Part 19

In the elaborate and interesting report of Mr. William Perkins, who was at the head of a recent Government expedition to El Rey, an old Spanish settlement in the Gran Chaco, occurs the following remarks:—“The northern part of the Province of Santa Fé is justly considered the most important, being so highly favoured by nature; and in truth the Creator has here scattered with a prodigal hand all the elements capable of attracting population and industry. For these reasons it saddens the heart to see these magnificent lands deserted, teeming as they do with natural riches. Mighty rivers and streams cross each other in all directions; first-class timber in the woods to an extent the eye cannot reach; picturesque meadows of rich pasture,—in a word, whatever can be desired for agricultural and industrial pursuits.”

Mr. Perkins has been one of the most active and intelligent agents in the cause of emigration to the Argentine Republic and so soon as the land transfers of the Central Argentine Railway are completed the company intend to send him to the United States and to England for the purpose of making arrangements, and to bring out people to occupy their land, a desirable step, which will at once enhance its value and that of the immense tracts by which it is surrounded. The peculiar feature of this railway is the territory attached to the concession, namely, a league on each side of the line, comprising a total of about a million of acres, one half of which is the property of the contractors, the other half belonging to the shareholders, who have, besides, the national guarantee of 7 per cent. on the capital of £1,600,000, which the railway is to cost, or about £6,500 per mile. It is, perhaps, one of the easiest railways in the world to make, the chief expense being the rails and rolling stock, few earthworks or ordinary sleepers being required. As I have before noticed, there is plenty of wood higher up the country, about Villa Nueva, where a large quantity of sleepers of excellent quality were being prepared to complete the line to Cordova.

In Mr. Perkins' report just alluded to are some very graphic descriptions of the riverine facilities, at present so little known or availed of, but it is to be hoped when he revisits those scenes, after utilising his services at home, he will return to see progress already made, and some at least of the lands of the Central Argentine Railway occupied by thriving settlers. It only requires encouragement, and a beginning to be made, which I believe will not long be delayed.

The Argentine Government has come forward to assist the Argentine 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.