The American Type of Isthmian Canal
Speech by Hon. John Fairfield Dryden in the Senate of the United States, June 14, 1906
"The American Type of Isthmian Canal" by John F. Dryden is a political speech and technical discourse written in the early 20th century. The work primarily discusses the engineering and political considerations surrounding the construction of the Panama Canal. It presents an argument in favor of the lock-level canal system over the sea-level canal, emphasizing the importance of American engineering expertise and national interests. The opening of the text sets the stage by detailing a speech delivered by Dryden in the Senate, where he passionately advocates for the lock-level canal design as the most practical and feasible solution for the canal's construction. He outlines the historical attempts at creating a waterway through the isthmus, the opposition faced from various engineering opinions, and the critical need for Congress to decide on the canal's construction type. Dryden emphasizes the substantial economic and political implications of this decision and asserts that the country's collective interest should guide the decision-making process. The initial portion acknowledges the complex engineering debates while asserting the superiority of the lock canal based on practical considerations.