The Sun.
London, England, 1846-10-29 00:00:00

THE AFFAIRS OF SPAIN.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE

PACIFIC.

(From the Liverpool Standard.)
We have noticed a work written by Mr. M‘Geachy,
Crown Surveyor, Jamaica, in which he propounds a plan
of rapid communication, by steam navigation and rail-
ways, between the eastern and western hemispheres.
The author bas evidently devoted much of his attention
to the subject, and his suggestions appear to us to be
well worthy of the serious consideration of the Board of
Trade, and of the general mercantile community. The
plan embraces, in the first instance, what it is assumed
may be accomplished by continuous lines of rapid steam-
ship and railway communication along the coast of North
America, from Halifax to Tambo Bay, on the west side
of Florida, thence to Havannab, across the island; thence
to Jamaica, end thence to the Isthmus of Panama, which
it is proposed to cross by railway, and thus obtain ready
access to the Pacific Ocean. He properly considers, that
if such a scheme were carried out (either by a great joint
stock company, or by the concurrent operations of the
respective Governments through whose territories the
lines of railway
. would pass), Panama would become the
grand point of commercial concentration.
The subject recalls to memory a project which we
have entertained for many years, and which, though
much less comprehensive than our author's, would, we
think, accomplish more effectually one of the prime ob-
jects which he has in view, and if completed under Bri-
fish auspices, would be of incalculable advantage, not
only as regards our trade, but as affecting our national
and colonial security in reference to the whole of the
wester* world. A railway (as proposed by Mr.
M'Geaohy) across the Isthmus of Darien, would, un-
doubtedly, be highly advantageous, but our plan would
cosprise, in addition to this—or rather as the more im-
pdfant—a canal of sufficient size to admit of the pas-
sage of the largest ships. The ides is by no means new,
and we had long hoped that our Government would have
taken the project up; but though it has been frequently
talked of from time to time, over a series of years, it
appears to have again fallen into abeyance. Some years
ago the Admiralty ordered a survey of the isthmus
With a view of forming a communication between the
two mighty oceans, and the late Captain Forster. R.N.,
of the qhanticleer gun-brig (son of the Rev. Mr. Forster,
of WoMplumpton, near Preston), was appointed to con-
duct the expedition, which he did successfully to a cer-
tain point, when his death* deprived his country of his
further services. We are not aware of any farther
effort having since been made on the part of our Govern-
ment to renew the survey, and arrange for the purchase
of the requisite land. All travellers, however, who have
crossed the isthmus, and amongst them latterly Captain
Isiott (the superintendent of the Royal Mail Steam Packet
Company) concur in opinion that a railway may be
formed at no very extraordinary cost, and there can be
no doubt but that, with the engineering experience and
appliances of the present day, an ample ship canal may
be formed, a choice of several points more or less eligible
also presenting themselves. The difference in the levels
of the two oceans (of, we believe, about 70 feet) would
form no obstacle, as locks might as readily and
safely be, employed as in our ordinary canals, not-
withstanding the respective breadths of the two oceans.
The isthmus is but thirty miles across at one place, and
the highest land not above 640 feet above the level of the
Pacific. It is said that a company of French gentlemen
contemplate the project of a communication between the
two ; but it does not appear that they have yet com-
menced operations, and it is high time that England
shoffiti adopt the motto "carpe diem," and bestir herself
while she may. She has but few possessions, and these
comparatively minute and far between, on the South
American continent—namely, Demerara and Essequibo,
British Guiana, and Honduras. The recent "doings"
of the United States of America, and their grasping at
new territorial dominion in Mexico, California, &c., ren-
der it imperative in us to endeavour to obtain by fair
means, a fluffier footing in that country. Our proposi •
Lion, there(ore, is that a strip of land of some consider-
able breadth should, after survey, be selected for a slip
canal across the isthmus, and that negotiations should be
made by our Government for its purchase, and if possi-
ble its integrity under the flag. The canal might then
readily be formed either by the Government or a joint
stock company. The purchase could, in all probability,
be easily effected, for the Government of Panama is
proverbially poor, and the commerce which such a canal
would bring to themselves would be an inducement to
accede to moderate terms.

