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^^^H
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lirfsrnti^i Id tlw
ixlond Slanliiru Jimttir olniiKT^iio
1
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^
TEHUANTEPEC
Tehuantepec Railway
p> its location
Features and Advantages
Undeu the La Sere Grant of
1869
D. APl'LETON & CO
'}o, iji UNO 94 Gkand STSEii. Nsw Yut
i8Cy
5-f
i\\-^V . • -u J,
1 •.■'*■ ' . _ "^ ■ ;
• --^ — '^. *•
'"'■.■-- '>
/^
Entered accoAihg^KTJtct of Coiiinvsn, In the jrcar lS<t9, by
TIIE TKIIUANTKPFXJ RAILWAY COMPANY,
In the Clerk*8 Office of the DiBtrict Court of the United Statt**! fur the
Soutliern District of New York.
D A K K R * U D W I !f , P l( I N T K i: ri ,
Priptliig Iluiue Square, H. Y.
CONTENTS.
PART I.
yiPATioir.
MIDIKTriOlf.
ftMT PROM MniCAN OOVKRKMKKT to Doni^
Kmilio La ^<e^e, to open luteroceunic
Ci)nimuiiicatlon. ^^
ncLK 1. Decree of 1867 to be modlflwl. vf
%. Authority to open communica-
tion across Idtlimun.
8. By n»ad8, or by water and
roiidji.
4. Kai!road to Pacific. Carriage
riMid meauwiiile.
6. Surveys and mai>8 to be ap-
proved by (lovernment.
fi. Before Rurvey (iovernment to
appoint commiMiioncr!«.
7. Survcyn, Ac, submitted witliin
eiglitecn nionths. Notice of
r^immeucement of woric witli-
in six months thereafter.
8. OuiHtruction to begin with-
in two years. Fifteen leagues
Ut be compIcte<I eacli year,
and the whole lino in three
years.
9. Carriage road to be built with-
in a year an>l a half.
10. Grant of right of way and
every alternate lengiie of
public land on each Ada of
road.
11. Reservation of one-half of the
laud on each side of road by
Government.
12. Ce>i>ion of (iovernment land
for wharves to l>e construct-
ed in two years after com-
pletion of roiul.
18. Company to have gratlt from
(fovemmeut, lands, mater-
ials for roails, wharves, Ac.
14. Private proi>erty m;iy )>e taken
and owners indemniflcd.
15. Light-houses to be built by
comptiny within three years
after railroad, and to belong
to Government
10. Company to give bond in
$|(H),0(K) to complete road
and telegraph line within
prescrilied time and com-
IKiny to tie chartered by one
t»f the states of the U S.
Articli 17. Exemption from duty granted
for importation of materials
for building and running
nuid.
lA. River to be cleared.
19. Comiiany's tariff.
2U. No tax on through trnflic.
tfl. No similar concessions and
exemptions to ai>y other
comfiany.
2^. Government protection guar-
anteed.
28. Certain |)ortB of entry to l>e
Icept open.
24. Minister of Finance to regu-
late transportation.
25. Concessions for seventy years.
Goveniment to reoei ve eipht
I>er cent from ptoflts and
twelve cents for each pas-
senger.
26. After grant expires Govern-
ment may take railroad at
valuation.
27. Mails, Ac, to be carried free.
(iovernment property at
half rates.
28. Transit oiien to all nations.
29. Foreign mull'* to be in sealed
bags.
80. Government may appoint one-
fourth of directors.
81. Right to navigate river Goot-
zacoalcos.
82. Not to conflict with right of
other vessels.
88. No tonnage duty for through
trans|KNtaticu.
84. Conifiany resiwnsibie for Falco-
net l(»an.
35. Company to lie a Mexican or-
ganlEatlou, but to Imve the
privilege of forming other
citmpanies in Mexico or the
United States.
36. All engaged now or hereafter
in company to be regarded
as Mexicans.
87. Action of foreign tribunals In
rei<pect to company not to
affect this decree.
Vlll
AimcLR S3. No gale of road, Ac, without
Government consent 8ale
to foreign government' pro-
hibited. How b<mdfl roa.v be
isMuet] and profierty hj-pothe-
cated.
})9. Ikvird of Direct'on may be in
Tnlted StiiteM.
40. 1)i>pot for coal and navy-yard
in Htiatulco.
41. KtfgardiDg yusip?niiion caused
by " f(»rce ni^ure.'*
4'J. ReHtrictionn on Uie company.
Firttt. No fori tu be built on
IflthmuM.
Sectnui. No armed force to
l>e organised.
Third. No foreign armed
force to !>e carrie«l.
Fourth. No contnttMind of
war to be carrlrd.
Fifth. Tmngportatlon of na-
tional armed r<>n*e and wur
materials mibject to (Suv-
eniment authority.
Sixth. Smuggler* an<l crim-
inals X*\ be diftchjirgiHl fmni
coniiiany'si employ.
Strrrnth. Measure!* aH to rpv-
enue laws* to b«> i»!M»«*rv»-<l.
43. Oflu^M^A of forfeiture of privi-
li'ge*.
Firut. In default of l»i>nil.
Sei'otui. Ft»r failure to pn»-
wiit plans and conittruct
pta<l within time liinittMl.
T!t in/. For riin>tructlng fort
on Isthmus.
Fourth. For org:inUing an
armiMl force
Fif'th. For unaut h o r I x p d
tranftportatiou of foreign
armed fon-e,
.Sixth. For carrying artlcU*;*
contraliand of war.
Sr''e»t'i. For carrying na-
tli>nal troop:* witlmut
coHMrnt.
Ki{ihth. For suxpenxinn of
work for one or two yvKv*.
XiH th . Pi>r transfer of right!*
and projierty without con-
went of (lovemuient.
r/miitany linble for nimcom-
41.
4r>.
4«.
with other oiiliga-
forfelture of privl-
plliince
tiouH.
Effect of
le-^en.
All information conrornlng (he
company to lie furt.lHhe<l to
ttovemment.
Controvcrnles concerning tlio
ron«tructlon and execution
of thii* law to b<> decided by
Mexican tribunals.
Cdnvrtakcr or Aitrsdco Orakt.
Act to KiiTABLisii Incorporatiok.
Preamble Mexican Grant.
Articles of Awociatlon.
Company formed by la Sere.
Articlr 1. Name of company.
Duration of company.
Capital, $18,(HN),UU0, not Ibble
ti> ai*Ke»>ment. SharehoM-
eni and dintribution of »iork.
Meeting of rharehiilders an*!
choice of din^tiirs
SluirvhoMcra may make by-
laws,
fi. Comftany not diii<o1 ved by death
or act of shareholdeni.
Pour director* flnrt year, after-
wards seven. Mexico to
have two direcUim after first
year.
Vacancies to be filled by re-
maining directors.
Choice of pn^ident, vlce-presl-
«lent, treHBurer, and ai-cn.'-
tary.
Duty of president.
Duty of treasurer.
Duty of secretary.
l>e!^riptlon of seal.
Contnd of company in direct-
ors, subject to authority of
sliareliolders.
Contraction of debt. No Indl-
vldiuil liabilitl<-s.
Contract to tie signetl by presi-
dent and secretar.v, and
seale<I.
2.
4.
Ti.
4.
8.
10.
11.
\:\.
14.
Ifi.
KNACTMrNT Ur TIIK CiR!lFRAL ASMRMRLY OF
THE Statk -r Vkkmont.
Ski!. 1. Incor|>oratlon of Tehuanie|M*c
Itailway Company.
2. Authority to build or charter
vessels am] hold real e>tate.
S. Art to take effei't Immeillately.
pPRnncATiosss as approve*! by Mexi-
can (iovemnient. Jan. Mb, 1h09.
lj(K*ation of road M
Carrlag«*-r«»ad ... A6
(}ra<luatlnn, masonry, and
bridging !h
Mastuirv and bridging M
Itridging r«
TunnHs Ai)
(iuage and rail (in
Turn-outs HI
De|>ots and fixtures 01
Kiver navigation (S3
I'iers and wharfs 62
liight-hftiLses I&t
Telegraphs 64
Kstiniated cost CtH
D41.MD given to the ItepuMIc of .Mexico (%i
PAKT II.
lIl«<TORICAI 1
ToPiMiRAI'IIY 2ri
IsiiABrr^NTM:
Knro|)ean W
Cnroles 'H)
Mestizoes 'M
Indians Ml
Dona Marina ^
Mijes .*4
Z.M|U««s 84
/a|H)tecos H4
lluaves :<5
Muluttoes .V»
/anilios M5
Ne4rr«»*^ 85
Cl.IMATK 96
^ ^j
IX
AUantic porta 40
IViciflc p-»rti« 4.S
(fHlMjIMlT AJin Ml!f BK ILCHiY 4G
TlMBKX ANI> VniKrABUC pRoorcTioxs:
Mahogany T/i
tV<Iar W
4Hik W
KliitDy W
In»n-wood 52
Aca4'la Ti'i
India-rubber 5*2
JabI W
Maixe M
Frijoles M
i«u|rar M
i acao 5^
Tobnccu f»8
I'oiTee r>3
i'otUin M
Wta M
IiidiRo «i
Italnain of l*eru Trfi
h^tyrax Oflicitiale f»7
Liquorice Kttot M
H^aniaittrilla 57
Vanilla 57
Cabcba-canina 57
I'tturra 57
Amm Aij« :
l^ittle M
lior-XTd 5U
Mukii W
IHxr (W
UtRDts:
Wild turkey Wl
Cn*i*t««d curu>^iw <»<»
I'artridge CAi
(■liacliahica <M)
Tluaniou fit)
Uuall C^}
rigeon H4>
Dove 6«
Fwn 61
Towxs, PRoDrtrrivie Ijjdl'stby, Ac:
Minatitlan «!
8an Jiiau Cliinameca fi^
JalUiMin tp{
Hnu Martin Acayucan (U
Mai I'aso «y>
San Clabriol Roca del Monte . . 4V5
San Juan (iuiclilcnvi OCi
StmUi Maria I'etaf >a dO
V2 Barrio de U Suiedad 67
1.1 chivela 67
Tarlfa 67
Suntia{;o 67
AfTua K^otidida 67
Sill MiKuel ('liimalapa 6K
Santa Maria CLiniaiaiia Cf.i
San (iironimo 611
Santo Douiingu Chlhuitau .... 70
Itztalt«poc 70
Judiitau 71
Tehuaiitei»cc 72
Soi'UClM or ItKVKXUK 74
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PART I.
Viftnvitc '. TiTLK PiGK.
Map of tlie world, on Mercatiir** Projection 52
Map of Um! littbmud of Tvhuaut«i>ec
PART II.
I'erro Mnrro(Ventoi'Ui) 25
H^y of VentiMa from Cerro Verde, Iwiking Nortli is
Aniate Picadura 52
Minatitlan 62
Tal le Land* near El Uarrio tW
Church of El Rarrio 67
Vieir in the Manhua Pas:t i'lH
Plclra Laptrto (Klo del Cortr) VA)
C>rr«f(ruii-Vixbi 7»
Tchuautejicc fnim CVrro del Tigrc i2
•t
ERIUTA.
l*art II , imfit \l\, line 'iii\ for CruA, mu\ Japan.
** " 01), In title of llliujitnitlun ; read I*iKimA 1jA0.\kti>.
INTRODUCTION.
♦♦«-
The Teuuantepec Railway Company in-
vites attention to a Grant or Concession for
seventy years, including large grants of land,
made by the Government of Mexico, on the
0th of October, 18G7, to a Company to be
formed by Don Emilio La-Sere, to open in-
teroceanic communication across the Isthmus
of Tehuantepec, by railroad, carriage road, and
telegraph line. It is free from all taxa-
tion or imposts of any kind by the Gov-
ernment, except the payment of eight per
cent, of the net profits of the enterprise, when-
ever dividends shall be declared for the stock-
holders, and twelve cents for each tlirouuch
passenger. Tliis grant was modified and con-
firmed by tlie Congress of that Republic on the
29th of December, 1868; approved by tlie Pres-
ident, January 2d, 1869; an<l published in the
Official Gazette of that Government on tlie 4th
of January, 1869.
Pursuant to said grant, Don Emilio La-Sere
formed the "Tehuantepec Railway Company,"
composed wholly of citizens of the United
States. This Company, in November, 1868,
j)rocured from the General Assembly of the
Xll
State of Vermont* an act establishing its in-
corporation, witli a capital of eighteen millions<
of dollars ($18,000,000), divided into shares of
$100 each ; and received from said La-Sere an
assignment of the grant or concession. On
the 2d day of March, 1869, to comply with the
16th article of the grant, the Company gave to
the Republic of Mexico its bond in $100,000,
which was accepted and approved as satisfactory
by Sr. Don Juan N. Navarro, Consul-General of
Mexico in the United States, on April 14, 1869,
under instructions from his Government.
On the 20th of April the Consul-General
notified the Company that the President of
Mexico had, on the 28th of March, a])pointed
the directors to which it is entitled under the
KOth article of the grant.
Col. Julius W. Adams, Consulting Engineer
of the Company, eminent in his ])rofession, i)re-
pared in August, 1868, and the Company adopt-
ed; a general i)roject for the construction of the
proi)osed works, also a map of tlie Isthmus of
Tehuantepec, showing the proposed lines of
railway, ciirriage-road and telegraph, which were
submitted to the Mexican Government, Jan-
uary 5th, 1869, and were appro v^ed.
The form of the mortgage, and of the
Ixmds which the Company is authorized to issue
in aid of the construction, repair, and mainten-
ance of the works, were prepared by learned
counsel, and were adopted by the Company,
♦ The IGtli article of the Omnt, provides tliat the Company
shall he organiz(H.l according to the laws of one of the States
of the American Union. The Legislature of Vcniiont was the
only one in session at that time.
Xlll
and suhmitted for and received the approval
of the Government, January 5th, 1869. Official
documents and fiirtlier details will be found in
the l)0<ly of this work.
It admits of l)ut little doubt that the
discoveries of Columbus arose less from a con-
viction in liis own mind that a new continent
woidd rewaid his exertions, than from a far-
sighted conclusion to which he liad arrived, that
tlie true connection of ohl Spain with the Indies
l*iy in the western direction ratlier than in the
east. The whole of the discoveries at tlie time
of his death embraced the various islands of the
West Indies and the coast of Honduras, and he
died in the belief that he had accomplished the
object of liis earliest eftbrts.
Exj)]orations under others extended to the
coasts of Florida on the north and Darien on
the south ; but the Mexican Gulf, sweeping far
into the interior, w^ith its concealed riches, re-
mained as yet unexjdored. What he aimed to ac-
complish — a ready passage to the east by travel-
ing westward — is left for American enterprise.
Diego, the son and successor of Columbus,
first colonizcMl Cuba, or Fernandina, as it was
called, and Velasquez, the governor of that is-
land, pushed his explorations from St. Jago,
liis capital, aroun<l the coast of Yucatan, and in
1519 organized the expedition under Hernando
Cortez, which, landing at Vera Cruz, resulted in
the conquest of Mexico. The first care of Cor-
tez was to secure his conquest. Tlie harbor of
Vera Cruz bein^c considered as dan^jcerous, evt^n
for the small vessels then in use, he sent '^'i
XIV
commission composed of liis pilots and others,"
who surveyed the coast south of Vera Cruz for
a distance of sixty leagues, as far as the great
river Goatzacoalcos, which seemed to offer the
])est, indeed, the only accommodation, for a safe
and suitable harbor. A spot was selected at
its mouth for a fortified jiost, and a colony under
Velasquez de Loon was established there in
1519.
