REVENUE AND INCOME. 
Even a cursory glance at the results of the survey of the 
Isthmus of Tehuantepec, will satisfy the most skeptical that 
the project of constructing a railroad or transit route to connect 
the two oceans, is not only eminently feasible, but practicable, 
at an outlay much smaller than the magnitude of the enterprise 
might suggest. This point being placed beyond doubt or con- 
jecture, the question naturally follows, What would be the in- 
come from the Tehuantepec Eailroad, and from what sources 
would that income be derived ? This is a most important in- 
quiry : for unless there was a probability of its paying a divi- 
dend commensurate with the cost of construction, repairs, and 
keeping it in travelling order, no capitalist would be disposed 
to invest his means in the enterprise. That such a probability 
exists, nay, that the income to be derived from the undertaking 
would certainly be such as to amply warrant the necessary sub- 
scription of stock (separate and apart from considerations of a 
national and patriotic character), there is hardly room for a 
doubt. The sources from whence this income would be gath- 
ered are twofold, viz., the through and the way traffic ; which 
latter, though apparently insignificant, would be found more 
important than might be imagined. 
If we look at the map of the American continent, it will 
be seen that the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is the most favor- 
able point at which an inter-oceanic communication can be 
established, whether we consider it in reference to the United 
States alone, or to the American, European, and Asiatic coun- 
tries. From Europe or the United States to the Pacific it is 
the shortest route of any, either now in operation, or that is at 
