In marked contrast, it was not until after the Board had visited the Isthmus and while the members were on their way home--that is, at sea--on October 3d, that, on motion of Mr. Stearns, a corresponding committee was appointed to prepare plans for a lock canal. The recital of dates is of very considerable importance, for it is evident that there was a decided and early preference on the part of certain members of the Board for a sea-level canal, and that to this particular project more attention was given and a more determined attempt was made to secure data in its defense than to the corresponding project for a lock canal. That is to say, while the special committee for the consideration of a sea-level canal had been appointed on September 16th, the corresponding committee to consider the lock project was not appointed until October 3d, or seventeen days later, with the additional disadvantage of the Board being on the ocean, with no opportunity to send for persons and papers during the short period of time remaining to take into due consideration all the facts pertaining to a lock canal, for, as I have said before, the last business meeting was held on November 24th. _Mr. Foraker._--Mr. President---- _The Vice President._--Does the Senator from New Jersey yield to the Senator from Ohio? _Mr. Dryden._--Certainly. _Mr. Foraker._--I would like to ask the Senator whether on the 16th of September, when this motion was made by Mr. Hunter, if I remember correctly, the Board of Engineers had completed their investigations and explorations on the Isthmus? I did not observe. _Mr. Dryden._--No. _Mr. Kittredge._--Mr. President---- _The Vice President._--Does the Senator from New Jersey yield to the Senator from South Dakota? _Mr. Dryden._--I yield. _Mr. Kittredge._--If the Senator from New Jersey will permit me, I will be glad to answer the question of the Senator from Ohio. The Board of Consulting Engineers sailed from New York on the 28th of September for the Isthmus and returned about the middle or 20th of October. _Mr. Foraker._--Sailed from the Isthmus? _Mr. Kittredge._--Sailed from New York for the Isthmus. _Mr. Foraker._--Then the motion was made by Mr. Hunter before the Board of Engineers left the United States. _Mr. Kittredge._--Certainly; to appoint a committee of investigation. _Mr. Dryden._--I should like to say at this point that while I have gladly yielded to Senators, I think it is quite probable that before I get through I shall cover any questions that may be asked. I would prefer to complete my remarks, and then I shall be very glad to answer any questions that Senators may choose to ask. _Mr. Foraker._--I beg pardon. _Mr. Dryden._--I was glad to yield to the Senator. _Mr. Foraker._--The speech is a very interesting one. * * * * *