Subsequently, in 1520, an addition was made
to the colony, under Diego de Ordaz.
It apf)eai*8 in the celebrated letter of Corti*z
to the Emperor Charles V., to have been an
object of intense interest with him to discover
some strait w^hich might naturally unite the two
seas, but, as his hopes declined in this respect,
he conceived the idea of a lucrative speculation
by means of a caiTiage road over the Isthmus
of Tehnantei)ec, to supply Spain with the spices
of the East Indies and the products of such new
regions as lie expected to discover; and Hum-
boldt remarks in reference to the road, that the
River Goatzacoalcos furnished great facilities
for transporting across the Isthmus from Vera
Cruz materials to build vessels which he fitted
out in Tehuantepec for the Pacific ; and as an
evidence of the views which Cortez entertained
of this ])art of the country, he selected large
tracts of land on the Goatzacoalcos liiver, and
in Oaxaca, in the neighborhood of Tehuantepec.
These estates were confirmed to him by the Em-
})eror Charles V., and were cultivated and the
mines worked by Cortez to great profit, and his
descendants to this day possess large tracts of
XV
land in this neighborhood known as tlie estates
of the " Marquesanas ; " and during the life-
time of the conqueror he never lost siglit of tlie
advantages to l)e realized by establishing and
maintaining tlie transit of the Istliinus by this
most favorable route. On the death of Cortez
no one api)eared on the stage to take an in-
terest in the project, and the government of
Spain, occupied in coinpiests elsewliere, allowed
the subject to sink into comparative oblivion.
Towards the close of the seventeenth ccntuiy,
Dampier made an exploration of the country,
and speaks of the " bar of Goatzacoalaz as less
dangerous than any on the coa.st, with two
fathoms of water, and but little sea."
In 1745, the project of opening the IVhuan-
to[)ec route was again revived, and the viceroy
of Mexico was urged to make the Goatzacoalcos
a i)ort of entry; l)ut merchants interested in
other parts of the country, particularly at Vera
Cruz and Acapulco, made such representations
at the court of Madrid that an order was ob-
tained prohil)iting, under the penalties of regal
displeasure, any revival of the subject. But in
1774, Don Antonio M. Bucareli, viceroy of
Mexico, ordered Don Augustin Cramer, governor
of the San Juan de Ulloa, an engineer by pro-
fession, to make a survey of the whole route.
He confirms the previous statement of the depth
of water on the bar at the mouth of the river,
and adds that the bar is a permanent one, never
having changed in depth of water since its dis-
covery. His survey was made for the purpose
of opening water communication betw^een the
XVI
two oceans, tlie entire })mcticability of wliicli
lie (leiiionstrates, and at a coni])aratively small
cost, and lie remarks on the facilities wliicli i\\-
ist for a good road to Telnian tepee. These re-
sidts, as also those to the same i)urport furnisheil
at a later day by the viceroys of Mexico, Uevil-
lagigedo and Iturrigaray, the iiniK)rtance of
which was urged upon the Spanish Cortes, failed
to elicit any response or action from the govern-
ment of Spain, which was fast losing its hitherto
well earned charact(»r for energy and enterprise.
However, in 1814, the Spanish Cortes waked
u[) sufficiently to issue a decree for the opening
of the canal hy way of the Isthmus of Tehuan-
tepee, in i)reference to that of Nicaragua or Pa-
nama; hut the political distractions which
shortly followed, and the snbsequent indepeud-
ence of Mexico, left the government of Spain
without either the means or the power to pr<^
mote such a scheme.
In 1820, William I). Robinson, an American
citizen, who had spent considerable time on the
Isthmus, i)ublished the results of his observa-
tions on the various interoceanic rontes, ami
drew the attention of commercial men to the
advantages of this route, lie says, sj)eaking of
the (iroatzacoalcos, that *'it is the only port in
the Mi»xican Gulf where vessels of war or others
of a large size can enter, and it is far superior
to Pensacola or Espiritu Santo."
When the Mexicans had (established their
inchipendence, their first natural desire Wiis to
develop the elements of prosperity which their
territory possessed. In lS-4, the State of Vera
xvu
Cruz and the Federal Government appointed
each a commission to survey the Isthmus, con-
sisting of Don J. de Ortiz and Col, Juan de Or-
begozo ; but from the engrossing political con-
tests in the State, the government was for some
years prevented from attempting the realization
of this grand enterprise, and it was not until
1 842 that, upon the representation of Don Jose
do Garay, the Government of Santa Anna con-
ferred upon him an exclusive grant with liberal
provisions, to construct and operate a line of
railroads in connection with river navigation, to
be operated by steam power from ocean to
to ocean across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
So important and valuable was this transit
considered by the Government of the United
States, in 1847, the time the treaty of peace with
tlie Republic of Mexico engaged the attention
of the Administration of Mr. Polk, that the
following correspondence took place :
Mb. BucnANAN, Secbetary of State,
TO
Mb. Tbist, United States Comsossioneb to Mexico.
Extract.
Depabtmext of State,
Washington, April 15th, 1847.
» « ' • «
1. " Instead of Fifteen Millions of dollars stijiulatcd to be
*• paid by the fifth articles, for the extension of our boundary
" over New Mexico, and Upi>or and Lower California, you
" may increase the amount to any sum not exceeding thirty
" millions of dollars, payable by instalments of three mil-
" lions per annum, provided the right of passage and transit
•' across the hlhmm of Tehuantejtec, secured to the United
" States by the 8th article of the Projet shall form a part of
" the iveAiyr-^Ezecutive Doc. No, 69, Ut Sent., ZWt Congrctt.
2
XVlll
lN8TRUCnON8 OF TDK MEXICAN GOVERNMENT •TO THEIR COM
MiasiONERB, 29Tn August, 1847.
Eztract.
« « « •
" As regards the privilege solicited by Uie Govcmment
" of the United States to navigate the river Tehuantepec, or
" to traffic upon any way or road that may be established
*' between the two seas, the Government of Mexico absolutely
*' denies or refuses to concede any such right." — StnaU Doc,
Xo. 62, Ut Sen., ZOth Cong., vol. 7, page 382.
This offer (sufficient nearly to build two
such railroads as tliis Company propose to con-
struct), it must be remembered, was made before
the acquisition of California ; and, although we
now have the Union Pacific Railroad built, his-
tory will demonstrate in twenty-five years that
the new impetus given to the settlement of the
Pacific coast, and the trade with the Indies, will
require these, and several more railways, to
supply the commerce of the world.
It is but just to the government of Mexico,
to state here, that her refusal to entertain the
proposition made on the part of the govern-
ment of the United States, was wholly based
on the ground that it had already given to
Don Jose de Garay a concession embracing
the entire question. Notwithstanding the re-
fusal of Mexico, at that time, to cede to the
United States the right of transit, the grant to
Garay having been subsequently annulled, and
a new grant to citizens of the United States
having been made by Mexico, the protection
of the latter was embraced in the eighth article
of the treaty concluded between the Republic
of Mexico and the United States of America,
dated at the City of Mexico on the 30th of
Decemlier, 1853, and ameuded and exchanged
bt the City of Washington on the 30th of June,
^854, knou-n as " Tlie Gadsden Treaty."
Garay, though himself a gentleman of enter-
prise and energy, failed to enlist the proper
Material for tlie completion of his scheme, and
Jthe grant to Lim was revoked. Since tliat date,
under the various governments of Mexico, there
' have been throe grants issued to various parties
for the accoinidishment of this project, all of
of which for variona reasons have failed and
Lbeen annulled hy the Government itself. The
jraut to La Sere is the only one in existence,
^nd is owned by the Tehuantepec Railway
ompany, which has settled all out-standing
jclainia i-elative to this Isthmian tiansit, whether
I law or equity, and now enjoys its title in
teace.
It is impossible to overestimate the advan-
ages, both immediate and prospective, which
Hust result to the United States and to Mexico,
3 well as to the commerce of the world, from
^tlie establishment of a rapid and safe intcr-
•ceanic eomnmnication across the Isthmus of
rehnantepec,the gateway between the Gulf and
i Pacific Ocean.
The neighbonng regions uf Central America,
HrWch are now compelled to seek an outlet else-
where for their valuable productions, would, in
Ethe event of the opening of this route, be drawn
■by the most powerful of all ties, the tie of a
direct and visible commercial interest, into most
desirable relations with the United States; while
the splendid Mexican provinces on both coasts,
XX
which are by nb means fully developed l>y
reason of their want of easy access to the mar-
kets of the world, would be enlivened by
immigration, and enriched by the commercial
development of their mineral and vegetable
wealth.
At the present day, lines of steamships,
American, English, and French, in connection
with a railway across the Isthmus of Panama,
are maintained and made immensely profitable
by the commerce which unites the wealthy and
increasing population of the Pacific coast of
North and South America with the United
States and with Europe. Yet the commerce
thus carried on is forced to make a long and
circuitous journey, involving unnecessary ex-
penditure both of time and money, and
yearly exposing thousands of passengers of all
nations to the unwholesome influences of the
climate of the Isthmus of Panama.*
No one, therefore, can doubt that a line of
communication across the Isthmus of Tehuan-
tepec, passing through a region the superior
healthiness of which has been attested by repeat-
ed surveys, and shortening the distance about
1,500 miles, siatutej and time of transit between
New York and San Francisco no less than six
or seven days, must speedily draw to itself
— ■ — • — -^- — ~ — -^ ■ '
♦ Don Alonzo Guzman, in the account of his voyage from the
island of Espafiola to Peru, yia Panama, in 1534, published by
the Ilakluyt Society, in 1862, says, that on his arrival at the
port of Nombre de Dios, in the Province of- Castilla del Oro, he
learned that the native name of the place means Bones, and was
BO called on account of the number of people who have died there.
ofti
Wjfatui
Hftvet
ibc greater portioii uf the great interoceanic
le, and become, in fa^-t, tlie Liglnvay from
lurope anil Atlantic Amenca to the States* of
tlie Pacific, to South Americfl, to the islands of
thf Southern Sea, and the older continents of
Asia and of Africa.
In a political point of view it plainly mat-
ii-a but little by whom this great work shall
constructed, if only it be under -the contml
id supervision of the Mexican Government.
We have seen in the old ■\vorld that the
idependence of Kgypt, which it was first suj)-
ised would be threatened by the oonstnic-
<n of the Suez Canal by English and French
iterprise aci-oss Egyptian territoiy, to unite
m Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean,
in fact been fortified thereby, and made
lore important to all civilized nations.
A similar effect must assuredly follow in
Mexico, from similar causes, the more especially
that in a few years the increase of wealth and
population accruing to Mexico from an inter-
oceanic route and the settlement of the lands
of the Company, must render the Republic, al-
ly HO populous and so rich, stronger than
•er Iwfore tp protect its own interests and main-
ts own dignity. '
As the public are but little apprised of the
peculiar features, geograplilcal, physical, or com-
lercial, nf the several Isthmian interoceanic tran-
fit?, the aim of the present paper is to sketch, as
lefly as jHissible, the ailvantages to be antici-
,ted liy adopting the route by way of the
tthinus nf Tehuantepee. The exposition of
XXll
the Isthmian routes iu detail is foreign to our
object, although a most careful comparative ex
amination has been made of them all, as well as
of the trans-continental routes between the At-
lantic and Pacific Oceans. The conclusions that
have been arrived at, are based upon data de-
rived from the best known sources, official and
private; and, while we disparage no other
transit, we present to the public the best and
most reliable array of facts to show the superi-
ority of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, espe-
cially so far as the United States is concerned.
We would wish to acknowledge in this place
our indebtedness to the individual sources from
which we have drawn our information, but
they are so extended that we can only
refer in general to the list of authorities
published in the report of Rear Admiral
Davis, U. S. N., superintendent of the Na-
tional Observatory, in relation to the various
proposed lines for interoceanic canals and rail-
roads between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans,
communicated to Congress, July, 1866. Most
of the papers referred to in this list bearing upon
the route in question have been open to us, and
in addition we have had the advantage of per-
sonal intercourse with gentlemen resident on
the Isthmus, or who have visited it either for
commercial purposes or scientific exploration.
We must, however, make one exception in the
list of authorities quoted by Admiral Davis,
and particularize as a source from which we
have largely drawn, the admirable report of
J. J. Williams, C. K, New York, 1852, being
XXUl
the result of a survey for a railroad to
connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans,
made by the scientific commission undef the
direction of Major (now Major General) J. G.
Barnard, U. S. Engineers.
In conclusion we may say of the vignette
on the title page, that it illustrates the twenty-
second article of the grant, the determination
of the Mexican Government, the wishes of the
Company, and the hopes of Commerce.
SIMON STEVENS,
President
Tehuantepee Railroad Company,
174 Chambers Street, New York.
June 17/A, 1869.
^
TEHUANTEPEC CONCESION l)E LA SERE.
Mexico, Lunes^ 4 de Enero de 18G1).
Ministerio de FomentOi Colonizacion, Indus-
tria y Comercio.
El C. presidente de la republica se ha scrvido diri-
ginne el dccreto que eigne :
"BENITO JUAREZ, Presidente comtUuctonal de
lo8 Estados- Unidos viexieanos, d todos s%i8 hahi-
tantes, sahed ;
" Que el Congreso de la Union ha dccretado lo
siguientc :
" El congreso do la Union dcercta :
*' Art. 1. — El decrcto expedido por cl Ejccnti^o en
C de Octnbre de 1867, autorizando a D. Emilio La-
Scrc, 6 a la corapafiia que el formara para abrir la co-
innnicacion interoecdnica por el Istmode Tehnantepcc,
queda modificado en los terminos siguientes :
" Art. 2. — Se antoriza & la compafiia que forme D.
Emilio La-Sere, para la apertura de la comunicacion
interocednica por el Istmo de Tehnantepec, con las
condiciones cxpresadas en cste decreto.
"Art. 3. — La compafiia que forme La-Sere, podru
haccr la comunicacion por agua, en la parte navegable
del rio Goatzacoaleos ; y en donde ella concluya prin-
cipiaran los caniinos d que se rcficre el articulo sigui-
ente; pero si no juzga conveniente hacer uso del rio,
comenzardn los caminos desde el punto de su desembo-
cadura.
TEHUANTEPEC lA SIRE GRANT.
4
Mexico, Monday^ iitii Janua/ry^ 1869.
Department of Improyement, Colonization^
Induetry, and Commerce.
The Citizen President of the Eepublic has been
pleased to address me the following decree:
BENITO JUAREZ, CcmstiMthnal President of
the Mexican United States, to all its inhabitants :
Be it known that the Congress of the Union has
decreed the following :
The Congress of the Union decrees :
Abticlb 1st. — The decree issued by the Executive Decree or imt to
on the 6th October, 1867, authorizing Don Emilio La
Sere, or the company that he may form, to open
the inter-oceanic communication across the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec, is modified in the following terms:
Article 2d. — Authorization is sranted to the com- Authority to open
pany, that Don Emilio La Sere may form, to open •«"" itthmw.
the inter-oceanic communication across the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec, with the conditions expressed in this de-
cree.
