It had become clear to many that…

It had become clear to many that a sea-level canal was impractical, even as early as 1885, and that an elevated canal with locks was the best answer; however, de Lesseps is stubborn, and the lock canal plan is not adopted until October 1887—by which time the mounting financial, engineering and mortality problems, coupled with frequent floods and mudslides, are making it clear that the project is in serious trouble.