# Mexico, Aztec, Spanish and Republican/Volume 2/Book 4/Chapter 7

Table of Contents
CHAPTER VII.
In order to exhibit a connected and comparative view of the financial and commercial condition of Mexico, we have assembled in this section a number of tables which exhibit, at a glance, the state of New Spain in relation to her mines, agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and the income and expenses of the viceroyalty in 1809.
1st. Income.
| Branches of income. | Clear product in dollars. |
| Duties on assay, | $72,506 |
| "on gold and bullion, | 24,908 |
| "on silver, | 2,086,565 |
| "on vajilla, | 25,716 |
| Coining of gold and silver, | 1,628,259 |
| Tributes, | 1,159,951 |
| Taxes, (alcabalas) | 2,644,618 |
| Pulque, (a national beverage made of aloe,) | 750,462 |
| Powder, | 370,829 |
| Lotteries, | 109,002 |
| Novenos, | 192,333 |
| Saleable and remisable offices, | 27,106 |
| Stamped paper, | 64,900 |
| Medias anatas. | 37,338 |
| Amount carried forward, | $9,174,493 |
| Amount brought forward, | $9,174,493 |
| Chancery, | 1,053 |
| Cock fights, | 33,322 |
| Liquor shops, | 22,883 |
| Ice, | 31,814 |
| Salt works and duties on salt, | 132,982 |
| Licenses for ballast in Vera Cruz, | 29 |
| Bakeries, liquor shops in do. | 11,989 |
| Fortifications, | 8,003 |
| Donations, | 1,480 |
| do. for war purposes, | 646,459 |
| Caldos, | 36,181 |
| Dyes and vainilla, | 45,740 |
| Almojarifazgos, | 275,894 |
| Aprovechamientos, | 57,967 |
| Small incomes, | 76,151 |
| Balances of accounts, | 24,989 |
| Bulls of Santa Cruzada, (Roman Catholic,) | 271,828 |
| Ecclesiastical tithes, | 30,320 |
| do. subsidies, | 4,686 |
| Medias anatas y mesadas id, | 50,540 |
| Vacantes mayores y menores. | 112,733 |
| Spanish quicksilver, | 474,722 |
| German " | 42,583 |
| Freight of quicksilver, | 2,757 |
| Cards, | 148,861 |
| Tobacco, | 3,927,822 |
| 4 per cent, of salary of employés, | 25,632 |
| Gross income, | $15,693,895 |
| From this should be deducted for salaries and expenses of administration, $596,260 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 1,244,199 |
| For donations received this year, but which should not be counted as income, $647,739 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 1,244,199 |
| Net income, | | $14,449,696 |
2d. Expenses in the year 1809.
| Expenses for fortification | | $800,000 |
| Pay of army, veteran troops, arsenal of San Blas, powder factories and other expenses, | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 3,000,000 |
| Amount carried forward, | | $13,800,000 |
| Amount brought forward, | | $3,800,000 |
| Pay of Oidores, and other persons employed in judicial functions and measures for the conversion of the Indians, | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 250,000 |
| Pensions, | | 200,000 |
| Hospital expenses, repairs of factories, | | 400,800 |
| Return of imposts, | | 1,496,000 |
| | | $6,146,800 |
| Amount of Income, | $14,449,696 | |
| "" Expenses, | $6,146,800 | |
| Balance, | $8,302,896 | |
This was then the clear income of Mexico in the year 1809. The same amount may be considered as the usual yearly revenue from the close of the eighteenth century, and if we deduct a half of this sum as being afterwards expended on this side of the Atlantic, it may be calculated that about four millions of dollars were transmitted to Spain annually.
3d. Mineral Productions.
