New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-02-15
SOUTH and CENTRAL AMERICA
PANAMA.

THE AsPINwALL MERCHANTS AND THE TAX
QUEsTIoN-A NEW BANK-THE COLOMBIAN
COMPANY OF TORRA-REPORTED DISCOVER
les OF IMMENSE DEPOSITS OF GoLD-FOR-
TIGN CAPITAL INvITED-RETURN OF THE
HON. CALEB CUsHING-HIs MISSION Sue
CEss-A NEW ROUTE FOR THE CANAL.
IFR0M OUR OWN CORRESPONDENCE
PANAMA, Feb. 5.-The principal event of the
past week has been the refusal Of tho merchants Of AS
pnwa pay the tax imposed upon them by the Assem-
bly, The year raised from $4,000 to 100000
on the merchants OF Panama from $4,000 to $4,000
on the merchants Of Aspnwal The former obtained its
reduction to 10000 by dnt of protests and representa-
tons to the Government whereas the latter who took no
action whatever being compelled to pay the full g
ure and now when the attempt to collect the same Is
made they refuse to pay altogether meeting OF the
Aspinwa merchants took place and resolutions were
adopted protesting against the tax as unconstitutional
aud naonallaw which fixes the tax
at SIS per month maximum tax each merchant.
memorial was also drawn up to the consuls, asking
their protection. The American Consul Mr. f. W. Rice,
has the President strong protest against the
action OF the Government 1t seems, however, that the
authorities determined to carry out the laws be they
unconstitutional or not Inc goods OF nuinner ol Tue
merchants have already been embargoed and Will proDa
bis be brought 10 the hammer today.
OF Panama, with capital OF s250ooo The charter has
10 be bank Of discount circulation and deposit The
charter WIZ EXPIRE ~ eghs years roroht
era native gentlemen from the State OF Cauca They
have come Panama for the purpose OF inviting foreign
capital and enterprise to AID them In developing the
ported immense wealth OF gold mining district In the
State OF Cauca. These gentlemen, who are Coombians
represent company which has already been formed and
well known IN Panama as persons OF veracly ana re-
spectabty They state that gold Is In great abundance
easily obtained the deposits exceeding In richness
anything that has yet been discovered In this Republic
he locality is about nine days journey by water
rom the foot Of Buenevertura near the head
waters OF the San Juan River and Is at con-
siderable elevation above the level OF the sea- having
uniformly mild temperature The surrounding country
il very fertile aud provisions OF all kinds arc cheap and
abundant.
The Hon. Caleb Cushing arrived at Aspnwal in the
Steamer Conway last evening direct from Bogota. He
paid vist 10 President CorreOso In the evening In this
bur have received private advices from the Capital that
hc been successful III his mission but that much VIII
depend the action OF the Congress OF the United
States carry the negotiations to successful issue. lie
returns 20 the United States to-day the Henry Chaun
cey Tho interest felt here by all classes In the pro-
posed sthmus Canal considerable and nearly all
aNOu.y desire to this great work accomplished.
native OF this city who has been trading with Indians Of
Dare for great many years has Informed me that n
route exists, known TO but two persons excepting the
Indians who nhab the country, which he claims is by
far tile shortest most level and best adapted for canal
ndia very frequently the sthmus from to
foot IN Fix hours No elevations or any conse-
Qucnee exist the route and the harbors of
both iermni capacOus and well protected IL this
information should correct IL would greatly reduce
the OF tho enterprise IL remains for Government TO
ascertain the truth Of the matter by series OF extensive
| aud accurate surveys.
have Just learned that Mr.. Cushing has arranged
the Government for charter 10 build the proposed
canal.