The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-09-05
Id R.ARaaIalaa Kanla d aAlllarhla

A ~ -r.-,fsS " 0AhANAA3R
Some Of the advantages which this roaia has
over that by the way of Chagrss across to Pana-
ma, set forth briefly in this paper few weeks
ago. The saving Of seventeen hundred miles in
distance, and consequently in time, which is CAPT
tai, ia a powerful consideration. It's very i'm
portant fact, too, that by this route the eastern
terminus of the road is entirely within the Gulf of
Mexico, which is come now to be almost an inland
sea Of the Union, and is destined in few years,
when Cuba shall belong to the United States, to be
absolutely under the control of our fleets at all times,
in war and in peace. The practcability of the
route is not disputed, and the facilities for con-
structing road and keeping it in repair, are
described by engineers as of the most favorable
kind. We have consulted some of the memo
rails on the subject, and they all speak in terms
Of perfect confidence of the abundance Of mate
rails, the comparatively easy character of the
country, and the eheapness and rapidity with
which the work can be executed The entire
distance from sea to sea is 1856 miles OF this dis
lance thirty miles are navigabe by means of the
river Coatzacoalcos for vessels Of the largest size
and for vessels of lighter draught fifteen miles
further Thence the mountains rise to a summit
level of $50 feet, from which they descend again
to the Pacific. The railroad line is estimated at
lis miles, Along the route on the river the forests
abound with inexhaustible quantities of the proper
timber, and along the whole route, building stone,
clay, and all other materials required for the work.
are scattered in profusion. Provisions are plenty,
the climate is mild and healthy, and the Indians in
the neighborhOod are docile submissive and willing
to work cheap. At each end of the railroad there
are harbors which a little expense could make
accessible to immense fleets. The drawback on
the Gulf side is the bar at the mouth of the
Coatzacoalcos, upon which twelve feet at least
is found at low water, but the engineers report
that the distractions be easily removed for the
admission Of vessels of the largest size. Of this,
however, we think more thorough examination
is necessary, especially on the Pacific side, than
any we have yet seen. The declarations of the
friends Of the road are, however, positive, and
refer to scientific explorations, which have not
met with.
The grant by the Mexican Government, under
which it is proposed to make this read by an Anne
rican company, is of the most liberal character
The privileges are secured for fifty years, and for
that period the Government of Mexico stipuates
not to impose any contributions taxes upon trav
ellers or their effects IN tranStu and not TO levy
imposts or forced loans upon the grantees. The
right is also irrsvocably secured to all foreigners,
to acquire real property, and to exercise any trade
Or calling mining not excepted within fifty
leagues or one hundred and fifty miles, on either
side of the route, thus making a belt of three
hundred miles in width exempt from Mexican
laws Of taxation, or prohibitions. For mining and
manufacturing purposes it is believed that no tract
on the continent is superior. Under American en-
terprise, it would soon become a settled and pros
porous country, and form the nucleus of new COM
monwealths in that distant region.
What the cost of this work will be, is yet only
matter for apprOxmating conjecture. Estimates
have been made, but without precise data to give
them authority; and the amount to be finally as
certained and provided, would depend of course,
upon the nature of the work decided upon. But it
is claimed, that mile for mile, the average of cost
of railroad over that line, would be less than on
any other practicable points on the Isthmus.
Looking over this subject with attention, it
presses itself upon us, in which our citizens
should bestow their most careful consideration
From Tehuantepec, the nearest port for supplying
the United States with all the products of that i'm
mense oriental commerce, Of which the Isthmus
must become the highway, is the city Of New Or
leans. And no scheme for opening that highway
should escape the viglant study of all interested in
our prosperity. Rival claims are urged for differ
ent avenues, some of which would leave us far out
of the way, without any superiority 10 the general
interests which ought to give them favor. 1t be-
hooves us, therefore, to watch narrowly the move
ments Of local and sectional interests, and act pru-
IDENTIFY and promptly that we may not be over
reached by selfish combinations
1t would be good move if some enlightened cit
liens who have examined these questions for them
selves, would take the pains to spread at large all
the printed documents, or judicious selection of
such Of them as furnish authentic information
on the value, practicability, and benefits of the
route most favorable to New Orleans.