294 STEAM NAVIGATION ON THE 



ject with care and the attention it deserves^ can 

 possibly doubt. The reports of the British 

 consuls and of British subjects residing on the 

 shores of the Pacific^ sufficiently attest the vast 

 importance of the object^ as well as the perfect 

 facility with which it may be accomplished. 

 Can it then be doubted, that the British nation 

 and government will be eager to participate with 

 individuals in zeal for its promotion, and in the 

 honour of its success ? 



The motives already urged in support of the 

 proposition, are doubtless sufficient to sustain 

 its importance; but, in rendering the aid re- 

 quired for its establishment, its relation to other 

 interests must also be considered, as well as its 

 influence on the more remote sections of the 

 British empire. 



The island of Jamaica,* placed in a geogra- 

 phical position, which, by means of the pro- 

 posed arrangements, will make her the keystone 

 of the Pacific, will be enabled to resume her 

 formerly lucrative trade with those countries, 

 and become a depot of supplies, her drooping 

 commerce will receive a new impulse, and her 

 prosperity be greatly promoted. 



* In illustration of these observations, vide map 

 annexed, for the purpose of giving the intended routes 

 and distances for steam-boats, and the relative position of 

 countries. 



