EEVENUE AND INCOME. 
131 
* To which must be added the exports from Great Britain which are sent in 
exchange for the above productions. The imports and exports of the Dutch 
East Indies and the French East Indies should also be considered, as also the 
exports and imports of the United States." 
The same writer, while arguing the necessity of overcoming 
by art the natural advantages which are within the reach of 
the United States for constructing such a communication as is 
here proposed, and while urging the feasibility of building a 
railroad through the British American Possessions to the Pa- 
cific, says in reference to the Isthmus route : 
" Through her geographical position the United States can more readily avail 
herself of the benefits to be derived from this course than any other nation. 
Her fleets would steam in one unbroken line through the Gulf of Mexico ; her 
naval power would overawe our settlements upon the northwest coasts ; and 
her influence extend itself throughout all our Indian possessions. The Mar- 
quesas Islands, in case the project be carried into effect, lying directly in the 
route of the navigation to India, would at a step advance into one of the most 
important maritime ports in the world, whilst the Society Islands, also in the 
possession of France, would enhance immensely in their value ; more than all, 
returning back, the vessels of all Europe would ere long procure their tropical 
productions from the newly awakened islands in the Pacific Ocean : in just the 
degree that their value would increase, the West India possessions would de- 
preciate. * * * The p*ower and advantages of Saint Helena, Mauritius, 
Capetown, and the Falkland Islands, commanding the passage round Cape 
Horn, would be transferred to New Orleans and other cities of the United 
States bordering upon the Gulf of Mexico." 
In the construction of the Tehuantepec railroad these conclu- 
sions are irresistible. " National predilection cannot prevent 
freights from taking the course which is speediest and cheapest. 
The whole of the East India carrying trade must therefore speed- 
ily fall into our hands." The proof will be found by comparing 
the routes from England to China, via Panama, Suez, and Te- 
huantepec. 
Liverpool to Canton via Panama 15,624 miles = 50 days. 
" via Suez* =54 * 
" " via Tehuantepec 13,425 " =40 " 
* Length of passage from Southampton to the undermentioned ports, including 
all stoppages : 
To Gibraltar 5 days. To Ceylon 42 days. 
To Malta 11 " To Madras 45 " 
To Alexandria 16 " To Calcutta 48 " 
To Constantinople 16 " To Hong Kong 54 " 
To Bombay 36 " 
