Railway by an issue of bonds for £300,000, the contractors supplying the
remaining £300,000, which, with £1,000,000 in shares when the company
was formed, completed the capital. The timely assistance thus rendered
by the Government is an earnest of their desire to see this great work
accomplished, in which the welfare of the upper provinces is so deeply
concerned, as there are no navigable rivers running westward to Cordova,
the Parana and the Paraguay tending northward into Paraguay and Matto
Grosso. It follows, as a matter of course, that a large portion of the
produce of these western provinces will find its way to Cordova and to
the railway, amongst them many articles which have never yet been
brought down to Rosario or Buenos Ayres, on account of the great cost of
transit.
Reverting to Mr. Perkins, his services in the cause of exploration of
the country have been very valuable, and few there are better acquainted
with the facilities it presents for emigration, when once centres of
population are established by this main trunk railway from Rosario to
Cordova.
MY VOYAGE HOME.
My visit has been prolonged by unforeseen events, but I am on my way
home again, on board the steamer City of Buenos Ayres, commanded by my
old friend Captain Peters, also belonging to Tait's Line, which has
experienced some of the incidents and drawbacks peculiar to the
formation of new companies; but from the spirit manifested by that firm,
there is every prospect of the enterprise proving a successful one. The
rapid increase of passenger trade to the River Plate is a notable fact
that has to be provided for, independent of that to Brazil, which
continues to assume larger proportions, and steamers now will get a
preference of freight both ways. Two days after the storm at Buenos
Ayres, to which I have referred in another place, the vessel was enabled
to complete her cargo, and to get under weigh at 9 p.m., on the 19th
June, reaching Monte Video at 11 a.m. on the following day. There was a
fresh breeze blowing, which rendered boating somewhat hazardous, and
prevented our leaving the harbour until 8 a.m. on Sunday, the 21st, when
we steamed down the river, passed Maldonada, and after five days we once
more entered the bay of Rio de Janeiro, where several men-of-war were at
anchor. As we passed the American frigate Guerriere, the band struck up
“God save the Queen,” in compliment to our captain, who was a friend of
the American admiral. Her Majesty's ship Narcissus, with Admiral Ramsay
on board, was also lying in the harbour, with the American steamer
Kersseage, which terminated the career of the world-famed cruiser,
Alabama, in the combat off Cherbourg.
The weather was beautifully fine, clear, and pleasant at Rio, very
different from that I had experienced a few months previously, and
rendered the two days on shore very agreeable. I had a busy time of it,
seeing and taking leave of old friends, but managed to get through, and
embarked on Sunday afternoon. We sailed down the harbour, again passing
the men-of-war, officers and crews of which were collected on deck, and
returned our salutation. Captain Wilson, flag-captain of the Narcissus,
lunched on board us, with some of the officers, and a number of other
friends of the passengers were on board before we started. We passed the
fort at 5 p.m., when they very politely hoisted the number, “Wish you a
good voyage.” The scenery of the bay looked, if possible, more
magnificent than ever, under the influence of the setting sun, the
outline of mountains being so clearly and vividly portrayed, and few
could leave so grand a scene without a feeling of admiration and regret.
Our passengers were a mixed group (including about a dozen children of
various ages) of different nationalities, English, Scotch, Irish,
Belgian, Dutch, and Germans, so almost all languages were spoken on
board. Some English families were returning from a residence of some
years in the campos of Buenos Ayres, not very well pleased with the
result of their speculation in sheep farming, which has no doubt been a
bad one of late, but I could not find from their report that they had
undergone any particular hardships, besides which they had other reasons
for returning home. As I have before observed, it is a mistake for
people to go out to the River Plate to commence sheep farming under the
idea they can realise a fortune and retire in a few years. They must
make up their minds to rough it, and to persevere as they would have to
do at home in a similar occupation.[9]
We had favourable weather, and crossed the line on the eighth day after
leaving Rio, expecting to reach St. Vincent, our only place of call
between Rio and Falmouth, on the 10th of July, say thirteen days out,
which is pretty fair work for a steamer with only moderate power, and
carrying a large cargo. We passed many vessels knocking about in what
sailors call the “doldrums”—various winds and calms—which prevail
between the north-east and south-east trades, and amused ourselves with
exchanging signals with several of them, getting their names,
destination, &c. The monotony of a sea voyage is always relieved by
incidents of this kind, and making land, the latter generally creating
much excitement.
