Adolfo Ibañez to Root, September 9, 1872
Mr. Ibañez to Mr. Root.
Sir: I have the pleasure of acknowledging the reception of the very estimable note of your excellency of the 4th instant, in which are solicited from this government several data concerning the navigation of the Straits of Magellan, with the design of promoting the early establishment of a line of steamers for the purpose of towing sailing-vessels of all commercial nations by the route now used by steamboats alone, which not only will be a great advantage to commerce, but also the saving of the lives of the navigators who now suffer all kinds of dangers and hardships while doubling Cape Horn.
I ought to manifest to your excellency, in answering, that my government has for some time been examining this project, and it entertains the same philanthropic sentiments, and realizes the important commercial advantages which are so vividly described in the note of your excellency. Neither has there been a lack of propositions presented to the national Congress and the executive looking toward this matter, but until now none sufficiently solid has ventured alone the execution of a thought so useful, and at the same time so humane, and to which, without any doubt, my government will be disposed to lend all the aid in its power.
With the object of immediately gratifying the desire expressed by your excellency I have hastened to ask my honorable colleague, the minister of marine, if he will be pleased to transmit to me all the hydrographical studies executed upon the Strait or Straits of Magellan, by order of that department, as well as other data to which your excellency refers, which I shall place at your disposition as soon as they arrive to my hands. In the mean time I cannot forbear expressing to your excellency the lively satisfaction with which my government has seen the praiseworthy desire of your excellency in order to promote the early realization of an idea which at once benefits humanity and general commerce, bringing into view once more the noble sentiments which animate your excellency to the end that this and other sister republics of the Pacific, which are those that would obtain an advantage the most immediate of an easy and expeditious communication between the two great oceans.
Be pleased your excellency, to accept, &c.