Oddments of Andean diplomacy; and other oddments; including a proposition for a double-track steel railway from the westerly shores of Hudson bay to the midway margin of the strait of Magellan; the two terminal points, measured along the line contemplated, being nearly, if not quite, eight thousand miles apart; together with an inquiry whether, in view of certain facts of grave international and intercontinental polity and proceedings herein portrayed, the proposed road should not, in all justice and fairness, and in conformity with the highest attributes of republican foresight and vigilance, be deflected so far away from Brazil as to cut her off entirely from its boundless benefits, so long as her antiquated and antagonistic system of government remains imperial or otherwise monarchical