The Sun.
London, England, 1842-01-15 00:00:00

_THE SUN,. LONDON, S ITRDAY, JANUAItY 15, 1842.

go back to their work, but they could not help saying it
was too bad in Mr. Newton to take so mere an infant
as an apprentice.

Sir P. LAURIE then discharged them all, with the
exception of one who appeared to be the ringleader,
and whom he therefore caused to be remanded, and kept
upon bread and water till Thursday last.
That unfortunate apprentice, and three others, who
had been refractory subsequently, were brought up on
Thursday last before Sir P. Laurie.

Sir P. LAURIE asked whether the defendants were
sorry for the rebellious sprit they had exhibited, and
whether they were disposed to return to their duty ?
They all replied in the affirmative, and requested to
be informed whether their masters would treat them in
the accustomed manner.

Mr. Tows• said that they should receive the usua,
treatment.

Mr. Hobler, jun., repeated that it was a great hard-
ship upon the defendants that so young a buy should
be put amongst them, and
Sir P. LAURIE agreed in that opinion, and dis-
charged them, with strict injunctions not to be in-
subordinate.

PANAMA.

The provinces of Panama and Veraguas have
erected themselves into a sovereign and indepen-
dent State, having during the present revolution
thrown off their allegiance to the Central Govern-
ment of New Grenada. Tice Constitution which
has been adopted in the late Convention, which
held its sessions for upwards of three months in
this city, differs but in little from the Constitution
of New Grenada. The legislative power is vested
which meets yearly. Every two
in a Congress
years the body of the people are appointed to as-
semble and choose electors of the parishes, who
form a provincial assembly, which is to elect the
&c. The right of
suffrage is universal. The original voter
f
representatives to Congress,
is required to have completed twenty-one
years, to be free born, to live by his own labour,
and not by servile means, and after the year 1850
to be able to read and write. The executive power
is exercised by a President and Vice-President, who
are elected for four years. The fundamental law
of the State declares that the Isthmus shall never
again be incorporated-with New Grenada, except
under a federal system, anti that only if adopted to
promote the welfare of this State. The same law
also declares that the State of the Isthmus ackow-
ledges and promises to pay the foreign and domes-
tic debts in the proportion that will fall to its po-
pulation.
The Isthmus is distinguished for its vast capa-
cities for improvement. Its varied and exhaust-
less resources of wealth remain yet to be deve-
loped. With local and geographical advantages
which render it both in itself and by its position
one of the most important points on the face of the
globe, politically and commercially, all its resources
lie dormant for want of active capital. Its mines
of gold and copper afford scope for brilliant spe-
culation. The gold mines of the Darien were for-
meily very productive, but have been long aban-
doned. In the immediate vicinity of Panama gold
is found in the mountains and " quebradas." The
mines in the province of Veraguas are very consi-
derable, and of great value, but, from the want of
labour, intelligence, and capital, the produce is
trifling, not exceeding 20,000 dollars annually. By
the sufficient investment of capital, and the intro-
duction of machinery, these mines might be
worked to considerable advantage, and prove the
source-of great wealth. The ore of Veraguas is
considered the most valuable in South America, and
fetches tire highest price in the Jamaica market.
The ports in the Pacific are Panama, and David
in Chiriqui ; those in the Atlantic are Portobello,
Chagres, and Bocas del Toro ; of these latter, the
first-named is one of the most serene harbours that
can be imagined, in the form of a deep crescent,
secured against tempestuous weather on all sides
by lofty hills, and capable of admitting vessels of
the largest burden. The entrance to the Port of
Chagres is difficult, and, in its present state, no
vessel drawing more than 14 feet water can pass
the channel; it is, however, susceptible of improve-
ment by blasting the rocks, and thus opening a
wide and deep entrance.
After travelling two or three hours up the river
Chagres, a magnificent country opens upon you ;
no high nor inaccessible mountains, but a gradual
undulation running throughout the most luxuriant
richness of soil, with all the advantages of natural
irrigation, combine to invite to labour and cultiva-
tion, requiring but little aid from the hand of
man to pour forth in endless abundance
all the productions necessary to sustain an im-
mense population. Were the Isthmus to fall into
the possession of the British Government, or were