In order to judge what regions of New Spain were most productive in mineral wealth and their relative productiveness, we will insert the value of the royal dues upon silver, amounting in all to the rate of 10½ per cent, in 1795, in which year $24,593,481 were coined in gold and silver at the Mexican mint.
| San Luis Potosi, | 96,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Zacatecas, | 69,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Guanajuato, | 67,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Rosario, | 45,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Bolaños, | 41,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Mexico, | 36,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Guadalajara, | 19,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Durango, | 33,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Zimapan, | 10,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Sombrerete, | 7,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
| Chihuahua, | 7,000 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Marks of silver,—which may be estimated at eight dollars and a quarter per mark. |
All the mines in the Spanish possessions consumed annually 30,000 quintal of quicksilver, which, at the rate if $50, (at which they might be calculated, on anaverage of years) amounts to a millon and a half.
When fifteen millions were annually coined theking received 6 per ct. upon that sum; and when the amount exceeded 18 millions, scarcely 7. Thus difference was owing to the rules and system of the mint, in which there were the same expenses in coining from ​twenty to twenty-four millions that were incurred in coining fifteen millions. In 1809 $26,172,982 were issued, in gold and silver, from the Mexican mint, and this, with the exception of 1804 and 1805, is the largest amount of coinage either under the Viceroyal or Republican government.
4th. Military Force before the Revolution.
| Veteran troops, | | 7,083 | |
| Garrison troops and viceroyal guards, | | 595 | |
| Garrison troops and guards. Internal provinces, | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 3,099 | |
| Provincial militia, | | 18,884 | |
| | | 29,661 | |
| The maintenance of these cost annually, | | | $1,800,000 |
| The fort of St. Carlos at Peroté absorbed, | | | 200,000 |
| Costs of fortifications and casual expenses, | | | 2,000,000 |
| | | | $4,000,000 |
5th. Agriculture.
This branch of industry produced a sum equal to the mines; that is to say—from twenty-two to twentyfour millions. The following calculation is founded upon the basis of the diezmos or tithes of the several bishoprics, which may be regarded as the best territorial measure.
| Bishoprics. | Product of Agriculture in 1790. | Diezmos. |
| Mexico, | $8,500,000 | 850,000 |
| Puebla, | 4,400,000 | 440,000 |
| Valladolid, | 4,000,000 | 400,000 |
| Oajaca, | 1,000,000 | 100,000 |
| Guadalajara, | 3,400,000 | 340,000 |
| Durango, | 1,200,000 | 120,000 |
| | ________ | ________ |
| In 6 Bishoprics, | $22,500,000 | 2,250,000 |
6th. Manufactures.
The cotton and woollen factories, of the most important and extensive character, were those of Puebla and of Queretaro. In the latter place, in twenty factories, and 300 small establishments, 46,000 arrobas of wool were consumed, out of which 6,000 pieces of cloth, or, 226,000 varas (yards);—280 pieces of jerguetilla or 39,000 yards (varas);—200 pieces of baize, or, 15,000 varas; 161 pieces of baizes and coarse woollens, or, 18,000 varas; the ​value of all which manufactures exceeded $600,000. In Queretaro there were moreover consumed 200,000 lbs. of cotton in the manufacture of cotton stuffs and rebosos, or shawls usually worn by the women throughout Mexico. The factories in the Intendency of Puebla, comprehended in that city, Cholula, Tlascala and Guejocingo, produced fabrics, in peaceful times, to the value of a million and a half of dollars. Besides these there were other factories in various parts of the country.
7th. Commerce.
| The imports through Vera Cruz, before the war, | |
| averaging one year with another, exceeded, | $19,000,000 |
| The exports, inclusive of silver, | 21,000,000 |
| | __________ |
| Difference in favor of exports, | 2,000,000 |
| | __________ |
| Total of mercantile exchanges, | 40,000,000 |
| The above exportations may be divided into— | |
| Silver, | $14,000,000 |
| Agricultural products, | 7,000,000 |
Classification of Exports.
