The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-12-24


The IsTHMUs R0UrEs.-The Quaker City has
again arrived at New Orleans with late news
from California, received over the Tehuantepoc
route, which we give in another column We
also give an interesting account Of trip
from San Francisco to New Orleans, via this
new route. Instead Of thc difficulties and
Doyances which might have been anticipated
from the imperfect organization OF a new passcn-
ger line through a tropical and newly opened
country, II will be seen that the impressions made
on the mind of the writer were Of the most agree
able and pleasing description. Not only did he
find the arrangements of the company wonder
fully complete, but the route itself Offering con-
slant succession of magnificent scenery and novel
Incidents
When VIC take into account the economy of
time (seven days) which it is expected will he
effected by this over all the other Pacific
| routes, the natural attractions with which it
is invested cannot fail to draw to it a large
proportion Of the passenger traffic between this
and San Francisco. The only thing remaining
to give il decided superiority, in our opinion,
way across the Isthmus, and little more ELI
cheney on the ocean in the establishment of
line of steamers between New York and Nina
titan, as well as between New Orleans and the
| latter port.
These facts should not be lost sight of by the
New York commodores who are squabbling for
the Nicaragua Transit route privileges. Unless
they hurry up and settle their differences, the adj
vantages for which they are contendng will
| be worth nothing. With the Tchuantepcc route,
| the Panama route, and the Overland mail route,
| making the journey to San Francisco in twenty
| FIVE days,) to say nothing of the Pacific Railroad,
| which will certainly be carried through, we ask
what will be the value of the Nicaragua route,
unless NJ. Belly canal project be realized? Some
of our American engineers say that this last
| sch M is impracticable; so that unless the
| rival commodorcs arrange matters SO as to turn
the cute to present account, it is certain that
neither they nor the French spectators will
derive any benefit from its monopoly.
STEAM NAvIEs.--!n another column will be
| found an interesting article from Colburn's
| U S~sice Magazine for October, on the Brit
ish screw steam navy. II will be seen, from the
facts u erein stated, that the views which we have
recently put forth in regard to the feasibility of
converting our men-ofwar into steam frigates are
fully borne out by the success which has attended
similar experiments in the English navy. The
50 gun ship Colossus which was transformed
into screw ship, has answered all the purposes
Of. Ne hat. "a L.l. IL hat
the Collingwood, Superb and Vanguard will un-
dergo the same process There is no doubt that
any or all of these vessels, old though they are,
arc still capable of doing efficient service as pro-
pcllers
The London periodical from which these facts
are taken makrs some curious bunders in regard
to the American navy. Ii states, for instance,
that we have never yet built paddle wheel or
screw frigate which has realized the expectations
Of its builders; while England, ON the contrary
possesses many most perfect specimens Of screw
ships. The author of this paper cannot have
read the journal Of the operations of the laying
of the Atlantic cable, or he would not have made
70 reckless an assertion. In all points, whether
Of steaming, sailing or manguyring in obedience
TO the requirements or the expedition, the Mia
CARA proved herself to be infinitely the superior
of any Of the English vessels employed. Whilst
she suffered nothing from the bad weather en-
countcred by the squadron, and required but few
repairs other than those demanded by the dis
placement Of her fittings TO make room for the
cable on her decks, we learn from this article
that IT has been found necessary to submit the
Agamcmnon TO thorough overhaul and rciit.
We do not notice this fact for the purpose Of
complaining Of the unfirness OF our contempt
rary's assertions in regard TO our navy We only
NIX that he shall Observe some consistency In his
statements.
The conclusions Of Importance which are to be
derived from this article are: first, that sailing
vessels can be converted into effective steam
frigates or sloops and, secondly, that, as in the
case Of the Agamemnon, The original destination
OF a vessel for steam Is not necessarily condi-
ton Of success. These facts established, the
views of men like Commander Walker, who are
supposed to have a practical acquaintance with
The subject, are reduced to the experimental esti-
mate which entities those of civilians like our
selves to an equal share of attention.
ENLARGEMENT or THE CENTRAL PARK-The
purchase Of that portion Of ground extending
from l06th to 10th street, north Of the original
boundary of the Central Park, having been
asked for by the Commissioners, the Board Of