the existing Government to invite and encourage
an influx of settlers, and bring about the hitherto
abortive project of uniting the two seas, instead of
meeting a single hovel scattered here and there,
stamped with poverty and squalid wretchedness
along the whole line from Chagres, we should see
within a short period towns and villages arising,
and an overflowing harvest of general produce
yielded by the now naked and neglected soil, and
this highly interesting and important portion of
the great Continent would become one of the most
flourishing spots in the universe. The propulsion
that commerce would receive, and the advantages
that would flow to Great Britain are incalculable.
Panama would become a great emporium for Bri-
tish manufactures, and, would supply the coasts of
Mexico, Costa Rica; the Equador, &c. It would
be the half-way house between her colonies of New
Holland, New Zealand, &c., besides the bridge o
speedy communication to the East Indies.
The Isthmus is situated between 7 14 and 9 50
north latitude, and 77 to 82 50 west longitude. It
is bounded on the west by Costa Rica, on the
east by the department of the Magdalena, on the
north by the Carribean Sea, and on the south by
the Pacific Ocean. As to the territorial, or rather
superficial extent of the Isthmus, I will not venture
a decided opinion. The quantity of miles square
of its superficie4 has never been accurately defined.
It is about 120 leagues long and 10 broad. Its
population is about 120,000.
The seasons are divided into wet and dry ; the
wet commences in May and continues until the
latter end of November ; the dry begins in the early
part of December, and lasts until towards the be-
ginning of May. The climate of Panama is hot
and extremely humid, and consequently trying to
European constitutions. The average range of
the thermometer (Fahrenheit) is about 86 in the
day and 78 to 80 in the evening. In the wet
reason, a difference of 5 or 6 degrees will be observed,
being about 83 in the day and 76 at night.
The agricultural productions, from the present
imperfect and very defective mode of cultivation,
are maize, rice, sugar cane, coffee, plantains, and
yams, ail growing in spontaneous abundance. Sar-
saparilla, vanilla, gums and balsams are found
throughout. Mahogany and cedar, and a great
variety of other woods, afford the material of a
valuable timber trade, and would be a source of
great wealth in the hands of a people of settled
and laborious habits. Pearls, tortoise shell, and
hides, are amongst the articles of exportation.
Pearls form one of the principal objects of industry
and export at present ; the value may be said to be
from 40,000/. to 50,0001. annually. The pearl
fishery is carried on at the islands in the bay of
Panama, about thirty miles distant, and is per-
formed by divers without any aid from art or ma-
chinery. The price of agricultural productions
fluctuates remarkably, and may be quoted as fol-
lows :—Maize, per fanega, of 2501b5. per 3 to 6,
and sometimes so high as 9 dollars. Rice, per
alums, of 30Ibs, from 5 rials to 20 rials (a rial
being 6d. sterling). Coffee, only produced in small
quantity for domestic consumption, 14 dols. per
quintal, or 100Ibs. Sugar, 12 dols. per quintal.
Molasses, per cantara, weighing 501bs. I dol. to
dol. The fluctuation observable in these quota-
tions is, in my opinion, ascribable more to the
desultory labour and indolent habits of a scanty
population than to any other cause.
The revenue of the Isthmus amounts to about
100,000 dollars per annum, derived from the Cus-
toms, tithes, monoaoly of tobacco and distilled
spirits, and from stamps. Hitherto the revenue
has not met the expenditure, the deficit having
been supplied from the Treasury of the Central
Government at Bogota.
The military force may
be estimated at 500,
including the militia. The insignificant body of
undiscliplined and wretched troops constitutes all
the strength and hope of these people to maintain
their independence as a separate Government.
The port of Panama is situated at the head of
the Bay of Panama, and formed by several culti-
vated and fruitful islands, particularly Flamenco,
Perico, and Nao, at a distance of about two leagues
from the city. Under the lee of these islands ves-
sels of large burden may lie
anchorage at about in perfect safety, and
the anchorage ground is taken up generally by
prevalent calmness
men-of-war. Vessels of inferior tonnage find se-
curetwo miles distance from
the town in consequence ofthe
of the sea in this harbour.
The tide rises here
about twenty-five feet throughout the year. At
about three leagues
elilnenat
waterto the
in
greatother
procured. high state oifsal
from the city, and contiguous
a
here in safety close
n island
d affording of ab Taboga,
is a complete garden,
oebuudi
nt
idvi
asant
ietoehne,
Ves-
sels of any tonnage mayanladyeasily
of Panama plentifully with
to the shore.
supplyingthe Tmhariskeitsland
fruit and vegetables, and producing maize, rice,
sugar-cane, &c. The land is the property of
the inhabitants, who have united themselves
in a small village composed of about 1,000
inhabitants. They derive a comfortable livelihood
from their industry, and would not be induced to
alienate their right and titles to this beautiful and
fertile island. Taboga is about one and a half to

two miles long, and three-quarters of a mile broad.
It rises abruptly to a moderate elevation, and pos.
sesses a salubrious and drier clime than Panama.

