I UNITED STATES AND MEXICAN MAIL STEAMSHIP LINE, AND STATISTICS OF MEXICO. BY CARLOS BUTTERFIELD, December, 18 59. NEW YORK: J. A. H. HASBROUCK & CO., PRINTERS, 174 Sf 176 Pearl Street. 1860. / Entered according to Act of Congress, in the yrar 1859; by CARLOS BUTTERFIELD, in the Clerk : Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of N ew York. PREFACE. ONE year ago the Subscriber issued a Pamphlet, the object of which was to bring before the Congress of the United States, certain facts having a direct bearing upon his proposed line of Mail Steamers from New Orleans or Mobile to Mexican ports in the Gulf of Mexico, and in support of his application to the Government of the United States for such reasonable compensation, in view of the mail service to be performed, as would justify him in establishing said line of Mail Steamers. Since the period referred to, important changes in Mexico, and im portant changes in our relations with that country have taken place. The Mexican question is rapidly becoming the leading question in our national politics, and in again bringing the subject of the proposed line of United States and Mexican Mail Steamships before the Congress of the United States, the subscriber has been induced to issue a pub lication having the same end in view as his previous pamphlet, and which, in addition, will give to the public, such general information and facts as will be likely to lead to a better understanding as to the importance of inaugurating a new commercial system or policy, not only with Mexico but with all the Spanish American countries. The particular enterprise herein proposed, is considered the first and most important step on the part of private individuals, towards acquiring those vast commercial advantages with Mexico, which only await our action in the premises. CARLOS BUTTEEFIELD. CONTENTS. Pago PREFACE,. ^ General Remarks, 7 Preliminary Arrangements by General Gadsden, Liberality of Mexican Government, 9 Delay in Postal Arrangements, 9 Postal Contract concluded with Mexico, 6th December, 1857, _?_, Terms of the Contracts, 10 Mexico to pay $120,000 per Annum, 10 Table showing the route of the proposed Steamers and the Ports at which they are to touch, H Proposed dates of departure of the Steamers, time of their voyages, &c 11 Kind of Steamers required for this service, 12 Peculiarities of the route, -- 12 Degree of benefits to be enjoyed by the United States, 13 Subject brought before 35th Congress, 13 Reception of the propositions by Congress, 14 Cause of the failure of an appropriation in 35th Congress, 14 Present position of our commerce with Mexico, and necessity for steam com munication, 15 Commercial transactions between Mexico and the United States, 16 Do. do. do. do. and Great Britain, 16 Our exports to Mexico for the year ending September 3, 1858, 16 Commercial exchanges between Mexico and United States in 1835, 16 Total value of the Imports and Exports of Mexico at the present time, 17 England monopolizes the trade of Mexico, 17 England has acquired these advantages through her sagacious policy of sup porting lines of Steamers, 18 Table of the commerce of Vera Cruz, 17 Effects of Steam communication upon the commerce of Great Britain, 18 Table showing the value of British manufactures, &c., exported to the United States, from 1800 to 1856, 20 Result of Steam communication between Great Britain and United States, 21 Annual gain to Great Britain since the introduction of steam, 22 Cost of Steam Mail Lines, 23 Total trade of Great Britain with North and South America, 23 Increase of commerce universal when Steam communication is introduced, 24 English Steam communication to the west coast of Africa, exports, &c 25 British exports to China, Egypt and India before and after the subsidy of Steam Mail Lines, 25 Policy of the United States with reference to Mexico and other Spanish Ameri can countries, 26 Who controls the commerce of Mexico, and why, 27 Protection of the English Government to its commerce with Mexico, 28 Shipments of Silver from Mexico, 29 Q CONTENTS. P*tx. Distances from Vera Cruz to N. Y. and to England by the various routes, 30 Eii ect to be produced by the silver of Mexico, 31 Commerce of the Spanish A merican countries on this continent, 33 Table showing the population, area, and average density of population to the square mile of the principal countries of this continent, 33 Table showing the foreign commerce of the principal countries on this conti nent, &c., &c., 35 Per capita imports of Mexico, Cuba, &<?. 37 Table showing the commerce of the principal countries on this continent with the United States, for the year ending June 30th, 1858, 38 Entire absence of steam communication between the United States and the Spanish American countries, 40 Report of Post Office committee, House of Rep., on the subject of S. S. lines to the W. Indies and Brazil, 44 Elaborateness of the English Steam Packet system to Spanish America, 45 Ramifications of the English Steamers, 47 English steamers run to over 60 different Spanish American ports, 48 Increase of our Trade with Cuba since steam communication 50 Basis for an increase of Trade with Mexico 51 Trade of Mexico in cotton goods might be controlled by New England, 53 Letter from our consul at Tampico, 55 Importance of the trade of Tampico and Vera Cruz, 56 Capacity of Mexico to sustain a large foreign commerce, 58 Interior commerce of Mexico, 62 Value of real estate, 63 Manufactures, - 63 Mineral productions, 63 Agriculture, 64 Views of business men in reference to communication with Mexico, 67 General effect upon trade in the United States of the full opening of Mexico to our commerce, 69 The United States can establish a large entrepot trade with Mexico, 71 Table of goods, the produce of the United States, imported into Mexico from the United States in the year 1857, 72 Table of produce of Foreign countries imported into Mexico from U. S. in 1857 . . 73 Table of goods imported into the United States from Mexico in 1857, 74 Desire of Mexico for increased communication with the United States 76 Reasons why the United States government should support the proposed line, . . 77 Remarks of senator Ward of Texas, 79 Remarks of senator Fitzpatrick of Alabama, 81 Remarks of senator Shields of Minnesota, 83 Remarks of senator Wilson of Massachusetts, _ 86 Remarks of senator Benjamin of Louisiana, 87 Contest between Senate and House, and loss of Appropriation bill, 89 Report of Post Office committee at last session, 90 Letter of Postmaster-General, 94 Memorial of the merchants of Vera Cruz 98 Letter from the United States consul at Tampico 102 Memorial of the merchants of Tampico 105 Letter from consul at Minatitlan, 107 Conclusion, .109 UNITED STATES AND MEXICAN MAIL STEAM SHIP LINE. 1. FROM a long residence in the Republic of Mexico, and an intimate acquaintance with its commercial and other resources, the undersigned has for many years been deeply impressed with the importance of opening direct and regular communication by steam, between the United States and the several Mexican ports em braced within the circuit of the Gulf of Mexico. To this end, he early conceived the idea of the estab lishment of a regular weekly line of Steam Ships from New Orleans or Mobile to the several Mexican ports of the Gulf, making the entire circuit thereof, for the pur pose of mail service. Impelled^solelV by his convictions of the great public \ y . . . ~ r~ needof this-service, as forming the basis of most im portant developments in the commerce between the two countries, the undersigned first brought the subject to 8 the consideration of the two Governments as an enter prise which should be carried out by Government action alone ; but finding such course would not be consistent with the policy of the two countries, he was then in duced, from his sense of the importance of the proposed line of communication, to undertake its establishment as a private enterprise, relying upon a cordial support from the two Governments in the way of reasonable compen sation for the transportation of mails. 2. The vast influence which the establishment of full and regular steam communication would have in divert ing the trade of Mexico to the United States, and in largely stimulating commercial intercourse between the two countries, at once secured for the proposed enter prise the favorable consideration of General Gadsden, then Minister of the United States near the Government of Mexico, and under his warm approbation, the under signed entered upon his preliminary arrangements for the establishment of the line, and submitted to the Mexi can Government the conditions of a contract for the mail service, subject to the terms of a postal convention which General Gadsden succeeded in adjusting for signature. The Mexican Government, fully appreciating the ad vantages which would also accrue to Mexico from the proposed increase of facilities for intercourse with the United States, and aware of the difficulties and draw backs which those who undertook the establishment of such service would have to encounter in the first years of the enterprise, before the spirit of trade could be fully aroused in Mexico, and before commerce could become fully developed along the proposed line of communica- tion, where as yet so little activity existed, came forward with a liberality deserving of most honorable mention, and received the propositions of the undersigned in a spirit evincing not only a cordial appreciation of the enterprise, and a willingness to unite in sustaining it, but also a sincere desire to foster and encourage, by every means in its power, more intimate commercial relations with the United States. Owing, however, to the death of the Minister of Foreign Relations, Don Louis de la Rosa, which oc curred at this time, and to whose department the busi ness appertained, these proposals lay over, and were for the time being withdrawn. 3. Subsequently, another contract, with similar con ditions to the former, was presented by the undersigned, and was accepted by the Mexican Government, subject to the ratification of a postal convention, which Mr. Forsyth,with equal zeal for the interests of his country, had again succeeded in negotiating. This postal arrangement, however, not having been acted upon by the United States, the desire of the Mexi can Government to secure the establishment of the pro posed international enterprise was, for the time being, frustrated. 4. In nowise discouraged by these unforseen results, the undersigned again renewed his propositions to the Mexican Government, and finally arranged, on the 6th December, 1857, a new and untrammeled contract for the exclusive carriage of the mails around the circuit of the Gulf of Mexico, and to and from the United States ports of New Orleans or Mobile. 2 10 Bj the terms of this contract, the undersigned under takes to place in service a line of steamers, for the punc tual performance of four round voyages per month, between the port of New Orleans or Mobile, and the other ports of the Mexican Gulf described in said con tract, for the transportation of mails, passengers and freight: one half of the number of said steamers to be navigated under the Mexican flag, as national vessels, enjoying all the privileges of such nationality ; the other half to be navigated under the flag of the United States. For the service to be rendered by these steamers, the Mexican Government, on its part, stipulates to pay annually the sum of $120,000, the contract to continue for ten years ; and the service to commence within one year from date of contract. This time has subsequently been extended to the year 1361. The following table will elucidate more particularly the service to be performed. See also the various maps hereto attached. 11 Table showing the route of the Steamers of the United States and Mexican Mail Steam Ship Line, and the vari ous ports in the Gulf of Mexico at which they are to touch 9 as also the distances between the said ports. WINDWARD ROUTE. Steamers of the 1st and 16th of each month. Distances in miles from port to port. Totals from New Orleans or Mobile. From New Orleans or M obile to Galveston 420 " Galveston to Matagorda 135 u Matagorda to Brazos de Santiago 195 " Brazos de Santiago to Tampico 240 " Tampico to Vera Cruz " Vera Cruz to Coatzacoalcos 120 " Coatzacoalcos to Tabasco 130 " Tabasco to Laguna 48 " Laguna to Campeche .... .... HO " Campeche to Sisal 100 " Sisal to New Orleans or Mobile 580 Total 2298 LEEWARD ROUTE Steamers of the 8th and 24th of each month From New Orleans or Mobile to Sisal 580 " Sisal to Campeche 100 " Campeche to Laguna 110 " Laguna to Tabasco 48 " Tabasco to Coatzacoalcos 130 " Coatzacoalcos to Vera Cruz 120 " Vera Cruz to Tampico 220 " Tampico to Brazos de Santiago 240 " Brazos (!e Santiago to Matagorda .............. 195 " Matagorda to Galveston 135 " Galveston to New Orleans or Mobile 420 Total.. .. 2298 420 555 750 990 1210 1330 1460 1508 1618 1718 2298 580 680 790 838 968 1088 1308 1548 1743 1878 2298 It is proposed that the steamers of the line shall leave the port of New Orleans, or Mobile,on the 1st, 8th, 16th and 24th of each month, and make the round voyage, touching at all the above enumerated ports, and back, in the space of twelve days ; including detention at the dif ferent places at which they touch. These voyages, it is designed, shall be alternated, that is to say : the steamers 12 of the 1st and 16th of the month will take the windward route, touching first at Galveston, and pursuing the voy age by way of Matagorda, Brazos de Santiago, Tampico, Vera Cruz, Coatzacoalcos, Tabasco, Laguna, Campeche > and Sisal : while those of the 8th and 24th will take the leeward route, touching first at Sisal, and pursuing the voyage by way of Campeche, Laguna, Tabasco, Coatza coalcos, Vera Cruz, Tampico, Brazos de Santiago, Ma tagorda and Galveston each steamer on her return meeting the outward bound steamer on the opposite track. By this alternation of route two voyages will be made each way, or four round voyages every month. 6. For the service proposed as above, swift and stanch steamers of light draught are required, and must be built with special qualifications for the peculiar and difficult navigation of the Gulf. The emergencies of the mail service also require a much higher rate of speed than would be justified by a purely commercial and passenger business ; and it is evident that to maintain the voyages of the line within the limited time allowed for the round trip, and with the regularity laid down in the preceding schedule, the en terprise must, at least in its earlier years, depend in a great measure for its support upon the aid which may be accorded to it by the Governments of the two countries, whose revenues are to be benefited by the increased fa cilities afforded to their mutual commerce. The route is a peculiar one, and attended with great risk and expense of maintenance, and should receive more than usual support, if only on account of the im- 13 portant postal facilities which it will supply, where now communication is either altogether impossible, or is un- frequent, difficult and irregular. 7. The Mexican Government has strongly proved its appreciation of the value of the enterprise undertaken by the undersigned, by the liberal concession which it has made toward the establishment and support of the line. But in making this concession, the Mexican Government had every reason to suppose, and still believes, that, as the enterprise is one of an international character, and in view of the entire absence of mail or passenger facilities over the route traversed, of great public necessity, as well as one in which the public advantage is far more apparent than the opportunity for private gain, the Gov ernment of the United States would, on its part, also come forward and manifest a proportionally liberal dis position towards its support and encouragement. The United States, it is evident, will enjoy a greater degree of benefit than Mexico from the line, on account of their greater population and wealth, and as they will unquestionably always maintain a balance of trade largely in their favor, they will consequently receive a propor tionally larger increase of revenue, and are thus even more directly interested than Mexico in securing its prompt and effective establishment. The undersigned there fore, in pursuance of his desire to secure the joint support and encouragement of the Governments of the two countries, brought the subject of his proposed line of Mail Steamers in the Gulf of Mexico, to the consideration of the last Congress, (35th Congress, 2d session.) and asked that such aid be granted 14 to him on the part of the Goverment of the United States, bj means of compensation for mail service, as would justify him in at once proceeding to the effective estab lishment of the line. 8. The Mexican Government counted truly on the progressive spirit and liberal and friendly disposition of the United States. The propositions of the undersigned were received by Congress, and by the public at large, with a degree of favor that could only have been elicited by an enterprise that was felt to be greatly needed, and that was in a direction where our commerce had hitherto been too much neglected. This was manifested by the able letter of the Postmaster-General to the Post Office Committee of the Senate, upon the subject of the pro posed line, by the favorable report of that Committee, and by the almost unanimous vote of the Senate in its support. Public sentiment also, as expressed generally in the press, and in the remarks of leading Senators and Representatives, of all parties, was in the most decided manner in favor of the project. In fine, both the conces sions of the Mexican Government and the project itself have universally drawn forth the most unmistakable evidences of approval in the United States, and the manifestation of a desire to meet the spirited advances of Mexico upon the basis of a liberal reciprocity. 9. The contest between the two Houses on the appro priation bills, however, at the termination of the last session, caused the plans of the undersigned to be again delayed and forced him to postpone for still another year the consummation of the enterprise to which he has so long and so assiduously been devoted. 15 That consummation he trusts is only delayed; the establishment of the line now only awaits the favorable action of Congress. The undersigned is fully prepared to carry out his important undertaking upon the sole responsibility of himself and associates, whenever he can obtain assurances of that support from the Govern ment of the United States (in addition to that already granted by the Government of Mexico) which is due not only to the nature of the service to be performed, the peculiar value of the new channel of communication to be opened, and the increased revenue which will be derived from the large and important trade which will be built up, but which is also absolutely necessary to secure the establishment of the line ; for without this additional support the enterprise cannot justly or wisely be entered upon by private individuals. That support and encouragement he doubts not will be accorded by the enlightened Representatives who compose the present Congress. PRESENT POSITION OF OUR COMMERCE WITH MEXICO, AND NECES SITY FOR STEAM COMMUNICATION. 10. In considering the commercial and political advan tages that will accrue to the United States from the establishment of the proposed line of Mail Steamers to Mexico, it will not be out of place to call attention to some facts connected with the present condition of our commerce with that country ; and also to give some data illustrating the effect which increased facilities of Steam Communication have had upon the commerce of 16 other countries, and consequently must have upon that between the United States and Mexico, if applied thereto. These statements will have the more value from the fact, that the question of our relations with Mexico is now rapidly becoming one of absorbing and important interest before the public mind. 11. The entire commercial transactions between Mexi co and the United States notwithstanding our extraor dinary advantages of geographical position, and the extent of our varied manufactures adapted to that mar ket do not now reach, according to the most recent data, the sum of $9,000,000 per annum, while those between Mexico and Great Britain amount to over $33,000.000 per annum, including almost the entire specie shipments from the various Mexican ports. Our exports to Mexico for the year ending September 30th, 1858, were but $3,315,825. In 1835, the commercial exchanges between Mexico and the United States were upwards of $20,000,000. Since that period our trade with Mexico has constantly declined, while that of England has advanced. This is owing to the support and encouragement which has been given by the government of Great Britain to its trade with Mexico, and to the apathy which, on the other hand, we, as a government and as a people, have for many years maintained with reference to all that concerns the encouragement and development of our trade with the Spanish American countries, to which we are naturally, and should be also commercially, so closely allied, but to which we are as yet practically almost perfect strangers. 17 Had this commerce been properly encouraged it is not an overestimate to say that the commercial exchanges of the United States with Mexico would to-day exceed in amount the entire commerce which that country now maintains with all countries combined. 12. The total annual value of foreign imports into the Republic of Mexico at the present date, amounts to abjut $26,000,000, and the exports to about $28,000,000, making a total foreign interchange of imports and ex ports of say $54,000,000 per annum. This commerce is distributed nearly as follows : Exchanges with England, . . $33,400,000 " u United States, . (1858) 8,700,000 " " France, . . 5,500,000 " " Germany, . . . 2,000,000 u " Spain, . . . 1,200,000 " Belgium, . . . 400,000 " " Sardinia, . . 100,000 " " Guatemala, Ecuador, New j Granada. Venezuela and > 500,000 Chili, . . ) " " Island of Cuba, . . 1,200,000 " " India and China, . 1,000,000 Total, . . $54,000,000 From this statement it will be seen that England mo nopolizes over half of the entire foreign commerce of Mexico, and that her proportion of this commerce is nearly four times as large as our own. And yet to se cure this trade, England has to pass by our very doors, in fact almost within our own territory. Besides this direct trade, England, in receiving as she does nearly all the silver which is exported by Mexico, in payment for her importations, not only from Erg 1 and 3 18 but also from other countries, has the additional ad vantage of securing a profitable exchange business, and the exclusive freight upon this vast amount of treasure. 13. These advantages England has acquired through her sagacious and liberal policy, in supporting regular and safe lines of steamers to Mexico, ly which her merchants have frequent and regular communication with that country, and a convenient and always reliable means of receiving their returns in the precious metals. The importance of this fact cannot be overestimated. It aifords at once a key to the whole secret why our trade with Mexico and with all the Spanish American countries with which we have not Steam Communica tion, (and the only exception is Cuba) has declined and become almost lost, while England s trade has largely advanced, and she is every day more completely and entirely taking their commerce away from us. EFFECT OF STEAM COMMUNICATION UPON THE COMMERCE OF GREAT BRITAIN. 14. The vast increase of late years of England s trade over our own, not only with Mexico and Spanish Ameri ca, but with other countries, can be traced solely to the facilities which she has afforded to her commerce with those countries by establishing regular lines of Mail Steamers supported by Government subsidy, and which facilities we on the contrary have failed to supply. The truth of this position will be fully demonstrated by the statements which follow. 19 The policy which has proved so advantageous to Eng land in securing the commerce of Mexico, has been pur sued by her with reference to her trade with Brazil. A line of Mail Steamers was subsidized and commenced running to Brazil, in 1851. The immediate and powerful effect was manifested in an increase of British exports to that country of about one million sterling, ($5,000,000) the first year, and in five years the entire trade, imports and exports of England with Brazil, increased two hun dred and twenty-five per cent. Up to 1857, a period of seven years since the estab lishment of Steam Mail lines to Brazil, the annual ex ports of British products to that country have more than doubled, while during the seven years previous, without Steam Commerce, the increase was only five per cent., not five per cent, annually, but five per cent, for the whole period of seven years preceding the introduction of Steam Communication.* 15. Brazil and Mexico are not isolated instances in this regard ; the same rule holds good with reference to the establishment of steam communication between Great Britain and other countries. Take, for instance, the increase of exports from Great Britain to the United States, consequent upon steam communication, as shown by the following statement : * For this, and other valuable statements which follow, with reference to the effect of steam communication upon the commerce of Great Britain, acknowledgment is made to a most interesting and able work, recently published by Pliny Miles, Efq . upon the " Advantages of Steam Communication between Europe and America." The reductions from sterling are made at $5.00. to the . Statement showing the value of British manufactures and products exported to the United States every tenth year from 1800 to 1840, and every third year since 1841. BEFORE STEAM COMMERCE. SINCE STEAM COMMERCE. 1800 $29,570,975 1844 $39,690,395 1810 29,299,940 1847 54,870,805 1820 26,699,270 1850 74,459,805 1830 20,103,735 1853 118,292,135 1840 29,348,190 1856 109,590,525 The Cunard Steamers were subsidized and com menced the mail service in 1840. The exports of British products to the United States, it will be seen, underwent no perceptible increase from the year 1800 to 1840, although the population of the United States during that period increased from five to seventeen mil lions, and the general trade and business of the country in like proportion. But since the introduction of Steam Communication, mark the results. While for forty years there had been no perceptible increase in this trade, yet in 16 years of Steam Communication, British exports to the United States rise from less than 30 millions per annum to upwards of 120 millions per annum, or four fold. These figures, it will be noticed, give the exports of British products and manufactures alone, not of the entire trade. 16. Again, since 1850, Steam Communication between the United States and Great Britain has increased over 21 100 per cent Take, then, the average exports for seven years before that date, and seven years thereafter. Statement showing the average annual exports of British products and manufactures to the United States for two periods of seven years each, before and after 1850 : PERIOD. ANNUAL VALUE. PERIOD. ANNUAL VALUE. From 1844 to 1850. $49,509,595 From 1850 to 1857. $96,013,305 Steam Communication between Great Britain and the United States since 1850 has doubled; and what is the result? That British exports to the United States for the same period have also nearly doubled ! No one can possibly misunderstand the lesson con veyed by these facts. Steam Communication has in 16 years more than quadrupled the exports of British prod ucts to the United States, while in the preceding 40 years they had remained about stationary, or absolutely declined ; and by doubling these facilities the exports have doubled. 17. The following statement gives a fair view of the increased sale of British products and manufactures in the different countries of North and South America, as produced by and largely dependent upon her Ocean Steam Mail service. 22 Statement showing the exports of British and Irish goods only (not foreign products) from Great Britain to the several countries named, in 1842, and also in 1856 ; two periods with 14 years intervening, during which time, almost the entire Ocean Moil service of Great Britain has been created : Countries. Exports of British Products 1842. Exports of British Products 1856. Annual gain in 14 years. British North America ..... $11,667,625 $20,501,885 $8,834.260 United States ... 17,644,035 109,590,526 91,946,490 Total North America .... 29,311,660 130,092.410 100,780,750 West Indies and Central America . South America 18,564,140 21,806,875 20,959,710 39,583,225 8,39^,570 17,776,350 Total W. Indies, Central & S. Am. 40,371,015 29,311,660 66,542,935 130,092,4H 26,171,920 K.0,780,750 Total North and South America.. 69,682,675 196,635,345 126,952,670 These results are certainly very satisfactory to Eng land. They show, that on account of the Steam facilities which have been introduced through the aid of Govern ment subsidy, the annual sale of British products in British North America and the United States, has in creased, between 1842 and 1856, from $29,311,660 to $130,092,410, a net annual gain of more than $100,000,- 000 ; and that the West India and Spanish American trade, though not giving so large a result, is equally sat isfactory in proportion to the facilities that have been afforded, having increased in the same period from $40,371,015 to $66,542,935, a net annual gain of over $25,000,000. COST OF STEAM MAIL LINES. 18. But notwithstanding the large subsidies paid by Great Britain for mail service, the cost of supporting such Lines, it will be found, forms but a trifling charge upon the commerce she gains thereby, and is really an almost nominal percentage upon her total trade. Statement showing the total commerce of Great Britain with the different countries of North and South America ; the gain consequent upon the establishment of Mail Steam Ship Lines, as before stated; and the cost of postal service thereto : Countries. Total Commerce 1856. Annual Gain in 14 years. Cost of Postal Service. Amount of Postage Received. Net expense of Postal Service. British North America United States $56,164,155 295,792,015 $8,834,260 91,946,490 $468,850 432,100 $189,625 414,690 $279,2-25 17,410 Total 351,956,170 100,780,750 900,950 604315 296,635 West Indies and Central America 78,984,895 84 4 1 7 900 8,395,570 17 776 350 1,236,750 275 000 267,840 184 l? 10 968,910 90 790 Total W. Indies, Central & S. Am. 163,397,795 351 956 170 25,171,920 100 780 750 1,511,750 452,050 604 315 1,05,700 296 635 Total North and South America.. 515,353,965 126,952,670 2.412,700 1,056,365 1,356,335 The exact expenditure, as shown by the foregoing statement, is about one-quarter of one per cent, (represented by the decimal .26), on the entire amount of commerce. The cost for British North America is .5, or one-half of one per cent. ; for the United States, one-twelfth of one per cent. ; West Indies, Mexico and Central America i.23, or one and one-quarter of one per cent. ; for South America, one-tenth of one per cent. ; for the West Indies, Mexico, Central and South America, combined, .05, or two-thirds of one per cent. ; and, as stated, for all America, one-fourth of one per cent. 24 This, assuredly, is not an exorbitant expenditure upon the amount of commerce transacted. If a merchant should invest annually in advertising, the sum of $1,350,000, and get a trade of $515,000,000, it would not appear to be an unprofitable outlay. At this rate, $200,000 expendedin mail service to Mexi co would bring a mutual trade of $80,000,000 per annum. Upon the gain in exports alone, this expense is also merely trifling : for this enormous increase of over $125,000,000 per annum, we find, is secured by a gross government outlay, in the support of Mail Lines, of less than two per cent, upon the increased export per annum of national products. And it is also shown that upwards of one-half of this amount is returned to the government in postage. Surely, there can be no further doubt as to the advisa bility of expenditures of this character on the part of government. INCREASE OF COMMERCE UNIVERSAL WHERE STEAM MAIL COMMUNI CATION IS INTRODUCED. 19. The same rule of increased commerce, consequent upon increased facilities of communication, it will be found, holds good with reference to British trade in other directions than America. England has extended the same wise and far-sighted policy to her trade with Africa and to China, India and Egypt ; the results that have there followed the estab lishment of Steam Communication have been equally positive and important. 25 Mail Communication from England to the West Coast of Africa commenced at the close of 1852. The result is shown by the following statement : Exports of British manufactures and products to the West Coast of Africa and Canary Islands, for two periods of four years each, before and after the introduction of Steam Communication : BEFORE STEAM COMMUNICATION. AFTER 8TEAM COMMUNICATION. 1849 $3,348,260 1853 $5.045,200 1850 3,505,915 1854 5,204,620 1851 3 522,000 1855 6,473,780 1852 2,866,830 1856 5,517,915 Thus showing a clear annual gain of over 75 per cent, in the export of British products. To China, India and Egypt, the gain is even more extraordinary. Statement showing the exports of British products to China, Egypt and India, for two periods, before and after the introduction of Subsidized Steam Mail Lines. Mail Communication commenced in 1845. Exports British products, 1842. Exports British products, 1856. Annual gain in 14 years. Cost of Postal service. China . Egypt . India Total $4,846,905 1,105,015 25,849,440 31,801,360 $11,080,615 7,938,410 52,730,950 $6,233,710 6,833,395 26,881,510 71,749,975 39,948,615 $920,570 26 The annual increase of British exports to these coun tries since the establishment of Steam Communication to them, it is seen, is $39,948,615; and this gain is se cured at what c.ost ? simply by a mail subsidy of but $920,570 per annum, or less than two and one-half of one per cent, on the annual increase of exports. No one will contend that Lines of Steamers would have been established to these countries without govern ment aid ; nor can any one, after seeing these results, fail to admit, that the outlay required for the establishment and maintenance of such lines is a most profitable ex penditure, tending perhaps more than any other one cause, to increase the revenues of the government, en large the commerce of the country, and add to its gene ral prosperity and welfare. POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES WITH REFERENCE TO MEXICO AND OTHER SPANISH AMERICAN COUNTRIES. 20. Can further examples be necessary to show what N should be the policy of the United States with reference to her long neglected trade with the Spanish- American countries adjoining us, and what means are necessary for us to again secure and to increase that trade ? The trade of the Spanish- American countries on this continent of right belongs to the United States. Nature has given to us a monopoly of their commerce unless we choose to reject it, and prefer to be sup planted by others. These countries possess greater natural resources (<y than any others on the face of the globe ; their aggregate 27 population is already larger than that of the United States ; they produce sufficiently to at once furnish a large and valuable export trade in return for our commodities ; and, from their geographical position, the United States can furnish every article required by their wants, cheaper than it can be furnished from any other country facili ties of communication alone are wanting. WHO CONTROLS THE COMMERCE OF MEXICO, AND WHY. 21. In particular, is the absence of these facilities notic- able with reference to Mexico. Mexico is the most important of the Spanish- American Republics, and is the one with which our commerce should be the most extensive, and of whose trade we should, from our natural position, enjoy almost a mono poly. But what are the facts ? The total foreign commerce of Mexico, imports and exports, as stated by Dn. Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, the present enlightened Minister of Treasury, in his reliable Statistics of Mexico, is $54,000,000 per annum. Of this, importations from the United States formed, for the year ending September 30th, 1858, only $3,315,825, and exports to the United States $5,477,465, or a total trade of $8,793,290 less than one-sixth of the foreign trade of Mexico. At the same time we have seen that the imports from and exports to Great Britain, give her a total trade of $33,400,000, or over one-half of the entire foreign trade of Mexico. 28 Why is this ? Simply, because England has provided facilities for constant and direct Mail and Passenger Communication with Mexico, and regular and safe means of transport for the specie arid bullion returned in payment for the exportations thither made by her own merchants and those of other European countries ; and because, on the other hand, our own Government has failed altogether in providing or encouraging the establishment of mail facili ties between the United States and any part of Mexico, (there is not a single contract for mail service to Mexico now existing,) and has constantly overlooked or regarded with indifference the great necessity and importance of stimulating and encouraging our commerce in that direc tion. PROTECTION OF THE ENGLISH GOVERNMENT TO ITS COMMERCE WITH MEXICO. 22. The protection that the English Government has extended to its trade with Mexico has even gone so far that British vessels-of-war on the Pacific coast, as is now a notorious fact, are allowed to serve the interests of British merchants to the extent, not only of transport ing their remittances of specie, but also of aiding them in smuggling this treasure from the country in violation of the revenue laws of Mexico, and greatly to the detri ment of all American traders, who are thus subjected to the disadvantage, not only of much greater delay in making returns, but also of the entire percentage repre sented by the lawful export charges. In addition to this, our own Government has hitherto 29 looked quietly on, while British and European merchants in Mexico, through the aid and connivance of their re spective ministers, have also systematically taken ad vantage of the necessities of the different Governments there to obtain from them, under the guise .of payments in /anticipation of duties, special permits for the introduc tion of merchandise at a reduction of from 25 to 50 per cent, from the rate of duties established by the regular tariff of the country, to which, at the same time, Ameri can merchants of perhaps less capital, and all traders pursuing a strictly legitimate business, have been com pelled to adhere. Against such disadvantages as these, it has been diffi cult for the American merchants in Mexico to compete. But, by the extension of proper mail and specie trans port facilities, and a prompt protection by our Govern ment of the interests of American citizens engaged in trade with Mexico, this commerce, so rich and so impor tant, can again, and speedily, be restored to our possession and control, where it legitimately and naturally belongs, and where, for the future, it must permanently remain. SHIPMENTS OF SILVER FROM MEXICO. 23. The shipments of silver from Mexico, in coin and bullion, amount annually to upwards of $23,000,000. Of this large export, the shipments to the United States for the year ending June 30th, 185^, formed only $4,342,535. The entire balance, almost to a dollar, after being collected from every Mexican port along the entire Gulf 30 and Pacific coasts, by British men-of-war, and by British steamers, supported by Government subsidy, is shipped by the Royal West India Mail Line of Steamers, via St. Thomas, to England, where it forms a most impor tant part of .that great tide of the precious metals, by whose constant influx the commercial supremacy of Great Britain is supported and maintained. The returns of silver thus collected on the Pacific coast, and at the various ports within the circuit of the Gulf, it will be noticed, are forwarded to England not by the direct route, for that would be via the United States, touching at New York ; but by the circuit of the West India Islands to St. Thomas, where an exchange of steamers and reshipment take place, and thence to England. Should this trade be diverted via the United States,, by the shortest route, from New Orleans to New York, and thence by the shortest route to Europe, there would, undoubtedly, be a saving in distance of sufficient im portance to eventually draw the whole trade between Europe and the Mexican ports on the Gulf, from its present circuituous route to the shorter and more direct route, via the United States. The advantages of this direct route will more promi nently appear when we take into consideration the fact that at the present time the shipments destined for Europe, from most of the ports have to be carried in sailing vessels to Vera Cruz, and there reshipped ; while the establishment of the Gulf Line will obviate all that difficulty, as the steamers composing it are to touch at all the more important ports. 31 The difference in time, in favor of shipments via the United States, is still more worthy of attention. The present time of passage by the English steamers from Vera Cruz, touching and remaining a day to coal at Havana, and exchanging steamers with loss of another day, and sometimes more, at St. Thomas, to Southamp ton is twenty-seven days. Via New York, the time from Yera Cruz to England would be reduced to twenty days, a saving of seven days, or one-quarter in time. Rates of freight and insurance over the respective routes would probably be the same ; but should be less by way of the United States, for the route, via St. Thomas involves far greater risks of navigation, as well as loss of time, and greater distance. But the trade of Mexico, by the establishment of the proper facilities of communication with the United States, will become almost exclusively our own, and this vast tide of silver will assuredly find not only its entire trans port in American Steamers, but also its final destination in the United States. SIMILAR EFFECT TO BE PRODUCED BY THE SILVER OF MEXICO AS HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE GOLD OF CALIFORNIA. 24. The vast and regular export of silver by Mexico, in the increasing scarcity (in proportion) of that neces sary medium of exchange, forms a more important item in the commerce of the world than we in the United 32 States, who have allowed so rich a current to diverge from almost within our own borders, are accustomed to imagine ; and its retention within our own hands would do much toward placing the United States in a position to control the commercial exchanges of the world. The importance of this view is greatly enhanced, when it is taken into consideration that the production of silver in Mexico might easily reach and probably with in a few years will reach a larger sum than the present production of gold in California, and that the control of this entire amount can be secured to the United States. The effect upon the general trade and "commerce of the country of the regular and constant receipt of an amount of silver equal, and in addition, to that we now receive of gold, flowing into our commercial centres, and the great stimulus that would be given to our national prosperity, can hardly be imagined certainly cannot be overestimated. Such effects as have been produced by California upon our trade and prosperity, and upon that of the world, must again proceed from the developments which will soon take place in the commerce of the United States with Mexico. Hence, it is seen, how important are the bearings of the subject now under consideration, and how necessary it is, that such facilities as are required for the proper encour agement and development of this trade should be at once and fully supplied. 33 COMMERCE OF THE SPANISH AMERICAN COUNTRIES ON THIS CONTINENT. 25, The magnitude and importance of the trade of the Spanish American countries on this continent, and their capacity for the extension of that commerce, is far greater "than is generally understood. A comparative view of their extent, population and commerce, as con trasted with that of the United States and Canada, will not in this connection be altogether inappropriate, and cannot fail to prove interesting. * The extent, population and commerce of these coun tries, including Brazil ; the proportion of their commerce to their population, and the small share which the United States yet enjoys of their trade, will be found fully set forth in the following statements : 26. 1. Statement showing the population, area, and average density of population to the square mile of the principal countries on this Continent : Countries. Population. Area square miles. Density of Popu lation per square mile. t Mexico 8,283,088 30,500,000 2,571,437 1,449,462 2,497,154 971,450 394,000 358,000 257.000 215,000 2,363.054 1,361,386 1,108,042 2,106,492 2.326,126 1,558,319 1,459.355 177,300 600,000 7,677,800 766482 2,990,000 357,822 47,278 49,015 43,380 9,600 39,600 40,200 21,800 521,948 426,712 206,692 498,726 473,298 249,952 1,126.265 73,538 86,102 2,973,406 10.8 10.2 7.2 30.7 50.9 22.4 41.0 9.5 6.3 9.8 4.5 3.1 5.3 4.2 4.9 62 1.2 2.4 6.9 2.5 $ United States * Canada * Cuba * Other West Ir * Guatemala > * San Salvador * Honduras * Nicaragua * Costa Rica j * GranadianCon * Venezuela * Ecuador * Peru Bolivia * Chili * Argentine Rep * Uruguay * Paraguay * Brazil ulia Islands I :::"::::::: \i 6 federation rt a C : < ublic | a 09 NOTES, t From Garcia y Cuba s Statistical Maps, Ministry of Fomento, Mexico. t) From De Bow s Review, August, 1659. * From Journal of American Geographical and Statistical Society. 34 RECAPITULATION. COT7NTRIES. POPULATION. AREA. DENSITY. Mexico 8,283,088 766,482 10.8 Cuba 1,449,462 47,278 30.7 Other West, India Islands . . . Central America 2,497,154 2,195,450 49,015 154,580 50.9 14.2 South America 20,737,874 6,636,639 3.1 Total Spanish America . 35,163,028 7,653,994 4.5 30,500,000 2,990,000 10.2 2 571,437 357,822 7.2 From this statement it will be seen, that these Spanish American countries, to which we are geographically so closely allied, but to which we are as yet such perfect strangers, have a population nearly one-sixth greater than that of the United States, and a territorial area more than two and one-half times larger than our own; that of these countries Mexico, Cuba, other West India Islands, and Central America, exceed the United States in density of population ; that Mexico is the first of these countries in population, as she is the largest in extent, except Brazil ; and that as compared with Canada, with which we consider our trade so important, Mexico is in extent, as two and one-eighth to one, and in population as three and one-fifth to one. 35 27. 2. Statement showing the foreign commerce of the prin cipal countries on this continent, as compiled from the latest returns ; the average per capita for each country of imports and exports ; and the amount per capita of their total foreign commerce. Countries. Population i <0 Imports. | J Exports. M Total Foreign Com M p" 1 ^ ^5 < 3 merce. < ^ Mexico* . . . , 8,283,088 1856 $26.000,000 $3 14 $28,000,000 $3,38 $54,000,000 *r United States,.. .. 30,500,000 1858 2>2,613,150 9,26 324,644,421 10.64 607,257,571 19 90 Canada, . . * 2,571,437 1857 49,288,245 19.16 31,813 020 12,37 81,101,265 31 53 * Cuba 1,449,462 1858 39,560,299 27^29 46,792,055 32.28 86,352,354 59 57 Other W. I. Islands, 2,497,154 1856 41,813,26-2 16,74 37,18^.283 14,89 79,001,545 3! 3 Guatemala, ^ 971,450 1858 1,223,770 1.25 1.924,5ii9 1,98 3.148,279 3*83 San Salvador, 1 -3 g 394,000 1858 1,246,720 3,16 1,585.485 4.02 2,832,205 7 IS Honduras, J i: c 358,000 1855 937,289 2.61 745 901 2,08 1,683.190 4 (i.l Nicaragua, 1 g 257,000 1855 972,851 3.78 958,572 3,73 1.931.423 7 M Costa Rica, J *< 215,000 1858 1,267,367 5,89 1.351,779 6,28 2,619,166 12 17 Granadinn Ccmfe-\ deration, \ 2,363,054 1856 3,255,843 1,37 7,064,584 2,98 10,320,427 4,36 Venezuela, 1 ^ 1,361,386 1856 5.597,129 4,11 6,636,104 4,87 12.233,233 8.P.8 Ecuador, I .8 1,108,042 1856 2,626,706 2,37 2.723.141 2,45 5,349,847 4,82 Peru, 1 | 2,106,492 1853 9,087,894 4,31 16,880,377 8,01 25,968,271 12.32 Bolivia, 2,326,126 1853 1,359,585 ,58 1,422,716 61 2,782,301 1,19 Chili, 2 1,558,319 1857 19,804,041 12,70 20,126,461 12,91 39,930,502 25.6-2 Argentine Re- *; public, o 1,459,355 1855 11,394,000 7,80 15,260,986 10,45 26,654,986 18,26 Uruguay, 177,300 1856 4,586,317 25,86 10,303,853 58,11 14,890,170 83,98 Paraguay, 600,000 1856 610.865 1,01 1,006,059 1,67 1,616,924 2.08 Brazil, 7,677,800 1857 68,808,865 8,96 63,613,005 8,28 132,421,870 17,24 RECAPITULATION. Countries. Population. Imports. Av age per Capita. Exports. Av age per Capita. Total Foreign Commerce. Av age pet- Capita. Mexico 8 283.088 1,449.462 2,497,154 2,195,450 20,737,874 $25,000,000 39,560,299 41,813,262 5,648,017 127,131,245 $3 14 27 29 16 74 2 57 6 13 $28, 000,000 46.7P2.055 37,188,283 6,566.246 145,037.286 $3 38 32 28 14 81) 2 99 6 99 $54,000,000 86,352,354 7$ 001,545 12,214,2t3 272,168.531 $6 52 59 57 31 fi3 5 56 13 1 J Cuba . ... Other West India Islands Central America South America Total Spanish America United States Canada 35,163,028 30,500-,000 2,571,437 240,152,823 282,613,150 49,288,245 6 82 9 2 19 16 263,583,870 324,644,421 31,813,020 7 49 10 64 12 37 503,73(i,693| 11 31 607,257.571 1 ( .) .