Omaha daily bee., 1888-10-07
RAILROAD
New Lines That Penetrate Strange
Regions.

Regions.
Commercial Advertisers: In the latest
published number Of the monthly N
sular reports-that issued for June Of
this year-several references are made
to railroad extension in the remoter re-
gions of the world, from which we can
see that the iron-shod missionary Of civ
ilization is energetically at work. Con-
sui Jewett at Sivas. Turkey, sends to the
department a translation of the regula-
tions governing the first section OF a
proposed trunk line between Constanti-
nOple and Angora, a distance of 300
miles, through the heart Of Asia Minor.
In addition to this line, which will have
an important Office in Opening up the
Ottoman territory work is now advanc-
ing on the road from Joppa to Jerusa-
lem, an undertaking which must give a
great impetus to travel in h holy
land, as the difficulties and in%conveni-
ences of the pilgrimage from the coast
serious obstacle in the eyes of most tour
lists.
Another strange land, though one
not very distant from the beaten track,
will soon be rendered easier of study by
means of railroad facilities. This is the
island of Corsica.
In the north Russia is steadily push
ing her military and political railroad
| system. On the 9th OF May, according
| to a dispatch from Minister Lothrop,
the Trans-Caspian railway was opened
at Samarcand with great ceremony.
This, writes Mr.. Lothrop, was ian
| ven of nc common Importance TO Rus
STA, and even to the world"
The road is 1850 versts in length
(about 900 miles, and is primarily a mil
itary road. 1t has been built and is
controlled and operated by the ministry
of war. AT present it is little more than
a skeleton road. 1t is deficient in sta
tiOns and rolling stock. But h great
fact is accomplished. 1t opens the door
into the great field of central Asia. All
| things requisite to its efficiency will in
time be added to it,. Though a mill
tary road, its political, economical and
commercial uses and results will not be
inconsiderable. 1t brings Russia nearer
to its coveted cotton fields, from
which so much is hoped. 1t has already
set in active motion measures for the
restoration of the old magnificent sys-
TEN OF irrigation, which has fallen into
dilapIdation and disease. 1t must not
be supposed that the Trans-Caspian
railway is likely to rest at Samarcand.
Beyond lie Taschkent, Ferghans and
Semiretch, which the Russian journals
describe as the richest provinces in CEN
trail Asia, Astounding in water, inviting
colonization and culture. AS these lie
in the direct path of the interest and
the ambition Of Russia the early extern
sion of the railway may be confidently
anticipated.
At the same time the project OF the
construction Of the great continental
railway across Siberia to the Pacific is
agitated with increased intent. 1t is
said that explorations OF the line will be
begun this year. IL seems hardly prob
able that the available resources OF the
empire will permit the rapid prosecu-
ton Of this gigantic undertaking, but
it is a work which is necessary to the
security and welfare OF the Pacific pos
sessions Of Russia. Its construction,
therefore, is only a question OF time.
On the Pacific coasts OF Asia railroad
enterprise is showing remarkable &C
tivlty. Japan is taking the lead among
her neighbors in this, as in all modern
improvements" but even phlegmatit
China is showing a new desire for rail
road innovations, and the indolent and
monumental Spaniards in the Philip
pine Islands are also bestirring them
selves in the matter. OF the s~ituatior
in japan Consul Birch, Of Nagasaki