The islands in the Pacific appended to the
Isthmus, at the disposal of the Government, are
those situated in the Gulf and Bay of Montijo,
and are Quibo or Coiba, Cebaco, Gobernadora, &c.
The first mentioned, Coiba, is of very considerable
extent, about sixty miles in circumference. Of all
the waste lands at the disposal of the Government,
this island is by far the most valuable part ; its soil
is capable of yielding profusely all the tropical pro-
ductions in sufficient quantity to sustain a very large
population. It is in parts covered with the most
enormous timber; its elevation is gradual and well
fitted for culture—it is watered with numerous
streams—possesses three ports, one of them at the
mouth of a large river, which is perfectly secure and
capacious.
The commerce of Panama is at the lowest ebb.
The causes that have brought about its decay
were the uncertain, dilatory, and dangerous con-
veyance of merchandise across the Isthmus. From
the want of security and despatch this way, the
route by Cape Horn came, in consequence, to be
looked after, the navigation became better known,
and, ultimately, has been adopted to all the ports
in the Pacific. The commerce of the southern
coast of Mexico, Central America, the Equador,
and Peru, owing to the alleged cause of defective
and dangerous mode of transport, has been turned
from this its former channel. The transit trade to
Guayaquil, in the Equador, and to Paita, in Peru,
is all that is left to the Isthmus, and this falls off
from year to year.
The population of Panama is about 7,000, in
which there is considerable proportion of people of
colour, and many negroes-
The establishment of steam navigation by the Pa-
cific and Atlantic Companies, is hailed by the Pana •
menos with joy and enthusiasm, to the successful re-
sults of which they would cheerfully contribute all in
their power. They already see, through the vista of
hope their ancient splendour restored, and hear their
public offices again resounding to the din of busi-
ness, the jingle of doubloons and dollars, of bars
of gold and silver, as in the time of the Spanish
galleons. They have lately passed a law granting
liberally several privileges to the vessels of the
Royal Mail Steam-packet Company of London,
which I have transmitted to Mr. M'Queen.
through his agent at Jamaici, in anticipation of
the approach of the steamers in October.
Mines of excellent coal have been found in the
Isthmus at Hirigin, in the province of Veraoms,
hitherto undiscovered, situated two degrees west of
of this city. Within these few days the dis-
covery of another mine, at a short distance from
Panama, has been communicated to me. At
Bocas-del-Toro, on the Atlantic side of the Isth-
mus, being north and south with the locality of
the mine at Chiriqui, coal is also found. It is,
therefore, not improbable that the vein is exten-
sive. A couple of weeks ago the Pacific Steam
Navigation Company's packet schooner Lord
Abinger, arrived here with instructions to me, as
agent of the Company at Panama, to procure per-
mission from this Government for the vessel to
proceed to Chiriqui, to take in some fifty to one
hundred tons of the coal. On application the per-
mission was granted, and I am now awaiting with
anxiety the report of a scientific person, who came
in the vessel for the express purpose of exploring
this mine, and determining its extent and the
quality of the coal.
In submitting the preceding loose and- imper-
fect sketch of this interesting country, I must claim
your indulgence. It has been written in a hurry
from my other occupations ; its only recommenda-
tion is, that the simple facts it contains are drawn
from authentic sources and personal observation.
Without dealing in Utopian visions, I will say
that no country possesses more vast natural re-
sources, and the elements of individual and national
wealth are nowhere to be found more prodigally
bestowed than in this favoured region ; but it is
melancholy to contemplate this magnificent and
fertile soil, as it now is, under the withering influ-
ence of depopulation and misrule. Would that
the British bondholders, whose claims you have so
ably and eloquently defended in your pamphlet on
the subject of the South American loans, were to
take into consideration how the Isthmus might be
made available to the extinguishment of Abe debt of
New Granada, which, in my humble opinion, will
be postponed eternally, unless such a measure be
resorted to. It is delusion to trust to the surplus
of their revenue, so managed as it is, or to the se-
questration of any of its branches, for the repay-
ment of British capital so generously lavished upon
these republics.

FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE.

ARRIVALS.

