The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-09-14

steam route being thus established between the
Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf, the
shortest and most rapid means of communication
between the capitals and emporia of the West and
East would be open at once for political and
commercial purposes. The future sections of
the line will be gradually carried down the val
ley of the Euphrates, from the right bank. oppo-
site Ja'ber Castle, to Phumsah, the ancient Than
sacus. Crossing into Mesopotamia, at this suit
able place, the railway will be carried along by
Anah and Hit to the environs of Bagdad, and
thence by Babylon and Hillah to the confluence
of the Euphrates and Tigris, at Kurnah.
where there is sufficient depth of water
for the largest steamers or to Bussorah,
thirty-seyen miles nearer the head of the Persian
Gulf, where an extensive trade is already carried
on, and where there is ample accommodation for
square rugged vessels. In fact, the trade of Tur-
key in Europe, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, and all
along the proposed line to its terminus at the
head Of the gulf, is of the greatest Importance,
and only requires ready means of transit for
its development. The success of the English
and Austrian steam companies on the line be-
tween Constantinople, Smyrna and the coast Of
Syria and Egypt, is the best proof that the re-
sources of these countries merely require an out
let. In addition to this, we may mention that
100000 pilgrims pass yearly along the route of
the Euphrates or Tigrls, to visit Bagdad and the
other holy cities OF the benefits to the COM
merce of Europe and of the world generally.
that will result from the opening up of this route
some idea may be formed from comparison of
the imports and the exports of the ancient trade
with these countries, and the more modern sta.
tistics of British commerce with the East during
and subsequent to the existence of the Levant
Company.
These are the considerations which recon-
mend it most to our favor although amongst the
other claims urged for it are the mo.e expedi-
tious route which it will give Great Britain to
its Indian possessions and the beneficial infu-
ence which it will exercise on the good govern
ment and Development of the Ottoman empire.
From the facts which we have laid before our
readers in regard to these two great enterprises,
it will be seer that par passu in both hemspheres
there are two great movements of approximation
in progress, by which it is sought to draw closer
their relations and interests Whatever Scrip
tural Interpretation may be given by fanatics
to this tendency to union on the part of the ma
tons Of The earth, the optimist and the philan-
thropist cannot but rejoice at it as step gained
towards their favorite Utopias. Looking upon
it in more sober and material light, we believe
that it is destined to exercise powerful influence
on the future welfare and progress of the United
States All the new routes opened up to
European commerce in India, China and Africa
are only so many fresh channels secured to Ameri-
can enterprise and energy. There can be no
stronger bonds of anity between nations or
surer guarantee against the recurrence of war.