New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-10-26
DIRECT FROM PRODUCER to CONSUMER CANOES
ss MARKET STALLS ALONG IKE WATER FRONT -
COAYACUtL

During the last two years the influence
of the United States has been quietly ex-
ercised to persuade the government OF
Ecuador to solve the Guayaquil situation.
The Panama Canal has been regarded as
q sufficient justification, and the expert
ence in cleaning up the isthmus and
keeping Colon and Panama free from
yellow fever was an object lesson. AT
the request of the Ecuadorian govern
ment commission OF experts headed by
Colonel w. c. Gorgas visited Guayaquil
and made a thorough study OF the con-
dit DIS. The report of Colonel GorgaS
is elaborate and supplements tho technical
reports previously made by engineering
experts. 1t expresses no doubts as to
the ability to establish and maintain
healthy port. Contracting firms have had
their representatives on the ground.
IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED.
Washington is reported to be exercis-
ing persuasive pressure to have the work
done by Americans. but the point has
not yet been reached where contract
has been awarded. The general plan for
Improvements includes the extension Of
the present water, sewerage. drainage
and paving systems, and possibly the
widening OF the river wall which extends
the whole length Of the city. These i'm
provements ultimately are to cost S12,-
500 900. Provision has been made for a
200 loan with the customs revenues
as security. The question which blocks
the contract is whether Quito or Guaya-
gull shall handle the funds.
The future OF Ecuador, II It is to have
future. depends largely on the SANTA
ton OF Guayaquil. Whether the city shall
remain for some years longer plague
port, denying itself the benefits Of the
canal, is not entirely domestic matter,
but its present determination rests with
Ecuador The country wants railways
built and the administration OF Presi-
dent Plaza is exerting itself TO secure
their construction. The Congress has
authorized various railway loans. rather
more than can be absorbed In the i'm
mediate future. Yet some OF the projects
are Of commercial practicability and
would justify the investment OF foreign
capital. But this capital will not be
obtained until II is shown that the traffic
which may be developed will not be
hampered by Guayaquils isolation from
the commercial currents Of the world.
HIGHWAYS TO THE AMAZON.
The west coast countries are now inter-
ested in the movement to open up water
and rail highways from the headwaters
OF the Amazon to the Pacific. large
section Of the interior of the South Amer
lean continent has vast economic future
II these plans are carried out and the
country which opens the first highway 10
the Amazon headwaters will command
the situation. Ecuador has an historical
short route. The naked. painted Indians
from the Napo who sometimes wander up
the passes OF the cordilleras and into
Quito know the water courses and the
mountain trails which would open up
communication. Preliminary engineering
reconnoissances also have been made by
explorers. The rubber of large section
requires an outlet from these Amazonian
regions to the Pacific. but it will not find
its way out through Guayaquil in the
present circumstances.
The Ecuadorian government has had
some plans for immigration, though
rather vague. and prospect has been
held Of a movement OF population from
Southern Europe. There Is no room for
immigrants on the tablelands OK the
Andes, up in the clouds. where barley and
other cereals Of the temperate zone are
cultivated. These districts barely AFFORD
subsistence enough for the native Indian
population. The valleys beyond are capa-
BILE of colonization and are not unhealthy
for races which come from north OF the
Continued on seventh pags.