San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-11-22
AUTO AND GOOD
ROADS To TIE
NATIONS
Spirit Of Fnendliness Pre-
walls as Countries
Aid Each Other.
By WARD ORSINGER

By WARD ORSINGER
The recent announcement in The
Light Of the near completion of the
survey and arrangements for material
for construction of the Mexico City
LAREDO Highway is of great interest to
San Antonians. It will help create
opportunity for San Antonio and help
develop South Texas.
Charles Upham, formerly state high
way commissioner of North Carolina,
is experimenting the work for the
Mexican government. In every coun-
try where the automobile is used ex-
tensiyely il has been the connecting
link between railroad lines and the
outlying rural districts. 1t has been
said that il automobiles had been in
common use in this country at the
time of the Civil War, that this war
would never have taken place. Where
there is a means of inter-communica
fion and 1t is possible for the different
races and peoples to know each other,
a warlike spirit seldom arises. When
Mexican roads make it possible for
the common people Of both countries
10 travel back and forth and TO become
acquainted, a spirit will arise which
viii mean much for the development Of
both republics.
COUNTRY UNDEvELOPED.
The automobile itself, has been the
subject of much criticism but many
believe that If the automobile was
not q creator of wealth and did not
develop the rural sections of a coun-
try, il would not be in such common
use. Mexico is a great undevelopcd
region ut our doorway, and in the
coming decade We shall see the devel-
opment of its vast agricultural lands
and Of its mineral deposits. At the
same time the interesting historic
treasures of Mexico and its beautiful
scenery will be made available to tour
lists.
A. p. Garlic, consul general of Mex
leo in San Antonio, when asked if the
government of Mexico 10 now on a
stable basis, smiled and said that be
believed that President Gales lie in
position in Mexico very similar to that
States. Through President Gales eff
forts hundreds of schools have been
established in Mexico. Big road con-
struction programs have been mapped
out and conditions in the Mexican
government and also in the army are
being put on O basis which will chm
mate graft President Gales is de-
sirous of bringing conditions 10 o
point where business men and tourists |
will know that their rights in Mexico
viii be protected the same as they are |
in this republic.
VAST AREA.
The republic of Mexico comprises
% states and two territories with an
area of about 4S7 100000 acres of
land. In square miles it is about
equal to that part of the United
States east of the Mississippi River,
minus the New England states. VI
the 354 100000 acres of agricultural /
land only about 100000 are under |
cultivation. Mexico also offers I'M
limited opportunities.
There are three distinct climates in /
MEXICO called the tropical, temper
ate and cold climates. The tropical 1
climate extends from the coast 10 an |
altitude Of about 5000 feet. The aver
age temperature is about s. degrees |
Fahrenheit The temperate zone lies
between the altitude Of about 5000 10 |
5000 feet. The average temperature
is around rs degrees. The cold zone
has an average temperature Of 60 de-
grees. In cold weather snow flurries
are not uncommon.
The three outstanding crops of Mex
leo are corn, beans and wheat. About |
cne-half of the total cultivated area |
is devoted to these crops. Other crops |
are barley. flax, alfalfa, gsrbanzo, po-
tatoes, rice. tomatoes, chile. garlic, |
onions, cabbage, melons, Strawberries,
and grapes. Sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, |
rubber. tobacco. heneQuen. (sisal fl
ber) cotton, broom root. peanuts, |
sweet potatoes, cocoanuts, pineapples. !
avocado, bananas, lines, dates, figs. !
vanilla, chiele. pecans, walnuts. oil /
seeds are raised in quantities. Mex |
leo is noted for its forests. There are |
great areas OF pine and hardwood |