Abticlb 3d. — The company to be formed by La ^^J^^J^
Sere may establish communication by water in the
navigable portion of the Goatzacoalcos Kiver, and,
where that ends, the roads will commence as refer-
red to in the following articles; but if it should
not be deemed expedient to use the river, the roads will
commenoe at the mouth of the same.
"Abt. 4. — ^La compafiia La-Sere deberd construir
un ferrocarril de la mejor clase, que partiendo del punto
en que termine la navegacion del no Goatzacoalcos 6
de 8u desembocadura, segpn lo expresa el articnio
anterior, Uegue hasta el puerto de la Ventosa, 6 cual-
quiera otro del Pacifico que se creyere mas eonveniente
que este. Entretanto se concluye el camino de fierro,
La-Sere establecerd la comuaicacion por medio de
un camino carretero, que conservard en buen estado
de servicio, y con los puentes necesarios para el trdns-
ito de carruages que conduzcan pasageros y mercanci-
as de poco peso.
" Abt. 5. — Hechos los reconocimientos necesarios
para el ferrocarril y para el camino carretero, y levan-
tados los pianos correspondientes por los ingenieros, se
someterdn & la aprobacion del Gobiemo general, sin lo
cual no podrdn ponerse en ejecucion.
" Abt. 6. — La compafiia La-Sere avisai-d oportuna-
mente al Gobiemo cudndo debe empezar el reconoci-
miento del terreno por donde ban de pasar los caminos,
para que aquel nombre el comisionado 6 comisionados
que lo representen en las operaciones que hayan. de
practicarse, pagdndose por la compafiia los honorarios
de aquellos. Para el deslinde de los terrenos baldios
que deban cederse d la compafiia, intervendrdn los
peritos que nombre el Gobierno, pagdndose tambien
sus honorarios por ella.
"Abt. 7. — ^En el termino de diez y ocjio meses,
contados desde la fecha de esta concesion, deberdn
estar hechas las exploraciones del terreno, levantadoa
y presentados los pianos que marquen la direccion de
los caminos, y sometidos d la aprobacion del Gobiemo,
al que se dard aviso dentro de los primeros seis meses,
de que va d procederse d los trabajos, d fin de que el
comisionado 6 comisionados de que liabla la primera
parte del articulo anterior, se hallen presentes para
inspeccionar las obras que se ejecuten.
Article 4th. — The La Sere Company is bound ciSa^OiJJirS^
to conBtruct a first-class railroad, starting from the road meanwhile.
point where navigation on the Goatzacoalcos River
terminates, or from its mouth in conformity with the
preceding article, and continue said road to the port
of Ventosa, or to any other port on the Pacific that
may be deemed more suitable. While the railroad is
being finished. La Sere will establish the conmiuni-
cation by means of a carriage road, which he will keep
in a good serviceable condition, and with bridges
necessary for the passage of vehicles carrying passen-
gers and merchandise of light burden.
Aeticle 5th. — The necessary surveys being made 8o^«yj «a|
for the railroad and for the carriage road, and the cor- g^^J' ®®^'
responding maps or plans being made by the engineers,
these will be submitted for the approbation of the
General Government, without wliich they will not be
allowed to be carried into execution.
Aeticle 6th. — The La Sere Company shall notify ^f^n funrey,
^ *f •/ GoTernment to
the Government opportunely of the time when the Jg£^***™°^
survey of the lands through which the roads are to
pass, is to begin, so that the Government may appoint
the commissioner or commissioners wIjo are to repre-
sent it in the operations wliieh will follow, their fees to
be paid by the company. For the demarcation of the un-
claimed lands to be ceded to the company, the experts
that the Government may name will intervene ; these
also will be paid by the company.
Aeticle 7th. — ^Within the term of eighteen months, SJJ^^^^*"**'
counting from the date of this grant, the surveys of NSuS^f°cSSi?**'
the ground are to be made, the plans showing the E*3?^SthIi*"*'
lines of the roads are to be made, and submitted ^«^*'*«'-
for the approbation of the Government, and notice will
be given within the first six months that the works
are going to be commenced, in order that the commis-
sioner or commissioners referred to in the first part of
the preceding article, may be present to inspect tlie
works that may be executed*
.. ^.a^^Ai
^^Abt. 8. — La compaflia La-Sere comenzard la
constmccion del ferrocanil y linea telegr&fica, dentro
de seis meses, contadoe despncB del alio j medio de qae
habla el articnlo anterior, debiendo terminar en cada
afio, & satisfaccion del Gobiemo, nn tramo de qnince
legnas por lo m^noe, hasta la conclusion de toda la
linea, que sera precisamente tres afioa deapnes del dia
en que empezaron Iob trabajoa. Las quince leguas
que la compaiiia est4 obligada & dejar construidas
anualmente, podrdn serlo en tramoa aisladoa unos de
otros, con tal que no se separen del trayecto general
aprobado por el Ejecutivo.
^' Abt. 9. — ^La compaflia comenzard la constmccion
del camino carretero al mismo tiempo que la del fer-
rocarril, y la terminard & satisfaccion del Gobiemo
dentro de un aflo y medio & lo mas, contado desde la
fecha iijada para comenzarlos.
"Art. 10. — De los terrenos baldios que hubiere,
el Gobiemo dd & la compaflia la faja que necesitare
para la linea de los caminos, y aderaas la mitad de los
baldios que se encuentren dentro de una legua lateral
por cada lado de solo el ferrocarril, en todo el espado
que recorra. Dichos terrenos baldios se dividirdn
donde su extension lo permita, en cuadros de una legua
cada uno ; y en donde tuvieren m^nos de dos l^uas
en sn longitud d lo largo del camino (6 en las frac-
ciones de m^nos de dos leguas), se dividirdn por mitad,
perteneciendo una d la Nacion y otra d la compaflia.
Las porciones divididas se numerardn en cada lado,
comenzando en ambos por el nuraero 1 en el Norte, y
ftigiuendo en el orden num^rico hdcia el Sur; de man-
era que el numero 1 del lado de Occidente, 6 sea el la-
do derecho del camino, quede frente del ndmero 1 del
lado de Oriente 6 lado izquierdo, d no ser que pasando
el camino por lugares en que por im solo lado haya
baldios dentro de la linea lateral, hubiere puntos de
interseccion en terrenos de propiedad particular, en
Abticle 8th. — ^The La Sere Company sliall com- £^ wJS^^'Ta
mence the construction of the railroad and telegraph JJJ ,^J^ ^^
line within six months, counted after the year and a JS^^JS^e
half mentioned in the preceding article, and the com- Jj^ ^^'^
pany is to complete within each year, to the satisfac-
tion of the Government, a section of at least fifteen
leagues, until the completion of the whole line, which
must be precisely three years from the day on which
the works were commenced. The fifteen leagues which
the company is obliged to construct annually, may be
made by it in sections separate from each other, pro-
vided that they should not be apart from the general line
of road approved by the Executive.
Article 9th. — The company shall commence the carruge^tjwi to
_ _ .5 1 . be buiH wlttln a
construction of the carnage road at the same time year and a hair.
as that of the railroad, and shall complete the former
to the satisfaction of the Government within a year
and a half at the utmost, counting from the date fixed
for its commencement.
Abticlb 10th. — Of the unclaimed lands that may Grantor on-
m j^ • <■ -m claimed lands
exist, the Grovemment eives to the company the «»ong une, and
' •II t one hall of thoie
strip that it may reqmre for the line of the roads, and '«^twn » league
besides this, the half of the unclaimed lands (which may
be tbund within a lateral league) on each side of the
railroad only, through the whole length of its line
8aid unclaimed lands will be divided, where their ex-
tent will allow, into squares of a league each ; and
where they cover less than two leagues longitudinally
along the side of the road (or the fractious of less than
two leagues), will be divided into halves, one belonging
to the Nation and the other to the company. The
portions divided will be numbered on each side, com-
mencing on both by No. 1 on the north, and follow-
ing in numerical order toward the south, so that No. 1
on the western side, or be it the right side of the
road, should be opposite to No. 1 on the eastern or
left side, unless the road should pass through places
where only on one side of it there should be un-
claimed lands, within the lateral line, where there
8
cuyo caso quedard intermmpido el orden expresado,
siguiendo luego hasta el fin del camino la numeracion
prescrita para las porciones del terreno por amboe
lados.
"Art. 11. — La Nacion se reserva desde luego, en
pleno dominio, en el lado occidental 6 derecbo del
camino, todas las porciones sellaladas con los ndmeros
impares 1, 3, 5, &c., y de la misma manera se reserva
en el lado oriental 6 izquierdo del camino, todas las
porciones marcadas con los ndmeros pares 2, 4, 6, &c.,
cediendo d los concesionarios en propiedad, revocable
solo en el caso de que no concluyan el camino, las
porciones seflaladas con los^'niimeros pares en el lado
occidental 6 derecho del camino, y las porciones mar-
cadas con los ntimeros impares en el lado oriental 6
izquierdo. Si por el caso de interseccion enunciado
en el articulo anterior, se encontraren mas porciones
de terrenos baldios en un lado del camino que en el
otro, los que hubiere de exceso en cualquiera de los dos
lados, serdn divididos por mitad entre la Nacion y los
concesionarios; de manera que se observen siempre
precisamente de legua en legna, las dos altemativas, de
lado y de frente, entre las porciones nacionales y las de
la empresa.
" Art. 12. — El Gobiemo concede & la compa^. ^ si
lo hubiere, el terreno para los muelles, diques y otrr.-
obras indispensables en los puertos de Goatzacoalcos y
de la Ventosa, comprometidndose la compaflia & con-
struir por su cuenta, & satisfaccion del Gobiemo, en los
dos alios siguientes d la fecha en que se construya el
ferrocarril, dichos muelles y diques; haciendo desde
luego las obras precisas para facilitar la descarga de los
buques y evitar la averia de las mercancias.
" Art. 13. — La compaiiia tomard gratis de las tier-
ras que fueren del dominio publico, por el tiempo que
lo fueren, sin que esto importe para el Gobiemo la ob-
ligacion de no enagenarlas, en todo 6 en parte, los
might be points of intersection on lands of private prop-
erty, in which case the said order would be interrupted,
and afterwards the prescribed numeration continuing
to the end of the road, for the portions of land on both
sides.
Article 11th. — The Nation reserves for itself, in RMenration of
oDC'hftlf of the
full dominion, all the portions on the western or riffht land on each >ide
' -^ '^ of road by Qov-
side of the road marked with the odd numbers 1, 3, 5, emment.
&c., and in like manner reserves for itself on the east-
em, or left side of the road, all the portions marked
with the even numbers, 2, 4, 6, &c., ceding to the
grantees in proprietorship, revokable only in case that
they should not finish the road, all the portions marked
with the even numbers on the western or right side
of the road, and the portions marked with the odd
numbers on the eastern or left side. If, in case of in-
tersection as sj>ecified in the preceding article, there
should be found more portions of unclaimed lands on
one side of the road than on the other, those that
should be in excess on either of the two sides, will be
divided in halves between the Nation and the grantees,
so that the two alternatives of side and frontage be
exactly observed from league to league between the
National portion and that of the company.
Abticle 12th. — The Government cedes to the com- ceMionof got-
eminent land for
pany such ground as it may own, for wharves, docks, JjJ^'J^^ iJ
and other indispensable works, in the ports of Goatz- *^® ^ggJ^J'
acoalcos and Ventosa, the company engaging to con- "»**•
struct said wharves and docks at its own cost, to tlie
satisfaction of the Government, in the two years follow-
ing the date in which the railroad will be constructed ;
making at once the necessary works to facilitate the
discharge of vessels, and to avoid damage to merchan-
dise.
Article 13th.— The company may take, gratis, ^'''"^JgJlJl^*^*
from the lands which may be of public domain, for land materials for
J ^ ^ ' roads, whanret,
the time that they may be so, without implying thereby ^c
any obligation on the part of the Government, not to
2
10
materiales necesarios para la construccion j conseira-
cion de los caminos, telegrafos, maelles, diqaes 6 de sua
pertenencias
" Abt. 14. — Los terrenes y materiales de propiedad
particular que necesitare la compafiia, los tomard in-
demnizando & sus dueHos conforme & las leyes.
*^ Art. 15— La compaflia tendrd obligaeion de con-
struir y conservar faros de primera clase en donde fuere
mas conveniente & los dos extremos de la via, debiendo
quedar concliiidos dentro de tres aiios despaes de ter- '
minado el ferrocarril, los que serdn de la perteneneia
exclusiva del Gobierno.
" Art. 16. — A los sesenta dias de la fecha de esta ley,
la compafiia dard una fianza por valor de cien mil pesos
fiiertes, & satisfaccion del ministro de Mexico en Wash-
ington 6 de quien le supliere, siendo indispensable esta
condicion para la existencia y validez de las concesiones
heohas por este decreto, y perdiendo los co'ncesionarios
la expresada suma en caso de que no cumplan dentro
de los plazos seflalados las obligaciones de presentar
los pianos y de oomenzar y acabar los caminos y linea
telegrdiica. Con la mencionada iianza se asegurarii
tambien la obligaeion que contrae la compafiia de
aoreditar que estd organizada ya conforme & las leyes
de uno de los Estados de la Union Americana.
"Art. 17. — Durante el tiempo necesario para la
construccion del ferrocarril, la corapaQia podrd im-
portar al Istmo, libres de derechos, los materiales, mi-
quinas, herramientas, carbon de piedra, carruages y
iitiles necesarios para la construccion de la via y de sus
pertenencias. Pasado el termino de la construccion
del camino, solo podrd introducir, libres de derechos,
las mdquinas, carbon de piedra, carros y rieles que ne-
cesitare, durando esta exencion por espacio de setenta
aflos, y haciendo la compafiia uso de ella, asi oomo de
11
Bell or alienate them, in whole or in part, the materials
necessary for the construction and repairs of the roads,
telegraphs, wharves, docks, or their appurtenances.
Article 14th. — The lands and materials of private Private property
*■ to be takeo, but
property, which may be needed by the company, will owners indemni-
be taken by it, indemnifying the owners m conformity
with the laws.
Article 15tii. — The company will be obliged to ught-houMsto
construct and keep in repair light-houses of first J^Jrithfn^'S^
class, where most desirable, at the extreme ends of the JSJdtaidtJb!!'
road, which are to be finished within three years from {^JJ^J** <'®^«™"
the termination of the building of the railroad ; said
light-houses remaining as the exclusive property of the
Government.
Article 16th. — Sixty days from the date of this company to give
law, the company will give a bond in the sum of to^SS^iSS
one hundred thousand dollars coin, satisfactory to the SSJ^dStaSre-
Mexican Minister at Washington, or to whomsoever ~^**^*'"*'
may fill his place, this condition being indispensable
for the existence and validity of the concessions made
by this decree, and the grantees forfeiting the said sum?
in case of non-compliance within the terms of time
marked, with the obligations to present the plans and
to commence and finish the roads and telegraph line.
With the said bond the obligation will be insured,
which the company contracts to accredit, that it is
already organized according to the laws of one of the
States of the American Union.
Article 17th. — During the time necessary for the Exanptionfrom
construction of the railroad, the company shall have jJ^JSJiJ^p"'
the right to import on the Isthmus, free of duties, the nto^^'fSJdJ"'* ™°'
materials, machinery, tools, mineral coal, carriages,
and necessary utensils for the construction of the
road and its appurtenances. After the expiration of
the time fixed for the construction of the road, it will
only be allowed to introduce, free of duty, the ma-
chines, mineral coal, cars and rails, which it may re-
quire ; this exemption lasting for the space of seventy
years, and the company making use of it, as well as of
12
la anterior, Begun las reglas que se dicten por el min-
isterio de hacienda.
