The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-04-08
! PANAMA.
I |...... Ml9MHQ)l\ll

---',S ~i-4 pNSAs nave SHOWN that the geo
graphical sphere of the CPanama) canal
includes the Amazon basins. the A.
genane wheat plains and the Andes
treasure box OF mines from Panama 10
Patagonia. That is a most striking
sentence eulled from the new book
Fa0ama 10 Patagonia" and il tsoncfsel,y
states the intent and worth OF this
elaborate work which describes the
lsihmian canal and forecasts its eco
nemlc effects; and tells OF all the west
coast countries of South America and
ne serious responsibilities and spIen-
ala opportunities which will lie there
open 10 the enterprising people of the
Nhlleo states in consequence of the
tltnns or the canal. The big and
handsomely illustrated book is written
~ Charles n. Pepper, who is the au-
thor OF Tomorrow in cuba {" iournal-
Isl OF note, having been correspondent
OF the New York Herald, the Tribune
ana other leading papers. He is a
member or the permanent Panama
canal committee and is thoroughly ia
mlliar with the subject of his book. A
large map OF North and South America
showing the chief ocean and rail trans
portstlon routes, which is folded into
ne volume. has for its most prominent
feature long heavy black line reach
ing from Tar north 10 far south. mark
ing the intercontinental railroad route,
main trunk, and thus graphically dis
plays suggestion of the books great
purport al a single glance.
This map shows the railways in
operation, the proposed connections.
those under construction or surveyed.
the ones projected and the steamship
lines Holding IN the minds eve that
Hfafr rrF Il. L..
Two vast continents is to possess q sort
OF mental framework upon which to
construct conception of the great eco
nonic development that is 10 follow
from this commercial unification. by
means OF railways and canals. Of the
Two American continents.
In his preface the author expresses
his deep conviction that the influence
OF the canal viii make powerfully for
me Industrial development and the po-
liIlcal stability Of the west coast coun-
tries OF South America. North America
and Europe have long doubted that
Jnere was much TO be hoped for the
progress Of the South American repub-
ilcs. but Pepper says that a huge mate
rial fact Obtruding itself may secure a
listening ear from the doubters. The
canal Obtrudes"
The opening chapter OF the volume is
canal He explains that the citizen of
the United States who would know this
SUBJECT IN e wider range should turn TO
the study OF commercial geography,
which, he says. is the potential politi-
cal economy Of unexpected natural re-
sources The effect of the canal will
not have TO await the completion Of its
al ggtng. The mere certainty that there
VIII be a waterway has begun already
- ger IN its stimulating work. A strik-
ing phrase from the lips Of e leader Of
public opinion in one of the republics is
this; The Panama canal viii precfpi-
tate our commercial revolution" The
International traffic Of the west coast
Is now approximately $500 060. 600 for
Europe and the United States It is
the expectation Of the author that the
development OF the west coast will not
stop with the mountain barrier but
communications viii open up and the
trade viii be trans-Andine In short.
the effect Of the canal will be a great
industrial impulse. and this viii appeal
70 the American spirit. Pepper strives
ip these chapters to do some pioneer
work in this field OF activity. and TO
make suggestions that may be Of prac-
teal worth 10 the people of the United
states; and 70 his South American
friends he explains his frankness and
biuntness IN the expression of his views
By. saying that he believes the eco
monte revolution will come more
swiftly II reactionary tendencies are
comb2ted openly and aggressiveiv.
This last is wise in view of the fact
That the South American Spaniard is
proverbislly given to thinking and saw
ing tomorrow 10 all proposed i'm
provement.
The second chapter is Travel Hints
very useful 10 those who CONTEMPLATE a
Inc
south American coast The third VIII
probably be more universally interesting
than any other; II is about the isthmus
Of Panama and the canal One curious
IDEA Pepper advances is that the IN
heslthfulness OF the isthmus is largely
caused by the lack Of sweeping sea
breezes, but when the canal is cut
through IL will form a tube through which
the ocean winds viii whistle and prove
sslubrioUs in their ventiIating effect
Next. 4 series OF chapters describe the
various countries along the coast-Ecua-
dor. Peruvian shore towns, Lima and the
rordiIleras, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca
snd thence on about Peru, Chile and Be-
lvia- There is q chapter on waterways
and railways. and one on "a new basis of
he Monroe doctrine" in which the au-
.hor says, The Monroe doctrine became
automatic from the ownership Of the in
.efOce6nlc waterway Dy the DnleO
States, Vet the influence on the Pacific
coast countries will be even more beneh-
,isl IN relation TO their internal affairs
han with reference TO their protection
rom possible European aggression"
Although primarily a sort Of political
economy book, IL IS also written very
much SO as to go under the head Of trav-
\ and description. In many places it is
anecdotal.
The most interesting among the vol
mes many pictures is one Of big
,ronze statue Of Christ which stands on
he line Of the trans-Andine road. COM
lieting the gap from Los Andes through
ne Uspallata Pass to. the Argentine
boundary. When this road is completed
{ VIII open a new chapter Of intercontf-
,entaI transportation. 1t is expected that
he line will be IN operation in 1907, but
here is a big spiral tunnel. notable en-
ineering undertaking, designed 70 break
be back" of the Cordflleras. which viii
more time for its completion The
ontract for this line and tunnel, which
as been let by the Chilean Government
mounts to S7.5O0.000. Here is what is said
bout the great statue which is pictured
n this page:
"a ooroe-oT bronze sfafrlR resting on a /