Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-01
new LINE IN BOLIVIA.
Marks Great Progress in
South American Republic.
II is A MODERN RAILROAD
Built by Contractors From This
Country.
AMERICANS POPULAR THERE
Political Outlook Is Of the Best and
No Disturbance Will Follow
Death Of President-Elect.
IT is A MODERN RAILROAD
POPULAR THERE

LA PAZ. Bolivia, August 1.-The new
railroad between Ouro, Bolivia, and
Viacha. fifteen miles southwest of La
Paz, was completed today. and the event
marks an era of rapid progress in b.
livia. The ceremonies were held under
the auspices Of Col. Monies. president OF
the republic, under whose administration
the road was begun.
They were very simple and were linn
tied to the president driving the last
spike. Owing to the recent death of
President-elect Guachalo the elaborate
ceremonies planned to mark the comple-
ton OF the line were foregone.
The new road is 125 miles long. and
connects the northern and southern
parts of the republic with each other
and with La Paz. With the construction
OF this line there are two ways out from
Ouro to the Pacific. Going south, there
Is connection with the Peruvian South
ern line direct to Antofogasta. The
Viacha-Ouro section was the first of
those branch lines designed to spread
out over the country.
The government let the contracts in
1906 to Americans. The National City
Bank and Speyer & Co Of New York
are interested In the financial side of
the undertaking. The contract in it's en-
tirety provides for rail connection be-
tween the chief cities of the republic. as
well as lines to develop the rich min
eral territories in the Potosi, Tupiza,
Choroloque and La Paz sections.
A Modern Railroad.
The new line has been constructed in
thoroughly first-class manner. The
equipment is modern and unquestionably
the best in South America. The people
of Bolivia are unanimously enthusiastic
over the enterprise, for the success of
which much credit is due to ]. d. Met
calfe. president of the Bolivian Railroad
Company.
The progressive spirit now being shown
undeveloped resources of the country and
the consequent opportunities for invest
ment, coupled with the coming in of cap
ital, will, it is confidently believed. bring
great degree of prosperity to Bolivia in
the course of few years.
Americans are very popular In Bolivia
today, and there are many of them down
here, some connected with the railroad
and others with mining enterprises. The
big men from the north intermingle In the
public places with the Bolivian Indians
in their primitive and picturesque attire.
aud the greatest degree of fraternity and
good humor exists on all sides.
Political Outlook Quiet.
Various rumors have been given pub
licity in Europe since the death, July %,
of President-elect Guachala to the effect
that the political situation in Bolivia was
critical on account of the sudden passing
away Of this statesman, but they are
quite without foundation. The strength
and the popularity of the Monies govern.
ment are more than sufficient to render
trouble impossible.
Congress will be convened August g.
According to the constitution of the re-
public Col. Monies Will be elected to office
for one year longer by congress. The
vice president-eiect cannot become presi-
dent because Senior Guachala died before
taking Office.