" Art. 18. — La eompaHia tiene obligacion de limpiar
el rio Goatzacoalcos en la parte de 61 que dedique A la
navegacion.
'^ Aet. 19 — Se concede & la compafiia la facultad
de cobrar peages, derechos de trdnsito, de muelles, de
almaeenage y cualesquiera otros, por fletes de mercan-
cias, conduccion de pasageroB y trasmision de tel6-
gramas ; pero la tarifa que se fije por la compafifa para
la suraa en junto de todos esos derechos, excepto sola-
mente el de almaeenage, no excedera de cincuenta cen-
tavoB por legua para cada pasagero, de tres centavos
por legua para cada arroba de mercancias, de uno por
ciento del valor de los metales preciosos y de alhajas,
entendiendoBe esta asiguacion para toda la travesia del
camino por tierra y por agua ; y de diez centavoB por
cada palabra de los tel^gramas.
"Aet. 20. — El Gobierno no exigird, durante los
setenta ailos de la concesion, impuesto ni contribucion
alguna, ya sea sobre las mercancias que pasen Bolo de
transito por el Istmo, ya sea de los pasageros, ya sea de
los telegramas, 6 ya, en tin, Bobre los capitales inverti-
dos en los caminos y linea telegrafica, y en toda la em-
presa. Las mercancias que se consuman en puntos
del Istrao, 6 que se extraigan de ellos, no disfrutardn
de esta exencion.
" Art. 21. — Eespecto de la linea de transito que se
forme entre los puertos de Goatzacoalcos y la Ventosa,
6 del piierto que se elija en el Pacifico, en parte por
agua, y en parte por el ferrocarril, el Gobierno se obliga
ti no otorgar a otra corapailia, durante los setenta afios
raencionados, las concesiones especificades en esta ley ;
entendiendose, respecto del cobro de impuestos, que a
ninguna otra compailia se dispensara ni rebajara el
pago de los derechos que debieren satisfacer con arreglo
a los aranceles que estuvieren vigentes en las aduanas
maritimas.
13
the former one, according to the rules that may be dic-
tated by the Minister of Finance.
Abtiole 18th. — The company is obliged to clear wvertobe
that part of the Goatzacoalcos River which it may use
for navigation.
Article 19th. — The right is conceded to the com- company's uriir
° limited.
pany to collect portages and transit-fees, wharfage,
storage, and any other fees for freight on merchandise,
transportation of passengers, and transmission of tele-
grams ; but the tariff which the company may estab-
lish for the sum total of all its fees, wharfage alone
excepted, will not exceed fifty cents per league for each
passenger, three cents per league for each arroba
(25 lbs.) of merchandise, one per cent on the value of
precious metals and jewels, this assignment being un-
derstood to be for the whole transit of the route by
land and water, and ten cents for each word of the
telegrams.
Abticle 20th. — The Government will not exact noux on through
during the seventy years of the concession, any impost
or contribution, be it on the merchandise which may
pass only on transit through the Isthmus, be it on the
the passengers, be it on the telegrams, or be it, in fine,
on the capital expended on the roads and telegraphic
line, and in the whole enterprise. The merchandise
which may be consumed in points on the Isthmus, or
exported therefrom, shall not enjoy this exemption.
Aeticle 21st. — ^With respect to the line of trans- Noiimiiarcon-
,, • iTiii 1 /» cesdons and ex-
it that may be established between the ports of anptioMtoany
other company.
Goatzacoalcos and Ventosa, or such Pacific port
as may be chosen, partly by water and partly by
railroad, the Government obligates itself not to grant
to any other company during the said seventy years,
the concessions specified in this law. It being under-
stood, in regard to the collection of imposts, that no
other company will be exempted from, or have any re-
duction made, in the payment of the duties as exacted
by the tariffs which may be in force in the maritime
custom houses.
14
"Abt. 22. — El Gobiemo protejer^ la proflecncion,
conservacion y seguridad de Iob trabajoe, con toda la
fuerza que estimare conveniente para una obra de
grande y notoria ntilidad ptiblica.
" Art. 23. — El Gobiemo conservard abiertos y ha-
bilitados para el eomercio de altura, dorante Iob setenta
afios de la eoncesion, el puerto de Goatzacoalcoe en el
Golfo de Mexico, y en el Pacifico el de la Yentosa 6
cualquiera otro que Be creyere mas conveniente que
eBte.
" Art. 24. — La facultad concedida & la compafiia
para el trasporte de mercancias, Be reglamentard por el
Ministerio de Hacienda, procurando evitar los abuses
y facilitar la pronta expedicion de aquellaB ; sin que se
entienda por dicha facultad que la compafiia tiene de-
recho de abrir expendio de mercancias en ningun punto
del Istmo.
" Art. 25. — Las concesiones hechas & la compafiia
duraran setenta afios, contados desde que el ferrocarril
y telegrafo se pongan al servicio ptiblico ; y en todo
ese tiempo el Gobierno recibird un 8 por ciento de las
utilidades liquidas de la empresa, siempre que se hagan
dividendos a los accionistas, y bajo el concepto, de que
luego que haya utilidades, se hard por lo m^nos un idi-
videndo anual. Tambien percibird el Gobiemo, qiedi-
ante liquidacion y pago por meses, doce centavos por
cada uno de los pasegeros que transiten por la via
general.
"AhT. 26. — Al cspirar el plazo de la concesion,
tendra el Gobiemo mexicano el derecho de adquirir la
propiedad del ferrocarril con bus estaciones, telegrafos,
muelles, diques, utiles y pertenencias, por el avaluo
que de ellos hiciercn dos peritos nombrados uno por el
Gobiemo y otro por la compafiia, 6 por un tercero
designado por los primeros en caso de discordia.
Si el Gobiemo no usare del dereclio que le concede
la fraccion anterior, la compafiia La-Sere continuard
15
Abticle 22d. — The Government will protect the ooven>m«nt pro-
. tcction granted.
profieeution, preservation, and safety of the works with
all the force that it may deem desirable for a great
work of notorious public utility.
Abticle 23d. — The Government will keep open as <^«^ v^ ©J
•t A entry to be kept
ports of entry during the seventy years of the grant, ^^^
the port of Goatzacoalcos, on the Gulf of Mexico, and
of Ventosa, on the Pacific, or any other port that may
be deemed preferable.
Abticle 24th. — The privilege granted to the com- Minuter of fi-
^ n G ^ nance to regulate
pany for the transportation of merchandise will be prfyiieges.
regulated by the Minister of Finance, trying to pre-
vent abuses, and to facilitate its quick transmission ;
nor by said privilege is it to be construed that the
company has the right to open the sale of merchandise
on any point of the Isthmus.
Article 25Tn. — The concessions made to the com- cono«rioti» for
■eventy yeara.
pany will continue for seventy years, counting from the ^^"ig* ^
time when the railroad and telegraph are placed in the JS^t^e'^SSu
public service, and during all that time the Government ^r.***^ '**'^"
will receive eight per cent of the net profits of the enter-
prise, whenever dividends shall be declared for the
stockholders, and with the understanding that as soon
as there may be profits, one annual dividend, at least,
will be declared. The Government will also receive,
in monthly settlement and payment, twelve cents for
each passenger going over the general road.
Abticle 26th. — On the expiration of the term of An«r grant ex-
this grant the Mexican Government shall have the mentmayuke
right to acquire the proprietorship of the railroad, Uon.
with its stations, telegraphs, wharves, docks, tools, and
appurtenances, for the valuation that may be made by
two experts, one named by the Government, and the
other by the company, or by a third, appointed by the
former, in case of disagreement.
Should the Government not use the right given to
it by the previous clause, the La Sere Company will
16
gozando la propiedad y posesion del camino con todas
BUS obras j material ; pero cesardn las exenciones que
le concede esta ley, y seguird pagando al Gobiemo el 8
por ciento de las utilidades liquidas, y los doce centa-
vos por pasagero en los t^rminos que el articulo an-
terior lo previene.
" Art. 27. — La compafiia estarA obligada d llevar i
cualquier punto, en todo el tr&nsito del camino, libres
de gastos, la correspondencia 6 impresos que transiten
por 61, y d que d6 curso la oficina respectiva, recibien-
dolos y entregandolos con las formalidades debidas.
De la misma manera trasportar& todos los frutos y ob-
jetos que sean de propiedad del Gobiemo, por la mitad
de la tarifa. Igualmente conducird sin estipendio al-
guno, los oficiales, tropas, empleados 6 agentes de]
Gobiemo general 6 de los Estados, cuando caminen
por causa del servicio pdblico. Trasmitir^ tambien,
libres de gastos, por su linea telegrdfica, todos los men-
sages enviados por funcionarios 6 empleados de la Re-
pdblica mexicana, 6 de cualquiera de bus Estados, sobre
negocios p6blicos. Los metales y productos agricolos
6 industriales de la Beptiblica, ser&n trasportados por
un 30 por ciento m^nos del precio de tarifa, sujetdn-
dose & las reglas que se dicten por el Ministerio de
Hacienda.
" Art. 28.— El trdnsito por la via de comunicacion
sera libre para todos los liabitantes del globo ; pero se
aumentard un 25 por ciento & las mercancias de las na-
ciones que no tuvieren tratado de neutralidad con Mex-
ico, respecto del transito del Istmo.
" Abt. 29. — La compaiiia tendrd facultad de tras-
portar en balijas cerradas, que no podrdn abrirse, la
correspondencia extrangera, por la via de comunica-
cion ; y dichas balijas serdn selladas por la administra-
cion de correos, 6 la de las aduanas maritimas.
17
continne enjoying the proprietorship and possession of
the road, with all its works and material ; but the ex-
emptions granted by this law will cease, and it will
continue paying to the Government the eight per cent,
of the net profits, and the twelve cents per passenger, ac-
cording to the terms specified in the preceding article.
Abticle 27th. — The company will be obliged to ^[SJd ISi^Gw-
carry to any point on the whole line of the road, free Suffwt«r'*^
of cliarges, the correspondence and printed matter
sent by it from the respective post offices, and the com-
pany will receive and deliver the same with the due
formalities. The company will also carry, for half
tariff rates, all the freight and property of the Govern-
ment. Also, the company will give free transportation
to the officers, troops, employees, and agents of the
General Government, or of the State Governments
when traveling for purposes of public service. It also
will transmit, free of charge, by its telegraphic line, all
the messages sent by functionaries or employees of the
Mexican Republic, or any of its States, on public mat-
ters. The metals, agricultural and industrial products
of the Republic, will be transported at a reduction of
thirty per cent, less than the tariff rates, and be sub-
ject to the regulations that may be dictated by the
Minister of Finance.
Article 28th. — The transit by this route of com- Tnmdt open to
mnnication will be open to all the inhabitants of the °* °^'
globe, but will be increased twenty-five per cent, on
the merchandise of the nations not having a treaty of
neutrality with Mexico with regard to the transit of
the Isthmus.
Article 29th. — The company will have the privi- J^^*k° mV^
lege ot transporting by this route foreign correspond-
ence, in closed mail bags, which must not be opened :
and said mail bags will be sealed by the postmasters,
or the collectors of the maritime customs.
3
18
" Art. 30. — El Gobiemo nombrard la cnarta parte
de lo8 directores de la compafiia, y los nombrados per
61 tendrdn las mismas facultades j prerogativ^as que log
otroB ; podrd tambien constituir en el Istmo una eom-
ision que vigile las obras y trabajos que se emprendan
en virtud de este eontrato.
" Art. 31. — Los vapores 6 buques de la compafiia
tendrfin dereeho de navegar en el rio de Goatzacoalcos,
durante los setenta afios de la concesion, haci^ndolo
precisamente con bandera mexicana, y estafido obliga-
dos d tener la dotacion de oficiales y tripulaeiones que
las leyes requieren para los buques nacionales, formdn-
dola con inexicanos por nacimiento 6 por naturaliza-
cion. Para el segundo caso se dardn & la compafiia las
cartas de naturalizacion que pida.
" Art. 32. — La concesion otorgada en el articulo
anterior, no se opone d que otros buques y vapores na-
veguen en el rio Goatzacoalcos, para el comercio y cu-
alesquiera otros objetos, siempre que esa navegacion
sea arreglada d las leyes de la Repi&blica mexicana.
" Art. 33. — Los buques de la compafiia que con-
diizcan unicamente pasageros, correspondencia y mer-
cancias para el trdnsito de toda la via, estardn exentos
del dereeho de toneladas. Si condujeren ademas mer-
cancias para algun punto del Istmo, pagardn el dereeho
de toneladas por solo lo relativo d esas mismas mercan-
cias, y no por lo demas.
" Art. 34. — La compafiia se hard cargo de pagar lo
que legal y justamente pueda deberse del prestamo que
Mr. Francisco P. Falconett hizo d la empresa SIoo,
continuando el Gobiemo libre de toda responsabilidad
futura respecto de ese prestamo, y sin que por esto se
disminuya la parte de utilidades que le pertenezcan de
los productos del camino.
19
Article 30th. — The Govemmeut will name one- ctevcmment may
appoiDt one-
fourth of the number of the directors of the compauv, fourth ©r airec-
■^ ^ ' tors.
and those named by it will have the same rights and
prerogatives as the others. It will also have the right
to appoint a commission on the Isthmus to watch the
works and operations that may be undertaken in virtue
of this contract.
Article 31st. — The steamers and vessels of the Right to navigate
River.
company shall have the right to navigate the Goatz-
acoalcos Eiver, during the seventy years of the con-
cession, doing it necessarily under the Mexican flag,
and being obliged to have the muster of officers and
crew that the law requires for national vessels, forming
it with Mexicans by birth or by naturalization. In the
latter case, letters of naturalization will be given when-
ever the company may demand.
Article 32d. — The privilege sranted in the pre- Not to conflict
,. . 1 . n. . 1 T . . ^ with right of
cedmg article is not to conflict with the navigation of other veaseia.
the Goatzacoalcos River by other steamers and vessels,
for purposes of trade or otherwise, which vessels, in
their navigation, are to observe the existing laws of
the Mexican Republic.
Article 33d. — The company's vessels, carrying ex- JJJJJro^^uaSi-
clusively passengers, correspondence, and merchandise, potation.
for the transit of the whole route, shall be exempt from
tonnage duty. Should they, besides, carry merchan-
dise for any point on the Isthmus, they will pay ton-
nage duty only on that portion appropriated for said
merchandise, and no more.
Article 34th. — The companv will undertake to Company respon-
, IT 1-1 T. 11 1 Bible for JTiilconet
pay whatever may be legally and justly due on the loan.
lojtn that Mr. Francis P. Falconet made to the Sloo
Enterprise, the Government to continue free from all
responsibility in future with respect to said loan, and
without diminishing for that reason the part of the
profits that may belong to it out of the proceeds of
the road.