<) 81,101.265| 31 53 * NOTE.- Imports and exports arrved at by taking the returns of fhe " Balances Gene- rales," for 1854, and adding thereto the known increase of trade with the United States, and an estimated increase with other countries of ten per cent, on imports, and thirty per cent, on exports 36 This is an interesting and instructive table ; and to those who have not investigated the subject, will doubt less give an entirely new idea of the extent and impor tance of the trade now existing in the Spanish- American countries on this continent, regarding which the popular idea has been one so entirely of disparagement and de preciation. We have seen that the population and area of these countries are very considerably greater than our own. We now find their foreign commerce great and impor tant as is that of the United States, and insignificant as we have been accustomed to suppose was theirs is really but 17 per cent, less than our own, in gross amount, and even in proportion to their population, falls short but 20 per cent, of being as large, per capita, as that of the United States. We also see that these countries are capable of sup porting a much larger total of foreign commerce, for they are all nearly equal in extraordinary fertility of soil and in extent of natural resources ; (certainly Mexico is inferior to none,) and the actual present returns of some of them, such as Cuba, other West India Islands, Chili and Brazil, prove what the others are capable of under proper encouragement and development. In proportion to its population the foreign commerce of Cuba is 300 per cent, greater than that of the United States ; that of other West India Islands is 60 per cent, greater ; that of Chili is 30 per cent. ; and of Brazil, notwithstanding its large population, and as yet very limited development, is nearly equal to that of the United States. 37 As regards Canada, the trade of the Spanish Ameri can countries is as nearly 7 to 1. We also see to what an extent the commerce of Mexi co may be increased, judging of her capacity merely by what the trade of other Spanish American countries of not superior resources, nor in all respects, of equal advantages, has already become. The imports of Mexico are as yet but $3.14 per head ; while those of Cuba are $27.29; of Uruguay, $25.86; of Chili, $12.70 ; of the Argentine Republic, $7.80; and of Brazil $8.96 per capita. Taking merely the average for South America of $6.13 per head, and giving Mexico the same trade, her importations would be nearly doubled, or would be $52,000,000 per annum, where they now are but $26,000,000. No reasons but the want of tranquillity and the absence of means of communication, prevent the trade of Mexico from at once rising to proportions equal to those of any other of the Spanish American countries ; and taking all of these countries together, there is no reason why ten years of assiduous development of their trade on the part of the United States should not see it amount to over $1,000,000,000 per annum, in place of its present $500,000,000. What proportion of their trade we now enjoy, will be shown by the following table : 38 2S. 3. Statement showing the commerce of the principal countries on this Continent with the United States, for the year ending June 30, 1858, as compared with the latest returns of their entire commerce : Countries. Imports from TJ. States. Imports from all Countries. Exports to U. States. Exports to all Countries. Total trade with U. States Total trade with all Countries. $3 HI 5 825 $>(} 000 000 $5,477 465 $28 000 000 $8,793,290 $54,000,000 Canada 17,029,254 49 288,245 11,581,571 31,813,020 28,610,825 81,101,265 Cuba Other W. hid. Islands Guatemala -j . ... San Salvador I . Honduras } Nicaragua | ta Rica J - ... G raimdian Confedera n Venezuela 14,433,191 11,685,473 134,962 1,688.667 1/267,926 13 700 39,5^0,299 41,813,262 f 1,223.770-) | 1,246.720 <( 937,289 V 972,851 1 1,867,387 J 3,255,843 5,597,129 2 626 706 27,214,846 9,646,327 132,427 3,099,721 3,601,847 46,792, 55 37,188.283 f 1, 924,509 1 | 1,585,485 ^ 745,901 > 958.572 1 1,351,779 J 7,064,584 6,636,104 2,723,141 41,648,037 21,331,800 267,389 4,788,388 4,869,773 13,700 86,352,354 79,001,545 f 3,148,279 [ 2,832,205 4 1,683.190 1,931,423 1 2,619,166 10,320,427 12.236,233 5,349,847 Peru 685,909 9,087.894 1,000,541 16,880,377 1,686.450 25.968,271 12 373 1,359,585 38,658 1,422,716 51 V ()3] 2,782,301 Chili 1 972 541 19 804 041 2 655 263 20,126 461 4,627,804 39,930,502 Argentine Republic . 904,594 578 128 11,394,000 4,586 317 2,725,218 621,888 15,260,986 10 303,853 3,629,812 1,200,016 26,654,986 14,890,170 610 865 1 006,059 1,616,9-24 Brazil 4,954,706 68,808,865 16,952,386 63,613,005 21,907,092 132,421,870 RECAPITULATION. Countries. Imports from U. States Imports from all Countries. Exports to U. S. Exports to all Countries. Total trade with U. S. Total trade with all Countries. $3,315,825 $26.000,000 $5.477,465 $28.000,000 $8,793,290 $54,000.000 Cuba 14,433,191 39,560,293 27,214,846 46,792,055 41,648,037 86,352 354 Other West India Islands 11,685.473 134,962 41.813,262 5 648,017 9,4 i,327 132,427 37,188.283 6.566,246 21,331,800 267,389 79.001.545 12,214263 12,078,544 127,131,245 30,695 522 145 037 286 42,774,066 272 168 531 Total Spanish America. 41,647,995 240,152,823 73,166,587 263,583,870 114,814.582 503,736,693 Cauada .... 17 029 254 49 288 245 11 581 571 31 813 0*^0 28 610 825 81 101 265 But $114,000,000, out of a trade of over $500,000,000, or only about one-fifth of their commerce, is all the Uni ted States has as yet had the enterprise to secure of the trade of its immediately adjacent neighbors, of the coun tries which are not only near to us, and distant from European sources of supply, which consume almost every article we manufacture or produce, and whose 39 productions we could advantageously use in return, but which are naturally bound to us by every tie of common interest, of similar political institutions, and of a true continental commercial policy. With Mexico, it is seen, our trade is but $8,000,000, out of $54,000,000, or only one-seventh. With Cuba it is nearly one-half, and our influence is beginning to be felt to a corresponding extent. With Central America our trade is but $267,000, out of $12,200,000. No won der our diplomacy there encounters difficulties. Their interests plainly lie with Europe, not with the United States. With the whole of South America our trade is but $42,000,000, out of a total trade of $272,000,000, or only about one-sixth. With some of the South American countries our trade is scarcely worth the name ; as for instance, with Ecuador it is only $13,700, out of a total trade of $5,300,000, and with Bolivia, only $51,000 out of $2,700,000. With Paraguay, also, to which we lately gave so expensive attention, our trade is actually as yet without existence. Peru, out of a trade of nearly $26,000,000, does business only to the amount of $1,600,000 with us. Of Chili s trade, of upwards of $40,000,000, we have only about $4,000,000. The Argentine Republic and Uruguay stand hi about the same proportion, and with Brazil, out of a total trade of $132,000,000, we have less than $22,000,000. But even taking these proportions, as they now exist, it will be seen that our trade with Mexico, our nearest neighbor, falls far short of the trade we have with some others of the Spanish American countries, and particu- 40 larly those to which she most corresponds in her adap tability for the production of those articles which form the staple of their commerce, viz., sugar and coffee. Our trade with Mexico raised to the same amount that it now is with Cuba, in proportion to population, would be $237,000,000 per annum. If equal, in pro portion to population, to the trade we now have with the other West India Islands, it would amount to over $70,000,000 per annum; and even if it reached no higher rate than our present trade with Brazil, it would be upwards of $24,000,000 per annum, or nearly three times its present amount. The facts presented in these tables show that our commercial relations with the Spanish American coun tries generally, and particularly Mexico, with which our close proximity renders our interests more immedi ate, are worthy of and should immediately receive the serious attention of our legislators and business men, and that every facility should be accorded by our Govern ment that is calculated to develop our commerce in these directions. ENTIRE ABSENCE OF STEAM COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE SPANISH AMERICAN COUNTRIES. 29. And yet to none of these countries having this vast commerce have we a single line of steamers, (ex cept to one port of Cuba, and one on the Isthmus of Panama,) or any of those facilities of mail and passen ger service which are so necessary to secure this trade, 41 and which, being furnished so freely by England, have obtained for her merchants, up to the present moment, almost a monopoly of this growing and most important commerce. With reference to this point, the views presented in an able and elaborate paper upon the subject of Steam Mail Communication, between the United States and Brazil, recently read before one of the leading societies of New York, by Dr. Thomas Rainey, are peculiarly pertinent. Speaking of the trade of these Spanish American countries, the writer proceeds to say : " It is a most sin gular fact, that with an aggregate trade so large as this, and composed mainly of those staple articles in which we could best compete, the United States, with the largest commercial marine in the world, disputing with the last great contending rival, the championship of the seas, and claiming an aggregate enterprise, equaled by that of no other people on the globe, should yet lag behind some of even the most insignificant nations of Europe, in the prosecution of a trade which all the advantages of geo graphical contiguity would proclaim peculiarly her own ; that she should not sustain a single steam ship line of any class to those vast, important and growing countries, where we could compete for the large trade noticed above." The commercial men of this country complain bit terly that the government gives them no facilities for conducting this trade successfully, and competing on fair terms with foreign merchants. They see the Spanish American Republics, the West Indies and Brazil, lying right at our door, much nearer to 6 42 us than to Great Britain and other European countries, and offering to us a trade which is now very large, and which if not already as large as that with the old world, is yet destined within the coming generation to be the largest, the richest, the most natural and the most profit able trade in the whole world. They complain not so much that Great Britain has the monopoly of this trade, which naturally belongs to the United States, not so much that she conducts that trade by steam facilities, to the detriment of us who have none, not so much that she has even four lines of steamers, and weekly communication, as well as the advantage and use of all other European lines, but that the citizens of the United States are not permitted to enter into a fair competition for this trade. Oar people probably surpass any other people in the world in individual and aggre gate enterprise and energy. They ask as few favors of the government as any people on the earth, doing every thing that is practicable and that energy and capital can accomplish without the intervention of the government. But there are some things that, through unaided private enterprise, her citizens cannot accomplish : and one of these is, the maintenance of mail steamship lines on the ocean. Great Britain has learned this fact from experience, and is profiting by it. Her wise statesmen and merchants know that commerce can be accommodated only by rapid steam mails, which have regular and reliable periods for arrival and departure, and that, although these mails cost the government and the people something more than those slow and uncertain communications which depend 43 on sailing vessels and overland transit, yet they are enabled, by the facilities which they afford, to monopolize and control the commerce of the world, and to divert it from the most natural channels, into the lap of British wealth. It is in this view of the subject that our mer chants so justly complain that our government, by re fusing to give them the facilities commensurate with the demands of the age, deprives them of the power or privi lege of competing with foreign nations in this trade, and palsies their hands simply because they are not able individually and by their associated capital, to do that which only the government can do. The reason why our mail steamers, to be established in this trade, require the aid of government is, because foreign governments subsidize their lines, and that our individual enterprise cannot compete with their individual enterprise, and that of their government combined. The reason why foreign governments subsidize their steamship lines, engaged in this trade, is, because those lines cannot depend upon their own receipts for support, or run without government aid. These facts are indisputed by steamship men and mer chants, and are verified by the practice of the whole world, and the great number of failures in attempting to sustain steamers from year to year, on regular lines, by their receipts alone. If England by steam has overtaken and neutralized our trade with these countries, then we have only to employ the same agent and from geographical advantages we will soon surpass her, as certainly, and even more effectually, than she has us. She sweeps our waters,and 44 we offer her no resistance or competition. She gains in these Spanish American countries an invaluable trade, because she employs the proper means for its attainment and promotion, while we do not. Hence, although much farther off, she is practically nearer. Suppose that Great Britain had no steamers to that great sea at her threshold, the Mediterranean, and we had the enterprise to run a main trunk line to Gibraltar and Malta, and nine branches from this termini to all the great points of commerce in Mediterranean Europe, Asia and Africa. Would we not soon command the trade of all Southern Europe, of Western Asia, and of Africa ? But we find her wisely occupying her own territory, and that it is impossible for us to get possession. Great Britain has not waited for competition to urge her to her duty to her people. 30. The report of the Post -Office Committee of the House of Representatives, on the subject of Steamship Lines to the West India Islands and Brazil, at the last session, also forcibly sets forth our deficiencies with refer ence to the Spanish American Trade. "It is a singularly significant fact, and one demanding the serious attention of this body, that while the British Government sustains a perfect net-work of steam lines among the West India Islands, along the Spanish Main, to Central America, and to Mexico, and from Panama along the whole Pacific coast of South America, as well as from the West Indies to Halifax in British North America, which are all so arranged as to sweep closely around our whole coast and yet afford to our commerce and our countrymen 45 no possible accommodations, and also two excellent monthly lines from Southampton and Liverpool to Brazil and La Plata, the United States have not established a single line of steamers, save a short line from Charleston to Cuba, and to some unimportant touching places in Central America, to any of these large and growing fields of commerce, notwithstanding our very highly favorable proximity to them, which, with the proper en couragement from the government, would make our people actually, as naturally, almost their sole furnishers, carriers, traders and bankers." ELABORATENESS OF THE ENGLISH STEAM -PACKET SYSTEM TO SPANISH AMERICA. 31. How elaborate and perfect, in its arrangement, this English steam mail packet system is, can be inferred from the following sketch of the West India and Brazil lines : The mails from England are made up on the 2d and 17th of every month, and are taken from Southampton by one of the splendid steamships of the "Royal Mail Steam Packet Company." This Company has twenty vessels of 29,454 tons, 9,306 horse power, and 1,667 men. They contract with the government to carry the mails between England and the West Indies, Gulf of Mexico and Spanish Main, twice a month, and to Brazil and the Rio Plata once a month, from Southampton, for an aggregate subsidy of 270,000 per annum. After leaving Southampton, the vessels of the West India line proceed direct to 46 St. Thomas, and thence to Santa Martha, Carthagena, and Aspinwall, and from Aspinwall to Greytown and back. Returning-, they leave Aspinwall with the mails and treasure from the west coast of South America, and from California, and touching only at Carthagena, pro ceed to St. Thomas, where the entire West Indian mails and the mails and treasure from Mexico have meanwhile been collected ; and thence they proceed direct to South ampton. Time between Aspinwall and Southampton twenty- two days. Once a month, a branch steamer leaves St. Thomas for Havana, VeraCruz and Tampico, with the out mails of the 2d of the month, brought by the steamer of the trunk line from Southampton to St. Thomas. Returning, the mails and treasure are collected at Tampico, Vera Cruz and Havana, and reach St. Thomas in time to connect with the main-line steamer thence to Southampton. Twice a month another steamer proceeds from St. Thomas to Porto Rico, Jacmel and Jamaica, and back in the same order to St. Thomas, distributing the out mails and collecting the home correspondence. Another steamer leaves St. Thomas twice a month, and proceeds to St. Kitts, Antigua, Guadalupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbadoes and Demerara, and returns in the same order. Another branch steamer, connecting with the last, proceeds from Barbadoes twice a month, to St. Vincent, Carriacou, Granada, Trinidad, and Tobago, and back to Barbadoes, by the same route, in time to connect with the steamer for St. Thomas. Another steamer leaves Jamaica once a month for 47 Honduras, and back to Jamaica, connecting with that from Jamaica to St. Thomas. Still another leaves St. Thomas once a month for Nassau, and back to St. Thomas. On the Brazil route, steamers belonging to the same company, leave Southampton once a month, and proceed to Lisbon, (Portugal,) Madeira, Teneriffe, St. Vincent 9 (Cape de Verdes,) Pernambuco, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro with the out mails, distributing them and receiving others at each of the above-named places. From Rio de Janeiro another steamer, proceeding in connection, continues on to Monte Video and Buenos Ayres. Returning, the same route is observed, and mails taken up at every port for England. The time out is twenty-nine days, and home thirty-one days, to and from Rio, and forty days out, forty-three home, to and from Buenos Ayres. Every connection on all of the routes being made with the utmost regularity and punctuality. 32. The ramifications of these lines can best be under stood from the following list of the places at which the steamers touch : WEST INDIA LINE. BRAZIL LINE. Antigua, Jamaica, Pernambuco, Monte Video, Aspinwall, Martinique, Bahia, Buenos Ayres. Barbadoes, Porto Rico, Rio de Janeiro, Carriacou, St. Kitts, Carthagena, St. Lucia, CONNECTING WITH BRAZILIAN LINE, Demerara, St. Thomas, TOUCHING AT Dominica, St. Vincent, Para, Macieo, Granada, Santa Martha, Maranham, Bahia, Greytown, Tampico, Ceara, Rio de Janeiro, Guadalupe, Havana, Tobago, Trinadad, Parahiba, St. Catharine s, Rio Grande del Norte, Rio Grande del Sud, Honduras, Vera Cruz. Pernambuco, Monte Video, Jacmel, Buenos Ayres, Asuncion. 48 The British line on the west coast of South America, completes the circuit by touching at the following places on the Pacific coast : Panama, Huanchaco, Chusa, Iquique, Coquimbo, Lota, Guayaquil, Callao, Tslay, Cobija, Valparaiso, Valdivia, Paita, Chincha Islands, Arequipa, Caldera, Constitution, Port Montt, Lambayeque, Pisco, Arica, Huasco, Tulcahuano, San Carlos. The magnitude of the English Steam Ship service - calls up another feature worthy the attention of the United States. It is the amount of material used, of which iron forms a large part, and the economical prin ciples to which the science of building Iron Steam Ships, particularly propellers, has been reduced in England. In this matter we are far behind. Should there be an extensive demand created for vessels of that character by the opening of new ocean routes under the patronage of the government of the United States, the consumption of our iron and the employment of our mechanical labor would be vastly increased, and we would soon compete with England, not only in the number of our steam ships, but successfully rival her in their economy and superiority of construction, thus giving to our home material and home labor the increased demand so long sought for. ENGLISH STEAMERS RUN TO OVER SIXTY DIFFERENT SPANISH AMERICAN PORTS. We here see that English Mail Steamers run to over sixty different Spanish American and South American ports ; and yet American Mail Steamers touch at only 49 four.* Have similar facilities ever been provided for the extension, in any direction, of American trade ? Were these American routes, with American steamers touching every month, or twice a month, at these sixty different ports, how vast would be the influence upon the com merce and upon the political power of the United States ! 33. The same Committee, in the Report just quoted, proceed to say: "Your committee are also of opinion that the time has come when the United States should watch the political condition of all the countries on this continent with jealous care. Interests of vast magnitude are involved in the rapid changes incident to the times. The spirit of development in material wealth and power, * From Panama northward, along the Central American coast, communication has been opened since the latter part of the year 1856, by the far-sighted enterprise and public spirit of the Panama Railroad Company, who have established a line of steam ers making monthly trips from Panama to the ports of Punta Arenas in Costa Rica. Realejo in Nicaragua, La Union. La Libertad ind Acajutla in San Salvador, and San Jose in Guatemala. Through the agency of these Steamers not only has mail com munication been established where before no facilities whatever existed, but an entire revolution in the commerce of these states has been effected. Their trade, which formerly passed exclusively by the tedious route of Cape Horn, and was entirely transacted with Europe, now has been turned via the Isthmus of Panama, and there passes (at least so far as transportation is concerned) through American hands. Its destination, however, is still to England : but who can doubt that with the superior facilities for communication from Aspinwall with the United States, and the great saving of time that can be effected by procuring frequent supplies in New York or other Atlantic cities of the United States, rather than crossing the ocean to Europe, that this trade will soon be diverted, in a great measure, into Ameri can channels and find its destination in the United States. But while English Steamers running in a precisely similar trade south of Panama, are liberally supported by the Government at home, and their vast benefit to the commerce of Great Britain thus per manently secured, our own Government has hitherto failed to extend even the slightest aid or encouragement towards this important American line, or hold out any induce ment whatever towards its permanent maintenance. 7 50 and in social improvement, admonishes us to be pre pared to dispute, at no distant day, a trade now forming and expanding on this continent, which is destined to rival that of the old world. " Our present position indicates how essentially we must conform, and to a certain extent control, the destiny of the new world : a control that we will exercise, rather by the peaceful extension of our commerce and civiliza tion, than by conquest or usurpation," INCREASE OF OUR TRADE WITH CUBA SINCE STEAM COMMUNICATION. 34. Cuba is the only one of the Spanish American countries which has, as yet, been made at all accessible to the United States by steam communication ; and this only as a stopping place for steamers running in our coast wise trade. Yet how marvelous have already been the results ! No more forcible argument for the immediate extension of Government aid to secure the establishment of the pro posed line to Mexico, could be presented. American Steamers commenced touching at Havana, about 1850. Our trade with Cuba for that year was $1 5,232,695. Since then, under the influence of frequent and rapid communication, it has risen until it is now (for the year ending Jan. 30, 1858) $41,648,037, or an annual increase has been gained in eight years of over $26,000,000. 51 The following figures, taken from the United States Treas ury Reports, mill show our trade with Cuba at three periods before and after the introduction of steam commu nication : Years. Exports to Cuba. Imports from Cuba. Total trade U. S. with Cuba. 1821 $4,540,680 $6,584,849 $11,125,529 1831 4.893,842 8,371,797 1 3,265,639 1840 6,310,515 9,835,477 16,145,992 1850* 4,990,297 10292,398 15,282,695 1853 6,287,959 18,585,755 24,573,714 1856 7,809,263 24,435,693 32 244,956 1858 14,433,191 27,214,846 41,648,037 BASIS FOR AN INCREASE OF TRADE WITH MEXICO. 35. Thus, by the extension of even moderate facilities for mail and passage communications, our trade with Cuba, a country of but 1,500,000 inhabitants, and an area of only 47,000 square miles, has risen from $15,000,000 per annum to over $40,000,000 per annum; while our trade with Mexico, a country that contains a popula tion of over 8,000,000, and an area of more than 700,000 square miles, though once largely exceeding our trade with Cuba, has, in the entire absence of steam facilities, become reduced to less than $9,000,000, and now ranks, in amount, not one-quarter of that with Cuba. True, Mexico has been in a disturbed condition ; but would she long remain so, if the proper facilities were First introduction of Steam Communication. 52 provided for more frequent and regular intercourse be tween her people and those of the United States, and the means afforded for the extension of our commerce there, and the full and free introduction of American business enterprise ? Mexico produces every thing that we import from Cuba, and of an equal quality. The extent of her pro duction is only limited by the market afforded. Estab lish the proper means of communication, and her exports of the great tropical staples would be increased almost indefinitely : this, in addition to her vast production of precious metals, and unlimited capacity to increase that production. In return, her eight millions of inhabitants can consume tenfold the amount they now receive of our manufactures, agricultural products, machinery, and general merchandise. The fact has not been duly considered that while Mexico produces every article that we import from Cuba, she has over five times the population to consume our manufactures and products. 36. For the year ending June 30th, 185S, our exports to Cuba were only $14,433,191, while our imports were $27,214,846 ; and in the previous year, owing to the ex traordinary price of sugar, the balance of trade was over $30,000,000 in favor of Cuba, and against the United States. This could not be, if our trade with Mexico was proper ly encouraged. Our imports would then be divided be tween the two countries, while our exports to Mexico alone would more than cover the entire returns of the present trade with Cuba. THE TRADE OF MEXICO IN COTTON GOODS MIGHT BE CONTROLLED BY NEW ENGLAND. 37. With the necessary facilities of communication, and proper encouragement and protection, on the part of our government (and perhaps some judicious modi fications in the present Mexican Tariff, secured by treaty stipulations), the cotton goods of New England might and would almost exclusively control the markets of Mexico. It is our neglect of this market only that has excluded us from it. Of the importations into Mexico, from Great Britain, for a period of seven years 1840 to 1846 amounting to a total of $82,246,705, manufactures of cotton formed over $57,000,000. Manufactures of Linen were over $12,000,000, leaving only some $12,000,000 or $13,000,- 000 as the aggregate value of all other articles. Probably, the sum total of cotton goods consumed in the Republic was even double the legal importation given above, for this article enters more largely than any other into the contraband trade of that country. American cotton goods have been and are still pre ferred in Mexico to the British, for their intrinsic superi ority, particularly in the grades most used by the laboring classes. They have only been driven out of the mar ket by the management of English merchants, backed by diplomatic support. 38. Referring to this fact, our efficient and able Consul at Tampico, Franklin Chase, Esq., in a letter to the De partment of State at Washington, under date of Decem ber 31st, 1S54, says: 54 " Previously to the year 1837, the principal markets in this Republic were supplied with the coarse cotton fab rics of the United States, from which our countrymen derived a lucrative business : but the envy of British Diplomacy, acting in concert with the British merchants, suggested to the Minister of Finance a scheme which excluded all such goods from the Mexican markets by a limitation of thirty threads to the square of one-quarter of an inch Spanish. The British Minister knew that the manufactories in the United States were not prepared to weave such fine textures, and, in substitution of the American goods, the Mexican markets would be sup plied by the finer fabrics from Great Britain." Though these restrictions are now abolished, we have as yet taken no steps to regain this trade ; and in fact our merchants and manufacturers of cotton goods who might desire to again make shipments to Mexico, find that the English merchant has now not only possession of this traffic, but is further strengthened in his position by having regular and efficient means of communication with England, and a safe and reliable means of making his returns in specie ; while we, on the other hand, are entirely without either of these facilities, and even at this day must depend, for a considerable portion of the year, upon the chance opportunities of sailing vessels for sending or receiving correspondence and making returns. The United States Consul at Mazatlan, on the Pacific, writing to the Department, on the 24th April, 1857, says, " United States domestic goods find ready sale here on account of their superior quality ; but the trade is entire ly in the hands of European merchants." 55 Certainly this state of things cannot be allowed to continue. With our fabrics preferred and only Eng lish enterprise to contend against, we cannot long al low ourselves to be shut out from so attractive a field of commerce through default simply of means of communi cation. 39. Our Consul at Tampico, in another valuable com munication to the State Department (Commercial Re turns, vol. 3, p. 415), says : " Our commerce (with this port) has dwindled down from the annual import amount of $1,444,600 to $260,369 : the former being the amount of imports from the United States during the year 1837, and the latter the amount of imports during the present year. The exports hence to the United States during the year 1837 amounted to $1,283,157, whereas the returns for the present year only amount to the sum of $208,571. English trade, however, has constantly increased. In giving this summary report of our commercial af fairs with this country, I am impressed with the belief that this is a favorable moment to bring our trade back to its former importance by a renewal of negotiations for admission of articles the growth and manufacture of the United States under low rates of duties, both import and consumption, and granting to Mexico in return such fa vors as may be found advisable. A serious drawback to commercial intercourse between this port and the United States is the want of direct steam conveyances. The geographical position of Tam pico has many advantages over any other port in the Re public, in consequence of its proximity to San Luis 56 Potosi, where goods can be sent at 50 per cent, less in the charges of freight than from Vera Cruz, San Luis being the key to all the principal places in the interior States, whose commerce is supplied with foreign goods, and the spot where the buyers meet from the States of Durango, Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Zacatecas, these being the principal mining States in the Republic." IMPORTANCE OF THE TRADE OF TAMPICO AND VERA CRUZ. 40. To show the importance of the trade of merely the two ports of Tampico and Vera Cruz, and how completely that trade is controlled by the English, through the facil ities afforded by their regular mail packet steamers, the following figures of the commerce of those places are given. The total foreign trade of the port of Tampico for the year ending December 31, 1856, was as follows : From the United States, . $653,451 " other Countries, 2,191,640 Total, . $2,845,091 To the United States, . $613,349 other Countries, . 3,949,488 Total, . $4,562,837 Of the above exports, $3,705,353 was in specie, shipped by the English Steam Mail Packets. The total trade for the year ending Sept. 30th, 1857, was : From the United States, . $327,686 " other Countries, . 1,324,672 Total, . $1,652,358 To the United States, . $451,628 " other Countries, 3,530.859 Total, . $3,982,487 Of the Exports for this year $3,422,711 was in specie shipped by the English mail steamers. 57 The trade of the Port of Vera Cruz, as given in the many elaborate and valuable tables communicated to the State Department by our late indefatigable Consul there, Col. John T. Pickett than whom no one has taken a deeper interest in the improvement of our commercial relations with that country presents even more forcibly our own unfavorable position, and the advantages pos sessed by the English. For eight months, ending Sept. 30th, 1856, the exports from the Port of Vera Cruz by the English steam mail Packets were as follows : Specie, . . . $6,235,040 Cochineal, . . . 183,600 Jalap, . . . 24,000 Vanilla, . . 21,600 Total, . . $6,464,240 The exports to the United States for the same period were : Sundry national products, . . . $213,216 Specie, 858,443 Total, .... $1,071,659 The entire trade of the Port of Vera Cruz with the United States for the year 1856, Imports and Exports, was $3,868,255 The entire trade with England for the same year was $13,559,006. Col. Pickett, in a letter to the Department, April 15, 1857, says : 8 58 " The duties received at this Custom House during the year ending December 31, 1856, amount, according to a statement just published, to $6,127,060 : of this sum I doubt if zV accrued from American trade." CAPACITY OF MEXICO TO SUSTAIN A LARGE FOREIGN COMMERCE. 41 . The capacity of Mexico to at once sustain a large and profitable foreign commerce is much greater than is generally supposed. The population of the Republic, according to the latest and best authenticated returns, is now over eight mil lions. (8, -283,08^.) This is divided according to races, nearly as follows : Of pure European blood, one fifth or say . . 1,656 620 Of the native or Indigenous race, T 4 j or say . 2,208,824 Of mixed European and Indigenous blood, T \ or say 4,417,644 8,283,088 The total area of the Republic is 766,482 square miles ; giving an average density of 10.8 to the square mile. This, it will be observed, is a greater density of popula tion than that of the United States ; is one and one half times that of Canada ; nearly twice that of Chili ; over four times that of Brazil ; and more than three times the average for the whole of South America. This population, though not so far progressed in social development as to have become accustomed to all the varied wants of more advanced countries, is a population that has been devoted for centuries to mining pursuits, 59 and which consequently possesses all that extravagance of habit, fondness for display and unthriftiness of dispo sition, which is so proverbially engendered among a people chiefly devoted to such pursuits. Add to this the natural tendency towards extravagance of the Spanish character, and the reflecting mind will at once perceive that the consumption of foreign merchandise by such a people will be limited only by the supply afforded to them, and their ability to buy. They will consume fully to the extent of their resources. This disposition bears the more exclusively upon the foreign trade of Mexico, from the fact that domestic manufacturers in that country are as yet in their infancy, and under the most favorable circumstances, cannot for a long time compete with those of either the United States or European countries : consequently, for all ex cept the more primitive articles of consumption, their entire dependence must be exclusively upon the supply received from abroad. The limited means of communication that exist with Mexico, and consequent irregularity, and high cost of transportation both to that country from abroad, and from the coast to the interior, have so added to the cost of foreign merchandise, that the resources of the country have been exhausted in paying for only moderate impor tations. By throwing this trade, however, into the hands of the United States, and introducing American business enter prise into Mexico, and by increasing the facilities of com munication, and maintaining them with regularity and cheapness, these expenses will be so much lessened, that 60 the present production of silver, airl other products suit able for export, will be sufficient to pay for probably double the quantity of merchandise that Mexico now consumes. This, without any increase of industry on the part of her people. Besides this, the introduction of many of the produc tions of modern inventions, and larger supplies of gen eral merchandise at reduced rates, will present tempta tions too strong to be resisted by a people naturally so lavish in their expenditures ; and the desire to avail themselves of these new articles and fuller supplies thus placed within their reach, will lead to an increased ac tivity in the pursuit of the means wherewith to gratify their inclinations The remedy for both of these difficulties lies with the Government of the United States. It is in its power to at once tranquilize Mexico and open her vast trade and resources fully to the people of the United States. In doing this by the friendly means of commercial in tercourse and commercial treaties guaranteed by the direct but peaceful intervention of our Government in favor of the cause of order and Constitutional Govern ment in Mexico, we shall satisfy the demands of human ity, incur the gratitude of the people of that country, enlarge our commerce, and avoid untold complications in the political future of both Mexico and the United States, 42. The present foreign Importations of Mexico ($26,000,000, population 8,233,088) are at the rate of but $3. 14 per capita. This is probably not one quarter of the consumption of 61 foreign effects which might reasonably be expected from a people consuming so freely according to their means, and manufacturing so little, as the people of Mexico. Canada imports at the rate of $19.16 per head ; Cuba, $27.29; Chili, $12.70; Brazil, $8.96; and the whole of South America, $6.13 per head The foreign Importations of the United States were, for the year ending Jan, 30th, 1858, $282,613,150, and re-export of foreign products, $30,886,142. Our popula tion is estimated at 30,500,000. This gives a total im portation of $9.26, and an average consumption of foreign merchandise of $8.25 per capita. But so large a proportion of the wants of the people of the United States are supplied by the products of our own manu factories, that the consumption of foreign effects is natu rally less than the proportion in countries more entirely dependent upon supplies from abroad ; except as con sumption and trade in a measure keep pace with the facilities of internal and international communication, and the progress of civilization, industry, enterprise and refinement. The introduction of these elements of pros perity into a country where they are still to a great ex tent wanting, will therefore form the basis of greatly in creased developments in its foreign trade, and must be taken into account in considering the future trade, which will grow out of the increased state of social progress, which from this time forward may be reasonably looked for in Mexico, under the stimulus of American enterprise and intercourse. With a trade equal in proportion to her population to that of Brazil, Mexico would annually im port $74,000,000 of foreign merchandise. 62 With importations at the same rate in proportion to population as those of Chili, she would consume over $105,000,000 per annum : and at the same rate as Cuba, she would require over $225,000,000. These last-named countries have a population in no respect likely to consume more largely under equal facilities of communication than that of Mexico ; there fore we see what the trade of Mexico might become, even under the application of merely ordinary means of development, and aside from the causes which have been alluded to as so strongly operating to increase her pro portionate consumption over that of a more thrifty peo ple or a more largely manufacturing country. These causes, it must again be repeated, are unusual and important, and should be fully considered when es timating what the commerce of Mexico may become under proper development. INTERIOR COMMERCE OF MEXICO. 43. The present interior commerce of Mexico is es timated by Senor Lerdo de Tejada, the always reliable Mexican statistician, to be upwards of $400,000,000. That this is not an exaggerated estimate is proved by the fact that the merchandise which legally passed the internal custom-houses of only the six cities of Puebla, Mexico, Queretaro, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, and Guadalajara, from the years 1842 to 1846, according to returns published by the Juntas de Fomento of those cities, amounted to over $40,000,000 63 VALUE OF REAL ESTATE. 44. The number of landed estates of the Republic is 13,000, the value of which is estimated by the same re liable authority at $720,000,000, and town property at $635,000,000. This gives a total valuation of real estate at $1,355,000,000, or an average of $163.50 per capita. The valuation of the United States in similar property, notwithstanding all our vast internal development, is esti mated at only $404 per head, or two and one half times that of Mexico. MANUFACTURES. 45. The annual value of the manufactures of Mexico, of all kinds, is estimated by Senor Lerdo de Tejada at $90,000,000 to $100,000,000; though this estimate in cludes some articles which in the United States would be classed as products. This is but $12.07 per head, while that of the United States is $33.13 for each inhab itant. MINERAL PRODUCTIONS. 46. The mineral productions of Mexico are the present chief support of her foreign commerce. The yield of silver is estimated by the best Mexican authorities to be upwards of $23,000,000 per annum, and of gold, from one to two millions. 64 The amount of gold and silver coined in 1^6 was $19,870,906. The balance of the production is mostly illegally exported in the shape of bars from the Pacific coast, to avoid the coinage and export duties of seven per cent. The great mineral wealth of Mexico has been so thor oughly demonstrated, and is so generally understood, that no one will doubt her capacity under an era of prosperi ty to produce twice or three times her present amount of silver. This alone is sufficient basis upon which to predicate a vast future increase of trade. In addition, recent explorations have brought to light on her Pacific coast, a copper district possessing all the characteristics of inexhaustible supply and great richness of the copper districts of Chili, and exceeding those districts in extent and accessibility. Developed as this new source of wealth might be un der the application of American enterprise, this mineral would probably add upwards of $10,000,000 per annum to the national products for exportation. AGRICULTURE. 47. But the agricultural productions of Mexico, how ever, are destined hereafter to enter more largely into her foreign commerce than even the products of her mineral veins. The annual value of the entire agricultural products of Mexico is already estimated at over $250,000,000. Of this only about $5,000,000 or $6,000,000 enter as yet into the exportations of the country. 65 The present production is limited to the demand for home consumption, because there is no other market af forded : let a demand from abroad be created by an en larged commerce and the establishment of means of transportation, and the production would at once rise fourfold. Nothing will tend more to encourage such a demand than the presence of regular mail and passenger transit facilities. The present entire agricultural production of Mexico is at the rate of only $30 per head, while that of Cuba for exportation alone is nearly as much per head as the entire product of Mexico, including that consumed at home. The coffee of Mexico is equal to the best produced in any part of the world. A production equal to that of Brazil would give Mexico an amount to export, in this one article alone, of over $30,000,000 per annum. The sugar-cane of Mexico is as remarkable for its quality and yield, and the climate is as well adapted to its cultivation as that of Cuba. The sugar lands of Mexico, which are found throughout the entire Gulf States, along the Pacific and in the interior, are in no way inferior to those of Cuba. The present production of the State of Mexico is about 25,000,000 Ibs., and of the other States, in the aggregate, say twice as much more, or in all 75,000,000, per an num. None is now exported, though in 1817 the exports of sugar from the port of Vera Cruz alone were $1,458,330. 66 With a production equal to that of Cuba, Mexico s commerce in this one item would amount to upwards of $40,000,000 per annum. Tobacco is already cultivated with success in many parts of the Republic, and might become an article of most extensive exportation. Its cultivation and sale has heretofore been a government monopoly but is now free. The income derived by the government from this source has been as high as $2,000,000 per annum. Indigo at one time formed a very considerable item of the exportations from Vera Cruz, and might again enter largely into the foreign commerce of the country. Cochineal is now largely exported, and with proper en couragement the amount could be rendered very impor tant. According to an official document the production of this one article in the State of Oajaca has amounted to over $1,000,000 per annum, on an average, for the last hundred years. Mexico enjoys almost a monopoly of this product. Vanilla and Cacao also fall under the same head. The consumption of the latter article in the United States is largely increasing, and the supply must be derived main ly from the Mexican States. 48. In fine, it may be said that every branch of indus try in Mexico is susceptible of immense and immediate development, and that in all the elements that enter into and constitute a basis for a reliable and profitable trade, she stands to-day in relations towards the United States more attractive and more desirable than any other coun try on the face of the globe. To secure and to develop this inviting commerce, our 67 first step must be to provide full and reliable means of communication between the two countries in no other way can this trade be diverted from its present Euro pean channels, and by no other means can it be raised to those important proportions of which we have seen it is capable. VIEWS OF BUSINESS MEN WITH REFERENCE TO COMMUNICATION WITH MEXICO. 