We got into the harbour of St. Vincent about 8 p.m., on the evening of
Saturday, the 11th of July, in time to be visited, and I went on shore
to spend the night with Mr. Miller, at his country place up the
mountains, about two-and-a-half miles distant from the Consulate. It was
dark, of course, but Mr. Miller's son led the way on a pony, and I
followed him on another, the ascent being rather steep as we approached
the house, which is very nicely perched on ground levelled on a spur of
the mountain, and called Areia from the dark brown colour of the hills.
Sleeping at an elevation of 800 feet, was a pleasant change after the
rocking motion and closeness of the steamer's cabin, and on looking out
of my window early next morning there was a charming view of the little
harbour, and the picturesque mountains on all sides of it, wanting only
verdure to constitute an agreeable picture. Everything was burnt up from
the want of rain, which is expected about this time, when I believe the
Island wears quite a cheerful aspect, though for a short time only.
After breakfast, we rode down to the Consulate, where I spent a portion
of the day, instead of being on board during the delightful operation of
coaling, when everything is covered with coal dust. Mr. Miller has a
farm on the other side of the island, where he is cultivating vines,
fruits, and vegetables, having a supply of water on the spot,—the most
difficult of all things to find—and he has by means of a large tank,
brought a supply into the town.
I have before alluded to the great advantage presented by St. Vincent as
a coaling station, and to the facilities Mr. Miller has provided to
carry it on—which he is continually adding to. A steamer can take on
board 200 to 300 tons of coal in a few hours, and lately the Tamer, on
her way home from the Cape, took in upwards of 600 tons during daylight.
It was Sunday again when we were there (a constant recurrence during the
last six months, when I have been so often in and out of ports); but we
were coaled and all ready to start by 5 p.m. Unfortunately, some little
repairs to the boiler tubes were not completed, and we did not get up
steam until 1 a.m. on Monday morning, thus losing several hours. The
night was fine, and we soon got again into the open sea, on our way to
Falmouth, steaming against a north-east trade. The Zaire, Portuguese
mail steamer from Africa, came into St. Vincent on Sunday for a small
supply of coal, sailing again in a few hours. The only other vessels
were a small paddle wheel steamer, bound to Bahia, intended for the
navigation of the bay, and two vessels discharging coal. At times there
is quite a little fleet there, and a good many steamers are shortly
expected to call with troops on their way back from the Abyssinian
expedition.
Four days' hard tugging against a strong north-east trade has diminished
our hopes of a tolerably quick passage. During the many passages I have
made I do not recollect such strong trades at this season of the year.
Our progress has, in consequence, been very slow, not averaging more
than 150 miles in the twenty-four hours; and the only amusement, if it
can be called such, is to exchange signals with vessels passing us,
going along with the wind right aft and all sail set. It is steaming
against these north-east trades that generally renders the homeward
passage so much longer than the outward one, unless a steamer has great
power. Still it is an immense stride over the old days of sailing ships,
which generally took fifty or sixty days home from Rio, and often more.
The trim of the vessel being rather too much by the head, some cargo has
been removed from the fore to the after hold, and the top gallant yards
struck, offering less resistance to the wind.
Two more days of trade winds, dead against us, the time being only
relieved by passing a large number of sailing ships and exchanging
signals with them. It would appear as if they had experienced some
detention in crossing the bay, and that a considerable fleet had reached
the latitude of Madeira in time to avail of the strong north-east trades
between Madeira and St. Vincent. Sunday, 19th July, we passed close to
the Island of Madeira, topped with clouds, preventing our seeing more
than the outline, and the verdure and cultivation lies on the eastern
side; still it is an event that breaks the monotony of a voyage. Before
this day week, if all is well, we hope to reach Falmouth. On Thursday,
23rd July, after three days of almost complete calm, with scarcely a
ripple or movement on the water at times, looking for a favourable
breeze to waft us to Falmouth, this morning our old friend, the
persevering north-easter, came on again, right in the middle of the Bay
of Biscay, and we were compelled to steam head to wind, with a
considerable sea getting up. At this season of the year westerly winds
generally prevail in these latitudes, but we have not met with any, nor
been able to make any use of our canvas from the latitudes of 10° north.
Numerous sailing vessels keep passing us with studding sails set, but
there is no help for it. From this date up to the time of our making
Falmouth on the morning of Sunday, the 26th, it blew almost a gale, with
a nasty rough sea, against which our progress was very slow. We steamed
into the harbour on a miserably cold, wet day, but the fields about
appeared burnt up for want of moisture, and we learnt that the weather
had been exceedingly hot. I did not find the Railway Hotel much improved
as regards board and attendance, which is a great pity, as it is a
spacious, comfortable house, situated in one of the most picturesque
spots in England, and would be very attractive with better management.
