The New York herald., 1876-01-20
PROPOSED EXPLORATION IN VENEZUELA.

To TEE HoSoRABLE THE HOUSE, OF. REPRESENTATIVES,
&c -
The undersigned, long q resident and citizen Of the
United States but a native OF the Republic Of vene-
zuea represents that although most Of the countries
Of Central and South America have been visited at
various times by scientific commissions Of the United
States with view TO studying their natural and COM
mercial capabilities, Venezuela, the nearest 10
our shores and perhaps the richest OF all in natural
aud agricultural products, remains comparatively un-
known to US To suchan extent is this the case that
the geographical divisions OF the country such as
Laguayra, Puerto Cabello and Bolivar, are popnlary
confounded with Laguna Ia port in Central America,
Porto Beo ln Colombal and the Republic oil BOLIVIA
the Pacific Coast Nevertheless, venezuela ships 10
TINS country, through her ports named ABOVE, anu
that of MaTacaibo, In coffee, hides, &C, more than
double the OF exports 70 her. as is conclu
Eivey shown by the last report OF the Bureau OF Stalls
tics The enterprise energy and capital Of mer
chants already brought to light and are develop
ing the extraordinarily rich gold region oil venezuelan
Guiana on the OrinocO This Is the region OF the
famous II Dorado which the indomitabe Sir Walter
Raleigh sought annex by force 10 the Crown OF Eng
land more than 200 years agoan effort which eventu
ally him his life. Yet this long forgotten aud ro
mantle field OF adventure with the vast territory en-
composing IT, would have remained perfect terra an
cOGnitd but for the few North Americans who have
brought II into notice within half dozen years
But much remains TO be accomplished yet, both
in mining and commercial enterprises, Tor this is
country watered by the great river 0rinoco second
only in importance TO the mighty Amazon, whose
numerous tributaries have their rise principally on the
Andes Of Colombia and Venezuela. IL is, therefore,
with the view OF exploring this region, as well ms the
mountain coast range of Venezuela bordering on the
Caribbean Sea, as far as the Lake OF Maracaoo that
the undersigned respectfully socits the CO.
operation OF the government OF the United states
This undertaking fraught with vast advantages TO the
trade and industry Of this country For this purpose
government steamer OF light draugh and competent
commission OF scientific specialists detailed on
this service would be amply sufficient The govern
ment OF Venezuela being al present in the hands OF
energetic and enlightened ruler the undersigned
feels certain that the commission would meet with all
the assistance the country AFFORD, thus lessenng
the expenses OF the expedition and adding greatly TO
the stock Of information to be acquired Dy it. The
threatening attitude assumed by Holland against that
country consequence Of the closing OF the ports OF
Coro and Mhracabo and the illicit trade carried on
through them by the Dutch island of Curacao, would
be another important for the despatch OF the
proposed expedition to those waters in furtherance OF
American interests in that quarter, while on the ORR
already statedthe large possessions acquired
by citizens Of the United States in mining lands and
other property equally demand the governments ios
tering Very respectfully, yours,
NEW YORK, Jan l, 1870 RAMON PAEA
We the undersigned, having known the petitioner,
Don Ramon PaeZ for many years cheeriuly certify to
his intimate knowledge oil the people, language and
productions OF his native country and his ATTITUDE TO
conduct the exploration thereof proposed by him
PETER COOPER
CYRUS W. FIELD.
JAMES GORDON BENNETT.
ROYAL PHELPS.
MORRIS RETCHCM.
L. L. MoLINEUX
NORRIS. h. JESUP.
r. A. WHlTTHAUS.
C. 7. RAYN0LDS h Co.
WILSON G. HUNT.
ALEXANDER l. C0THEAL,
Consul General OF Nicaragua
JUAN N. NAVARRO.
Mexican Consul General
JOSE CARLOS TRACY,
Consul Of Peru.