49. The views entertained by commercial men in the United States who are at all familiar with this trade, re garding the great importance and general usefulness of establishing more frequent and reliable steam communi cation with Mexico, cannot be more ably and graphically set forth, than in the following extract from the private correspondence of a gentleman who has, for more than twenty years, occupied a leading commercial position in New Orleans, and whose large experience and great business sagacity give to his opinions unusual weight. Speaking of the vast advantage that will accrue to the United States from joint commercial developments with Mexico, in diverting the Mexican trade to this country, he says : " The proposed line once in full operation, nearly all the coin exported from Mexico must come by way of the United States. The English, French, and German merchants can then make their European remit tances in about one-third less time than is now required. The purchase and remittance of American bills will be facilitated and largely increased, and an entirely new di rection be given to the whole course of Mexican trade ; 68 and New York, by this and similar means may soon be come the centre of exchange for the trade of the entire Continent. "The two Governments of the United States and Mexico could do nothing that would more surely promote the interests of both, and develop their mutual commerce, than the establishment of quick and regular communica tion by steam between their respective ports. " Such an enterprise as the proposed line of steamers, will do more than all the efforts of diplomacy to stimulate and enlarge our trade, by exciting a spirit of industry throughout Mexico, leading to the development of her rich commercial resources, and establishing friendly relations between the people of the two countries, by means of more frequent intercourse and regular correspondence. "It has long been evident, that what Mexico most wanted is, that her people be brought into contact and sympathy with our thrifty and enterprising business men. The American spirit of trade, speculation and gain, would then diffuse itself through the Mexican mind, inspiring the people with higher and more practical aims than those of useless political revolution, and arming them against the intrigues and petty schemes of the military and cleri cal factions, that have so long held them in physical and mental bondage, and kept the country in a state of excite ment and disorder. It must be patent to every reflecting mind, that no government can be permanent there, until a healthy public sentiment is impressed upon the Mexican character; and the surest and quickest means by which this can be accomplished is, by bringing their people in contact with American industry, enterprise, customs and 69 principles. This once accomplished, the United States will have opened a field of commerce of unequaled value. Hence, the two Governments can accomplish more towards the ends they should have in view, of promoting the prosperity and commercial developments of both countries, by the instrumentality of such enter prises as the proposed line of steamers, than they could by the expenditure of millions of money and thousands of lives employed in any other way." GENERAL EFFECT UPON TRADE IN THE UNITED STATES OF THE FULL OPENING OF MEXICO TO OUR COMMERCE. 50. The general effect of the full opening of the trade of Mexico to our citizens upon the commerce of the United States, in stimulating trade and industry in every part of the Union, cannot be overestimated. The industry of the West will be stimulated in the in creased demand for its breadstuffs and provisions ; of New England, for its manufactures ; of the northern and middle States for their machinery; and of the South for its cotton no part of the Union, and no branch of natural industry, can fail to be reached and to be benefited. Mexico already imports over 50,000 bales of cotton annually from the United States. Certain and regular facilities of communication will greatly increase this amount. Her requirements in the way of machinery are already large, and cannot fail to be increased in an im mense amount under the progressive development of a 70 few years of tranquillity and the stimulus of American energy and enterprise. When we consider that Mexico is to-day a country virgin to all the material improvements of the age, that she has railroads yet to build, telegraphs to construct, manufactories to establish, industrial enterprises of every kind to put in operation , her mines to work by the use of improved machinery, her lands to be cultivated and their products gathered and prepared for market by the aid of modern labor-saving appliances ; that in fact to all those inventions and improvements, and industrial ameliorations to which we are now accustomed, and to which we owe so much of our material progress, she is as yet a stranger, and that for all these things she has to look abroad for her supply, and can look nowhere but to the United States, for it is only from thence that the inspiration to their use and the capacity to their applica tion can come ; when all this is considered, and we remember that it is a population of eight millions in habiting the richest country on the face of the globe, whose wants are thus to be supplied, we may well wonder at the apathy and indifference that has led us hitherto to neglect so great advantages, and for want oi ordinary attention and trifling encouragement to permit so rich a commerce to lie dormant at our very doors. 71 THE UNITED STATES CAN ESTABLISH A LARGE ENTREPOT TRADE WITH MEXICO. 51. The importance of Mexico as a market for the manufactured goods of New England has already been alluded to. In addition to this, there is another branch of commerce which should also receive our attention. This is the Entrepot trade, which we at one time main tained to a considerable extent, and can again establish on a far larger scale with Mexico. Twenty years since, this trade was large and valuable, that is to say, the United States were then the depot from which Mexico drew a very large portion of all her supplies of European and other foreign productions and manufactures. We have entirely or nearly so, lost this trade, and Mexico now draws these foreign supplies directly from Europe, though at large expense of time and convenience. This trade legitimately belongs to the United States, and we have lost it only from sheer carelessness, and the absence of all exertion, both on the part of the government and of the commercial community, to pre serve and foster it. With the different railroad lines now running and in course of completion, and the regular lines of steamers running weekly or semi-weekly between the great Atlantic ports and New Orleans or Mobile, accomplishing the trip from Boston, New York and Philadelphia to New Orleans in five or six days; and the regular steam communication now proposed between New Orleans or Mobile and the Gulf ports, orders for 72 merchandise can be executed in New York and other Atlantic cities, and the goods landed in Mexico in twenty or twenty-five days from the time the order is forwarded from Vera Cruz or Tampico; whilst from Europe, even with all their present steam facilities, it would require sixty to eighty days. Under such circumstances, what merchant or trader at any of the foreign ports on the Gulf of Mexico would order his goods from Europe when he knew the market would be anticipated by those who derived their supplies from the United States, from whence the Gulf markets would be constantly fed, so as always to meet the cur rent demand, and fill up any vacuum in the supply of any and all articles as it occurs. The following Table is a Detailed Statement of Goods, Wares and Merchandise of the growth, produce and manufacture of the U. S. exported to Mexico, during the year ending June 30, 1857: Oil, Spermaceti, 13G3 gallons, . " Whale, 2886 " . Whalebone, 500 Ibs. . . Spermaceti, 740 ".. Candles, 12,754 Ibs. Fish, Dried or Smoked, 86 cwt. " Pickled, 26 bbls. & 40 kegs. Staves, 9m. . . . Shingles, 1598 in. . . Lumber, Boards, Plank, Scantling, 2617m. . . Other Lumber, . . . Manufacture of Wood, . Tar and Pitch, 962 bbls. . . Rosin and Turpentine, 184 bbls. Skins and Furs, . . Beef, 103 bbls. . . . Tallow, 12,132 Ibs. . . Hides, No. of 100, . . Butter, 47,090 Ibs. . . $1 737 Cheese, 7, 114 Ibs. . . $908 2.446 Pork, 59 bbls. . . 1 132 219 Hams and other Bacon, 47,541 Ibs. 5.479 . 279 Lard, 676,438 Ibs. . . 85221 4.791 Live Hogs, No. of 70 . 879 . 367 Flour, 24,089 bbls. . 179.038 511 Indian Corn, 226,226 bush. . 174.873 . 723 Rye, Oats, and other small grain, 5 1.304 Biscuit or Ship Bread, 685 bbls. 38.669 and 106 kegs, . . 2.883 Potatoes, 1,013 bbls. . 2858 5.890 Apples, 91 " . . 425 21.576 Onions, . . . 1 077 2.676 Rice, 350 bbls. . . .4214 492 Cotton, 20,269 bales, 7,958,638 lbs.999 747 788 Tobacco, 100 bales, . 2.740 1815 Brown Sugar, 4,440 Ibs. . 478 1 305 Refined " 5,455 " . 928 250 Hops, 28,080 Ibs. . . 2 919 7,913 Spirits from grain, 8,414 galls. 4.814 73 Vinegar, 6,860 galls. . $1085 Beer, Ale, Porter & Cider, in bottles, 422 dozens, Linseed Oil, 4,108 galls. , 2,96: Spirits of Turpentine, 1,421 galls. Household Furniture, Carriages and R. R- Cars, Hats, Fur and Silk, . " Palm Leaf, Saddlery, . - \ Trunks and Valises, Adamantine and other Candles, 41,983 Ibs . 8,526 Soap, 7,1 10 Ibs. . - 1029 Snuff, 2.577 . . 2.093 Manufacture of Tobacco, 35,945 Ibs. 7 149 Gunpowder, 214,800 Ibs. . 15.363 Boots and Shoes, pairs 1602, Cables and Cordage, 139 cwt. Lead, 14,700 Ibs. Wails, 324,450 Ibs. . 15.849 Iron Castings, 1.925 " all other manufacture of 366.412 Copper & Brass, manufactures of 7.645 Drugs and Medicines, 34.461 Manufactures of Cotton, Printed and Colored. . . 45.819 Manufactures, White other than Duck, . - . 171.188 Manufactures, Duck, Cotton, other manufactures of 27.815 Wearing Apparel, . . 2 451 Earthen and Stone Ware, . 3.617 Combs and Buttons, . . 15 123 Brushes of all kinds, Umbrellas and Parasols, . . 341 Printing Presses and Type, . Musical Instruments, . .661 Books and Maps, . 3,442 Paper and other Stationery, . 14,549 Paints and Varnish, . 8.814 Jewelry, . - . 1-259 Glass, . . 3188 Tin, manufactures of . . 128 Pewter and Lead, manufactures of 2 689 Quicksilver, . . 510.054 Bricks, Lime and Cement, . 240 Coal, 425 tons, . . 3.295 India Rubber Shoes, 3,400 pairs 2 262 " other manufactures of . 17.716 Lard Oil, 260 gallons, . 254 ARTICLES NOT ENUMERATED Manufactured, . . 82654 Raw, . . 8.828 TOTAL EXPORTS, DOMESTIC PRODUCTS. In American Vessels, . 2 229.822 " Foreign " . . 787.818 Total, $3.017.640 Detailed Statement of Goods, Wares and Merchandise of the Growth, Produce and Manufacture of Foreign Countries ex ported from the U. S. to Mexico, during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1857. Teas, 34,609 Ibs. . . $9 907 Coffee, 5,137 " . 240 Copper Sheathing, . 540 Guano, 1 ton, . . .65 MANUFACTURES OF WOOL. Piece Goods, . . 4662 Shawls, . . 10538 Blankets, . . . 2.385 Worsted Piece Goods, . .701 Manufactures not specified, . Carpeting, ... 60 Manufac rs of Cotton Piece Gds. 171.240 Cords, gimps, &c. . . 2.353 Hosiery, .... 2.315 Twist Yarn and Thread, . 22.566 Manufactures not specified, . 6.187 SILK AND MANUFACTURES OF SILK. Piece Goods, . . 27 173 Hosiery, . . . 1 307 Sewing Silk, . . 6061 Hats and Bonnets, . 665 Manufactures not specified, . 6.524 Floss, .... 205 Silk and Worsted Piece Goods, 1 169 Mohair 795 MANUFACTURES OF FLAX. Linens, bleached or unbleached, 18.957 Manufactures not specified, 1.755 Sail Duck, 212 pieces, Clothing ready made, Articles of wear, Laces Cotton inserting, &c. 2.579 Embroideries, OilCloth. 75 yards, Gunny Cloth and bags, Matting, Chinese and other, Hats, Bonnets, &c. Straw, Chip, &c. 1-204 Muskets and Rifles, 2,249, . 16 853 Fire Arms not specified, . 5.535 Side Arms, Needles, ... 479 Cutlery, . 1-780 Other manufactures of Iron and Steel, not specified . 19.105 Nails, Spikes and Tacks, 3600 Ibs. 228 Bar Iron, 956 cwt. . 4.105 Hoop Iron, 3,428 Ibs. Sheet Iron, 4,000 " . . 537 Steel, Cast, Shear and Germany, 1093 cwt. . . 11.531 Steel, all other, 279 cwt Copper, manufacture not specified, 1.665 Nails and Spikes, 30 Ibs. . 14 Brass, manufacture not specified, . 308 10 74 Tin, in Pigs and Bars, . . Si. 474 " in Sheets and Plates, . 3.010 Lead, Pier, Bar, Sheet and old, 16,673 lbs. . . . 1.038 Zinc Sheets, . . . 324 Spelter, .... 2.064 Jewelry, . . . 1.400 Manufactures of Gold and Silver, not specified, . . 2.022 Watches, and parts of . . 2.50S Buttons, . . . 475 Glass, Silvered, . . 200 " polished Plate, . 167 " manufactures of, not specified, 1.268 " Demijohns, No. of 1000, 407 Window Glass, square feet, 1200, 57 Writing Paper, . . 1.969 Paper, manufac res of, not specified 3.056 Blank Books, . . 150 Printed Books, in English, . 89 " other languages 799 Engravings, . . .48 Musical Instruments, . . 4.308 Daguerreotype Plates, . . 170 Skins Tanned and dressed, 150 doz. 2.412 Boots and Shoes, 250 pair, . 527 Manufac res of Leather, not specified, 683 China, Porcelain, Earthen & Stone Ware, . . . 13.809 Japanned Wares, . . 1.293 Manufactures of Wood, . 1.488 Dye-Wood in stick, . . 750 Corks. ... 269 Quicksilver, . . . 13.470 Brushes and Brooms, . 641 Slates of all kinds, . .479 Raw Hides and Skins, . 138 Grass Cloth, ... 50 Umbrellas and Parasols, . 1.012 Wines, Madeira, 115 galls. . 875 " Sherry and St. Lucas, 69 galls. 24 1 " Claret, 10,758 galls. 4 952 " Sicily, 2,982 " . 1.755 RedWines, not enumerated, 100 galls. 77 White Wines, 1,870 galls. . 919 Champagne. 377 doz. . 2.378 Madeira, 5 doz.. . . 60 Sherry, 148 " . . 816 Claret, 3,83 1 " . . . 7.234 All other Wines, 989 doz. . 2 149 FOREIGN DISTILLED SPIRITS. Brandy, 3,013 galls. . . 4.657 From Grain. 1,370" . 1.406 " other materials, 608 galls. 1.025 Cordials, 1,283 galls. . 2.321 Beer, Ale and Porter, in casks, 1,364 galls. . . .253 Beer, Ale and Porter, in bottles, 2,394 doz. . . . 2.024 Olive Oil, in casks, 200 galls. 8184 " in bottles, 1,469 doz. 5.591 L nseed Oil, 38 galls. . . 8 Essential Oil, . . . 9^2 Cocoa, 127,836 Ibs. .. 16.133 Brown Sugar, 40 " . . 9 Loaf and other refined, 6,800 Ibs. 61 1 Fruit. Almonds, 6,560 Ibs. . 815 " Prunes, 2,903 " 590 " Figs, 510 Ibs. . . 72 " Raisins, 61,400 Ibs. . 1.293 Preserved Fruit, . . 546 Mace, 596 Ibs. . 217 Nutmegs, 110 Ibs . . 71 Cinnamon, 42,647 Ibs. . 15.169 Cloves, 17,450 Ibs. . . 1.567 Pepper, Black, 102,770 Ibs. 11.267 Ginger, in root, 500 Ibs. . 14 Candles, Stearine, 21,894 Ibs. 4.396 Cheese, 4,820 Ibs. . . 1.139 Lard, 116 Ibs. . 32 Saltpetre, crude, 53,000 Ibs. . 6 997 Indigo, 1047 Ibs. . . . l.K l Gum Arabic, Senegal, &c. 252 Ibs. 126 Other Gums, 312 Ibs. . . 59 Acids, Acetic, &c. 384 Ibs. . 163 Sulphate of Quinine, 318,028 Ibs. 719 Gunpowder, 5,720 Ibs. . 1.123 Cigars, 51 m. . . .621 Tobacco, manufactured other than Snuff and Cigars, 1500 Ibs. 1.449 Paints, Dry Ochre, 4,280 Ibs. . 132 Red & White Lead, 901 Ibs. 73 Cordage untarred, 16,171 Ibs. 1.766 Twine and Seines, 200 Ibs. . 75 Rags of all kinds, 70,000 Ibs. 3.300 Coal, 633 tons, . . 2 426 Fish, Dried, Smoked or Pickled, 10 bbls. ... 98 Merchandise not enumerated, 39.604 Total Foreign products exported, Free of duty, . 10.752 Pay ing duty, . . 586.814 Total, In American vessels 380.938. " Foreign " 216.628. Total domestic products Total exports, $597.566 $3.615.206 Detailed Statement of Goods, Wares and Merchandise imported into the U. S from Mexico, during the year ending June 30, 1857. Gold, Bullion, . . 21.848 Silver, "... 200.546 75 Gold, coined, . . $114.044 Silver, " . . . 4.622.546 Coffee, 19171bs. . . .163 Copper Ore, . . 39 Wearing Apparel and person- effects of Citizens dying abroad, . 1.180 Garden Seeds, trees Shrubs & Plants, 6 1 Articles, the produce of the U. S. brought back, - . 3 844 Guano, 5,596 tons, 54.480 All other articles, free, . 2.500 Total free of duty, . $5 021.291 Clothing. Articles of Wear, 3 051 Gunny Cloth and Bags, . 477 Matting, . . . .13 Hats, Caps, &c. of Straw, Chip, Grass, &c. 13.402 Manufactures of Iron and Steel, not specified, . . 205 Chain Cables, 2,764 Ibs. . 100 Anchors and parts thereof, 3,530 Ibs. 210 Old and Scrap Iron, 231 cwt. 118 Copper, in pigs, bars and old, . 1 889 Copper Bottoms, . . 177 Brass, old, . . .61 Lead, pig, bar, sheet and old, 46,404 Ibs. . . .1081 Books, printed in English, . 9 " other languages, 25 Engravings, . . 45 Leather tanned, 1.190 Ibs. , 456 Skins tanned and dressed, 57 doz. 508 Manufactures of Leather, not specified 477 China, Earthen & Stone Ware, &c 178 Saddlery, . . . 2.013 Furs undressed, . . 11 Manufactures of Wood, . 65 Mahogany and other Woods, 43.813 Wood not specified, . . 137 Dye- Wood in stick, . 52.212 Burr Stones, . . 60 Raw Hides and Skins, . 518.190 India Rubber, manufactures of 112 unmanufactured, 10 Hair, unmanufactured, . 38 788 Wool, 32,470 Ibs. . . 3.054 Red Wines, 436 galls. . 164 Champagne, 6 doz. . 47 Spirits distilled from gram 317 galls. $212 Honey, 183 galls. . . 79 Molasses, 90" " . . . 18 Cocoa, 2,250 Ibs. . . 155 Sugar, Brown, 31,821 Ibs. . 1.737 Fruits, Plums, 2,820 Ibs. . 87 " Figs, 14,005 Ibs. . 594 Dates, 1,329 " . 86 " Oranges and Lemons, 1.412 " other green fruit, . 4.674 Preserved fruit, . . 228 Nuts, 14,800 Ibs. . . 449 Pepper, Red, 19,074 Ibs. . 1.210 Pimento, 8, 114 Ibs. . . 481 Cheese, 55,482 lb, . 3.163 Soap, 500 Ibs. . . 40 Tallow, 974 " . .39 Starch, 3,951 Ibs. . . 333 Cochineal, 100,248 Ib. . 86.745 Acids, Acetic. &c. 25 Ibs. . 10 Alum, 4,464 Ibs. . . 56 Tobacco unmanufac ed, 117,550 Ibs, 12. 359 Cigars, 260 m. . . 1.479 Cordage untarred, 33,596 Ibs. 3.241 Twine and Seines, 3,725 Ibs. . 410 Jute, Sisal Grass, Coir, &c. 3,525 cwt. . . . 23.239 Codilla, or Tow of Hemp or Flax, 3 cwt. . . . 16 Salt, 76,770 bush. 15.319 Wheat Flour, 134 cwt. . 386 Fish, Dried or Smoked, 9 cwt. 22 Unenumerated, Paying duty at 5 per cent, . 4.880 " 10 " . 92 i 20 . 115.050 " 30 " . .5 100 " " 40 " . 7 Total free of duty, . 5021.291 Paying duty, . 964.566 Total, In American vessels, " Foreign Total, $5.985.857 $3.701.317 2.284540 $5985.857 76 DESIRE OF MEXICO FOR INCREASED COMMUNICATION WITH THE UNITED STATES. 52. It is a very significant fact that Mexico in her present exhausted condition, disturbed and torn asunder as she now is by intestine feuds and civil war, should yet be so thoroughly impressed with the idea of the great national benefit that is to inure to her from the success ful establishment of this postal line of steamers, that she has promptly stepped forward and agreed to pay the sura of $120,000 per annum, for the mail advantages of this line alone. Can the United States Government, therefore, in any view of the subject, do less than meet Mexico on half way ground and consent on her part to pay the moderate sum of $200,000 per annum, required as her proportion. This indeed is a trifling amount, when compared with the magnitude of the object to be gained, and es pecially so when we consider the advantages to be de rived by the United States over Mexico. It is not rea sonable or just, to expect that private enterprise and capital will be embarked in an untried field like that now proposed, without some aid and encouragement from the government, and therefore the only point to consider is, whether such aid will tend to the promotion of the inter ests of the public at large. 77 REASONS WHY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED LINE. 53. We have shown how other nations find their ad vantage in affording such aid, and to a much greater extent than is necessary for the United States with refer ence to communication with Mexico, and that from the character of the people with which we have to deal, and the almost unlimited resources of their country, equally satisfactory results must attend the adoption by us of the policy which has proved so successful with them. But there is, however, a sufficient and immediate con sideration in favor of the Government lending its aid and assistance towards the proposed line, to be found in the fact that the Custom -House revenue to be derived from the increased trade which the line will build up, will ex ceed, by probably six or eight fold the amount required to be disbursed as mail pay; to say nothing of the rev enue from postage that will accrue to the Post- Office Department, and which no doubt will eventually more than support the line. The average rate of duties imposed by the existing Tariff of the United States, is sixteen per cent, on the foreign cost of imported merchandise; therefore, if the establishment of the proposed line of Steamers increased the imports from the Gulf Ports only two millions of dollars per annum, it would add $320,000 per annum to the national revenue, or $120,000 per annum more than the sum to be paid to the proposed line. But in stead of two millions, who can reasonably doubt the in- 78 crease will amount in a very short period to four, six, or eight millions of dollars per annum, which would still not be equal to our legitimate share of this trade, and thus give at the last-named sum, an increased revenue of $1,280,000 per annum, or a net gain to the revenues of the general Government, over the outlay for the sup port of the line, of $1,080,000 per annum. 54. Besides these reasons there is another in the fact that the want of the facilities now proposed to be estab lished has actually entailed upon the government during the past year alone, probably a greater actual outlay than even the entire sum now sought to be obtained. Communication with Mexico has been so entirely inter rupted that one of the first-class steamers of our limited navy has been detailed to do service as a dispatch boat, simply to supply the deficiencies which our entire want of a postal system has involved us in. Our relations with Mexico have been critical, and the course of events there has involved issues of the utmost importance to us, yet we have had more frequent and easier communica tion with Constantinople, and had not the government detailed the Brooklyn for this special service, it would have had to wait the chance opportunities afforded by irregular sailing vessels. VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. 55. That these views are participated in by many of our ablest statesman, and that the necessity for this par ticular service in the Gulf of Mexico is felt to be so 79 urgent as to admit of no further delay in securing its effective establishment at any reasonable cost, the fol lowing extracts from the speeches of leading senators in Congress at the close of the last session, when the bill providing for the establishment of the proposed line was under consideration, will clearly show. The shortness of the session, and unavoidable delays, prevented the bill from being finally brought up until a very late moment, but the remarks elicited even in the haste and excitement of the closing hours of Congress, were none the less pertinent, able and convincing. REMARKS OF SENATOR WARD OF TEXAS. 56. By authority of the Committee on the Post-Office and Post Roads, to whom the bill had been referred, it was approved as an amendment to the civil appropriation bill, by Mr. Ward of that committee, who said : " It is not my purpose at this late hour of the session to detain the business of the Senate by a lengthy discussion on this amendment. I shall therefore dispense with many of the arguments which I would otherwise have used on this question, and whilst I acknowledge that the other Steam Service embraced in this bill is right and proper, yet I consider none of them of more importance in their consequences and results, than the one now under con sideration. I will merely call the attention of Senators to our present relations with Mexico, and what they might be under the provisions of this amendment. 80 It will be recollected that, at present we have but a single temporary mail service in the Gulf of Mexico,* being only twice a month from a single port. By the arrangement proposed by this amendment, we shall have weekly trips, touching at all the important points on the Gulf of Mexico. I have no doubt, Mr. President, that the postages alone will in a few years make this line self-sustaining, to say nothing of the increase of revenue from commerce, and the political influence so much to be desired. If, sir, we can even regain the commerce which we have lost by our neglect and indifference towards Mexico, it will increase our revenue far beyond any expenses incurred by this service. In a political point of view, I will allude to the course we are and have been pursuing, by sending ministers and char ge s abroad to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce with distant powers, at great expense, and totally neglect ing to cultivate the necessary friendship and mutual intercourse with our neighbor republic, and lie quietly by and permit other governments to come to our doors and divert the commerce from us as well as the affections of those people, which we have it in our power to avert by renewing our commerce with them. If we should refuse this overture on the part of Mexico, it may direct their attention and affections from us to some other pow er that will give them more consideration. The proposition for postal and commercial intercourse came from Mexico, in the shape of a contract made with * Since suspended. 81 American citizens, in which she agrees to pay a liberal proportion of the expenses in carrying out the enterprise, which contract was submitted to the United States lega tion in that country, and acknowledged by all the author ities there. Now, Mr. President, if it be our object to cultivate friendly and profitable relations with Mexico, I cannot see how we can refuse this proposition when the amount involved is insignificant compared to the ultimate results, both in a commercial and political view of the question." REMARKS OF SENATOR FITZPATRICK OF ALABAMA. 57. "I desire to say a few r words in reference to this amendment, which is in the words of the bill I had the honor to introduce at the commencement of the session. That bill has undergone the scrutiny of the committee on the post-office and post roads, and comes from them with the recommendation that it be attached to this bill (the civil appropriation bill ) as an amendment It was designed to go on the Ocean Steamer bill ; but we all know that that bill has failed, and this is the only chance to establish a postal arrangement in a section of country that has been too long neglected. It also comes endorsed by a very strong and powerful recommendation from the Postmaster- General. There are many fea tures of this proposition which should commend it to the consideration of the Senate. The proposed postal ar rangement will be a powerful auxiliary to commerce, 11 82 and I am astonished that the matter has been so long overlooked and passed by without the notice of the Congress of the United States. We have established foreign mail service with the continent of Europe and many distant countries. Here is an attempt to connect ourselves with our neighbors, to open friendly relations with the Republic of Mexico, containing twenty-two states, six territories and the district of Mexico, embrac ing a population of 8,283,088 souls. The landed estate of those states is estimated at the sum of $720,000,000, and the town property at $635,000,000, making a total of $1,355,000,000. The foreign imports into that country amount to $26,000,000. I ask the attention of the Senate to the countries from which these imports come. Great Britain leads the list with $12,500,000, the United States $4,500,000, about one-third of Great Britain ; France, $4,500,000, Germany, $1,860,000, and so on. Here is a population right at our own doors that receive one- half of their imports from England; and what is the reason of this ? Simply because the government of Eng land keeps up a regular line of steamers, and virtually bribes that trade into her own ports, and so deprives us of all the exports of Mexico, amounting to about $28,000,000. But a small proportion of that commerce comes to our country. Are not these facts sufficient to justify us in appealing to Congress to make a proper postal arrangement with Mexico, to see if we cannot invite more of this trade and commerce to our country ? In my judgment there has not been a better object de manding the attention of Congress during the present session than the commerce with these interesting people. 83 They desire to trade with us if we will give them an opportunity. They have not been able to do so hereto fore, because the postal arrangements of England and other countries have deprived us of their commerce. The expense is but a drop in the bucket compared with the commerce that will come into this country if we es tablish the means to bring it here : and so far from its being a drain upon the Treasury, I feel perfectly assured that if the facilities are afforded which I trust this pro vision will offer, for every dollar we pay out of the Treasury, we shall get ten in return. What is the small amount required, to us, where a Government crippled and weak like that of Mexico proposes to pay $120,000 itself? I .think the propriety of this measure is so palpable, and should so appeal to the enlightened views of the Senate, that there cannot be a doubt as to the proper cause to be pursued : and I trust the amendment will be adopted. I could offer many statistics to the Senate to illustrate and enforce the propriety of this measure, but I am satisfied from the impatience I see around me, that it is out of place, and out of taste to occupy the Senate at this late hour, and therefore will not proceed further." REMARKS OF SENATOR SHIELDS OF MINNESOTA. 58. " I agree with the honorable Senator from Ala bama, that this is no time to discuss any question, owing to the impatience of the body, and the near approach of the end of the session : but I cannot let this amendment pass without expressing my approval of it. Perhaps in 84 some respects this arises from my knowledge of the points on the Gulf, and what I consider to be the very great neglect of this country in not having attended to something of this kind long ago. This proposition, if I understand it right, provides that these vessels shall touch at every Port on the Gulf of Mexico. The line is to be a joint line between this country and Mexico, and in my opinion it will be a much better mode of benefiting that country and connecting it with the United States, than some plans which have been proposed at this session. It is a peace measure, it is a commercial measure. Mexico will be a good market for our coarse fabrics, and a variety of articles that are made in our country, and my opinion is, that if this line be established, it will do more to improve the revenue of this country than all the lines we have established in other directions together. I cannot debate this question now; there is no time to enter into details. I could however, if it were necessary, convince the most skeptical in the Senate that an American line touching at Matamoras, Tampico, Vera Cruz and other points on the Gulf of Mexico, bringing their productions to this country, and taking ours to them, would make Mexico the best market we can have on this continent. Why it has been so long neglected I cannot tell why such a proposition was not made long ago, when I know, and every man acquainted with that country knows, that the very articles the people there most need, are articles that can be most cheaply furnished by this country. For want of these facilities they have been obliged to go to Europe for them. 85 British steamers touch at these points and give them the facilities. We have neglected to cultivate our nearest neighbor, while we have been hunting all over the world for markets. I saw that, I felt that while I was in Mexico, and I felt the influence of the British steamer touching at those points in the Gulf, while I was there, and I could not let this occasion pass without expressing that feeling now in the Senate. I will not say that this line will accomplish all that the honorable Senators de sire, bat it is the first measure, in my humble judgment, that has been introduced since I came into the Congress of the United States, to initiate the proper policy with Mexico I hope we shall follow up this peaceful policy by cultivating kind feelings with Mexico, and by getting their productions which we need, and giving them in return what they need. The Mexican Government has offered such advan tages in connection with this line, that it ought not to be neglected. It will give us the preference over the European lines. It will make Mexico our partner in this line, and make them also responsible for managing it. It strikes me that no proposition has come into the Senate at this session that can compare with this. From my knowledge of that country, its people and its productions, and its exports, my opinion is, that the establishment of this line will reimburse our Treasury tenfold what it will cost the Government : but I will not waste time at this late hour." 86 REMARKS OF SENATOR WILSON OF MASSACHUSETTS. 59. "I concur entirely in the remarks made by the Senator from Minnesota. I have devoted, during the present session, some little time and attention to the subject of our connections with the countries south of us on the continent : and it seems to me the part of wisdom for the government of the United States to devote all its power and all its energies to the opening of communica tions with the countries south of us on this continent. The Senator from Georgia (Mr. Toombs) said the other day in the Cuban debate, that our India was south of us on this continent. That is so. We hear a great deal of talk about the balance of trade being against us in Europe. That is a mistake. The balance of trade is in our favor on the continent of Europe : but we have a balance of trade against us of from thirty to forty million dollars annually, south of us on this continent. During the last ten years we had a balance of trade against us in Cuba and Brazil alone, of $225,000,000, $22,500,000, annually. I shall vote for this proposition as a measure that is to connect us more closely with Mexico. I shall vote for all measures tending to connect us with all the nations south of us on this continent. I shall vote for all measures that have a tendency to take off restrictions on trade, to liberalize our commercial connections, and prepare that portion of our continent for intimate commercial, and perhaps in time, political relations with us." 87 REMARKS OF SENATOR BENJAMIN OF LOUISIANA. 60. " In regard to the merits of this proposition, it is quite too late in the session for any of us to talk about it as a general subject, or do any more than throw out a few suggestions. This line that is proposed by the committee on the Post- Officer and Post Roads, is eminently advantageous as a national line, for national political purposes connected with our foreign relations. It is not a mere postal line : but there is another view of the subject which ought to be taken into consideration, not only in relation to this particular line, bat to all the ocean mail lines of the country. It is this : that inde pendently of their service to the country in carrying the communications between our merchants and those of foreign nations, they create for this country a pre emi nent moral power, a commercial power, a power over public opinion in the countries with which these steamers connect us, and which gives us a great advantage in our foreign intercourse with them. Now take the Republic of Mexico : we have no connection with it ; and our com merce there has dwindled down to nothing, and Great Britain has got it all. Great Britain, at a distance of nearly four thousand miles, across a stormy ocean, has monopolized the commerce of this sister Republic that touches us, simply because her Government maintains steam lines in connection with Mexico, and our Govern ment refuses to do it. We had a mail line last year to Bremen. The Sen- 88 ator from Vermont, (Mr. Collamer,) suggests to me that during the few years that line was in existence, our im portations from the ports to which it ran, were increased from three or four, to nineteen millions of dollars per an num. We changed our policy : the service was subverted : the importations are dropping off, and they are dwind ling away to what they were before. Now, sir, I do not pretend to say that we ought to send our lines of Steamers to all quarters of the world with Government subsidy, merely for the sake of increasing our political influence : but there are points where our interests are so closely connected with those of foreign nations that it may be a matter of judicious economy to protect those interests, by moderate expenditures in time of peace, rather than establishing armaments and protecting those interests by the arm of power. I think this is one of those cases. In our European connections, perhaps, we are not benefited so much politically, as we should be by a connection with our sister republics; but so far as connection with the ports upon the Gulf is concerned, it is obvious that if we are to have any control on the political future of Mexico we must connect ourselves with them in some way. Now we have no connection. Their commerce has gone across the ocean, although we can furnish them with what they require at much lower rates. We have what they want, and they have what we want. Their productions are such as are not raised in our country : their mines give us the silver we require for our daily uses in the trans action of commerce : but all this is going across the 89 ocean, going into the lap of Great Britain, because she thinks proper to subsidize mail steam lines and we have none. We have had our steamer running across to Vera Cruz in monthly trips, two or three months of the year, and then stopping so that communication is cut off. In this particular instance now under consideration, the Republic of Mexico has given a grant to an American citizen of a steam line : and it has agreed to give him $120,000 towards the mail subsidy necessary for keeping it up, if the government of the United States will give such further sum as may be necessary. This is rather in the nature of a postal treaty : still it is a legitimate subject of legislation. I shall vote for it as a political measure, connected with our foreign relations : not as a purely postal route." CONTEST BETWEEN SENATE AND HOUSE, AND LOSS OF APPROPRIATION BILL. 61. The amendment as introduced by Mr. Ward passed the Senate by an almost unanimous vote with a singular unanimity, in fact, and only failed in the House in common with various other amendments prop erly belonging to the postal service, in the contest which ensued during the last hours of the session between the Senate and the House upon the appropriation bills, and in which that for the Post-Office Department was entire ly lost. The feeling that was drawn out, however, in both Houses, evinced an almost unanimous disposition to no 12 90 longer permit our commercial relations with Mexico to remain in their past neglected condition ; but as the ear liest practicable moment to take such steps as shall be best calculated to secure a revival of our trade with that country, by the establishment of facilities of regular and frequent communication, and the . promotion by every legitimate means, of a withdrawal of that trade from its present European channels, and its transfer to the secure possession and control of our own citizens where it nat urally and legitimately belongs. The considerations which then operated to influence Congress in favor of a new policy, have now still greater weight and importance, and in the progress of events, have become still more clearly apparent and urgent: and it cannot be doubted that a measure so immediately tending to promote the desired improvement in our rela tions with Mexico, as the establishment of regular communication by steam between the two countries, will secure early attention and be favorably acted upon. REPORT OF POST-OFFICE COMMITTEE AT LAST SESSION. 62. The necessity for the proposed Steam Ship Line connecting the Mexican Ports of the Gulf of Mexico with those of the United States, cannot be more clearly and ably set forth than it is in the following report made by the Post- Office Committee to the Senate at the last session; the letter of the Postmaster -General to that committee in reply to their inquiries with reference to the proposed Line ; and in the letters from the Consuls 91 at Vera Cruz and Tampico, and memorials from the merchants of those places,which accompanied the Letter of the Postmaster -General, and form a part of the Committee s Report. 63 35-TH CONGRESS, > SENATE. J REP. COM. 2d Session. 5 ( No. 375. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES. FEBRUARY 15, 1859. Ordered to be printed. MR. WARD made the following REPORT. [To accompany Bill 8. 512.] The Committee on Post -Offices and Post Roads, to whom was referred a bill to establish a line of mail steamers from New Orleans or Mobile to sundry ports therein men tioned on the Gulf of Mexico, have had the same under consideration, and a majority of said committee have authorized me to report a substitute therefor, and recom mend its passage. Your committee would further state that, at present, there is no direct postal communication between the United States and any of the Mexican ports, except an irregular one with Vera Cruz, twice a month, which is suspended during the summer months. 92 The government of Mexico, for the purpose of increas ing the facilities of postal and commercial intercourse between the two countries, has entered into an exclusive contract with Mr. Carlos Butterfield, for the space often years, to transport the mails in steamers, weekly, be tween New Orleans or Mobile, and all of the above- named ports, giving to the contractor an exemption from port charges for his vessels, and otherwise securing him in the enjoyment of the rights contracted for. The compensation for this service by Mexico is fixed at the rate of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) annually, based upon the supposition that the United States would contribute liberally towards estab lishing this desirable communication. The general principle which this committee has adopted in recommending the formation of contracts for the trans portation of the mails by ocean steamers, has been either to pay -a sum not greater than the amount of postages, or to call for competing bids ; but in this case that prin ciple cannot be applied, as the trade at present between this country and Mexico would not be a sufficient collat eral inducement for any company to make regular trips for the postage alone. Although it is not properly a matter to be considered by your committee that the com merce between the two countries will be promoted by the establishment of a line of steamers through the agency of the mail pay, yet such pay as ought to be allowed must depend in some degree upon the advan tages which the ships carrying the mails can derive from commerce ; and if it is important in any respect to es tablish a mail service to ports where commerce does not 93 exist at present sufficient to sustain the line, then a greater sum must be paid than under other circum stances. If the effect of the proposed line should result in the increase of commerce, the duties which will be paid on imports will very soon compensate the government for the increased mail pay ; and should we, by a regular and ready communication with Mexico, succeed in re storing our commerce from its present dilapidated con dition even to the point where it once stood, the duties received will much more than remunerate the govern ment for the expenditure now advanced for mail service. It will be seen from our apathy towards Mexico, and our indisposition to cultivate and extend our commercial intercourse with her, that very much of her trade, valu able to us, has been diverted to England and other coun tries, which we might easily have secured, and which may yet be reclaimed. The total interchange of trade, including both imports and exports between the United States and Mexico, in 1851, was reduced to about three millions of dollars, al though, when the United States forces held the port of Vera Cruz in 1848- 49, the imports then from the United States amounted in one year to over $9,000,000 and as early as 1835 even a larger amount than the above was imported by Mexico from this country. Your committee will further suggest, that as Mexico has made the advance, and thereby has manifested a disposition to revive and increase our postal service and commercial intercourse, with the expectation that the United States will reciprocate, that she should be met in 94 the same spirit in which the advance is made, which, if properly entered into and conducted, will open up a new channel of postal, commercial, and social intercourse between the two governments that will increase a rev enue from postages alone to an amount exceeding the entire expense on the part of the United States govern ment for mail service. Your committee would further state that the sum al lowed by this bill would only amount to $-2,500 for a round trip, or entire circuit of the Gulf, making an aver age distance of twenty- three hundred miles, touching at all the ports named. In conclusion, your committee would most respectfully state that this whole subject-matter has been submitted to the Postmaster-General for his consideration, and beg leave to annex hereto his able communication thereon. LETTER OF POSTMASTER-GENERAL. POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT, January 21, 1859. 64. Sir: In reply to the inquiry made by the Com mittee on Post-Offices and Post Roads, relative to the expediency of establishing a line of steamers between New Orleans or Mobile and all the principal ports in the Gulf of Mexico, as set forth in the memorial of Carlos Butterfield, bearing date the 31st of December last, (1858,) I beg to submit the following statement : Notwithstanding the proximity of Mexico, and the special interest of this government in every thing that 95 appertains to and that might facilitate the most friendly and enlarged intercourse between our own and the peo ple of that republic, it is well known that for the last twenty years the commerce between the two countries has been greatly decreasing, and, in fact, has dwindled down to a comparatively insignificant amount ; whereas with Great Britain and other European nations it has been steadily increasing. This fact, it may be presumed, is attributable almost entirely to the policy of the British government in protecting and supporting regular lines of mail steamers. Frequency, certainty, and regularity of intercourse between countries are the great life-springs of commerce. This it is which has given to Great Britain not only a commercial preponderance in the Mexican trade, but may, if it has not already done so, give her an equally significant political influence in the affairs of that country. For many years past the United States have been en deavoring to enter into treaty stipulations, by which the bulk of the trade that now finds its way to Europe might be diverted to this country ; a trade which with Great Britain alone, including imports and exports, amounts to from twenty-eight to thirty millions of dollars per annum; whereas with the United States it has not averaged eight millions per annum for the last twenty years. Now, in order to divert this trade, as above stated, it appears to me that it can be effected in no other way so well as by the increase of commercial and postal facili ties between the two countries. Establish such a line as the one in question, and the intercourse and interests of the people of Mexico and the United States will be so 96 blended as greatly to promote future treaty arrangements, by which the general commercial interests of this coun try may be secured, and enable us to enjoy a commerce with that country within a short period, of thirty or more millions of dollars per annum, instead of the paltry trade we now have. The advantages of our geographical position, and the enterprise of our people, who produce and manufacture every article of consumption suitable to the Mexican market, enable us, after the trade is once developed, to sell or exchange on terms more advantageous to Mexican consumers than can be possibly offered by European producers. Once accomplish this object, and it is obvious that the considerable amounts of specie which now find their way to Europe would be diverted to the United States. By reference to the statistics of the two countries it will be seen that of the eight Mexican ports at which the steamers of the proposed line would touch, there are several which are almost entirely destitute of commer cial and postal intercourse with the United States ; ports from whence to our own, with the establishment of fre quent and regular communication, would be shipped the productions of large countries, and many towns and cities containing from five to thirty thousand inhabitants, and through which would be received in exchange the pro ductions and manufactures of the United States ; thus creating, as is believed, in a very short period, a large and flourishing commerce between the two countries, which would necessarily augment our revenues far be yond the outlay necessary to put into successful opera- 97 tion the postal and commercial intercourse sought to be established by the proposed line of steamers. Apart from the great commercial advantages to be de rived from the establishment of this line, and placing it strictly in a postal point of view, it is obvious to any one acquainted with the political relations of the two coun tries that the want of postal facilities in what we should term the Mediterranean of the American continent has been long and seriously felt. In that connection, I may refer you to the memorial, marked A, which, in the opinion of this department, presents a clear statement of all the facts embraced in the application. And, in further elucidation of the subject, I would call the attention of the committee to the accompanying memorial of the merchants of Vera Cruz, marked B, addressed to the consul of the United States at that port, and transmitted to this department by him, with a com- munication of his views on the subject, marked C. Notwithstanding the depletion of the Mexican treas ury, that government, recognizing the importance of postal facilities between the two countries, and anxious to develop its commercial relations with the United States, came forward and contracted with a citizen of the United States for the establishment of a weekly line of steamers, touching at all the principal ports of the Gulf, free of port charges, and placing one-half of the line under the flag of the United States, undoubtedly contemplating a generous response on the part of this government for the accomplishment of a great international enterprise ; involving, in my opinion, not only important postal and commercial, but also political interests. 