Arizona republican., 1908-06-09

reach Los Angeles over the Southern
Pacific lines and its connections by
way of Nogales and Tucson.
In his tour, Col. Holabird went over
the completed railroad, and then over
the sections under construction. With
a guide and Interpreter he penetrated
into the forests and mountains. made
fun records of his observations, viewed
with critical eye the character of the
soil, and noted the opportunities for
future development. He is in "a posi-
ton to speak with authority of the
vast possibilities that presented.
The so-called Southern Pacific con-
cession begins at Navajo. stated Col.
Holabird yesterday. in the course of
brief description Of the territory COW
cred on his recent trip. The south
ern terminus is Guadalajara. The rail-
road track is constructed to a point
half way between the Mocorito river
and Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa.
1t probably viii reach the capital.
about July 4. Construction also is
proceeding from Mazatlan to the San
Lorenzo river, twenty-siX kilometers
north. Another scene of activity is on
the great plateau between Guadala-
jara and Topic capital of the Terri
tory OF the same name.
4 regard the completion of this road
as Of great moment to Los Angeles. 1t
win more than Guadruple the trade
of this city, because it will open up for
settlement the largest area of fertile
agricultural land (outside of CaIifor-
nia) on the Pacific coast. 1t also will
bring about the development of min
ing properties that hitherto have Ian
guished because of the extreme cost Of
transportation. At present it is not
considered worth while to use ore
carrying less than 500 to the ton.
Thousands of mines now lying dor
mant viii be opened when the railroad
is in operation
lie stated that ultimately there
would be a good opening for a smell
ter near Guaymas or Mazatlan and
that the demand for mining machinery
will tax to the utmost the capacity of
Los Angeles factories
4 hesitate TO quote any figures he
said. they would be so stupendous
Contiguous to eleven rivers which
cross the railroad and the states flow
ing to the sea, are immense areas of
land capable of high development
This territory is measured. not in
thousands, but in millions of acres
The variety OF products is astonish- |
ing. Corn produces fifty bushels to |
the acre and beans grow wonderfully I
without irrigation. Without question, |
the future Of that country is fer more
promising than was that Of Southern |
California Years ago. Its natural re- |
sources are more abundant, but the I
work of reclamation probably is more /
difficult. Timber must be removed. I
canals dug and other work done.
Inducements for Settlers.
one great reason why l think 50 /
highly Of that great region is the fact
hat everybody in these days is look
ng for cheap land. II the settler can
ind rich agricultural land in Mexico.
1t low figure there is no reason why
le should fear to live under the Next
AN flag
Col Holabird states that the Mexi-
an government is extremely friendly
O American investors and settles.
md that there is no more difficulty ].
bout titles than has been the case in
ther sections along the Pacific Coast.
ie believes that immigration from
europe should be encouraged and. says
hat Italians. for example. would make
Zeal farmers along the west coast OF
Iexico.
He VIII not hazard a guess as to the
ate Of the completion Of the immense
Undertaking Of laying the steel rails |.
yer this virgin territory. but it Is
understood that it is planned
n 1903 to join the link Of the long
main Of read as far as Mazatlan.
'Tepic is a fine territory" continued
he traveller 1t has a fine climate
nd its estates are largely in the hands
( few wealthy land owners. The
DOR do not own the land they work,
mt lease it. With American enter
rise and push. alf~that district ulti-
lately Will be opened. The SinaIda
ard company has a fine holding in
leXico, and many other companies
light mention have begun develop
nent that otherwise never would be
ccOmulished.'
Turning from the subject Of railroad
hiding and development Of the con-