-----
Footnote 9:
A life in the camp may not be very agreeable, or such as is
experienced on a farm at home. People have to put up with a good deal
if they wish to better their condition, and remember that it is not
always a matter of choice, but of necessity, which compels them to
seek their fortunes in a foreign country. Those who can live
comfortably or find suitable occupation at home should remain there.
One of the great drawbacks to the success of young Englishmen out in
the camp is, I am sorry to say, the terrible propensity to indulgence
in the free use of ardent spirits, which soon enfeebles their
constitution and often leads to an untimely grave. This a little
self-denial would soon enable them to avoid. Several of these
melancholy instances occurred during my short stay in the country. The
climate itself is sufficiently stimulating without the excitement
arising, from the brandy bottle, the use of which, even in towns and
cities, is often carried to excess. As a rule, the natives are sober,
and set a good example to foreigners in this respect if they would
only profit by it.
APPENDIX.
POSSESSIONS AND PRODUCTS OF THE DIFFERENT PROVINCES OF BRAZIL.
S. PEDRO DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL (situated between 27° 50´ and 33° 45´
S. latitude).—Possesses coal mines and other minerals;
herva-matte, natural pasture grounds perfectly appropriate to the
successful breeding of cattle, mules, horses, and sheep.
Produces wheat, barley, potatoes, grapes, and all the fruits of
temperate climates; cotton, and different grains of tropical
climates.
SANTA CATHARINA (24° 53´ and 27° 50´ S. latitude).—Possesses coal
mines and a great quantity of iron ores; timber, woods for cabinet
work and dye woods; natural pasture for the breeding of cattle,
mules, horses, and sheep.
Produces wheat, cotton, tobacco, sugar-cane, coffee, and all the
grains of tropical countries.
PARANA (between 20° and 27° 20´ lat. South).—Possesses diamond and
gold mines; herva-matte in great abundance, natural pastures for
the breeding of cattle, horses, mules, and sheep.
Produces wheat, oats, barley, hemp, flax, potatoes, grapes, and
nearly all the fruits of temperate climates; cotton, tobacco,
sugar-cane, coffee, and all the grains of tropical climates.
S. PAULO (between 19° 40´ and 25° 40´ lat. South).—Possesses mines
of iron ore, copper, silver, gold, precious stones, coal; natural
pastures for the breeding of cattle, mules, sheep and swine; woods
of different sorts.
Produces wheat, flax, grapes, and nearly all the fruits of temperate
climates; tea, coffee, and sugar-cane in great abundance; cotton,
tobacco, and all the grains of tropical countries.
RIO DE JANEIRO (Capital of the Empire of Brazil, between 21° 25´ and
23° 25´ lat. South).—Possesses iron mines, clays for china ware
and porcelain; woods and timber of all sorts.
Produces excellent coffee and sugar-cane, tea, cotton, and all the
grains of the tropics.
ESPIRITO SANTO (between 18° 50´ and 21° 20´ lat. South).—Possesses
gold, iron, and diamond mines; excellent timber and woods for
cabinet work; breeds cattle.
Produces coffee, sugar-cane, cotton, and all the grains of the
tropics.
BAHIA (between 9° 35´ and 18° lat. South).—Possesses rich gold,
diamond, silver, iron, copper, coal, and marble mines; timber and
Brazil wood; breeds cattle.
Produces sugar-cane, coffee, excellent tobacco, cotton, cocoa,
clove, and all the grains of the tropics.
SERGIPE (between 10° 30´ and 11° 40´ lat. South).—Possesses gold and
diamond mines; marble, crystals, nitron, nitrates of soda salts;
iron, slate, salines, precious woods and plants, vanilla.
Produces abundantly sugar-cane, cotton, and all tropical grains.
ALAGOAS (between 8° 50´ and 10° 80´ lat. South).—Possesses mines of
anthracite, bituminous schist; timber, Brazil wood.
Produces sugar-cane, tobacco, and all tropical grains.
PERNAMBUCO (between 7° 10´ and 9° 45´ lat. South).—Possesses
unexplored mines, timber; Brazil wood, breeds excellent cattle.
Produces very abundantly sugar-cane, cotton, and all tropical
products.