13 98 If it is desirable to facilitate by treaty stipulations, and protect by armed squadrons, our trade with distant na tions, whose people have no particular sympathies or affinities with our own, and for whom we are only con cerned as to the dollars and cents involved, how much m ore important is it that with Mexico such a careful, liberal, enlightened, and wise policy should be adopted as will draw into the closest bonds of amity the people of the two countries, destined, perhaps, to claim as their own the history of each. Upon all the facts involved in this application, I can not withhold the expression of the opinion that great practical advantages will be gained to this country by acceding to some such arrangement as is suggested by the petitioner, and I therefore commend the subject to your favorable consideration, as being well worthy the attention of Congress. It will be observed that the es tablishment of such a line would supersede the line from New Orleans to Vera Cruz, which has been kept up for many years, at a cost of about $30,000 per annum. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AARON V. BROWN. Hon. D. L. YULEE, Chairman Committee on Post-Offices and Post Reads, Senate. MEMORIAL OF THE MERCHANTS OF VERA CRUZ. CONSULATE OP THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Vera Cruz, December 7, 1858. 65. SIR : I have the honor herewith to inclose a memo rial signed by most of the leading merchants of Vera Cruz, 99 and addressed to me, requesting that I shall bring before my government the important subject of establishing a coast line of steamers, from Mobile or New Orleans, along the Texan and Mexican coast. I take pleasure in laying the memorial before you, more because of the great importance of such a line of steamers to the commercial and political advantages it would give the United States in Mexico, over every other country I could dwell at great length upon this very important enterprise the advantages it would be to the United States in every point of view ; but as Col. Carlas But- terfield, who proposes to establish the line, is now in Washington, and can give the most satisfactory informa tion on the subject, I only desire to lay this memorial before you, and respectfully ask that it receive that attention which the great importance of the subject demands. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. J. TWYMAN, United States Consul. Hon. A. V. BROWN, Post master- General, Washington. VERA CRUZ, October 16, 1858. To R. B. J. TWYMAN, United States Consul for Vera Cruz : SIR : The undersigned, merchants of the city of Vera Cruz, take the liberty of calling your attention to the following facts, and, at the same time, beg you, as 100 consul of the United States of America, to submit the subject to your government, for its consideration : 1. Vera Cruz is comparatively cut off from all regular communication with the United States ; consequently all commercial operations between the two countries are almost paralyzed, having to rely on transient sailing vessels, which now and then make their appearance in our harbor. 2. Our mail communication with the United States is subject to the same contingencies, in consequence of which we are frequently more than a month without correspondence from the United States, which we ought to expect at least every eight days. 3. Whilst importations of merchandise from the United States barely reach $4,000,000 a year, those of Great Britain alone reach $1*2,500,000. This difference, you will readily perceive, arises from the fact of the current of commerce established with Europe by means of a regular steam communication. Therefore you will readi ly perceive that the only thing required to divert and increase the commerce of this country to the United States, is the establishment of a regular and frequent communication by steam between the two countries, which can be easily accomplished at the present time if the Government and people of the United States will come forward and render that aid necessary to an enter prise which will build up and establish the commercial relations between the two countries. 4. The Mexican Government, some ten months since, seeing the importance of the establishment of a more frequent commercial intercourse between the two 101 Republics, granted to a citizen of the United States a concession for the establishment of a line of weekly steamers between New Orleans or Mobile, touching at all the principal Mexican ports of the Gulf, with a liberal* subsidy for mail service, and other concessions in favor of the enterprise. The Mexican Government, being convinced at the time of granting this concession that the United States would come forward and render the same liberal support to so great an international enterprise, calculated to cement more firmly the friendly relations and commercial intercourse botween the two Republics, granted the privilege of placing one-half the number of steamers comprising the line under the American flag, and the other half under that of Mexico. In conclusion, the undersigned, feeling a deep interest in the establish ment of this enterprise, which is destined to bring great benefits to the mercantile interests of both countries, solicit your aid in their behalf, by laying the matter be fore your Government in its proper light Respectfully yours, Uslar Heyme] & Co. Fischer, Busing- & Co. E. Behem. Leffman & Gutheil. Garuste, Labadie & Co. H. Strebel. J. Lelong. Brehem & Rubke. J. H. Labiche & Co. F. Watermeyer & Co. Feraer & Jens. Biesterfield & Co. F. Formento & Co. Cambuston & Co. Doorman & Co. F. Neron, Wittenpo & Co. H. J. Kopeke. Fuentes, Carran & Co. Mahum & Munoz. Cabrera & Bello. Sturken Pollitz, successors of Guillermo Fitz Maurice. Jul Sievers. 102 LETTER FROM THE UNITED STATES CONSUL AT TAMPICO. To the Hon. A. V. BROWN, Postmaster- General of the United States, Washington. CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Tampico, Feb. 20, 1859. 66. SIR : I have the honor herewith to inclose a me morial addressed to this consulate by the principal mer chants of this city, explanatory of the advantages which would be derived by the people of the United States, and those of the Mexican Republic, in the event of steam communication being established between New Orleans and several ports in the Gulf of Mexico, as sug gested by Col. Butterfield ; all of which I fully concur in, and which I trust will serve to aid you in your deci sion on that subject. The only mail line of the steamers that touch at this port, are those of the British Royal West India Steam Packet Company, one of which arrives here monthly, bringing mails, passengers and quicksilver. They usual ly remain about forty-eight hours for return mails, pas sengers and specie ; returning, they touch at Vera Cruz, Havana, Jamaica, Porto Rico and St. Thomas, arid from thence to England. American citizens are frequently compelled to avail themselves of the opportunity afforded by the steamers to communicate with the United States, by which means they must pay, first, Mexican outward postage ; second, British steam postage ; third, Spanish postage at Hava na ; fourth, postage by the United States mail steamers 103 to the final place of destination. The expense of pla cing a single letter in the United States, weighing under one ounce, by this conveyance, is one dollar. For the performance of this and the Brazilian mail service, the British government pays an annual sum to the company of 270,000. On this coast, these steamers are exceedingly unpopular, in consequence of the un accommodating disposition of the officers, and the want of more suitable elements to facilitate the disembarking and embarking of the mails and passengers, their de pendence for the performance of such service, resting entirely on the pilots at the bar, whose boats are not properly constructed for bar service. Steamers drawing light, say from 8 to 8J- feet, can invariably enter the river in fine weather, and in boister ous weather life-boats so constructed as to live in heavy seas, would greatly facilitate the mail service. Should the mail contractors make arrangements for the transportation of specie to Europe by a connecting line of steamers in the United States, at the same rate of freight which is paid to the British steamers, say 1 per cent., and J per cent to the agent for shipping the same, they would soon have the carrying of all such freight, not only from this, but also from the port of Vera Cruz. The annual amount of specie exported from this port in British steamers since the year 1848, to the year en ding 1857, has averaged three and a quarter millions of dollars. During the year 1858 the revolutionary disturb ances throughout the Republic, caused a total suspension of business between this city and the mining districts, 104 and the specie due to the merchants from the interior purchasers of goods, was sent by caravans to Matamoras and Brownsville, and from thence embarked in United States merchant steamers for New Orleans, consequently, the total amount of specie shipped at this port per Brit ish steamers during that period, was only $352,707, and to the United States in sailing vessels, $691,131. The present interruption in the intercourse between this city and the interior, will doubtless be briefly remedied, and the business will then assume its wonted energy, and as the exports of Mexican produce to the United States are on the increase, the aid of steam com munication will not only be of incalculable benefit to the trading community, but the Treasury of the United States will also derive an augmentation in the duties growing out of the facilities thus afforded. I may venture to state to you, that the indulgent spirit which our Government has manifested towards the Mexican Republic since its initiation in the family of na tions, has not had the desired effect, but, on the contrary, it has thrown all the advantages of trade into the hands of other foreign merchants. England and France have a direct trade from their own ports to the ports of Mexico, whilst the Spanish merchants avail themselves of the facilities of owning and employ ing vessels under the American flag, whose knowledge of the language, and skill in intriguing with the Mexican authorities for advantages in the customs, have driven our merchants out of the market, and nearly all the com merce now carried on between this port and the United States, is in reality, in the hands of Spanish merchants. 105 But it is confidently expected that our Government will soon place us on a more equitable footing with this country, by a renewal of diplomatic negotiations, and then, by means of frequent communication, our merchants will be able to compete with those of any other nation. In respectfully submitting these remarks to your superior consideration, I beg permission to subscribe myself, with the highest esteem and respect, sir, Your most obedient servant, FRANKLIN CHASE. MEMORIAL OF THE MERCHANTS OF TAMPICO. Tampico, Feb. 15, 1859. SIR : We, the undersigned merchants established at this port, having been informed of a project initiated by Colonel Butterfield, for connecting New Orleans by means of a weekly steam communication, with several points in the Mexican Gulf, and being deeply impressed with the importance of such an enterprise, as calculated to develop to an incalculable extent the natural resources of every section of Mexican territory coming within the sphere of its influence, would respectfully solicit the ex ertion of your influence with the United States Govern ment, to the end that the port of Tampico be included in the contemplated scheme. As you are well aware, it would be impossible for us to overestimate the moral and material advantages which would be conferred on both countries by a system of frequent and rapid communication such as Colonel Butterfield proposes to establish. 14 106 Friendly relations between the people and govern ments of the United States and Mexico would thereby acquire additional strength, the existing trade attain proportions hitherto unknown, and countless new devel opments of industry be rapidly brought into existence. With proper facilities afforded to its merchants in their intercourse with the United States, no other Mexi can port in the Gulf could vie with Tarnpico for the purposes of commerce. Its geographical position ren ders it the natural channel for the transit of manufac tured and other foreign goods destined to supply the wants of a thickly populated section of the interior, embracing within its area the great mining districts of Guanajuato, Zacatecas. and Catorce, for whose enormous productions of the precious metals it is consequently the outlet, while its exports of hides, goat-skins, sarsaparilla, jalap, fibre, vanilla, fruit, and dye-woods, already of considerable magnitude, would, under the vivifying in fluence of a weekly steamship communication with New Orleans and the other Gulf ports, speedily expand to an extent hitherto unknown in its history. Convinced as we are, that your own personal ob servation and experience during a protracted residence at this port will enable you to bear testimony to the accuracy and moderation of the foregoing remarks, it only remains for us, in conclusion, earnestly to request the favor of your making such representations in the proper quarter, as will insure to Tampico a just partici pation in the general advantages which Colonel Butter field s scheme cannot fail to secure to the commerce of both Republics. 107 We have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient ser vants, Laquidaien, Keiford & Co. Eugene Dauban. Lfilong, Camacho & Co. Joaquin Matienzo. F. Claussen & Co. V. Bastien. P. J. de la Lastra. Manuel A. Fernandez. C. Sansette, Son, Chabot & Co. Ramon & Obregon. J. J. Promm & Co. Fusco & Brother. H. M. Rugi & Co. Borde & Co. Gregorio Oatline. Conrad Meyer. Droege & Co. Frederico F. Schultz. Domingo Ysarri. S. W. Aid rich. F. Hartoz. Sidney Udall. M. Zubazan & Co. To FRANKLIN CHASE, Esq., United States Consul, Tampico. LETTER FROM CONSUL AT MINATITL\N, (iSTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC.) 67. The intelligent and efficient Consul at Minatitlan, (Isthmus of Tehuantepec,) A. C. Allen, Esq., writing to the Department of State, under date of October 1st, 1858, as published in the annual Report on Foreign Commerce for 185S, says: "I learn that the Mexican Government has made a concession to an American citizen to establish a weekly line of mail steamships half under American, and half under Mexican colors, from New Orleans or Mobile, touching at Galveston, Matagorda and Brazos de Santiago, Texas, to and from the following Ports in Mexico : Tampico, Vera Cruz Coatzacoalcos, Tabasco ; Laguna, Campeche and Sisal. ]OS If this enterprise is carried out, and I have no doubt it will be, if the United States Government will extend to wards it the same liberal patronage and assistance that the Mexican Government has agreed to do it will be the means of greatly increasing our commerce with this country, as well as by this constant and frequent com munication be the means of cementing more firmly a now growing friendship between the two people, while to the American merchants and those engaged in Ameri can trade it will be a most valuable convenience in re ceiving and forwarding letters and goods. It could not fail also to prove a means of diverting in part the large trade which this country now has with Europe to the United States. 7 CONCLUSION. 69. These memorials and official letters present the subject of Steam communication with Mexico in so dis tinct a form as to leave nothing to be added ; their state ments are of themselves the strongest argument in favor of the proposed line. With the advantage which we possess from contiguity, we could easily, by the adoption of the means proposed, change places with Great Britain on the commercial list. To secure a treaty with Mexico for such commercial advantages as would divert in our favor a large portion of her trade, our government is willing to pay millions. This same object can be ob tained without exciting the jealousy of other nations by the simple means which this contract with the govern ment affords and this at the cost of a comparatively insignificant sum. 109 Nor is the aid asked for in this matter a mere gratuity. All that is desired is, that the government should adopt the contemplated line as a part of its postal system, dealing with it in the same liberal spirit which has characterized its relation to other ocean lines of steamers. Thus, without departing from its established policy, or invoking any extraordinary power, it may perfect its system of postal arrangements, and at the same time open up a commerce which would stimulate the industry of all sections of our country. It would not be becoming in the undersigned to en large upon the political aspects of this question, to those whose knowledge and wisdom have entitled them to seats in Congress as the political representatives of the people. Besides which, it is too apparent to need dis cussion, that contiguity and similarity of political insti tutions demand that above all other nations, we should exert an influence over Mexican affairs, and this without regard to what has been termed " our manifest destiny/ If these considerations are deemed worthy the atten tion of the Government, the undersigned trusts that such support will be granted to him by the present Congress, as will justify him in at once placing in the most effective operation, the important enterprise which has been in augurated by the Government of Mexico. CARLOS BUTTERFIELD. Washington City, December, 1859. I) T ,V l/" \ Y MOBILC I! C tb > \ STATISTICS OF M: E x i c o , AND GENERAL REMARKS. APPENDIX CONTENTS. Pago General Review of the Republic, Geographical Situation and Extent 7 Territorial Divisions and Population Table of States 9 Division of Races. Number of Foreigners who took out Letters of Security in 1854 10 Configuration of the Country 11 Elevation of certain places in the Republic 12 Heights of the principal Mountains 13 Rivers 13 Climate 14 Natural Wealth of the Republic 16 Foreign Commerce of Mexico 18 Importations from different Countries 19 Distribution of Imports and Exports 20 Imports from France 21 Exports to France 22 Statement of Merchandise imported into Yera Cruz in 1856, with the Yalue. ... 22 Merchandise exported from Yera Cruz, in 1856 26 Tonnage entering and clearing from Mexico 26 Commerce with the United States 27 Shipments of Silver to the United States 30 Table of Yessels cleared from the United States for Mexico during the Year ending June 30, 1857 31 Table of Yessels entered United States from, Mexico during the Year ending June 30, 1857 31 Table of Foreign Yessels entered United States from and cleared to Mexico, dur ing the Year ending June 30, 1857 32 Goods free of Duty under the Tariff now in force, which is that of January 1, 1856 . 32 Rates of Duties under the Mexican Tariff of 1856 33 Additional Duties on Merchandise 36 Mexican Custom-House Regulations for Passengers 37 Article 3d of the General Ordinance of Maritime and Frontier Custom-Houses of the Mexican Republic, of January 31, 1856, relating to Port Charges, &c.. 39 4 CONTENTS. Page Weights and Measures 41 Land Measures 42 Ports of entry for Foreign Commerce 42 Custom-Houses on the Frontier 42 Ports open to the Coasting Trade . * 42 Mercantile Marine 43 Naval Force of Mexico 43 Domestic or Interior Trade 44 Means of Internal Transportation 45 Diligences . . 47 Agriculture 48 Mines and Coinage of Mexico 55 Amount coined in each of the different Mints of Mexico, from the Conquest to 1856 inclusive 57 Total Coinage of the Mints of Mexico since the War of Independence 57 Coinage of the different Mints in 1855 and 1856 58 Coin in Circulation 58 Legal Exportation of Specie from all parts of the Eepublic for the Year 1856. . 59 Perfection of Mining in Mexico 59 Difficulties of doing justice to the subject in this work 60 Smuggling Specie out of the Country 61 English Smuggling in Mexico (New York Times) , 62 Enormity of the Contraband Traffic carried on by England in Mexico 65 Falsity of Mexican Statistics of the Commerce of the Country 66 Real Estate 67 Manufactures 68 Cotton-Factories in the Republic of Mexico 70 Prices of Iron in the City of Mexico 70 Foreign, National, and Interior Debt 71 Government Revenue 73 Annual Expenses of Government 74 Clergy 75 Revenue of the Clergy 76 General Remarks respecting the several States 79 Aguascalientes 79 Chihuahua 79 Colima 82 Chiapas 83 Coajuila .* 85 Nuevo Leon 86 Durango , 87 Guanajuato 89 Guerrero 91 Jalisco 92 Michoacan 94 Mexico.. 96 CONTENTS. 5 Page Oajaca 97 Pucbla 99 Queretaro 101 Sonora / . 103 Sinaloa 107 San Luis Potosi ft , 108 Tlascala 110 Tamaulipas Ill Tabasco 117 Vera Cruz 121 The Isthmus of Tehuantepec 129 Yucatan 131 Zacatecas 139 Territory of Lower California 141 District of Mexico 143 City of Mexico 144 Synopsis of Mexican History and general remarks 147 Remarks of the New York Herald 155 Synopsis of the Platform of the Constitutional Government of Mexico 156 Synopsis of the Plan of Tacubaya, on which the Government is based 157 GENERAL REVIEW OF THE REPUBLIC. GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION AND EXTENT. THE territory of the Mexican Republic extends from the 15th to the 32d parallel of north latitude, and from the 86th to the 117th degree of longitude, west of Green wich. Its boundaries are the Pacific Ocean on the West ; the United States on the North ; the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, which washes part of the coast of Yucatan, on the East ; and the English territory of the Balize and the Central American Republic of Guatemala on the South. The dividing line between the United States and Mexico, according to the treaty of December 30th, 1853, known as the Mesilla or Gadsden Treaty, is as follows : " Beginning in the Gulf of Mexico three leagues from land, opposite the mouth of the Rio Grande, as provided in the 5th article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, thence, as defined in th^ said article, up the middle of that river, to the point where the parallel of 31 47 y north latitude crosses the same : thence due west one hundred miles : thence south to the parallel of 31 20 north lati tude : thence along the said parallel of 31 20 to the lllth meridian of longitude west of Greenwich : thence in a straight line to a point on the Colorado River twenty English miles below the junction of the Gila and Colo rado Rivers ; thence up the middle of said River Colo rado until it intersects the present line between the United States and Mexico," and thence to the Pacific by the line separating the two Californias, which, as laid down in the treaty of Guadalupe, is as follows: "A straight line drawn from the middle of the Rio Gila, where it unites with the Colorado, to a point on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, distant one marine league due south of the southernmost point of the port of San Diego, according to the plan of said port," attached to the treaty The extreme length of the Republic, north-west and south-east, measured on a straight line from the southern extremity of the State of Chiapas to the northern limit of Lower California, within one league of the Bay of San Diego, is upwards of 2,OCO miles : and its extreme breadth at 26 degrees of north latitude, over 1,100 miles. Its coasts extend over 1,600 miles in the Gulf of Mexico and Carribean Sea ; and upwards of 4,200 miles on the Pacific Ocean and in the Gulf of California. Its northern frontier is l.,792 miles in length, and its southern 532 miles. Before the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and the Mesilla or Gadsden Treaty, Mexico comprised an area of 1,690,317 square miles ; but by the first-mentioned treaty, her territory was reduced 897,650 miles, and in pursu ance of the second 26,185 miles; leaving its present total area 766,482 square miles. TERRITORIAL DIVISIONS AND POPULATION. The Republic of Mexico is divided, under the Consti tution of 1857, into twenty-three States, one District, and one Territory. The total population is stated by the latest Mexican authorities to be 8,283,088. The Territorial divisions and distribution of population are as follows : STATES. Area in square miles. Popula tion. Averago >opulation to square mile. Capitals of States. Popula tion of Capitals. Distance from Mexico in miles. Aguas Calientes, 2.647 80.701 2,91 18,051 46,857 14,035 30,926 46,645 22,220 18,bSl 70,793 34,948 8,581 1,820 86,855 27,194 32,586 29,314 18,996 1,918 26,493 47.253 26833 58,620 87 83,243 160,000 61,243 161,914 156,519 929,431 270.000 804.058 491,679 1,012554 212.45 J 581,962 655.622 180,000 147,133 393.360 160.000 108,514 75,901 80,171 338,859 680.325 302,141 9.000 230,000 31.44 1 98 2098 8.96 3.34 66.22 8.73 17.12 22 12 5362 3. 16.64 76.40 98.90 1.69 14.35 4.91 3.70 3.99 41.79 12.79 14.39 11.26 15 2643.67 Asruas Calientes.... 20,000 12,000 31.774 7,659 12,449 63398 6,500 68,000 23,000 12,000 13,534 25,000 75,000 47,570 7.000 33,581 10,000 6.1f.4 5,500 3.463 9,647 23,575 15,427 500 200,000 364 867 447 752 528 244 182 414 180 42 612 281 72 148 1,515 297 1,049 507 622 87 242 1,005 339 1.083 San Cristobal Guanajuato Tixtla ... Jalisco . . Guadalajara Morelia Toluca Mexico ,.Nuevo Leon y Coahuila, Oajaca Monterey ... Oajaca Puebla . Puebl.-i Ures San Luis Potosi . . Culiacan Ciudad Victoria San Juan Biutista . . Tlaxculu. Tabasco Tlaxcala, . . VeraCruz Merida. Zacatecas .-Terrkory of Lnver California,.... District of Mexico, LaPaz Total, . 766.482 8,283.088 10.8 734.742 This table is both interesting and important. Commencing on the Gulf, Tamaulipas has only 3 Nuevo Leon y Coahuila 3, Chihuahua 1 IrVo, and Lower California only T /O to the square milo , Sinaloa has but 4 7 Vo, and Durango 3 T Vo. 2 -Vo, So nor a 10 In the aggregate, the frontier States have but 637,106 inhabitants, and, including Sinaloa and Durango, their population is only 953,625, or less than one million. Yet these six States and one Territory have an area of 400,000 square miles, or more than one-half of the entire Mexican Republic. THE DIVISION OF RACES may be considered as follows : Of pure European blood, one-fifth, or say . 1,656,620 Of the Native or Indigenous race, T 4 ^ths ; or say . 2,208,824 Of mixed European and Indigenous blood, y^ths^or say 4,417,644 Total, . . . 8,2^3,08tt On an average the annual increase of the population of the Republic can be estimated at 144,000. IN 1854. Spaniards, 5,404 French, .. 2,125 English, 649 Germans, 632 Americans. , 546 Italians, 231 Swiss, Belgians, 26 Poles, Hungarians Danes,... ............... . Swedes, Dutch Russians, . Greeks, Algerines, 4 Arabs, 1 5 2 9 From the Canaries, 2 2 Hay tiens, ....... 14 6 Canadians, 1 1 Guatemalians, 65 3 Peruvians, .... ... 6 6 Ecuadorians, 4 8 Venezuelans, ........ 7 1 5 6 . ... 4 ?! Chilians, . 9 1 Brazilians, ......... . . 1 4 Total 9,864 1 4 11 The total number of foreigners of both sexes who actually reside in the country, is estimated to be up wards of 25,000. The number of foreigners resident in the country con tinues every year to increase, to a certain extent. The difference between the number of foreigners who entered and who left the Republic at the several seaports during the year 1854, is shown by the following statement : Enter d. Left Diff. in favor of increase of pop ulation. By By the Ports of the Gulf of Mexico, Ports on Pacific Ocean, except Acapulco, where no 1,911 646 1,138 206 773 440 Total, 2 557 1 344 1 213 CONFIGURATION OF THE COUNTRY. The geological structure or physiognomy of Mexico is peculiar. The great Cordillera of the Andes, which traverses the whole of South America, from its southern most limit, is exceedingly depressed at the Isthmus of Panama, and again at Tehuantepec, where it serves merely to form a barrier between the union of the Pacific and Atlantic. But as soon as this massive chain enters the broader portion of North America, it divides into two gigantic arms, one to the east and along the shores of the Gulf, and the other to the west along the shores of the Pacific, which support between them a continuous lofty platform, or series of table lands, crossed and inter sected by innumerable sierras, some .of which rise to the height of 17,000 feet above the level of the sea. 12 This geological structure prevails throughout the whole of Mexico ; but on the eastern side the table land declines, until, at the Rio Grande, on entering Texas, it has reached the level of that river : and on the north toward. El Paso, and along the frontier of Chihuahua and Sonora,its general elevation has become only some 3,000 to 4,000 feet. The following lines of elevations will illustrate the peculiar topography of Mexico : FROM VERA CRUZ TO EL PASO. Places. Altitudes. Vera Cruz Orizaba 4,050 Summit 7,640 San Agustin 7,270 Puebla 7,200 Mexico 7,500 Tula 6,730 San Juan del Rio 6,490 Queretaro 6,360 Celaya. T 6,020 Salamanca 5,760 Guanajuato 6,840 Silao 5,910 Villa de Leon 6,130 Lagos 6,380 Aguas Calientes 6,260 San Luis Potosi 6,090 Zacatecas 8,040 T >psnil1o 7,240 Durango 6,850 Paras 4,990 Saltillo 5,240 El Bolson de Mapini 3,790 Chihuahua 4,640 El Paso delNorte, 3,810 FKOM DURANGO TO RIO GRANDE. Places. Altitudes. Durango 6,850 Saltillo 5,240 Rinconada 3,380 Monterey 1.630 Marin 1,354 Ceralos 1,006 Mier 417 Camargo 422 Regnosa 104 MEXICO TO ACAPULCO. Mexico 7,500 Amecameca 8,129 Cuautla. 4,380 Cuernavaca 4,000 Matamoras de Azucar 3,400 Mescala.... 1,588 RioPapagayo 1,000 Acapulco ALTITUDES OF MINING LOCALITIES. Guanajuato 6,840 Fresnillo 7,240 Zacatecas 8,040 Pachuca 8,112 Catorce 8,788 RealdelMonte 9,000 13 HEIGHTS OF THE PRINCIPAL MOUNTAINS. Elevation States. above the sea Popocatepetl* Mexico... 17,716ft. Pico de Orizava* .... Vera Cruz . 17,372 Iztaccecuatl Mexico ... 15,619 Cofre da Perote Vera Cruz. 13,410 Nevado de Toluca . . . Mexico . . . 14,567 Zempoaltecatl Oajaca 11,141 Colima * Jalisco 12,034 Pico de Quicceo Michoacan. 10,072 Elevation above the M* . States. Soconusco* Chiapas 7,374 ft. Jesus Maria Chihuahua. 8,238 Tabacotes do 7,739 Cerro del Mercado.Durango,.. 7,923 Veta Grande Zacatecas . 9,126 BufadeZacatecas do 8,294 Jorullo* Michoacan . 1 ,683 Tuxtla*.. ..Vera Cruz NOTE. The mountains marked thus [*] are volcanoes. RIVERS. Those which flow through the Mexican territory are divided into three classes, viz.: those which flow into the Pacific Ocean, those which empty into the Gulf of Mexico, and those which terminate in lakes and lagunas, as will be seen by the following table : Rivers. States in which situated. Length in miles. Termination. Bravo del Norte.. New Mexico, Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas Tamaulipas ... 1,427 286 Gulf of Mexico. Do. Alvarado Vera Cruz 161 Do. Coatzacoalcos .... Tehuantepec ....... 145 Do. Grijalva Tabasco . . 344 Do. Osumacinta ..... Do 341 Do. Rio Vaqui Sonora . . 357 Gulf of California. Do 208 Do. Fuerte Between Sonora and Sinaloa 278 Do. Culiacan . Sinaloa ... ...... 156 Do. Balzas Guerrero, Michoacan and Mexico.. 419 Pacific Ocean. Mezquital, Durango and Jalisco .. .......... 299 Do Santiago Jalisco. 261 Do. Ures Sonora... ...... . 411 Lake of Sonora. Nazas Coahuila .... 282 Lake of the Caiman. Lertna .... Mexico, Michoacan and Guanajuato 282 Lake of Chapala con tinues its course lu Jalisco, with name of the Santiago. 14 CLIMATE. Mexico is divided into three regions, or superficial strata, which are classed as follows : 1st. The Tierras Calientes or hot land, which embrace chiefly that portion of the territory lying on the borders of the Atlantic and Pacific, and extend up the slope of the respective ranges to an elevation of between three and four thousand feet. This division, however, is not confined exclusively to the coast, for it also includes such portions of the in terior as do not exceed this elevation, and where there is heat and moisture enough to produce the fruits of the tropics. 2d. The Tierras Templadas or temperate regions, comprise all that greater portion of the Republic having an elevation of between four thousand and eight thou sand feet, embracing the whole of the vast plateau stretched between the mountains of the Gulf and those of the Pacific slope. This is the characteristic region of Mexico, and includes within its limits all the great centres of population of the Republic. 3d. The Tierras Frias,or cold lands. These comprise the mountainous districts rising above the level of the " Tierras Templadas " up to the limit of constant snow. Between these elevations of eight thousand and three thousand feet, a considerable Indian population, hardy and independent, are to be found upon the Sierras, and also within it are many of the most extensive mining districts of the country. 15 Though Mexico extends into both the Temperate and the Torrid zones, its climate it will be seen depends less upon latitude than upon elevation. In general, the Republic, with the exception of the c.oast and a few other places which from their situation are extremely hot, enjoys an even and temperate climate, free from the extremes of heat and cold, in consequence of which the most of the hills in the cold regions are covered with trees, which never lose their foliage, and often remind the traveler of the beautiful scenery of the valleys of Switzerland. In Tierra Caliente we are struck by the groves of mimosas, liquid amber, palms, and other gigantic plants characteristic of tropical vegetation ; and finally, in Tierra Templada, by the enormous haciendas, many of which are of such extent as to be lost to the sight in the horizon with which they blend. The Mexicans are not accustomed to separate the year into four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, for the variation of temperature scarcely authorizes such marked distinctions of climate ; but they divide the twelve months into two grand divisions of "the dry season" and "the rainy season." The latter commences about May and lasts usually four months, whilst the dry season comprises the re mainder of the year. 16 NATURAL WEALTH OF THE REPUBLIC. Under this head, Sr. Lerdo de Tejada, in his Cuadro Sinoptico, remarks, It would not be possible in a synop tical view of this kind to give a full scientific and minute description of all the various elements of wealth which exist in Mexico. We shall therefore content ourselves with simply indicating several of the most important items, in order to give some faint idea of the immense wealth which is contained in and upon the soil of Mexico. To commence with the animal kingdom. The various quadrupeds which minister to the use of man for food or other purposes, abound in such quantities that, owing either to the smallness of population, or to the little use made by the great mass of the people of meat for their daily food, there is not perhaps any other country in the world where cattle sell so cheap as in Mexico. Wild animals, valuable as articles of food, are found in equal abundance throughout the country. The number of horses and asses is enormous. The same may be said of mules, which are commonly em ployed for carriages, for agricultural labors, and for working in the mines. Of birds fit for food there are above seventy different sorts in the Republic. Of the birds which are distin guished by the beauty of their plumage and the sweet ness of their song^ there are, according to Clavejero, about fifty or sixty different species. As regards fish they are found in immense numbers and of great variety, both on the coasts of the Gulf and the Pacific, as well as in the lakes and streams of the interior. In speaking of fisheries we ought not to omit to mention, as a part of the natural wealth of Mexico, the tortoise-shell fishery on the coast of Yucatan, which yields very abundantly ; and also the pearl fisheries on the coast of Lower California, and at other places on the Pacific shore. All kinds of productions belonging to the vegetable kingdom are produced in Mexico. The elevated part of the country is capable of pro ducing every kind of grain or fruit raised in Europe, while the lower portions of the country yield every pro duction of the tropics. It may be said that the soil of Mexico is the most fertile in the world. There are, it is true, outside of the torrid zone, some tracts which, from want of water, are unproductive ; but in all other parts the laborer, with very little work and trouble, is sure to reap a rich -and abundant recompense for his toil. In some places the production is almost fabulous, where for one bushel of maize or Indian corn put into the ground, the return is from 250 to 300 bushels. Various kinds of trees are to be found in Mexico, useful for the valuable gums which distill from their trunks, such as the india-rubber or gum -elastic tree* the copal, the gum -lac, the liquid amber, and others* Medicinal plants of all kinds also abound. Of timber trees there are immense forests, which afford woods of great beauty and solidity. Dye-woods are produced in great quantities, especially in the Isle of Carmen, and on the coast of Vera Cru/, 3 18 and Tamaulipas in the Gulf of Mexico, and on the coasts of the Pacific. To the great variety and riches of the vegetable king dom, may be added the extraordinary mineral ^wealth which abounds in Mexico. Besides gold and silver (which are principally worked,} there are rich and abun dant mines of iron, copper, mercury, tin, lead, zinc, cobalt, coal, sulphur, salt, porcelain clay, and other minerals. As mining, perhaps more than agriculture, forms the chief branch of national industry, a great part of the inhabit ants are to be found occupied in the mines or some of the numerous branches of works connected therewith. Mexico also produces precious stones, as the ruby, amethyst, topaz, opal, garnets, pearls, agate, chalcedony, and other precious stones. Marble and stones of all kinds fit for building, are also found in abundance." FOREIGN COMMERCE OF MEXICO. The total annual value of the foreign importations into the Republic of Mexico is estimated by Sr. Lerdo cle Tejada at $26,000,000 and of exportations at $28,000,000, making a total foreign interchange of im ports and exports of $54,000,000 per annum The general prevalence of contraband trade, particularly along the Pacific coast, renders it difficult however to arrive at the total importations of merchandise or exportations of specie ; and the entire commerce legal and illegal, may be considered nearly, if not quite double the above amount. 19 The difference in favor of the exports as given above, is attributed to the large sums annually exported by the government in payment of interest on the foreign debt, and to the large amounts exported by foreigners who, after some residence in Mexico, return to their homes. The imports consist chiefly of cotton, linen, woolen, and silk fabrics, as well as cotton and silk in their raw state, brandies, wines, liquors, oil, earthenware, glass, quicksilver, iron, guns, steel, tin, hardware, watches, jewelry, paper, machinery, wax, cocoa, carriages, furni ture, musical instruments, books, and other articles of minor importance. The exports are principally of gold and silver, in coin and bars, of which precious metals an amount equal to twenty-two or twenty-three millions are annually ex tracted. The remaining five or six millions is made up by cochineal, vanilla, tobacco, coffee, jalap, sarsaparilla, American aloe, flax, copper, hides, tallow, timber, cattle, logwood, indigo, cocoa, pepper, salt, tortoise-shell, pearls, mother-of-pearl, meat and fish salted, rice, beans, hats, woolen fabrics, biscuit, fruit, sugar preserves, and other articles of small value. The importations from different countries, as estimated by Sr. Lerdo de Tejada, in 1856, are as follows : Great Britain $12,500,000 United States 4500,000 France 4,500,000 Germany 1,860,000 Spain 700,000 Belgium 300,000 Sardinia ; 90.000 Guatemala, Ecuador, New Granada, Venezuela and Chili .. 250,00 Island of Cuba _ 600,000 India and China 700,000 $26,000,01)0 20 The exports of Mexico are mainly shipped in the shape of silver coin and bullion direct to England, by the British Steamers which touch at Vera Cruz and Tampico, and by British men-of-war from the Pacific coast. The balance goes principally to the United States, and small amounts to other- countries with which Mexico has commercial relations. The total commerce, imports and exports, is distributed nearly as follows : Exchanges with England ...... $33,400.000 " United States (1858), .... 8,700,000 " France ...... 5.500,000 Germany ...... 2,000,000 " Spain ... . 1,200,000 " Belgium ...... 400,000 " Sardinia ..... 100,000 " Guatemala, Ecuador, New Granada, Venezuela and Chili 500,000 " Island of Cuba . ... 1,200,000 " India and China ..... 1,000,000 Total, . $54,000,000 The importations from Great Britain into Mexico may be illustrated from a report made by order of Parliament. For a period of seven years from 1840 to 1846, both included, the sum total of the value of the imports was nearly $82,246,705, making an average value of $12,000,000 per annum. The principal articles of import were as follows ; drugs, haberdashery and wearing apparel, arms and ammuni tion, malt liquors, printed books, manufactures of brass and copper, furniture, carriages, coals, cordage, manu factures of cotton, earthenware of all kinds, glassware, 21 hardware and cutlery, hats, iron and steel in bars, manufactured lead, prepared skins, harness and saddles, manufactures of flax, machinery and machines, and musical instruments. Of these articles, cotton fabrics rank highest, the estimated value of the importations for the seven years amounting to more than $57,000,000, while those of linen (which come next in order of value) were more than $12,000,000, leaving only some $12,000,000, or $13,000,000, as the aggregate value of all the other imports from Great Britain into Mexico. The character and value of merchandise entering into the commercial movement of Mexico with France, may be exemplified by those of the- year 1851, as exhibited in the following statement made up from data furnished by the official returns of France : IMPORTS FROM FRANCE. DESCRIPTION OF MERCHANDISE. VALUE. Manufactures of silk $1,249,038 " of cotton 644.134 of wool 625,447 of glass 328,583 Engravings, books, c 278,065 Wines 245,693 Arms 231,419 Manufactures of metal 179830 Haberdashery, &T 126,549 Rabit and Hare skins 504,216 Mechanical and other tools 103,040 Dressed skins 67,017 Cutlery 56.851 Fish, pickled, &c 55516 Artificial flowers & Fancy Goods 47,310 Spirits and Liquors 47,257 Manufactures of Hemp & Flax 45,92 1 DESCRIPTION OP MERCHANDISE. VALUE Perfumery $42,957 Precious Stones 40,UO<) Clocks and Watches 39,943 Carriages, &c 32.63 Jewelry 35,553 Furniture 32,58 1 Machines and Machinery 25,541 Musical Instruments.... 23,008 Stearine oil 21.675 Medicines 19.867 Iron and Steel 19,747 Prepared skins 19,298 Silk (raw and manufactured)... 15,861 Toys 15,073 Olive oil 13,976 Umbrellas and Parasols (silk) . . 13,525 Sundries 221,966 $5,469,167 22 EXPORTS TO FRANCE. Cochineal, Vanilla, Dye-woods, Sarsaparilla and Jalap, Hides, . Indigo, Pepper, $337,025 209,400 405,429 16,355 4,014 3,731 3,638 Copper, 2,164 Sundry articles, 132,930 $1,144,686 The reason of the shipments thither of the precious metals being so small in amount, is, that exchanges with England can always be more conveniently arranged than with France direct. The importations into Mexico from Germany consist principally of linen textures, such as Silesian linen, creas, &c , &c. ; to which are added, in smaller quantities, some chintzes, muslins, silk handkerchiefs, cloths, cassi- meres, crystals, plain glass, fine and common hardware, arms, carriages, furniture, pianos, &c. The following statement in detail of the imports and exports of the port of Vera Cruz for the year 1856, can be fully relied upon, the same being from the department of finance. Statement of merchandise imported into Vera Cruz during the year 1856, showing the respective value of each article. rrovisions, Wines, Oils, $c. Olive oil $142,107 Spirits 238,063 Beer 12,021 Cognac 11,382 Gin 19,200 Liquors 19,392 Vinegar 6,339 White Wine 163,578 Champagne 11,592 Common Claret 232.583 $856,317 Meats, Sundries. Pork, Beef $374 Beef 410 Sausages 5,626 Ham 3,858 $10,268 Groceries Saffron $35,523 Cinnamon 155.221 Cloves 18,736 Nutmegs 380 Mustaid 1,707 Marjoram 115 Pepper 2,962 0214,644 Fruits. Olives $10,707 Capers 8,93 1 Almonds 70.057 Nuts 2,085 Chestnuts 52 Cherries 7,961 Figs 6,261 Walnuts 197 Raisins 13,311 Grain. $119,562 Cocoa $120,391 Wheat (flour) 34,794 Maize 5,934 Fish. $161,119 Dried Cod . $20,897 Sardines 145,378 Fish, various 2,141 $168,416 Provisions not included in the preceding classification. Su?ar $12,766 Preserves 6,940 Pickles 2060 Vermicelli 18.935 Biscuit 3,719 Lard 3,837 Butter 13,165 Ice 20,190 Potatoes 543 Cheese 15,898 Tea 33,860 $136,913 Manufactures, Cotton, <fyc. Cotton Stripes $11,616 English Diaper 7,286 Cambrics 25,643 Printed Cantons 41,309 Cotton Vestings 370 Tapes $69,424 Bed Ticks 21.194 Cottonades .. ..... 19,004 Assorted Satteens . . 64,585 Cotton Creas 73,850 15,890 Drills 85,773 Cotton Lace. 41,184 Gloves 226 White English Yarn .. 92,686 White Sewing Cotton . 94,900 Striped Cottons 35,942 6,004 Silesias 73,442 1,119,083 Broadcloths 113,000 219,787 Stockings and Socks .. 34,407 645,616 Velveteen* 126,690 Shawls. 748 Handkerchiefs 280,099 Umbrellas .... .... 3,625 Skins 11,840 Piquet 4,246 Irish Linen 121,787 Tarletan 607 Towels and Napkins... 5,766 Tulle 4,995 Dresses 91,900 Chintzes 1,269,093 Unclassified Cottons 32,991 $4,861,611 Manufactures, Woolen. Carpeting $27,193 Alpaca 12,917 Buyrta 30,172 Cassimeres, Doeskins.. 407,794 Cassinettes 12,533 10,846 Tapes and Braid 119 144 Damasks 6.577 Tartans 7,103 Woolen Yarns 7,022 Flannel 11 ,038 Gloves 2,224 2,169 936 Merinoes 40,490 Muslin de Laine ...... 105,337 130,506 Shawls 128,660 Serge 4,941 Unclassified Woolens 3,087 $953,460 24 Linens. German Diaper $2,530 Bleached Sheeting 43,417 Britannias 110343 Russia Sheeting 177,116 10 m Hessians 4,811 Tapes 6,018 Coletas 4,194 Linen Ticks 1,437 Creas 217,872 Crehuelas 42,849 Drills 45,529 Lace 570 Long Lawn 24,177 Thread 3,419 Holland Lin.... 50,963 Irish Linens 8,226 Striped Linens 601 Lin^n Cambrics .... 2,162 Stockings and Socks 1,941 Canvas 5,179 Handkerchiefs 39,300 Platillas 182,975 Ducks - 1,617 Towels and Napkins 7,155 Unclassified Linens... 1,601 $986,002 Silks. Ribbon ...................... $46, 18 1 Scarfs and Cravats ............ 18,049 Crape ....................... 357 Vestings. .................... 2,490 Damasks ..................... 486 Lace and Blonds .............. 16,400 Gauzo ....................... 3,012 Gloves...- ................... 6,552 Mantillas and Scarfs ........... 6,419 Mantillas ....... ............. 1 1,740 Stockings . ................ ... 4,724 Hankerchiefs ................. 125. 628 Shawls ...................... 167,932 Umbrellas and Parasols ........ 3,930 Satin ........................ 7,628 Serge ....................... 2,455 Raw Silk .................... 152,294 Tafeta ....................... 2,283 Velvets ..... . ................ 4,982 Dresses ..................... 32,020 Sundry Silks ................. 845,595 Unclassified Silks ............. 293,400 $1,754,557 Cotton and Linen Mixtures. Arabias $4,126 529 Britannias ................... $19082 "- .................... 42,512 Ticks ......... . 7Q 334 Crehuelas 6 ^ 674 703 Damasks Drills ....... ...._ PJatillas .......... ."." "" ."" " "." " Silesias ............. Towels and Napkins ____ ... . . 17,505 62,573 9,345 585 $239,017 Cotton and Woolen Mixtures. Alpacas $40,047 Cassimeres 37,342 Cassinettes 45,121 Ribbons 33 Vestings _ 3,495 Damasks 12,530 Tartans 20,369 Flannels 5,595 Muslins 30,208 Shawls 2,736 Serge 1.676 Dresses 2,029 $201,181 Cotton and Silk Mixtures. Ribbons $18,166 Handkerchiefs and Ties 4,151 Vestings 20,073 Lace 244 Mantillas and Scarfs 6,122 Plush 4,604 Handkerchiefs 257 Muslins 3,459 Shawls 640 Satin 12,834 Fabinet 787 Tarletan 76 Velvet 12.239 Dresses 24,3 1 7 Unclassified mixtures 52,109 $160,078 Silk and Woolen Mixtures. Bombazine $1,052 Vestings 7,505 Muslins 9,314 Shawls 18,715 Dresses 7, 1 10 Unclassified mixtures 3,992 $47,688 Metal*. Flirete Paper for Cigars . $218,818 Steel $13 299 Printing Paper 12,600 Copper . . . . ~ Solder . ... 1,101 52 Sundry Papers Perfumery 5,770 112,284 Iron . . . . 102,993 Pianos .... 51,647 Tin Plates .... 23,783 Calf Skins 54,472 Brass 9,104 Morocco .... 7 272 Manufactured Silver . .,., . 13.82 Imitation Morocco 1^880 T p.,.1 21 4. 2 Paints 26,552 Zinc 2,487 Gunpowder 38,830 Ready-made Clothing . 135,813 $156,853 Tallow .... 120 Seeds .... 2,110 Hats and Felt . 13,014 Merchandise not classified under the above Tobacco, manufactured . 15,668 heads. leaf . 862 " snuff 11 244 Fans Raw Cotton Pitch and Tar Fire-arms .... Dutch Glaze .... Manufactured Hessians Coals .... $65,632 1,233,534 3,225 42,857 2,430 10,534 5.648 Writing Ink . Printing Ink Printing Type . Stearic and Sperm Candles . Articles saved from wreck and sold at auction . 916 5,556 2,572 100,527 10,693 Carriages and Wagons Wax 30,790 397.919 $ >6,649,5G6 Cigarettes .... 114,030 Crystal and Glass . Ironmongery ... Artificial Flowers 138,105 307,704 34,007 Recapitulation of the vdue of the Merchandise. Preceding Demijohns 7,487 Wines, Oils, &c. $856,317 Musical Instruments 48,314 Meats .... 10,268 Kid Gloves 20,142 Groceries 214,644 Hay . . . . 634 Fruits .... 119,562 Soap .... 17,434 Grain .... 161,119 Ropes 844 Fish 168,416 Fine Jewelry 242,641 Sundry Provisions . 