New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-08-18
Exploration of the Interior Of Africa.
Coisesrond,nce Of the Journal II Commerce
WAslINGroN. Thursday, Aug IL T.,

In letter | mentioned that Lieut. VI. {.
Watkins OF the Navy had projected scheme for the
exploration Of Africa. lie land has plan before the
Secretary OF the Navy few days ago. HIS offer IS
under consideration. and II the President should
make objection, presume that Will be accepted
and the design put III execution without delay
Lieut. Watkins plan is simple, and costs the Gov
eminent nothing. He simply asks leave of absence,
on present pay. for himself. one mIdshlpman
engineer and SIX mechanics, nO~ belonging 10 the
naval service, and under pay, ma doing little or
nothing Tie also asks for the use Of small iron
steamer 10 be built under his dlroctlon-whlch
steamer he Will take out 10 Africa In one Of the Gov
eminent store-shps. This boat will be made IN two
pieces, and viii be 50 light that she can easily be-
carried around the falls and other distinctions that
may be met with IN the rivers.
Mr.. Watkins does not even ask for rstions for his
party ~ he expects to procure supplies very cneapy
by traffic with the natives Ten thousand dollars
wa cover all the expenses OF the expedition which
the Government Is called upon to pay Mr.. Watkins
Viii take drdugnsmdn, naturalist. and ply
s.can with his party Suitable men, who are already
acclmaied. Will volunteer Tor the enterprise SIX or
eight colored men from Liberia, who accustomed
TO the natives and have been engaged IN former ex
pOratlons, Will complete the exploring party. One
OF the men. Moore, accompanied Capt Troiter, Of
The British navy, IN ms expedition.
Mr.. Watkins will hrst explore the II. Pduls-d
very interesting rver-and trace 1t to ITS
The valley OF the ST Pauis j. very rich and oeautl
ful. and viii Be Of great importance ~ LDerian com
merce, by reason ot as valuable products. lie Will
nyers. from their mouths 10 their sources, and pro-
coed TO explore the vast and now unknown regions
of the lntenof. where, for dugh We know. natural
products OF novel and ncn character, new forms Of
civilization, and unknown races OF men. may exist.
Mr.. Watkins Is confident, from tne information
which he derived IN Africa, during MS former visits
that he find coal fields on the ~. Pauls and If
OF the chief obstacles 10 the establishment Of
steam communication between this country and
AIica will be removed This expedition Will great
Is promote the success OF The proposed African or
EBONY line OF steamers II Will promote the cOlosll-
Zatlon and civilization Of Africa, by ascertalning
aud making known ITS resources and It's geography
Il wlil open 10 the native tribes Of Africa new SUD-
JeciS for commerce. OF q much m0Se profitable klnd
than the slave trade and II will widen the oounda
res OF modern science and knowledge Certainly
such an enterprise this Will even u attended With
partial success reflect great credit on those engaged
in Il, and upon our naval service, and upon THIS
country
Il the ready objection to the PROJECT that all the
Ancan explorers have hitherto pe1shed IN their Al
tempt, sill. they effected something Lieut. Wat
kIns says. " II do not come back, our journals
Will, and there viii Be many officer, ready % take
I'D ouT work where We leave IL