392 



humboldt's cuba. 



tal, occur in all countries- It cannot be doubted 

 that in political organizations, as in physical, the 

 general welfare depends upon the uniform distribu- 

 tion of the partial life ; ' but we must distinguish 

 between the preeminence which flows from the 

 natural course of things, and that which results from 

 the policy and acts of the government. 



Discussions have often arisen at Trinidad, as to 

 which of the two ports is the best ; and perhaps it 

 would be better if the municipal council should 

 endeavor to improve either one of them with the 

 small amount of means at its command. The dis- 

 tance of the city from Casilda, and from the mouth 

 of the Guaurabo, is very nearly the same, but the 

 cost of transportation of goods is greatest to the 

 former. 1 The mouth of the Guaurabo, defended by 

 a newly erected battery, has a safe anchorage, but it 

 is not so well sheltered as that of Casilda. 



Vessels of light draught can ascend the river to 

 within a mile of the city. The mail packets to Costa 

 Firme generally prefer the Guaurabo, as they can 

 enter it safely without a pilot. 



The port of Casilda is more enclosed by the land, 

 but cannot be entered without a local pilot, because 



1 A railroad now runs from the city to Casilda, which has been 

 much improved. 



