The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1852-12-24
FROM WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, Dec. l6.

WASHINGTON, Dec. lG.
Much curiosity has been excited by the re-
cent expedition of Count Boulbon, IN advcn-
turous Frenchlnan, to Sonora, and Ills proc
lamation of the annexation of that province
to the French Empire. 1t is generally consi-
dered that this is merely freak Of the
Frenchman, and that he has not acted in con-
cert with his government, and that his decree
of annexation to France will not be confirm
ed by Napoleon. But number Of commu-
nications and of publications in French news
papers, and also the work Of Dupasquler, en-
titled "Intercst Of Europe in America" are
adduced to show that serious design has
been entertained in France for the establish
ment of colonies and commercial relations in
Mexico, before she shall have been absorbed
by the United States. The last mentioned
author twice visited America in pursuit of
his inquiries and projects, and he has pointed
out the fact that tue United States, controls
ing the commerce of two oceans, will draw to
themselves the commerce of China and the
East Indies, and the industry, capital, enter
prise and trade of the world.
Dupasquier is sngularly correct in his OBJ
scrvations that "thcrc is between the Atlantic
and Pacific, but one route-rapid and practi.
cable at all seasons the route which travcrses
the northern part of Sonora and chihuahua. "
FIc proposes, in fact, that the European pow
crs, by means of coonizing Sonora, should
dcbar the United States from the possession
of that route. Col Benton's route, and all
the northern routes which have been indica-
ted, are generally believed here to be imprac-
ticable, by reason Of chains Of mountains and
the obstruction of eight months snow and
ice. The Tchuantcpcc transit we have not
got; and, if we should obtainit, we must also
have an overland route, in case of the occur
renee of war. The isthmuscs of Nicara-
qua and Panama expose travellcrst to the dam
gers Of navigation in reaching them, and to
fever and cholera in traversing them, and
these too, we hold at the mercy of any naval
foe. 1t has been thought here by those who
have given most attention to the subject of Il
route for the Pacific road, that the most prac.
ticablc route lies in part through, or on the
border of Mexican territory.
But there is no danger Mt all that the French
or any other European power will be able to
prevent us from opening this road, and using
it, and whenever we may do it, American pc.
puation will follow in its track, and the Mex.
lean territory will be thus very soon Amcri'
canizcd. The mineral wealth Of Sonora, is
a prize too tempting to the Californians to be
lost or long neglected. The gold region is
to be brought into productive condition, SC
soon as the workings of California shall be.
come impoverished.
The debate on the subject of the Tariff
and the Finances, continue in the House,
The policy of turning over the whole subject
to the next Session, and the next Admins
tration is avowcd by the majority OF boil
Houses. Thus there are to he no essentia
changes of the Tariff till towards the close o
the next long Session.
The estimate of appropriations required
for the service of the year ending SOth Of
June, 1854, is $46,2s3,7s3. Sixteen millions
of this sum is on account of public debt in
tcrest, &c. The proper expenses of the Gov
eminent for the next year, will be about $35,
100000, ten millions of tho sum being ex
pended on account of the new Territory
Cor. Char. COu.