136,913 Bricks 2,340 Cotions, Broadcloths, &c. 4,861,611 Books .... 127,075 Woolens .... 953,460 Earthenware .... 154,460 Linens ..... 986,002 Timber .... 5,880 Silks .... 1,754,557 Machinery .... 320,272 Cotton and Linen Mixtures . 239,017 Marbles .... 8,185 Cotton and Woolen Mixtures 201,181 Medicines and Chemicals 165,073 Cotton and Silk Mixtures . 160,078 Hardware .... 2,234,818 Wool and Silk Mixtures 47,688 Furniture .... 34,078 Metals . 158,853 Writing Paper 28,100 Hardware and Sundries . 6,649,566 Wrapping Paper <U30 $1 7,677,252 26 EXPORTS FROM VERA CRUZ. Value of merchandise exported from Vera Cruz during the year 1856. Cocoa . . . $1,109 . $2,883 Coffee . Copper Chile Pepper 8 -vrrls . . Chocolate . Stuffed Buds . Pd.tris Hides . P.-pper . 1,705 . 27,692 . . 102 65 99 380 . 2,500 99,345 1,205 Beans Grain .... Printed Books Wo d . Coined Gold Saddles .... Cigars .... Tobacco in leaf Vanilla .... 702 . 383.758 285 .412 . 512,722 . 120 322 11,561 . 164.131 Medicinal Plants Coined Silver . 1,021 7,653,341 1 (} Q^9 Sar^aparilla . Sundries .... 5,127 4,322 JYlciiiuiticturcu, oilvcr Jewelry . Jalap .... lU f \7c>O . 17,870 . 39,089 Total, $8.942,829 By a careful perusal of the foregoing notes, it will be readily perceived that the greater part of the articles therein enumerated, might be articles of direct impor tation and exportation between the United States and Mexico, and that such will be the case does not admit of a doubt if the commercial communication between the two countries is opened upon a reliable basis. TONNAGE ENTERING AND CLEARING FROM MEXICO. The number of vessels engaged in the foreign trade of Mexico during the year 1 854, including such as only brought passengers and mails, and took off precious metals, were as follows : Ports. No. of vessels. Vera Cruz ... 156 Tampico .... 53 ... Tabasco .... 30 .. Island of Carmen . 48 . . . Campeche ... 24 . . . Sisal 27 ... Mazatlan ... 31 . . . Tonnage. 52,513 . 7,790 4,134 . 10,994 2,971 . 4,024 7,163 Ports. San Bias Manzanillo Guaymas La Paz Acapulco No. of vessels. ... 22 ... . . 12 . . . 12 ... 1 ... ... 68 ... Tonnage. . 5,982 2,787 . 2,883 131 . 90,351 484 191,723 27 The large amount of tonnage exhibited by Acapulco, which is nearly double the amount entered at Vera Cruz, is owing to the American mail steamers touching at the former port twice a month on their way to and from San Fran^sco, California, and which of themselves almost make up the amount. COMMERCE WITH THE UNITED STATES. The following statement, made up fr(m United States Treasury Reports, shows the commercial transactions between Mexico and the United States from 1S26 to Years Exportation from Mexico to U. S. 1826 . 83,916,000 1827 . 5.232,000 1828 4,814,000 1829 5,026.761 1830 . 5.235,241 1831 5,167,000 1832 . 4,293.954 1833 5,459.818 1834 . 8,666,668 1835 9,490446 1836 . 5,615,819 1837 5,654 002 1838 3,127,153 1839 5,500,707 1840 4,175,000 1841 3,484,957 1842 1,996,694 1843 2,782,406 1844 2,387,000 nportation from S. into Mexico. v Exportation from ar9 Mexico to U. S. T mportation from U.S. into Mexico. $6,281,000 1845 . 1,7 2,936 1,152,331 4,173,000 H46 1,836,621 1,531,180 2,886.000 1847 746,818 692.428 2,331,151 1848 1,581,247 4,058.446 4,837,458 1849 2,216,719 2,090,868 6,178,< 00 1850 2.135.36S 2,012,827 3,467,541 1851 1,804.779 1,581,783 5,408,091 1852 1,649,206 2,284,929 5,265.053 1853 2,167.985 3,558,824 9,029,221 1854 3,463,190 3,135,486 6,040,635 1855 2,882,830 2,922,804 3,880,323 1856 3,568,681 3,702,239 2,787,362 1857 5.985,857 3,615,206 2,164,097 1858 5,477,465 3,315,825 2,515,341 2,036,620 1,534,493 Total -$129,245,326 $109,737,332 1,471,937 1,794,833 Average ) $3 916 525 per annum 5 w $3,325,377 The following in a statement of the trade between the United States and Mexico for the year ending June 30th, 1856: Exports of Domestic Products from the U. S. to Mexico. In American Vessels $1,785,106 In Foreign Vessels 679,836 $2,464,942 * 23 Exports of Foreign Products, U. S. to Mexico. In American Vessels 1067,490 In Foreign Vessels 169,807 $1,237,297 Total Exports, U. S. to Mexico $3,702,239 Imports from Mexico into the United States. In American Vessels $2,899,212 In Foreign Vessels 669,469 Total Imports from Mexico into U. S. . . . $3,568,681 Total trade between Mexico and the United States for" the year ending June 30th, 1856 .... $7,270,920 Of above Imports, the amount free of duty, was . . $2,794,^89 " " paying duty, " . . 773,792 Total Imports .... $3,568,681 $8,235 of above Imports was in Gold Bullion 28.451 " " " Silver Bullion 65,162 " " " Coined Gold 2613,075 " " " Coined Silver $2,714,923 . . Total amount in Gold and Silver. The following is a statement of the trade between the U. S. and Mexico, for the year ending June 30th, 1857. Exports of Domestic Products from the U. S. to Mexico. In American Vessels $2,229,822 In Foreign Vessels ...... 787,818 $3,017,640 Exports of Foreign Products, U. S. to Mexico. In American Vessels 380,938 In Foreign Vessels 216,628 597,566 Total Exports, U. S. to Mexico .... $3,615,206 29 Imports from Mexico into the United States. In American Vessels . . . .... 3,701,317 In Foreign Vessels . ... ..;. ,, 2,284,540 Total Imports from Mexico into U. S. . . . 5,985,857 Total trade between Mexico and the U. S. for the year ending June 30th, 1857 $9,601,063 Of above Imports, the amount free of duty, was . . $5,021,291 " 4 <" u paying duties, " . 964566 Total Imports .... $5,985,857 $21,848 of above Imports was in Gold Bullion 200,546 " " Silver Bullion 114,044 " " " Coined Gold 4,622546 " " " (Coined Silver $4,958,984 . . Total amount in Gold and Silver. It will be observed that the foregoing statements show a total interchange of trade between the United States and Mexico of $9,601,063, for the year ending 30th of June, 1857; being much larger than the average amount for the preceding years. The following is a statement of the trade between the U. S. and Mexico, for the year ending June 30^, 1858. Exports of Domestic Products from the U. S. to Mexico. In American Vessels $2,005,450 In Foreign Vessels 780,402 $2,785,852 Exports of Foreign Products, U. S. to Mexico. In American Vessels 358,702 In Foreign Vessels 171,271 529,973 Total Exports U. S. to Mexico $3,315,825 30 Imports from Mexico into the "United States. In American Vessels . . ". . . . $4,112,5^5 In Foreign Vessels %| 1,364880 Total Imports from Mexico into U. S. . . . $5 477,465 Total trade between Mexico and the U. S. for the year ending June 30th, 1858 $8,793,290 Of above imports the amount, free of duty, was . . $4,615,858 " " paying duties, " . . 861,607 Total Imports . $5,477,465 $3,163 of above Imports was in Gold Bullion 30,107 " " " Silver Bullion 23,266 " " " Gold Coin 4,312,428 " " " Silver Coin $4,368,964 . . Total amount in Gold and Silver. The increased shipments of silver from Mexico to the United States during the last two years, as shown by the preceding statements, indicate the commencement of an entire revolution in the destination of the precious met als exported from that country. Hitherto, the destina tion has been almost exclusively to England, and the annual shipments thither, legally and illegally made, have amounted to over $20,000,000. But from this time forward, the tendency of this rich and important current must be more and more to the United States, until, with the increased production which a few years of tranquillity in Mexico will secure, and more intimate relations, our annual receipts from that country, of silver, will equal, if not surpass, the amount we now receive from California in Gold. 31 Statements of vessels cleared from the United States for Mexico, during the year ending June 30th, 1857. PORT OF DEPARTURE. AMERICAN. FOREIGN. TOTAL. "1 il Ton nage. Crews. *! 4 Ton nage. I If Ton nage. 1 o Now York 28 1 1 11 1 3 1 87 1 28 1 6449 228 110 1483 130 364 233 19180 170 69(56 98 264 9 15 75 4 26 8 924 7 272 8 6 1396 65 34 1 1 11 1 3 1 138 1 66 1 1 1 9fin 7845 228 110 1483 130 364 233 24337 170 14947 98 30 120 329 9 15 75 4 26 8 1350 7 680 8 5 8 2524 ] )elaware Baltimore Mobile Pensacola Key West St. Johns New Orleans 51 5157 426 Salioria San Francisco 38 7981 408 Monterey San Diefo 1 30 5 San Pedro 1 120 8 Total.. .... 164 35531 1620 ~96 14564 904 50095 Statement of vessels entered the United States from Mexico, during the year ending June 30th, 1857. PORT OF ENTRY. AMERICAN 1 . FOREIGN. TOTAL. O ** &> Ton nage. i M 03 0*3 *J Ton nage. 1 *| 4 Ton nage. Boston 1 1 30 1 2 1 5 o 5 63 1 22 177 71 7207 112 280 210 536 407 786 14379 131 2967 7 6 293 7 13 8 33 14 34 728 7 197 1 1 33 2 2 2 5 2 5 111 1 48 1 1 177 71 7667 299 280 489 536 407 786 19659 131 7166 120 30 7 6 319 11 13 20 33 14 34 1171 7 446 8 5 2094 Providence New York 3 1 460 187 26 4 Bait iinore Norfolk Charleston 1 279 12 Mobile Pensacola Key West New Orleans 48 5280 443 Ttch* San Francisco 26 1 1 81 4199 120 30 249 8 San Pedro San Diego Total.. ~T34 27263 1347 10555 747; 215, 37818 Statement of Foreign vessels entered United States J row, and cleared to Mexico, during the year ending June 30th, 1857. NATIONALITY. ENTERED. CLEARED. Ko. of Vessels. Tonnage. CO * c-f; w Tonnage. 1 Mexican 66 1 2 7839 40 347 609 6 15 72 4 4 3 3 1 3 8015 850 1753 1124 1107 106 654 618 46 71 46 37 7 30 British French Danish . . . . . . Hambur * Sardinian 2 1 3 1 1 2 436 160 787 140 293 239 21 8 38 7 10 16 Belgian Spanish Prussian Chilian i Peruvian 1 1 2 1 1 107i 7 141 7 274 14 120 9 313 12 Hanoverian New Granadian 2 274 17 Sicilian Bremen Total.. 81 10.555 ~747 96 14.564 904 Goods free of duties under the Tariff now in force, which is that of January 31, 1856. Animals of all kinds, except horses castrated. Coal, mineral. Charcoal, animal and vegetable. Coaches and cars for railroads. Collections of minerals. Coins ancient or modern. Curious objects of natural history. Draughts and models of machinery and houses. Earths, stone and bricks. Firewood. Guano. 33 Houses of wood and iron. Letters for printing. Maps, marine and topographical charts. Marble, unwrought and for flooring. Machinery for agriculture, the sciences, industry, mining and the arts. Plows. Printing ink, and rags for making paper. Plants, exotics. Printed books, not bound or in paper covers. Quicksilver. Railroad iron. Steam-engines or locomotives. Silver and gold of every description. Slates for roofing. Timber for construction. Vessels of all kinds and classes. Whale-oil taken in the Pacific. The average rate of duties under the present Tariff of Mexico is about 30 per cent. Rates of duties under the Mexican Tariff of 1856. Denomination of Merchandise. Almonds, sweet and Bitter " in the shell .... Apples, bitter ...... Arrack, in bottles or casks, for which bottles and casks a separate duty is to be paid . Artificial flowers Beer, Ale, Porter and cider in bottles . " " " " in casks Biscuit, or ship-bread Books, printed Boots and shoes of India-Rubber " " of Leather . Bottles of glass, common . " " smaller Brass in sheets Bricks, common 44 glazed .... No., weight or measure. Rate of duty. perquin. 101 Ibs.Eng. $4,00 " " 2,00 1,00 12,00 libra, 1 14-1000 Ibs. 60c. 101 4,00 " 2,00 u 2,40 u 2,00 (I 9,00 dozen prohibited 45c. 30c. 101 Ibs. 6,00 1,000 1,00 u 3,00 34 Denomination of Merchandise. Broadcloth . . ... Bru&hes . . . , Butter, gross weight . . Buttons, metal, horn, whalebona, common, Buttons, fine, silvered and gilt Cables and cordage Camphor, refined . . Candles, stearine . . . " spermaceti Cassia . Cards, playing .... Cheese of all kinds, gross weight Cinnamon Clocks Clothing, ready made, all kinds Cloves .... Coaches and other carriages " omnibuses Coals Cocoa from Guayaquil, Para and islands " from all other places . Coffee ..... Combs ..... Copper, in sheets .... Cork Cotton, raw, fiee of internal duties . " bleached and unbleached cloths, rib bed and plain, not exceeding 30 threads weft and warp on the quar ter inch, at and under one vara wide, the same, exceeding 30 threads weft and warp on the quarter inch, at and under one vara wide " Stockings of all kinds for grown persons. ..... " Stockings for children " Handkerchiefs .... " Laces of all kinds Cutlery . Demijohns .... Earthen and stone-ware all kinds Porcelain of all kinds .... Figs . . . . Fire-arms, guns and rifles Fish Flour, wheat Gin in bottles and casks, which latter pay separate duties .... Glass, wares of all kinds, without allowance for breakage. " window, without allowance for breakage No, weight or measure. Rate of Duty. square, vara or yard 50c 101 Ibs. 6,00 to 18,00 4,80 " 6,00 " 18,00 2,40 ad valorem 40 per cent. 101 Ibs. 4,00 12,00 1 14-1000 Ibs. 50c. " prohibited 101 Ibs. 3,00 1 14-1000 Ibs. 50c. 101 Ibs. 6,00 to 18,00 ad valorem 60 per cent. 1 14-1000 30c. Each 15.00 to 180,00 80,00 free 101 Ibs. 2,40 it 5,00 prohibited a 1,80 to 24,00 ad valorem 40 per cent. 101 Ibs. 1,20 (i 1,50 per vara (yard) 8 cents per vara 5 cents per dozen 45 cents M 30 " each 4 to 5 cents i 14-1000 Ibs. 1,20 101 Ibs. 9,00 dozen 60c. 101 bs. 3,00 ii 3,00 1,00 12,00 to 18,00 " 2,00 to 3,00 prohibited ex cept for Yuca tan, Tampico, Matamoras and the Northern Frontier Custom Houses. 101 Ibs. $10,00 <( 3,60 5,00 35 Denomination of Merchandise. No. weight or measure. Rate of Duty. Gold leaf or tinsel 101 Ibs. 9,00 Gunpowder, except for sporting . . 1 14-1000 Ibs. 50c. Ham* and Sausages . 101 5,00 Hats, gents of all kinds . . , , each 2,00 Household furniture . ad valorem 25 per cent Ice . . . . , ... . 101 Ibs. 3c. Iron in sheets . . . -. n 2,00 to 2,50 Lard, see flour . : " Lead, crude and in shot ad valorem 20 per cent. Linen, carpeting . vara 5c. sheetings . 41 3*c. tapes . . 1 14-1000 Ibs. 40c. gloves and stockings . doz. 45c. thread . . 1 14-1000 Ibs. 45c. bleached and unbleached plain cloths vara 5c. to 7c. handkerchiefs .... doz. 50c. to 2,00 Liquors of all kinds .... 101 Ibs. prohibited unless specially defined in tariff, stout in hollies . $4,80 Medicinal drugs ..... ad valorem 40 per cent. Molasses . H 50 " " Musical instruments, all kinds, except pianos and organs 101 Ibs 9,00 Nutmegs ad valorem 40 per cent. 101 Ibs. 12,00 Paper, all kinds writing and wrapping u 8,00 lo 9,00 " hangings .... 3,00 i< 2,50 Popper of all kinds .... <t 4,80 Pianos .... ad valorem 30 per cent. Plows and shares ... free Pork, salt, hams, &c. .... 101 Ibs. 5,00 Prunes ami Raisins .... 101 1,00 Rye and all other grain, see flour . Rice . . . ... prohibiled Rum in bottles and casks, bottles and casks pay separate duty Saltpetre, crude and refined 101 Ibs. ad valorem 12,00 40 per cent. Silk, blonde and other lace, millings of all kinds .... . 1 14-1000 Ibs. 7,20 << 1,20 " sewing H 1,80 " other, not separalely defined . Soap, fine 101 Ibs. 24,00 Steel 101 1,25 Tallow, raw and refined .... ad valorem 50 pt>r cent. Teas, all kinds 1 14-1000 Ibs. 35c. Tin in plates ...... ad valorem 20 per cent. Tiles per 1,000 75c. Tobacco of all kinds can only be imporled on demand of the Governmenl, as it is a monopoly .... Umbrellas, cotton .... each 25 C . " silk 75c. Vinegar in barrels, nel weight 101 1,00 Wax, bleached and unbleached . " 13.25 36 Denomination of Merchandise. Wax, virgin . . . . manufactures of . . . , Whalebone, unmanufactured . . Wheat and all other grain, see flour . . Wood, timber for buildings masts and spars boxes of ... staves and heading, gross weight . fine, in veneers .... for building, already worked shingle? Wool, raw, net weight carpeting, all kinds 1 socks ...... cassimeres, twilled cloths, white and colored plain cloths at and under one vara wide Woolen cloths of all colors, worked, un- worked, crossed, striped and twilled at and under one vara wide No. weight or measure. 101 Ibs. ad valorem 101 1,000 square feet 101 Ibs. per square vara dozen vara per vara per vara Rate of Duty. 12,00 prohibited 4,00 free 25 per cent. 30c. 4,80 free u 2,40 20c. to 45c. 48c. 45c. 50c. 12c. The articles formerly prohibited are now permitted entry at Vera Cruz, at sixteen per cent. duty. Additional Duties on Merchandise. All foreign goods imported into the Mexican Republic are liable to the following additional fixed duties, besides the import duty, regulated by the tariff, viz.: 1. A municipal duty of 12 cents for every package weighing 200 pounds, payable to the custom-house at the port of discharge. 2. An internal improvement duty of one-fifth, of the foreign or import duty, also payable at the port of dis charge. 3. An internal duty of one-tenth the amount of the foreign duty, payable at the time of dispatching the goods into the interior. 4. A registering duty of one-fifth of the foreign duty, payable at the interior custom-house to which the goods are destined. 37 5. Sinking-fund duty of one-fourth of the foreign duty, payable at the Treasury, in bonds of the public con solidated and liquidated debt. It will be observed that the above additional duties on foreign goods imported and remitted to the interior, amount to about 75 per cent, on the original import duty designated by the tariff. The exportation of gold and silver in bars sheets, or dust, is strictly prohibited, as also gold and silver ores. The following can be exported on payment of the prefixed duties : Coined or worked gold, J per cent. Coined silver dollars, . . . .6 " Stamped silver, 7 " Mexican Custom- House Regulations for Passengers. 1. Every passenger arriving at the ports of the Re public shall be free to land without passport or letter of security, and shall be at liberty to take ashore a small bundle of wearing apparel. 2. As soon as the vessel is brought to anchor, her captain shall form a list of his passengers and their luggage, with which the collector, or other custom-house officer, shall immediately proceed to the dispatch of the luggage. 3 The examination shall be conducted in a spirit of liberality, and within the period precisely necessary for its due performance. There shall be in attendance an official speaking the languages, who shall explain to strangers the requisitions and formalities of this ordi nance. 38 4. Every passenger can enter free of duty as much as ten pounds of cigars (puros), or cigarettes, (cigarros), one bottle of snuff, two bottles of wine, or liqueur, two watches, with their chains and seals, one pair of pistols, one sword, one rifle, musket, or carbine, arid pair of musical instruments, excepting pianos or organs. 5. Passengers are prohibited the introduction with their luggage, of goods, by the piece, jewelry, gold or silver wrought, unless of personal wear, or of any other commercial commodity, specified in this ordinance ; but should they, through ignorance, or as presents to their families and friends, bring ? in small quantities, any of these articles, by making, before the commencement of the examination, a declaration on oath of the fact, the officer of customs shall appraise the articles and collect the corresponding duties. The dispatch of private apparel and jewelry is at the discrimination of the custom house -officers, with due regard for the character and personality of the travelers. 6. Operatic or comic artists shall be permitted, besides the exemptions already conceded to passengers, to in troduce free of duty their scenic costumes and ornaments, provided the same make a part of their luggage, and be not in excess. Should the officers consider the amount excessive, they shall collect thirty per cent, ad valorem, or by appraisement, to be practiced in the manner pre scribed for goods entered under appraisement. 7. The supreme government will ordain what is con venient as regards the privileges and exemptions to be extended to colonists and immigrants 39 PORT CHARGES, &c. ART. III. of the General Ordinance of Maritime and Frontier Custom-houses of the Mexican Republic, of January 31, 1856. DUTIES AND EXEMPTIONS ON NATIONAL AND FOREIGN VESSELS. Foreign vessels, conveying merchandise, passengers, and correspondence to the ports of the Republic, shall pay the following dues ; and no authority, either the general, or the local, or municipal, of the ports, shall have power to impose any other : 1. For every ton of measurement (tonnage of burgos). $1 00 For pilot and anchorage dues, . . . 25 00 For light-house dues on entrance and departure, . 25 00 For pilot and anchorage dues in ports authorized for coasting trade 12 00 2. All steamers, though freighted with merchandise, are, without regard to their nationality, exempt from ton nage dues, but shall pay, for pilot and anchorage dues, 30 00 For pilot and anchorage dues, in ports open to coasting trade, 20 00 For light-house dues on entrance, when conveying mer chandise, 100 00 For light-house dues on departure, after discharging merchandise, 100 00 3. Foreign and national sailing vessels, freighted with coal for the depots established in the ports of the Re public, by permission of Government, are exempted from the payment of tonnage dues, and shall be required to pay alone the pilot, anchorage, and light-house du-es, already mentioned. 40 4. In the event of their bringing coal and merchandise, they shall pay, also, for every ton which they shall measure, (tonnage of burgos,) . . . . . $1 CO 5. Foreign vessels visiting one or more ports of the Re public, to freight with logwood or other national pro ducts, shall be exempt from light-house and tonnage dues, on proof of the payment of the same in the port where they discharged cargo, subject, nevertheless, to the pilot and anchorage dues already set forth. 6. National vessels, freighted with foreign or national pro ducts and effects, from one or more ports of the Re public, shall be exempt from the charge of tonnage dues, paying alone as follows : For light-house dues on entrance . . . . $3 00 For light-house dues on departure .... 3 00 For pilot and anchorage dues, when not exceeding one hundred and fifty tons 1000 When exceeding one hundred and fifty tons . . 25 00 In the ports opened to the coasting trade they shall pay but the half of these charges. 7. After payment of the dues expressed in this article, at the proper maritime custom-house, no compensation or impost of any kind shall be collected from the captains of national or foreign vessels, either by the sailors or the captains of the port, the health officer, or custom house guards or clerks. 3. National and foreign vessels of war are excepted from the payment of tonnage, pilot, anchorage and light house dues, as are also mail packets, to which Govern ment might have previously conceded more ample priv ileges or exemptions than those expressed in this gen eral ordinance, which privileges shall be unimpaired during the full term for which they have been granted. 9. All foreign vessels, coming 1 with the sole object of taking or convey ing passengers, correspondence, metals, 41 treasure or logwood, can enter into all the ports of the Republic opened to the coasting or foreign trade, with out paying tonnage dues. 10. Whaling ships and others off on long voyages, destined for foreign ports, can enter freely those of the Republic with the object of wintering, taking in water or provisions, or of repairing damages, without incurr ing the exaction of tonnage or other dues. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. Mexican Coins. 1 onza .... 1 peso . . . 1 real .... 1 medio real, 1 quartillo . 1 tlaco . . . gold = silver = silver =. silver copper= copper^ 16 dollars, 1 dollar, 12J cents, 6i cents, 3 cents, 1 T V cents. Measures 1 foot ........ = 0,928, English, 1 vara (3 feet, Mexican,) . = 2,784 feet, English, 1 legua (2,663 to 1 meridian,) = 5,000 varas = 2,636 miles, English. Weights. 1 onza ... (8 ochavos) = 1 ounce, 1 marco . . (8 onzas) = J pound, 1 libra ... (2 marcos) = 1 pound, 1 arroba . , (25 libras) = 25 pounds, 1 quintal . . (4 arrobas) =100 pounds, 1 carga . . (3 quintales) 300 pounds, 1 fanega . . . (140 libras) =2 bushels nearly, 6 Land Measures. Names of Measures. Figures of Measures. Length of the Figure in varas Breadth in varas. Areas in square varas. Sitio de Ganado mayor . . . Criadero de Ganado mayor . . square square square 5.000 2,600 3,333| l,666f 1,104 552 552 376 50 1,200 5,000 2,500 3,333^ 1.666f 652 552 276 184 60 1,200 25.000.000 6.250^000 11,111,111 1-9 2,777,777 7-9 609,408 304,704 152.352 56,784 2,500 1 440,000 Criadero de Ganado menor . . . : square right-angled Media caballeria parallelogram sauare Cuartu caballeria or suerte de tierra, p"r a n" e *o|ram FanegadeSembradurademaiz . ^^ Fondo legal para pueblos . . . 1 square The Mexican vara is the unit of all measures of length. PORTS OF ENTRY FOR FOREIGN COMMERCE. In the Guff of Mexico. Vera Cruz. Tampico, Matamoras, Sisal, Campeche, Tabasco, Isla del Carmen (Laguna), Coatzacoalcos. In the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California. La Ventosa, Acapulco, Manzanillo, San Bias, Maza- t]an, Guaymas. CUSTOM-HOUSES ON THE FRONTIER. On the Northern Frontier. Matamoras, Camargo, Mier, Piedras Negras, Monterey, or Laredo, Presidio del Norte, Paso del Norte. On the Southern Frontier. Tonala, Zapaluta. PORTS OPEN TO THE COASTING-TRADE. In the Gulf of Mexico. Alvarado, Tecolutla, Tuxpan, Santacomapan. 43 In the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of California. La Escondida, Sihuantanejo, Altata, Navachiste, La Paz, Cape San Lucas. THE MERCANTILE MARINE Was composed in 1856 of 79 vessels, not including the boats and lighters employed in the ports of foreign entry, nor those employed on the rivers, nor coasting vessels engaged in carrying merchandise between various points on the coast. Forty-seven were registered in the department of the Gulf of Mexico, and 32 in that of the Pacific. The character and tonnage of these vessels are as fol lows : Steamers, . . . 1. Tonnage, 179 Barks, . . . .2. f; 484 Brigs, .... 18. 2,161 Schooners, ... 55. " 3,042 Sloops, ... 3. 85 Total, .79. , 6,551 In addition to this, there has lately been established in the port of Tampico, a small steamer of 190 tons to be used as a tug boat and to assist in the discharge of vessels. The Naval Force of Mexico is as follows : In the department of the Gulf, 4 steamers of 1 o guns " " 5 schooners of 17 " " " 2 transports 33 " In the department of the Pacific, 2 barks of 4 guns, " " 2 schooners of 3 " _r_ " Total, 15 vessels 40 guns. 44 DOMESTIC OR INTERIOR TRADE. His excellency Don Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, in his work entitled " Cuadro Sinoptico," of the Mexican Re public in 1856, reviews the domestic trade of Mexico as follows : " Although it is somewhat difficult, in the absence of complete data, to give a correct statement of the interior commerce of the Republic, or of the value of its domestic exchanges, it is nevertheless easy, by calculation, to arrive at an approximate result, taking as a basis the produce of its agriculture, of its industry, of the mines and cattle, as well as the conveyances of real estate, and, finally, the amount of foreign merchandise computed according to its value in the interior markets; all of which cannot be estimated at less than $450,000,000 per annum, and, admitting that one-half of the national products are not articles of mercantile speculation, on account of their passing from production to imme diate consumption, and that the other half only pass through two hands ere disappearing from circulation, it is, beyond doubt, apparent that the interior commerce of the Republic proceeding as above stated, amounts, at the present date, annually, to more than $400,000,000. As a proof of there being no exaggeration in the above es timate, it will suffice to say, that, according to the mercan tile statistics published by the Board of Trade in Mexico, Puebla, Queretaro, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi and Gua dalajara, from the years 1842 to 1840, inclusive, the value of domestic and foreign goods, including specie legally introduced in those six departments above, based upon the custom-house valuation, which is generally less than real value, amounted, annually, to more than $40,000,000. 45 The medium of exchanges by drafts, although not generally understood or adopted throughout the Repub lic, being in operation only between the capital and such points as are open to foreign commerce and the principal cities, amounts, according to reliable data, to thirty or forty million dollars per annum. The banking and discount business for loaning money at interest on mortgage, or other good securities, as well as for discounting bills and notes at short dates, is also of some importance ; as, over and above the large amount of funds belonging to the clergy and other religious bodies, (which have, in reality, for many years past, formed a great national bank, their real estate, repre senting as it does, from eighty to one hundred million dollars, gaming interest,) this class of business, which more than any other affords to those who exercise it the advantage of appropriating to themselves the produce of industry and the labor of others by the agency of their capital, has become quite general in all the departments enjoying any kind of industry and commercial activity. The total value of operations effected in the city of Mexico alone, amounts annually to between eight and ten million dollars, and that done in the other parts and cities of the Republic to an equal sum." MEANS OF INTERNAL TRANSPORTATION. The conveyance of all kinds of merchandise through out the Republic of Mexico is effected by pack- mules, and wagons drawn by mules and oxen. With this sys tem and the bad state of the roads generally, it will be 46 easily understood that transportation is not only slow hut costly, and one of the chief obstacles in the way of the development of the great resources of the country. The average distance performed by mules and wagons is from fifteen to eighteen miles per day, with the excep tion, however, of an enterprise recently established, which runs a line of wagons from Vera Cruz to Quere- taro, and vice versa, passing through the city of Mexico, averaging during the dry season from 36 to 45 miles per day, thus performing the journey, (390 mi ! es,) in 11 days. The cost of transporting merchandise varies much from one place to another, according to the price of wages and pasture, always rising, however, during the rainy season. As a general thing, freights on the most frequented roads do not exceed two cents per arroba of 25 Ibs per Mexican league. Personal traveling is generally performed on horse or mule back, which is not only the most economical, but in many cases the only possible way, owing to the narrow and precipitous roads between many towns. On the high roads, traveling and transportation are performed by conveyances of various kinds drawn by horses and mules. In some parts of the tropics, as, for instance, between Jalapa and Vera Cruz, litters supported by mules or men are used. For the general conveyance of passengers, besides private carriages, there exists a line of diligences which perform round trips from Mexico to Vera Cruz, to San Bias on the Pacific, and to other points of the interior, in the following order : to Puebla every day ; to Orizava and Vera Cruz, Pachuca and Toluca, during six days of the week ; to San Bias. 47 Morelia, Cuernavaca, Cautla, Tulancingo three times a week; and from Guanajuato to Leon three times a week. Besides the above principal line of diligences, there are others performing service between the following places : from Puebla to Vera Cruz, by Perote and Jalapa ; from Mexico to Ameca and Ixmiquilpan ; from Guadalajara to Zapotlan ; from Lagos to Zacatecas, by Asruascalientes ; from Puebla to Matamoras, Izucar; and from Sisal to Merida, three times a week. The fare by the diligences is not the same on all roads, but as a general rule, the rate varies from twenty to forty cents per Mexican league. The total number of trips performed by the general line of diligences, from 1851 to 1853, inclusive, and of passengers conveyed, was : Years. Trips. No. of Passengers. 1851 .... 17,316 46,452 1852 ... 16,667 .... 43,813 1853 .... 17 331 42,430 Total . . . 51,314 .... 132,695 The diligences afford great advantages to travelers, not only on account of their repeated journeys and quick ness, averaging, as they do, from nine to twelve miles per hour, according to the state of the road, but for their regularity of time. By means of this " general line of diligences," a traveler can traverse the Republic from one sea to the other a distance of 91-2 miles, from the port of Vera Cruz to that of San Bias on the Pacific, passing through the principal cities, including the capi tal, in the short space of eleven days. Part of the time 48 is spent in resting at the different towns on the road, so that in reality the time spent in traveling, changing horses and feeding, is only 144 hours. Arrangements are in contemplation for a good carriage road from the city of Mexico to Acapulco. This will enable passengers landing at Vera Cruz to reach Acapulco, on the Pacific coast, and vice versa, with safety and dispatch ; thus affording them a tour through one of the most beautiful and picturesque countries in the world, and accomplishing the route to California in as short a time as by any other route, viz.: From New Orleans or Mobile to Vera Cruz . 4 days. " Vera Cruz to Mexico . . . . 2 " " Mexico to Acapulco . . . 3 " " Acapulco to San Francisco . . . 7 " Total . .16 days. When the several railroads, now in course of construc tion, leading to New Orleans and Mobile are completed, the journey from New York, via the city of Mexico, to San Francisco can easily be accomplished in twenty-one or twenty-two days. AGRICULTURE. This branch of industry is reviewed by Senor Lerdo de Tejada, as follows : The agricultural productions of Mexico are still limited to the absolute necessaries for the consumption of its inhabitants, and the extent of ground under tillage is not equal to more than one-eighth of the whole size of the Republic. 49 The principal productions are maize, beans, and chile, (which three articles in general constitute the only food used by the poorer class,) wheat, barley, rice, potatoes, peas, lentils, American aloe, nopal, sugar-cane, cocoa, coffee, cotton, tobacco, pepper, anis, vanilla, sarsaparilla, olives, and all kinds of fruits and horticultural produc tions, to which can be added indigo, cochineal, wax, and silk, of which two last articles large quantities are already produced in the States of Michoacan, Jalisco, and Guanajuato. As regards the annual value of the agricultural pro duce of Mexico, the statistics are so limited and unsatis factory that it is quite impossible to arrive at any thing like a correct estimate. The most reliable information which we possess is contained in an account presented in the year 1817, by Don Jose Maria Quiroz, at that time secretary to the consulado in Vera Cruz, and according to whom, the total value of agricultural produce in New Spain amounted then to $138,850,121 annually, includ ing $4,997,496, as the amount of produce exported ; which sum, when compared with the then existing popu lation of 5,810,005, gives an average of $24 per head. This estimate, however, cannot serve as a basis to ar rive at its present value, considering the progress, even though slow, which has been made since, in this and all other branches of industry. For want of better data, we will take the amount of population, and calculating the quantity of agricultural produce necessary for the support of each person at $25 per annum, or about 6i cents per day, the result is a yearly produce equal in value to $197,000,000 ; and if to 7 50 this be added the produce consumed by cattle, the pro duction of cotton, which amounts annually to 70,000 quintals, and that of cochineal to 625,000 Ibs., as well as of silk and wax, and many other products, it will be seen that the territorial value of produce in this Repub lic, cannot be estimated totally at less than $220,000,000; and if to this be added $40.000,000, as the value of re production in all kinds of horses, cattle, and poultry, and of their natural produce, such as milk, eggs, tallow, &,c., &c., all of which is considered under the head of agri culture, the annual value of this branch throughout the whole country may be safely estimated at $260,000,000. In order to give a more clear idea regarding the various agricultural productions of the country they are pre sented under their special heads, as follows : Sugar-Cane-, The cultivation of sugar-cane, as much from its enormous yield as from its good quality, is of the greatest importance in the Republic, and ought to be one of the principal articles produced for exportation. In Mexico, Puebla, Vera Cruz, Michoacan, Tabasco, Oajaca, Chiapas, Yucatan, Sonora, and Lower California, exist large plantations. In the first six States mentioned above, are manufactured yearly 40,000,000 pounds of sugar in the following proportions : Mexico, . . 25,000,000 Ibs. Puebla, .... 4000,000 Vera Cruz, . . . 2.500,000 * Michoacan, . . . 5,000 000 Tabasco, . . . 2,000,000 Oajaca, . . . 1,500,000 40,000,000 51 Coffee has been produced of very good quality in the districts of Autlan and Tepic, in the State of Jalisco ; but the best is found in Cuernavaca, Colima, and some parts of the State of Vera Cruz; which is, as before stated, equal in quality to the best produced in any part of the world. Tobacco is cultivated with success in many parts of the Republic, and is destined to become an article of extensive exportation, particularly that produced in Ta basco, called " Tabaco de Corral," and, in fact, that of many other districts can be favorably compared with the best grown in Cuba. Indigo is found wild in great quantities in many parts of Oajaca, Tabasco, Yucatan, Chiapas, Michoacan, and Colima. That produced in the last -mentioned place is considered to be of a superior quality. Rice is cultivated to a considerable extent in Tier- Caliente, in damp and marshy situations, and yields from 40 to 60 per cent. It is destined to become one of the principal objects of agricultural industry, as the soil and climate of many localities are peculiarly adapted to its growth. Cocoa of excellent quality is found in Tabasco and Soconusco, in the State of Chiapas, and other places in the States on that side of the Gulf, and perhaps yields the best in the world. (See Tabasco.) Flax and Hemp are successfully cultivated : the latter particularly, in the southern districts of Michoacan, where it grows even spontaneously. The product is very large, and the fabrics made from it highly approved Cotton. Throughout the cotton -growing districts of 52 the United States the cotton plant is of annual growth ; frost destroys it, and the planter is obliged to renew the seed for every crop. But in the Tierra Caliente of Mexico this is not requisite, as the tree propagates itself, and the laborers are only required to keep the fields clear of useless vegetation. The production, however, is very limited, not at all meeting the wants of the factories in the Republic, and probably does not exceed in the ag gregate over 25,000 bales of 400 Ibs. each per annum. Cochineal. The cultivation of this article has always been of the greatest importance in the State of Oajaca. The crop and value of it in the years 1854 and 1855 were in that State alone as follows : Cochineal Zacatillo. Grana blanca. Granilla. Value. 1854 150,525 Ibs. 632,625 Ibs. 2 450 Ibs. $523,433 1855 145.050 500525 " 1,550 " 459,709 Total, 295,575 1,133,150 4.000 $983,142 Vanilla. The vanilla bean is cultivated on a few plan tations in Oajaca, and also grows there, as in many other parts of the coast, spontaneously, in large quantities. In the State of Vera Cruz it is extensively cultivated, and has become one of the principal articles of exportation, with a gradual increase of shipments annually. The Grape. Although the cultivation of the vine would be a most important branch of industry, still it is at present limited principally to the town of Parras, in the State of Coahuila, where excellent wine has been produced. In Chihuahua and Sonora, however, wine and brandy are produced from the grape, and in Durango, Zacatecas and Jalisco, a liquor called "Mescal" is manu factured to a large extent. 53 Maize. This plant, which is indigenous to America, is cultivated as well in the hot regions as in the tem perate and cold. It has a very large consumption in this country, both for human food and for fattening animals. In the hot regions it produces from 250 to 300 grains for each one planted, and in a district near the capital as many as 600. In many parts of the country two crops are gathered annually, and, in fact, there are frequent instances on the Gulf coast of three harvests on the same ground in one year. Frijol, or Black Bean. In the fields of wheat and maize is sown the frijol, or black bean, which is most exten sively consumed in Mexico, and is as much of a national dish with the Mexicans as the potato is with the Irish. Wheat is cultivated on all the central table lands. The best is found in Atlisco, in the State of Puebla, and in the fertile valleys between Queretaro and Guanajuato, called the Bajio, where it yields 60 bushels to one sown. In some parts of the State of Sonora, and other sections of the Republic, the yield has been computed by reliable authorities at nearly double that amount. Barley. This grain is also extensively cultivated on all the central table lands with equally abundant harvests. There is a very great consumption of it throughout the country, as it is one of the principal articles of forage used by the muleteers and wagoners for the animals of the immense transportation trains.. Trees. Besides almost every variety of fruit-trees to be found in other parts of the world, Mexico possesses an inexhaustible source of wealth in the natural pro ducts of her forests, which furnish abundantly a supply 54 of the several woods employed in ship-building and other mechanical arts, either for works of use or fancy. In fine, it may be said that every branch of agricul tural industry is susceptible of augmentation and im provement, and if a proper spirit of enterprise could once be awakened in its inhabitants, Mexico would soon become one of the most prosperous and flourishing com mercial countries oil the American continent, affording to her sister Republic a more favorable opportunity than that hitherto enjoyed, for the mutual exchange of the numerous articles of American manufacture for the rich products of Mexican soil. The chief evil that now exists, is the constant drain of specie, and the diversion of enormous amounts from the natural arteries of national enterprise into European channels, in payment of imported goods. Let the Mexi can people learn that such luxuries and necessaries as they desire, can be purchased with other equivalents besides hard silver dollars ; and that in commercial ex change with the United States they cun have what they desire without submitting to the impoverishment they yearly undergo by dealing outside the continent. Let them learn this, or let them have facilities to improve the knowledge of it, and their rich gold and silver mines will be converted into a circulating medium among the inhabitants instead of finding its way into the vaults of European speculators; and the people of Mexico would then be induced to turn their attention to impor tant national enterprises that would result in the future prosperity and agrandizement of the whole country. 55 MINES AND COINAGE OF MEXICO. The great wealth of Mexico, according to develop ments up to the present day, consists in her mines. It is true that the capital and labor, both foreign and do mestic, used in that country, have been devoted to the production of the precious metals, and though under a new order of things, agriculture and manufactures will doubtless receive greater attention, still, the abundance of minerals throughout the length and breadth of the land is so great that its mines must always constitute the leading interest. The minerals of Mexico are of silver, gold, copper, iron, zinc, lead, magistral, antimony, arsenic, sulphur, cobalt, &c., &c. The mines of gold and silver have only been worked extensively, and silver forms the principal currency of the country and the great article of export. In treating upon Mexico, there is no subject so unsat isfactory and bewildering as that which relates to the production of her mines. Humboldt,who wrote in 1803, gives some valuable statistics of mining operations in Mexico previous to that period. He gives the total amount of silver raised from the Mexican mines, from the conquest in 1521 to 1803, as $1,767,952,000, according to the official returns, and adding one-seventh for unregis tered silver, he makes the grand total $2,027,952,000. Ward gives the total coinage from 1733 to 1826 as re presented by government returns, the total of which is $1,133,658611. 56 The ancient Mexicans, properly speaking, had no coin. The conquerors introduced it into the colony, and coin ing dates from the building of a mint in the city of Mexico, in 1535. For many years after the invasion, pieces of gold and silver were stamped by officials of the Crown, which constituted them a circulating medium. The coinage of money in Mexico presents two great epochs; first, from the establishment of a mint in the city of Mexico, up to the Independence ; and second, from the Independence down to the present date. The first period aifords three subdivisions, viz. : " Moneda Macuqina," or Irregular coins ; " Moneda Colurnnaria," or Colonade coin; and "Moneda de Busto," or Bust coin. The first was so called, owing to its irregular form and weight, and was stamped by means of a hammer, with a cross, two Lions and two Columns on one side ; and on the reverse, with the name of the reigning King. The second received the name of " Colonade," from present ing on one side the Arms of Spain, supported by the Columns of Hercules. This was the first coin struck in the mint according to the rules of art. The third or "Bust coin," is that with which we are acquainted, bearing the effigy of the last King who ruled Mexico. The following statement of the coinage of Mexico from the conquest down to and including the year 1856, is from official data furnished by the Ministerio de Fomento. Amount coined in each of the different mutts of Mexico, from the conquest to 1856 inclusive. Mints. Silver. Gold. Copper. Total. $2,129,093,200 $76,447,439 $5,493,765 $2,211,034,404 Chihuahua 10,593,397 956,992 50,428 11,600,818 Culiflcaii ......... 7,037,530 2,604,410 9,641,940 Durango 29,841,957 2,831,916 32,673,873 Guadalajara . . 25,056753 651,317 62,069 25,770,140 Cruadalupe y Calvo 2,063,958 2,311,104 4.375,062 Guanajuato 122,635,825 10,885,820 133,521,645 San Luis Potosi ... 37,302,201 23,517 37,325,718 Sotnbrereto 1,551,249 1,551,249 Tlalpan 959,116 203,544 1,162,660 Zaeatecas .. . . 167,980,493 107,949 168,088,442 Total *2,534, 115,679 $96,892,542 $5,737,728 $2,636,745,951 The yearly coinage of the mints of Mexico, increased in steady progression from the time of the establishment of the first mint in the city of Mexico in 1535 up to the year 1805, when the highest amount was reached, being for that year $27,000,000. The total Coinage of the Mints of Mexico since the War of Independence is as follows : $13.162.567 . 13.475.632 13.800.266 . 12.075.698 13.671.280 . 15.236.717 15.414.453 . 17.636.115 19.203.688 . 19.386.570 19.389.336 . 17.481.934 18.190.514 . 17.028.921 17.249.946 . 17.593.475 19.205.656 1822 . $9.816.525 1840 . 1823 9.785.024 1841 1824 . 9.560.472 1842 . 1825 8.927.658 1843 1826 . . 8.177.471 1844 . 1827 10.395.291 1845 1828 . 10.237.448 1846 . 1829 12.164.483 1847 1830 . 11.608.871 1848 . 1831 10.258.299 1849 1832 . 12.216.460 1850 \ 1833 12.642.876 1851 1834 . 12.972.148 1852 . 1835 11.815.687 1853 1836 . 11.530.622 1854 1837 11.470.509 1855 1838 . 13.084.267 1856 . 1839 12.525.085 Total since the Independence of Mexico, 8 $478.392,014 58 The following is the coinage of the different mints of Mexico in the years 1855 and 1856. IN 1855. Mints. Gold. Silver. Total. Culiacan, $144,206 $737,968 $882,176 Chihuahua, 17,536 475,500 493 036 Durango, 73,64? 609,171 682.818 Mexico, 155,263 4,013 359 4, 1 68 622 Guanajuato, . 555,200 4,698,800 5,254.000 Guadalajara 10,36S 633,662 644,030 San Luis Potosi, 1,849,795 1,849,795 Zacatecas, 3,619,000 3,619,000 Aggregate, . $956,222 $16,637,255 $17,593477 IN 1856. Mints. Gold Silver. Total. Culiacan, $279 668 $658 536 $938,204 Chihuahua, 10,064 400 000 410,064 Durango, ... 57,072 533,652 590,724 Mexico, 164,297 4,401 793 4,5b6,090 Guanajuato, . 479,476 4.306,524 4 7s6,000 Guadalajara, 5236 556,486 561,722 San Luis Potosi, 3,676 000 3,676,000 Zacatecas, 3,676,000 3,676,000 Aggregate, . $995,813 $18,208,991 $19,204,804 Coin in circulation. The ancient tribunal of the consulate in 1805, estimated the amount of money in circulation in New Spain, at something more than seventy-eight millions, which, being compared with the population, gave an average of fourteen dollars per head. Taking this estimate as a basis, and also taking into consideration the prosperity of mining operations, even since that date, with the general improvement in the 59 circumstances of a class who were formerly in misery, it is not an overestimate to say that the amount in cir culation, (1856- 57,) notwithstanding the great annual exportation, exceeds 100,000,000 dollars. Although this sum is undoubtedly sufficient for all the interior wants of Mexico, considering the small trade carried on in agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, the fact that the greater portion of it is in few hands, with the want of confidence and absence of banks of issue, (whose paper in other countries advantageously supplies a circulating medium,) makes it comparatively useless, and tends to show that there is not a sufficient circulation for the wants of the Republic. Legal exportation of Specie from all pats of the Republic for the year 1856. Acapulco . . $32,485 Campeche . 