The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1880-10-21
FOREIGN CAPITAL IN MEXICO.


FOREIGN CAPITAL IN MEXIco.
The Now York Star has some well
considered and sound views upon
the changing condition of Mexico
under Diaz, The policy of other
presidents has been to prevent the
Introduction of foreign capital into
the republic, while Diaz has endeav-
ored to secure all he could, under
standing no doubt that the internal
peace and prosperity of the country
depends upon the establishment of
industries which must be created by
such capital. 1t is with this view,
no doubt, that President Diaz has
lately agreed to concessions to sew
eral large railroad companies,
that propose TO lace North
ern Mexico with railways.
Gen. Diaz is now in the fourth year
of his presidency, and his admins
tration has been good. lie appears
to have very strong and very
honest wish to see the country max
ing some advance toward the pros
perity for which nature has fitted il,
and the evidences are that he under
stands the basis of prosperity for
Mexico must he foreign capital. He
receives foreigners with frank cour-
tesy, listens patiently 10 their propO-
sails and strives 20 do justice 10 their
claims. Unfortunately. some time
ago he had passed aelf-denying or
dinancc. by which the president for
the time being is incapable Of re-
election, and his term of Office must
close at the end Of tho present year.
After some years of difficulty and
STRIFE. he has worked the country into
a very tolerable state; but his labors
have limit, and on the 30th of No
vember he must transmit the eXecu-
tive Office to his successor, upon
whose policy depends the preserva-
ton of all that has been achieved
during his predecessors incumben-
cy. 1t is to be hoped there will
be no disturbance of plans set on
foot by the president, touching rail-
road construction in Northern Mex
fco. Ono Of the concessions lately
made was to tho Mexicon Central
Railroad Company, organized under
the laws of Massachusetts, with a
capital of SIS, 900, and composed
of the men who own the Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe. The line of
railroad extends northwesterly by
way of Durango and Chihuahua to
FL Paso, where connection will be
madc with the Southern Pacific. the
Texas and Pacific and the other
roads which made that place an OBJ
jcctive point. From some point be-
tween Leon and the City of Mexico
another limo will extend to tho sea
port Of MazatIan. "n tho Pacific
coast. Connected with this road is
the Sonora railroad. which will con-
sist of that part of the Atcllison, To-
peka and Santa Fc which extends
from the frontier to Guaymas, on
the coast. IL is estimated that the
whole extent Of this system will be
over 400 miles, and will con-
meet the City of Mexico with the
Pacific coast, and by way Of FL
Paso with New Orleans through the
Galveston, Harrisburg and San An
tonic road, and with St. Lonis. Kansas
City and Chicago by way of the
Atchison and the Texas and Pacific
roads, while the sonora road will
still further open Mexico through
the Tucson branch of the Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe. Work is
being vigorously pushed on this line,
heavy purchases Of steel rails. loco
motives and cars having been made,
while armies Of workmen have been
employed. Another concession has
been granted 10 the Mexican Ma
tional Railway Construction Com
pany. which Is owned BY the same
men who are interested with the
Denver and Rio tsrande Company.
This organization viii build mar
row gauge road from the City of
Mexico westward To the port of
Manzanillo on the Pacific coast. IL
win also construct a line northwsrd
by way Of San Luis POiosi and
Monterey To some point on the Rio
Grande between Eagle Pass and
Laredo. Both OF these compa-
mics receives liberal subsidies from
the government and will be compile
ted as fast as possible. II begins 10
be very evident therefore. that In a
short time the City Of Mexico. BY
direct rail. viii be brought within
six or seven days Of New York, and
no one can calculate the immense
advantages which win result 20 both
countries. Mexico could send to the
United States each year $200,O00O00
of her products, tropical and semi
tropical. and could produce besides
the same quantity for other markets.
In the mutual interest Of both these
may we not hope that the