The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-09-05
INTERVIEW WITH DIAZ.
MEXTCO'S PRESIDENT POINTS 10
MS COJNTRY'S PROGRESS.
Commerce and Industry Move Forward
Despite the Lack of Rain and the Fact
That silver Is Principal Currency.

BALTIMORE. ND. Sept. i.-Presidcnt
Diaz contributes TO this weeks issue OF
the Manufacturers Record, In special
interview In regard TO the business reia-
tions between the two countries, and
the possibilities FOR the extension OF
American trade into Mexico.
President Diax points on; something
of the general railroad and Industrial
progress in Mexico In rccnt years. ana
shows that while railroad construction
during the last live years has not been
very active. yet several important branch
lines have been constructed. serving TO
complete the network already establish
ed, and to connect important districts.
The length of the railroad system ot
Mexico is now 1l,Ooo kilometres.
The general industrial and mercantile
interests OF Mexico, ne says. are with
out any doubt, prosperiEg ana develop
ing. and with the ilbersa legislation OF
the republic, which aids the foreigner In
the acquisition OF lands the franchises
granted by special laws to capital In
vested in new industries, the protection
given by the Government to mining. the
business interests are expanding. and
through natural proximity these advan-
tagos must he great 10 the business men
OF the South.
In regard TO cioscr commercial re-
lations between Mexico and the United
States, President Dlaz says that he has
not the least doubt but that this can
be brought about by each country re-
moving from it's laws everything which
opposes the development OF these recif-
rocal interests. and that so far AZ Mexico
is concerned. legislation In this conrcc-
I,o In ba
most liberal spirit compatible with Its
interests. The peace which Mexico IN
happily enjoying the EFFORT crowned by
success OF the reorganization OF landed
proprietorshiF, the guarantee OF our laws
10 individual property. assure AS far as
possible. a hopeful future for the In
habitants 81 the country. because under
tho shadow Of this peace all can work
with ardor for the Development and ad-
vancement OF their own interests.
HIS CURRENCY vpws.
Referring 10 the Industrial progress OF
Mexico. President Diaz SAYS: Commerce
and industry have continued their pro-
Rressive march. Notwithstanding the fact
that In 1892 and 1893. the crops were short
through want OF rain and that silver. our
principal currency. has suffered "A notable
decline In foreign markets
Respecting the last point, President
DiaZ says:
Il believe that In reality, the detrf-
ment has not been OF the magnitude that
was anticipated and this decline has been
benefit 10 general industries I'm the
country. and this Is easily explained.
"The depreciation of silver has produced
a rise in foreign exchange. and therefore
has raised the price of important goods
which actually means an advantage 10
the Industries OF the country.
"The immediate result of this situation
has been the establishment of new In
dustries. the extension of those already
established and the encouragement OF
agriculture I'm all the branches suitable
for expectation. such as coffee, henequin,
&c. the values of which have lately in
creased"