23 
CHAP. II. 
The Isthmus of Tehuantepec had been decreed to be opened by the 
Spanish Cortes.—Proposals of Don Jose de Garay to the Mexican 
Government:—terms of the Grants made to him.-—Scientific Com¬ 
mission of Survey appointed by Don Jose de Garay .—-Departure 
of the Commission from Mexico.—Confidence due to the Reports 
of the Commission. 
The Spanish Cortes, having in view all that had been written 
upon this subject, and the various reports presented by persons 
charged with the surveys of the principal points suggested 
for the communication, by a decree of the 30th April 1814, 
authorised the opening of a canal across the isthmus of Tehuan¬ 
tepec in preference to those of Nicaragua and Panama. 
Since the declaration of the Independence of Mexico, no 
doubt from the distraction of political contests engrossing all 
other thoughts, the Government has been unable, until very 
lately, to turn its attention to the realization of this grand 
enterprize. 
However, in the year 1842, propositions were submitted to 
the Mexican Government by Don Joseph de Garay for the 
opening of a communication over this Isthmus. (Appendix 
No. I.) 
These propositions were declared to be accepted, by a decree 
of the first of March of the same year, and on the following 
day an edict was published, proclaiming that on such commu¬ 
nication being effected, the transit should be open to all nations 
not at war with Mexico. 
This decree concedes to Mr. Garay the exclusive privilege 
of executing the work; and as a remuneration grants him the 
establishment of the means of transport, with the right of tolls 
