The weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1878-1881, 1881-01-18
MEXICO.

oh'Pohy A"" Wv II ~ S"iiy ~ ~
enterprise, of which Gen. Grant is a mem.
Der. At a dinner recently given to him in
New York by Senior Romero, of the Mexican
legation, the general expressed his opinion
on the progress and prospects of Mexico as
they presented themselves to him on the oc.
casion of his recent visit to that country. He
takes a practical view of the subject, and pre-.
sents it.in a practical manner. The essence
Of his remarks made on the occasion referred
to may be stated as folio VS.: The products
which the United States obtained from coun-
tries that traded but little with them were
obtained from Mexico. In exchange for
them orr people could furnish the Mexicans
with agricultural implements, and as the pco-
pie became wealthy we could supply them
with carriages and wagons and all sorts of
machinery, all of the rolling stock for rail-
roads, boots, shoes and a thousand and one
articles that are manufactured in the east.
In this exchange of products the United
States would largely be the gamer. AT pres
ent nearly all Of these articles are obtained
directly from England.
Notwithstanding the impression prevailed
III this country that the MeXicans were not a
people to develop their country, he had found
them quite alive on the subject Of the devel-
opmcpt Of their resources. From his Owl
observations he was led to believe they had
done remarkably we'll. Mexico was entitled
to a great deal of credit for the position that
she now occupies among the nations of the
world, taking into consideration her trials
and her difficulties which it was impossible
for her to avoid. Until 1910 she has bee II
governed entirely by Spain for the purpose
Of getting from her all that could be possibly
collected. She was prohibited from produc-
ing anything from her soil that Spain could
produce and ship to her. All of those pro-
ducts had TO pay a large duty when they went
into Mexico. From this oppression she re-
volted in 1910, and for'14 years fought Spain
before the latter power granted her indie
prudence. Having 10 people to make laws
vino were experienced in the matter, she
adopted the laws Of old Spain. Size prohib-
tied the cultivation OF tobacco to one or two
"NNN''i| ''ti 1t "uS Aiiit 'tts uiiu wv
government became not only its purchaser,
but lis manufacturer and salesman.
The general says after the building Of rail-
roads and telegraphs there need be no more
apprehension for the safety Of capital invested
in Mexico than in the United States. The
building of railroads Will give employment
to labor and will give rapid transit for its
products. The telegraphs will give instan-
t~aneous information. Owing to the lack Of
railroads the MeXicans have very little to ex-
port except bullion, which now amounts to
about So, 100000 a year. She exports only
about $5,O0O,OOO annually from the products
of her soil. With railroads the general thinks
she conil export $780, 10000 yearly, not one
dollar Of which would he bullion.
Mexico has population of about 5000, 600.
They are a peaceablc, quiet, innocent, in
offensive, religious and yirtuous people, will
ing to work and very Industrious when they
see their WAGES coming in every Saturday
night. They are Il good class of laborers to
develop the country where they live, and the
men are willing IN some cases to 90 as far as
80 or 40 leagues from their homes to work.
The revenues Of the country are very limited,
and 1t Is therefore impossible for Mexico to
pay anything towards the building of rail
roads. and people building railroads with the
expectation Of subsidies from Mexico will be
very much disappointed. After the railroads
are built and the country has time to develo,
ii will then in all probability be rich enough
to pa something towards their construction.
But at present 1t is impossible for her to pay
any considerable amount in subsidies. The
money must be furnished by the builders of
the road, who must patiently wait for their
profits.
Grant considers a Mexican mining camp q
much pleasanter sight than an American min
ing camp. In the former there are no drink
ing saloons, gambling houses and theatres,
and the absence of bowie knives and revolv.
ers is very noticeable. The price of labol
varies from so cents to 50 cents a day in sill
yer. In building the railway he advised get
ting the right of way without charge, exemp,
ton from taxation and the introduction OF
all material used for the construction of the
road free from duty for a certain number OF
years, with the privilege of fixing the rates
tariffs, etc. After the road paid 10 per cent
over cost then he was willing the government
Of Mexico should say how the surplus ovel
10 per cent. should he divided between it ant
the owners of the road. The building O
this road will be accomplished within a few
years at the farthest. hen built it will opeI
up industries and a market for the product!
of the United States that will add UNTOLD
millions to its wealth.
AS ~
Chicago Times :-Whether or not Senator
Bayard made such a charge is not so materia
as whether or not Senator ConklIng was in