The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1904-06-25
NAVIGATION OF oRINoco,
Development Of the Basin Offers Fa-
ciities for Vast Trade with
the United States.

I have been reliably informed that
the British government is now being
urged to give national protection To a
British company which proposed TO run
river steamers, under a subsidy Of the
Colombian government. between Trini-
dad and Colombian ports, on the Meta
river. The situation Is this: The whole
eastern part Of Colombia is practically
without an outlet, except that afforded
by the rivers Meta and Orinoco. Until
lately this channel was used under per-
mission from Venezuela, which repub-
lie controls the lower waters of the
Orinoco. Trade then passed by steam
ers through Trinidad. Boliver (Vene-
zuela) and Orocue or Barrigon (Co-
lombia), and afterwards by pack mule
to Bogota Even under the most favor
able circumstance this trade was SO
hampered by transit dues, ETC., that il
never was very important However,
about three years ago that permission
was withdrawn, and navigation by the
Orinoco to and from Colombia was pro-
hibited by the Venezuelan government.
The vast and fertile districts thus shut
of from the world could undoubtedly
provide material for a very large trade,
and SO strongly does the Colombian
government feel in this regard that
they have been negotiating for an out
let by the Venezuelan circuitous route
OF the Amazon.
fc al n
part Of Colombia 10 find another route
to Bogota, as ii now depends for ex-
ternal trade upon the river Magdalena
and the port Of savanilla, but this route
is beset with dificulties Briefly, the
Magdalena Is very rapid. and landslips
are very frequent; the royal road be-
tween Honda and Facatativa, which
was for a long time the only route. Is
often completely closed by landsIips.
Numerous transfers are necessary on
this route, and the cost OF transit is
enormous and the possibilities Of delay
indefinite Attempts have been made to
facilitate matters BY opening another
way between Honda. the head Of navi-
cation on the Magdalena, and Bogota
via Jirardot, the difficulties Of which
may be realized By bare enumeration
Of the successive means Of transport
employed from the seahsard-rail.
river steamer. another steamer. rail.
mule. rail There is also a route from
the Pacific by Buenayentura, but that
Is commercially impossible.
From April TO November the Meta is
naviEable for vessels Of considerable
size 70 within 100 miles Of Bogota; and
the Orinoco, though here and there
ehallow. affords perfectly safe naviga-
tion This route, therefore. has its ad-
Fantages. although FOR its proper devel-
opment a railroad from the Meta to the /
capital would DE necessary. An Eng |
lish engineer. who has surveyed the |
route. says that the cordillera would have |
20 be crossed al a height OF II 900 feet |
(Bogota being 1900 feet above the seal.
However. be says. the read from the
foot OF the mountains to the Meta is very /
easy.
II Is quite obvious that IN the develop I
ment Of the basin Of the Orinoco itself
and the facilities il offers for trade with |
the United States, there is vast business
70 be done. Unfortunately immigration
and the investment Of capital are pre-
vehted by want OF settled conditions and
the consequent risk to life and property.
However. ii Is to be hoped that this state
of things will not last long, and that,
with peace and security. capital and in
dustry viii find their way into that re-
sourcefUi region and the Orinoco be-
come one Of the great highways of the
worlds commerce.