130,807 Guaymas . . 118,626 Matamoras . . 795 945 Mazatlan . . 1,331 039 Manzanillo . . 531,469 San Bias . . 845,287 Sisal 10,320 Tampico . . $4,415523 Tabasco . . . 53,841 Vera Cruz . . 8,185,023 Camargo , . . 7,000 Mier .... 6,362 Piedras Negras . 114 Paso del Norte . . 7,642 Zapaluta . . 7,540 Total from all the Republic, . . $16,479,013 From the conquest of Mexico, in 1521, to the year of independence, 1821, a period of three centuries, during which the Spaniards ruled that country, the business of mining was, in most respects, brought to such perfection that during the space of thirty-five years, in which it may be said this branch of labor has been open to the 60 science of foreign nations, no very material improve ment has been effected on the old system, except in the introduction of steam-engines for clearing deep mines of water. The kings of Spain held the mines of Mexico as royal property, but any citizen of the country was al lowed to work them by paying over to the royal treasury one-fifth of the product thereof. The government of Mexico, after she obtained her independence, decreed the mines to be public property, but placed certain limits on the miners, and required a small percentage on their products to be paid into the national treasury. This de mand or tax is now relinquished, and any citizen or for eigner can, by the right of discovery, denounce or record the same, and obtain the right to work a certain number of varas free of all tribute. It is believed that the laws of the mineria of Mexico are well calculated to develop the mines and favor the miner, and it is doubtful whether any material improvement can be made on the present code. It is impossible to do justice to a subject of such mag nitude and importance as is that of the mines and coin age of Mexico, in our limited publication. We have given many valuable facts drawn from the most reliable sources, but at best they are very incomplete. Statis tics relating to this subject previous to the revolution are, doubtless, more complete and reliable than such as we have since ; yet, those that come to us from the former period give a general idea only of the vast product of silver in Mexico, and while we have the same general means of judging of their unfailing richness since that epoch, the officialdata are much less reliable, owing to the 61 revolutions which have almost constantly prevailed, the occasional destruction of government records, but more than all else, the general system of smuggling which has, during this unhappy state of affairs, been inaugur ated through the frontiers and nearly all the ports in the country. In exemplification of this latter point, we will enter into an examination of the official table we publish, pur porting to give the total specie exports of the Republic during the year 1856, amounting to $16,479,013. In this table, it will be perceived that the specie ex port of Guaymas is stated at $118,626. Any one ac quainted with the trade of that place, and the manner in which business is transacted, would give $2,000,000 as the more probable amount of specie exported from that port in 1856. The same with Mazatlan, the specie export of which port in 1856, is given as $1,331,039. We have the authority of Mr. Conner, the American Consul now residing at that port, for stating that nearly this amount was exported to San Francisco alone, which, doubtless, formed nearly the whole amount legally exported, while the principal amount, counted by millions, was smuggled off to Europe in British men-of-war. So it is with San Bias and Acapulco, and in fact, to a greater or less degree, with all the ports in Mexico, Vera Cruz and Tampico, from their proximity to the centre of power, being the only ports which make any fair show of their specie ex ports, as well as imports of merchandise. This system of smuggling is well exemplified by the late cruise of the English sluop-of-war Calypso, as related in the NEW YORK TIMES, Oct. 29th, 1859. 62 ENGLISH SMUGGLING IN MEXICO. fFROM THE NEW YORK TIMES.) "A few weeks since, the report came from Aspinwall that one and a half million of dollars in Mexican silver, brought to Panama by the Calypsn, had been forwarded to England. The Calypso is an English sloop-of-war sent out to the Mexican-Pacific coast to protect English interests. This vessel has been mousing along that coast for the past six months, and it must be said that she has been re markably fortunate in her mission, having smuggled out all the specie in that part of Mexico destined for foreign ports, and defrauded the Mexican Government out of a very large amount of duties. The Calypso commenced receiving specie at Guaymas, and proceeded down the coast to Navachista, Altata, Ajiavampo and Mazatlan, in all of which ports she col lected $2,000,000. From thence the Calypo proceeded to San Bias and one or two small ports below, where she received $3,000,000 more, making the sum total of her receipts $5,000,000. The export duty on this silver, according to Mexican law, is five per cent, but by the connivance of the for eign traders in the country interested, and this English man-of-war, the entire amount of $5,000,000 was, by the most disgraceful, clandestine manoeuvres, smuggled on board, and the payment of the sum of $250,000 as ex port duty avoided. It seems incredible that England, claiming to be the most powerful and just nation on earth, should year after year detail her ships-of-war to 63 the Pacific coast, there to carry out a degrading and dis graceful system of smuggling, by which the Mexican nation is robbed of the little it has wherewith to pay the national debt. The Calypso having gathered up all the specie on the Mexican-Pacific coast, sails for England, and touching at Panama, lands $1,500,000 for shipment via the Isthmus, and only reports this amount as being on board. The captain forwards his receipts for the amounts remaining on board, which receipts pass with almost the same cur rency in England as bank-notes, and the Calypso takes her course homeward round the Horn. This sum of $5,000,000 thus smuggled out of the country on board the English man-of-war, belongs to foreign traders on the Mexican-Pacific coast, and forms their remittances for goods purchased in Europe, said goods having been smuggled into Mexico by these foreign traders, (for the most part under the protection of English consuls and English men-of-war,) and the Mexican Government thus defrauded of the import duty thereon. This English man-of-war, it is stated, committed an overt act in her illegal proceedings. The Calypso was lying off a secluded cove, or small harbor, somewhere in the neighborhood of San Bias, on the Pacific coast, ready to receive such specie as should be clandestinely brought off to her in launches. A small armed vessel, of the Mexican coast service, proceeded to this locality with the intention of frustrating the plans of the smugglers. To this end she fired across the bows of one of the launches freighted with silver, and ordered 64 them to close their illegal proceedings ; upon which the Calypso fired into the Mexican vessel, and ordered the captain thereof to desist, or he would sink his craft. The Mexican was obliged to obey, and the Calypso com pleted her smuggling operations without further moles tation. Thus it appears that an English sloop-of-war not only violates the revenue laws of Mexico a country with which she is at peace but sustains such violation with her guns. This single act on the part of the Calypso, if perpetrated against a powerful nation, would con stitute a perfect casus belli, and would infallibly be so treated. And if Mexico refuses to pay one dollar of her English debt, until England puts an end to her nefarious system of smuggling into Mexico^ and makes amends for the past, she will be sustained in such refusal by the unanimous sentiment of the civilized world. The cruise of the Calypso smuggling out of the country specie or bullion received by foreign traders for goods smuggled into the country is but an illustration of the manner in which the English have conducted business on the Mexican-Pacific coast for the last twenty- five years. What country could ever rise to a respect able standard among the nations of the earth, that is obliged to submit to such a wholesale system of plunder as this ? What earthly reason is there why Mexico should not substantiate the facts, and, year by year, deduct from English claims the amount of which she is thus defrauded by English officials ? It is a deep and shameful wrong that England is thus perpetrating towards Mexico. The treaty now pending between the 65 United Stales and that country, has a very important bearing upon this point. It will, in fact if consummated, entirely break up that combination of trading and smug gling officials which has so long controlled that portion of the Pacific coast, and give the business to the Ameri cans, to whom it legitimately belongs, and in whose hands it will be systematized in conformity with the laws of the country, and increased a hundredfold." Is any thing more needed to expose the enormous contraband traffic that England, through her private citizens and public functionaries, has for years carried on in Mexico, than the preceding statement? The industrial and commercial interests of the latter country, under the combined influences of this oppressive com mercial system and incessant revolutions, now lie pros trate and ruined ; and it now falls to the lot of the United States to extend a helping hand to the neighboring Republic, and inaugurate a new and reviving commercial policy, the first step toward which is, the opening of rapid and regular communication, by means of mail steamers under government patronage. The total value of gold and silver legally exported since the conquest down to 1858, a period of 339 years, is estimated by official documents at $4,640,204,889. This gives $13,687,920 as the average legal exports of the precious metals per annum, since the landing of Hernando Cortes up to 1858. We cannot regard this statement as having any approximation even to the truth. It is, in fact, absolutely impossible to give any reliable data from which an accurate estimate of the amount of precious metals that has been exported from 9 66 Mexico, or in other words, how much gold and silver she has furnished to the world since the conquest by the Spaniards. Irregular or illegal commerce both in im ports and exports, was not carried on in Mexico under the viceroys to the same extent that it has been since the independence of the country, still, there has always been more or less irregularity, and the inducements to conceal the real product of the mines and smuggle specie, bullion and plate out of the country, have been great from the beginning. Our statements relative to the commerce of Mexico, which give at the present time $54,000,000 as the sum total per annum, are of course made up from data derived from official sources. And while we publish these as the only reliable statements, we do not hesitate to say, that from other equally reliable authority, those official statements, which make it appear that from fifteen to twenty millions of dollars has been the annual specie export from Mexico since she became a republic, are far short of the truth. There is every reason to believe, that the true amount is nearer $40,000,000, and when we take into consideration the extent of illegal exportations of specie and illegal im portations of merchandise, it would be found that the contraband trade exceeds the legal trade, and instead of presenting the present estimate of $54,000,000 per an num, the facts, could they all be given, would, doubtless, make an exhibit of more than $100,000,000 per annum. This explains why it is that the official returns make such an exceedingly low exhibit of imports per capita for the Mexican population, as compared with other Spanish American countries, that for Mexico being but 67 $3.14, while for Cuba they are $27.29, Uruguay $25.86, Chili $12.70, Brazil $8.96, and the average of the whole of South America is $6.13 per capita. Real Estate. According to the statistics furnished by Sr. Lerdo de Tejada, based upon the last official statistics presented by the General Office for contributions to the Govern ment, it would appear that the number of estates in the whole Republic amounts to 13,000, the value of which is estimated at $720,000,000, and that of town property at $635,000000, so that the total value of real estate amounts to $1,355,000,000. Although the above sums may appear, at first sight, somewhat exaggerated, they are doubtless considerably under the mark, notwithstanding the bad condition gen erally of property in the Republic. These amounts, of course, comprise the total value of the whole extent of real estate throughout the country, including the house property contained in 26,468 villages and towns of all classes, being the number now existing in the Republic. The latter class of property, in the city of Mexico alone, is worth to-day over $80,000,000, and that in the other principal cities represents an aggregate capital of from $250,000,000 to $300,000,000. The above figures show the enormous wealth of the Republic at the present time in real estate, which might be doubled or trebled in ten years with facility, could the country be so fortunate as to enjoy internal peace arid prosperity during that length of time. 63 MANUFACTURES. The principal products of Mexican manufactures are aguadiente, sugar, mescal, (which is made from the juice of the agave,) soap, oil, wine and brandy, delft ware, glass, paper, cotton thread and cloth, woolen and silk thread and cloth, harness and Tuscan cloths, which are made from the fibres of the agave. The manufactures of sugar and aguadiente are car- o o ried on at the private farms of individuals. Mills are used for the former and alembics for the latter. The system followed generally is ancient and very imperfect, but on some estates, the modern improvements and machi nery for the manufacture of sugar and the distillation of aguadiente have been introduced. These two articles are chiefly manufactured in the States of Vera Cruz, Tabasco, Yucatan, Mexico, Guerrero, Michoacan and Jalisco. With respect to the manufacture of wine and brandy from the grape, although there are several large vineyards in the States of Coahuila, Chihuahua, Gua najuato, Oajaca, Sonora, San Luis Potosi and Lower California, yet it is only in the two first-mentioned of the above States, and particularly in Chihuahua, where wines and brandies are made in any quantity. In the last-mentioned State 25,000 barrels of wine and 11,600 of brandy were made in 1854. With respect to the manufacture of cotton thread and cloths, besides the great number of spinning-wheels and looms worked by hand, which are employed throughout the country for the making of checks and other textile fabrics in common use, there are also at the present time 69 46 large factories, using extensive machinery, in the States of Coahuila, New Leon, Durango, Jalisco, Mexico, Puebla, Queretaro, Vera Cruz and in the Federal District. Although there are some of the finer cloths manufac tured in these, the principal product consists of thread and brown cottons, or mantas. According to the statistics published by the Ministry of Fomento in 1854 there were 7,274,779 pounds of the former and 875,224 pieces of the latter made at these factories in the preceding year. In addition to the above a certain quantity of tapes, gloves, stockings and other similar articles, are manufac tured in Mexico. Of woolen manufactures, in addition to the numerous hand- looms in various parts, by which common cloth, frieze, serges, druggets, blankets, &c., are manufactured, there are at this time, eight large woolen manufactories in the Federal District, and in the States of Mexico, Queretaro, Zacatecas and Durango. At these, fine cloths, cassimeres, carpetings, baize and flannels, and other stuffs are produced, which in price and quality are equal to any imported. In the capital, and in Puebla, and Guadalajara, there are above 70 silk machines for spinning and twisting silk, worked by hand. The whole number of pounds twisted in Mexico in a year may be estimated at 40,000. There are eight paper factories established in the Dis trict and State of Mexico, Puebla and Jalisco, which produce not only sufficient to supply the press of the Republic, but considerable quantities for other uses. Cotton and the fibre of the maguey are the principal materials used. 70 There are no certain data by which to ascertain the present annual value of the manufactures of all kinds produced in Mexico. But with due allowance for the great progress which has been made in this branch of national wealth, we may safely put down the sum total of the value of the manufactures of the Republic at $90,000,000 or $100,000,000 annually. Cotton Factories in the Republic of Mexico. Where aitu i ted. ; 2 g C ll IN B&i *-s^ 1 Number of hand Looms, Number of Spindles in operation. Yearly consumption of Cotton. Factory prices 27 yds. by 7-8. Cost of Cotton at Factory. Cost of Buildings and Machinery. *!f Annual expenses. STATE OF Coahuila .... Durango Guinajuato. . Jalisco .... Mexico Puebla . . . Queretaro . Sonora . . Vera Cruz . . Colima 5 5 8 17 1 1 6 2 40 117 427 850 498 300 60 509 584 262 48 1,300 4536 900 18 352 23 850 40,548 7.500 1,924 22,444 Quintals. 1,300 4,781 950 24,350 21400 36,351 15,000 2500 18,261 per Piece. Quintals- $21 18 to 24 20 " 25 22 " 34 22 "28 20 "26 26 26 15 "25 $5.00 4.50 to 6.00 4.50 " 5.50 3.62 " 4.00 3. 00 "4. 87 5.00 5.00 3.00 " 4-50 Total . . . 47 3.001 894 121,354 124,893 $7,372,951 10,000 $1,261,000 In the States of Durango, Mexico, Michoacan, and Oajaca, exist various iron foundries, where the best quality of iron is manufactured. The following list of the wholesale prices of Iron in the city of Mexico was furnished by the owners of one of the largest Iron Works in the Republic. Large castings .... Light " ..... Small bar Iron (Mexican) under J inch Do. larger sizes, up to 3 inch Do. very heavy, over 3 inch 12 a 14 cents per Ib. 15 17 15 " 17 " " 12 " 13 " " 15 " " 71 Sheet Iron, best * . . , . 13 a 1 6 cents per Ib. Do. very thin or very heavy . 18 " " Hoop Iron, best . .. ; .:-, . 13 "16 " " Pig Iron, best gray .... 5 " " Do. No. 2, . . . . 3f " 4 " " Mexican bar and tyre Iron is preferred to the English for quality. The above prices include the rates for English imported Iron, as well as that made in Mexico. MEXICO, June 26th, 1857. NATIONAL DEBT. The total amount of the national debt, at the beginning of 1857, is divided into interior and exterior. The first arises out of sundry obligations contracted under the Vice-Royalty and after the Independence; and the second out of loans contracted in London in the years 1823 and 1824. FOREIGN DEBT. The capital of, or amount due under this head, accord ing to the last convention, is 10,241,650, which, at $5 per pound sterling, is equal to . . $51,208,250 For six dividends due since 1st January, 1853, up to December 31st, 1855 . . 4,608,741 $55,816,991 INTERIOR DEBT. The total amount of this fund, on the 31st December, 1850, after making the deduction prescribed by law, passed on November 30th of the same year, was calcu lated at $40,000,000, of which the Junta de Credito Publico had recognized and liquidated the sum of 72 $16,829,775, up to January 1st, 1855; but as certain amounts, paid previously, and the value of credits formed by after- conventions, which figure separately, were taken after the above calculation, this debt did not amount, at the beginning of 1857, to more than $30,000,000 To amount credited for interest on fund recognized, up to January 1st, 1856 2,491,395 The debt contracted during the five years preceding the above calculation, up to the 31st December, 1855, supposing that not more than three million dollars per annum have remained owing to military and civil obligations, and adding to this the debts contracted by the chiefs of the late revolution, which have been recognized by the present government, will amount to 17,000,000 British conventions .... $4,323,428 Of Padre Moran 855,210 5,178,638 Spanish convention, including bonds in circulation and those to be emitted 6,680,000 French convention . . . . . 600,000 $61,950,033 RECAPITULATION. Interior debt $61,950,033 Foreign " .... 55,816,991 Total . $117,767,024 NOTE. The sum of $768,123, the amount of one dividend on the British convention debt, may be deducted, as it has been paid since the above estimate was made. Since the above statistics were made up, the French convention debt of $600,000 has been liquidated. 73 GOVERNMENT REVENUE. Notwithstanding that a law was made November 24, 1856 ; designating the revenues of the Supreme Govern ment and those of the States, it has not been put in practice, nor are the anterior laws on the subject; the consequence of which is, that many of the States not having a systematized revenue, take such sums from the general fund at their disposal, as they may require for their own wants. This being the real state of affairs, it is well to present, without any deduction, what the estab lished taxes and revenue will produce, in order that a comparison may be made between them and the total amount of expenditure, which will clearly show what the true state of the treasury is : Import duties ..... . $4,500,000 Twenty per cent, for material improvements . . 900,000 Twenty-five per cent, for sinking-fund of the interior debt . 1,125,000 Ten per cent, internal duties on $3,500,000 . . 350,000 Twenty per cent, register duty on ditto . . . 700,000 Tonnage dues ..... 90.000 Light-house dues ...... 20.000 Exportation duty ..... 600,000 Circulation duty ...... 300,000 Alcabala or interior duty . ... 3,500,000 Three per cent, coinage and mint duty . . . 450,000 One real per mark on same, (12 cents) . . 220,000 Mails 150,000 Direct taxes ...... 1,200,000 Stamp duty . . . . . . . 150,000 Post-office ...... 60,000 Lotteries . . . . . . .80000 lolls 300,000 Pawnbrokers house, foreign licences, legacy duty, salt duty, card duty, discount of salaries and sundries . . 405,000 Total $15,000,000 COMPARISON. Expenses $24,819,203 Revenue . 15,000,000 Deficit ... . $9,819,203 10 74 ANNUAL EXPENSES OF GOVERNMENT. Sr. Lerdo de Tejada, in his work published in 1856, says : Notwithstanding that, under our present form of provisional government, we cannot well define the obligations which weigh upon the general and State government, the latter have already assumed the respon sibility of these internal expenses and administration, and the former has done likewise as relating to the whole nation, following the order observed under the federal system of 1852. The total annual expenditure of the general govern ment, according to the statistics published by the " Minister of Hacienda" on the 31st December, 1856, was $14,228,325, as follows: Government offices, public establishments and im provements $5,294,181 Army and navy 4,309 377 Revenue officers and government necessities . . 765,327 Public debt, interest and sinking fund . . . 3,584,690 Municipality of Mexico 274,750 Total . . . $14,228,325 But as economical reforms have been introduced into this estimate, which have not been and cannot be carried out, many expenses not being taken into account, such as the repair and preservation of the roads, the payment of interest on the interior debt,besides which, no allowance having been made for extra ordinary disbursements, which the present state of the country demands ; I think that, without exaggeration, 75 the wants of the government during the present year, notwithstanding the reductions in the army, will amount to not less than $20,000,000. The following table exhibits the average expenses of the several States, according to their own estimates : Aguascalientes . . 1858 . . $33,000 Puebla .... 1852 . . $448,130 Chiapas .... 1856 . 42,523 Queretaro . . . 1856 131,114 Chihuahua . . . 1850 . . 162,476 San Luis Potosi . 1856 . . 87,115 Coahuila . . . 1850 . 48,192 Sinaloa. . . . 1850 132,500 Durango .... 1852 . . 156,091 Sonora .... 1850 . . 140,906 Guanajuato . , 1850 . 596,347 Tabasco . . . 1856 48,240 Guerrero .... 1856 . . 78,554 Taraaulipas . 1851 . . 52,020 Jalisco .... 1850 . 456,477 Vera Cruz . . 1850 196,603 1850 . . 496,414 Yucatan .... 1856 . . 182,504 Michoacan . . . 1856 . 227,865 Zacatecas . . . 1856 675,671 Nuevo Leon . . . 1852 . . 69,880 Oaxaca .... 1852 . 354,491 Total . . . $4,817,113 RECAPITULATION. Expenses of the General Government " " State Governments Total $20,000,000 4,817,113, $24,817,113 Clergy. The statement of the Minister of " Justice and Eccle siastical Affairs," presented in 1852, gives the following figures relative to the clergy of the Republic : 3,232 secular ecclesiastics. 83 secular ecclesiastics distributed in eight oratories of San Felipe de Neri the convent of San Camilo, and the House of the " Company of Jesus." 1,043 regular ecclesiastics, distributed in 144 convents, 32 cura cies, and 40 missions. 252 regular ecclesiastics, distributed in 6 colleges "propaga ting the faith." 4,610 individuals. 76 The number of nunneries is 58, of which 48 are sub ject to the ordinary ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and 10 to the "regulars," containing a total of 1,484 nuns, 533 girls, and 1,266 maid-servants, besides which, there are five establishments belonging to the Sisters of Charity, with 37 matrons and 41 novices. The government of the clergy is divided into one archbishopric, that of Mexico, and thirteen bishoprics, which are those of Pue- bla, Michoacan, Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Oajaca, Durango, Yucatan, Chiapas, Sonora, Lower California, and " Our Lady of Guadalupe," which last bears the title of " Abad." In nine of the cathedrals belonging to the above mitres, there are 183 prebendaries, and these dio ceses are divided into 1,222 parishes. Revenue of the Clergy. The general revenue destined for the support of the clergy in the Republic, may be divided into four great classes, viz.: 1st. Those corresponding to bishops and canons, who form the bodies belonging to their respect ive cathedrals. 2d. Those belonging to private ecclesi astics and chaplains, 3d. Those belonging to curates and vicars ; and, 4th, those appertaining to various religious communities of both sexes. The first are principally composed of taxes known as tithes, or diezmos y pruni- cias, the product of which was formerly very great, con sisting of one-tenth of all produce gathered in the Re public, and on the first breedings of cattle. Latterly, however, this revenue has much decreased ; as, by a law passed on the 27th October, 1833, all farmers and labor- 77 ers were released from obligation to pay it. Notwith standing the law, there are many persons who, from con scientious motiveSj still continue to pay tithes. So many, indeed, are there who do so, that the income to the clergy from it is very considerable. This body also receives the interest of large bequests left by -devoted persons for annual performances, called " anniversaries," out of which the expenses are defrayed. The bishoprics of Sonora, Lower California, New Leon, Chiapas and Yu catan, enjoy government pensions, amounting together to the sum of $32 200. The College of " Our Lady of Guadalupe," has besides twenty-five lotteries, which are drawn annually, with a fund of $13,000 each, some estates, and a capital of $621,000 recognized by the Government. The private ecclesiastics support themselves by rev enues derived from chaplaincies, which are sums sub scribed by religious persons for that purpose, amounting generally to about $3,000, lent out at interest. This, with the various sums received in charity and for saying masses, forms their means of subsistence. The revenue of curates is derived from parochial dues for births, marriages, deaths, etc. ; from masses perform ed in the churches by the desire of devout persons, and lastly from the profits arising out of the sale of rosaries, medals, wax, etc., to the same class. The revenue of convents is obtained by charity, masses, and burials in their own churches, besides the income from their valuable estates. The nunneries are also supported by the produce of their extensive estates, with the exception of one or two, which do not possess 78 any propeity, and are entirely supported by charity. Besides these revenues spoken of, there are several cathedrals and parishes deriving revenue from estates and investments, which is appropriated to the wants and service of the clergy in general. Owing to the want of publicity in the management of the affairs of the clergy, it is difficult to arrive at the exact value and revenue of their property ; still, an ap proximate estimate may be made, by taking as a basis the data within reach such as the annual value of agri cultural produce, the number of births, marriages and deaths, and the number of devout rites and fetes which are still habitual and common with most of the in habitants. According to these tables, it can be safely computed that the total amount collected at this date by the clergy of Mexico, under the head of tithes, parochial dues, charities, ecclesiastical fetes, and sale of devotional articles, is not less then from six to eight million dol lars annually. So far as regards the property of the clergy, some writers have estimated it as one-half of the whole real estate in the country ; others at one-third. Setting these statements aside, the total value of their property including sums subscribed for chaplaincies and gifts, estates, houses, churches, and other resources to-day, may be computed at two hundred and fifty to three hundred millioa dollars, notwithstanding the great losses which they are said to have suffered for some years past. In the city of Mexico alone, which contains five thousand houses, valued at eighty million dollars, the clergy, own at least one half. The income of the above, added to the tithes and parochial dues, etc., etc., 79 warrant me in stating that the Mexican clergy collect, throughout the Republic annually, a sum of twenty millions of dollars." GENERAL REMARKS RELATIVE TO THE RESPECTIVE STATES. AGUASCALIENTES. This State, situated in the centre of the Republic, is bounded north by Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi, east by San Luis Potosi, south, by San Luis Potosi and Jalisco, and west by Zacatecas. The climate is tem perate and healthy ; the eastern section of the State is for the most part level, and contains beautiful plains, while the western division is mountainous. Corn, wheat, fruit and vegetables are produced in great abun dance. The State contains mines of silver and other metals, but they are neither rich or abundant. There are numbered in this State, one city, one villa, three pueblas, three minerales or mining districts, 37 haciendas and 288 ranches. The capital of the State is Aguascalientes, a city of 39,699 inhabitants. CHIHUAHUA. Chihuahua is bounded north by United States, east by United States and Coahuila, south by Durango, west by Sinaloa and Sonora. The State is 430 miles long from north to south, and 337 miles wide. The con figuration of the State is very unequal, the greater portion being more or less cut up by mountains. The great Sierra Madre runs entirely through the western section, and is known by the name of Tarahumava. In so the interior are the mountains de Car cay de la Escondida, and del Nido, and to the east of these is the Sierra de la Campana. The principal river, El Bravo del Norte, ris-es in the Sierra Madre and forms the boundary line between the State and Texas. The climate in general is agreeable and healthy, but there is a great variation in the temperature, the higher regions being subject to severe cold, while the low plains at certain seasons of the year are excessively hot. The agricultural districts are numerous, but none of them are very extensive, owing to the scarcity of water. The land is cultivated solely by irrigation. The principal productions are corn, wheat and barley, with frijoles, lentils, and peas, to wich may be added the moderate production of sugar-cane and cotton, the yearly yield of the latter being estimated at 322,775 ]bs. Of fruits, there are in considerable abundance, grapes, figs, oranges, lemons, pears, peaches, quinces, &,c., &c. Chihuahua has remarkable facilities for the raising of stock. Her hills, plains and valleys afford sustenance for cattle, horses, mules and sheep throughout the year, and in no section of the habitable part is the climate such as to require shelter for stock, the raising of which has always been one of the principal sources of wealth in the State. But it is for its mines that the State of Chihuahua is destined to be most distinguished. Sufficient progress has been made in the working of these, principally silver, to prove that they are of surpassing richness. The coinage at the mint in the city of Chihuahua during the year 1855 was, of gold $17,536, and of silver $475,500, 81 giving the total coinage of $493,036. This is, in reality, a small exhibit for the mint of a silver-producing State, but it must be taken into consideration that a large amount is carried out of the State in bars, and further more, this branch of industry, as well as all others throughout this region, has been brought to the verge of ruin by hordes of wild Indians, of whom the Apaches are the principal, and who for many years have followed their thieving, destructive calling, almost without let or hindrance. The State is, in fact, partially abandoned by reason of this great scourge. The capital of the State is the city of Chihuahua. Population 12,000. Something relative to the trade of Chihuahua, and the system under which it is conducted, may be learned from the following letter : The U. S. Consul at Chihuahua writes Nov. 1, 1858 : " There passes the custom-house in this city, a million and a half of dollars (in value) of goods annually, the majority of which come from the United States. There is but one manufactory in this State, and it nianufactures only unbleached domestics ; there is now another in course of erection, prompted probably by the success of the first. One factory cannot supply the demand in this city. The cotton is grown in this State, and those engaged in raising it say the crop never fails. The climate and soil are adapted to cotton raising. Cotton is also taken from this State to the southern manufactories. The climate and soil are also well adapted to the raising of tobacco. 11 82 In minerals this State exceeds any other in the Republic. There is coined in the mint in this city $1,000,000 in silver annually. Of the silver taken from the mines not one-third comes here for coinage. One- half of the metal taken from the mines of Jesus Maria comes here to be coined ; the other half is smuggled out of the country at Guaymas and exchanged for goods smuo-gfled in there One-half of the Coralitas silver comes oo here ; the other is smuggled out at El Paso, thence to New Orleans." COLIMA. The small State of Colima, recently a territory, is situated on the Pacific Ocean, between the ports of Aca- pulco and San Bias. It is bounded N. & E. by Jalisco, S. & W. by the Pacific. The physical configuration of this State is very singular. It is traversed by barrancas or ravines of immense depth with but few passes, while its bleak mountains and volcanic peaks pierce the heavens, giving to the country in general a barren and gloomy aspect. The climate for the most part is healthy, though at the base of the mountains the heat is excessive. The natural productions in agriculture are cotton in digo, coffee, rice, frijoles, cacao, Chili, tobacco and sugar cane, with fruits, such as palm of coco, oranges, lemons, plantains pine-apples, pomegranates, &c., &c. The principal branches of industry are, after agricul ture, the manufacture of sugar, aguadiente, soap, and several species of cotton and woolen fabrics, for which there are two or three small factories. No mines are 83 worked in this State, though it is considered rich in silver, copper, lead, iron, sulphur, nitrate, &,c. Manzanillo, situated immediately on the Pacific, is the only port. Its harbor is deep and quite secure, but owing to the low back country, full of lakes of stagnant water from which comes up a pestiferous miasma, the port of Manzanilla is, perhaps, one of the most unhealthy and fatal to Europeans that can be named. It has recently acquired some importance from the fact that the California steamers occasionally touch there, and receive considerable amounts of specie brought from the interior. Colima is the capital of the State. It is located inland 28 leagues east of the port of Manzanillo. The city is healthy, enjoys quite a large trade, and contains 31,774 inhabitants. CHIAPAS. Chiapas, situated at the southern extremity of the Republic, is bounded north by Tabasco and Yucatan, east by Guatemala, south by Guatemala and the Pacific, west by the Pacific, Oajaca and Vera Cruz. The State is traversed throughout its entire length by the Sierra Madre, three branches of which run nearly parallel, presenting a considerable depression in the south. The climate is agreeable and healthy. The country is diversified, and in many sections very beautiful, but Chiapas is one of those Mexican States which has not been fully explored. To the pen and pencil of Stephens & Catherwood are we indebted for those sketches which 84 afford us nearly all the information we have of that mysterious region, and the relics of peoples whose origin, life, and disappearance will probably forever remain a secret. The evidences that Chiapas has once been densely populated are abundant, and it needs but the opening power of trade and commerce to bring those deserted regions again into life and activity. The population is mostly of the pure Indian the Zoques, Zeldales, Teochiapanecos and Mames being still quite numerous. The lands are very fertile, but agriculture languishes. The productions are corn, cocoa, sugar-cane, tobacco, vanilla, pimento, coffee, indigo of the finest quality, and tropical fruits in great variety. The forests of Chiapas supply in considerable abundance, cedar, mahogany, oak, ebony and other valuable woods. Medicinal herbs of the most desirable descriptions are also found. Tradition gives to Chiapas rich mines of gold and silver. Recent explorations have also produced evidence of this fact. But at present no mines are worked in the State. Iron and lead abound in the vicinity of San Cristobal. Salt is produced in great abundance at Tonala, on the Pacific coast, at the fountains or springs of Islopa and Zinacautlan. Transportation throughout the State is difficult for the want of roads or trails. It has no port on the Pacific, and its imports and exports are through the State of Tabasco on the Gulf. The capital of the State is San Cristobal, which contains a population of 7,649. 85 Among the notable ancient ruins in Chiapas are those of Palenque, and with the exception of those at Milta, in the State of Oajaca, the most remarkable, perhaps, of any on this continent. The first bishop of Chiapas was Bartolomie de las Casas, renowned for his humanity to the natives of the country, and for his writings relative to the events of his day. COAJUJLA. Coajuila, one of the northern frontier States, is bounded north by Texas, east by Texas and Neuvo Leon, south by Neuvo Leon and Zacatecas, west by Durango and Chihuahua. This thinly inhabited and neglected State formed a part of the Mexican province of Texas, until by victory in battle, the citizens of the latter made the Rio del Norte the dividing line between them and Mexico. No branch of industry is flourishing in this State. There are some good agricultural lands, but they are quite limited in extent, and the production is at present confined to corn, wheat and beans, sufficient merely to support the population. The vine flourishes and is cultivated to some extent. The trade of the State is principally in horses, mules, corn and wine. The whole State lies on the western steeps of the Sierra Madre but the southern part especially is very mountainous and broken. The climate, though not very equable, is healthy. In other times the mining interests of this State were quite important, but in common with the other northern 86 frontier States, Coajuila has suffered from the depre dations of the Camanches, Lipans and Apaches, to the ruin even of this, her great interest. At present no mines are worked in the State. The capital and principal town of the State is Saltillo, which contains 20248 inhabitants. This place affords quite a market for serapes, noted for their fineness of texture and beautiful colors, and which are made principally by the women of the neighboring country. There is also located in Saltillo, a cotton factory called the Ibernia. It has 1,300 spindles, 40 looms, uses 1,300 quintals of cotton annually, from which are turned out 11,520 pieces of common brown sheetings called manta, valued at $4.50 per piece. The raw cotton costs at the factory 21 cents per Ib. The employees of the factory number 180; the annual wages amount to $19,200. The total cost of the building and machinery was $91,500. Parras is a town of some importance. It contains 8,730 inhabitants. The place is celebrated for its grapes and wine. Monclova, Fernando de Rosas, and Buena Vista are the other principal places of note in the State. NUEVO LEON. This state, which joins Coajuila on the south-east, is by the present constitution of the republic united to that state. It is less mountainous than Coajuila, and more available for agricultural, mining and trading purposes than that state. The proximity of Nuevo Leon to Brownsville in Texas, and Tampico on the Gulf gives 87 it some advantages in trade and commerce. The mines of silver, iron, copper and lead, of which it is supposed there are an abundance, are in a virgin state, having been but little worked. Nitrate of potash, alabaster and muriate of soda are also found in considerable quantities. DURANGO. Durango is bounded north by Chihuahua, east by Coahuila and Zacatecas, south by Zacatecas and Jalisco, west by Sinaloa. The main range of the great Cordil leras passes directly through the centre of the state, and to the west the country is thoroughly broken up by the chains and spurs of the Sierra Madre. The eastern slopes are less rugged, and more available land for agri cultural purposes is found. The climate is quite healthy. In the mountainous districts the temperature is cool, while in the valleys great heat prevails during a part of the year. The productions of the -lands are principally corn, wheat and frijoles : sugar cane, cotton and coffee are produced in small quantities. Durango has one great source of wealth in horses, mules, sheep and horned cattle, large quantities of which are raised annually. But the mines of this state must be its chief source of wealth. The iron ores of Cerro del Mercado are remark able. They are of two distinct classes crystallized and magnetic and both contain from sixty to seventy-five per cent, of pure metal. Silver mines are abundant, but they have been improperly worked, and many districts 88 remain entirely unexplored. The principal districts in which silver mines have been profitably worked, are Gavalines Guavisamey and San Dimas. There are five cotton factories in this state which turn out in the aggregate 60,208 pieces of mania or common brown cotton cloth per annum, and give employment to 648 operatives. The city of Durango is the capital, and contains 14,000 inhabitants. The state of Durango stands among the first of the Mexican states, in the industry and intelligence of her people. More than usual attention is given to educa tion ; there are 16 public and 40 private schools, besides the college in the city of Durango. This state, like those on the north of it, is partially impoverished by the hordes of savages who roam through out all this region, making war upon life, property and civilization. There are important and interesting relics of antiquity in this state. In 1838, Don Juan Flores, proprietor of the estate San Juan de Costa, in the region of the Bolson de Mapimij discovered an immense cavern in the moun tain, around the walls of which were sitting more than a thousand Indian corpses in a state of perfect preserva tion, and clad in mantles woven of the fibres of the bastard aloe,which is indigenous in this region. 89 GUANAJUATO. The small State of Guanajuato, situated in the heart of the Republic, is bounded north by San Luis Potosi, east by Queretero, south by Michoagan, west by Jalisco. Two unbroken chains of mountains run through the State. The one on the north is known as the Sierra Gordo, and that of the south as the Sierra de Guanaju ato. The fertile valleys among the Cordilleras help to give an agreeable and picturesque appearance to the country. The climate is healthy and the temperature agreeable. The agricultural productions of this State are considerable. They consist of corn, wheat, barley, frijoles, Chili sugar-cane, maguey, which, with lumber for building, fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, &c., are estimated at the value of $10,000,000 per annum. Horses, mules and horned cattle are raised in consid erable numbers. The mines of this State, principally silver, are cele brated for their antiquity, extent and richness. The prin cipal mining districts are Guanajuato, La Luz, Monte de San Nicolas, Santa Rosa, and Santa Anna, San Jose de Iturbide, San Luis de la Paz, Xichu and Atargea. For working the ores there are 32 haciendas, all of which work 1,030 arastras. The amount of silver and gold coined in the mint of Guanajuato from 1827 to 1855 was $124,896,504. 12 90 The manufacturing industry of the State may be esti mated by the following table, published among the national statistics in 1857 : MANUFACTURES. ANNUAL PRODUCT. VALUE. Oil 6,900 arrobas . $34200 Aguadiente 33,320 barrels 503.200 Starch 4,170 arrobas 6.255 Carriages . 90 9.000 Tanned Leather 68 500 sides . . 112.750 Sole Leather 19,500 97.500 Artificial Flowers 11,000 dozens 5.502 Blankets . 285,500 428 850 Bedsteads 350 1.400 Deer Skins 80,000 50.000 Wheat Flour . 315,000 arrobas 157.750 Brown Cotton 48,500 pieces 145.500 Rebosos 57,200 . 85.800 Pielis Curtidas 50,000 37.500 Hats . 35,000 . 16.875 Saddles 5,450 43.600 Wines t 80 barrels 2.400 Scrapes 50,050 200.200 The capital of the State is the city of Guanajuato, the locality of which is peculiar and remarkable. It is situ ated in a deep and narrow valley, closely hemmed in by high and rugged mountains. On the east a stream rises, which in the time of rain swells to a torrent, and courses through the city among the houses, and empties into an arroyo on the west, which has its source among the mountains, in which are located the principal mines. The streets are very irregular and crooked, and there are but few through which carriages can pass. The 91 plaza is also very irregular, there being scarcely a level spot in it. There are many fine houses, and some notable edifices, such as the Alhondiga de Granaditas, the church, the mint, the government palace, and the thea tre. There is but one entrance to the city for vehicles, and that is called La Canada de Marjftl. The population of the city is 63,398. GUERRERO. This State lies on the Pacific Ocean, which bounds it on the south and west, on the north the States of Mich- oacan and Mexico, and on the east Puebla. The vegetation of this State is varied and magnifi cent, numerous hills, ravines, bosques and barrancas at short intervals display, under a bright sun, a diversified and brilliant landscape unsurpassed in the whole repub lic. The climate is excessively hot and not very healthy. The productions of the earth are universally tropical. The great wealth of the State of Guerrero, consists in its inexhaustible mineral resources. In Copper and Iron this State is peculiarly rich and excels any other State in the Republic. Recent explorations have demonstrated the existence of a copper district along the valley of the Zacatula River, upward of one hundred and fifty miles in length, and embracing the region contiguous to the river for that dis tance, which for richness, extent and the desirable char acter of its ores, is not surpassed by probably any copper district in the world. 92 The occurrence of the ores and their characteristics are described to be the same as in the copper district of Chili ; and the capacity of the Zacatula copper region is said to be fully equal to that of Chili, if equally devel oped, although from the latter, there is now annually exported over $10,000,000. Recently, there have been discoveries of placers of gold, and it is thought that if they were fully developed, they would equal in richness those of California. There are no mining operations going on in this state. But little can be said in favor of the inhabitants of Guerrero. They are mostly Indians of indolent habits and but very little, civilized. Of these there is a pecu liar race known as Pintos. The peculiarity is that they are spotted all over with dingy, slate-colored spots, the body being of a tawny, yellowish hue. The river Zaca tula is the centre of the Pinto district. Acapulco, a small safe habor on the Pacific and famous in history, is in this state. The city of Guerrero is the capital of the State. JALISCO. Jalisco, which is a large state, is bounded north by Zacatecas, Durango and Sinaloa, east by Zacatecas, Guanajuato and Michoacan, south by Michoacan and Colima, and west by the Pacific Ocean. Jalisco is one of the largest and most important states in the Republic The configuration of the country is varied, being moun tainous in the centre, while on each side are extensive, beautiful and fertile plains. The river Santiago waters an extensive district. 