New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-05-20
TO JOIN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
SECRETARY BLAINE on THE PROPOSED INTER

CONTINENTAL RAILWAY.
Washington. Nav 1o.-Presidcnt Harrison today
transmitted to Congress the following letter from
rotary Blaine upon the proposed InterContinental
Railway the construction Of which was recommended
by tho Pan-American Conference;
Department Of state, Washington, May r. 1890.
To the President have the honor to submit here.
with a plan for preliminary survey for a railway
line to connect the great commercial cities OF the
incubation has come from the International American
tention. with fun confidence that prompt action viii
be taken by Congress TO enable TINS Government TO
participate In the promotion OF the enterprise. The
resolutions OF the Conference are accompanied By
that already exist In the several American Republics
These reports comprise all the information that could
be gathered upon this important SUBJECT ana VIII 10
found both interesting and authentic.
Under the generous and progressive POLICY Of rres:
southwark as well northward, and toward the two
oceans. The development OF the Argentine system
has been equally i he 5sS s eS a0T ks
public and nearly 10 the bolivian boundary. Chn
the Pacific ocean, and the completion Of the tunnel
that IS being pierced through the Cordlle'as VIII
Ayes. In the other Republics similar enterprise has
been shown. Each has It's local lines 81 railway;
ana 70 connect them all and furnish the people OF tA
southern Continent the means Of convenient and COM
Portable Intercourse with their neghoos north % the
Isthaus is undertaking worthy the announcement
and cooperation OF this Government In no ofhet
way could the Government and the people OF 'hs
United states contribute much 10 the development
and prosperity Of sister Republics, and at the sams
time 10 the expansion Of our own commerce.
A very important feature OF the report. % which
specially direct Your attention, Will be found In the
international declaration thai the line OF the proposed
railway shall be forever neutral territory that tia
aeral necessary for the construction and operation
Of the road shall be admitted free OF customs fle,,
and that its property and revenues shall always 20
exempt from all forms Of taxation This guarantee
having all the force Of treaty will stimulate pr'
and public confidence, and then Lead 10 the IN.
vestment Of capital that might otherwise be reluctant
and distrustflIl.
1t is proposed that survey TO ascertain the bcs,
and most economical routes be made under the dlTtc-
ton Of an International Commission, and that the
expense be shared by the several nations Of the hen
sphere in proportion 10 their respective populations
The share Of the United states is estimated ~ %
se5 900. and would respectfully suggest the pro-
priety Of securing from Congress an appropriation Tor
that purpose. Three commissioners viii De required
to represent the United STATES upon the lnternatoh
Roar and authority should be asked for the detail %
oi ters Of the Army and Navy 70 serve a. engineers
in conducting the survey.
The headquarters OF the commission. by vote foe
the International Conference will be located IN wasa'
ngton and II Is proposed TO invite the commission.
ers to meet here the first OF october next, or ~
soon thereafter may be practicable, for the pur'
pose Of organization and Initiating the work OF survey
In his letter of transmttal the President SAYS;
81 DO not hesitate TO recommend that Congress
make the moderate appropriation for surveys ;iiy'
reted by the Conference, and authorize the appoint
ment Of commissioners and the detail Of engineer
officers 10 direct and conduct the necessary preni'
nary surveys