What are the essential elements, pros and cons, to A.G. Menocal's canal proposal?

Between the 1879 Congris International d'Ytudes du Canal Interocyanique in Paris and sailing for Panama in December, Ferdinand de Lesseps successfully accomplishes a number of tasks, and attempts a few others. He successfully raises $400,000 selling founders' shares, buys out the Turr Syndicate, drums up $80 million from small investors, begins publishing a propaganda organ, forms a new international commission of famous engineers, and declares he will conduct the survey required by the Wyse Concession. He returns the money to share purchasers when an initial stock offering does not go well.