20
" Art. 35. — La empresa & que esta ley se refiere, es
y sera siempre exclusivamente mexicana ; j la compa-
fiia de La-Sere para el transito de Tehuantepec, aun
cuando se forme en el extrangero, se considerard, sin em-
bargo, como constituida ahora en la RepAblica mexi-
cana, cual si en ella misma se hubiere fonnado y or-
ganizado, con arreglo & las leyes mexicanas ; pero si
estimare oportuno constituir compaflias separadas, bajo
las razones sociales que escoja, para cada uno 6 para
varios de los ramos comprendidos en las operaciones
que debe ejecutar, podrd instituir tales compafiias, for-
mdndolas y organizdndolas, ya sea en la reptiblica, ya
en los Estados-Unidos, confbrme & la leyes generales 6
especiales del lugar en que las instituya, aunque siem-
pre deber&n ser consideradas como dependientes en
todo de la misma compafiia principal, exclusivamente
mexicana, y sujetas en consecuencia d las prescripcio-
nes de esta ley.
" Art. 36. — En virtud de lo provenido en el articu-
lo anterior, la compafiia La-Sere, y cualquiera otra que
pueda sucederle, asi como todos los extrangeros y los
sucesores de estos que tomen parte en la empresa, sea
como accionistas, empleados, 6 con cualquiera otro ti-
tulo 6 cardcter, seran considerados como mexicanos en
todo lo que d dicha empresa se refiera ; no podrdn ale-
gar respecto de los titulos relacionados con la empresa,
derechos de extrangeria ; solo tendrdn en caso de den-
egacion de justicia, los mismos derechos y medios de
hacerlos valer en todo lo concemiente d la empresa,
que los que las leyes de la Ilep6blica conceden d los
mexicanos ; y no podrdn liaoer valer dichos derechos
sino ante los tribunales mexicanos.
•^ Art. 37. — Las restricciones del articulo anterior
no tendrdn lugar en las discusiones 6 diferencias que se
susciten entre extrangeros accionistas, y fuera de la
Republica, en cuyo caso se podrdn examinar y decidir
como si las restricciones no existiesen ; pero sin que las
Artu'le 35tii. — Tlie enterprise to wliieli this law
SSii
A, is, and will ever be excliiBivelv Mexican, and i*"™ ™l».
/ r.. ^. n 1 . m , tavelbeprivllegt
La Sere (.onipany for tlie transit or Tehuante- o"'™"nK«''«-
tbougli it may be formed abroad, will be con- u'^gJ.SS?
iered, notbwitlietanding, as now constitHted within
Mexican Republic, ae mncli bo as if it Lad been
■ined and organized witbin it according to the Mex-
m laWB ; but if he should deem it opportmie to or-
different companies, with the titles or names
it he may elect, for tiie purpose of carrying out one
more of the objects comprehended in the operations
it lie hereby undertakes, he can constitute such con.-
ies, forming and organizing them, be it in this Re-
iblic, or be it in the United States, in conformity with
general or special laws of the place where he con-
Btitutes them, though they are always to be considered
as de}>endencie3 of the one principal company, exclu-
sively Mexican, and consequently subject to the pre-
ptions of this decree.
Article 36tii.— In virtue of the provisions of the ah tagagrA no*
iding article, the La Sere Compai]y,and any other "m'^Wwi^
which may succeed it, as also all the foreigners and icmi.
their successors who may take part in the enterprise,
whether as stoekholders, employees, or under any other
title or diaracter, will b6 regarded as Mexicans in
all that concerns said enterprise — they shall not
iug forward any claims based on their riglits as
ligners in any matter connected with eaid euter-
; and in case of appeal for redress, they sliall only
isTe the same rights and means of asserting them, in
anything concerning the enterprise, that the laws of
the Republic grant to Mexicans, and they shall only
:e good their said rights before the Mexican tri-
ial».
Abtiile 37rn,^The restrictions contained in the AcumjorfoMign
eding article shall not be operative in any contro- tpwi tu c™ii».ny
csies or differences that may arise between foreign tise™-
Krlcholders, out of the republic, in which case they
kay be examined and adjudged as if the said reetric-
Cpti
3e(
22
decisiones de los tribunales extrangeros afeoten en
manera alguna d las preBcripciones de este decreto, &
la compailia La-Scre, la eual se reputa mexicana para
todos los efeetos del raismo decreto, y d los intereses
mexicanos.
" Abt. 38. — La compafiia que forme La-Sere, no po-
drd traspasar, ni enagenar, ni hipotecar las concesiones
de esta ley, ni el ferrocarril, ni el tel^grafo, ni los di-
ques y muelles, sin consentimiento previo del Gobierno
general, y en ningun caso podrd traspasar, ni enagenar,
ni hipotecar las concesiones, ni el ferrocarril, ni el tel-
6grafo, ni los diques y muelles, & ningun Gobierno ex-
trangero, siendo nula y de ningun valor la enagenacion
6 hipoteca que se hiciere. Tampoco podrd la compa-
fiia admitir en ningun caso como socio d un Gobierno
6 Estado extrangero, siendo igualmente nula y de nin-
gun valor cualquiera estipulacion que hiciere en este
sentido. Se autoriza, sin embargo, d la compaUfa para
que sin la aprobacion del Gobierno pueda expedir y
vender bonos y obligaciones, cudndo, en las cantidades
y por el precio que juzgare conveniente, y para asegu-
rar el pago, hipotecando solo el ferrocarril, linea tele-
grdfica, estaciones, muelles, diques y demas obras, con
tal que la hipoteca no se extienda d la concesion, y que
se concluya d favor de individuos 6 asociaciones parti-
culares.
*' Art. 39. — D. Emilio La-Sere podrd establecer en
Nueva-York 6 en cualquiera otro punto de los Estados-
Unidos, la junta directiva de la compafiia, contrayendo
la obligacion de constituir en Mexico un apoderado,
amplia y suficientemente autorizado, y con las instruc-
ciones necesarias para entenderse con el Gobierno gen-
eral y demas autoridades de la Republica, en todos los
negocios que se reiieren d las obligaciones que le im-
pone este decreto d la empresa.
"Aet. 40. — Se permite a la compafiia que forme
La-Sere, establecer a su costa en el puerto de Huatul-
23
tions did not exist. But the actions of foreign tri-
bunals are not to affect in any way the provisions of
this decree, as towards the La Sere Company, which
shall be reputed Mexican for all the effects of said de-
cree and as Mexican interests.
Aeticle SSth. — The company to be formed by La No saie of road,
_- lit n iTiT -I 1 4c., without Gov-
Sere shall not transfer, sell, alienate, or hypothecate emment connent.
the concessions of this law, nor the railroad nor the g?J.*2™*°*P*^
teWraph, nor the docks and wharves, without the pre- Bondainaybc if-
' *^ sued and property
vious consent of the General Goveniment, and under hypothecated.
no circumstances will it be able to transfer, sell, or
hypothecate the concessions, or railroad, or telegraph,
or docks and wharves, to any foreign government ; such
sale, alienation, or hypothecation would of itself be a
nullity and of no value. Neither shall the company
admit, in any event, as associate, a foreign govern-
ment or State; any stipulation which might be made
in this sense would be equally null and of no value.
The company is, however, authorized, without the
approbation of the Government, to issue and sell
bonds and obligations, when, in amounts and for
the price it may deem advisable, and to secure pay-
ment by hypothecating only the railroad, telegraphic
line, stations, wharves, docks and other works; pro-
vide!, that the hypothecation should not extend to the
grant, and that it should be made to individuals or
private associations.
Article 39th. — Don Erailio La Sere has power to Board of director*
establish in New York, or in any other place of the sutet.
United States, the board of directors of the company,
contracting the obligation to appoint a representative in
Mexico, fully and suflBciently empowered, and furnished
with the necessary instnictions to treat with the Gen-
eral Government and other authorities of the Republic
on all matters which may refer to the obligations that
this decree imposes on the enterprise.
Article ^Oth. — Permission is given to the (jom- Depot for coai
^ and navy yard In
pany to be formed by La Sere to establish, at its u«>»t"Jco-
post, in the port of Huatulco, a depot for mineral
24
CO, un deposito de carbon de piedra j un astillero, que
estara bajo la iminediata vigilancia de la autoridad,
para la reparacion de los vapores que se ocupen en la
conduccion de pasageros j mercancias por el Istmo ;
pero sin que en ningun caso se entienda concedida la
propiedad del terreno destinado a tales establecimien-
tos.
" Art. 41 — Las obligaciones que contrae La-Sere
respecto de los plazos fijados en esta ley, se suspenderdn
en todo caso fortuito 6 de fuerza mayor, que inipida
directa y absolutaraente el cumplimiento de tales obli-
gaciones ; y la suspension durara solo por el tienipo
que dure el impedimento. D. Emilio La-Sere debera
presentar al Gobiemo general las noticias y pruebas de
liaber ocurrido un caso fortuito 6 de fuerza mayor, del
cardcter mencionado, dentro del t^miino de tres meses
de haber comenzado el impedimento; y por solo el
hecho de no presentar tales noticias y pruebas dentro
del termino sefialado, no podrd ya La-Sere alegar en
ningun tiempo la circumstancia de caso fortuito 6 de
fuerza mayor. Igualmente deberd presentar La-Sere
al Gobiemo general las noticias y pruebas de que los
trabajos ban continuado en el acto de cesar el impedi-
mento, 6 d lo menos dentro de dos meses despues de
haber cesado, bacidndose la expresada presentacion
dentro de los dos meses siguientes d los dos menciona-
dos. Solamente se abonard d D. Emilio La-Sere el
tiempo que Imbiere durado el impedimento, 6 a lo
sumo dos meses mas.
" Art. 42. — Se imponen a la compaiiia La-Sere las
restricciones siguientes :
" Primera, No podrd construir ninguna fortaleza
en el Istmo.
" Segunda, No podrd organizar fuerza armada de
ninguna clase ; pero los empleados de la compaflia po-
drdn estar armados para su defensa personal.
25
coal, and a ship yard, wliich will be under the imme-
diate vigilance of the authority, for the repair of
steamers which may be engaged in the transportation
of passengers and merchandise to and from the Isthmus ;
but in no event is it to be understood that the pro-
prietorship of the grounds used for sucli establishments
is conceded.
Article 418t. — The obliffations contracted by La obugauons u to
^ *^ *' , time suspended
Sere, with respect to the terms of time fixed by this <>«^ operation
, ^ , , , •'of "force ma-
law, will be suspended in any fortuitous case, or of J««w"
" force majeure," which may prevent, directly or ab-
solutely, compliance with said obligations, and the
suspension will continue only for the time the impedi-
ment lasts. Don Emilio La Sere shall present to
the General Government the notices and proof of
a fortuitous case, or of " force majeure," of the char-
acter mentioned having occurred within the term of
three months from the commencement of the impedi-
ment, and for the sole fact of not presenting such no-
tices and proofs within the term specified. La Sere
will not be able any longer to allege, at any time, the
circumstance of a fortuitous case, or case of " force
majeure." La Sere shall also present to the General
Government the notices and proofs that the works
were resumed immediately on the cessation of the im-
pediments, or at least within two months from the
time of such cessation, and notice of such fact will have
to be made within two months from the termination of
the two just mentioned. All that will be allowed to
Don Emilio La Sere will be the time of the duration
of the impediment, or, at the utmost, two months more.
Abticle 42d. — The following restrictions are im- BestricUoni.
posed on the La Sere Company :
JPtrsL It shall not construct anv fort on the Noforttobebuiit
■r ^ 1 " on Ifthmui.
Isthmus.
Second. It shall not organize an anned force of any no armed fwce
kind, but the employees of the company may be arm-
ed for their personal defense.
26
" Tercera. No podrd dar passage & fuerza alguna
armada extrangera, sin expresa autorizaeion del Gobi-
emo general.
" Cuarta. No podra conducir ningunos efectos de
nn beKgerante, declarados contrabando de giierra por
las leyes de la Kepubliea mexicana, sin expresa autor-
izaeion del Gobierno general.
" Quinta. No podrd dar pasage 4 fuerza alguna
armada nacional, ni conducir municiones 6 pertrechos
de guerra nacionales, sin expresa autorizaeion del Go-
bierno general, 6 de otra autoridad competente.
'* Sexta, Despedird inmediatamente de su servicio
a cualquiera de sus dependientes que baga 6 proteja el
contrabando, 6 que cometa cualquier delito, y auxili-
ara al Gobierno para su persecucion.
'^Setima. Pondra en ejecucion los medios que se
le designen por el Gobierno general, para que todo
pasagero observe las leyes aduanales de la Bepdblica.
" Art. 43. — Las concesiones otorgadas en la pre-
sente ley, caducardn por las causas siguientes :
" Primera. Por no dar la fianza dentro de noven-
ta dias contados desde la fecha de esta ley, por valor
de ($100,000) cien mil pesos, de que habla el art. 16.
" Segunda. Por no cumplir las obligacion^ relati vas
a la presentacion de los pianos y a la construccion de
los tramos y de todo el caniino, dentro de los plazos
fijados al efecto en esta ley.
" Tercera, Por construir alguna fortaleza en el
Istmo de Tehuan tepee.
" Cuarta, Por organizar fuerza armada de cual-
quiera clase que sea, sin comprender en esto a los
empleados armados para su defensa personal.
27
Third, It shall not ffive passage to any foreiscn no foreign armed
-^ ., ^ i..n ^<>"5e to be car-
armed lorce without an express authorization from rfeu.
the General Government.
Fourth, It shall not carry any eflPecte of a belHff- no contraband of
»f *' cr> war to be carried .
erent, declared contraband of war by the laws of
the Mexican Republic, without an express authoriza-
tion from the General Government.
Fifth. It shall not rive passage to any national TransportaUon of
X ^ *^ ^ . ^, "^ . , national armed
armed lorce, nor to carry national ammunition or force and war
materials sutaject
articles of war, without express authorization from to Government
1 ^ 1 i-i I* ^ authority.
tlie General Government or from some otlier com-
petent authority.
Sixth. It shall immediately discharge from itsser^* smuMier«and
^., ,,.^ - , ^ ^ criminals to be
ice any ot its subordinates who smuggle or protect discharged from
T 'A. ' • J ? n ^ company's em-
smuggling, or commit any crime, and shall co-operate pioy.
with the Government in the prosecution of the same.
•
Seventh, It shall execute all the measures thjit revt5i71aws*to
the General Government may designate, in order **®^*^«^-
that all passengers may observe the revenue laws of the
Eepublie.
Article 4r3D. — The privileges granted by this de- 'JJ"^'^*""°'
cree will be forfeited for any of the following reasons :
First. For failing to give, within ninety days, Jj^^"**°'
counted from the date of this decree, the security for
one hundred thousand dollars, as mentioned in Arti-
cle 16.
Second. For failiuff to comply with the obligations For failure to
^ **' o present plans
of this decree relative to the presentation of the plans, JSfd^^^SiJJ ^^e
and to the construction of the sections of the road, and "™**«*-
of the whole road, within the terms of time as fixed
by this law.
Third. For consti*uctinff any fort on the Isthmus fo'com*™*^"*
^ rw\ ^ D •/ fort on isthmus.
of Tehuantepec.
Fourth. For organizing an armed force, whatever fo'O'k?"*"*"^*"
" ^ ' armed force.
its character may be, but this does not include the em-
ployees of the company, who may be armed for their
personal defense.
28
^' Qumta. Por dar pasage & cualquiera fuerza
armada extrangera, siu expresa autorizacion del Gobi-
erno general, excepto en el caso de ftierza mayor,
plenamcnte justificado.
^^ Sexta. Por conducir, sin expresa autorizacion
del Gobienio general, efeetos de alguna potencia beli-
gerante, de los declarados contraband© de guerra por
las leyes de la Repdblica mexicana.
