, 1853-02-12

In the scientific departments the same
circumspection is manifested. The astIo-
nomical instruments are obtained through
the National Observatory at Washington,
and are of the very best quality. Many of
them, we understand, have been made in
this city under the supervision of Mr.,
WundcrmOn, and possess the advantage Of
all the improvements suggested in the expe-
rience of the coast and typographical sur
veys, and Of The naval service. We are as
sured, indeed, BY those who are competent
to Judge Of their merits, that instrument so
well and so perfectly adapted 10 their uses
could not elsewhere be obtained, either in
this country or in Europe.
Scientific and miscellaneous Libraries, for
the uses Of both officers and men, have also
been provided; and thus the best means Of
preserving order and discipline, and Of secu-
ring improvement, will constantly be al
hand.
The means of collecting information in
natural history have been exceedingly well
cared for, even TO the most minute particu-
lar, in so much that complete Topographic
cal and Photographic apparatus will form
payt of the implements supplied.
In the stores of these vessels the same
particular regard is had 10 all possible wants
of the journey. Clothing adapted to the
many Vicissiiudes of the varying climates :;
food Of the most wholesome and fitting kinds !;
preventatves and remedies for the scorbulic
affections so generally attendant upon long
voyages--these and all other precautions,
suggested by experience and benevolence,
have been provided so literally as 10 give
every assurance of the safety and welfare Of
the several crews.
We understand that this expedition will
probably consume three years in the accom-
plishment Of its varied and important work,
and in returning to the Atlantic coast. In
this Time il will traverse the waters Of many
Of the hitherto unfrequenled regions bor-
dering upon the Pacific ocean. On the one
side are the coasts OF California and Oregon :;
on the other, the regions of Kamechalka and
the islands Of Japan in the north, 10 a
very high degree of latitude, the scenes of
our adventurous whalers and in the south,
the countless islands of the ocean, so imper-
fsctly known 10 the civilized nations of the
earth, yet many of them inhabited by hu-
man beings whose condition challenges our
pity, and whose characteristics invite the
scrutiny Of the learned and the curious.
One Of the most remarkable, and 10 US
most interesting island groups in the world
is The Sandwich Islands. They form the
natural stopping place for all the vessels
plying between China or Japan and the
coasts of California. They are already the
established resort of our whal-ships, six
hundred Of which have already taken bar
Dor there within a single year, and not
few of them, with the meagre facilities now
existing, transferring their cargoes al these
ports. In the lapse of but few years more
they will constitute the great commercial
depot of many nations. Through them will
pass the tidings from China that will thence
be received as news 10 London some twenty
or thirty days later.
AT present a sail vessel can make the
voyage from Canton TO San Francisco in
forty-fve days; but it is thought that ocean
steamers, which must necessarily touch at
the Sandwich Islands, will accomplish it in
sixteen, or even fourteen days. The pas.
sage from San Francisco 10 Panama now
occupies twelve days. When the railroad
shall BE- completed the sixty miles transit
across the lsthmus will be made in three
hours and thence TO New York in eight
days. But how long will the Isihmus be
the way of transit from the Pacific 10 the
Atlantic shores' Who can tell A? The
Western States of this Union are neither
listlcss nor idle. They are alive to their
interests and full Of enterprise. They will
soon connect their mercantile cities Of the
Pacific by railroads. and telegraph wires.
Before many years shall pass, not only will
the Canton news be transmitted by tele-
, graph from San Francisco TO St. Louis, and
thence 10 the Atlantic coasts, within sixteen
days after the occurrence Of The incidents at
Canton, but chests of lea and bales Of silks,
by the same conveyance across the ocean,
will be there opened within a few brief
days thereafter and ST. Louis, few brief
years ago an unimpor,ant village amidst the
wilds Of the West, will be the city of com,
meTee and divergence for tho choicest pro-
ducts of the Celestial Empire. And sixteen
days, il is confidently predicted by many,
will be a sufficient lapse Of time TO enable
the merchant Of New York 10 read the des-
patches of his correspondents at Canton.
In view of such important probable ia
clilies Of intercourse with China, Japan,
and the great intermediate depot Of trade in
the Sandwich Islands, how important is it
that our national vessels should at once
make OUT flag familiar object in every in
let TO the great Pacific ocean ? How nee
essary is it that enlightened and scientific
navigators should lead the way through the
may labyrinths Of the clustering isles, and
that clear and accurate charts should be
made Of every channel to be plowed by the
keels Of our ships and ocean steamers.
J Congress has anpronTiatod Cor thia erne