PARAHYBA (between 6° 15´ and 7° 50´ lat. South).—Possesses gold
mines, iron ores, saltpetre; timber and wood for cabinet work,
Brazil wood; breeds cattle.
Produces sugar cane, cotton, and all tropical grains.
RIO GRANDE DO NORTE (between 4° and 6° 10´ lat. South).—Possesses
gold and silver mines, abundant Brazil wood, carnaúba, cochineal;
breeds cattle.
Produces cotton, sugar-cane, and all tropical grains.
CEARA (between 2° 45´ and 7° 10´ lat. South),—Possesses mines of
gold, silver, lead, iron, antimonium, amianthus, coal, marble,
nitron, salines; timber, wood for cabinet work and dyeing,
quinine, ipecacuanha, carnaúba; breeds excellent cattle.
Produces coffee, sugar-cane, cotton.
PIAUHY (between 2° 40´ and 11° 25´ lat. South).—Breeds much cattle,
horses and mules.
Produces all tropical fruits.
MARANHAO (between 1° 10´ and 7° 30´ lat. South).—Possesses gold
mines, splendid timber, and other woods of all sorts; breeds
cattle.
Produces in great abundance cotton, rice, sugar-cane, and all the
other tropical products.
PARA (between 4° lat. North and 8° lat. South).—Possesses in great
abundance the indiarubber tree, sarsaparilla, copaiba, vanilla,
clove, vegetable ivory, and rich woods of all sorts; breeds cattle
and turtles.
Produces cocoa, tobacco, cotton, and sugar-cane.
AMAZONAS (between 4° lat. and 10° lat. South).—Possesses mines of
crystals, marble, silver; precious woods of all sorts, the
indiarubber tree in great quantity, sarsaparilla, ipecacuanha,
cloves; breeds cattle and turtles.
Produces in extraordinary abundance all tropical fruits.
MINAS GERAES (between 14° and 20° lat. South).—Possesses gold mines,
diamonds, precious stones, iron; natural prairies, where much
cattle and swine are bred.
Produces in abundance cotton, tobacco, coffee, tea, sugar-cane, and
all tropical grains.
GOYAZ (between 7° and 20° lat. South).—Possesses mines of gold,
iron, diamonds, and crystals; Brazil wood, logwood, and many
medicinal plants; breeds cattle, horses, and swine.
Produces sugar-cane, coffee, tobacco, and all tropical grains.
MATTO GROSSO (between 7° and 24° 30´ South).—Possesses mines of
gold, diamond, iron, and copper; timber and medicinal plants as
ipecacuanha; breeds cattle.
Produces coffee, tobacco, and all tropical grains.
BRAZILIAN FINANCES.—LAW OF 1860.
The following are the chief leading provisions of this law, which may be
called the Banking Law of Brazil:—
1st. To limit the issues of independent banks to the average of the
first six months of 1860 during the suspension of cash payments.
2nd. To limit the issues of the Bank of Brazil and its branches to
double its unengaged funds, the Government being empowered to grant
their issue to be raised to three times the value of the said disengaged
funds, but this only in case they do not exceed the average of its
issues since its foundation. All this during the suspension of cash
payments.
3rd. To abolish small note issues of the independent banks. The Bank of
Brazil to withdraw from circulation its small notes if within six months
it did not resume cash payments.
4th. To contract the issue of all banks at the rate from 3 to 12 per
cent. if within a year they did not resume cash payments.
5th. To subject for the future banks to the Bankruptcy Law, in case of
their not paying their notes in gold.
6th. To appoint an official Government Inspector for each bank.
7th. To limit the dividends of all commercial companies to their net
profits on each half-year's operations.
8th. To prohibit the issue of promissory, or other notes to bearer,
without authorisation of the Legislature, except cheques on bankers.
9th. To allow to the banks the mutual exchange of their notes received
in payment.
10. To submit to the Government's approval all sorts of companies and
corporations, after certain formalities for the guarantee of the public.
11th. To make concessions for banks of issue for railways and canals
dependent on the Legislature.
12th. To regulate the organisation of savings-banks, friendly societies,
and pawnbrokers.
13th. To substitute the copper coins by bronze.
14th. Finally, to facilitate the acquisition of the Railways for the
State by exchanging their bonds for Government internal stock of 6 per
cent., or for external of 4½, both at par.
