National Republican., 1883-07-09
American Presidents of Mexican comps-
mics.

nies.
In studying the present material progress
of Mexico, development more brilliant than
tho ancient or modern history of the world
has hereto fore recorded, the inquiry naturally
arises who are the leading spirits Of this
grand work We are proud to say they are
chiefly citizens of the United States, men
conspicuous for ability, capital, and influence
OF course it was the progressive statesmenship
of Mexico which first opened this field SO III
viting to capital and enterprise, but Ameri-
cans were tho first to comprehend its import
ance and to occupy aud reap the first harvest.
At the head of the Mexican Central rail
way, extending along the central table lands
from FL Passo to the City of Mexico, is
Thomas Nickerson, late president of the
Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe road. He is
backed by the solid wealth and influence of
Boston, and his line will be completed in 1884.
At the head of another railway company
whose line will extend from tho Rio Grande,
at Laredo to the City of Mexico is Gen. VIM.
J. Palmer, who Is aided largely by foreign
capital This line is already about half COM
pleted and will bo opened to the City of Mex
leo early in 1884, The president of another
international limo from the Rio Grande to
the City of Mexico is G. p Huntington. He
has already bridged the Rio Grande and
graded the road for two hundred miles north
ward.
The president of the fourth international
line from the Rio Grande to the City of
Mexico is Jay Gould. This line is projected
east of the three lines last mentioned, and
will have the cooperation of Mr.. Gould's en-
tire southwestern system.
Projected south from these four is the
Mexican Southern, Of which General Grant is
president This line extends all the way
from the City of Mexico to the borders Of
Central America.
Across the silver country Of northern Mex
ico, and at right angles with the great trunk
lines mentioned is projected atranscontinental
line to supplement and extend the Texas and
Southern railways by short route to the
Pacific coast
At its head is ex-senator Window, and as
sociated with him are men of capital and in
fluence. Among others are Gov. Butler, of
Massachusetts, Senator Brown, of Georgia
Gov Foster, of Ohio ex-Gov. John c. Brown,
of Tennessee; the sons of Gen. Grant, Judge
Abbott of Boston, and ex-Gov. Pacheco, OF
California Across Northern Mexico, at the
isthmus of Tehuantepec is Capt. Eads's pro-
ected ship canal, upon which work has be-
gun. 1t is announced that the capital tc
build this canal will come from England.
Near the Pacific coast of Mexico are the
plantations of tho Colims coffee company, Of
which ex.Gov. r, c. Mccormick is president
The celebrated iron mountain of Durango
is now controlled by an American company
as is also tho iron mountains of Coahuila
The presidents of a number of Mexican silver
mines are Americans. In brief, American in
fuence and capital predominant in the new
} developments Of that land of untold natura
r wealth. Gratifying as arc these evidences o
American enterprise, tneIe ID All illPohuiht
danger of its being equaled and possibl!
eclipsed by tho investment Of English capi
!, tai and the work of English influence.
: For years past England and Mexico hav
had no diplomatic relations, and compare
s lively little English capital has sought in
t vestment in that country. But it i
now announced that friendly rela
tions have been re-established, and the con
\ test over tho Mexican bonds held i
C England is about to be satisfactorily adjusted
Il We may now expect to see Englshmon max
n up for lost time bya large participation i
It Mexican enterprises. There are daily ev
o dences of this tendency. and We need not b
II surprised If tidal wave of capital soon set
toward this but partially occupied and a
tractive field. In view Of this, and of /
great Importance to this country, our citizei
. should redouble their exertions, or thei
prestige in Mexico may soon be eclipsed.