The advantages of such a project appear to us to be
so obvious as to supersede the necessity of detail.
We should, in the first place, hold the key to the Pa
eifie and its boundless shores on the west of both the
American continents, and a ready access for European
shipping would be afforded to all the ports in the North
aneSouth Pacific, from California (or even farther north)
to the southern extremity of Chili. No ship, sailing or
steam, bound direct to Valparaiso, Lima, or Guayaquil,
would require to double the stormy apex of the South
American continent, Cape Horn, if thiscanal were opened
out to them. To reach most of the principal ports, they-
would save some. thousands of miles of sailing. Our own
ships might pay a moderate toll for passing through the-
canal, and foreigners something more. All, indeed,
would gladly pay a considerable sum to save time, tear
and wear, wages, &e., and at the same time the western
Gents of the Americas would be commercially ap-
proximated, dud the trade probably doubled. -Direct
steam and foiling conveyance could also be had from
Panama to Capton, and also to New Zealand and
New Holland, &e. Another grand advantage of a ship
csital oar a railway across the isthmus would be
that the expense, inconvenience, and loss arising
from trans-shipments would be entirely done away with.
and Panama would, moreover (warehouses being con-
structed), become a grand depot for Bri;ish and European
goods and manufactures, as well as fer American pro-
duce,—to be dispensed as required throughout the several
countries in no two hemispheres.

• This amiable young man was drowned from a canoe in
the Rio Chagf6, but whether through the treachery of some
of the natives, or by accident, was not precisely ascertained.

THE RAILROAD TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
(From the /Yew York Herald.)
Since we fir; gave this subj ?et our attention, we have
examined it in all its details, and the more we have
examined it, the more we are convinced of its great
importance and benefit to the United States in a com-
mercial and political point of view, and as the means of
accelerating the progress of civilisation over the habitable
world.
On the one side we have Europe, with a population
of nearly 230,000,000 of human beings, and a super
ficies of 4,075,425 square miles ; and Africa with a
supposed area of 12,000,000 square miles, and a popu
lation supposed to amount to 60,000,000 ; making e
population on one side of us of 310,000,000 of people.
We then cross over to the continents of North and
South America—the former of which coatains an area
of-9,078,000 square miles, and a population of 33,743,000;
and the latter an area of 6,676,000 square miles, and a
population of 15,197,840 people ; both containing a
greater quantity of cultivatable land than the rest Of the
world besicits. The most direct route from Europe to
our continent is from latitude 50 north to 41.
On the other side of us we have, at a distance of some
.5,000 miles from our westernmost boundary, the whole
of Asia and Australia, cornprisin; an arca of 18,243,000
squaresmiles, and a population of over 706,000,000 of
human beings. The population of Europe, on the one
side, is above the 40th parallel of north latitude, and or
the other side two-thirds of the population of Asia lie
north of the 20th parallel of north latitude. Mr. Whit-
ney proposes to connect Europe and Asia by steam
across our continent, by means of a great railroad to tht
Pacific—passing over a distance of some 2,400 miles,
through a territory, now a wilderness, containing a soil
unequalled for richness and fertility, but which cannot
be settled by civilised man, in consequence of the want
or channels of communication. This railroad would
ru#ke us the centre, and be itself the thoroughfare fur
both.

Let us see how much it would shorten the communica-
tion between England and China as an example.
The sailing distance by the old way, around the Cape
Of Good Hope, is generally computed to be 18,000 miles,
and taking from four to six months to accomplish it, By
a railroad across the United States the distance would bv
as foitows„ Nil. :
Prom England to New York 3,000 miles.
From New York to the mouth of the Co-
lumbia, or to San Francisco Bay
From either of these places to China direct 5,400 „

Making the total distance 11,400 miles.
Ora saving of more than 6,000 miles in point of dis-
tance. Let us see how much quicker in point of time
the connexion between these far distant countries would
be by railroad. At fifteen miles per hour, as is proposed
for the steamers, it will require eight and a half days
from England to New York, or other ports.
But say
From Ziew York to the Pa,:ific, 3,000 miles,
by railroad, at 30 miles per hour, allowing
one diy for detention
5 71
From the Pacific coast to Chang-has in China,
mouth of theriang-tse keang, which crosses
the great canal, where all the commerce of
the vast empire centres, is 5,400 miles ; at
15 miles per hour (which can be performed
as easily on the Pacific as 12 on the Atlan-
tic), allowing one day for coaling, 16 „

From London, via New York, to Chang-hae... 31
As the voyag as now performed takes at the least four
months, or 120 days, we have a saving of 89 days in
favour of the railroad.