93 The climate is varied, being cold in Largos, La Barca and Colotlan, temperate in the regions of Guadalajara and Ezatlan, hot in Autlan and Tepic, and variable in Sayula. The natural productions of this state are very numerous and the yield is extensive. They are corn, frijoles, barley, cotton, indigo, coffee, sugar-cane, vanilla, and tobacco. Of fruits there are bananas, plantains, oranges, lemons, figs, chirimoyas, pine -apples &c. &c. There are forests of the red tree, cedar, pine, ash, mezquite, white wood, Brazil wood, ebony, &c , &,c. Mining was formerly a great industrial pursuit in this State, but at the present time the greater portion of the mines are abandoned, and others are only worked on a small scale. The metals produced are gold, silver, cop per and iron. The most important mining districts are Bolanos, Comanja and Copala. The total coinage of this State at the mint in Guadal ajara, from 1848 to 1854, was $4,027,490. San Juan de los Lagos, a town of 6,000 inhabitants, is celebrated for the great annual fair held here from the 6th to the 13th of December. Visitors are attracted even from the most distant parts of the republic, and the general gathering is very large. Guadalajara is the capital of the State. It contains 68,000 inhabitants, and it is one of the most important cities in the republic. The people are generally active and industrious. A large business in tanning hides is carried on here, and the manufacture of the best kind of saddles is extensive. Large quantities of rebosos are made in this city and sold throughout the republic, 94 Tepic, containing 9,000 inhabitants, is situated in the north-west corner of the State, and has a pretty large trade. San Bias, the only port, is on the Pacific, 17 leagues west of Tepic, MIOHOACAN. This State is bounded on the north by Jalisco and Guanajuato, east by Mexico, south by Guerrero and the Pacific, west by Jalisco and Colima. It is one of the richest, most beautiful, and important States in the Mex ican Republic. Formerly the State of Guerrero, which lies on the Pacific, was included within the limits of Michoacan, the signification of which word, according to some interpretations, is " country of fishermen." The physical configuration of Michoacan is much diver sified by mountains and plains. The main chain of the Cordilleras passes through the centre of the State, and yet there are gentle slopes, and beautiful, fertile plains, so numerous and extensive as to give the State great agricultural resources. This is, in fact, the leading branch of industry among the inhabitants. The temperature is varied, but the climate is quite healthy. The agricultural productions are very numerous. In the district of Ario, the annual production of corn is estimated at 188,000 fanegas ; frijoles, 1,420 do. ; wheat, 270,300 Ibs. : rice, 1,740,000 Ibs. ; Chili, 3,000 arrobas ; besides a large quantity of sugar and panocha. The indigo plant is extensively cultivated in this district, and the annual product is estimated at 1,200 arrobas. In the 95 district of Patzcuaro the annual production of corn is estimated at 139,260 fanegas ; frijoles, 723 do. ; wheat, 4,087,500 Ibs ; rice, 336,000 Ibs.; chile, 780 arrobas ; sugar, 23 000 do. ; panocha, 5,600 cargas. In the State of Michoacan are several sections noted for their fruitfulness. Among these is the valley of " Los Reyes," which is devoted exclusively to the culti vation of sugar-cane and the Chinese mulberry-tree. The raising of horses, mules and horned cattle is a great source of wealth in the districts of Ario, Patzcuaro and Jiquilpan. In Morelia and Cuitzeo, coarse cotton and woolen fabrics are manufactured, but not in large quantities. In Zamora silk rebosos are made. There are four flouring mills in the puebla of Jacona, and large quantities of augadiente of maguey are distilled at Cotija and Sahuayo. There are numerous and rich mining districts, but the inhabitants being mostly devoted to agriculture, the min ing interest has, at the present time, but little attention. The principal metals are silver mixed with gold, silver mixed with copper, cinnabar, iron, lead, antimony, sulphur, &c. Morelia is the capital of the State. It was founded in 1541, under the name of Valladolid, in honor of its founder, the Viceroy D. Antonio de Mendoza, who was born in Valladolid, Spain. In 1828, by a decree of the State, the name was changed to Morelia, in honor of the patriot chief Morelos. This city contains 25,000 inhabitants. 96 MEXICO. The State of Mexico, considered, from its industry, population and wealth, the first in the Republic, is bounded north by Vera Cruz and San Luis Potosi, east by Puebla south by Guerrero, west by Queretaro and Michoacan. It is divided into nine districts as follows : Huehulta, Tula, Tulancingo, Texcoco, Tlalnepantla, Toluca, Cuernevaca, Cuautla and Sultepec. This State, including the city of Mexico district, which will have separate mention, in its peculiar topography and physical features generally; its mountains and volcanos, its lakes, plains and valleys, its charming views, varied and healthful climate, with its fertile soil, and abounding productions of every clime, presents, perhaps, the most interesting region of country in the world. At Cuernevaca, where a tropical sun brings forth tropical fruits, we see the peaks of Popocatepetl, and Ixtac- cecuatl, not more than 60 miles distant, covered with snow as eternal as the heavens above them. There is every variety of temperature in this State the year round, from frigid cold to torrid heat, and the productions of the earth correspond with this variety of temperature. In the high mountains we have the forest trees of Canada, while at the base, the banana, the broad4eaf palm, the orange, fig, lemon, cocoa-nut and pine- apple abound. Corn and wheat grow on the hills and elevated plains, while sugar-cane, cotton, indigo and cotton are produced in the lower valleys. In this inviting region the conquering Spaniards first located in great numbers, and here commenced that 97 system of plunder which has never ceased for more than three centuries, and which has sacrificed the blood and toil of millions of the aborigines of Mexico, and crushed out of their souls the last lingering* spark of independ ence and hope of freedom. The mines in this state are numerous and rich. The principal metals produced are gold, silver, lead, iron, and copper ; also alum, magistral, cinnabar, &c. The most important mining localities are as follows : in the dis tricts of Tula, Zimapan, Moro, Pechuca, Cardonal, San Nicholas and Jacal. In the districts of Tulancingo, Pachuca, Real del Monte, Santa Rosa, Capula and Ato- tonilco. In the districts of Sultepec, Temascaltepec and Zacualpan. .Of all the places named, Pachuca is the most famous for its mines, principally that known by the name of la Rosario. The industry of the inhabitants is employed in the mines, agriculture, cutting wood, and working in the same, weaving blankets, rebasos, handkerchiefs, cotton and woolen cloths ; manufacturing aguadiente, sugar, panocha, lime, salt, hats, &c., &,c. Toiuca is the capital of the state. It contains 12,000 inhabitants. OAJACA. The state of Oajaca is bounded north by Puebla and Vera Cruz, east by Vera Cruz and Chiapas, south by the Pacific Ocean, west by Puebla. This state has a sea- coast on the Pacific of over three hundred miles, but throughout this entire extent of ocean boundary, there is no port open to foreign commerce except Ventosa, the western terminus of the Tehuantepec route. 13 98 In its geological features, Oajaca is one of the most beautiful Mexican states, while the salubrity of its climate and the fertility of its soil render it one of the most inviting portions of the world. The great vailey of Oajaca lies between the arms of the great Cordilleras, and here Cortez located his vast estate, conferred upon him, with the title of marquis, by his royal master in Spain. A portion of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is within the limits of this state. There are extensive regions which appear to have been populated in ages past by a numerous people considerably advanced in civilization. But these regions are now deserted and desolate. Such of the aborigines as remain at various points are well disposed, and under judicious manage ment they could be made very serviceable in reclaiming the country. Some of the most interesting antiquities of the western continent are to be found at Oajaca. The palace, or ancient tombs, at Mitla, are the most notable. These ancient ruins are situated near the vil lage of Miguitla, and their sad and sombre surroundings are of the most impressive order. Like other favored portions of Mexico, the yield of agricultural productions of Oajaca, such as wheat and corn, with coffee, sugar-cane, cotton, indigo, tropical fruits, cocoa, vanilla, tobacco, cochineal, wax, honey, &c., is most abundant. The forests of rare and valuable woods are also extensive. 99 Statement showing the aggregate quantity of Cochineal exported from the State of Oajacafrom the year 1758 to 1855, and the Value thereof; also, for the years 1856, 1857, and 1858. YEARS. LBS. VALUE. 1758 to 1855 58,519,145 $117,028,623 1856 395,200 418,205 1857 569,072 427,019 1858 514,537 288,338 $118,162,185 This table has been prepared from statistics existing in the office of the secretary of the State of Oajaca, and may be relied upon as authentic. The indigo crop of the department of Tehuantepec is estimated at 500 ceroons of 175 Ibs. each, and that in the valley of Tonala at 600 ceroons of 175 Ibs. each, making the whole indigo crop equal to 192,500 Ibs. The price paid to planters is 62Jc. to $1.00 per Ib. The State of Oajaca is said to possess rich mines of gold and silver, but at present they form no source of wealth to the state. The city of Oajaca, capital of the state, contains 25,000 inhabitants. PUEBLA. The State of Puebla formerly extended entirely across the continent, the eastern boundary being the Gulf of Mexico, and the western the Pacific Ocean. But recently the limits of the state have been reduced, and its present outlines are extremely irregular. It is bounded on the north by Mexico, Tlaxcala, and Vera Cruz, east by Vera Cruz, south by Oajaca, Tiaxcala and Mexico. 100 This state is thoroughly diversified by mountains and table-lands. The former are the most grand and impos ing in the republic. Near the eastern border are the Pic de Orizaba and the Coffre de Perote. On the west are Popocatapetl and Iztaccicuatl. The Sierra de Malinche, near the city of Puebla, is also magnificent. The climate is for the most part temperate and very healthy. In the higher districts the weather is wintry. The table-lands and valleys are remarkably fertile. They yield corn and wheat in great abundance. The State of Puebla is famous for the fine quality of its wheat, and such is the feracity of the soil in the district of Atlixco, that one bushel of wheat yields twenty- five bushels. Barley and frijoles are also extensively cultivated. Sugar-cane is produced to a moderate ex tent. No finer apples, pears, peaches, oranges, and many other varieties of Mexican fruits, can be found in the republic than those which fill the market of the city of Puebla. There are several rich mining districts in this state which produce a mixture of silver, gold, and copper, but at the present time they are not extensively worked. Five haciendas, with arastras, ovens, and mortars are now in operation. The laboring classes of the states of Puebla (abori gines), are very industrious, and their productions are numerous and varied. The soap made in this state is the best in the country. There is also much earthen ,and crockery ware fabricated. At the time of the con quest by the Spaniards, these people were skilled in the fabrication of a species of earthenware, which, in its beauty of design, variety of colors, and quality of mate rial, was considered equal to that of Florence. 101 The flour manufactured in this state is superior, and bears a high reputation throughout the neighboring states. The city of Puebla is the capital of the state,, and con tains 70,000 inhabitants. It is delightfully located on a plain, beautifully laid out, and altogether presents a pe culiarly pleasing and inviting appearance. The climate is salubrious and healthy, the temperature being about the same as that of the city of Mexico. There are sev eral cotton-factories in this vicinity, which turn out con siderable quantities of brown cotton cloth. The Indian town of Cholulu, with its ancient mound, or pyramid, is six miles west of the city of Puebla. QUERETARO. This state is bounded north by Guanajuato and San Luis Potosi, south and east by Mexico, west by Micho- acan and Guanajuato. It is a small state, and lies en tirely in the central plateau of the Cordillera, and is consequently intersected by numerous mountain spurs and elevated hills. The plains are frequently cut up by deep barrancas, rivers and streamlets. The soil is very productive in the agricultural districts of San Juan del Rio, Queretaro, Cadereyta, Amealco, Toliman and Jalpan. Queretaro is remarkable for its picturesque scenery, and the beautiful sites of its cities, haciendas, and ranches. The products of the soil are similar to those of the other states on the central plateau. In the valleys some 102 of the tropical productions are found, but grain and cattle are the chief resources of the landowners. In the whole state there are 124 haciendas, or plantations, and 392 ranches, or farms. Very thick forests are seldom found, and many sections of the state are entirely bare of vegetation. The only mining district of any note in this state is that of El Doctor, in the district of Cadereyta. These mines were once famous, but now they are considered of little consequence. The industry of the inhabitants, after agriculture, con sists principally in tanning leather, manufacturing cloths, cassimeres, carpets, serepes, blankets, &,c., &c. The goods turned out by the looms in this state are considered the best in the republic, and the articles above enumer ated form the principal commerce of the place. The capital of the state is Queretaro, a well-built city of 50,000 inhabitants, picturesquely located on the sum mits and sides of converging hills 7.000 feet above the level of the sea. A magnificent and enduring evidence of the munificence of the Viceroy, the Marquis de Valero del Aguila, is found in the noble aqueduct, two miles long, with arches ninety feet high, spanning a plain of meadow land, and joining a tunnel from the opposite hills, thus supplying the city of Queretaro with excel lent water from a distance of six miles. The treaty of peace between the United States and Mexico was ratified by the Mexican Congress in the city of Queretaro, in 1848. 103 SONORA. Sonora is bounded on the north by Arizona, east by Chihuahua, south by Sinaloa and the Gulf of California, west by the Gulf of California. The physical configuration of all this region of country is peculiar. Lofty, rugged, barren mountains, coursing in every direction across this state, rise abruptly out of barren plains. In proportion to its great area, the state of Sonora furnishes but little land fit for cultivation. The agricultural districts are confined to the valleys of the Yaqui, Mayo, Sonora, San Miguel and San Ignacio rivers. The valley of the Yaqui is the most extensive and fertile. All the others are quite limited in extent, but they all produce abundantly of the cereals and fruits, and, in the aggregate, Sonora would support a larger population than the casual observer might be inclined to believe. The staple productions are wheat, corn, barley and frijoles. The principal fruits are oranges, lemons, figs, grapts and peaches. Sonora will eventually be a wine- producing country. There is a great scarcity of timber in this state, and in some districts it is difficult even to obtain sufficient fuel for household purposes. The raising of horses, mules, horned cattle and sheep, has always been one of the principal occupations of the inhabitants. The breed of mules is very superior, but the horses and cattle are of an inferior order. The mines of Sonora have a peculiar reputation- something bordering on the mysterious. The geological evidences of mines, as manifested on the surface, are 104 abundant, more so perhaps, than those of any other state in the republic. Practical experience has also demonstrated the existence of silver mines of extraor dinary richness. How enduring or extensive these veins may be has not been thoroughly proved. The silver mines at Alamos, in the southern part of the state, have been the most extensively worked, and they continue to yield abundantly. There are other mines of note, such as San Juan de Sonora Bacuachi, Aritunes, Babicariora, Batuco, Santa Theresa, Sahuaripa, la Trinadad, &c. There is but little attention paid to mining, however, in Sonora at the present time. Mining in this region always was conducted in the most primitive style ; gen erally speaking, it has been but little more than surface scratching. When water is reached, or a depth that renders the labor more than ordinarily difficult and la borious, the mine is abandoned. For this and other reasons, a great many mines have been abandoned in Sonora. They are to be found all over the state. Sil ver is the principal metal sought after, though gold is found in considerable quantities in placers and quartz veins. Copper, lead and iron can be produced in great abundance. The people of the United States have an exaggerated opinion of Sonora. The state has its good qualities, but it also has its drawbacks, which have not been duly estimated. One of the most necessary articles of life, water, is exceedingly scarce. Not an ear of corn, a spear of grain, or a fruit, can be produced without irri gation. A large portion of the best mining districts in the state are totally unavailable for the want of water. All branches of industry suffer from this want. The rainy season prevails during July, August, and September, 105 but even then the rains are light and precarious, the clay strata are wanting, and the soil holds no water. The streams are intermittent, i. e., they appear and disappear throughout their courses at intervals Travelers through the long and dreary wastes of this region, are in many instances dependent on the natural water-tanks in the mountains, called tenajas. Mr. Dunbar, in his published letters upon Sonora and Arizona, thus speaks of the country and its natural reservoirs: "I cannot leave this portion of the country without referring to the tenajas, or tanks, which are found in the mountains of the volcanic districts of Sonora and Arizona, and upon which those who traverse these dreary wilds are mainly dependent for water. In the universal upheaving and rending of rocks and mountains, natural reservoirs are formed, capable, in some instances, of holding thousands of gallons. In the season of showers they are filled, and when full, afford the weary and thirsty traveler refreshment indescribably grateful. As the hot and dry season advances, the water evaporates, and deteriorates in quality until it becomes thick and filthy, so much so as to be excessively repulsive even to a famishing stomach. The two principal routes from Sonora to California are supplied with water from these sources, and when they fail, the journey cannot be made except at great hazard, there being one stretch of one hundred and twenty miles without water. " It is the peculiar locality of these tanks that renders them interesting. They are usually found near the base of mountain gorges, where the rocks on every side are piled one upon the other to the region of the clouds, in the wildest confusion, giving the imagination full scope in discerning the outlines of domes, turrets, castles, 14 106 churches, colossal statuary, and all sorts of monsters. When all nature is at rest, the power of silence in these mountain recesses is awfully impressive, and at twilight the earthly grandeur of the scene is such as to affect the hardest natures. I never saw a merry evening camp at the tenajas. " Desert country as it is, there is considerable interest attached to it, but it requires the whipcord sinews and power of endurance of a Bedouin Arab to find and enjoy it. " Sonora is the land of romance, the land of tragedy, the dream-land of the filibuster. It is overrated, and yet riot so much overrated as misunderstood The mines con stitute the principal resource of the state, and they have been developed only to a very limited extent, and quite imperfectly. Its facilities for the raising of cattle and horse.s may be considered extensive, while its agricultu ral resources, in proportion to the great area of country, are very limited." The population of the state, according to the Mexican estimate, is 147,000. This is doubtless above the truth. The inhabitants of Sonora, in honesty, industry and energy, may be considered superior to those of any other state of the republic. As laborers, the Opata, Yaqui and Papago Indians, with the mixed breeds, are well adapted to the peculiar necessities of the country in de veloping its resources. But Sonora is a land of mourning. Apaches, revolu tions arid filibuster expeditions have scourged the people until the moan of despair comes to our ears. Mines, haciendas, and ranches in great numbers, are aban doned, and the industry of the state is completely para lyzed. 107 Hermosillo, a city of 10,000 inhabitants, beautifully located in the interior, is the capital. Guaymas, the only port, is located on the Gulf of California, and contains about 5,000 inhabitants. The harbor of Guaymas is very good, and before many years it will be of great commercial importance. 8INALOA. Sinaloa is bounded, north by Sonora, east by Chi huahua and Durango, south and west by the Pacific Ocean. This state comprehends a strip of country lying between the grand Cordilleras of the Sierra Madre and the Pacific Ocean. The eastern section is quite moun tainous, while that portion bordering on the Pacific is a series of plains, watered by the rivers Fuerte, Sinaloa, Culiacan, Piastla, &c. The climate is generally hot. The natural productions of the^soil are numerous and abundant. They consist of corn, frijoles, coffee, rice, sugar-cane, tobacco, plantains, oranges, and pine-apples; Brazil and other fine woods, in considerable quantities, are exported from the port of Mazatlan. In 1854, 82,000 quintals were exported. Sinaloa is likewise famous for its mines, especially of silver. In the miner ale del Rosario, which pertains to the district of Mazatlan, there exist mines of gold, silver, platina, copper, lead, verdigris, &c. At the present time the mines of silver and gold in this district are only worked to a moderate extent. There are other sections of the state noted for rich mines. In Culiacan, there is 108 a mint which from 1846 to 1855, coined in silver and gold the sum of $9, 252,736. Culiacan, the capital of the state, contains 10,000 inhabitants. Mazatlan is the only port. It has improved consider ably of late years, which is more than can be said of any other town in the republic of Mexico. The harbor is not very good, but the location commands the trade of an extensive back country. SAN LUIS POTOSI. This state is bounded north by Zacatecas, Coajuila and Tamaulipas ; east by Coajuila and Tamaulipas; south by Queretaro, Guanajuata and Zacatecas ; west by Zaca tecas. The western portion of the state is quite moun tainous, but the Cordillera is somewhat broken toward Tamaulipas, and a low, hilly country, which is not very healthy, stretches out toward the south-east. Agriculture forms one of the principal branches of in dustry, and an abundant yield is obtained of corn, wheat, barley, frijoles, &c. The raising of horses, mules and cattle, as in Durango and Chihuahua, is followed exten sively. Considerable attention is given to the manufac ture of woolen and cotton fabrics. Glass, leather, pottery and metallic wares are also made in large quantities, and a valuable traffic is carried on in foreign goods with the port of Tampico and the neighboring states, as San Luis Potosi, the capital and chief town of the state, is favor ably located for this kind of business. This state has its full share of the various kinds of 109 mines that abound in other states of the republic. The minerals of Catorce is one of the most famous in the whole country. The town of Catorce is situated upon the top of a bleak and rugged mountain 8,788 feet above the level of the sea. The mines are of silver. The mine of San Augustine gave metals that yielded $1,000 to the carga (300 Ibs.). The mine of Senor Zavala pro duced a species of earth worth $1 00 per pound, and $7,000,000 were obtained from it. The mines of San Geronimo and Santa Anna have produced $6,0(10,000 ; La Luz, during the last year it was worked, $2,000,000; Medellin, more than $4,000,000. According to Hum- boldt, the minerale de Cartoce has produced, one year with another, three to four millions of dollars. San Luis, the capital of the state, contains 35,000 inhabitants. The mint located here coined, in 1855, $1,849,794. 110 TLASCALA. The small State of Tlascala forms a notch in the State of Puebla, which surrounds it on every side except the west, where the State of Mexico forms the boundary. No portion of the Mexican confederacy has a more interesting history than that of Tlascala. The Spaniards^ on their arrival, found it an independent republic, and bidding defiance to the power of Montezuma. In obedi ence to their instinctive hatred of that monarch and his people, the Tlascalans joined Cortes, and took an impor tant part in the conquest of Mexico. Indeed, without their powerful aid, Cortes would not have been success ful, In remembrance of the assistance thus furnished by the Tlascalans, the Spaniards erected their country into a distinct province, with certain privileges, and it thus remained until 1 824, since which period it has been dis trict, territory and state, the latter degree having been conferred by the constitution under Comonfort. Tlascala comprehends a superficial extent of 400 square leagues. It contains 1 city, 109 villages, 18 settlements, 168 haciendas, 94 ranchos or small farms, 8 grist-mills, 2 iron-works and 1 woolen factory. The climate is salubrious and healthy. The country is diversified with mountains, table-lands and valleys. The Sierra de la Malintzin, which is very high, has a particularly sacred place in Tlascalteca mythology, and there is upon its crest, when viewed from a certain position, that which resembles a human body lying in sepulture and par tially covered with a shroud. At times, the clouds, illuminated with electricity, hang over this mountain, adding much to the impressive grandeur of the scene. Ill The numerous relics of antiquity found in this State are very interesting. The cereals are principally cultivated, though in the valleys the products of hot countries are found. Mines of silver, copper and lead are moderately worked. The ancient town of Tlascala is the capital. There are but 4,000 or 5,000 inhabitants remaining within its ancient limits. TAMAULIPAS. The State of Tamaulipas, called in the time of the Spaniards, the Province of New Sandanter, extends from 22 14 4" N. lat., to 27 30 N. lat., and from long. 1 39 3", to long. 2 east of Mexico. Its limits are, on the north,the United States (the Rio Bravo forming the boundary line), on the northwest, the Departments of Coahuila, and Neuvo Leon, on the west and southwest, San Luis Potosi ; on the south, Vera Cruz, and on the east, the Gulf of Mexico. Productions. Tamaulipas produces cotton, rice, sugar-cane, corn, frijoles, barley, sweet potatoes, &c., &c, also tropical fruits in abundance. Vanilla is very extensively culti vated by the French colony about half way between Tampico and Vera Cruz. Horses, mules and cattle are raised in great numbers, and driven to different parts of the republic for sale. 112 Mines. Of late years the mining- interest has been almost en tirely abandoned, and few mines are at present being worked. In St. Nicholas there are twenty-five aban doned mines, and four in operation. The product of these, one year with another, is two hundred marks of silver and twenty thousand pounds of lead. The average value of a mark of silver is $8 50. In Mizachuana are four abandoned mines, in one of which is found alabaster. In Bustamente are twelve abandoned mines eight of silver, one of copper, and three of lead. It is supposed that the silver mines were very rich, from the amount of the tithes or duties paid to the Span ish crown. In Villagrau are abandoned mines of gold and silver. Not far from this place are found seams of coal, which have never been worked. Near Tampico is found very transparent alabaster, also jasper, and, at a short distance, slate in great abun dance. Extensive salt-works are found near Soto La Marina, both natural and artificial, from which there are generally taken out about ten thousand " cargas " yearly 3,000,000 Ibs. The value of cattle and agricultural products of the soil of Tamaulipas, for the consumption of its inhabitants, and that remitted to other parts of the republic, in the purchase of articles of importation, may be calculated as follows : 113 Home productions consumed $1,429,451 Home productions exported to other parts of the republic 128.536 Importations from other parts of the republic for consumption 698,792 Foreign importations for consumption 1,156,568 Interior Navigation. Elvers. Depth in feet. Aggregate miles. 9 5 4 3 2 The river of Tampico to Tamsunchal mi. 117 mi. 47 21 18 32 mi. 32 10 26 mi. 39 26 31 mi. 63 47 52 298 104 127 32 91 65 Into it flows the river Tamui Also the San Juan Also the Tancialot Also the Tamesin 91 Lake del Chairel 65 Total miles 117 209 133 96 162 717 Foreign Commerce of Tampico. The foreign trade of Tampico during the year 1856 was as follows : Total number of vessels from all foreign nations entered, 136. Total value of inward cargoes $2,845,091 Total value of outward cargoes 4,562,837 Total foreign trade $7,407,928 Total number of American vessels included in the above, 34, with an aggregate of 4,115 tons. Value of inward cargoes , $653,451 Value of outward cargoes 613,349 Total trade in American vessels . $1,266,800 Total number of British vessels 20, aggregate tonnage not ascertained; of these, 12 belonged to the British 17 114 Royal Mail Steam-ship Company, and 8 were sailing vessels. Total value of inward cargoes $ 888,625 Total value* of outward cargoes 3,7 1 1,353 Total trade in British vessels $4,599,978 Total number of French vessels 14, aggregate tonnage 2,234 tons. Total value of inward cargoes $564,500 Total value of outward cargoes 70,000 Total trade in French vessels $634,500 Total number of Spanish vessels T, aggregate tonnage 1,112 tons. Total value of inward cargoes $125,625 Total value of outward cargoes 28,000 Total value of trade in Spanish vessels. $153,625 Prices at Tampico. Consular Returns, Sept. 30A, 1857. Fustic, per ton $12 50 Hides, - 3 50 each. Sarsaparilla. - 64 per Ib. Wool, inferior quality, 019 " Jalap, 41 " Ystle, or Mexican hemp, similar to Manilla, 5 " Goat-skins, per doz., 6 00 Horns, 1 50 per 100. Vanilla, per 1000 pods, $10 to $50 00 Shipments of specie from Tampico, per British steam ers, for the year ending September 30, 1857, $3,402,411. 115 The residue of the trade at the port of Tampico during 1856 was distributed between Sardinia, Hamburg, Hol land, and the city of Mexico. With the certainty of a weekly steamer from an Amer ican port, instead of the casual communication which now exists, the principal amount of trade represented by the above figures will be diverted in that direction, and Tampi-co will soon be able to export, in exchange, the numerous productions and wealth of that vast interior, and supply the wants of her inhabitants with importa tions from the United States. Its increased activity, therefore, only depends upon the additional facilities that will be afforded by regular and frequent steam com munication. Tampico is the second port in point of commercial im portance on the Gulf of Mexico, not only from the great natural resources of the State of Tamaulipas, to which it belongs, but from the fact that it is the principal port of egress and ingress for the trade of several of the rich est States of the republic in the mineral and agricultural productions. It is supported by the trade of San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Nuevo Leon, Jalisco, &c., forming an immense back country, sufficient to build up and make Tampico eventually a great commercial city. From that section of the country are dispatched the large conductas of specie to Tampico for shipment to Europe by the English steam-packet. Matamoras. The port and city of Matamoras, comprehended within the jurisdiction of the State of Tamaulipas, are situated on the right bank of the Rio Bravo del Norte, in latitude 116 25 53 2" N., and longitude 1 32 28" east of the meri dian of Mexico, arid contains 11,233 inhabitants. Imports into the port of Matamoras consist chiefly of breadstuffs, spices, provisions, and cloths from New Or leans ; exports of specie, hides, and wool In 1844 there entered 33 vessels with an aggregate of 2,054 tons, floating inward, cargoes of the value of $326,600, and outward about an equal amount. Two-thirds of all com mercial operations at this port are under the American flag. In 1841, commercial movements with the United States reached the sum of $4,600,000 $2,400,000 for inward, and $2,200,000 for outward cargoes. Of the imports, British merchandise imported in American bot toms reached $1,000,000, while American produce and manufactures amounted to only $500,000. French mer chandise in American bottoms figured as high as $260,000, and German $216,000. Cotton cloths (mostly British) reached in this trade $1,027,200. The export trade to the United States, during this year, covered $1,800,000 in specie, and over $400,000 in hides. Matamoras is situated on the Rio Grande, opposite Brownsville in Texas, and a few miles above Brazos de St. lago, at which place the United States and Mexican mail steamers will touch. The commerce of the place is increasing rapidly, especially that which relates to the interchange of commodities with the United States. It only needs postal facilities and facilities for transporta tion to swell this commerce to an immense amount. The best feeling exists between the Americans and the Mexicans. When the bandit Cortinas attacked the city of Brownsville, the military commandante of Mata moras dispatched one hundred of his troops to the assist- m ance of the Americans, and four of the Mexican soldiers fell in battle, defending American citizens. Such an ex ample of magnanimity and good feeling should not be passed over in silence, but ought, in fact, to be appropri ately noticed by our government. TABASCO. The State of Tabasco is situated between 16 50 N. latitude, and 18 39 N., and 5 11 and T 10 longitude E. from Mexico. Its limits are, on the north the Gulf of Mexico, which washes the coast a distance of ninety-six miles ; on the east Yucatan ; on the south Chiapas, and on the west the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The State at present (besides rice, maize, and frijoles, which are extensively cultivated), furnishes nearly the whole of the republic with cocoa, out ot which the uni versal chocolate is made. FVom the latest dates relative to the cocoa trade in this state, the annual production amounts to 8000 bales, which, at 200 pounds to the bale, gives a total of 1,600,000. At the average price of 30 cents per pound, this yields an income of $480,000 per annum. Judging from the progressive increase of de mand and production, the amount will, in a few years, reach 30,000 or 40,000 bales. Tabasco yields tropical productions in abundance. Coffee, sugar-cane, pepper, tamarinds, arrow-root, pal metto, cotton, tobacco, &c., are cultivated. Indigo and vanilla grow wild in the forests, which abound in ma hogany, iron-wood, cedar, and caoutchouc. The tobacco grown here is celebrated for its fine fla- 118 vor, and with a little more skill in cultivation and drying might compete with that of Havana. Dye-woods of various descriptions are also produced and shipped in large quantities from this state, particu larly the logwood palo de tinte. The soil and climate of Tabasco are peculiarly adapted to the sugar-cane, and although it has not been very ex tensively cultivated until within the last four or five years, the inhabitants are beginning to exhibit such zeal and activity in its production, that a most rapid annual augmentation must take place in the manufacture of sugar. In addition to the articles enumerated are many others, of no less importance, produced in this state, that might be mentioned. Tabasco is particularly favored by nature, as well for the natural facilities of internal communication, as for her great agricultural resources. In the former, she is prob ably superior to any section of territory of the same extent on the American continent. She possesses many fine navigable rivers in fact the whole territory is trav ersed by those great natural highways extending far into the adjoining departments, which are only awaiting the necessary spirit of enterprise on the part of the in habitants to complete the development of her vast fields of natural resources, commercial wealth, and national prosperity. San Juan Bautista is not much inferior to Tampico in point of situation and other commercial advantages ; for, beside being the commercial depot of the whole State of Tabasco and Chiapas, it enjoys a large trade with Oaxaca, Tehuantepec, Yucatan, &c., &c., which will be greatly increased if the people can once be awakened to 119 the importance of turning to account the great advan tages and facilities offered them by nature, for the exchange of commercial intercourse with those places and the United States. The principal foreign trade is at present carried on between Tabasco and Havana. This trade only awaits the establishment of a more regular and frequent communication with the United States, to be diverted in that direction, when the people of Mexico will naturally see the value of their productions in the United States, the readiness with which they can be dis posed of, and the value and usefulness of the exchanges they can command. Tabasco is now obliged to receive her foreign supplies from Havana, at much higher prices than would buy them at first hand. She likewise has to pay hard dollars in exchange, as Cuba affords a mar* ket only for a limited number of articles, her productions being more or less of a similar kind to those peculiar to Mexico. Principal Towns. 1. San Juan Bautista, capital of the state, is situated on the left bank of the river Grijalva, in IT 40 N. lati tude, and 1 4 46" longitude E. of the city of Mexico ; 621 miles from Mexico ; population 5,500. 2. Conduacan, on the river of the same name; popu lation 3,220. 3. Santiago de Teapa, population 1,346. 4. Macuspana, population 700. Bars. The bar of Tabasco consists of two channels or en trances. The north-east channel is situated between the 120 Point of Barlovento and the island of Buey Chico. It is 1500 yards wide, with about nine feet water on the bar. In the other channel, between the Buey Chico and an island (name unknown), there is about eight feet water. Both channels have a sandy bottom. At a distance of 42 miles along the coast is the bar of Chiltepec. The channel is 600 yards wide, and eight feet deep ; four and a half miles from the bar of Chilte pec is that of Dos Bocas, with a depth of eleven feet. Following the coast from Dos Bocas, we come, at a dis tance of twenty-one miles, to the bar of Cupiles, the width of which is 600 yards, and having a depth of four feet water. Large canoes can ascend as far as San An- .tonio, a distance of ninety miles. At a distance of fifty- one miles we come to La Barra de Santa Anna, which has a channel 600 yards wide, with ten feet of water. Inside is a lagoon or lake, eighteen miles long. Prices at Tabasco, September, 1858. Logwood, ... 62 cts. per quintal, 100 Ibs. Fustic, . . . . 44 to 50. Hides . . . . $2 00 each. Deer-skins,. . . . 18 to 30 per Ib. Tobacco, . . . 8 00 to 12 00 per cwt. Pepper, . . . 4 to 5 per Ib. Indigo, . . . 87-J per Ib. Sarsaparilla, . . . 8 00 per cwt. Cocoa, . . . . 10 00 to 20 per 60 Ibs. Coffee, . . . . 10 to 12 per Ib. Beans, . . . . . 62^ to 1 00 per 25 Ibs. 121 Statement of Exports from the port of Tabasco for 185T. $1,008 890 . 944: 184 58,088 3,969 . 100 72,612 . 2,000 754 33,412 12,058 . 590 1,730 . 236 9 ARTICLES. QUANTITY. Indigo, . . 1,400 Ibs. Sugar, . > * 820 arrobas, Cocoa, . -."; ! . 75 cargas, Cassia, . 2,600 Ibs. . Hides, . 22,530 . Deer-skins, . 13,658 Ibs. . Molasses, . 200 arrobas, Gold and silver coin, Brown sugar, . 3,600 arrobas, Pimento, 710 Fustic logwood, . 49,500 quintals, Leaf tobacco, 140,966 Cigars, 59,000 . Logs of mahogany, . 330 Sarsaparilla, . 21 quintals, Hog-skins,. 75 Ibs. . $188,584 STATE OF VERA CRUZ. This large and important state, second only to the State of Mexico, lies on the Gulf of Mexico, by which it is bounded on the north, east by the Gulf, Tabasco, and Chiapas, south and west by Oajaca, Puebla, Mexico, and Queretaro. The state extends along the Gulf one hundred and sixty-six leagues, and its breadth is from twenty-five to twenty-eight leagues. The section of country embraced within the limits of the State of Vera Cruz may be con sidered the most remarkable in the entire republic remarkable for its extremes of temperature, its fertility of soil, its variety of productions, its varied scenery and undeveloped riches. On the coast the heat is intense. 16 122 This is tempered, however, from November till April by the northtrs, and the climate is much more salubrious than it is generally reported to be. In the interior the temperature is hot until you reach the range of high mountains on the western borders of the state. The change from tropical to temperate, and from temperate to frigid, is sudden; all these changes occurring within a distance of sixty to seventy miles. The districts com prehended by these different climates are inhabited by people whose temperament, habits, labors, and produc tions of course conform to the climate in which they live. It is impossible to give, in our limited space, a full and accurate account of this rich and varied state. It pro duces tobacco, coffee, sugar, cotton, corn, barley, wheat, jalap, sarsaparilla, vanilla, pine-apples, oranges, citrons, lemons, pomegranates, zapotes, bananas, chirernoyas, aguacatis, tunas, pears, water-melons, peaches, apricots, guyavas, grapes; mahogany, ebony, cedar, oak, dragon- blood, tamarinds, palms, dye-woods, ash, fir, besides rare and beautiful woods, plants, shrubs, flowers, and cereals, which spring almost spontaneously from the soil In the neighborhood of San Andres Tuxtla, and throughout the southern portion of the state, there are vast regions of unoccupied country where the climate is salubrious, and the virgin soil far excels that of the Mississippi. The Indian clears a small patch of land, makes holes in the ground with a stick, drops in the kernels of corn, and when he plucks the ears, ninety days from the time of planting, his labors are over. In this process, no refer ence need be had to seasons. Every thing grows all the year round. Vera Cruz, capital of the state and district bearing the same name, is situated in latitude 19 11 N., and 20 123 50 E. of the city of Mexico, and is the most important port in the country, both from its commerce, and from the fact of its being the door of the republic to the whole western world. The city is lighted with gas, and will soon be provided with excellent water brought from the river Jamapa, about ten miles distant, for which the necessary works are already in course of construction, and, when com pleted, there are well-founded hopes of its becoming one of the most healthy cities in the tropics. Vera Cruz is, perhaps, after Mexico, one of the most picturesque cities in the Spanish Americas, from the ele gant construction of its houses and the beauty of its public buildings. Its population is about 10,000 souls. Orizava, capital of the district of the same name, is situated in 18 50 N. latitude, and 2 1 42" longitude E. of Mexico, at 1,450 feet elevation above the level of the sea. Its distance from Vera Cruz is eighty-two miles, and from Mexico about one hundred and eighty miles. From its elevation and the neighborhood of the extinct volcano of Orizava or " Sitlaltepetl," covered with eternal snow, the climate is delightful and entirely free from the scorching heats of " Tierra Caliente." It is remarkable for its forests of orange-trees and its excellent coffee, the best of which, called " Caracolillo," is fully equal to Mocha. It contains many sugar and flour mills, and its popula tion is 37,695. Jalapa is at a distance of seventy-two miles from Vera Cruz, to the inhabitants of which it forms a summer re sort, particularly now that seven leagues of the railway leading to it (and which is probably to be continued on to Mexico) are finished. It is called by the inhabitants 124 a piece of heaven dropped on earth ; and well does it merit the title, both on account of its lovely scenery and its fragrant flowers, Medellin, about ten miles from Vera Cruz, is a large village where most of the merchants of Vera Cruz have country houses ; and twice a year gambling saturnalia take place here, which continue about four weeks, afford ing remarkable glimpses of national customs to the stranger. Lower down the coast we have Alvarado, at the en trance to two large rivers, the San Juan and the Rio Blanco, which are navigable to between one hundred and fifty and one hundred and eighty miles, and afford ma hogany in abundance, and various other products which will be treated of in their proper places hereafter. Population of the State of Vera Cruz. Districts. Division. Population. Vera Cruz Vera Cruz 36,038 Cosaraaloapan 13,924 Tuxtla 17,335 67,297 Jalapa 37,115 Coatepec 19,494 Misantla 4,550 61,159 Orizava Orizava 37,695 Songolica 17,355 55,050 Cordova Cordova 26,575 Huatusco 10,380 36,955 Jalacingo Jalacingo 24,058 Papantla 8,602 32,660 Tuxpan , Tuxpan 18,968 Chiconthpec 27,431 46,399 Tampico Olosuama 19,525 Tantoyuca 19,814 39,339 Total number of inhabitants. . ... 338,859 125 Minerals. Up to the present time, two districts only of the State of Vera Cruz have been explored by speculators in mines: they are Jalapa and JaJacingo; and the ores have been found at about twenty-one miles north of the Cofre of Perote, at places called respectively Tatatila, Zomelahuacan, and Senepanoya. There are being worked, at present, mines containing lead mixed with gold, lead and copper, copper and iron, and copper alone in all eleven. Twelve are at present abandoned, from various causes, such as the want of capital or their being flooded with water in the rainy season. Iron is also found, but being in general far from the roads by which it must be taken to market, and by which also coal must be brought for smelting, it has been found more profitable to import it. The enormous profits made in this branch of commerce with Mexico, should demand the attention of the manufacturers of the article in the United States. Commerce of Vera Cruz before the Independence of Mexico. The imports through the port of Yera Cruz before the "War of Independence, averaging one year with another ex ceeded $19,000,000 And the exports, inclusive of silver, - 21,000,000 Total of mercantile exchanges, $40,000,000 126 Classification of Exports. Cochineal, - $1,715,000 Sugar, - 1,500,000 Vanilla, - 60,000 Indigo, - 2,700,000 Sarsaparilla, - 90,000 Pepper from Tabasco, - 40,000 Flour, - - 500,000 Tanned leather, - 80,000 Sundries, - - 315,000 $7,000,000 Silver, .... 14,000,000 $21,000,000 From a statement published by the Consulado of Vera Cruz, it appears that the IMPORTATION FROM SPAIN and other European countries in 1802 was as follows: In national vessels, .... $11,539,219 In foreign vessels, . . . 8,060,781 $19,600,000 Exportation in the same year, .... 33,866,219 Total trade with Europe, .... $53,466,219 Importation from American ports, . $1,607,792 Exportation to " " . 4,581,148 6,188,940 Total commerce of Yera Cruz for 1802, . $59,655,159 Since the independence of Mexico in 1821, the trade of the country has been mostly with Europe. From 1825 to 1835, the trade with the United States amounted to considerable, but since the latter period it has been m steadily diminishing, until at the present time, but a small exhibit is made of commerce between the United States and Vera Cruz. The following is a report of articles exported from Vera Cruz to the United States during the nine months ending September 30, 1856 : ARTICLES EXPORTED. VALUE AS PER INVOICES. Vanilla beans, $15,734 22 Cochineal, 77,134 82 Jalap, 10,553 84 Goat-skins, 64,250 57 Deer-skins, 2,030 40 Calf-skins, 311 78 Hides, 30,919 28 Mahogany, 7,941 70 Fustic, 851 57 Tobacco, 1,236 14 India-rubber, 469 91 Shellac, 18 87 Barilla, 32 82 Copper, 1,677 93 Coffee, .... 24 00 Cabalonga nuts, .... 