Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-07-06
THE VALLEY OF THE AMAZON.


We have just perused pamphlet under the
above title from the press of Frank Taylor,
Washington, which emanates from the pen of
the accomplished Lieut.. Maury, who has the
charge of the National Observatory at the seat
of Government. We were not little surpris-
ed at the immense resources of Central South
America, which are therein detailed, and were
equally astonished at the contemplation of a
prospective arena for the enterprise Of our mer-
camille classes. The chief barrier to the imme-
date establishment of an extensive commerce
with the interior Of South America, arises from
want of proper relations with the Brazilian Gov
eminent. Could an arrangement be made with
that Power for free navigation OF the Amazon
river, there is no estimating the treasures which
would be open to the enterprise of the U. s.
With such restless people as our own, who
are ever on the alert for new markets, it is a
matter of wonder that Central South America
has not hitherto attracted their attention. But
since the publication of the letters which CON-
pose this pamphletin the columns of the Nation
al InteHigencer and the Union, there appears to
be a strong tendency to survey the premises de-
scrbed therein, and establish nuclei for an ex-
tensve and profitable trade.
The author in his pamphlet suggested that
Bolivia would shortly open two or three of her
ports to the commerce Of the world. Since that
pamphlet was ndted five ports have been OPEN
ed III the manner he predicted, and all that is
wanting to make the settlements upon the Am
azon and her tributaries contribute to commerce,
is the opening of the Amazon for free naviga-
ton. 1t is as much for the interest Of Brazil as
for that Of any other country this should be eff
fected; for, although she might have fewer ac-
cessible ports than some of her sister Kingdoms
al l. Al
productions Of her interior, and very much en-
nance the price of the staples which she produ-
ces. Instead of being confined to one or two
Atlantic ports for the disposal Of her hides, horns
tallow, &C., those of her subjects who reside
near the Amazon could get their products to
market without traversing an interminable are
ma of country as at present, while the arts and
Injuries of civilized life would civilize her
people and afford employment to immense num-
bers.
And, in another point Of view, the opening of
the Amazon would be highly salutary. There
would be water communication from the
mouth of the Amazon at the equator, to the
chain of the Andes, which forms the easterly
boundary of Chill and Peru, and steam naviga-
ton thither would make passage from our At
lantc States to the western ports Of 5. Ameri-
ca, one of the most rapid, and, as our author in
dicates, one of the most pleasant water voyages
that can be conceived.
We neither have leisure nor space to furnish
even brief abstract of the varied and finely pre-
scented information which the pamphlet in ques-
ton conveys; and really so rich so novel and
so unique in its contents, that we must beg our
commercial readers to procure the pamphlet and
give it an attentive perusal. 1t will open to
their view local capacities for production which
have hitherto been scarcely dreamed Of Gold,
silver, quicksilver, abound in the shape of min
erals, while the vegetable productions are very
numerous, and many of them yet unknown TO
commerce. The prospective wealth Of the re-
gion which the Amazon and its tributaries trav-
erse is entirely incalculabe, and as an arena for
the efforts of our enterprising young men, it is
second in Importance to no other equally dis
tant locality. Lieut.. Maury regards this region
as safety valve of our country, and we are in
cned to agree with him in opinion. Our peo-
pie possess all the energy and all the enterprise
which Characterised the Anglo Saxons. They
will soon be gorged with California and having
returned from thence, without accomplishing the
object of their desires, they will be on the alert
for any new region which promises to reward
their love Of adventure. Their next move will
be towards the region we are noticing, and be-
tween the enchantment of the scenery the saln-
brity Of the climate, and the industrial elements
which every where abound, they will have found
an abiding place where they can infuse energy
into the inhabitants, evolve the richest treasures
from above and below the EARTH and acquire for
tunes with much less labor than is required in |
our populous sea-ports. But in order that this |
beautiful and productive region may be opened
TO the world, Brazil must assent to the free
navigation OF the Amazon river
Boston Herald.
Mrs Partington in the presence of numer.