The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-02

station, as before said, which may be easily and
speedily reached, and from which operations can
be readily carried on; and such station must be
sought somewhere on the western shore Of the Cen
trail American Isthmus.
II may be suggested that Panama 10 favorable
position. II 10 true Il may be reached in ten or
eleven days from New York, and would be, in this
respect, great improvement on Valparaiso. But
il has no harbor proper; the bay 10 much exposed;
the climate, though not deadly like Chagres, 10
nevertheless bad, and supplies and the means of
repairs deficient. The prevalent winds are also
unfavorable for sailing TO the northward of that
parallel.
There is, however, nine hundred miles TO the
northward, position admirably adapted for the
purpose in question, and il needs only TO be known
10 be regarded by every man as by far the most
important point on all the Pacific coast 1t was
wisely selected by Drake as his headquarters, du-
ring his neutrality-suspicious. in that ocean. This is
the Gulf or Bay OF Fonseca or Conchagus, stretch
ing ts wide arms into the three States Of San Saliva
dor, Honduras, and Nicaragua II Is about eighty or
one hundred miles long, thirty or forty in average
width, completely and-locked, and secure az the
bay OF New York. The entrance IA broad, and the
land -marks SO conspicuous to render mistakes
in entering it impossible. Within, the water is in
every part sufficient for the larges vessels, ranging
from three to seventy fathoms. 1t has number Of
large and commanding islands, among which is
the important Island OF the Tigre, which controls
the entrance, and OF which 80 much has recently
been said BY the lately negotiating treaty with
Honduras, to which this island belongs, it is very
well known, the privilege of establishing naval
station there is conceded to the United States.
BY the Nicaragua route Of transit, which will
speedily be opened, communications can be trans
mited from the port Of San Juan to the Bay OF Fon
SEGA in forty eight fifty hours, in from nine TO
eleven days from New York-in fact, quite as soon
il not sooner than to Panama. But apart from this
and the entire security Of the bay, vessels of the
largest draft may anchor within cables length of
the Tigre. The gulf is surrounded by one Of the
richest countries OF the world very well populated
fur
abundance, cheap and Of the best quality. Timber,
including oak and pine, may also be obtained on
the neighborng mountains, or from the volcano OF
San Miguel on the main land Coal, too, is found
but fe,D miles from the gulf the river Le,npa, in
San Saicador, and way be furnished t any quantity
at0io rates, whenever there shall De demand created
Not only but the climate is one OF the finest and
most equabe in the world the thermometer not
varying POO the year round and no point under
the tropics ID more saubrious. In fact, the whole
western slope Of Nicaragua and Honduras and the
whole OF San Salvador are remarkably healthy, and
free from those epidemics which sometimes devas-
tate parts of our own country, Mexico, and portions
of South America. The smallpox, measles, &C.,
are almost wholly unknown.
Whatever service may be required of our Pacific
squadron, they would be here to perform it. BY the
time orders could reach Valparaiso or San Fran
CISCO the fleet could be at any desired point the
whole coast, or far on its way towards the Asiatic
continent.
The establishment of proper naval station here
dangerous passage around Cape Horn. By our
treaties with Nicaragua and Honduras, we have
the right to pass freely through the territories Of
those States whatever troops or munitions of war
we may desire. IT, therefore, it should be necessa-
ny to change crews, relieve commanders, in
crease ornaments, it could be done in very few
days, across the Isthmus, without the delay or ex
pense of a return voyage The same vessels could,
therefore,, remain constantly in that ocean, and
all necessary additions could be made there, by
tablishing navy yard at San Francisco.
Under all points of view, therefore, and especial
ly in view OF the opening of the proposed ship canal
across the Isthmus, which will almost inevitably
terminate in the bay in question, it would seem
strange, nor does il possible, that the oppor
tunity of establishing a naval station at this point
should be neglected, or, by the action or want Of
action OF the Government, thrown away. With
new and immense fields of enterprise opening be-
fore us in the West OF an extent and value which
the most enthusiastic among US but poorly compre-
hend is the time to lay the foundations Of our
success on a broad and secure basis The prize at
stake ID the commerce of half the world, and the
treasures of "the Indies and the Orient" The
prize which Columbus saw, glittering in the west
ern horizon, is offered to our grasp. IL depends
with us if its possession shall be realized.
Let those in whose hands repose the destinies of
our country glance at the map of the world, reflect
upon the suggestions herein contained and act ac-
cordingly. Yours, sc. S.