The remains of ancient fortifications, and bullet-marks in the walls of the old churches, bear witness to the stormy periods of piratical stress undergone in past centuries. The old Spanish characteristics of architecture, the motley apparel and customs of the mixed populace, and the general features of marketplace and plaza, present picturesque effects.

The tempting commercial possibility of threading the isthmus with a water-way joining the two oceans, was recognized by navigators in the midle of the 16th century, leading thereafter to earnest examination and study of the project. At the beginning of the present century the matter took definite shape, and some fifty years later, thorough surveys were made. On grounds of international policy the United States Government declined to take the initiative, but materially aided the private corporation which assumed the task. Comparison of several routes, led to a decision in 1876 in favor of that known as the Nicaragua route, its termini being Greytown on the Atlantic and Brito on the Pacific, a distance of 170 miles. Of this amount 27 miles will be excavated canal and 143 miles free navigation by Lake Nicaragua, the River San Juan, and through basins in the valleys of three other streams. Prosperous conditions thus far attending active preparations for construction inspire the belief that six years will suffice for its completion, and that its total cost will not exceed $90,000,000, exclusive of banking commissions, interest during construction, and other expenses not included in the engineer's estimate. The prospect also of its final patronage points to a higher percentage on investment than accrues to the Suez Canal. It is eminently desirable that the control of this enterprise should be secured to the United States.