New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-11-14
MEYIC1N RAIfRO1DN.

City of Mexico in regard to the two railroad
schemes now agitating the political and
financial circles of the Mexican Republic. The
writer very strongly inclines to the plan OF
Gen Rosecrans, and regards that OF Mr.
Plumb as entirely destitute of backing. But
this statement is certainly not borne out by
the recent message to the Congress of Senior
Bacarcel. the Minister of FOmento, or Public
Works This member of the Cabinet recon-
mends the scheme of Mr.. Plumb in the most
unqualified terms. He calls it cone OF the
most enormous works ever projected in Mex
" leo, and worthy by its immense Importance
" to engage the attention of the Congress"
He dwells very much at length upon the advan-
tages which he thinks will accrue to the Re-
public from the building of the road
The differences between tho two plans can
be briefly stated. Mr.. Plumb's railway is in
tended to pass from the capital to the City OF
Lagos, which lies midway between Mexico and
the Pacific. Here it divides into two branches
one of which runs in an almost straight line
to the Pacific Ocean, and the other tends
northward toward the Rio Bravo on the
American frontier. 1t is expected That this
road is to connect with an American road,
which it is natural to suppose VIII come from
the North IA soon as such an inducement
rs this is held out. One advantage which
this plan possesses is that company Is
already formed and Mt work upon this last
mentioned division. Mr.. Plumb promises a
prompt construction of the road. He promises
10 comDlete both lines within ten years, the
Government to pay a premium of 100000 for
ovory wear which ahhreviatos THO tom. Tho
lines will contain 2,27J kilomcters and sub
yontion of $500 per kilometer is asked OF the
Government. The parties in interest demon
straie their good faith by Offering security IN
the sum of -Four Hundred Thousand Dollars,
and the decision as to the proper performance
Of the worl, rests with the Minister Of Public
Works.
The plan Of Gen. ROsecrans, which is re-
garded by many as tie only one seriously
pressed by competent capital, provides only
for narrow gauge railroad to run from the
City of Mexico to the Pacific. The subven-
ton asked for is $500 a kilometer more than
that demanded by the other scheme, but
there are 10 premiums required for prompt
completion OF the work. There is an elab-
CRATE system of branches attached to the main
trunk, which are to be built at the rate OF
two hundred kilOmeters until finished. Ii the
line is extended to the American frontier, the
company undertaking it relinquishes its claim
for Government aid so far as that extension
is concerned.
1t would probably be difficult for any OF us
TO sympatnize with the intense interest end
passion which the discussion of these rival
schemes produces in Mexico There may be
circumstances of control or Incorporation
which give to one superior claim over the
other. But as far as the routes themselves
are concerned, it is somewhat difficult to de-
eide between them. Either one, If promptly
| completed, would be an incalculable blessing
to Mexico and great advantage to our
Southwestern commerce. 1t would be de-
! nlorahla if anv- wranGling among the
energetic and distinguished parties Nh5
are managing the different projects
should prevent the accomplishment of this
bencfcent work. IL appears that the heart of
Senior LerdO is enlisted in ii, and if he sue,
ceeds in bringing it to successful issue, 1t
will be sufficient to render his administration
illustrious. The regeneration of Mexico Is in
the hands of its Government and its Congress.
| If the schemes for national development pre-
scented by energetic citizens and enterprising
foreigners are treated with justice and con-
sideratioD, the progress of this afflicted country
will be as rapid as its anarchy has been long
and wasting.