"For the very simple reason," the Doctor answered, "that Americans were unwilling to risk their money in the work and the French were ready to do so. The final surveys were made by Lieutenant Bonaparte Wyse of the French navy, and the expense was paid by French capitalists. M. De Lesseps, whose name has become known throughout the world for his energy in making the Suez Canal, caused an international congress to be assembled at Paris in 1879; this congress decided in favor of the present location, and for a canal without locks. Under his leadership the company was formed, and the work is going on as you see it. "It is quite likely that diplomatic questions will arise concerning the use of the canal by the great nations of the globe; meantime, we need not disturb ourselves about it, but wait patiently for the day when ships will be able to pass from ocean to ocean. To understand the advantages to commerce which will result from the construction of the canal you have only to look at this map and observe the difference between the proposed routes for ships and those which are at present followed." The Doctor unfolded a map which we give on page 53. While Frank and Fred were glancing at the routes marked upon it, Dr. Bronson read the following array of figures: Miles. The distance from New York to Sydney, Australia, _via_ Cape Horn, 12,870 The distance from New York to Sydney, Australia, _via_ Panama 9,950 ------ In favor of Panama 2,920 The distance from New York to Honolulu, Sandwich Isl., _via_ Cape Horn 13,560 The distance from New York to Honolulu, Sandwich Isl., _via_ Panama 6,800 ------ In favor of Panama 6,760 The distance from New York to Hong Kong, _via_ Cape Horn 17,420 The distance from New York to Hong Kong, _via_ Panama 11,850 ------ In favor of Panama 5,570 The distance from New York to Yokohama, Japan, _via_ Cape Horn 16,710 The distance from New York to Yokohama, Japan, _via_ Panama 10,220 ------ In favor of Panama 6,490