Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-02-27
AN INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY.
The Pan-American Congress Expresses
Its Views on the Subject.

Its Views on the Subject.
At the meeting of the international Ameri-
can conference yesterday the following wa:
adopted Unanimously:
The international American conference il OF
the opinion:
First. That . railroad connecting all or the
majority of the nations represented in this con-
ference will contribute greatly to the develop
ment OF the moral relations and material inter-
ests Of the said nations
Second. That the means best adapted to be-
gin and carry out its execution is the appoint
ment of an international commission Of engi-
neers to study the possible routes, determine
their true length, estimate their respective
cost and compare their reciprocal advantages.
Third. That the said commission should be
composed of three engineers appointed by each
nation, with the privilege of dividing into SUBJ
commissions and to appoint as many other en-
gineers and employees as might be considered
necessary for the more rapid execution Of the
work.
Fourth. That each of the COVE -nments &C
cepting may appoint, at Its own expense COM
missioners or engineers in the capacity of aux
iliaries to the subcommissons charged with the
sectional surveys Of the railroad
Fifth. That the railroad, in so far as the
common interests will permit, should unite the
principal cities lying in the vicinity of its
route.
Sixth. That If the general direction of the
line cannot be altered without great inconve-
nience for the purpose mentioned in the pre-
ceding article branch lines should be surveyed
to connect those cities with the main line.
Seventh. That to the end of diminishing the
cost OF the work the existing railways should
be utilized as far rs IS possible and compatible
with the route and conditions of the CONT
mental railroad
Eighth. That. in case the work of the COM
mission demonstrates the practicability and ad-
Visibility OF the railroad. proposals for the
construction either of the whole work or sec
tiOns thereof should be solicited.
Ninth. That the construction, management
and operation of the line should be at the ex-
pense OF the concessiOnaires, or of the persons
to whom they sublet the work or to whom thew
transfer their rights. with all due formalities,
the consent OF the respective governments first
being obtained.
Tenth. That all materials necessary for the
construction and operation of the railroad
should be exempt from import duties, subject
to the measures necessary to prevent abuses
of this privilege
Eleventh. That all personal and real property
OF the railroad used in its construction and
operation should be exempt from all taxation,
either national. provincial (state) and mu-
nicipal
Twelfth. That the execution of work of
couraged by subsidies. concessions of land, or
guarantees OF a minimum interest.
Thirteenth. That the salaries of the commits
sion. as well as the expenses incident to the
preliminary and final surveys, should be as
sumed by all the nations accepting. in proper
ton to their respective population according
to the latest official census, and in default of
census by agreement between their several
governments.
Fourteenth. That the railroad should be de-
clared forever neutral for the purpose of as
surfing freedom of traffic.
Fifteenth. That the approval of the surveys,
the conditions Of the proposals, the protection
OF the concessionaires, the inspection of the
work, the legislation for the line, the neutral
ity OF the road and the free passage of mer-
chandise in transit should be Gin the case
foreseen in article eighth matter for special
between all the nations interested.
Sixteenth. That SO soon as the government
OF the United States shall receive notice of the
acceptance of these recommendations by the
other governments it shall invite them to ap-
point the commission of engineers referred to
in the second article, in order that it may meet
in this city at the earliest possible date.