Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-18
Railway Construction Planned.

The Anatolian railway which extends
from the shores of the Bosphorus south
ward to the city of Konia and from
thence eastward to the borders Of Kurd-
istan. is to be extended also Several
other railways have been planned and
some have already been undertaken. 1t
is reported that group Of American
capitalists represented by J. G. White &
Co.. we'll known contractors of New York,
have obtained a concession for Dab miles
or railway from Sivas to the Persian
frontier via Harput Arghana, Diarbekir.
Bitlis and Van, and also branch line
With an outlet to the Mediterranean on
the Gulf of Alexandretta, where modern
narDor works. docks and apparatus for
loading and unloading are to be con-
structed. 1t Is understood that the Turk
ISM government will guarantee per cent
on the actual cost of construction and
give the syndicate right to exploit mines
and oil fields within zone of twelve
and a half miles on each side of the
track.
Other concessions for railways. harbors
telephones, electric light plants, street
car lines and numerous public improve
ments are being granted by the Turkish
government, and. as President Taft sug-
gests. there is no reason why our neonIe
should not have their share.
1t Is fortunate that the United States
is represented at Constantinople at this
busy time by an ambassador of the bust
ness ability and experience of Oscar
Straus. He has written urgent dispatches
to the Secretary of State calling atten-
ton to opportunities that are being
wasted, and recommending that American
manufacturing firms send agents to Con-
stantinopie Smyrna and other cities for
the purpose of looking into the CONNER
cial situation and making a thorough
study of the opportunities that are Of
fered.
Steamer Line to Turkey.
1t is gratifying to know that, through
the influence of Special Agent Julien l..
Brode of the bureau of manufactures, the
Hellenique Steam Navigation Company
has established regular monthly commun-
ication direct between New York and
Turkish ports 1t is humiliating to feel
that we are dependent upon Greek ship
owners for this service, but il will be a
great advantage and the company de-
, serves the support and encouragement Of
American shippers. Now that the main
dra wback is removed and packages Of mer-
, chandiSe can be shipped to CONSTANT
nople, Smyrna and other Turkish mar
only expensive but damaging to the
goods, American manufacturers ought to
send representatives to those cities either
to remain or to select competent resi-
no direct communication. A gentleman
who recently sent packages of confec
tionery as Christmas remembrances to
friends in Beirut was compelled to pay
first-class postage upon them In order
to get them through.
The Greek ompany has two steamers,
the Atheni. % 1900 tons. and the Them
istocles. of 5000 tons. both new and
equipped with all modern improvements
for freight and passenger service, and
will put 4 third within a few weeks.
making the voyage once a month be-
tween New York and Constantinople via
Piraeus. Greece and Smyrna, in eighteen
days. AS soon the business justiffes
it will build more steamers and short
en- the schedule.
There are now six lines of steamers
from England to Turkey, two from Aus
tria. two from Germany. four from Italy,
four from France. five from Belgium, six
from Roumania. seven from Russia and
ten from Bulgaria 1t is therefore a
matter OF congratulation that we have at
least one from the United States, es-
pecially as the commerce Of Turkey is
increasing SO rapidly.
Imports of Constantinople.
The annual imports of COnstantinople
alone have been nearly $50 COG. 600 a year.
and are increasing very rapidly; but the