The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-07-25

SourH AMERICAN RIVER NAVIGATION. Some
time since, we were called upon 10 chronicle the
fact, that Vespasian Ellis, our late Charge at We
neZuela, had obtained from the Venezuelan gov
eminent charter-nght for the navigation OF the
Orinoco for the space Off twenty years. This 10 an
important concession on the part of that govern
ment, snd is indicative not only of their general
lberaiy, but of the friendly spirit which they
have always felt towards the citizens of the United
States
Verezuela, partly from the nature of her revo.
lutionary contest, in which she was assisted by
British and American volunteers, and partly from
her geographical position, enabling her to hold
constant intercourse with the civilized nations of
both continents, has far outstripped her sister
republics of the south, in general intelligence and
commercial prosperity. The application and
management of steam, however, is fairly in the
hands of the Anglo-Saxon race, and the govern
ment OF Venezuela, in thus throwing aside national
preludices, and accepting the proposals of Mr..
Ellis, have shown the intelligence and good sense
for which their councils have all along been dis
tinguished. They will soon reap the benefit OF
their liberality. We know not whether the old
veteran, Paez, has had any thing to do in this mat
ter; but from the influence which he wields in
almost every movement Of the Curaqun govern
ment, we have little doubt but his advice will be
found at the bottom of it.
The navigation of the Orinoco by steam will be
a source of great wealth not only to the people of
Venezuela, but also to the inhabitants of large
tract of New Grenada. The vast Nanas through
which the Orinoco takes its course, extend from
the Atlantic ocean to the verv base of the eastern
cordiera the Andes and although now covered
with almost impenetrabe forests, and peopled
only by the rude Indians, and the hardly less rude
Aaneros, they are capable OF producing the most
valuable growth of the tropics. On the eastern
declivlty of the Andes are many settlements of
Spanish Americans, but in consequence of their
position, they find no outlet for the product OF
their farms, and consequently no incentive to in
dustry A great depot established on the Ornoco,
at the head of steam navigation, will soon become
market for their superfuous produce, and will
in few years create an agricultural spirit in the
inhabitants of these broad llanas. Vast plains,
susceptible of the highest cultivation, instead of
remaining as they now are, the wild pasture
ground of cattle, will soon be converted into cotton
and sugar plantations, and the whole valley of the
Orinoco will exhibit new appearance. All this
will be the result Of American enterprise.
We know not whether any action has yet been
gone into in this great enterprise, but we hope
that Mr. Ellis is not the man to let it rest, and
doubtless steps have already been taken to accom-
plish the desired end. Time is valuable consi.
Iteration, when we look at the duration of the
charter; and we hope that in case he may re-
quire it, Mr.. Ellis will receive such aid from his
fellow countrymen will enable him to go
through with his undertaking with cleverness and
despatch. One thing is very certain, that by our
becoming the carriers of merchandise on the
Orinoco, we will also have it in our power to sup
ply the imports /; and when the growing import
ance of the country is considered, it will at once
be seen that this is a matter of no small import
ance. We may open great market with the
Uaneros of the Orinoco valley.
The United States must now take the first rank
in all commercial enterprises.