Of such efficacious character were the provisions adopted by the Law of
1860 that the foreign exchange, infallible thermometer of the
circulating medium, was gradually rising, and from 25¾d., where it was
at the publication of the said law, it rose to 27⅝d., that is to say, it
went above par, and this was the rate at the time when the financial
crisis of 1864 occurred. Accordingly the market price of bullion also
went down.
WORKSHOPS OF THE WESTERN RAILWAY OF BUENOS AYRES.
(From the _Buenos Ayres Standard_.)
Buenos Ayres has at last thrown off the mantle of dignified idleness in
which she has been so long enveloped, and is taking her place amongst
the leading nations of the earth. The days are past when every article
for social comfort or consumption had to be imported from abroad. We are
creeping along in the right path at last, and Governor Alsina and Emilio
Castro are head workmen of Buenos Ayres. They are creating mechanical
power in this country, calculated at no very distant date to develop the
resources of her natural wealth to such a point that it will enlarge her
credit, extend her commerce, and give birth to manufactures.
Happy indeed is it for the interests of this country that so immense a
capital has found its way into steam hammers, saws, lathes, and all the
mighty elements which mechanical genius has called into the service of
man. We are on the right track at last, and people who want to judge of
the real progress of this place should visit the workshops of the
Western Railway. Within the last few years this grand mart of mechanical
industry has sprung into existence. We recollect Buenos Ayres without a
railway—still more without a workshop—unless the humble smith's forge
may be dubbed by this title; but on last Wednesday it was with agreeable
astonishment we witnessed the foundries, shops, forges, warehouses, &c.,
all in full play, and every man at his post; in fact, the only alloy to
our feelings of satisfaction was the utter absence of the youth of the
country from these, the finest and best schools for boys and young men.
The whole mechanical work going on is in the hands almost exclusively of
foreigners, and hardly a single native boy as apprentice for the entire
length and breadth of the establishment is to be seen. We trust when the
great advantages of these shops are brought properly before the public
that we shall see some change in this respect.
At one o'clock a select party attended at the Railway Station in the
Parque, to witness the working of some new machinery sent out recently
by Mr. Thomas Allen, the Government engineer abroad. We noticed, amongst
those present, Dr. Rawson, Sres. Gonsalez, Santa Maria, Coghlan,
Gowland, Fleming, Aguirre, Velez, Castro, Gutierrez, Dr. Seguel, and
several other leading men whose names we forget. A beautiful model
locomotive was, with the aid of a small kerosene lamp, set a-going; it
worked on a tray, and fairly astonished with the precision of its
movements some Cordova friends present. A portable galvanic telegraphic
apparatus was next introduced, and one of the operatives in charge
showed the working of it, the great merit of which appeared to us to be
its extreme simplicity. On the table lay drawings of the new fountains
for the Water Works; the “jet d'eau” for the Plaza Victoria is a truly
magnificent and useful ornament; it will cost when put up about £1,500,
but those for the other Plazas are less expensive.
At the Parque Station they have now a complete set for twelve stations
of Morse's Printing Telegraph. Everything has arrived in first-rate
order for connecting Rosario with this city. There are over 500 wrought
iron posts, with twelve tables. The whole affair will cost, we believe,
about £11,000. The manager, or chief electrician, is expected out in the
packet; at present M. Ringallé is in charge. Four telegraph clerks have
also been engaged in England.
About half-past one we proceeded to the special train in waiting to
convey us to the Once Setiembre depots. We noticed that the Bragge roof
is completely worn away, but we understand that the new iron and glass
roof, from England, has arrived, and will be put up immediately. Every
day materials are arriving from abroad, owing to the convenience of
having such a practical agent as Mr. Thomas Allen, who, from his
lengthened experience on the road, knows precisely what is wanted and
what will suit. A large turning table is now coming out, upwards of
forty-two feet. It will be the largest in the country; it was made at
Birmingham, and will be put up at the Parque Central Station; also a
large travelling truck, to carry railway carriages, waggons, &c., from
one line to another. We entered Governor Alsina's state coach, being
accompanied by the guests, and pushed on for the depots. The coach is
elegantly fitted up with every convenience, and we are surprised his
Excellency the Governor does not take a trip out twice a week to
Chivilcoy or Mercedes.
Arriving at the depots, we first entered the foundry department, and
came on a hydraulic press used for taking the wheels off axles; it works
up to a pressure of fifty tons; three men work it, and it is one of the
most useful machines in the shop, doing in ten minutes the work of ten
men for a whole day.
Next we inspected a hydraulic pump for trying the state of boilers to
500 lbs. per square inch, which is constantly in use.