| | Weight in arrobas. | Value in dollars |
| Cochineal, | 24,500 | $1,715,000 |
| Sugar, | 500,000 | 1,500,000 |
| Vainilla, | | 60,000 |
| Indigo, | 60,000 | 2,700,000 |
| Sarsaparilla, | 20,000 | 90,000 |
| Pepper from Tabasco, | 24,000 | 40,000 |
| Flour, | | 500,000 |
| Tanned leather, | | 80,000 |
| Sundries, | | 315,000 |
| | | ____________ |
| | | $7,000,000 |
| Add export of precious metals, | | 14,000,000 |
| | | ____________ |
| | | $21,000,000 |
Classification of Imports.
| Wine, | 25 to 30,000 barrels | $1,000,000 |
| Paper, | 125,000 reams, | 375,000 |
| Cinnamon, | 100,000 lbs. | 400,000 |
| Brandy, | 32,000 barrels, | 1,000,000 |
| Saffron, | 17,000 lbs. | 350,000 |
| Iron, | 50,000 quintals, | 600,000 |
| Steel, | 6,000" | 110,000 |
| Wax, | 26,000 arrobas, | 500,000 |
| Cacao, | 20,000 fanegas, | 1,100,000 |
| Clothing, hardware | and other manufactures, | 14,000,000 |
| | | $19,335,000 |
From a statement published by the Consulado of Vera Cruz it appears that the Importation from Spain in 1802 was as follows:—
| In national vessels, | $11,539,219 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 19,600,000 |
| In foreign" | 8,060,781 | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 19,600,000 |
| Exportation in the same year, | | | 33,866,219 |
| Difference in favor of exports, | | | $14,266,219 |
| Commerce of the metropolis, | | | $53,466,219 |
| Importation from America, | | | $1,607,792 |
| Exportation for" | | | 4,581,148 |
| General importation | | | $21,207,792 |
| General exportation, | | | 38,447,367 |
| Total trade of Vera Cruz in 1802, | | | $59,655,159 |
From this view of the anti-revolutionary condition of Mexican commerce and financial interests, we pass properly to the examination of the same affairs at the present day. In order to judge this subject fairly, however, we have adopted the commercial standard of the year preceding the war with the United States. During and since that period, the commercial results of the country must naturally have been so greatly disturbed as to afford altogether inadequate tests.
Commerce at the Present Day.
Imports and exports of the Mexican republic for the year ending on the 1st of January, 1845, calculated on the duties collected at the maritime and frontier custom houses.
1st. Imports.
| | | | | | Capital or value of |
| | | | | | imported articles to |
| | | | Duties according to tariff. | Duties collected. | which these duties correspond. |
| At | 40 | per ct., | there were collected, | $ 200..45 | $ 501..12 |
| " | 30 | " | "” | 5,999,282..87 | 19,997,609..56 |
| " | 30 | " | provisions | 14,592..98 | 48,643..26 |
| " | 30 | " | timber, | 3,539..49 | 11,774..96 |
| " | 25 | " | | 152,916..18 | 611,664..72 |
| " | 12½ | " | | 6,190..11 | 49,520..83 |
| " | 6 | " | jewelry. | 1,171..22 | 19,520..33 |
| " | 30 | " | advanced to the treasury for | | |
| permission to import 20,000 quintals | | | | | |
| | | of cotton. | | 120,000..00 | 400,000..00 |
| | | | | $6,297,886..30 | $21,139,234..83 |
2d. Exports.
| | | | Duties according to tariff. | Export duties collected. | Value of exports to which these duties correspond. |
| At | 6 | per cent., | on export of gold and | | |
| | | | silver coin, | $524,349..63½ | $8,739,160..58 |
| " | 3½ | " | on silver coin, | 2..08 | 59..42 |
| " | 5 | " | on uncoined silver, | 22,949..23 | 458,984..45 |
| " | 7 | " | Vera Cruz on ditto | 12,687..60 | 181,251..42 |
| " | 7½ | " | in Mazatlan" | 103,636..81 | 1,381,824..13 |
| " | 9 | " | atdo.on gold. | 14,479..14½ | 160,879..39 |
| " | 9½ | " | on silver. | 48..59 | 511..39 |
| " | 6½ | " | on wrought gold. | 22..36 | 344..00 |
| " | 7 | " | on wrought silver, . | 658..11 | 9,401..57 |
| " | 6 | " | on dye wood, | 6,025..14 | 100,419..00 |
Resumé No. 1.
