NOT A COMMERCIAL COUNTRY. 



105 



industrious mankind is ever marching. Nor can we doubt that 

 unless Mexico learns wisdom from the past, and, abandoning the 

 paltry political strife which has hitherto crushed her industrial 

 energy, follows in the footsteps of modern civilization, her fate will 

 be sure and speedy. The attention of the world is now riveted 

 upon this region as the natural mistress of the Atlantic and Pacific. 

 If Mexico covers the eastern and western slopes of her Cordillera 

 with an intelligent, progressive and peaceful population, invited 

 from abroad to amalgamate with her own races under the opera- 

 tion of permanent laws and wholesome government, the change 

 may be slow and her power may be preserved. But if she will 

 persist in the mad career of folly which has characterized her since 

 her independence, she will not be able to resist the gradual and 

 inevitable encroachments from the north, from Europe, and from 

 the new establishments which are rapidly growing up on the Isth- 

 mus of Panama. These new foundations, based on the incalculable 

 wealth of California will be fostered by means hitherto undreamed 

 of in the wildest commerce of the world, and unless Mexico shall 

 avail herself of their salutary monitions they will finally absorb both 

 her people and her nationality. 



RAILWAY FROM VERA CRUZ TO THE CITY OF MEXICO. 



Note. — In relation to the various modes of transit across the Isthmus of Panama 

 or Tehuantepec, we do not deem it advisable to offer any speculations, at present, 

 (April, 1850.) When reconnoissances of both routes have been completed and pub- 

 lished, under the sanction of able and disinterested engineers, the world, which is 

 so largely concerned in this subject, will be better able to decide as to their relative 

 advantages. Both routes may ultimately be required, when the augmented com- 

 merce of the west coast of North and South America and the East Indies demands a 

 speedy access to those regions. In the meantime, however, I subjoin the following 

 extract from a report made by an officer of our army, during the war with Mexico, 

 whilst our forces were still occupying the capital, in March, 1848. It apparently 

 demonstrates at least the practicability of a railway from Vera Cruz to the valley: 



" Of the different routes proposed, the one following the ridge which separates 

 the towns or the two rivers of Tomepa and Obatejua, passing near or through the 

 towns or villages of Acanisica, St. Bartolome, St. Martin, Nopalpica, and Hascala, 

 is not only the shortest and most level, but offers the fewest difficulties to overcome. 

 This route does not offer the slightest obstruction, with the exception of crossing 

 the river San Juan, till you reach the Boca del Monte, seventeen leagues from Vera 

 Cruz ; thence pursuing its course along the sides of the same almost continuous 

 ridge, with an ascent of not more than one upon fifty, till you reach the deep Bar- 

 ranca of Chichiquila, twenty-three leagues from Vera Cruz ; the road is thence 

 across the Barranca, on embankments and stone Avails, the materials for this pur- 

 pose being plentiful and on the ground; the ten leagues from the Barranca of Chi- 

 chiquila to the highest point of elevation, form the most difficult and costly section 

 of the road. It must, however, be here taken into consideration, that at this very 

 point of the road there are found in the immediate vicinity twelve Indian vil- 

 lages, capable of furnishing a large number of efficient workmen, who would be 

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