^' Setima. Por dar pasage & cualquiera fuerza
armada nacional, 6 conducir municiones 6 pertrechos
de guerra nacionales, sin expresa autorizacion del
Gobiemo general, 6 de otra autoridad competente, d
no ser que haya fuerza mayor, plenamente justificada.
" Octava. Por suspender durante un afio consecu-
tive los trabajos en el camino, 6 por dos afios cuando
se haya empleado en el ferrocarril y demas obras un
millon de pesos por lo menos.
" Ifovena. Por infringir cualquiera de las cMusu-
las de esta ley, en las que se previene que no podrd la
compafiia La Sere traspasar, ni enagenar, ni hipotecar
las concesiones de la misma ley, ni el ferrocarril ni el
telegrafo, ni los muelles y diques, sin previo consenti-
miento, del Gobierno general ; y que en ningun caso
podrA traspasar, ni enagenar, ni hipotecar las conces-
iones, ni el ferrocarril, ni el telegrafo, ni los muelles y
diques d ningun gobierno 6 Estado extrangero; no
pudiendo tampoco en ningun caso, admitir como socio
a ningun Gobiemo 6 Estado extrangero.
" Art. 44. — En caso de que la compaDia faltare d
las otras obligaciones 6 restricciones que le impone
esta ley, quedard sujeta d la reparacion de la falta, y
d la correspondiente indemnizacion.
" Art. 45. — En cualquiera de los cases especifi ca-
dos en el articulo 42, perdet*d la compafiia las con-
cesiones otorgadas en esta ley, de las cliales podrd
29
Fifth. For ffivinff passacce to any foreifimi armed fw unauthoriied
force Without express antliorization from the General fopeigo armed
Government, except in the case of overpowering force,
fnllj justified.
Sixth. For carrying, without express authorization rorcarrjiiigarti-
•f oy r cles contraband
from the General Government, effects of any belliger- o'*"'-
ent power of those declared by the laws of the Mexican
Republic contraband of war.
Seventh. For giving passage to any National armed For carrying Na-
_ o c3 A o */ tional amies
force, or carrying National ammunition or articles of without consent.
war, without an express authorization from the Gen-
eral Government or other competent authority, unless
done under the compulsion of superior force, fully
justified.
JBUghih. For suspending during one consecutive For suspension of
year the works on the road ; or lor two years, when one two years.
million of dollars, at least, have been expended on the
railroad, and other works.
Ninth. For violating any of the clauses of this de- SjhS'id*p.?J>.
cree in which it is provided that the La Sere Company JStSGo^era"'
shall not transfer, sell, alienate, or hypothecate the °*®°^
concessions of this same law, nor the railroad, nor tele-
graph, nor the wharves and docks, without the pre-
vious consent of the General Government, and that
in no event shall it transfer, sell, alienate, or hypothe-
cate the concessions, railroad, telegraph, wharves,
and docks to any foreign government or State, nor in
any event admit as associate any foreign government
or State.
Abticle 44th.— In case the company should fail to company iiawe
, JT •/ for non-oompU-
eomply with any of the other obligations or restrictions jj«» ^J^^ '
which this law imposes, it shall be subject to the
reparation of the fault, and to the corresponding in-
demnity.
Article 45th.— In any of the cases specified in EifectofforfeKure
Article 42d the company will forfeit the privileges
granted by this law, and the Government will be
30
disponer el gobierno d su arbitrio ; pero la conrpafiia
La-Sere conservard 6nicamente como de su propiedad,
los edificios que Imbiere conBtruido, la parte de camino
ya eoneluida, las locomotoras, Irenes y demas objetos
empleados en 8\i servicio ; y el Gobierno de la Repdb-
lica, 6 individuo 6 compafiia & quien este conceda su
derecho, lo tendrd para tomarlo todo, previo el pago
correspondiente segun el avaluo que al efecto practi-
earan peritos nombrados por ambas partes.
" Art. 46. — La compafiia que forme La-Sere queda
obligada d dar al Gobierno general anualmente, los
informes que tenga a bien pedirle respecto de la or-
ganizacion de la empresa, del estado de los trabajos
del ferrocarril, del capital empleado en 61, y de todo
cuanto el ministerio de fomento crea necesario para
tener conocimiento exacto de lo perteneciente d la via
de comunicacion por el Istmo de Tehuantepec.
" Art. 47. — Toda duda 6 controversia sobre la in-
teligencia 6 ejecucion de esta ley, serd decididapor los
tribunales federales competentes de la Eeptiblica mexi-
cana, con arreglo d las leyes de la misma.
" Salon de sesiones del Congreso 1
DE LA Union. >
Miixico, Diciembre 29 de 1868. )
JOSfi M. MATA,
Diputado Presidente.
JUAN SANCHEZ AZCONA,
DiptUado Secretario.
JULIO ZARATE,
Diputado Secretario,
31
able to dispose of them at pleasure, bat the La Sere
Company will only retain as its property the build-
ings which it may have constructed, the part of the
road already finished, the engines, rolling stock and
other objects in its service ; and the Government of the
Republic, or the individual or company to whom it
may concede its right, will have to take it all, subject
to corresponding reimbursement, according to valua-
tion, which, for the purpose, will be made by arbi-
trators, named on both sides.
Abticle 46th. — The company which La Sere may au information
form, is obliged to furnish to the General Government, company to be
^ , , , ftimuhed to Gov-
annually, the information which may be asked from it, emmcnt.
as to the organization of the undertaking, the condition
of the works of the railroad, the capital invested in it,
and everything that the Minister of the Department
of Improvement may desire to ascertain concern-
ing the route of inter-oceanic communication across the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
Abticle 47th. — All doubts or controversy as to the controvcwies
, . . ooncembif the
construction or execution of this law will be decided conitructfon and
execution of this
by the competent Federal Tribunals of the Republic {f'jjjjjij^®*^'*®**
of Mexico, and in conformity with its laws. trfbunau.
Haix of the Sessions of the Congress )
OF the Union, >
Mexico, 29th December, 1868. J
JOSfi M. MATA,
Deputy President
JUAN SANCHEZ ASCONA,
Dejpicty Secretary.
JULIO ZARATE,
Deputy Secretary.
32
" Pot tantOj mando se impriina, publique, circule
y se le d6 el debido cumplimiento.
" Dado en el palacio nacional de Mexico,
d 2 de Enero de 1869.
BENITO JUAREZ.
*' Al C. Bla8 Balcaroel,
Ministro de Fomervto^ (Jclonizacion^ Indvstria
y Comercio.^^
Y lo comunico & vd. para su inteligencia y fioes
consiguientes.
Independencia y Libertad. )
M6xico, Enero 2 de 1869. j
BALCAROEL."
33
Iherefare^ I order that it be printed, published,
circulated, and duly observed.
Given in the National Palace of Mexico,
on the 2d of January, 1869.
BENITO JUAREZ.
To the citizen Blas Baloabcel,
Minuter of Improvement^ Colonization^ Indus-
try^ and Commerce,
And I communicate it to you for your intelligence
and corresponding ends.
Independence and Lebebty, )
Mexico, 2d of Jan'y, 1869. J
BALCARCEL.
TR ASPASO
DC LA
MODIFIOADA OONOESION
EMILIO LA SEEE
A LA
COMPA^IA DEL FEEEOCAKRIL DE
TEHUANTEPEC.
Febrero V DE 1869.
Sepasepor las presentes :
Que el Gobierno de M^jico en Octubre del afio de
nuetro sefior mil, ochocientoB, sesenta y siete, eoneedio
autoridad d una compaflia que Be iba & establecer el
Sefior Don Emilio La Sere, para que se abriera una
comunicacion inter-oc6anic a traves del Istmo de
Tehuantepec, bajo ciertas condiciones y con ciertas
privilegios, expresadoB en la eoncesion d que se refiere,
cuya concesion fu6 modificada y ratificada por el Con-
greso de M6jico, el veintinueve de Diciembre del afio
de nuestro senor, mil ochocientos, sesenta y oebo, y en
el dia dos de Enero de mil ochocientos sesenta y nueve
fue por el Presidente Constitucional mandada imprimir,
publicar, circular y observar y la cual concesion fue
en debida forma publicada en el Diario Oflcial del
Supremo Gobierno de la Reptiblica de Mdjico el dia
cuatro de Enero del afio de nuestro sefior rail, ocrho-
cientos, sesenta y nueve.
Ml tanto qv£^ el dicho La Sere en conformidad con
lo concesion ha establecido una compafiia con los
objetos y con las facultades que quedan mencionados,
bajo el titulo de CompaSia del Ferrocabbil de Te
HUANTEPEC, cuya incorporacion fu^ concedida por la
Asamblea General del Estado de Vermont.
CONVEYANCE
OF
AMENDED GRANT.
EMILIO LA SEEE
TO THE
TEHUANTEPEC RAILWAY COMPANY.
Dated February Ist, 1869,
-♦♦♦-
Know aU mmi by these presents :
That wliereas the Government of Mexico, in Octo-
ber, one thousand eiglit hundred and sixty-seven,
granted authority to a company to be formed by Don
Emilio La S^re to open inter-oceanic communication
across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, upon certain con-
ditions, and with certain rights expressed in the grant,
to which reference is to be had, which said grant was
modified and confirmed by the Congress of Mexico oti
the 29th day of December, 1868, and on the 2d day of
January, 1869, was ordered by the Constitutional
President of Mexico to be printed, published, cir-
culated, and observed, and which was duly printed
and published in the Diario Official of the Supreme
Government of the Republic of Mexico, on the 4th
day of January, 1869 ; and
WhereaSy the said La Sere, in pursuance of the
said grant, has formed a company for the purposes and
with the powers therein mentioned, under the name
of the Tehuantepec Railway Company, the incorpo-
ration of which company has been established by the
General Assembly of the State of Vermont :
86
Por lo tanto j en conBideracion de la materia de
que se trata y de un peso pagado por dicha compafiia
& dicho La Sere j por otras baenas e importantes con-
sideraciones, dicho Emilio La Sore ha concedido
y transferido y por estas preeentes concede, y trans-
fere & diclia Compafiia del Ferrocarril de Tehnan-
tepec, todos los derechos, privilegios 6 inmunidades,
concedidoB, mencionadoso sobreentendidos en la dicha
concesion como quedo modificada y ratificada, y por
este, el dicho La Sere declara que dicha compafiia
esta revestida con todos los derechos y facultades
con que el Gobiemo de Mejico intento revestir la com-
pafiia que se iba a formar el dicho La Sere, como queda
mencionado en aquella concesion asi modificada y rati-
ficada.
£m testimonio de lo &ual, el dicho La Sere firmo y
sello el presente el primer dia de Febrero del afio de
nuestro sefior mil, ochocientos, sesenta y nueve.
EMILIO LA SERE, [sello.]
Firmado, sellado y entregado
en presencia de
Chables B. Elliman.
J. B. Pebby.
E»tado% Unidos de la America^ Estado de Nueoa
Tarh^ Ciudad y Condado de Nueva York :
Hoy dia diez y ocho de Febrero del afio de nuestro
senor mil, ochocientos sesenta y nueve, ante mi com-
parecio personalmente Emilio La Sere, d quien doy f(§
y conozco y en mi presencia firm6 el presente decla-
rando liaberlo otorgado para los fines y efectos que en
61 se expresan.
En testimonio de lo cual y para que conste firmo el
presente y le sello con el sello de mi oficio el dia y
afio dntes mencionado.
HENRY STANTON,
Notario Publico,
Estado, Ciudad y Condado de Nuevf^ York.
37
Therefore^ in consideration of the premises, and of
one dollar paid by the said company to the said La
Sere, and for other good and valuable considerations,
the said Emilio La Sere has granted, assigned, and
transferred, and does hereby grant, assign, and trans-
fer to the Tehuantepec Railway Company aforesaid all
the rights, privileges, and franchises granted, men-
tioned, or intended in or by the said grant as so modi-
fied and confirmed, and does hereby declare that the
said company is fully invested with all the rights and
powers with which the Government of Mexico in-
tended to clothe the company to be formed by the said
La Sere as mentioned in the said grant as so modified
and confirmed.
In witness whereof the said La Sere has hereto set
his hand and seal, this first day of February, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-nine.
EMILIO LA SERE, [seal.]
Signed, sealed, and delivered
in presence of
Charles B. Elliman.
J. B. Pekey.
United States of America^ State of New York^ City
and County of New York :
On this eighteenth day' of February, in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine,
before me personally came Emilio La Sere, to me
known to be the individual described in and who
executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged
that he executed the same for the purposes therein
mentioned.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and afiSxed my official seal, the day and year last above
written.
HENRY STANTON,
Notary Public,
State, City, and County of New York.
ACTA
PABA ESTABLECER EL ESCRITCRAMIENTO
DE LA
CoMPANIA DElFeRROCARRIL DeT
MPANIA DEL £ ERROCARRIL DE 1 EHUANTEPEC.
> ♦ •
C0N8IDERANIX), que el Gobierno de Mexico, en
Octubre de mil ocho cientos sesenta j siete, concedio
autoridad k una compallia que debia formar Don
Emilio La S£re, para abrir una comunicacion inter-
ocednica al traves del Istmo de Tehuantepec, bajo
ciertafi condiciones j con ciertos derechos expresados
en la concesion hoy archivada en la oficina del Secre-
tario de Estado de este Eetado, ^ la eual es precise
referirse ; y
CormderandOy que el citado La Sere, en virtud de
dicha concesion y de los articulos de asociacion, ha
formado una corapafiia con el objeto y las facultades
que en adelante se raencionan, y bajo el nombre de la
CompaSia del Ferrocarril de Tehuantepec, en la
forma siguiente, d saber :
articulos de asociacion de la COMPAKIA DKL FI'3R0-
CARRIL DE TEHUANTEPEC.
Consider ANDO, que el Gobierno de Mexico, en
Octubre de 1867, concedio autoridad d una compafiia
que debia formar Don Emilio La Sere, para abrir una
comunicacion interoceanica al traves del Litmo de
Tehuantepec, bajo ciertas condiciones y con ciertos
derechos expresados en la concesion d que es precise
referirse ; y
Considerando^ que el citado La Sei*e, en virtud de
dicha concesion, hd formado una compafiia con el
objeto y las facultades que aqui se mencionan ;
AN ACT
TO ESTABLISH THE INCORPORATION
OF THB
Tehuantepec Railway Company.
Whereas, the Government of Mexico, in October, PrewnweMex!.
' ' , can grant.
eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, granted authority
to a company to be formed by Don Emilio La S^be,
to open inter-oceanic communication across the Isth-
mus of Tehuantepec, upon certain conditions and
with certain rights expressed in the grant, now on file
in the office of the Secretary of State of this State, to
which reference is to be had ; and
Whereas^ the said La Sere, in pursuance of the
said grant, has by articles of association formed a
company, for' the purposes and with the powers
hereinafter mentioned, under the name of Tehuan-
tepec Railway Co^ipany, in the following words, to
wit:
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE TEHUANTEPEC RAIL-
WAY COMPANY, 1867.
Whereas, the Government of Mexico, in October, Articiei of wux^
1867, granted authority to a company to be formed
by Don Emilio La S6re to open inter-oceanic com-
munication across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, upon
certain conditions and with certain rights expressed in
the grant, to which reference is to be had ; and
Whereas^ the said La Sere, in pursuance of the usere formed
said gi'ant, has formed a company for the purposes ^J**"**"^'
and with the powers therein mentioned ;
40
Pot tcmto, por la presente se atestigua y declara lo
que sigue :
Primero, — ^El nombre de dicha compafiia es Com-
PANIA DEL FeBROCARRIL DE TeHTJANTEPEC.
