all that was carried out under Goethals and Gorgas to make it possible for the work to be done. Read descriptions of the town of Panama after the new conditions were established. Show a map of the Canal and describe its principal features and also show pictures from magazines and books. Close these meetings with a discussion on two questions: the tolls, and the possible fortifying of the Canal. Give some idea also of the result of the building of the Canal upon the different nations.
IV—SOUTH AMERICA
The study of South America should be taken in a leisurely way, for each part is valuable. Begin with a map talk, pointing out the divisions, the mountains, rivers and cities, and the great fertile plains.
The ancient history of the land will come first. Read from Prescott the description of the Incas in Peru and their remarkable civilization, and show pictures of the remains of temples and walls. Contrast these with the ruins in Central America and point out the striking differences.
Then give several meetings to the coming of the Spaniards and the results, not only to the Incas but to the entire country. Read of the Buccaneers and other adventurers, and have read some chapters from Charles Kingsley's "Westward Ho!"
After this, take each of the countries in turn and thoroughly study its history down to to-day. There are certain divisions which it will be well to follow: first, the Republics of the River Plate, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay; the Republics of the Andes, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Chili; the Republics of Colombia and Venezuela; the United States of Brazil; and last, the Guianas.
The River Plate is of remarkable interest; it makes the great prairies or pampas fertile and so is the basis of the wealth of the country.
Argentina, and, in a lesser degree, Uruguay and Paraguay, are dependent upon it.