These tables refer to the communication between
Europe and China. Let us see how it would affect the
communication between the United States and China.
The distance between New York and

China, as the voyage is now performed,
is
By railroad, Bc., from New York
to tte Columbia 3,000
And to China 5,400-8,400 miles.
Or a difference of nearly 10,000 miles. And the number
of days in which the distance would be accomplished is
twenty ; so that, in fact, we would be within twenty-
qne days of China.
The plan by which Mr. Whit proposed to construct
this road is by disposing of the lands, and
labour, in such amounts as shall sun
settleg, so thdt every-man in our country, howevye of
theall
his 131-ba4a, and all the over population of all theremold
plent'S
world, can have a home, with industry, of'
ibrt, virtue, and happiness, placed directly in the-'ceeneteire-
of all the world, and on its grand highway. It appears
to us that this project must succeed—that it must draw
to it all the enterprise of the world, it is so grand, and
the results to be produced so stupendous, so sure, that
the mind on investigation cannot resist it, and we believe
that when it is commenced, a rush will be made for the
land ; that settlement and population will precede it,
and if once begun must go on, and cannot be stopped.
We also believe that Mr. Whitney's plan is the only
plan, tad fhb Oily =IQ by which it ma be (Tone.

MADRID, OCT. 19.—Letters were received here this
morning from Cadiz, dated the 15th. The English
squadron was at that date at some distance off the Isle of
Leon. It was to have left for the Mediterranean on the
17th, for the purpose of cruising along the eastern coast
of Spain.
A good deal of excitement prevails throughout the
southern provinces, where the population was in almost
daily expectation f hearing of the landing of Cabrera
on some part of the coast. When the Spartan frigate
was seen off Valencia the people could scarcely be per-
suaded that the Carlist chief was not on board.
. We also learn that the new works at Gibraltar are
going on with surprising activity. Nothing can exceed
the energy of the Governor in pressing on their comple-
tion. He is at the works at five o'clock in the morning,
where he personally inspects everything. There are
about 1,000 convicts employed. It would appear that
the new water-line batteries are of the most formidable
description. The effect of the guns, a Fleur d'eau, on
ships must be terrible.
It is understood that the Portuguese Government have
requested the Spanish to send troops to the frontier of
Portugal; and the necessary orders have been given
in consequence. This explains the movement of troops
in Galicia which I noticed a day or two ago. It is pre-
tended that the Spanish soldiers will not cross the fron-
tier, and it is said that Senor Isturitz has given assu-
rances to that effect. The word of Senor Isturitz is,
hoWever, but poor security ; with examples of bad faith
so fresh in our memory, it would be as well to place no
confidence in the promises or assurances of the present
Cabinet.
A third bull-fight took place yesterday in the Plaza
dayor. The wetness of the day, and the repetition of
nearly the same ceremonies producing a monotonous
effect, deprived the spectacle of the enlivening character
of the previous days. The crowd, notwithstanding, was
immense ; as where are bull-fights that Spaniards do
not congregate in thousands and tens of thousands?
Pan y toros are as much objects of equal necessity at
this day as they were in the time of Jovellanos.
The Queen, besides, was fatigued from the attendance
of the previous day, as well as the palace ball. One cir-
cumstance occurred which must not be passed unnoticed.
As the Queen was leaving the square in her carriage,
the usual respectful salutes were paid her. But when
Munoz and Maria Christina appeared a hiss broke from
the assembled crowd. Munoz put his head to the car-
riage windows, but hastily drew it back again when he
beheld the angry countenances of the multitude. Maria
Christina also looked at the window, and endeavoured to
smile and nodded her head, but the hiss did not cease ;
on the contrary, the sight of the Duchess of Rianzares
seemed to render still stronger the signs of dislike to her
person. She hastily drew back to the corner of the car-
riage, but the unpleasant sound followed as it moved off.
Her great anxiety to parade her children, by Munoz,
an every occasion, since her -daughter's marriage, has
added to the feeling of dislike with which this unhappy
lady is regarded. Spaniards, who are patient, to a
fault, of honours paid to downright royalty, are offended
at any one else encroaching on them. The Queen-
Mother and her children—l do not allude to the Queen
and the Infanta—were at M. Bresson's ball last night ;
and the same circumstance was noticed on which I re-
marked yesterday, of their occupying chairs either higher
or on a level with the daughters of the Infanta Don
Francisco de Paula. The elder of these two children
has just been created Countess of Castilleja, and the
other Marchioness of Vista Alegre.
Colonel Fitch arrived here at five o'clock this morning,
from Cadiz and Gibraltar. He reached the former place
on the evening of the 15th, and left at midnight for
Madrid. He has brought dispatches from Sir R. Wilson
and the Admiral. On his arrival he at once set out for
Aranjuez, where Mr. Bulwer has been staying for the
last few days, to deliver his dispatches.
In giving a description of the ball at the French Am.
bassador's last night, the Popular—one of the hangers-
on of the Government—says, " the English Ambassador
was present." This is incorrect ; Mr. Bulwer has been
at Aranjuez for the last three days.
The Duke of Aumale is expected to set out for France
to-morrow ; and the Infanta and the Duke of Montpen-
sier leave on the 22d.

