M. de Lesseps is still convinced that his Company can
make the Panama Canal. He has, therefore, called a grand meeting of shareholders, which met in Paris on Thursday, and was most enthusiastic. The meeting was assured that the Canal could be completed in two years, if sixteen millions sterling more were provided, and resolved to keep M. de Lesseps at the head of the Company, and to raise that money, apparently through the Lottery Loan, priority bonds being forbidden by French law. They also resolved to forego all interest on their bonds until the Canal is opened, and to urge the four hundred and fifty provincial committees of bondholders to subscribe largely. The result of the meeting shows the strong hold that M. de Lesseps's personality still has over Frenchmen ; but as the Lottery Loan has already failed, there is little hope that the money will be forthcoming. The works have not been stopped on the isthmus ; but so strong is the apprehension of trouble there, that both the French and American Governments have despatched armed vessels to Colon to maintain public order.
