ISTHMUS OF PANAMA.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 22, 1 November 1845, Page 3

ISTHMUS OF PANAMA.

[Fiom the Jamaica Despatch.] We noticed the depaiture from this island, some lime ago, of Captain Liot, General Super- • intendentofthe Ro\al Mail Steam Packet Company and Mr. M'Geachy, Crown Surveyor of Jamaica, for the Isthmus of Panama to make a reconnoisance of that tract of countiy, with a view of opening a communication between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We are now happy to announce {he return of those gentlemen to this city, after spending nearly two months in the exploration of the isthmus ; and it affords us much, satisfaction to be able to state that their repovt is of a nature highly favourable to the attainment of the great end contemplated. We learn that the most available parts of the istlnnus have been visited by these gentlemen, and crossed and rccrossed in four different directions, and that the governors, heads of depaitments, merchants, antl and inhabitants generally, have received them in a manner which leaves no doubt of the great and universal interest attached to the completion of this noble enterprise, by the people of New Grenada. Amass of information the most authentic has been obtained on the spot fiom observation, and from parlies who very readily aflbided it. The most valuable and kind assistance was rendered by W. Perry, Esq., her Britannic Majesty's talented, hospitable, and deservedly popular Consul at Panama, who, to his own large fund of information upon this important subject, has added that of others, which he has spared neither time, trouble, nor expense to obtain; from Mr. Lewis, a highly intelligent merchant of Panama, and tvj enty )ears resident in that country, mnoh information and assistance have also been received. An easy communication, once opened ■across the Isthmus of Panama, we are of opinion that gi eat advantages would acci ue to Jamaica, as from its geographical position it must inevitably become the key of the isthmus, and would share largely in the advantages derivable from any European trade vt ith the Pacific, the merchants and residents of which line of coast are, we believe, generally anxious to pi omote the establishment of a convenient means of transit from sea to sea — appreciating donbtless, in its widest extent, the benefits likely to result therefrom, as well to themselves as to every one interested in that part of the world, in China, Australia, New Zealand, and the many groups of islands in the Paciliic Ocean, regarding which latter, and the rapidly increasing civilization of their inhabitants, much, interesting information w as afforded by Mr, Consul Pritchard, at Panama, on his way to the Navigatois' Islands. We understand that Captain liot and Mr. M'Geachy are more favoui able to aMacadimised carriage-road than to a canal oriailway aeioss the Isthmus, and that it is their opinion the lime is not jet arrived when such costly undertakings as the latter could be entered upon by a company with a hope of making them lenumerative. We are disposed to concur in the soundness of this opinion, wishing at the same time every success to an enterprise of so much promise; and fiom what we know and learn of the gentlemen engaged in it, we believe we shall not hope in vain. Mr. M'Geachy we all know ; and fiom what we learn of the ability, zeal and untiling exertions of Captain Liot, as well in the superintendence of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company's intetest as in the prosecution of this enterprise, we have every confidence in its being brought to a speedy and successful issue. We shall conclude this notice, then, with the expression >of an earnest hope, that when the proper moment ariives, the inhabitants of Jamaica will not be backward in lending their support to an undertaking fiom which they' may reasonably expect this island, and the West ludies generally, to reap the greatest benefit.