One of the caballeros en plaza in Saturday's bull-fight
is said to have died last night, in consequence of the
severe bruises he received in his encounter, and fall from
his horse. What matters the life of a human being
when lost to give sport to Most Serene French Princes ?
Their Highnesses applauded as obstreperously as the
most tauromaquish manolo in the crowd. To give them
occasion to do so a dozen lives are well sacrificed._

The Three per Cents. are quoted at 35i for cash; the
Four per Cents., at 21k; the Five per Cents., at 214; the
Debt without Interest, at Gi; Nonconsolidated Vales, at
Si; Coupons, at 201. Exchange, 361.
BAYONNE, OCT. 22, 4 O'CLOCK, A.3L—His Royal High-
ness the Duke d'Aumalc has just reached our city on his
return from Madrid.

The bad state of the roads and incessant heavy rains
in the Basque provinces have much retarded the Prince's
journey, as he was expected here at an early hour this
afternoon.

The Duke and Duchess de Montpensier, it is now ar-
ranged, are to sleep at Tolossa on the 25th, breakfast at
Irun the next morning, and enter Bayonne on the after-
noon of that day.—Times.

IMPROVEMENT of the WESTERN

FISHEIUES.

The following gratifying announcement appears in the
Dublin Evening Post of Saturday:—
" We are happy to perceive, from the following letter,
in reply to an application to the Lords of the Admiralty
For a school ship for the training of able seamen, as well
'is from other sources of information to which we have
bad access, that active exertions are being made for the
Toprovement of the coalition of the Claddagh fisher-
-nen, and the encouragement of the fisheries on the
restern coast.

