It possessed not only rights but also much equipment on the spot, and it had actually begun excavation at certain points.

The purchase of all its properties complete for $40,000,000 was, therefore, not a bad investment on the part of the Government.

By this purchase the United States was brought directly into relation with Colombia, through one of whose federal states, Panama, the canal was to be cut.
While the French purchase had removed one obstacle, the De Lesseps charter alone would not suffice for the construction of the canal, for the American Government had definite ideas as to the conditions necessary for the success of the work.

The Government required a zone which should be under its complete control, for not otherwise could satisfactory sanitary regulations be enforced.

It insisted also on receiving the right to fortify the canal.