The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-08-14

SURVEYS ON THE PACIFIC CoAsT-THE Re-
another column will be found an interesting COM
munication from Mr.. Mcleod Murphy on the
survey made by him of the harbor of Guatulco.
This gentleman, it will be recollected, went out
in May last, under orders from the Louisiana Te-
huantepec Company, and with the party under
his command completed his observations of this
harbor and of other anchoring places on the Pa
ci6c coast of Mexico. His report of Gaatulco is
highly favorable He states that the harbor is
about mile in length by nearly half mile in
width, surrounded by a chain of granite hills
open only to the southeast, from which point, in
the heavy gales that blow there vessels at an
Choir are protected by cluster of exposed rockl.
The harbor is entirely free from reefs and sunken
rocks, and such is the uniformity of depth of wa
ter that vessels can ride anywhere without incur
ring danger. As harbor of refuge or for repair
of vessels, Mr.. Murphy pronounces Guatulco UNI
exceptionable in almost every respect, whilst
as coaling and water station it is superior
either to Ventosa or Salina Cruz, and compares
favorably with Acapulco in point Obscure anchor
age. The soundings made show that men-of war
of the largest class can wood, water and pro-
vison there at all seasons. Bituminous coal is to
be found in large quantities in the vicinity Of
Minatitlsn, which is twenty-four leagues from
Guatulco; and the grade of country between the
two points is favorable for the construction of a
railway or wagon road. From Gustulco to TIE.
huantepec the distance is only eighty -four miles,
with equal facilities for improved communica-
tion.
In addition to these facts, Mr.. Murphy supplies
us with some valuable information in regard to
the anchoring places of the coast between AGA
pulco and the Gulf of Fonseca He has re-
served for another communication the memo
randa that he has made Of the winds, currents
and sailing directions Of this part of the coast
There are other points on which, just
now, the publication of the explorations
made by this gentleman in Central Anne
RIGA would prove Of great utility. Mr.
Murphy, as is well known, has devoted q
great deal of time to archaeological researches in
that part of the continent At period when
the discovery of geld In the ancient Indian
tombs Of the Isthmus has been seized upon by
the shipping interest as a favorable opportunity
for forcing an emigration there; it would be well
if we could have the benefit of the observations
of scientific men like Mr. Murphy, who have
thoroughly investigated the geological resources
of thoee regions for it is on these, and not on the
chance antiquarian relics that have ~ found,
confessedly rest the prospects of such an emf
grafton. Mr.. Murphy has spent twelve years
amongst the vesiges of ancient civilization with
which the central and southern portions Of our
continent abound, and, both as an antiquarian
and as an experienced civil and mining engi-
neer, there Is no man better qualified to throw
the fullest light upon the realities and probabili-
ties upon which spectators are now endeavor-
ing to base schemes Of deluaive character
The limited space which newspaper can afford
to communications Of scientific nature renders
it desirable that the public should have an oppor-
tunity ofhearing more at length the results of
the researches made by this gentleman. We
would suggest to the Historical and Geographi.
cal Societies the propriety Of engaging him to
deliver lectures upon the two subjects which are
cognate to their pursuits; and then, if be can be
prevailed on to do it, it would be renderdipg an
important service to our community fhe were to
deliver an address If a more popular character
calculated to cool down the excitement that has
been created by the reports that have reached us
from the Isthmus. 1t would be the salvation Of
many if the exact measure of truth could be 40.
Piled to the exaggerated rumors thus industri-
Ously cjrCulated: and we know M man who 10
more competent to undertake this task than the
writer of the communication to which We have
invited the attention of our readers.
METROPOLITAN POLICE INCONSISTENCY on THE
SUNDAY LAW QuEsrIoN.-Since the organization
of the Metropolitan Police there have been issued
to the police captains no less than nine distinct