No. 116.
Mr. Wing to Mr. Fish.
Quito, Ecuador, January 16, 1872. (Received February 16.)
Sir: I have the honor to attach (1) copy of the contract lately entered into between this government and the English steam-line on this coast. I also add (2) a clipping from a late Panama Star and Herald relative to the increasing wealth of this now powerful monopoly. I see it stated that the contemplated French steam-line will soon be in operation and that some of the vessels have already sailed for the Pacific board. I am gratified to be able to state, however, that notwithstanding the various and powerful European influences at work in South America, our own countrymen still maintain their hold upon popular esteem and confidence in Ecuador. As a renewed evidence of this fact I may note the arrival, within the last few days, at this capital from the United States, of about a dozen mechanics, artisans, &c, who are to inaugurate American systems of work here, and the employment of additional American civil engineers by this government.
[Page 176]The first-named came out under special contract with this government.
The letter of Minister Elores in El Nacional of December 20, 1871, (forwarded to Department,) bears upon this subject. It will be observed from the correspondence relative to Captain Wesley Clark, in El Nacional No. 117, that the pearl-fisheries on the Ecuadorian coast are making a respectable yield.
The intention of this government to build a thorough set of waterworks at Guayaquil is a matter that I wish was public in the United States.
It would suit American capital and energy to embark therein. If this government can sustain itself financially for a few years, there will be many works undertaken inviting the attention of enterprising contractors. I hope to see our countrymen secure a reasonable amount thereof.
Truth is, that with an American steam-line on this coast, (which I hope to see inaugurated during General Grant’s second term,) liberally sustained and skillfully conducted, there is no valid reason why our country should not find in the Southern Pacific one of its most magnificent and remunerative fields of commerce. Our flag ought to float in these harbors to the exclusion almost of that of any other nation.
I am, &c,