PANAMA. 



2l7 



that state should refuse to promote an object 

 which combines the advantage of the Isthmus 

 with the general interests of trade throughout 

 the world. It must reflect the highest honour 

 and credit upon any maritime state, if, by 

 the aid of resources which New Granada 

 has not at its command, advantage could be 

 taken of the extraordinary and favourable geo- 

 graphical position of the isthmus for establish- 

 ing a great and easy highway for the commercial 

 activity of nations. 



If Mr. Wheelwright should be able to ac- 

 complish the plan which he is about to lay 

 before the public, for the introduction of steam 

 navigation in the Pacific, along a line of coast 

 abounding at various points with coal and wood, 

 it will become evident, that in combination with 

 that object, canals and railroads, for the transit 

 of merchandise from one ocean to the other, 

 must produce an incalculable saving in time 

 and distance. 



VOL. II. L 



