The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-11-04
Panama.

Ol tHC WHAN ~" - f.0o1.,
Isthmus Of Panama, is said to have
been written bya gentleman who isI
connected with the editorial chair Of
one Of the papers published in San
francisco, and who left New York
some weeks since on his return home,
taking careful notes while at Aspin-
wall, and as he passed from thence to
Panama. geg a,iy AZ 2 4
"The Panama Railroad Company
are now actively engaged in extending
their line toward Panama. 1t isainI
contemplation to complete it within
the next twelve months. The steam
ship Illinois on her last trip carried
out about two hundred mechanics for
the road, most Of whom were from
Pennsyl,snia--the rest were coolies
taken on board at jamaica. This
force, added to the number Of men
previously employed, will give an i'm
petus to the line and insure its more
early completion. It is time this road
was in a greater state Of forwardness.
Ithas been long enough in operation,
and but from certain disadvantages
arising from the climate, and accidents
from other causes, the road would in
all probability have been at this time
much nearer the completion. Where
the city Of Aspinwall now stands, less
than two years ago was the habitation
Of aligators, monkeys, and other Gni-
ma'cule peculiar to these ATTITUDES,
presenting no attractions beyond its
acknowledged harbor advantages, and
its position on the Isthmus. AT this
moment there are at least three humid
red houses of neat and substantial
character, a large machine shop, car.
penter and blacksmiths shops, tho
.fne hospitals, and three substantial
wharves. All these, together with a
large variety of other improvements,
such as grading streets and cutting
roads, 1ave been omplished since
March of last year. The populaticn n
is about 5000, composed of shopkeep-
ers, traders, mechanics and laborers,
all apparently enjoying fair share Of
the business Of the place. a.
The city stands upon the island laid
down in the maps or charts as Man
zilla, and is connected with the main
land by bridge LOO feet in length,
over which the railroad passes daily
to and from Barbados, a point at
which the road is 10 cross the Chag-
res river. The harbor is said to be
very fine, and is accessible for the
largest class of vessels at all times and
in every weather. Steamers drawing
twenty feet of water lay alongside the
wharf, and arrive and depart without
regard to wind or tide. The railroad
company have placed splendid light
on prominence near the city, for the
benefit Of ships and steamers, which
is kept in constant operation at their
expense. Its as good a light as two
thirds Of those in use on our Atlantic
coast. The anchorage is good, the
wharves good, and in every point Of
view an important locale. The British
West India Mail Comp any, looking
upon it in this light, have commenced
the construction Of a gigantic iron
wharf and depot for the use Of their
steamers. The piles are Of massive
wrought iron, screwed 10 the coral
rock bottom, and is to cost $40, 900.
Another important work at present in
\ progress, is the freight depot for the
railroad. 1t is Of great magnitude.
aud perhaps may be taken as stand .
ard by which we can guage the ex-
Pectstlons Of the company, 1t is to
measure 80 by 500 feet. strongly and
compaeAy built. A large train with
locomotive is exclusively employed
in filling IN the swamps, grading and
leveling inAand about the city. The
rental accrdIng TO the railroad com.
Pany from the grounds, ranges from
$1,000 TO Sl8,UOO a year, which