The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-20
Coal tho Isthmus of Pauamn-An Im
pOrtant Discovery.

pOrtant Discovery.
In another part of the paper we give a
description of the bituminous coal mines that
have been discovered on the Isthmus of
Panama. Accompanying il are certificates
from most reliable men who have tested its
quality, and they pronounce it very superior,
better indeed than our Cumberland coal. If
these mines are as stated and if the coal is as
described the value Of the discovery is iues-
Unable. 1t has always been asserted hereto
fore by the best authorities that good coal
does not exist in countries of volcanic forma-
ton; and, although there was report some
time ago to the contrary, still it was not
believed, and the rumor was thought to be got
up for speculative purposes. The present dis
covery appears to give the lie to all past
theories, and we trust that it may prove equal
to the most sanguine expectations. The value
of these mines to commerce will be very great.
When we consider the number of steam vessels
that concentrate at Aspinwall and Panama,
and know that every pound Of coal they use
is imported from England or the United States.
it is easy to see that the saving of expense will
be enormous. Another fortunate circumstance
is the proximity Of the mines to the seaports
and the unusual facilities for transporting the
coal to where it is required for use. They
are located almost on the banks Of streams
that never have less than three feet of water
hence fatboats can be loaded from schutes,
and in few hours they can be placed along
side the ship or steamer for which the coal is
intended. In regard to working them We
think it must prove q comparatively easy
matter. Native labor can probably be OBJ
tanned and, from the nature OF the mines, the
coal cropping out of the surface, IL will be
some time before very expensive mining ma
chinery will be required.
There is another view that must be taken Of
the great importance of the discovery. The
Darien Ship Canal will doubtless be con-
structed every obstacle that now presents
itself will be overcome, and, when completed,
it will form the great highway of commerce.
the track that will be followed in passing from
east to west, from the Atlantic to the Pacific
ocean. And now the value Of the new mines
shows forth in stronger colors. Let us take
the Suez Canal that is completed, and that is
now forming the great channel of communica-
ton between the ports of Europe and the Con-
tinent and India and China The steamers
passing through it cannot carry coal for
the entire voyage; they are obliged to renew
their supply en- route generally at Alden. All
the coal they thus receive on board is brought
from England, around the Cape of Good Hope,
at great cost, for there is no means of
obtaining il nearer. Let the Darien Canal
once be completed and the new mines of coal
be thoroughly developed, so that supply
equal to all demands can be furnished at u
moderate cost, and the chances are that
great proportion, If not all, Of the commerce
that now passes through the Suez Canal will
be directed to that of Darien. The low price
at which this coal can be furnished will render
our route by far the most economical, and as
the cheapest method of getting to place, pro-
vided it is equal in every other respect is
always the one chosen, the American canal,
when once completed, will soon become the
most popular We have now an additional
incentive TO push the great Darien Canal to
completion; for If there is no mistake in the
report and statements we have given to the
public, we shall thereby be enabled to change
the current Of commerce, aud bring to Ameri-
can shores the trade that now benefits others
than Americans. Coal on the Isthmus Of
Panama is as valuable as gold, and let us
make the most of it.
L