The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-17 00:00:00

BUENOS AYRES.

The commercial accounts from Buenos Ayres
continue, on the whole, to be satisfactory. Urquiza,
however, appears still to be meditating revenge for
his recent expulsion, and, although at present his
influence in the Argentine provinces may not be
strong enough to allow him to make any direct
attack, it is scarcely to be expected that any long
period will elapse without fresh mischief either from
him or some other military adventurer. Mean-
while, the Government of Buenos Ayres are making
commendable attempts to introduce material im-
provements, such as gas, railways, &c. The fol-
lowing letter gives the latest.account of the general
position of affairs, and also refers to a new territory
in Patagonia, watered by a long and navigable
river, extending from the Atlantic towards the
Pacific, which is attracting attention as a district
that may at a future period prove attractive for
settlement :

" Buenos Ayres continues tranquil, and is enjoying a
prosperity unknown during the despotic rule of Rosas.
The Government has wisely disposed of some of the ves-
sels of war, which were a useless expense, and it is said
their squadron will be yet further reduced. There are
projects before the Chambers for constructing moles, a
custom-house railroads, and for lighting the city with
gas. Some of these will, no doubt, not be carried out,
but the last, it is probable, will be approved. Outwardly,
friendship appears to exist between Buenos Ayres and
the Argentine provinces, but it is merely lip and pen-
and-ink friendship. As long as Urquiza heads the Con-
federation the estrangement of Buenos Ayres will as-
suredly continue. For what object can Urquiza be
purchasing arms, &c., is Monte Video, unless he in-
tends making war, or is preparing for defence ? The
first is most probable. The British. Packet is endea-
vouring to call public attention to a river on the
coast of Patagonia, in lat. 43 deg., called Chubut,
which is stated by a Mr. Jones, who appears to
have visited it some years ago, to be navigable for
a considerable distance into the interior towards
Chiloe, on the opposite coast. Mr. Tones supposes
the distance from the terminate point of navigation to
Chiloe to be very trifling, and asserts that the Andes
south of lat. 37 deg. almost cease to be mountains. A
land journey, therefore, might be accomplished without
difficulty. He does not, 1 believe, venture to suggest
railroads ; but the British Packet, taking occasion to
publish a letter which appeared in the Times of the 23d
of September, suggests the possibility of the Chubut be-
ing the shortest route for steam navigation to Australia
and New Zealand, and advises the Buenos Ayrean Go-
' vernment to lose no time in taking formal possession of
the country south of Rio Negro. The Packet is, perhaps,
not aware that a few years since some enterprising Eng-
lishmen contemplated establishing themselves at the
mouth of the Chubut, which was described to them by
one of Captain Fitzroy's officers as the most eligible spot
for a colony on the whole coast south of Rio Negro.
Why their intention was not carried out I know not.
Exchange, 665. 6d. the doubloon ; paper dollars, 300.
A new Customs' law has been passed, by which the
duties on imports are reduced ; in some cases the reduc-
tion is considerable."