and from both places. Separate
establishments for each line from the west coast of America may be
considered too expensive, if, by concentration and combination, the
same work could be performed at less expense; and then, by that
combination, whatever letters, passengers, &c. there might be from
Sydney to Canton, or from Canton to Sydney, would meet at either of
the places mentioned, and be forwarded in the quickest manner to their
respective destinations. The question is, Which of the places and
plans mentioned is the best fitted for the objects had in view? To
determine this, it will be best to consider the communication, each of
the three ways in which it may be taken, thus:--
Making Owhyhee the central point of communication, the routes,
distances, and periods, and expenses, would be--
Geo. Miles. Days
Rialejo to Owhyhee 4,100 22
Owhyhee to Canton 5,200 28
Stop at Canton " 2
Canton to Owhyhee (circuitous) 5,900 39
Owhyhee to Rialejo do. 4,700 29
------ ---
Totals 19,900 120
------ ---
Eight boats would perform this work, giving two mails each month:
cost, 76,000_l._; yearly charges, 33,600_l._
_Owhyhee to Sydney._ (p. 061)
Geo. Miles. Days.
Owhyhee to Sydney, N. S. Wales 4,600 24
Stop at Sydney " 3
Sydney to Otaheite, say 3,900 25
Otaheite to Owhyhee 2,250 13
------ --
Totals 10,750 65
------ --
Six packets (one to spare) would perform this work between Owhyhee and
Sydney, giving two mails each month: cost, 57,000_l._; yearly charges,
25,200_l._ Admitting that the packets on the Owhyhee and Sydney line
take longer time than is here stated, they would still be in time to
reach Owhyhee by the time that the Canton mail came up; which in its
course with Owhyhee is calculated to be 91 days. In fact, there is
thus time sufficient to allow the Owhyhee and Sydney packet time to
com
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