| Export of money. | $524,351..71½ | $8,739,220..00 |
| "of uncoined gold and silver, | 153,801..37½ | 2,183,450..79 |
| "of wrought gold and silver, | 6,680..47 | 9,745..57 |
| Total export of the precious metals, | $678,833..56 | $10,932,416-36 |
| Export of dye woods, | 6,025..14 | 100,419..00 |
| Total, | $684,858..70 | $11,032,835..36 |
Comparative Resumé No. 2.
| Value of the imports into the republic, | | $21,139,234..83 |
| "" exports from the republic, | | 11,032,835..36 |
| Excess of imports above exports, | | $10,106,399..47 |
| Comparative Resumé No. 3. |||
| | Duties. | Value of Articles. |
| Imports, | $6,297, 686..30 | $21,139,234..86 |
| Deduct $557,76..16 charged to the Vera Cruz custom house for income of previous years not collected in 1844, and which sum is calculated on 30 per cent, duties, | 557,767..16 | 1,859,223..86 |
| | $5,739,919..14 | $19,280,011..00 |
| Value of exports deducted, | ═════════ | 11,032,835..36 |
| Effective excess of imports in 1844, | | $8,247, 175..64 |
| Comparative Resumé No. 4. |||
| There were coined in the Mexican mints in 1844, | | $13,732,861. .04 |
| There were exported in money, | | 8,739,220..00 |
| Difference in favor of the mint, | | $4,993,641..04 |
| As the commercial relations of the United States with Mexico, of course concern us most intimately, and are those in which we take the deepest interest, we have formed from official data in the reports of our Secretaries of the Treasury the following table of our mercantile intercourse from 1829 to 1849: |||
Commerce between Mexico and the United States from 1829 TO 1849.
| | | Imports from Mexico. | Exports to Mexico. |
| For year ending 30th Sept., | 1829 | $5,026,761 | $2,331,151 |
| """ | 1830 | 5,235,241 | 4,837,458 |
| """ | 1832 | 4,293,954 | 3,467,541 |
| """ | 1833 | 5,452,818 | 5,408,091 |
| """ | 1834 | 8,066,068 | 5,265,053 |
| """ | 1835 | 9,490,446 | 9,029,221 |
| """ | 1836 | 5,615,819 | 6,041,635 |
| """ | 1837 | 5,654,002 | 3,880,323 |
| """ | 1838 | 3,127,153 | 2,787,362 |
| | | Imports from Mexico. | Exports to Mexico. |
| For year ending 30th Sept., | 1839 | 3,500,707 | 2,164,097 |
| """ | 1840 | 4,175,001 | 2,515,341 |
| """ | 1841 | 3,484,957 | 2,036,620 |
| """ | 1842 | 1,996,694 | 1,534,233 |
| Last quarter of '42 and first | | | |
| two quarters of | 1843 | 2,782,406 | 1,471,937 |
| For year ending 30th June, | 1844 | 2,387,002 | 1,794,833 |
| """ | 1845 | 1,702,936 | 1,152,331 |
| "war year," | 1846 | 1,836,621 | 1,531,180 |
| "war year," | 1847 | 481,749 | 238,004 |
| """ | 1848 | 1,581,247 | 4,054,452 |
By this table, covering the commerce between the United States and Mexico for nineteen years, we observe that from having a trade worth, in imports and exports, about nineteen millions and a half, in 1835, it is now reduced, in years undisturbed by war or the results of war, to not more than two millions and a half or three millions. As commerce usually regulates itself, in spite of personal or national prejudices, this fact is doubtless attributable to the lower rates at which European manufacturers and producers are enabled to afford their merchandise in the Mexican market. Nevertheless, we doubt not that the trade might be improved considerably by certain modifications of the tariff, especially upon the article of cotton, which as will be seen in our notices of the manufacturing establishments of Mexico is largely demanded from abroad in consequence of the failure from personal causes to produce an adequate supply within that republic.