" The to whom this, letter is ;Adresse

is co-operating with the friends of the lung reglected
ishermen of the west in the establishment of a Nautical
tud Fishery Institution at the Claddagh, where skilful
hands may be trained up for the development of the deep-
tea fisheries, and a nautical education to be given to the
;rowing generation of that populous district. Every
legitimate encouragement on the part of the Govern-
nent will, we are sure, be afforded to any project which
tirns at the encouragement of the fisheries, and the
raining of able seamen for our naval and merchant ser-
vice. However incredible the fact may appear, still it
*a true that the fishing colony of Claddegh (the largest
❑ the empire) is not provided either with a fish market,
sheds, salt, or the means of communication with the
town of Galway, which every well-regulated fishing
,omnannity should possess, for the proper preservation
)f a wholesome article of food. We trust the attention
,f the Government will be turned to those practical
.neasures, and we are glad to have it in our power to
ay that the peaceable conduct of the Claddagli fisher-
men, and their unwillingness to join in the provision-
riots at Galway, entitle them to share in measures of im-
provement at the hands of a paternal Administration.
" Admiralty, Oct. 14.
" Sir,—ln reply to your letter, lam commanded by
my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint
vou, for the information of the Galway Bay Fishing Com-
mittee, that their Lordships are sorry that a compliance
Nith the request made by the Committee is not compa-
tible either with the resources or practice of the Board
of Admiralty ; but if the Committee should think it
desirable,:and would send twenty boys, between fourteen
and sixteen years of age, and well grown and stout, by
any stcanaer, to the Admiral at Cork, their passage
there and maintenance would be paid by the Admiral,
and if found tit, on examination, for her Majesty's ser-
vice, they would bo entered accordingly.--I am, Sir,
your most obedient humble servant,
" ' W. A. B. HAMILTON.
" The Rev. Thomas Rush, West Chapel,
Claddagh, Galway.'
" We have been favoured with the following letter,
subsequently received from the Admiralty Secretary,
Cove of Cork, to the Rev. Mr. Rush, stating that a
man-of-war is to be stationed during the winter months
at Galway, where the boys can be sent on board for
examination and entry, if in all respects fit under the
regulations :
" Admiral's-office, Cove of Cork, Oct. 17.

" ' Sir,—l am directed by Rear-Admiral Sir Hugh
Pigot to request, with reference to your application to
the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty, that you will
withhold sending boys to Cork for the present, as in the
course of three or four days a man-of-war will be ordered
to Galway for the winter months, when the lads can be
sent on board for examination and entry, if in all re-
spects fit under the regulations.—l am, Sir, your very
obedient servant,

" JOHN W. NICHOLLS, St.cretary.
" Th© Rev. Thomas Rush, Claddagh, Galway.'
" It gives us great pleasure to have learned that an
institution fraught with so much good has met with con-
siderable support on the other side of the Channel, from
the liberal and generous friends of Ireland, to whom the
Rev. Mr. Rush has applied for funds, to aid in carrying
out his benevolent labours."

We understand that it is ir. contemplation by the
Protectionists of Somerset to invite W. Miles, Esq.,
M.P., to a public dinner, in testimony of their personal
esteem and admiration of his po!itical character. In
the event of the invitation being accepted, we understand
that Lord G. Bentinck, Mr. Disrasli, and other eminent
politicians of the same principles, will also be invited.—
Sherborne Mercury.
THE ARCHDEACON OF SURREY'S GENERAL VISI-
TATION.—On Tuesday the Venerable William Dealtry,
D.D., Rector of Clapham, who was presented to the
Archdeaconry of Surrey on the elevation of Dr. Wilber-
force (the present Bishop of Oxford) to the deanery of
Westminster, held his visitation at St. Saviour's Church,
Southwark. Nearly the whole of the clergy of the arch-
deaconry were present. Prayers were read by the Rev.
J. Benson, cbaplain of St. Saviour's, and the sermon
was preached by the Rev. G. Lewis, Minister of St.
Peter's, Southwark, from the 4th chapter and 27th
verse of the Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians.
The register having been called, the Venerable Arch-
deacon delivered his charge.
INDIAN CORN.—The quantity of Indian corn ex-
ported from this port previous to the Ist of September
of this year is estimated at 562,000 bushels. From
Philadelphia, during the same period, it amounted to
105,707 bushels, and from New Orleans, 941,5.99 sacks.
The export of this article from Boston and Baltimore
each, was probably larger than from Philadelphia. The
product of this country this year is estimated by
some at 500,000,000 of bushels. The census of
1840 states the product of that year to have been
377,531,875 bushels. The news received by the steamer
Yesterdthisay
not only announces an advaflce in the price
andorexports
other articles,
the u
o i
tbeudt
Statesw arra warrants
s the
Europe belief
duringt at
the next eight months will be immense. Cotton, rice,
tobacco, and all sorts of bread stuffs, beef, pork, lard,
cheese, apples, &0., will now be sent out.-IVetv York
ZueniNg Poet,