12 
the testimony of high authority. It has been seen that the 
work proposed, far from exceeding the ordinary means of 
attainment, falls considerably short of such as are the object 
of daily enterprise, so much so indeed, that it is not even 
beyond the reach of individual exertion. The outlay of a 
comparatively insignificant sum would be sufficient to meet 
the first expenses and establish in the Isthmus a temporary 
line of transit. The produce of the country would subse¬ 
quently furnish the necessary means, to complete the work 
in a few years. 
Bat this ’would entail a delay to which it is more than pro¬ 
bable there will be no necessity to submit. Works, which 
though of great magnitude are of undoubted and acknow¬ 
ledged public utility, fail only to be undertaken whilst there 
exists a doubt of their practicability; the latter once esta¬ 
blished the execution must follow, sooner or later, in the 
natural and infallible order of things. The opening of the 
Isthmus of Tehuantepec is in the number of such under¬ 
takings ; the question, therefore, is not whether the work can 
and will be accomplished, but who shall undertake it; and 
under these circumstances, it should be borne in mind that 
the nation whose subjects shall have more immediately con¬ 
tributed to the accomplishment of this great work will natu¬ 
rally acquire in the Isthmus the largest share of its advantages. 
It is, therefore, with a view to incite our countrymen to 
the undertaking of so great and important an enterprize that 
the present account of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is now 
placed before them, in the firm conviction that the statements 
therein contained merit every confidence, and which, when 
more generally known, will be fully appreciated, and receive 
the patronage of an enlightened and discerning Public. 
