Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1870-05-13
SHIP CANALS ACROSS AMERICA.

Projects for interoceanic ship canals
multiply, or, perhaps it might be
more proper to say that after having
enjoyed slumber for long periods Of
time, they are once more awake and
lively. During the last fifty years
men have been talking about the feast
bility of opening communication be-
tween tho Atlantic and Pacific oceans
by short cuts across the continent.
The tedious voyage around Cape Horn
is Objectionable to the progressive
spirit of the age, and as nature has
kindly allowed the sea to invade the
land to such an extent that on certain
portions of the continent the distance
from ocean to ocean is small, the intel
ligent mind has frequently wondered
whether water communications might
not be carried through them. There
are five portions of the Western Henri
sphere which have been spoken OF as
points at which water communication
might be established if it were possible
to establish it anywhere. They are
the routes by T%ehuantepec, Darien,
Panama, Nicaragua, and by the Atrato
route from the lower part Of the Gulf
of Darien to Humboldt Bay on the
Pacific coast Of New Granada. The
merits of each have been frequently
discussed, and the difficulties been con-
sidered. While it has been admitted
that the natural obstacles along some
of the routes were immense, there
have been others which it was asserted
could be- made available at compare
lively little expense. After the terri
BILE sufferings of Lieutenant Strain in
crossing the Isthmus Of Darien, enough
was supposed to be ascertained to ren-
der it almost certain that nature for
babe the carrying of a great artificial
channel through that territory; but
lately the project has been revived with
such effect that the United States Gov
eminent has sent out NJ expedition to
make surveys Of the lsthmus of Darien,
so that it may be definitely established
what can and what cannot be done.
The authorization given to this plan
Ia, aroused the parties interested in
other routes. In the United States
Senate Mr.. Fsnton has just brought
forward a resolution authorizing a sur
vey under Government engineers of
the Isthmus Of T~ehuantepec in order
to discover whether there is sufficient
water ut the summit Of the Isthmus
for q ship canal, and If so surveys
shall be continued for a canal across
the Isthmus. 1t is to be hoped that
this resolution will be passed. 1t will
cost the Government very little to
have accurate scientific surveys Of all
routes between the Pacific and the
Atlantic which g to be naturally
advisable. A full survey of the Mica
ragua route will also be judicious. In
regard to the merits Of tee Atrato
route through Colombia, we believe
there is no question. 1t has already
been ascertained what can be done in
that part of the continent. This chan
mel of communication would give us a
short cut to south America, and would
be useful even if a ship canal be car
ried through Tehuantcpcc to Nicara-
qua. The country should possess full
knowledge of the natural features and
and availability Of all parts of this
country suitable rs water routes be-
tween Eastern and Western oceans. 1t
is one Of the necessities of the times
that such a canal should be built, and
the consummation is certainly. one of
the probabilities Of the future. Let
us forward these great works by every
means in our power.