The Imports of Mexico consist chiefly of the following articles:
Linens; five-eighths of which are received from Germany, while three-eighths are of Irish, Dutch, French and North American manufacture. The German linens are chiefly obtained from Silesia, and the finest kinds are in great demand.
Cotton goods are imported largely from England, the United States and France.
The importation of the best qualities of silks reaches annually about one million of dollars in value, and they are the productions of France and Germany; about three-fourths of the trade, in this article, belonging exclusively to France.
For her Woollen fabrics Mexico relies upon England and France, though Germany participates in the importation of some qualities.
Ornamental Wares, Millinery or articles of personal and fashionable luxury are obtained from France.
​Genoa and Bordeaux furnish Paper;—Glassware, window glass and looking glasses are imported from the United States, England and France, but the finer kinds are exceedingly rare and costly, in consequence of the risk of transportation through the country by the present imperfect modes of carriage over bad roads. Iron ware, of all kinds, and iron machinery for manufacturing or mining purposes, are imported from the United States, England, France, Germany and Spain.
Quicksilver, one of the most important articles for the miners, is brought in French and Italian ships from Idria and Almaden. Wine, Brandy and Gin are consumed from France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Holland; while fine liqueurs are largely imported from France and the Dutch West Indies.
Cacao is imported from several of the Southern American nations;—Oil from France, Gibraltar and Genoa;—and Wax, of which about 700,000 dollars worth is annually consumed, is received from the United States or Cuba. Salted and dried Fish or Flesh is chiefly monopolized by our traders.
"The principal Exports from Mexico have always been and still are, Cochineal, and the Precious Metals in bars and coined. Of the latter of these native products it is estimated by reliable authorities that one half is remitted to England and that the balance is divided between the United States and the continental states of Europe. The greater portion of silver is exported from Tampico, which is the nearest vent for the mineral wealth of Guanajuato, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, and the principal mining districts of northern Mexico. Large sums are also sent from Vera Cruz and from Mazatlan on the western coast, as will be seen by reference to our tabular statement of the value of exports. In 1845, before the war with the United States broke out, and when Mexican trade was in its ordinary condition, ten millions nine hundred and thirty-two thousand four hundred and sixteen dollars worth of the precious metals, coined and uncoined, left these several ports through the regular channels. But as we have no means of exactly estimating the contraband exportation, which is very large, we may safely calculate that at least five millions more found their way clandestinely to Europe and the United States. Of the regular and lawful exportation, eight millions seven hundred and thirty-nine thousand two hundred and twenty dollars were coined; two millions one hundred and eighty-three thousand four hundred and fifty, in uncoined gold and silver; and nine thousand seven hundred and forty-five, in wrought silver and gold.
​The exportation of Cochineal is estimated to range from seven hundred thousand to one million of dollars worth;—and, when we add to these articles, Dye wood, Vainilla, Sarsaparilla, Jalap, Hides, horns, and a small quantity of Pepper, Indigo, and Coffee, together with an occasional invoice of sugar sent from the west coast to Columbia and Peru, we may consider the list of merchantable Mexican exports as completely ended.
