New-York tribune., 1901-11-25
FOR A. PAN-AMERICAN ROAD.
ACTION TAKEN BY A COMMITTEE OF
THE CONGRESS IN MEXICO.

,.exico City Nov 24-Now that the Pan-Ameri-
can delegates have returned from their excursion
they are getting down to serious work The Pan
American railway committee. Of which ex-senator
Henry G. Davis is chairman, yesterday afternoon
held an important meeting. Ex-senator DAVIS pre-
seuted a long and interesting report The
practical action which the committee will IN all
prohs bility will be- first, to create commits
sion with headquarters in Washington in which
all of American nations are 10 be represented
and which Will keep the project alive by prevent
ing it from falling again into abeyance second 10
empower ex-senator Davis to interest American
capital in the project to the extent that may be
necessary third to secure pledge from the IN
terested governmentc OF substantial aid TO the
project either in the form of pecuniary subsidy
or lands for colonization, and, fourth. to pledge
the more prosperous countries TO aid the con-
struction of railroad through such Of the Ameri-
ran countries might not be able, on account OF
the condition of their finances, TO do their snare
Of work unaided.
The report OF ex-senator Davis will be submitted
TO the session of the conference next Wednesday,
Mr.. Davis suggested that a subcommittee De ap-
pointed TO study his report, but his colleagues
would not hear of anything Of the sort and
adopted his report unanimously. Mr.. Davis says
in his report that there is nothing impracticabie
nor visionary in the construction Of the road nor
in the fotation Of the necessary stock He remarks
that such systems as the Pennsylvania, New-fork
Central, Atchison. Northern Pacific, Union Pacific
Southern Pacific, Southern Railway and others
have q greater mileage than Is necessary to secure
the realization of the intercoonial railroad, while
the bonds and shares outstanding of each OF these
systems in excess of the sum estimated as
necessary for the construction of the railroad in
question. The Russian Government has just COM
peted saws the Senator, a railroad through Siberia
at a cost considerably in excess Of the American
estimate as necessary for the completion OF an
American intercontinental railroad. and in so doing
has overcome greater natural difficulties than are
10 looked for IN the construction OF the latter
Mr. Davis also refers in complimentary terms to
the great trunk lines built in recent years by
Mexico.
In dwelling the expedieucy OF construct
ing international railroad, Mr.. Davis mentioned
the fact that some Of the South American dele
gates in order 10 reach Mexico for the present
Pan-American Conference had to make the jour
ney vie Europe or New-York. A letter mailed IN
the United States for Of the South American
republics goes first to Europe and thence to its
destination. Mr.. Davis estimates the mileage Of
the intercontnental railroad TO be constructed at
$500 miles IN order to link existing systems and
calculates the at 500 900 600 the rate OF
$4,000 a mile.
The report terminates with the following recon-
mendations: First, that e railroad connecting all
the greater part of the nations represented IN
the conference Will contribute powerfully to the
development Of the natural interests OF the said
nations: second that the said railroad ought as
far as common interests permit TO connect the
principal cities scattered along its route; third
that If the direction OF the road cannot be
changed for the object stated in the foregoing
tcle without great Inconvenience. branches should
be built to connect the chief cities with the main
line; fourth, that in order to lessen the cost OF
work existing railroads be utilized far pos
| sibe and far compatible with the loca-
ton and purposes OF the intercontnenta railroad:
fifth that all the material necessary the con-
struction and operation Of the railroad be declared
free from port duties while taking suitable meas
ures to prevent abuses; sixth that property real
and movable. Of the railroad, employed in
struction and operation of the road be exempted
from all national provincial State and municipal
taxation: seventh, that the realization Of work OF
such magnitude deserves to be encouraged by
means of subventions, land grants or guarantees
of minimum of interest: eighth that the rail-
road be declared forever neutral. in order
freedom of traffic; ninth. that the delegates the
conference recommend with all possible earnest
ness to their several governments the granting OF
liberal concessions to the enterprise such form
as may appear most suitable TO each government
The suggestion is also made that the United
States send competent person to all of the repub
lies OF America to study the resources of the
eral countries the location and status OF existing
railroads. present trade conditions prospective
traffic for the interconnentel railroad when built
and what concessions each government would be
disposed to grant
| It is also suggested that the committee become
permanent and submit a report 20 the next con-
ference, and be given power to call meetings to IN
crease the number OF its members and TO appoint
subcommittee to secure all reports and all aide
| and encouragements necessary for the realization
of intercontinental American railroad
The committee on Pan-American banking and
monetary exchange. OF which Martin Garcia Merou
OF the Argentine delegation. IS chairman, at It's
session yesterday approved the following resol,-