The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1904-09-04
BY Frederic j. Haskin.

ONE of the most feasible projects
in connection with the construc-.
ton Of the Panama canal, is the
proposal to utilize Costa Rica, the lit
tie Central American republic which
borders the isthmus as a sort Of
sanitarium annex. The atmosphere Of
its high plateaus is dry. pure and in
migrating, and the temperature re-
mains about the same throughout the
year. On account of the malarial con-
ditions which prevail in the canal
zone. il is necessary to have an easy
accessible post of regeneration in the
vicinity. Fortunately, the climate OF
the elevated regions of Costa Rica is
particularly suited TO people suffering
from TIE diseases of the lowlands or
those who have become debilitated
from any cause. There are no mos
uuitOs. house flies, or other annoying
insects. and pure water can be had IN
abundance.
A Land Favored by Nature.
one of the most desirable vicinities
IS known as the Plateau Of Carriage.
The early Spaniards called it pa
raise" which means paradise. There
are a number of hot springs in the
vicinity that are famous for the re-
puted healing qualities OF tEeir wa
tiers. An English sanitary expert pro-
nounced this locality as being intended
by nature for one OF the great sani-
tariums OF the world. II was fire.
quented by the French during their
operations i'm Panama, and there has
been an extensive correspondence be
tween Admiral Walker, president or
the canal commission, and the Costa
Eican authorities, relative to its be-
ing used by our government.
The time by steamer from Colon,
Panama. to Port Limon, Costa Rica,
IS about eight hours. Trains connect
with the slips at the piers. and Car
tago is about sixty miles inland. The
limit of time necessary in making the
Journey ought not 10 exceed ten or
twelve hours. 1t is a region Of grand
scenery and one that offers many won
deTs Of an ancient civilization. When
this fact is thoroughly understood by
American officials and employees who
will come 10 Panama in the service OF
the canal commission. as well as tour
fists across the isthmus. they viii en-
brace the opportunity of visiting
costa Rica, botis for pleasure and for
health.
Will Profit by the Canal.
This little country will profit in
more ways than one on account Of its
Of the French company, steamers con-
stantly piled between Limon and
Colon. conducting an extensive traffic
fn vans. yuccaS. potatoes, casSaVa,
plantains. and other food stuffs re
quired by the West Indian negroes and
others of the types employed on the
canal.
Most cordial relations exist between
costa Rica and the new republic of
Panama. Friendly messag es We're ex-
changed between the two republics on
the occasion of the Inauguration OF
wireless communication connecting
Port I.inion With BocaS del Doro.
These two stations are thu first OF the
new system in Central America and
i'm fact. in all Latin America. The
wireless system will soon be extended
along the Atlantic coast of Central
America and the West Indies.
While there is a primitive race
among them. the Costa Eicans are
not like other Central Americans.
The civilized portion OF the population
IS very distinct, there being little NIX
ture Of Indian or negro blood. The
houses are like all tie houses OF
tropical America. They are built or
adobe or brick or native stone, gem
orally one story high, close to the
street in front, with a patio in a hol-
low square which is the living room
or the famiG- The iron bars are to be
seen in all the windows The floors
are OF brick or tile or stone. The Gus
toms and manners Of the people are
similar 10 others of their lineage. The
native women retain their simple dress
Of bright COlOrs with the Spanish man
tIlla draped over their head and shout
ders.
Great Varieties of Life.
Life is teeIning and abundant IN.
Svery form. Naturalists assert that