In all the Mexican towns and cities, and in many of the large villages there are weekly markets held at which a considerable trade for the neighborhood is carried on; and, in addition to these, there are nine great Fairs at which immense quantities of foreign manufactures are disposed of. These are held at the following places and times:
1. The Fair at Aguas Calientes—begins on the 20th of November and lasts 10 days.
2. The Fair at Allende in Chihuahua—begins on the 4th of October, and lasts 8 days.
3. The Fair at Chilapa in Mexico—begins on the 2d of January, and lasts 8 days.
4. The Fair at Chilpanzingo—begins on the 21st of December, and lasts 8 days.
5. The Fair at Huejutla—begins on the 24th of December, and lasts 4 days.
6. The Fair at Ciudad Guerrero—begins on the 12th of December, and lasts 6 days.
7. The Fair at Saltillo—begins on the 29th of September, and lasts 8 days.
8. The Fair at San Juan de los Lagos—begins on the 5th of December, and lasts 8 days.
9. The Fair at Tenancingo—begins on the 6th of February, and lasts 10 days.
It will not be considered singular when we recollect the colonial and subsequent revolutionary history of Mexico, that she has not fostered her shipping and become a commercial country. The original emigration to New Spain was not maritime in its character. The Spanish trade was carried on by the mother country in Spanish vessels exclusively, and these ships were not owned by or permitted to become the permanent property of the colonists. The settlers who emigrated retired from the coasts to the interior where their interests either in the soil, cities, or mines, immediately absorbed their attention. It was not to be expected that the Indians, ​who could scarcely be converted into agriculturists, would engagtin the more dangerous life of sailors. The whole industry of the foreign population was thus diverted at once from the sea board, and the consequence was, that notwithstanding the territory of New Spain is bounded on the east and west by the two great oceans of the world, those oceans never became the nurses of a hardy race of mariners whose labors would, in time, have fostered the internal productiveness of their country by creating a commerce. We are not astonished, therefore, to find that the whole marine of Mexico, on the shores of the Gulf, is confined to a petty coasting trade from port to port, and that her sea-going people are rather fishermen than sailors. On the west coast, however, the maritime character of the people has somewhat improved, and a very considerable trade has been carried on by Mexican vessels, in native productions, not only with Central America, Columbia, Peru and Chili, but even with the Sandwich Islands.
The geographical position of Mexico, when considered in connexion with its agricultural riches and metallic wealth, is perhaps the most remarkable in the world. A comparatively narrow strip of land, possessing all the climates of the world, is placed midway between the two great bodies of the northern and southern continents of America, and midway, also, between the continents of Europe and Asia. In its central region it extends only five or six hundred miles from the Atlantic to the Pacific, while, at its southern end, it is swiftly crossed by means of its rivers or by railways, which, it is alleged, may be easily constructed. In the midst of this unrivalled territory, in the lap of the great plateau or table land, and far removed from unhealthy coasts, lies the beautiful city of Mexico, a natural focus of commerce, wealth and civilization. Such a picture of natural advantages cannot but strike us with admiration and hope. If ever there was a capital destined by nature to form the centre of a great nation, if not to grasp at least a large share of the North American, European, South American and Oriental trade, it unquestionably is the city of Mexico. Raised as she is far above the level of the sea and inaccessible by rivers, the development of her destiny may be postponed until genius shall inlay her valleys and ravines with railways, and thus connect her forever with the two coasts. But can we doubt that this mechanical miracle will be performed? It is not for us to say whether it shall be the work of the present generation, or of the present race in Mexico. It seems to be the law of nature that nations, like men, must advance or be trodden under foot. The vast array of ​industrious mankind is ever marching. Nor can we doubt that unless Mexico learns wisdom from the past, and, abandoning the paltry political strife which has hitherto crushed her industrial energy, follows in the footsteps of modern civilization, her fate will be sure and speedy. The attention of the world is now riveted upon this region as the natural mistress of the Atlantic and Pacific. If Mexico covers the eastern and western slopes of her Cordillera with an intelligent, progressive and peaceful population, invited from abroad to amalgamate with her own races under the operation of permanent laws and wholesome government, the change may be slow and her power may be preserved. But if she will persist in the mad career of folly which has characterized her since her independence, she will not be able to resist the gradual and inevitable encroachments from the north, from Europe, and from the new establishments which are rapidly growing up on the Isthmus of Panama. These new foundations, based on the incalculable wealth of California will be fostered by means hitherto undreamed of in the wildest commerce of the world, and unless Mexico shall avail herself of their salutary monitions they will finally absorb both her people and her nationality.