28 56 $213,216 41 Of this amount $9,765 was shipped to New Orleans, arid the balance exclusively to New York. The exports of specie during the said nine months, to New Orleans, amounted to $855,443 ; to New York unknown, certainly less than half the amount shipped to New Orleans. As before stated, the United States Consul at Vera Cruz writes, April 15, 1857 : " The duties received at this custom-house during 128 the year ending December 31, 1856, amount, according to a statement just published, to $6,127,060. " Of this sum I doubt if one-twenty-fourth accrued from American trade. . There were some 6,000 to 7,000 bales (175 to 200 Ibs. each) of cotton grown in this country during the year, and about 2,800 ceroons (200 Ibs. net) of cochineal. " The amount of cotton imported from the United States (New Orleans solely), during the last three months, was : Bales, 3,512 Half bales, 7,369, equal to . . 3,684." 7,196 Prices in Vera Cruz, according to latest Consular returns. Hides, . . . . $1 62 &$1 75 each. Calf-skins, ... 75 a 87 each. Goat-skins, . . . 95 a 1 00 per pair. Logwood, . . . 62 per cwt. Fustic, .... 50 " Mahogany, . 1-J a 2 per foot. Cochineal, . . . 26 00 per 25 Ibs. Jalap, . . . 35 00 a 40 00 per cwt. Sarsaparilla, 9 00 " Tobacco, . . . 2 50 a 5 50 " Indigo, . . . 90 a 1 00 per Ib. Vanilla beans, . . 20 00 a 60 00 per 1,000. Prospects of Commerce in Vera Cruz. It is now time to speak of the advantages offered in Vera Cruz to a regular line of steamers, touching once a week, arid affording a sure means of correspondence with the United States, at stated periods. In a compar- 129 atively short time the railway will be opened as far as Orizava, and will eventually be continued to the Pacific. This railway, when completed, will inaugurate a new era of prosperity for Vera Cruz almost, if not quite as rich, as when, a century ago, it formed the great com mercial emporium of "New Spain," and when the mer chants of the mother country became rich with one single venture. In effect it will open up vast regions of the coasts of Oajaca, Chiapas, &c., &c., which are now almost entirely cut off from every means of either im port or export, on account of the enormous price of freights, and which teem with every production of a trop ical climate minerals, dye-woods, mahogany, grain and cochineal, beside affording an extensive market for American productions in the large cities in the interior. THE ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec deserves special notice in this work. The territory of the Isthmus proper lies be tween 16 5 and 18 21 N. latitude, and 3 53 and 50 30 longitude E. from the city of Mexico. It comprises a part of the states of Vera Cruz, Oajaca, Tabasco, and Chiapas. Its northern limit is the Gulf of Mexico, and its southern the Pacific Ocean. All the agricultural pro ductions and fruits found in the states above named, ex cept a few that belong to the cold regions, are produced in the greatest abundance throughout the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. It is perhaps one of the richest agricul tural districts in the republic. The treaty contemplated with Mexico secures to the United States the important and invaluable advantages that will accrue to our country from the right of way across the Isthmus in perpetuity. 17 130 When the route is fully opened, and the transit becomes regular and easy, the passage will be made from New York to California in eighteen days. The opening of this route will at once develop the resources of the Isth mus, which are rich and varied. In addition. to its agri cultural products there are rare and valuable woods of the greatest variety arid abundance; mahogany, Brazil wood, logwood, India-rubber, &c., now form the principal exports. The principal river is the Coatzacoalcos, which is nav igable for a distance of some seventy or eighty miles above its mouth. The port of Coatzacoalcos is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, at the mouth of the river, and is easy of access by vessels drawing eleven to twelve feet of water. This is one of the ports at which the United States and Mexi can mail steamers will touch. Miriatitlanis situated on the Coatzacoalcos, twenty miles from its mouth. Vessels crossing the bar at the mouth of the river, can reach this place without difficulty. Statement of the exports of Mahogany from the river Coatza coalcos, showing progressive increase. VESSELS. TONS. 1849 ... 5 ... T13 1850 ... 1 ... 230 1851 ... 6 ... 690 1852 ... 5 ... 810 1853 ... T ... 1,242 1854 ... 13 ... 3,214 1855 ... 19 ... 3,882 1856 . . . 32 . . . 6,804 185T ... 65 ... 12,556 Total, . 153 ... 30,141 131 Vessels of all nations entered at and cleared from the port of Minatitlan, from September 30, 1857, to September 30, 1858: NO. TONNAGE. American vessels, . . . .31, . 5,793 French* " ... 1 . 318 English " . . . 26 . . 5,044 Spanish " 1 203 Sardinian " . . 1 . . 262 Italian " ... 1 . 289 German, Swedish and Belgian vessels, 4 . . 657 65 12,566 YUCATAN. Columbus, in his first three voyages, did not reach the continent of America, but on his fourth ill-fated and final expedition, after sixty days tempestuous weather, he dis covered a small island, supposed to be that now called in the charts Bonaca. While on shore in this island, he saw coming from the west a canoe of large size filled with Indians, who appeared to be a more civilized people than any he had yet encountered. In return to the in quiries of the Spaniards for gold, they pointed toward the west, and endeavored to persuade them to steer in that direction. "Well would it have been for Colum bus," says Mr. Irving, "had he followed their advice. Within a day or two he would have arrived at Yucatan ; the discovery of Mexico and the other opulent countries of New Spain would have followed ; the Southern Ocean would have been disclosed to him, and a succession of splendid discoveries would have shed fresh glories on his declining age, instead of sinking it amidst gloom, neg lect and disappointment." 132- Four years afterward, Juan Diaz de Soils held the same course to the island of Bonaca, and then steering to the west, discovered the east coast of Yucatan. From the time of the conquest, Yucatan existed as a distinct captain-generalcy, not connected wjth Guate mala nor subject to the Viceroy of Mexico. So it con tinued down to the Mexican revolution. The independence of Yucatan followed that of Mexico without any struggle, and actually by default of the mother country in not attempting to keep it in subjection. Before the conquest, one language, called the Maya, extended throughout the whole peninsula, and the whole land of Maya was united under one head or supreme lord. This great chief had for the seat of his monarchy a very populous city called Mayapan, and had under him a great many other lords, or caciques, who were bound to pay him tribute and serve him in war. These lords, too, had under them cities and many vassals. Becoming proud and ambitious, they rebelled against the power of the supreme lord, and besieged and destroyed the city of Mayapan. This took place about one hundred years before the arrival of the Spaniards, and may perhaps account, more or less, for the origin of the mysterious palaces buried deep in the solitudes of Yucatan. To quote the eloquent words of Stephens : The ex istence of most of these ruins was entirely unknown to the residents of the capital, but few had ever been visited by white inhabitants; they were desolate, and overgrown with trees. For a brief space the stillness that reigned around them was broken, and then they were again left to solitude and silence. Time and the elements are has- 133 tening them to utter destruction. In a few generations their facades, covered with sculptured ornaments, already cracked and yawning, must fall and become mere shape less mounds. It has been the fortune of the author to step between them and the entire destruction to which they are destined ; and it is his hope to snatch from ob livion these perishing, but still gigantic memorials of a mysterious people/ The State of Yucatan is situated between latitude 1Y 49 north, and 21 37 north, and longitude 6 33 and 12 28 east of the city of Mexico. Its shores are washed on the west and north by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the east by the sea of the Antilles ; on the south it is bor dered by Central America, and by the English territory of the Belize, of which the boundary is the Rio Hondo, or Deep River. On the south-west is the former terri tory of Carmen, which has been divided between Yucatan and Tabasco. Two depressed chains of mountains traverse the state, but in the main it is a level country, and generally covered with rank vegetation, either wild or cultivated. Yucatan offers a peculiarly fine field to the explorer, and here are found some of the most curious and stu pendous relics of the ancient inhabitants. Stephens and Catherwood obtained the most interesting material for their publications in this state. There are extensive re gions yet unexplored by white men. The character and variety of the productions of the State of Yucatan may be I earned from the following account of the several districts : District of Merida / Capital, Merida. Horned cattle, horses, mules, tallow, jerked-beef, 134 leather, salt, gypsum, hemp raw and manufactured, straw hats, guitars, cigars, and logwood. District of Campeche ; Capital, Campeche. Salt, logwood, rice, sugar and marble of good quality. District of Lerma / Capital, Lerma. Logwood, timber, rice, and fish-oil. District of Valladolid : Capital, City of Valladolid. Cotton, sugar, gum-copal, tobacco, cochineal, saffron, vanilla, cotton fabrics, yarns, &c., wax, honey, castor-oil, horned cattle, hogs, and skins. Coast District ; Capital, City of Izamal. Horned cattle, horses, mules, tallow, jerked-beef, cas tor-oil, hides, wax, honey, timber, indigo, hemp raw and manufactured, straw, cigars, barilla, and salt. Upper Highland District ; Capital, City of Tekax. Horned cattle, horses, mules, hogs, sheep, skins, sugar, molasses, timber, rice, tobacco in leaf and manufactured, spirits, arrow-root, straw hats, cotton-lace, ochre, flints, and grindstones. Lower Highland District ; Capital, Teabo. Horned cattle, horses, mules, hogs, sheep, skins, tal low, dried beef, hemp raw and manufactured, and cotton- lace. Upper Royal Road District; Capital, Jequdchakan. Cattle, horses, mules, skins, tallow, dried beef, log wood, tobacco, sugar, and rum. Lower Royal Road District / Capital, Maxcanu. Horned cattle, horses, oil of palma cristi, tobacco, hemp, and fine straw hats 135 Upper Beneficios District ; Capital, Ichenul. Sugar, molasses, rum, tobacco, rice, pepper, gum, sar- saparilla, hats, hammocks, ebony, barilla, gypsum, and skins. Lower Beneficios District / Capital, Sotula. Horned cattle, horses, mules, hogs, skins, tallow, and dried beef. District of Tizimin y Capital, Tizimin. Tortoise-shell, skins, timber, logwood, India-rubber, incense, tobacco, achiote (a rich yellow dye), starch from the yuca, cotton, wax, honey, molasses, sugar, rum, cas tor-oil, salt, amber, vanilla, hogs, and cochineal. District of Seiba-playa / Capital, Seiba-playa. Timber, rice, logwood and salt. Bacalar District / Capital, Bacalar. Logwood, valuable timber, inferior sugar, tobacco, rum, fine hemp known under the name of pita, resin, In dia-rubber, gum-copal, pimento, sarsaparilla, vanilla and gypsum. These, with all the tropical fruits, afford an astonish ing variety of natural productions. Mining has never formed a branch of industry among the present race of inhabitants. There are traditions pointing to the existence of gold and silver mines in the state, but there is no disposition evinced to discover and work them. Salt is obtained on the island of the Mujeres. The island of Cozumel on the east coast which was the first land discovered by the Spaniards on their voyage to Mexico is now almost uninhabited. 136 The extension of its coast is as follows : From Point Bacalar to Cape Catoche . . . 276 miles. From Cape Catoche to Punta Desconocida, in Cam- peche Sound, 250 u And from thence to the Bar of San Pedro, . . 281 u In all, SOT miles. Cities, Population, &c. Yucatan has four large cities in the interior, viz. : 1. Merida, capital of the state, is situated in the centre of a spacious plain, at an elevation of twenty-four feet above the level of the sea, the breezes of which maintain a cool and pleasant temperature. Its population is 23,575, and its distance from Mexico 1 ,005 miles, and from Sisal twenty-eight miles. 2. Valladolid, at a distance of ninety-four miles from Merida, and 135 from Carnpeche, with a population of 2,389 inhabitants. 3. Izamal, thirty-nine miles from Merida, has a popu lation of 4,797 inhabitants. 4. Tekax, fifty-seven miles from Merida, with a popu lation of 4,348 inhabitants. Ports. The most important ports are Sisal and Campeche. Sisal is in 21 10 N. latitude, and 9 06 longitude E. of Mexico ; population 942. Campeche, the most important of the two, is situated on the west coast of Yucatan, and contains a population of 15,000 inhabitants, the greater part of whom are con nected with the logwood trade, of which it is estimated 137 that 650,000 quintals are exported annually, whilst the value of other articles of merchandise by the way of the English territory of Belize, amounts annually to $2,110,000, all of which ought and can be diverted into American channels. According to the calculation of Mr. D. G. Rigil, which appears the most free from exaggeration, there were pro duced in 1853, 20,416,200 pounds of sugar, and 306,243 barrels of aguadiente. o With respect to the Genequen, which may be called an industry peculiar to Yucatan, and of which are made sacks, hammocks, curtains, cables, &>c., there are exported of it annually in its manufactured state 560,500 pounds. Other products are as follows : CONSUMPTION. EXPORTATION. Maize, . . 20,000,530 bushels. 16,350 bushels. Kice, . . 1,T50,000 pounds, 93/TOO pounds. Frijoles, . . 24,000,000 144,550 " Besides the articles above mentioned, there is an ex tensive production of cotton, tobacco, gum-copal, indigo, &,c., &c., of which large amounts are exported. Of course these products might be doubled or trebled if the inhabitants would be at the pains of making good roads, which might be formed at small expense from the level nature of the country, which in many places only re quires the undergrowth to be cut down to admit the passage of mule trains. . From the fact of there being no swamps, the climate, although hot, is uniformly healthy. Laguna. The port of Carmen (Laguria de Terminos) may be considered as the best port in the Mexican part of the 18 138 Gulf. Its entrance is by a wide-spread bar of soft mud; the depth of water at low tide is thirteen feet, and fifteen at high tide. After passing the bar, vessels go to anchor near the island where the city of Carmen stands, and there the depth of water is from four to six fathoms. Vessels are sheltered in this port from all winds, and only a westerly hurricane can endanger the security of their anchorage. The city of Carmen has about 5,000 inhabitants ; its aspect from the port is very picturesque and beautiful. Mariners, on their entering, may be guided by a fine fixed light in the Indian village opposite the place, which light can be seen fourteen miles at sea. The principal commerce of this town consists in the extraction of log wood, the annual exportation of which is from four to six hundred thousand quintals. The price generally ranges from 75 cents to $1 25, according to the demand, or the great or small supply in the market. The logwood is carried to Carmen in canoes of from four hundred to a thousand quintals burden, from Ta- bancuy, Chiboja, Candelaria, Chumpan, the Ranches of the East, Palisada, and principally from all the Ranches on the river Usumacinta, passing through Palisada. The interior of the country is generally swampy, and its greatest production to this day is logwood. There is also in the interior of the country a large quantity of cedar, mahogany, and divers other kinds of fine and valuable timber, especially for ship-building ; but, until now, they have not been an object of great extraction or exportation. There are at present ten or twelve establishments for the elaboration of sugar and aguadiente (sugar-cane rum), and with time these articles may be produced in abund ance for exportation. 139 What is now considered as the Territory of Carmen has about 20,000 inhabitants. If the country was more thickly peopled, so as to facil itate labor for agricultural pursuits, it would probably be one of the richest tracts of country in the world. Steam communications could be established from Car men to the rivers of Palisada, Chumpan, Candelaria, Mamantel, and Cano de Tabancuy, by deepening a little the bars of these rivers, which could be done without any great outlay, and with lucrative results to any one who would undertake the enterprise. The distance by sea from Vera Cruz to Laguna is two hundred and seventy miles ; from Laguna to Frontera de Tabasco, by sea, forty-eight miles ; or to San Juan Bautista, one hundred and fourteen miles, by sea and river. . Statement of Logwood exported from the port of Laguna. 1849 598,832 quintals. 1853 455,920 quintals. 1850 442,949 u 1854 466,561 1851 384,251 " 1855 678,988 " 1852 472,636 " 1856 584,810 Of the 584,810 quintals of logwood exported from Laguna in 1856, but 36,859 quintals went to the United States. ZACATECAS. Zacatecas, one of the central states of Mexico, is bounded north by Durango, Coajuila and Nuevo Leon ; east by San Luis Potosi and Aguas Calientes ; south try Guanajuato, Aguas Calientes and Jalisco : west by Ja lisco and Durango. The boundaries of this state are the most irregular of any in the confederacy. The 140 mountains and peaks, more or less elevated, which oc cupy the greater portion of the state, are a prolongation of the Sierra Mad re, and the gradual descent of these gives, in the lower part of the state, spacious valleys and fertile fields, deep barrancas and canons, all of which form imposing and picturesque scenery. The agricultural districts are not extensive, yet the fertility of those under cultivation is such that the products of the soil form one source of wealth. The forests afford an abundance of red and white oak, syca more, ash, white wood, mezquites and all classes of pine. The principal fruits are of the temperate regions, such as apples, pears, peaches, quinces, grapes, strawberries, The following is the report of the principal agricultural products in 1858. DISTRICTS. CORN. FRIJOLES. WHEAT. CHILE. Fanegas. Fanegas. Cargas. Arrobas. Zacatecas, 24,458 1,791 964 6,890 Fresnillo, 41,354 1,507 1,285 555 Sombrerete, 58,504 1,284 1,028 338 Sieves, 30,009 2,762 2,569 668 Pinos, 5,118 3,268 31 69 Juchipila, 171,075 4,256 353 81 Tlaltenango, 53,185 4,945 150 226 Jerez, 47,152 2,355 1,306 4,103 Yillanueva, 81,206 11,604 531 864 512,061 33,772 8,217 13,794 Estimated head of ganando mayor, or horses, VALUE. mules and cattle, 1858, . . 43,671 Estimated head in ganada minor, or sheep and asses, . . . 392,222 $1,862,789 In its mineria, the state of Zacatecas has at various 141 epochs ranked first in the republic. This state and Guanajuato have for years been rivals in the richness of their veins and the buena ley of their metals, each claim ing pre-eminence, and alternately standing first and second in the quantity of the precious metals produced. The amount yielded in Zacatecas varies with the causes that affect the industry of the inhabitants. The three silver-mining districts of Zacatecas, Fres- nillo and Sombrerete are the most celebrated in the re public. The Zacatecas mines were discovered in 1546, by Captain Juan de Tolosa. TERRITORY OF LOWER CALIFORNIA. This territory is comprehended in that long, peninsu lar strip of land lying between the southern boundary of the United States and Cape St. Lucas. On the east is the Gulf of California, and on the west the Pacific Ocean. The peninsula is 700 miles long, and varies in breadth from 30 to 100 miles. It may be said that the entire peninsula is occupied by a chain of high, rugged and barren mountains, leaving a nook, corner or small valley here and there for fruits and agricultural products suffi cient to support a sparse population. The rocks and arid plains, which reflect the rays of the sun, seldom ob scured by clouds, would render the heat almost insuf ferable, but for the sea air, which, in breezes sometimes strong and sometimes mild, sweeps over the territory, ren dering the climate in the habitable portions the most salubrious and healthy in the world. The agricultural products a:e limited, and consist chiefly of corn ; frijoles, sweet potatoes and chile, with 142 olives, grapes, dates, figs, quinces, peaches and pears. But the waters that surround the peninsula have been more profitable to the inhabitants than the land. The pearl-fisheries have long been prosecuted, and with great success. In the sixteenth century the pearl-fishery pro duced a valuable revenue, and towards its close, six hundred and ninety-seven pounds of the precious article were exported from this quarter to Spain. Of late years but little interest is manifested in this branch of indus try. A beautiful quality of tortoise-shell is also exported from this territory. The raising of cattle is one of the principal sources of wealth, and dried beef and hides enter largely into the articles of export. But the chief wealth of this territory will eventually be found in the mines of gold, silver, copper, lead, &c., which are known to exist in great extent and richness. The whole country is volcanic, and the metalliferous man ifestations are too plain to be mistaken. The people have no enterprise, and their government is so unsafe and uncertain, that others of enterprise and capital do not care, under the present order of things, to invest their labor and means in the territory. There are sev eral good harbors on the Gulf and ocean shores. That of Magdelena Bay, on the Pacific side, is frequently re sorted to by whalers, and it would be very valuable to the United States. Fish, shell-fish and water-fowl of the finest qualities are excessively abundant. In some respects, the peninsula of Lower California and its ad joining waters have a higher value than is generally placed upon them. La Paz is the capital and principal port of the terri tory. It is situated on the Gulf, near the southern 143 extremity. It has an excellent harbor, and enjoys a de lightful climate. Population, 1,274. The population of the entire territory is but 9,000. DISTRICT OF MEXICO. What is known as the district or valley of Mexico is limited on the north by San Cristobal Ecatepec, east by El Piiion Viejo, south by Tlalpam, and west by Los Re- medios. The valley is oval in its outline, eighteen leagues long and twelve wide. It is surrounded by mountains, in which abound the tezontle, porphyry, basalt, obsidian, and various species of lava. It is generally believed that the entire valley of Mexico is one enormous crater of an ancient volcano, covered over by a crust of earth of recent formation. The highest of these mountains are called Talapon and Ajusco. Nothing of the metallic or granitic order is. found in this district. Vegetation is vigorous and varied, and the mountains present phenomena truly extraordinary. The surrounding mountains yield an abundance of timber, especially pine, and various woods for building and manufacturing purposes. The valley is exceedingly fertile, producing corn, wheat, barley, frijoles, &c. ; fine fruits pears, perories, apples, peaches, figs, nuts, mul berries, cherries, chestnuts, zapotes, aguacates, and some of the tropical fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and chiri- moyas. Vegetables flourish all the year. 144 The valley or district is subdivided as follows : DISTRICTS. NO. OF MUNICIPALITIES. POPULATION. Mexico, ... 4 ... 213,499 Tlalpan, . 12 . . . 56,035 Tlaluepantla, . 3 73,949 Tezcoco, . . 3 . . . 122,340 22 465,823 The larger portion of the inhabitants, except those of the city of Mexico, are engaged in agriculture. Many are employed in the manufacture of crockery-ware, silk, woolen and cotton goods, paper, beer, soap, liquors, oil, iron, &c. There are two establishments for the manu facture of fine crockery- ware, one at Tacubaya and one in the city of Mexico. There are four manufactories of paper located a short distance from the city. The following is a statement of the cotton factories : FACTORIES. Magdalen a, LOCATION. NO. San Angel, OF SPINDLES. 8,472 PS. CLOTH PI 67,200 Miraflores, Chalco, 5,556 60,000 Tizapan, San Angel, 4,094 6,000 Batan, do. 2,300 71,948 Abeja, Molino Prieto, 5,568 12,500 Tlalpan, Tlalpan, 4,094 28,800 30,084 246,448 Considerable attention is given to the raising of horses mules, cattle, and domestic fowls. CITY OF MEXICO. The city of Mexico, capital of the republic, is situated in the centre of the remarkable and beautiful valley 145 which has been described. It is in latitude 19 25 45" N., and longitude 103 45 53" W. from Greenwich, but its elevation above the sea, which is 7,500 feet, secures to this region an even, salubrious, and delightful climate. The mean temperature of the city is 17 (R) 21 (cent.) The barometer varies between 23 and 23.2 English inches. The magnetic needle declines 8 30 12" to the east. The prevailing winds are north-east and north. The city is on a perfect level, but its plan is somewhat irregular. Length from north to south, 4,018 yards; breadth from east to west 3,276. There are 252 squares or blocks of buildings, 316 streets, 140 small, irregular streets, 12 bridges, and 90 plazas, great and small. The population is estimated at 200,000. The foundation of this city by the Aztecs dates 1160, and it bore the name of Tenochtitlan. Cortes and his followers con quered and destroyed it in 1521, at which time it may have contained 50,000 to 60,000 souls, though Mun- chausen accounts would make it appear that a million and a half of human beings swarmed about this locality. The official report of Cortes in 1524, three years after the conquest, gives 30,000 as the population of the new city of Mexico. For a century the city continued to increase in numbers, wealth, and power, so that when Captain John Smith and his followers were looking for gold mines in Virginia, and the pilgrims were planting corn in Massachusetts, an empire had been founded and built up on the same continent by Spaniards, and the most stupendous system of plunder the world ever saw was then and there in vigorous operation. The capital of the republic has made but little prog ress since it became independent of Spain. In general terms, it may be said that the inauguration of the 19 146 republic brought no peace or prosperity to the country, or materially advanced the interests of the city of Mexico. A glance at the map will convince any one that the geographical position of the city of Mexico is highly important and advantageous. It is in the centre of a country of surpassing richness and beauty. But the history of this capital from the day of its foundation by the Aztecs, precisely seven centuries ago, is one of con stant revolution and warfare. No earthly record worthy of credence excels it. From first to last it has been the stronghold of political dissensions and bloodshed. At the present moment, the struggle between the progressive ideas of the masses and the determined bigotry and despotism of the priesthood and their followers, is going on as fiercely as ever. But it is to be hoped the dark night that has hung over this beautiful city and country so long, is nearly over, and that in our day the light of wisdom, truth, and virtue, will dawn upon the race so abused and despised by all the world. The city of Mexico, with its surrounding district, is destined to possess a dense population and all the elements of power, by which it will figure largely in the world s history, and this at no very remote day. 147 SYNOPSIS OF MEXICAN HISTORY. AND GENERAL REMARKS IN making up the following summary, we are indebt ed for much valuable information to the MEXICAN EX TRAORDINARY, published in the city of Mexico, the NEW YORK HERALD, and the correspondence of the NEW YORK TIMES. The Aztec empire in Mexico dates from 1160. Her- nando Cortes, with a small band of followers, aided by some of the native Indian tribes, achieved the conquest of that empire in 1521. Montezuma died a miserable death in the hands of Cortes ; and Guatemozin, the last of the Aztec emperors, was ignominiously hung by the Spanish conqueror. From the year 1535 until the year 1821, when Mexico obtained her independence, the country was governed by sixty-one viceroys, whose terms of service extended over a period of 286 years, giving to each viceroy rather more than four years. Among these Spanish rulers there would occasionally be found one of benevolent dis position and liberal ideas. But it must be conceded that in the main, the Spanish rule in New Spain was one of iron despotism, in which priest and soldier bore an equal part, until several millions of human beings, the constitu- 148 tional elements of whose character were gentleness and docility, rose against their oppressors with the determi nation of driving them from the land. An obscure native cure, of the Indian village of Dolo res, in the province of Guanajuata, named Miguel Hi dalgo, headed the first Mexican revolution, which broke out in 1810. Under the cry of "Death to the Gachupins" (Spaniards;, and the belief that their religion was en dangered by the French (Joseph Bonaparte being then on the Castilian throne), the natives rallied under Hidal go, and for a season waged a sanguinary and successful conflict against Spaniard and Creole. The revolution ary priest was finally captured and shot, July 2*7, 1811. A guerilla warfare followed, which in 1812 came to a head under Morelos, another native cure, who, aided by Matamoras, one of the same class, followed in the foot steps of Hidalgo, and continued the contest against the loyalists until November, 1815, when this really great chief was betrayed into the hands of the Spanish gen eral Concha, at Tesmaluco, province of Puebla. Mo relos was sent to the capital, tried, and condemned to be shot. He was taken to the Hospital of San Cristo bal for execution, December 22, 1815. After dining, he bound the handkerchief around his head, kneeled, and ejaculating, u Lord, if I have done well thou knowest it," gave the fatal signal to his executioners, and thus calmly and heroically the soldier-priest met his fate. Matamoras had previously been taken prisoner and shot by Iturbide, who here made his first appearance on the stage, a zealous loyalist. The death of Morelos did not subdue the spirit of revolution. Rebel chiefs appeared at various points. Among them was that indomitable and daring patriot, 149 Guadalupe Victoria, of whom mention was first made as a soldier under Morelos. Xavier Mina appeared as a revolutionary leader in April, 1817, and at the head of a brave band, principally North Americans, met with so much success, as to bring against him the combined efforts of the loyalist forces. Mina was betrayed by a friar, taken prisoner, and shot, by order of Viceroy Apo- daca, in November, 1817. From 1810 to 1821 a sanguinary and cruel war was waged throughout Mexico. It commenced a war of castes, the native against the Spaniard. Up to this period, Spain had rigidly adhered to the policy of placing all civil power in the hands of native Spaniards. No one born in Mexico was allowed to participate in the admin istration of the government of the coiintry in the slight est degree. The Gachupins were the kings arid nobles of the land. The Creoles even, descendants of the Spaniards, members of their own families, were, under the universal system of degradation, made to feel an in feriority of birth and the iron heel of the oppressor. But at the commencement of the revolution under Hidalgo, the Creoles were found fighting side by side with the Spaniards. The spirit of liberty, however, became in fectious, and by degrees this intermediate class went over to the insurgents, and joined them in their efforts to conquer the common enemy. This, with the operation of the constitution given to Mexico by the consent of the Cortes of Spain, in 1812, which pretended to relieve the people of their grievances, and did in reality curtail the power of the viceroy, so alarmed Apodaca, the incum bent of that office in 1821, that he resolved to restore the absolute power of Spain, and to this end proposed to Iturbide, a Creole of elegant person and polished man- 150 ners, to head the loyalist army then on the west coast, and proclaim the restoration of the absolute authority of the King of Spain over Mexico. Iturbide assumed the leadership of the army, but, under the influence of the clergy, who were beginning to fear that the Cortes of Spain would encroach upon their enormous property and revenues, the Creole leader, in stead of proclaiming anew the power of Spain, brought forth, in February, 1821, that famous document known as the Plan of Iguala" the first article of which declared as follows : " The Mexican nation is independent of the Spanish nation, and of every other, even on its own con tinent By this act, Mexico virtually became indepen dent of Spain. Iturbide assumed imperial power in 1822, under the title of Augustin the First. His reign was brief. The following November, General Garza headed a revolt in the north, and Santa Anna, who was then Governor of Vera Cruz, first made himself prominent, by pronouncing against Iturbide. The Emperor Iturbide abdicated arid fled from the country, and on attempting to return, July 1824, he was captured and shot. The congress of the country had annulled the acts of the emperor, April 8th, 1823, and in October, 1824, the republican constitution was published. In consequence of this constitution, General Victoria became the first President of Mexico on the 10th of the same month and year, and remained in power until April 1st, 1829. During this period three pronunciamentos took place. The first in 1824, when a general of the name of Lobato attempted a revolution against the Spaniards employed by the government. Second, in 1827, when General Monfano headed a revolution against 151 the Freemason Societies and Mr. Poinsett, United States minister in Mexico at that time. Both these, however, were put down by the government. Third, in 1828, a more important pronunciamento took place in Jalapa, and con tinued at; Perote and Oajaca. At the same time, another broke out in the city of Mexico. This proved disastrous; and is known by the appellation of Acordada. On the 1st April, 1829, General Guerrero became President, but retired from government on the 18th December of the same }^ear, in order to take command of the army, and march against General Bustamente, who had taken up arms against the liberal party, to which Guerrero be longed. From the 18th of December to the 31st of the same month, the government was provisionally in the hands of Senores Bocanegra, Velez, Quintanas and Ala- man, at which date General Bustamente, as Vice-Pres ident, took possession of the government, which he held till the 14th of August, 1832, when he was obliged to take command of the army, as General Vasquez, and other officers at Vera Cruz had pronounced against him. From August to December, 1832, the government was in the hands of a president interino, General Muzquez, and passed on the 24th December, 1832, into the hands of the constitutional president, General Gomez Pedraza, who retired, however, on the 1st April, 1833, when the vice-president, D. V. Gomez Ferias, took his place. During that time the revolution had gained ground, and General Santa Anna was named constitutional president on the 17th June, 1833. He took the reins of power, but being obliged to head the army in order to attack Texas, January, 1835, he left the government during his absence in the hands of two vice-presidents, first to Senor Ferias, and then to General Barrigan. General 152 Barrigan having died in March, 1836, Senor Corro be came president interino, governing until April, 1837, when General Bustamente again took possession of the gov ernment, heirig named president, in conformity with the new constitution of the republic, by which the central system was adopted, which had been sanctioned and published on the 1st January, 1837. General Busta mente remained in power until September, 1841, with the exception of a few months in 1839, in which year General Santa Anna was intrusted with the government for three months, and General Bravo for eight days. In September, 1841, General Bustamente retired to Europe, leaving Senor D. Javier Echeverria at the head of the government until 10th October, 1841, when General Santa Anna again became president, with almost un limited power, by an arrangement known under the name of " Bases agreed to in Tacubaya." This discre tional power of dictatorship ceased by the publication of a new constitution of the country on the 12th June, 1843. General Santa Anna was then named constitutional pres ident, and remained in power until the 6th December, 1844. During these four years he was three times ab sent from the capital, and the government was, during this period, intrusted by him to General Bravo and Gen eral Canalizo. From December, 1844, to the end of December, 1845, General Herrera was president ; from December, 1845, to July, 1846, General Paredes, and from July to August 1846, General Bravo occupied ^the place of General Paredes, who, in his turn, had to give way in August to General Salas, who remained in power till December, 1846, after having re-established the fed eral system on the constitution of 1824, by his decree of 22d August, 1846. Senor Gomez Ferias then occupied 153 the position of vice-president from December, 1846, till March, 1847. During this time General Santa Anna was named president. He assumed power on the 2lst March, 1847, but left the government to General Anaya, in order to take command of the army in the field against the troops of the United States. On his return to the capital in May, 1847, he again took the government into his hands, and remained in power until September, 1849, when the capital was taken by the Americans. From this time the government retired to Queretaro, and Seiior Pena y Pena at one time, arid General Anaya at another, were at the head of it till after the peace, when General Herrera again took possession of the government on the 3d of June, 1848. He retired in Janu ary, 1851, when General Arista became president, but in consequence of the plan of Guadalajara, retired in January, 1853. Senor Ceballos and General Lombar- dini, entered as presidents for a short time, until General Santa Anna, already elected president, had arrived from Turbaco, in Carthagena. His arrival took place in Vera Cruz, April, 1 853, and shortly afterward he entered the capital and left again on the llth of August, 1855, for Vera Cruz, to embark. General Romulo Diaz de la Vega took charge of the capital as chief of the district. On the 15th of August, four days after the departure of Santa Anna, Don Martin Carrera, one of the most patriotic and distinguished generals, was elected president interino of the republic, by a junta at the capital, but his election not being sustained by the civil or military voice of the states, he abdicated on the 12th of September, after holding position one month. General La Vega con tinued to govern, according to the plan of Ayutla, from the 1 2th of September until the 4th of October, when 20 154 General Alverez established his government at Cuer- navaca, and was recognized by the representatives of foreign powers. He came to the city of Mexico and remained till the llth December, 1855, when he volun tarily retired, leaving the government in the hands of General Ignacio Comonfort. Comonfort remained in office from the llth December, 1855, to the 21st January, 1858, two years, one month, and ten days, when he fled the country. Felix Zuluaga, under a plan of Tacubaya, proclaimed by a body of soldiers, usurped the presidential chair at the capital, and Don Benito Juarez, the constitu tional President, by virtue of his office as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was obliged to fly for his life. After taking the circuit of the country, President Juarez finally arrived at Vera Cruz, via New Orleans, in the summer of 1858, and gathering around him a cabinet, demanded the allegiance of the various states. This was immediately granted by all, except two or three of the central states and the capital, which, being in the immediate possession of the army of the church, were forced to submit to the rule of a faction headed at the present moment by Miguel Miramon, who deposed Zuluaga in November, 1858, and subsequently, General Robles Pezuela, who held power but two days. The independence of Mexico dates from February, 1821, since which period to the present time, a space of thirty-eight years, the country has had thirty-six different forms of government, and seventy-two individuals have figured as chief executives of the nation under imperial and every variety of republican titles. By reason of our limited space, we cannot give a spe cific exposition of the principle for which the two parties are contending in Mexico, or relate the events attending 155 the bloody and disgraceful struggle that has occupied the nation for the past thirty-eight years. For the last two years, two distinct governments have been in operation in the republic of Mexico, and during this period, the true principles of the controversy, the real condition of the country and its actual wants, have been brought out more distinctly before the world than ever before, and more es pecially since the recognition of Don Benito Juarez, the constitutional and liberal president, in April, 1859, by the United States minister, Mr. McLane. The present rev olution is the only one that in reality has struck at the root of the evil. The New York Herald, in a recent editorial relative to the struggle in Mexico, after stating how few of the states in comparison with the whole, acknowledge the church faction, makes the following very just remarks : " Why has not the great majority of the nation pre vailed against the minority ?" The answer is : " The clergy are richer than the nation. While the best national securities, unguaranteed by foreign treaties, are selling for from three to eight per cent, the clergy can borrow on their paper at the rate of ninety to ninety -five per cent. The clergy are therefore more powerful than the nation, and they have made use of their moneyed power to bribe the army of the country. With this and a liberal use of money in other quarters, they have been able to hold their own in a few of the central walled cities, and by means of shrewd secret agents in foreign countries, have managed to blind the eyes of those governments holding relations with Mexico. They have been materi ally aided in this last work by the criminal stupidity or knavery of resident foreign ministers in Mexico, who have allowed themselves to be made their ready tools. It was 156 perhaps all for the best that the clergy should have had power sufficient to defeat the popular will and plunge the country into anarchy ; that foreign ministers should have taken notice of knaves or fools in fact, that all possible calamities should have been heaped upon the country at once. The circumstance has brought Mexico into a crisis from which she can hardly escape without level ing all the destroying evils which have obtained such mammoth growth in this rich and most beautiful portion of America. The civil war in Mexico has already illus trated to the world how vicious and demoralized are the clergy, and how entirely wanting is the country in enlightened leading men. This war has demonstrated the absolute necessity for a large infusion into Mexico of liberal, progressive ideas, based upon reason and the spirit of peaceful compromise. It has aroused foreign governments to the necessity of sending them enlight ened men to attend to their affairs. The United States have taken the lead, and England has followed the example, by recalling a man who certainly has done nothing for his future position, nor any good to the country he represented, except it may be in giving her a very expensive lesson. A question may yet be enter tained as to what France will do. It is barely possible that that power may entertain the idea of finally com promising the Mexican question in the same manner the Italian question has been arranged by securing the supremacy of the Church of Rome over the country. But the schemes of France cannot prevail in Mexico, if the United States and England are united, and adopt a decisive policy with regard to it for the purpose of ending the present anarchy and securing peace to the country. The following is a synopsis of the platform of the 157 constitutional government of Mexico, acknowledged and supported by the liberal party. First. The establishment of a constitutional federal government in the place of a military dictatorship. Second. Freedom of religion. Third. Freedom of the press. Fourth. The nationalization of the $200,000,000 of property held by the clergy, from which, and other sources, the Church derives an annual income of not less than $20,000,000. Fifth. The subordination of the army to the civil power, and the abolition of military and ecclesiastical fueros, or special tribunals. Sixth. A reduction of the tariff, the stoppage of the sys tem of exceptional permits, and the entire abolition of al- cavala or interior duties ; also, the abolition of passports. Seventh. The negotiation of commercial treaties of the fullest scope and liberal character, particularly with the United States, and including reciprocity of trade on our frontiers. Eighth. The colonization of Mexico by the full open ing of every part of the country to immigration, and the encouragement of foreign enterprise in every branch of industry, particularly in mining and in works of in ternal improvement. In contradistinction and opposition to the principles and purposes of the liberal, progressive constitutional govern ment, we have the following as a synopsis of the Plan of Tacubaya, upon which the government of Miramon in the city of Mexico, supported by the clergy, is based. First. The inviolability of all church property and church revenues, and the re-establishment of former exactions. 158 Second. The re-establishment of the fueros, or special rights of the church and of the army.. Under these fueros, the military and the clergy are responsible only to their own tribunals. Third. The restoration of the Roman Catholic religion as the sole and exclusive religion of Mexico. Fourth. The censorship of the press. Fifth. The maintenance of a high tariff, the restora tion of the oppressive system of alcavala, or interior duties, and the continuance of special monopolies. Sixtli. The exclusive system with regard to foreign immigration, confining it solely to immigrants from Catholic countries. Seventh. The overthrow of the constitution of 1857, and the establishment of an irresponsible central dicta torship, subservient solely to the church. Eighth. If possible, the restoration of a monarchy in Mexico, or the establishment of a European Protec torate. This is a true exposition of the principles of the two parties now contending for the mastery in Mexico. In speaking of the Mexican church, its bigotry and despotism, we would not be understood as making war on the true Catholic faith, or the church of Rome as it, exists in the United States. It is the perversion of its name and power to base purposes which we so much deprecate in Mexico. The question before the people of the United States is, whether they will suffer to be established on their own southern borders, a monarchy like that of Old Spain in the sixteenth century, or whether they will give their cordial and united support to the liberals in their efforts to redeem Mexico from the church and military despot- 159 ism which has for ages drenched her fair fields in blood, demoralized her people, and finally made the nation a hissing and a byword all over the earth. There is no way left by which the United States can safely and profitably build up trade and commerce with Mexico, except through the liberal party. A liberal treaty once concluded, and a good understanding estab lished between the two nations, we shall find in Mexico a magnificent field for our enterprise, industry and capi tal. The principles of liberty will be there developed under our fostering care, and that down-trodden people will eventually rise up our faithful friend and ally. On the other hand, the success of the church or monarchical party will seriously compromise the well-being of the United States; for in case the faction now represented by Miramon obtains control of the republic, a policy will be inaugurated which must bring us into hostile collision, not only with Mexico, but with one or more of the European powers. In view of the immense importance to our country that attends the safe and speedy solution of the Mexican question, the projector of the " United States and Mexican Mail Steamship Line " has been induced to do more than simply record such figures and facts as have a direct bearing upon his enterprise ; he has given, in addition, a mass of matter which he conceives will be interesting to the reading public in the present condition of our rela tions with Mexico. This is done with the hope that the public mind will, in some degree, become impressed with the importance of inaugurating a new commercial policy with the India south of us, the first step towards which is, THE CALLING INTO EXISTENCE OF UNITED STATES MAIL STEAMSHIPS. m IOAN DEPT u nrr l 6 TO $ subject to recall alter - APR 4 1987 (N8837slO)4 U.C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES