New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-07-03
TIE TEHUANTEPEC SURVEY.

To the EdftOr Of The Tribune.
SIR: Allow me to correct statement in your
editorial Of June 81 The surveys made on the Isthmus
OF Tchuantcpec by the ship Canal Expedition, COM
mandod by Capt. r. W. shufcdt have been entirely
original The only exploration of the Isthmus worth
mentioning. as having IN view special reference to
canal was made by the Italian engineer, Sig Moro He
advocated the junction Of the Otuta and Chicapa Rivers
for supplying the summit level with water. This project
is impossible since the Ostua Is lower than the Chcapa
the ridge which separates them is not far from 5000 feet
high; and II these rivers at suitable nights, the
proposed feeder would require long tunnel and 20 or
"a miles OF very deep cutting
Sig. Moro. though n very eminent man, whose honesty
and ability have often admired through his works mis-
took the valley Of a mountain brook for that OF the
Chicapa River.
1t is true that Moro inspected the River Corte at Santa
Maria; but he abandoned further investigations, owing
10 the unfavorabe reports Of Capt RObles who de-
ceved by Indian narrative and who not passing further
than the town of Santa Maria mperecty surveyed the
River Corte as he drifted "a a raft and in unprOptous
weather.
The only other instance on record OF a similar study
for the utilization Of the C0rte for summit supply. Is
that of Col Orbegoza and Dr. Diego Ortiz who in 1924
explored the Ishmus, for the promotion OF Colonial
tion and the development Of Agriculture" The scheme
Of summit supply from the Corte was thought mprac-
ticabe account OF "insuperable difficulties" which
were neither studied nor exposed
In the report of the explorations from which quote,
il was admitted by its author that the explorations
"rapid defective" and "paced under unfayorable cir
cumstances" since they in want OF many neces
sary things"
The only other scheme for a summit supply, which APP
peared all feasible. proposed by the Chief Engi
neer OF the Tehuantepec r. Co.. in his report OF Sept
TO- 1870 without mentioning the Corte for supplying the
divide His route contemplating the collection OF water
from small streams, was found by us mpracticable.
During more than six weeks handful of determined
men from our expedition braved many hardships and
dangers passing through difficult country, and suffer
ing greatly on account Of the systematic opposition
offered by the Chimaapa Indians These men discovered
spot never before visited by human being; found the
long expected and only possible solution OF this i'm
portant undertaking. and have thus demonstrated the
practicabDity Of q ship canal across the Isthmus OF
Tehuantepec.
offer you this proof of the originality OF their survey
because It is Justice due TO their courage that one
should snatch away from them the glory of their
success which they have conquered with intelligence
and at the risk of their health and lives.
do not wish 10 be understood thinking lightly OF
the efforts Of the previous explorers OF this lshmus.
We have found an nrdluae help In the works associated
with the names OF Barnard, Murphy, Williams, and
others whose surveys were circuserlDed 10 falways
With regard 10 other points contained IN the editorial
referred 10, will simply say that no estimate whatever
has made 20 the cost OF The canal and thht our
data cannot furnish 10 this important cues
ton except by comparison, sort Of rational guessing.
Also that no estimate has been made as yet with regard
cause the determination of s hight was the Last
work performed ON the Isthmus; The elevation OF
The shape OF tine prOnle which are now being prepared
II is however safe say locks will be required
90 descend 20 the Pacific ana lesser IunDci 10 reach
'"' A'''''''' al A. FurREs. L, T.,
ClnefEngnoer Tehuantepec and Nicaragua Expedition
IsgdguaTfeys JehaaHtCDec and Nicaragua Ship Canal
EIVedit.Oa. stamford. COAlly Jule ", $50.