New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-06-04
MEMORANDA.
ManZanilIa Island---lts HarbOr---Nayy Bay
Panama Railroad COmpany---The PrOspec-
tive TOwn--Progress of the RailrOad--Busi-
ness PrOspects---Climate of the Isthmus---

i've IOWu--fr0RreSS OF the hallrOdu--Dus
ness Prospects---Climate of the Isthmus---
&C.. sc.
Panama Correspondence of The Tribune.
MASzANILLA, \. G., Thursday, May 49,
The Island of Manzanilla, the headquar-
tiers Of the Panama Railroad Company, is situated
about 10 miles east of Chagres and Immediately with
in and upon the east side OF the entrance Of Navy Bay
1t is about Il miles in length and mile in width
The channel upon the east side between the island
and the main land is narrow, but Of sufficient depth
for navigation, and perfectly safe harbor for ship
ping. Tie main entrance to the bay, upon the west
side Of the island, is about q miles in width and as
it Is entered on the left hand, upon projecting point
facing the sea and the harbor is the station Of the
Railroad Company-which, with the cluster Of neat
white houses the long pier and shipping IN the har-
boz presents a very inviting and business-ike scene,
and speaks much for the progress Of this important
enterprise. The prospective town, although It Is al
ready lard out as yet has received no distinctive ap
relation but We trust it Will receive that shall
perpetuaie the name Of some member Of the Company
that was first in breaking ground IN this great work
among whom there Is none more prominent than that
of Asplnwall.
NAVY Bay extends up about 8 miles, and affords Sc
anchorage IN every part Of It. and many coyes
where vessels can ride IN perfect safety, under cover
of points protected from winds or sea deep cove
IN the island Immediately entering the bay affords
abundant space for large number Of the largest
class vessels with sufficient depth OF water behind
and alongside the pier Upon the other side OF this
harbor the Railroad track IS LAID pile driven along
the waters edge, by the side Of which piers will be
extended for the discharge and shipment Of cargOes.
The Island originally entirely coral formation,
but the soil which has been superaded by the process
OF vegetation and decay, IS now Of sufficient depth
10 sustain the heaviest growth of forest trees which
were thlckly scattered over It, but have now been
cleared away for some distance back the largest Of
which Is the ManZanllla tree from which the Island
received IT'S name.
The coast OF the main land opposite the Island in
every direction, Is generally high and abrupt, yet
clothed with the most luNuTlant vegetation TO the
waters edge, and every where the cocoa nut palm
Is seen conspicuous which supplies abundance Of
that delicious fruit. The gorgeous palmetto tree
and tie Banana and Pineapple plants, are also com
mon yet more abundant n Tie interior.
In the selection OF Navy Bay the northern ter
minus Of tie Panama Railroad there can no longer
BE- any doubt but that the best point obtained. The
hartOr has less objections than almost any other
II IS al al times accessible without sand bar or other
obstruction The tide rises and falls usually but q
Inches and the convenience 10 the travelling public
Of Beng able to land directly from a vessel upon a
pier VIII be appreciated BY those Who have heretofore
crossed the Is linus and been obliged 10 pay two dol
lars each Tor being carried 10 and from a ship AZ
ChagTes. Another very important consideration Is
the healthfulness Of this Island for excepting the
necessary consequences of tropical climate, no
place from is natural position. could be considered
more perfectly exempt from miasma the most az.
I'VE exertng cause Of disease here-and the expert
ence Of those who have resided here Justify the
cuslon Although II IS true that fever has frequent
~ occurred here yet II can always be accounted for
IRON exposure elsewhere.
The construction Of the Railroad is in a rapid state
Of progress the Company have now on the works,
divided between siS stations, about 1000 men the
iron for the track IS already here and being distrb-
uted along The various posts and to Gatun it is laid