Mr. and Mrs. Loftus Tottenham, at Long's Hotel,
Bond-street, from Brighton ; Henry and Frederick
Thompson, Esqrs., and Miss Thompson, at ditto, from
Yorkshire; William Maskell, Esq., at ditto, from South-
ampton ; R. Robinson, Esq., at ditto, from Alcester,
Warwickshire ; William Long, Esq., at ditto, from
Hampshire ; Mr. and Mrs. Lowten Lowten, at ditto,
from Manby Hall ; H. M'Calmont, Esq., at ditto, from
Leamington ; Colonel Chaloner. at ditto, from Portnal
Park ; Francis Smith, Esq., at ditto, from Bitteswell
Hall, Leicestershire ; Colonel. Charlton, at ditto ; Capt.
Teesdale, at ditto ; J. Cooper, Esq., Bth Hussars, at
ditto ; J. Campbel, Esq., Scots Greys, at ditto ; T.
I‘Dermott, Esq., at ditto ; George Gardiner, Esq., at
ditto ; Thomas Gardiner, Esq., at ditto ; J. Da Costa
and family, at Nelson's Portland Hotel, Portland-place,
from Reading ; J. Pike, Esq., and family, at ditto, from
ditto ; Rev. J. C. Prosser, at ditto, from Chepstow ; H.
Leese, Esq., and family, at ditto, from Faversham.
DEPARTURES.

J. Campbell, Esq., Scots Greys, from Long's Hotel,
Bond-street, for Brighton ; 11. M'Calmont, Esq., from
ditto, for Leamington ; Baker Dawson, Esq., and Mrs.
Baker Dawson, from ditto ; Mr. and Mrs. Loftus Tot-
tenham, from ditto, fur Ireland ; Randolph Robinson,
Esq., from ditto, for Warwickshire ; G. Gardiner, Esq.,
from ditto, for Brighton ; Wm. Shephard, Esq., from
Nelson's Portland Hotel, Portland-place, for Bristol.

MUSIC.

"THE MAN THAT COULDN'T GET WARM.'

A TALE, BY JACOB BEULER.
The subject of this story, which has been set
to music, is evidently of Yankee origin, and is
founded on matters of fact, peculiar to the " Far
West." An East India merchant long accus-
tomed to the luxuries of a warm climate, while
on a visit to the inhabitants of the Mississipi and
Missouri States, had imprudently taken an ice
while over-heated, and was suddenly seized with
a shivering fit of such an awful description, that
the unfortunate sufferer chilled every man and
beast that approached him. He was finally
drowned in a hot bath, and found with the water
frozen all around him. In order to understand
one of the subjoined verses it must be premised
that all his servants had given him " warning,"
and even the wife of his bosom had deserted him :
Tamake his wife come home again
Ile Doctor's Commons tried in vain,
For there his looks did soon condemn
The man that couldn't get warm.
The Proctors' feet with cold did shuffle ;
Learned Brothers 'gan to snuffle,
The Clerks for warmth their bodies thump'd,
And round the Court the crier jump'd.
The Judge had nigh a frozen nose,
And he, in haste the case to close,
Decreed against, you may suppose,
The man that couldn't get warm.
Then he with grief fill'd to the brim,
Resolved to go abroad by steam ;
But not a ship would move with him,
The man that couldn't get warm.
He went in th'Engine-room, I'm told,
And gave the stoker sudden cold,
Condensed the steam, which stopp'd the wheels,
And gave the passengers the chills.
The vessel ice-bound seem'd, and so
The Captain, shiv'ring top to toe,
Affirtn'd, on shore again must go
The man that couldn't get warm.

CHURCH-RATES.
MIDDLRBOROUGH, YORK, JAN. 13.—0 n Thursday
last, the 6th inst., a meeting was called at the Church
vestry to levy a rate. The minister took the chair at
&even o'clock, and proposed that a rate of one penny in
the pound should be levied. An amendment was pro-
posed that the meeting should adjourn till Whit-
Monday, the Chairman refused to put it. Another
chairman was proposed, and carried by a large ma-
jority, and the rate negatived. On Sunday, the 9th, an-
other notice appeared on the church door for a meeting
to-day, the 13th. At the hour appointed, about 500
persons assembled, but the Church party never showed
their faces, and thus treated the people with contempt.
A meeting is now(l2 o'clock) held in the market-place
by the anti-party. It is impossible to levy a rate in
Middleborough. Government should settle this question.

A law-suit now pending in Tenessee, between
two families, has run for such a length of time, that it
takes six men of the strongest memories in the State to
remember when it was begun.
HE-BEARS AND SHE-BEARS.—When George
the Third pensioned Dr. Johnson, he also pensioned
Shebeare. Some one remarked that the latter did not
merit it. " Pooh !" said Foote, " when his Majesty pen-
sioned the He-bear, he could not avoid doing the same by
the She-bear 1"