Segundo. — La compafiia continuard mientras dure
la citada concesion, y durante el tiempo que se la
prorogue.
Tercero, — ^El capital de la compafiia es de diez y
oclio millones de pesos, divididos en acciones de cien
pesos -cada una, cuyo capital serd considerado como
equivalente de los derechos, privilegios y fitinquicias
otorgadoB por dicha concesion, y no estari sujeto i
otras contribuciones 6 demandas, y la cantidad total
se dividird entre los accionistas en la forma siguiente :
A Emilio La S£re, treinta mil acciones.
A Luis Eugenio Haboous, mil acciones.
A Pedro A. Hargous, mil acciones.
A HoBAcio J. Heisch, cien acciones.
A SmoN Stevens, Fideicomisario, ciento cuarenta
y siete mil novecientas acciones.
Cua/rto, — Los accionistas se reuniran una vez al
afio, el segundo lunes de Enero, para elegir directores,
hacer 6 cambiar los reglamentos, y despachar los
demas negocios corrientes de la compafiia. Tambien
pueden ser convocados en cualquiera otra 6poca por el
Presidente 6 dos directores cualquiera, arisando con
dos raeses de anticipacion en anuncio inserto en tree
periodicos diarios de la ciudad de Nueva York.
Quinto. — Los accionistas pueden en cualquiera
reunion regular, y por los votos de la mayoria .de
intereses, redactar y establecer reglamentos que pro-
Vean d la construccion, operacion, y manejo del ferro-
carril u otras obras dela compafiia, el modo de admitir
nuevos accionistas y el de hacer el traspaso de las
acciones y los intereses de los accionistas & nuevod
accionistas 6 d los apoderados, el numero de empleados,
41
Therefore^ it is hereby witnessed and declared as
follows :
Fir%t. — The name of the said company is The Name.
Tehuantepec Railway Company.
Second. — The company is to continue during the !>«»»«<».
continuance of the said grant and of any extension
thereof.
Third. — The capital of the company is eighteen gy**»>» 118,000,-
millions of dollars, divided into shares of one hundred awetHnent.
dollars each, which capital is to be deemed an equiva-
lent for the rights, privileges, and franchises conferred
by the said grant, and not liable to further contribu-
tion or assessment ; and the whole amount thereof is
divided among the shareholders, as follows :
To Emilio La S6re, thirty thousand shares. sharebdden and
To Louis Eug6ne Haboous, one thousand shares. ««*•
To Peteb a. Haboous, one thousand shares.
To HoBACE J. Heisch, one hundred shares.
To Simon Stevens, trustee, one hundred and forty-
seven thousand nine hundred shares.
Fourth. — The shareholders shall meet once a year, Meeting of share-
on the second Monday of January, to choose the ofSrSiwi*^*****^
directors, make or change the by-laws, and transact
other proper business of the company. They may
also be convened at any other time by the President
or any two directors, upon two months' previous
notice inserted in three of the daily newspapers in the
city of New York.
Fifth. — The shareholders at any regular meeting shareholders majr
may, by the votes of a majority in interest, frame and
establish by-laws providing for the construction,
operation, and management of the railway and other
works of the company ; the mode of admitting new
shareholders, and of transferring the shares and in-
teroBts of shareholders to new shareholders or assigns)
6
42
8U8 deberes y coinpenBaciones, el mado de celebrar
contratos, y generalmente Iob medios y raanera de
establecer el ferrocarril y otras obras de la referida
corapafiia, el de proseguirlas, y el de la gerencia y
inanejo de toda la propriedad y asuntos de dicha
compafiia.
Sexto, — ^La compafiia no se considerard dieuelta por
la muerte 6 acta de cuaqluier accionista, pero su sucesor
en intereses ocupari bu lugar, y lo8 derechos de cada
accionista dependeran del complimiento, por parte
suya, de las obligaciones que se le imponen por la re-
ferida concesion, por estos artieulos, y por los regla-
mentos, y en caso de no cumplir con los mismos, des-
pues de bab^rsele notificado por escrito, y con sesenta
dias de anticipacion, que asi lo baga, perderd bus dere-
cbos, los cuales pasardn & ser adquisicion de los demas
accionistas.
Setimo. — La referida compafiia serd manejada du-
rante el primer afio por cuatro directores, y despues
del primer atio por siete directores. Para el primer
alio serdn directores, Emilio La-S^re, Luis E. Hargous,
y Simon Stevens, que son tres de los actuales accionistas,
dejando al Gobierno de Mexico que nombre otro para
dicbo afio. Las tres personas mencionadas conservaran
su empleo de directores hasta el segundo Lunes de
Enero de mil ocho cientos sesenta y nueve, y liasta que
otros scan elegidos en su lugar. En cada afio despues
del primero se elegiran anualmente cinco directores
por los accionistas y de entre ellos mismos, y los dos
restantes scran nombrados por el Gobierno de Mexico.
Octavo. — Toda vacante que ocurra entre los direc-
tores, por muerte, dimision, u otra causa, serd cubierta
durante el resto del plazo por el voto de los directores
restantes.
Naveno. — Los directores de la compafiia elegirdn
uno de entre ellos que serd Presidente, y de entre los
accionistas se elegird un Vice-President e, un Tesorero,
y un Secretario de la compafiia.
43
the number, duties, and compensation of officers ; the
manner of making contracts, and generally the means
and mode of establishing the railway and other works
of the said company, and carrying them on, and of
controlling and managing all the property and aifairs
of the said company.
Sixth, — The company shall not be deemed dis- comply not di«.
^ *' ^ BolTed by death
Bolved by the death or act of any shareholder, but his ^J^^ •^****'
successor in interest shall stand in his place ; and the
rights of each shareholder shall depend on his own
fulfilment of the conditions imposed on him by the
said grant, and these articles and the by-laws ; and in
case of his failure to fulfil the same after sixty days'
notice in writing to him £o do so, his rights shall be
forfeited to and devolve upon the remaining share-
holders.
Seventh, — The said company is to be manaf^ed foot directon
•*• •' ^ nret year ; after*
during the first year by four directors, and after the "^^^^ ^vcn.
first year by seven directors. For the first year
Emilio La S6re, l-iouis E. Hargous, and Simon Stevens,
being three of the present shareholders, shall be
directors, leaving to the Government of Mexico to
appoint one other for that year. The three persons
last named shall hold their offices of directors till the
second Monday of January, one thousand eight hun-
dred and sixty-nine, and until others are chosen in
their places. For every year after the first, five Mexico to have
directors shall be chosen annually by the shareholders after first ye«r.
out of their own number, and the remaining two shall
be appointed by the Government of Mexico.
Eighth, — ^Any vacancy that may happen among vacancies to
the directors by death, resignation, or otherwise, shall matoingdirec-
be filled for the remainder of the term by the votes of
the remaining directors.
Ninth, — The directors of the company shall choose choice of Pre«i-
/.!• 1 i-nk.-i i/» ^'^^^ Vlce-Pre«l-
one ot their number to be Jrresident, and from among dent, Treasurer,
^ and Secretary.
the stockholders shall choose a Vice-President, a
Treasurer, and a Secretary of the company.
44
Decimo. — Sera obligacion del Presidente presidir
todas las reuniones de accionistas y directores, y en
general atender d los negocios de la compafiia bajo la
direccion de los accionistas y directores; y en su
ausencia 6 por imposibilidad de presidir, ocupara su
lugar el Vice-Presidente.
Undecimo, — Serd obligacion del Tesorero Uevar los
libros de certificados de acciones, y de todos los fondos
de la compaflia, qne serdn depositados «n nn banco
designado por los directores, y serdn desembolsados
bajo su direccion ; pero no se pagard cantidad alguna
a no ser en virtud de voto do los directores. y con
cheques firmados por el Tesorero y refrendados por el
Presidente.
Duodecimo, — SerA obligacion del Secretario llevar
todos los libros y documentos de la compaflia que no
scan llevados por el Tesorero, y tomar cuenta y razon
de los votos y transacciones de los accionistas y direc-
tores.
Decimo-terdo. — El sello serd de forma circular,
contendrd el escudo de armas de Mexico, con las pala-
bras " CoMPASfiA del Feebocarbil de Tehtiantepec,
1867," grabadas en la circunferencia.
Decimo-^yuarto. — Los directores pueden nombrar y
relevar d su albedrio todos los empleados subalternos
de la compaflia, y tendrdn el manejo y gerencia general
de los negocios de la compaflia, siempre con sujecion &
la autoridad superior de los accionistas.
Decimo^into. — No se incurrird en ninguna deudn,
6 cualquiera otra obligacion por parte de la compaflia,
a no ser por voto de los directores en reunion regular,
y las misraas solo serdn pagaderas con las propiedades
de la compaflia, y en ningun caso estardn sujetos los
accionistas d responsabilidades personale^ de ninguna
calse.
45
Tenth. — It shall be the duty of the PreBident to ^ ©f Preri-
preside at all meetings of the shareholders and direc-
tors, and generally to superintend the business of the
company under the direction of the shareholders and
directors ; in his absence or inability to act, the Vice-
President shall take his place.
Eleventh. — It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to Duty of Tms-
keep the books of share certificates, and all the moneys
of the company which shall be deposited in a bank
designated by the directors, and shall be disbursed
under their direction ; but no money shall be paid
except in pursuance of a vote of the directors, and
upon checks signed by the Treasurer, and counter-
signed by the President.
Iwelfih. — It shall be the duty of the Secretary to Duty of secre-
keep all the books and papers of the company not
kept by the Treasurer, and to record the votes and
transactions of the shareholders and directors.
Thirteenth.— The seal shall be in circular fonn, DewipUonof
containing the coat of arms of Mexico, with the words
** Tehuantepec Kailway Company, 1867," on the cir-
cumference.
Fourteenth. — The directors may appoint and re- control of com-
•^ ■*■ *• piuiy In dlrecloni
move at pleasure all subordinate officers of the com- subject to autho-
* ' rity of share
pany, and shall have the general management and boiden.
control of the affairs of the company, subject always
to the superior authority of the shareliolders.
Fifteenth. — No debt or other obligation of the contiacUon of
company can be incurred except by a vote oi the viduai uatuiues.
directors at a regular meeting, and the same must be
made payable only out of the property of the com-
pany ; and in no event shall the shareholders be sub-
ject to any personal responsibility whatever.
46
Decimo-sexto, — ^Todo contrato de la oompauia debe
ser firmado por el Presidente y el Secretario, y sella^o
con el sello de la compailia.
En fe de lo cual, el citado EmiHo La-Sere y los
demas accionistas de dicha compaflia, ban firmado y
sellado la presente, boy, diez y seis de Diciembre de
mil ocbo cientoB sesenta y siete.
EMILIO LA-S£RE. [8ELL0.]
L. E. HARGOUS. [sello.]
P. A. HARGOUS. [sello.]
H. J. HEISCH. [SELLO.]
SmON STEVENS, [sello.]
Fideicomisario.
Sellado y entregado en
presencia de
Charles B. Elliman.
W. H. Morgan.
Por tanto,
La Aaamblea Oeneral dd Estado de Vernumt
decretapor la presente :
Articulo 1. — Que Emilio La-Sere, Lnis Eugenic
Ilargous, Pedro A. Hargous, Horacio J. Ileiscb, y
Simon Stevens, y cualesquiera otras personas que en
lo sucesivo sean accionistas de dicba compafiia, quedan
autorizadas por la presente en cuerpo corporado bajo
el nombre de Compaflia del Ferrocarril de Tebuan^
tepee, con todos los derecbos, privilegios y franquicias
otorgadas por la antedicba concesion del Gobiemo de
Mexico, 6 que en lo sucesivo sean otorgadas por cual-
quiera concesion adicional, con el fin de llevar & cabo
todos los objetos A que se refiere dicba concesion, con
sujecion a las cldqsi^las de los antedicbos articulos de
asociacioUf
47
Sixteenth. — ^Every contract of the company must S**"^*^i2^
be signed by the President and Secretary, and sealed Jf"*"*??^^
with the seal of the company.
In witness whereof the said Emilio La S6re and
the other shareholders of the said company have
hereto set their hands and seals, this sixteenth day of
December, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-
seven.
EMILIO LA SEKE. [seal.]
L. E. HAEGOUS. [seal.]
P. A. IIAEGOUS. [seal.]
H. J, HEISCH. [seal.]
SIMON STEVENS, [seal.]
Trustee.
Sealed and delivered in
the presence of
Charles B. Elliman.
W. H. Morgan.
Therefore,
It is hereby enacted hy the General Assembly of
the State of Vermont :
Section 1. — That Emilio La Sere, Louis Eugene iDoorporatioa of
Hargous, Peter A. Hargous, Horace J. Heisch, and RiulnSr c^-
Simon Stevens, and such other persons as shall here-
after become stockholders in said company, are hereby
constituted a body corporate by the name of the
Tehuantepec Railway Company, with all the rights,
privil^es, and franchises given by the above-mentioned
grant from the Government of Mexico, or that may Ivere-
after be given by any amendment or enlargement of
said grant, or by any additional grant, and for the pur-
pose of carrying out all the objects contemplated in
said grant, subject to the provisions of the aforesaid
articleB of association.
48
Articvlo 2. — T la referida compaflia queda autori-
zada para coustruir, comprar 6 fletar baques de vapor
6 de otra clase, y todo el equipo necesario para los
mismos, y para hacerlos navegar desde y hasta cual-
quiera de los terminos del citado Ferrocarril de
Teliuantepee, & eualqoiera otro puerto 6 puertos, eon
objeto de trasportar flete 6 pasageroB desde J hasta
cualquiera de dichos t^rminofl; y puede adquirir y
coDservar los bienes raiees neceBarios para establecer
convenientes diqaes, atracaderoB, muelles y almaceDes
para los mismos.
Articxdo 3. — Esta acta tendrd efecto desde su apro-
bacion.
Aprobado el 10 de Noviembre de 1868.
JOHN B. PAGE,
Gk)bemador.
EsTADo DB Vermont,
Oficina del Sbceetario de Estado.
Oertifico que lo que antecede es copia exaeta del
acta de la Asamblea General, aprobada el 10 de
Noviembre, 1868, y archivada en esta oficina.
En fe de lo cual firmo con mi nombre, y
estampo el sello de esta oficiana, en Mont-
[l. 8.] pelier, & once de Noviembre del afio del
Sefior mil ocho-cientos sesenta y ocho.
GEORGE NICHOLS,
Secretario de Estado.
k i
49
Section 2. — And the said company is authorized to t'^S'I^^^^^^
*■ *^ build or charter
bnild, purchase, or charter steam or other vessels, and J^f^jJjfS? ****'**
all proper equipments for the same, and to nin the
same to and from either of the termini of said
Tehuantepec Railway to any other port or ports, for
the purpose of carrying freight or passengers to and
from the same ; and may acquire and hold any real
estate necessary for suitable docks, piers, wharves, and
warehouses for the same.
Sectim 3.— This act shall take effect from its i^^^^i*""^*
passage.
Approved, Nov. 10, 1868.
JOHN B. PAGE,
Governor.
State of Vermont,
Office of Secbetary of State.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy
of an act of the General Assembly, approved Novem-
ber 10, 1868, and now on file in this office.
