The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-01-31
by PERCY A. McCORD.

TT Is usually possible nowadays to
cross in comfort and even luxury
from Buenos Ayres on the east
coast Of South America to VAL
paraiso on the west coast, traversIng
the cordillera of the Andes, the highest
mountains in all the Americas. But
the Transandine Railway was COM
pletely snowbound in July last when
ihree of us. members Of the Capt. Besley
scientific expedition, received an urgent
message recalling us from the capital
Of Argentina to the Pacific coast. Being
unwilling to lose time by the voyage
around the continent Capt. Besley de-
cided 10 attempt the almost impossible
feat Of crossing the Andes on foot.
The last Transandine train had come
through on May 81, since when there
had been no communication what
ever by the overland route. Those in
authority who became aware OF the
Captains purpose called II an insane
idea. II was counting disaster, they
said, to attempt to cross the divide be-
tween Puente del Inca and Juncal.
But the leader Of our expedition was
not TO be deferred by such reports. To
him the trip meant but a short journey
on foot of l43 kilometres portion Of
WHICH, no uOuDt, Dt pdSoeu III
comparative safety. From Puente del
Inca to Juncal, distance of fifty kilo-
metres, in reality represented the danger
zone, and surely, he argued, a deter
mined dash would carry us through
that region. The party consisted of
Capt. B-si-y. ". J. n. Hvibiuoh. Jul
camera man, and myself.
Everything being in readiness we
ha af STATION
Buenos Ayres. on Friday, July 10. for
Mendoza at which place the mountain
division of the railroad commences.
Mendoza was reached on the after
noon Of July IL, and here we met with
the most vigorous opposition to our
l,roject once assured that Capt. Bes-
ley could not be turned from his pur-
Jose the Transandine Railway officials
: aadily consented to lend their CO.
Iteration. The line as far as Puente
u.l Inca was negotiable with the aid OF
tne rotary snowplough and this,
together with a special coach, was
placed at our disposal through the
courtesy of w. Maraini, manager, and
w. Burrows, chief engineer OF the
rgentine Transandine Railway. AT
daybreak on July 10 We pulled out OF
the Mendoza station and were well
sware that, like young bears, all our
troubles lay ahead OF us.
For the first twenty-five kilometers
the track was clear, but as we gradually
scended toward the snow belt the white
capped peaks in the distance ahead
presented a picture at once or rugged
rrandeur and terror to novice in
pine climbing. When about half way
TO Inca, at Zangcon Amarillo a second
engine was attached to the rear of
our coach and the leading engine was
changed for a mountain rack locomo-
I've.
Ever upward and onward we went
The rotary, with its 100 revolutions a
minute ate passage through the snow
the rack engine, one of the most power
ful in the world, grunted and puffed
- il gripped the cogs on the third rail,
lille the engine in the rear pushed
9 slowly forward. ordinarily II Is only
seven hours run from Mendoza, at the
,ot OF the mountain, to Puente de
inca; but it was not until our watches
aowcd we had been more than eleven
ours on the road that we came to a
alt, and the official who had been de-
allied to accompany us to the end OF the
ne informed us we were at Inca.
Presently and apparently from no.
where came a tall figure grotesque In
rppearance, with bulky .'-rctic wearing
rpparel From the small aperture In
lis woollen hood he shouted welcome
nut his words, wind tossed, were
rrarcely audible above the storm
Signalling us with a huge STAFF to folio"
him, he turned and ploughed his way tC
a small opening in one OF the banks
end a moment afterward disappeared.
Shivering with cold and almos
blinded by the snow spume We followed
and in a few minutes found ourselves
before a roaring fire in a room which
was completely snowbound. Thi'
proved to be the office OF the Argentine
Transandine Railway, and our guide
after shedding his voluminous gar
ments, introduced himself as Leu @
Hughes, sectional engineer.
Here we stayed for two day9 whil'
Cuides were found who were willing TO
heavy consideration to attempt tn
crossing. Indian porters could not b
1duced to Join the parity and at length
Reginald w. Davis, one OF the official
OF the railway, detailed eight OF mi
men to accompany us.
on Thursday July 16, the baromete
having shown no signs OF falling 70
twenty-four hours, Capt. Besley deter
mined that the time was opportune 4
make the first part of our dangerou
journey.
Sending the guides and the pack In
dams ahead TO break the trail. Capt
re sley, accompanied by three OF hi
well trained and faithful dogs, followe'