The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-01-26


In an unknown and barren country generally sug.
gests; but, speaking from some experience. I can
assure the reader that this attempt 20 penetrate
the Jungle In the vicinity OF the Napip VIII not be
unattended by hard work aud privatlon. Ouco
| the Canandaigua leaves the Gulf OF Darlen, ths
party VIII be virtually cut on from civilization
until her return. IL is their intention TO employ
the services OF few Indians, who exc out poor
existence on the banks or the Napipi and who ara
thoroughly familiar with all the trails leading to
the Pacific. Having completed the survey as far
as Chiri-Chri Bay the party viii descend tho
Napipi and Atrato rivers IN canoes and rejoin the
Canandalgua, which. Will convey them to thls
place prior TO their departure for the
United States. Whatever may be said
OF the result OF the undertaking, GER
tain IL IS that Commander selirdge's route
could not have been entrusted TO more willing or
more accomplished hands for nnal solution This
In BRIEF is the situation thus lar. need scarcely
say that the residents of both Panama and Aspin.
well are quite delighted over ne prospect OF the
government survey OF the route. which they con-
tend mas no rival IN point OF distance and indeed
in regard TO every other feature necessary for the
construction OF an interoceanic canal. To-day
Commander Lull and Mr.. Menocal VIII make
preliminary examination OF the line in the vicn-
ity or the railroad track, but the actual survey
viii not commence before Tuesday next. Mean
while the instruments are being put In good order,
and, as the dry season has set in, everything
augurs well for the success OF the expedition.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
The trip down from New York to this benighted
spot, which some philosophers assert was the last
made at the creation OF the world. was not destt
tute Of those incidents with wrich similar voyages
are generally so replete There was, Of course,
the usual amount OF sea sickness, which never
which, indeed, generally gives rise to feeling Of
qualification to the unaffected, inasmuch as bots.
ferrous passengers are thereby restrained from
making matters uncomfortable. Reaction, how.
ever, Is sure to follow, and the larder OF tho
steamship company'is bound to suffer. With
great many the temporary loss OF appetite seemed
to be an exceedingly sore point, and the patienr
medical onlcer attached to tue vessel had
his hands full in preparing many passen.
gers to appreciate the incessant ringing
OF the gong for meals. But matters soon arrived
at that stage where the steward declared that
to summon the voyagers by means Of the musical
instrument referred TO was work OF supereroga-
ton. Speaking about the trip am reminded OF
what appeared TO be general feeling OF surprise,
to use no harsher word among those on board, at
the very absurd policy or the company In compel
ling the commanders OF these vessels to prolOng
the voyage to nine days. when they can readily
accomplish 1t in less than seven. According to
the regulations the company's ships cannot arrive
at their destination before the morning of the
ninth day, result being that both the Acapulco
and Colon are Obliged to slow down repeatedly ON
the way. The object doubtless 10 to save coal bus
the admiral commanding the Pacific Mall navy
ought TO remember that no purpose Ia served bv
foolish economy for the trine the company
might gain III the consumption OF coal 10 loses in
the maintenance OF the passengers. The cadet
system by the way, lately introduced into tho
line does not seem to work as smoothly as many
had reason to expect. For instance, the batch
sent out ON the Toxic, route to China and
Japan, did not think that pcSiIg potatoes was
part OF a navigator's duty, and So when the YES.
sci touched ut Aspnwall, they applied to be re.
lieved from their seafaring troubles, and Captain
Maury, believing that he could ind his way through
the Straits Of Magellan without their ald, allowed
them TO anchor here, uniforms and OIL. They 70.
turn to New York by the steamer Colon.
Its generally understood that this will be Com.
modore Grays last trip, and that on hts arrival In
New York with the Acapulco he VIII be assigned
to important shore duty by the company. This
veteran officer has already won sufficient honors
at sea, and, 1t Is said that, in rec.
oguition OF his long and faithful services AZ
commander, he will be transferred to position
where his experience. ability and judgment will
be brought into active requisirlon ashore to the
same advantage As they have been exercised
anoat. Commodore Gray one OF the most pOpu-
lar men in his profession, and mis- retirement from
sea duty will doubtless cause regret among his
numerous friends.
SUDDEN DEATH or A NAVAL OFFICER.
Master Thomas q. Spencer Of the United States
Navy, attached TO the steamer Fortune, died very
suddenly here on the 18Th inst from apoplexy.
The deceased was recently stationed at Panama
, of pvof Nor of uvdr
graphic Office and was assigned to duty here to
make astronomical observations. He entered tho
navy in 1856, and distinguished himself BY several
heroic acts, among others the rascuing, on one or
two occasions, Of brother 0flicers from drowning.
He was highly esteemed by the residents here
and his sudden demise caused general regret. He
was buried at Monkey Hill with naval honOrs.