The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-08-17

Steam Communication with the Ports Of
Guatemala.

Steam Communication with the Ports Of
Guatemala.
1t seems desirable, for the developement and well
fare Of that country, that the steamers belonging
to any Of the lines running between Panama and
San Francisco, or any other new line, should call
periodically, fixed days, at the port of Iztapan,
or rather San Jose, as the anchorage is called to
which the port has lately been removed.
There are grounds to believe that the carrying
out Of this idea might be advantageous to the coun-
try, not only in a commercial point Of view, but in
many other respects whilst the parties undertaking
the affair would certainly derive handsome profits,
particularly if made extensive to the ports Of the
other Central American States.
In the first pace, it is but reasonable to suppose
that great proportion Of domestic travellers, who
are now compelled to go by land, not having any
other means OF conveyance, would certainly prefer,
when once steamers were established, to travel by
sea, led by the powerful inducements of comfort,
cheapness and despatch. 1t follows, then, that the
port Of San Jose would become the rendezvous Of
daily increasing crowd of passengers.
The principal towns Of Central America are on
the western slope Of the Cordillera at small dis
lance from their respective ports on the Pacific,
with which they communicate by stage roads.
Considerable internal traffic exists between those
towns.
1t is likewise highly probable that many Of the
passengers returning from California and bound 70
the Atlantic States Europe, would be inclined to
land at San Jose, and to the territory of
Guatemala. This new tie offers the advantage
that the voyage on the Pacific is shortened by
as many days as are now required by the steamers
to run from the latitude of San Jose to Panama.
From San Jose to Guatemala is ninety miles dis
NV ia
carriage road, at from So to $40 each person but
this fare would naturally be reduced consequence
of the increase of travellers
Between Guatemala and Izabal, (225 miles,) the
journey requires from five to six days, and is made
on horses or mules, at moderate expense. The
road is good and passes all the way through heal
thy country. The government of that republic
has in contemplation the construction of q good
carriage road and the completion Of such an i'm
provement, might be made the condition of an
agreement or contract to be entered into on the
premises.
Assuming that small steamer, to ply between
Izabal and Belize is also established. this passage
would require day more, and it follows, that the
entire journey FROM San Jose to Belize would be
performed in seven or eight days. that is, the same
number as Ito our knowledge) is now required to
travel by steam from the latitude Of San Jose to
Panama.
From Belize there is q monthly steam convex
ance, and two days distance, to Kingston Jamaica)
in connection with the British West India mail steam
packets, by which passengers for Europe might
continue their voyage, whilst those bound for the
Gulf Atlantic States would take their course di-
rect, or by way Of Havana, by the now existing
lines, either to New Orleans, Charleston or New
York as their ultimate destination might happento
be. However, in our opinion, the best plan would
be to establish steamer, trading monthly between
Belize and New York, and calling at Havana. By
this means the entire trip would amount from
San Francisco to San Jose on the Pacific. days
San Jose to Guatemala. (by land .............. I"
Guatemala to Izabal, (by land )............... 9
Izabal to Belize (by small steamers through iolfo
Dulce Rio Dulce and the bay of Honduras).
Belize to Havana, Tin ocean steamers .........
Iavans to New York, do NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 5 g
Total. % days.
The intercourse between Mexico and Guatemala
will be likewise considerably facilitated and in
creased by the contemplated coastwise conveyance
on the Pacific Surprising the steamers touch at
Acapulco, passenger starting from the city of
Mexico would arrive at Acapulco by stages in five
days, from Acapulco to San Jose three days, and
thence to Guatemala by stage, one day more. This
makes together nine days, instead of forty to fifty
days, now required to perform that voyage by land
over very bad roads, and at great expense and in
convenience
The Intercourse and coastwise trade between Qua
temala and the other Central American States, al
ready considerable, would rapidly increase. The
journey to San Salvador might be performed in two
or three days, via Acajutla or Libertad; to San
Miguel. three or four days, via La Union; to Leon
five days, via Realejo; and to Punta Arenas Costa
RIGA, six to seven days.
1t is an acknowledged fact, that any facilities in
point of safety. speed, comfort, or cheapness ten
dered to the travelling public promote an increase
of movement. Attracted by the superior accommo-
dations offered them the public will not limit them
selves to voyages on business only, but many excur
sions on pleasure, for the purpose Of visiting the
different places of Central America, will take place.
as has been the case on the coasts Of Chilli Bolivia
and Peru, the owners Of which lines have realized
immense profits.
grant every possible advantage and protection to
any respectable parties undertaking the accomplish
ment of the object in view; and should the govern
ments OF the other States-namely, Salvador, Hon
duras, Nicaragua, and Costa RIGA, favor the euter-
prise to extent, there is doubt but that it
would prove very successful operation.
Indeed, the establishment of steam communica-
ton from port to port, along the Pacific coast of
Central America on which side most Of the popula-
tion Of that region is settled, would be the most
effectual means to consolidate peace keep up
good understanding. and bring about the ultimate
political union or combination Of those petty re-
publics, by bringing their inhabitants into person
contact with each other, creating ties Of NATE
rial interest strengthening the Ones and destroy
lousy, and groundless enmity, by the influence Of
continued intercourse and civilization
Mr. Molina, the representative of Guatemala in |
this country has been authorized to negotiate with
companies individuals, respecting the objects in
view.
The steamers will not, of course, be subject to
any duties of tonnage, port dues, import of any
other denomination, in the ports of Guatemala.
Four hours delay are calculated sufficient for
stopping time at San Jose; but in case there should
not be anything to land to Ship the vessels may
proceed without any detention whatever.
In the event of the other Central American GO
vernments concurring on this project, and stations
being established their coasts the whole of the
time lost by stcppages at the six stations of San
Jose, Acautla, Libertad, Union, Reaejo, and Punta
Arenas, would probably not exceed twenty. four
hours Such delay, on the long distance perform
ed by the Panama or Nicaragua lines, appears of
little consequence, and cannot materially affect the
interests of the companies because the advantages
would more than compensate the inconvenience or
additional expenses.
The company will save great deal Of money by
taking its supply of water and fresh provisions
either at hcajutle La Union, directly from the
hands of the producer, instead of purchasing the
etock necessary for the voyage of the Pacific
steamers at Panama from second hands, and at very