The Central Transit—Magnificent Enterprise for Texas and Mexico [pp. 184-195]

194 THE CENTRAL TRANSIT.
From the following statement it appears that "The Central Transit" possesses many intrinsic and peculiar advantages. Relatively
to others it is, in some respects, so superior, as not to admit of
rivalry. It is plain that this is the only route by which private capital can carry our railroad and telegraphic system to the Pacific.
The only serious difficulty that seems to impede its progress is the
fact that it runs through Mexican territory, where govornment is
unstable; but this difficulty is more imaginary than real. That
part of the country through which this road will run is seldom disturbed by the revolutions in the capital; and as such a work would
naturally be favored by the local authorities, any party in power
would give aid rather than trouble. Besides, it is but the continuation of our own system into our feeble neighbor's territory, and with
it will go such a train of emigrants from Europe and the United
States, as to set at defiance the ebullitions of local antipathies, and
suffice to keep in strict subjection the few unquiet spirits that might
be disposed to disturb its operations. In truth, the road may be
built through Mexico at less cost than similar work could be done
within the United States, owing mainly to the cheapness of labor;
and it is understood that parties are ready to take the contracts
whenever the requisite means may be presented. Yet, if capitalists
should require other guaranty of security for their investments, it
would seem to be a simple matter to obtain it through the government of the UJnited States, since the recent announcement of its policy in such matters, through the able and statesmanlike letter of Mr.
Secretary Cass to our minister to Nicaragua. But should our government, through tenderness for a weak neighbor, hesitate to give
due protection to its citizens engaged in this work, the British governmnent would rnot fail to see that the interest of British capitalists,
who may invest in it, shall not be wantonly or faithlessly sacrificed.
Let the'fiets as herein set forth, be once satisfactorily established,
as might be l,'omptly and easily done by a survey under the direction of the Secretary of War, with the assent of Mexico, and capital
will soon be foui,d for the execution of the project. By the established policy of Texas, sixteen square miles of the public domain is
given as a bonus for the construction of each mile of railroad within
that State. This gratuity will doubtless be extended to this road, as
to all others. This land alone may be made to repay the cost of
that part east of the Rio Grande. But the Aransas Road Company, which holds the charter from Aransas bay, via Corpus Christi,
to the Rio Grande, has powers which would enable capital acting
through it, to control the ownership of any lands between the Gulf
and the Rio Grande, including tke termini, which are optional with that
company. From a combination of causes these lands, though fertile
and well adapted to grazing and cultivation, have heretofore been
held at rates ranging from ten cents to two dollars per acre, accord;ing to locality. But these causes have mainly ceased to operate, or
will soon he removed, and without this road these lands will soon