It will not be until after the adoption of the track of communication between the two Seas, and when all the advantages and all the responsibilities of those who take part in the enterprise are clearly determined, that capitalists and the public will be invited to subscribe for shares, and the representatives of those interested will finally decide upon all questions affecting the administration, the execution and carrying out of the undertaking.
Allow me now to point out to your Highness, the preparatory operations to which MM. Linant Bey and Mougel Bey have to apply themselves previous to presenting their definitive scheme.
They have—
1st. To trace out on the ground the line of the Maritime Canal in detail, with all its angles and curves, and transfer the line so traced on to a plan.
2nd. To take the levels throughout this line, extending them into the two Seas to a depth of ten metres of water.
3rd. To make profile sections wherever the formation of the ground requires it.
4th. To take soundings along the line, and carry them out to a depth of ten metres below the level of low water in the Mediterranean.
5th. To collect specimens of the various soils met with in their operations.
6th. To settle the prime cost of manual labour and of all the materials that will be employed in the construction of the Canal.
7th. To establish positive data that will serve to estimate the number of workmen of all kinds necessary for the execution of the works.