The daily union., 1852-02-13

gency, five OF the finest war steamers afloat
ROWLAND HILL
Correspondence OF the New York HeraId.J
From the hthmus.
PANAMA, Jan. is, 1852.
The geographical position Of Panama renders it. at This
time, object of than ordinary importance in the
estimation OF England and the United States II has been
clearly demonstrated by the practical agency OF scientific
men, and by the observation and experience OF all who
have had occasion to investigate this portion of the South
American continent and the contiguous provinces of
Central America, that the practicable and feasible
point of transit between the Atlantic and the Pacific 10
be found in the whole range OF territory between Mexico
and Ecuador, this coast. here The connexion 10
be formed with the Atlantic oy the completion OF the
miles-a distance easily traversed hour and half
thus uniting by hands breadth the great oceans of
the world, with all their trade, and commerce, and
wealth.
The intermediate position which this passage sustains
between the Western and European continents, and its
central position IN the whole commercial world form
another highly important feature, and claim considera-
ton second in importance only to that which makes it the
most feasible and desirable point of transit To this
point must necessarily flow all the IRON both
which may be destined for any OF the Pacific ports and
through here must necessarily be conveyed all the
ported wealth and products of China the East Indies,
Australia the Sandwich and other islands, and all the
future trade and commerce of the PacncMexco, Cali.
fornia, Oregon and British Northwestern America Be-
sides all this il will always hold and command il does
now, the entire trade and of the whole South
American Pacific coast from New Granada 10 Patagonia
which neither be disturbed nterfered with by the
construction Of any other route ftrans between the two
oceans.
In these two respects the geographical position OF
Panama presents, not only to England and the United
States, but TO the whole commercial world, object OF
singular and significant character These advantages
themselves pregnant with wealth and power, and
attach Importance to the republic OF New Granada
hitherto unapprecaied, il not unknown
In addition TO these important considerations are the
advantages arising from the character OF the harbors
each terminus OF the route On the Atlantic side there
abundance OF water for vessels OF any daugh and
not only good anchorage and safe harbor, with docks
and piers constructed for them to lie by but the whole
amount in the and fall OF tide does not exceed is
inches-so that perfect freedom and security may always
be relied on. Here, at Panama, we have one Of the
finest bays and harbors in the world in point OF anchor
age depth OF water protection afforded by the surround
ing shores and islands, and in health and beauty At all
of the year, and at all stages of the tide though
it has rise and fall OF upwards Of 20 feet ships ant
steamers OF the largest class and do always ride
safety BY the construction OF piers as at Navy Bay, or
the Atlantic side, and all the principal seaport towns
the United States and elsewhere, and for which Nature
has laid foundation OF masonry more solid and
during than the most perfect and complete masterpiece O
art, goods mails merchandise, munitions Of gold
and silver bullion, &c. SC, may be landed from ships
without the least delay, and in less than two hours be
transported across the narrow strip OF land dividing the
| Atlantic.
As channel of trade. the route through here pos
advantages not TO be found IN any other schemes
which the enterprise OF the age may have suggested
opened for public examination Propositions for the
sructon of canal route, any other points than those
embraced IN the present route OF across
the isthmus, be made and entertained "u the crack
o. doom !, but they never can succeed IN enforcing upon
public belief the practcaby and feasibility OF construction
which common observation and knowledge OF this route
carry with them. III the construction OF canal, with
sufficient water for ordinary boats, could in any way
supersede add TO the advantages 10 be derived by the
completion OF the railroad it could be accomplished at
trfng expense. and in Incredibly short space Of time
by uniting the of the Rio Grande and Rio Trni
dad, which almost part al the same head, and flow
| into the different oceans.
Impressed with the importance OF these considerations
in all their bearings, upon the social condition OF my fe
low -countrymeD vast numbers OF whom are vending
their way hher TO pass TO the lad OF Ophir search o
its golden treasures or, anchoring their hopes in
midst remain with us, and upon The interest OF the
cal world which is chiefly TO be most directly effected by
increasing the facilities OF this communication, and 3
large portion OF which belongs to my own country,
feel to be my duty to suffer occasion TO pass which
may afford an opportunity Of making them public with
out embracing It,
But aside from all these important features connected
with this great lnk-this marrlage.tie oil the At
lanc and the Pacific, which should be celebrated annu
ally, the Doge celebrates the marriage OF his impe
rial Venice with the waters OF the Adnacthe boundess
wealth which lies hidden beneath the rich soil OF this
country the mineral regions which extend along the
whole range of the Corderas, connecting with the rich
mines OF the Andes in Peru and Chilli and especially the
valuable gold mines OF the valley of Cauca and the
province OF Choco, which now being rapidly devel
oped by the energy and enterprise oil foreigners are con
sderations Of the highest Importance TO the emgIant
Commerce will always sustain itself here. Agriculture
only requires the active operation and industry OF the
practical farmer become profitable and permanent ant
manu- facues and the mechanic arts will always command
remunerative prices Add TO these The whale hsherie,
along the and in bay, the pearl fisheries, anc
other fisheries which may be prosecuted with eminent
success in the contiguous waters and we have naluIa
resources OF wealth unsurpassed, II not unequalled, BY
any similar portion OF the globe.
The completion of the railroad is no longer, i eye
has been since its commencement, matter oi doubt
The readiness with which the limited amount OF stock
issued was taken is the best proof OF the estimation ~
which this great work is held by capitalists. The char
ter OF the company authorizes the sale OF seven millions
of dollars worth of stock the full extent OF its capital
yet, although less than two millions have been sold
there will be no occasion for the issue OF any more an
fully authorized to say that the amount OF funds now
naming from the asi issue OF nine hundred thousand
dollars is amply sufficient TO complete the road to Cor
gona which will be done by June July ensuing ant
that the revenue which will be derived from the roae
when in operation thus far will pay the whole expense
OF completing il from Gorgona TO this city. My ewn OBJ
servatons, and the observations Of others who have re-
Gently passed the work, fully justify this presump
ton.
Supreme Court OF tho United States.