RAILWAY FROM VERA CRUZ TO THE CITY OF MEXICO.
Note.—In relation to the various modes of transit across the Isthmus of Panama or Tehuantepec, we do not deem it advisable to offer any speculations, at present, (April, 1850.) When reconnaissances of both routes have been completed and published, under the sanction of able and disinterested engineers, the world, which is 30 largely concerned in this subject, will be better able to decide as to their relative advantages. Both routes may ultimately be required, when the augmented commerce of the west coast of North and South America and the East Indies demands a speedy access to those regions. In the meantime, however, I subjoin the following extract from a report made by an officer of our army, during the war with Mexico, whilst our forces were still occupying the capital, in March, 1848. It apparently demonstrates at least the practicability of a railway from Vera Cruz to the valley:
"Of the different routes proposed, the one following the ridge which separates the towns or the two rivers of Tomepa and Obatejua, passing near or through the towns or villages of Acanisica, St. Bartolome, St. Martin, Nopalpica, and TIascala, is not only the shortest and most level, but offers the fewest difficulties to overcome. This route does not offer the slightest obstruction, with the exception of crossing the river San Juan, till you reach the Boca del Monte, seventeen leagues from Vera Cruz; thence pursuing its course along the sides of the same almost continuous ridge, with an ascent of not more than one upon fifty, till you reach the deep Barranca of Chichiquila, twenty-three leagues from Vera Cruz, the road is thence across the Barranca, on embankments and stone walls, the materials for this purpose being plentiful and on the ground; the ten leagues from the Barranca of Chichiquila to the highest point of elevation, form the most difficult and costly section of the road. It must, however, be here taken into consideration, that at this very point of the road there are found in the immediate vicinity twelve Indian villages, capable of furnishing a large number of efficient workmen, who would be
willing and even anxious to labor at the very low price of 37½ cents per day, in the most healthy climate of the country.
"From this point of highest elevation, the route followed, reduces the distance to the city of Mexico to 37 leagues—making the whole distance from Vera Cruz to the capital not more than 73 leagues.
"It must be borne in mind, that in making the following estimate, we have taken into consideration the extreme low rate of wages in the country, as compared with the wages of the journeymen laborers in the United States; and this alone must make an immense difference in cost of works of the kind executed in Mexico, whenever we base our estimates upon the costs of similar works in England or in our own country.
ESTIMATE OF COST.
| Section. | Leagues. | | Dollars. |
| 1st. | 3 | Grading from Vera Cruz to the foot of the small ridge of the Molino de Ricato, over a sandy soil, easy to excavate and transport superstructure, | 125,000 |
| 2d. | 2 | Whole cost of the two leagues, from the last point to the river San Juan, nearly level ground, including superstructure and a stone bridge across this river, | 95,000 |
| 3d. | 12 | Twelve leagues from the river San Juan to Boca del Monte, | 450,000 |
| 4th. | 6½ | Six and a half leagues from Boca del Monte to the Barranca of Chichiquila—superstructure, | 275,000 |
| 5th. | 6½ | Six and a half leagues across the Barranca of Chichiquila. This section is the most difficult and costly part of the road, and will cost over $300,000 per mile—say, superstructure, | 2,500,000 |
| 6th. | 4 | The next four leagues to the valley of St. Andres, | 245,000 |
| 7th. | 34½ | From the foot of the Sierra Madre, through the northern part of the valley of St. Andres, crossing the road from Perote to Puebla, near the village of Poctarus to San Cristoval, | 1,300,000 |
| 8th. | 4 | Four leagues from San Cristoval to the city of Mexico, | 270,000 |
| | | Locomotives and cars, | 550,000 |
| | | Whole cost of the road, | 5,810,000 |
| | | P. O. HÉBERT, | |
| | | Lieut. Col. 14th Infantry" | |