, 1892-11-12

III pl0IR0u lOCOuSIuSI 6NlSllilR 1uleTestSs anu Is
not likely to make party chsfges. Whatever
ia done in the direction of free trade will in
all likelihood be done gradually and in such
directions ss to make the least possible dis
turbance in exciting relations.
"
The resumption of the Panama Canal works
must, we fear, be looked upon at best as a very
doubtful matter. From the Colon Telegram
Of the l4th Of October we learn that there was
a rumour of Nj. Manages arrival shortly in the
isthmus, but this is given under all reserve
1t was said that there was to be an exhaustive
debate on the subject in the Paris Chamber Of
Commerce on the 18th, and that some definite
news was therefore likely to be received
shortly. As nearly a month has now elapsed
and the cable has brought us no news on the
subject, it is not likely that the debate ~
question led to anything Of sufficient impor-
lance to be announced.
The Telegram also informs us that the 10Th
was observed as a public holiday and that the
city was decorated with flags. as also the yes
sells in the harbour, among which was the
United States gunboat Concord, fpom which
a salute Of p guns was fired. In the eve
ming there were several entertainments Of q
private nature.
The same paper announces the death in
Bogota of Mr.. S. L. Isaacs, senior partner of
the firm Of S. l.. Isaacs and ASch, Of Colon.
Mr.. Isaacs was in his 74th year and had re-
sided on the isthmus for over forty years.
lie went there between the years 1916 and
1850, at the same time of the Californian gold
'ever, aud it was he who built the first house
in Colon. He had gone to Bogota on business
connected with his firm. In spite Of the bad
reputation of the isthmus in regard to its
health conditions, We see that it is possible for
a man to live there and retain his vigouI to a
good old age.
IA agriculture is not onIythr backbone,
but almost the entire skeleton of the indus
try of this island, everybody interested in it's
prosperity must have read with pleasure the
Governments proposal for establishing a la
b~oratory for the special purpose Of giving
attention to agriculture from it's scientific
side. We may all freely admit that the prac-
teal side of agriculture g by a long way its
largest side, and may gratefully acknowledge
that we may have many men here on the is
land who are not quacks when they profess to
know q good deal about this side of the subject.
but who really are some Of course more than
others, we'll acquainted with it. On the other
hand We are we'll aware that modern aRricul-
ture has profted immensely by the labour Of
scientific theorists, who, bringing new views of
tile nature OF the son and the plant life to
bear upon it, have transformed it, in the hands
Of practical men who have adopted the theo-
ries from a rough art depending solely on ex-
perience. into an advanced art leaning on the
one hand on the accumulated experience of the
past and on the other on the extensive and
ever increasing scientific knowledge Of the
present. If we make the effort to see our
selves as others see us we shall find that the
West Indies are only now working up to the
necessity of following on in tine track of this
great reform III agricultural methods which
has long been in progress in the more for
ward countries of the world. Let us rejoice.
however, that the waking up has come even
though it be rather late, and that we now see
the necessity Of stepping out lest we should
disappear altogether from the view Of those
ahead IF us. Santa Cruz has already made
some progress, we may say considerable pro-
gress, in the manufacture of her produce. and a
little progress in agriculture. In the latter
department. there remains, however, much to
be done, the Government has contributed
by it's recent action a very important factor
to the means Of doing it. AS the colony is
poor, there is at the same time cause for con-
graduation that it has been found possible. BY
experimenting the advantages we already
possess by one missing link, to contribute this
important factor in the colony's progress at so
small a cost to the public treasury.