The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-08-12


having induced the twelve Senators to resign
forced a new election, and resisted the bill with
all their power, and still declare their intention to
repeal it, while the hunkers have either remained
dormant, or partially favored the bill; it is plain
TO that dscord must prevail upon that que stiou
Certain it is whether the canal law be strictly
sttuticnal not, the party that attempts to lake
issue upon that question in November, will be
beaten by twenty thousand in the State. The
hunkers will avoid making that issue, and will en-
deayer to make nominations Of such men as have
not been at all conspicuous on either side OF the
controversy.
These facts and suggestions we presen. for the
benefit of all concerned.
Isthnaus Canal Comm unica lions = The Atrato
Route.
Ii is already known, that Mr.. Blagg, of New
York, and a Senior Para, Of New Granada and
company, have secured Of the Congress of that re-
public the exclusive right of way for inter
oceanic ship canal, from the Gulf Of Dsren on the
Atlantic tide, southwark by two natural water
lines the Pacific ocean. Very little, however is
known Of this route, although actually nayigated
fiom ocean to ocean, by the Jesuits, in boats
carrying merchandise, more than sixty years ago,
or as early as l1ss.
Near the Pacific ocean, six degrees north of the
mountains, are the sources Of two rivers, inter-
tapping each other. The larger river, the Atrato,
flows Dorthwardly; and the range Of mountains to
the right, steering Of towards the peninsula OF
Magdaena, leaves a wide open ng for the river to
the Gulf of Darien, after q course of about 100
miles The other river flows southwark, and the
range Of mountains oa the west declines SO As to
admit Of an easy passage into the Pacific. This
river is called the San Juan, "a very popular name
for rivers with the Spaniiris, because Of the his
orcal associations Of ST. John the lptist with the
sacred river Of Palestine.) The Sap Juan has
course Of about hundred and twenty .ive miles,
and empties into the Pacific through several chan
nels, the mouth of the principal one being desig-
mated Point Chiramira. The whole distance by
this route from the mouth of the A rata, in the
Atlantic, eight degrees north latitude TO the dc ou-
ohwe of the San Juan in the Pacific, four degree.
porth latitude, Is two hundred and seven,y.dve
miles. Through the whole of this distance we are
informed that the two rivers afford from six 10
eight feet water, excepting an interval OF four hun
dred yards between the head waters Of the two
stream; and across this interval, grown up With
tropical vegetation, are the remains Of the Jesuit
canal, used by them in their commercial transac-
sixty years 90. IL is estimated that the sun Of
Eve hundred thousand dollars will reopen the
canal and remove The distractions in the two
rivers, to admit of the passage Of steamboats,
ard vessels drawing from six to eight feet water
from ocean to o;eaa. Our informant reports
good harbor on both sides, and appears to be well
satisfied Of the practical advantage. Of the route
AZ evidence Of the feasibility Of this proposed
f,f, al.
British company. backed up by Lord Palmerston
srd the Earrings. Germ an company. possessed Of
an immensc capital and several diffsreu. iadividu
sls from the United states, were also applicants 10
the New Granadisn Congress for this monopoly,
which finally secured BY Iessrs. Blagg,
Phelps a Co., BY placing the name Of senior Para
citizen Of that country, at the head Of the Grm.
Among the Americans captivatei By this Atra;o
scheme, we undefstaad, DR.. Foo,,, Of Buffalo, our
late Charge 10 BogO,s, may be enumerated. aai
that his return 10 the United states had reference
70 the organization q company
Vow, whether the Atrato route IL exactly TIE a..
thing represented or not. we shall know ia dse
season. II Eve hundred Thousand dollars will open
a Communication there between the two oceans.
fer steamers Of even four feet draf. the work may
be completed 20 az 10 mons polise the interoccanc
trade for many years to cone, excepting the small
proportion which can be absorbed b. the Panama
railroad. The Tehuantepoc scheme seems 10 be
postponed for an indefinite extension Of time-the
Nicaragua enterprise appears TO have had its bot
tom parry knocked out by the local government
the Panama route drags i.s slow length along
amidst sickness; and, therefore, this A.rlto route
turns up in the very nick Of time.
Bat the New Granadian government has also /
rrsnted another right Of way TO a Senior Gonzales.
Of The province Of Choco. II Is right Of way for /
a river add canal con munication up the Atrato /
'one twenty or thirty miles, theme through an i'm
nense pile Of mountains, by travelling, 20 the 1
liver Eupica. and thence dosn that stream to the
Pacific The distance, by this route, would be
1nly some fifty miles but the tunnelling Of the
ountans Il Is said. would be soEe Fifty millions Of
dollsrs But what is that, IL the work can be done,
and will answer the purpose Of sraasi; for ships
over The neck Of Tie continent
The policy o. the New Granadian government,
ID it' grants Of Commercial privileges, seems 20 be
a liberal and enlightened policy. We hope that
tho results OF ts contracts and privileges conceded
ht isthmus canals and railroads, will result in
more fortunate 10 sLleoncsrnsd than the