"The Nicaraguan Canal Bill" -- Speech of Hon. Theodore E. Burton, of Ohio, in the house of representatives, Tuesday, May 1, 1900

In order to improve trade and reduce sailing time of ships going back and forth between East Coast ports and the West Coast or other ports bordering the Pacific Ocean, a canal was proposed that would cross Central America through Nicaragua. A Bill had been brought before Congress to provide funds to support this project. The opposition, of which Mr. Burton was a member, were not opposed to a canal traversing Central America, but wanted it to be pursued in a more business-like manner to assure success (perhaps through the isthmus of Panama). This First Edition copy of "The Nicaraguan Canal Bill" -- Speech of Hon. Theodore E. Burton, of Ohio, in the house of representatives, Tuesday, May 1, 1900, With remarks Wednesday, May 2, 1900 presents the case for the more deliberative approach to committing to a trans-isthmus canal.

The booklet measures approximately approximately 6 x 9 inches and contains 36 pages in paper covers. Mr. Burton's speech is contained on pages 3 to 30 of the booklet, with "Extracts from Remarks Made on May 2" on pages 31 to 36. The remarks present a more definitive discussion among House members regarding a canal, and whether it should be through Nicaragua or Panama.

The pages of the booklet are slightly tanned, but the text is clear and easily read. Both the covers and body of the booklet are in good condition.

The illustrations accompanying this description show the booklet's cover, the first page of the speech, and the first page of "Extracts from Remarks Made May 2".

Theodore Elijah Burton (December 20, 1851 – October 28, 1929) was a Republican politician from Ohio. He served in the United States House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He was elected to the House of Representatives for the Fifty-first United States Congress in 1888 from the Ohio 21st District in Cleveland. but was defeated for re-election in 1890. He was not the Republican nominee in 1892, but was nominated again in 1894 and won election to the Fifty-fourth United States Congress. He was re-elected seven times, serving in the House until 1908. He was noted for his work in preserving Niagara Falls and for opposing wasteful waterways projects. President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him chairman of the Inland Waterways Commission in 1907 and the National Waterways Commission in 1909. He also sponsored the legislation authorizing construction of the Panama Canal. [Wikipedia]