Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-09-24
The Njcardgua Canal.

This grand enterprise we have long believed to
be one of the most important of the age, for GER
tainly the contamination of no other is likely SC
vastly to affect the commerce Of the world. The
subject is beginning to excite much interest in
England, in consequence of the late successful
communication across the Isthmus of Nicaragua
between the steamers of the United States in the
two oceans. The undertaking of this connection
between the Pacific and the Atlantic is exclusive
" American, and is of itself better evidence o!
the power of a country than all the glittering gew.
gaws of the hundred courts of the Crystal Pa
lace. In the year 1851, we have shown the
English how to save their crops of wheat, and
have convicted them of not knowing os well as
we how to make the plough for preparing tFeir
land, how to build sail-vessels for transporting
their products, or steamships for bearing passsn-
gers, and how to keep their money secure after
they make it. These surely are lessons enough
for child to teach a mother in one twelve
month.
We copy the following from the last London
letter of the National Inteligencer:
"The announcement of the absolute Accomplishment
of the transit from to ocean, by the way of
Lake Nicaragua, in ABOUT thirty five hours, and be-
tween San Francisco and London in forty three days.
inclusive of four days delay at New York and con-
siderable delays TIE lsttmus, has filled the COM
mercal and the political circles Of England with
much matter tor conversation, and with still more
food for profitable reflection. The Times concludes
its powerful article upon the subject with the following
observations
"This sof course but first practical experiment The
transit across the lshmus is susceptible of indefinite i'm
provernent. When remember the fatal objections
nat offered he
linus by the way OF Nicaragua named, it is
no,unreasonabe to suppose that the difficulties of other
routes may also have taken lively color in the hea ed
maginatiors of tie projectors The proved exaggera-
ton in The one case makes one anticipate possible ex-
aggeraons in others. But, even admitting that on
mature consideration the by way of Lake Ncara-
qua may be adopted as The most advisable at the present
point, of engineering knowledge, STILL in the face
OF these reports, it Is evident that, beyond exploding
illusion, nothing has been accomplished or ATTEMPTED
We would not Tor moment undervaue the spirit and
energy of the gallant little band which has successfully
carried through this remarkable enterprise They have
fairly put to shame. 1t will remain an enduring
blot in the history OF English adventure that so noble
g feat as this has been accomplished without our aid
although aid asked from in the most pressing
terms. In question such this, however il is ne
cessary to discard all gusts OF sentiment and to cousd
er the question from more practical point of view 1t
is comparatively speaking OF little Importance whether
company OF United States of British merchants
were the first to nd aseamer up the river San Juan
Free from ocean to ocean of the last jmpor-
tance to the interest OF all commercial nations It is
clear that, whatever arrangements NAV finally he deci.
ded upon the key of the Pacific cannot be entrusted to
the keeping OF any single Power In point of fact ne
golatons have been long afoot Washington and
In London to bring about so desirable result. The
energy and capital OF the tive nations could not be
directed TO nober object than the union of the two
seas by the most rapid and direct channel of which
circumstances will admit. The glory Of having prac-
tcay proved the possibility OF success will remain
forever an honorable distinction of private company
in the United States"