The new Amsterdam-Rhine Canal opened, a 45-mile short cut across The Netherlands that will bring Amsterdam’s river traffic 25 miles and 20 hours closer to Germany.

The canals of Amsterdam were as brightly gay last week as a field of Dutch tulips. The occasion was the opening of the new Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, a 45-mile short cut across The Netherlands that will bring Amsterdam’s river traffic 25 miles and 20 hours closer to Germany. In the age-old…