“ In 1848-49 he was Minister to Spain. In 1854 M. de Lesseps went to Egypt and, securing the concurrence of the Viceroy, Said-Pasha, projected the construction of the great interoceanic canal of Suez. In 1856 he published his plans and projects, under the title of Percement de l'Isthme de Suez. But the Turkish Government, at the instigation of England, refused its authorization. In spite of many obstructions, M. de Lesseps won the Government to his support, and secured $40,000,000 in subscription to the capital stock required for the construction of the canal. Work was actually begun in 1859. ”

“ In December, 1888, De Lesseps and his colleagues resigned, and judicial liquidators were appointed by the Government. In 1893, after a judicial investigation, M. de Lesseps and his son Charles were convicted of misappropriation of the funds of the company, and sentenced to fine and imprisonment ”