In witness whereof, 1 hereunto subscribe my
name, and cause the seal of this office to
[l. s.] be affixed, at Montpelier, this eleventh day
of November, A. D. one thousand eight
hundred and sixty-eight.
GEORGE NICHOLS,
Secretary of State.
PROJECT
ADOPTED BY THE
Tehuantepkc Railway Company,
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROPOSED
RAILWAY, CARRIAGE KG A J) AND TELE-
GRAPH LINE,
ACROSS THE ISTHMUS OF TKHUANTEPEC,
AiTGUST :51bt, 1868.
Approved by the Mexican Government, Jannary 51 h, 1869.
Engineer's Office, /
New York, August, 1868. j
To Simon Stevens, Esq.,
PremUnt of the Tehuantepec
Raihcay Company^ New Yoi'k.
Sir : In accordance with your instructions, I here-
with submit the general specifications of the project
for the contemplated line of communication by rail-
road between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific
Ocean, across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, based upon
the detailed information in your possession, acquired
by the various surveys and explorations whicli liave
been made from time to time, and which I have care-
fully studied, having in view as a guide the spirit and
letter of the grant conferred by President Juarez, of
the Mexican Republic, upon Don Emilio La Sere, and
under which grant your Company is organized.
Accompanying the specification is a Map, exhibit-
ing in 7'ed line the proposed route of Railroad across
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, and in gre^iJi the route for
a Carriage Road, and dotted in yelloio the line of Tel-
egraph.
With the data in my possession, I have selected
these lines of route as in my judgment best calculated
to furtlier tlic interests of both parties in the grant,
liaving always in view the true interests of the Com-
pany and the wants of commerce.
Tlie surveys of tlie Goatzacoalcos River show
ample depth of water from the bar at the mouth of
the river to Minatitlan, a distance of twenty miles.
It would appear that tlie bar has undergone little
if any change since the time of Cortcz ; and tlie nature
of the ridge constituting the bar offers no serious im-
pediment to modern skill in opening a channel of
tliree liundred feet in width through the bar, with a
depth of water at low tide of eighteen feet. After
the bar is passed, sea steamers will find no difliculty in
making Minatitlan at all stages of water; and for
sailing vessels, the advantages of tliis terminus may
repay the outlay requisite to provide steam tugs for
the iiscent of the river to Minatitlan. Though future
examinations may show the possibility of the existence
of a feasible line for a railroad from the moutli of the
river, and following the line of sand hills towards
Miniapan, and crossing the Rio Tierra Nueva, and
thence following the ridge to near the village of Cosu-
liacaque, where it would branch from the route which
makes Minatitlan its terminus, yet it would not be
prudent at this date to fix upon the precise northern
terminus of the road on the Gulf, as before determin-
ing so important a question minute and detailed ex-
aminations should be made, more than such as would
suflSce for the determination of the bare feasibility of
routes.
The principles which should govern in the con-
53
8truction of the road would be the same in either
case. ,
The same may be said in reference to the terminus
on the Pacific coast. Vcntosa has been regarded as
the proper terminus, and I propose for descriptive
purposes so to regard it; yet I'wonld suggest that, if
possible, the right be reserved of making Salina Cruz
the port for the terminus of the road, should future
examinations show its advantages over the port of
Vcntosa. As the proper crossing of the Tehuantepec
River is at lluilotepec in either case, it affects neither
the location nor length of the road to any appreciable
extent.
It should be borne in mind that even in the United
States, comparatively well settled and open, changes
of location are frequently considered desirable after
the construction of tlie roads have made some progress :
liow much more will this possibly be called for in a
country so difficult and heavily timbered as this, and
where in the absence of correct maps the precise
bearing of importiint and controlling obstacles cannot
be known with certainty until minute examination
has^ developed them. Experience has shown that of
all the funds invested in public works, none makes a
better return than that expended in determining be-
yond question the most advantageous locations.
Having in view these possible modifications, the
general line of location of the works and the principles
which will govern in their construction may bo stated
as follows :
I.— LOC^ATION OF KOAD.
Leaving the i)recise point in the village of Mina-
titlan open to future negotiation with property-hold-
ers, the line taking the slope of the ridge north of that
village, passes just south of Cosuliacaque, thence just
south of Tesistepec, following (with but slight varia-
54
tion and for the purpose of correct alignment) the line
of overflow, thence curving to the south and cast of
Lake Otiapa, thence curving southerly to the eastward
of the hacienda of Alinagro, thence nearly straight, to
within one mile west of Mount Encantada, thence
curving westwardly, tind direct to the selected crossing
of the Jaltepec, about 5 miles west of Suchil, known
as " Ilargousana."
For this division of the road, the line is quite direct,
the curves of easy radius, and the grades gentle.
The principle governing in its location being to
preserve the grade from about 3 to 5 feet above the
level of extreme overflow, and at the foot of the slopes
of high land which constituted the dividing ridge be-
tween the waters of the San Juan and Goatzacoalcos
Rivers, and following this line to preserve the shortest
practicable route to the crossing of the Jaltepec. At
Ilargousana the Jaltepec is crossed at a level of 110
feet above high tide at Ventosa ; the line from thence
south, following a depression in the ridge, and rising
for li miles at the rate of 60 feet to the mile, to the
summit which divides the waters of the Jaltepec from
those of the Jumuapa River. This summit is just
south of the Picadura to Suchil, and is 290 feet above
the tide.* The line thence descends for 8 miles, crossing
several branches of the Jumuapa, until it reaches the
latter at Paso de la Puerta ; crossing the river at this
l)lace at a height of 155 feet above tide, the line then
follows a branch of the Jumuapa which lies in the
direction of the route to the summit between the val-
leys of the Jumuapa and the Sarabia, a distance of 6
miles, 2 miles of which is at the rate of 60 feet to the
mile, with a total rise in that distance of 195 feet.
From this summit the line continues direct to the
Sarabia River, a distance of 4 miles, over a gently
* Whore reference is made to tide, it means Iho level of high tide
at Ventosa.
55
nndulating profile, and crossing the latter river at a
hciglit above tide of oO.*) feet (or a fall of but 47 feet
in 4 miles), curves to the eastward, and following a
broinch of the Sarabia for 2 miles, with a rise of 20
feet perniile, reaches the summit between the Sarabia
and Malatengo liivers at a height above tide of 340
feet ; thence following over a gently descending grade
a tributary of the Malatengo (Arroyo de los Venados
about 2 miles south of Boca del Monte), it crosses the
latter river about 2S0 feet above tide, and near its
junction with the Eio Almaloya, and skirting the base
of the upland between the two rivers, takes the valley
of the Rio Almaloya, which it follows to the plains of
Chivela, a distance of 24 miles, rising in that distance
410 feet, or a mean rise of 17 feet per mile, w^itli no
grade of over 25 feet per mile. Still following a
branch of the Almaloya (the Otate), it crosses the
Cliivela plains, and enters the pass of Masahua, at a
height of 793 feet above tide, or a rise of 103 feet in
4J miles. This is the extreme height of the grade at
the summit pass which divides the waters which flow
into the Pacific from those which flow into the At-
lantic.
At this point, within a hundred yards of the head
waters of the Almaloya, a branch of the Kio Verde
(Torrcntc do Masahua), heads up between (,'erro Espi-
nosa and Cerro Masahuita of the Masahua range, and
oflTers a means of gradual descent to the Pacific
plains.
Following the circuitous valley of this stream a
distance of 9 mile?, and descending at the rate of 60
feet per mile for 8 miles, we reach the foot of the
mountain range, and crossing the Kio Verde at the
Ilancho de la Martar, at a height of 240 feet above
tide, find ourselves on the Pacific plains. From this
point to whichever port in the Pacific is selected, the
most direct line is through JIuilotepec, where a good
crossing of the Tchuantepec Kiver oficrs. The total
56
distance from Minatitlan to Ventosa by this location
is 162 miles. It might be thought that Tehiian tepee,
where the crossing of the river of that name offers
some advantages, should be included in the line of the
location ; but in a great international road, as this is
designed to be, it is scarcely ])roper to add 4 miles of
distance to the main line of road for any purpose of
local advantage, however desirable it might be.
II.— CARRIAGE ROAD.
The Carriage Road, whicli it is in contemplation
to complete previous to the construction of the rail-
road, will serve not more as an auxiliary to the latter
than as a means of developing the resources of the
Isthmus, and will, to avail as much as possible of the
large expenditure already made to this end, be located
as follows: — From Minatitlan to Cosuliacaque, thence
to JaUipan, thence to Acayucam, thence to Sayula,
thence passing 1^ miles west of the Hacienda of Al-
megro, thence to Pavons Monterea, thence to Hargou-
sana (Jaltepcc River), thence to Tortugas, thence to
Sarabia, thence to Antigua Hacienda, thence to Al-
maloya and Otate, thence to Chivela, thence to the
Rio Verde, thence to San Geronimo, thence to Te-
huantepec, thence to Yentosa — a distance of 208
miles. The road bed to be cleared and ditched where
necessary, culverts to be built at the stream crossings,
and the Jaltepcc, Tortugas, Puerta, Sarabia, Mala-
tengo, Arroyo de Xocliiapa, Almaloya, Torente de
Guichilona, Rio de los Perr.o8, Tehuantepcc Rivers to
be bridged with substantial timber truss bridges on
pile bent abutments and piers.
The timber to be cleared for a width of 50 feet,
and the road-bed to be properly graded for wheel
travel for a width of at least 15 feet. The best assur-
ance of the proper character of this portion of the
work will rest in the fact that the economy with which
57
the railroad construction will progress will be largely
dependent upon the efficiency of this road, and its
ability to sustain the heavy traffic of material and
supplies which will seek it at all times and seasons.
It will be perceived that the raih-oad takes the valley
of the Almaloya, while the carriage road follows the
picaduras near and to west of Nisi Conejo, distant
from the railroad line some five miles. This grows
out of the fact that the valley of the Almaloya oftei*s
no inducement for settlement ; and if tlie carriage-line
were taken through it at great expense, it would be
merely for tlie use of laborers and supplies, and would
go into disuse on the completion of the railroad ;
whereas, as now located, the carriage road would be
of value to the material interests of the Isthmus as
now opened and in pro6]Kct, and serve passably
well by picaduras to the railroad line, for the supply
to the latter of provisions and material during its
construction.
III.— GRADUATION, MASONRY, AND
BRIDGING.
Wherever the banks are less than 8 feet in height,
the site of the road will be cleared to a width of 100
feet, and all perishable matter burnt up ; where the
embankment is higher, the land will be cleared for a
distance of 15 feet from the foot of the slopes. Wher-
ever the embankments are less than 3 feet in height,
the ground will be cleared of all perishable matter,
the stumps of the trees will be grubbed up, and all
muck and vegetable matter removed. In excavating
through heavy timber, the latter will be cleared at
least 50 feet from the top of the slopes.
The width of all embankments at grade of a height
of 25 feet and under, will be IG feet, for a single track
road, with side slopes of IJ to 1. Embankments of
over 25 feet in height will, for every 10 feet in height,
58
have an additional width at grade of 1 foot. The ex-
cavation in earth will be 26 feet wide at grade level,
with ditches of 4: feet in width on each side, and 1^
feet in depth, and a side slope of IJ to 1. Side cuts
will have a width of grade of 20 feet, with ditches of
4 feet in width. Rock excavation will be 22 feet in
width, with side slopes of i to -J, depending upon the
nature of the rock, with ditches of 3 feet in width.
Wherever the excavation exceeds the quantity requi-
site to make the bank, the surplus shall be used to
widen the bank to 80 feet for a double track ; and on
the contrarj", wherever there is a deliciency in the cut
to make the adjoining bank, the quantity needed shall
be obtained by widening the cut uniformly, provided
in so doing rock excavation be not encountered.
Tliere will be no grade over 60 feet per mile, and
no curves of less than 1,100 feet radius. There are
many first-class roads in the United States with a rul-
ing grade greater than this, and with curves of less
radius. A speed of 20 miles per hour can be main-
tained on such grade, with a train of over 500 passeng-
ers and their baggage. Such grade, therefore, cannot
be considered objectionable for the Isthmus transit.
MASONRY AND BRIDGING.
Ths masonry of all bridges or culverts, where they
do not rest on the solid rock, shall in all cases be
founded on hard bottom below the scouring action of
the stream. Wherever a hard bottom cannot be had,
the foundations shall rest on a grillage of timber, at
such depths as shall insure their being constantly wet.
The timber shall be of large dimensions, leveled on a
uniform bearing, and placed in contact side by side ;
and hewn on the four faces, and covered with a plat-
form of 6-inch plank, well bolted and spiked to the
same. Where soft bottom or quicksand iS encountered,
the whole area shall be properly j)iled to a good bear-
ing, the •j)iles capped, and the si)ace8 filled in with
59
broken stone, and floored and spiked or bolted to tlie
caps. The masonry of culverts shall be good picked
rubble masonry — heavy stones selected for the lower
courses — which shall be properly bonded, breaking
joint throughout, and conforming in every particular
to detailed plans, which will be furnished by the
engineer for each work.
All walls which come to grade, or parapet walls,
shall be neatly coped with flat stone of good dimens-
ions, well and truly squared and bedded. The arch
stones shall in all cases be the whole depth of the arch,
cut on the ends or rings, and the whole shall in every
respect be what is known in the United States as
"first class culvert masonry," and laid dry.
Abutment and pier masonry for bridges shall be
substantial, durable stone, of as large dimensions as
can be readily procured, laid in courses, with cut beds
and square joints, properly bonded and breaking joint;
A proper proportion of headers, which shall extend
into the backing, and binding it to the face work. No
stone shall be less than one foot in thickness for heavy
work, and no stone shall have a less bed than twice its
rise. The coping for such work shall be of large di-
mensions, neatly cut, and properly cramped and dow-
eled, the whole well laid in full beds of good cement
mortar, agreeably to the plans of the engineer, which
shall be in detail for each work. The foundations will
be as previously specified, and laid with extreme care
— the work of the description known in the United
States as " cut range work, rock face."
BRIDGING.
All the permanent truss bridges of over 50 feet span
will be of Iron, The trusses, where the level of the
water will admit of it, to be so placed that the track
shall be on their upper chords. The plans of these
bridges will be matured by the engineer in conformity
with the best practice of the day, and made under his
9
60
directions, in tlie United States, and taken out in
pieces, and put up in conformity with liis directions.
The shorter bridges, and trestles over ravines, and ap-
proaclies to permanent bridges, and other places where,
for facilitating the completion of the work, rapidity of
execution is of importance, timber structures will be
used until after the opening of the road, w-hen they
will be replaced either by solid banks, arched mason-
ry, or iron bridging, as may be most to the interest of
the Company. Tliese structures will be carefully
planned, of heavy, durable timber, and well put to-
gether with iron bolts, and in a workmanlike manner,
agreeable to the method adopted on first class roads in
the United States.
IV.— TUNNELS.
The tunnels which may be needed will be of a full
size for a single track road, that is to say, of a clear
width of 18 feet, and a height of 19 feet above rails.
In the event of the rock or other material encountered
in the excavation of the tunnel proving treacherous,
or liable to iailure, the same will be properly arched
with brick, leaving the dimensions in the clear of the
tunnel as above stated.
v.— GAUGE AND EAIL.
Omitting in this place the arguments and discus-
sions upon which the decision is based, it will be
sufficient to state that the experience of many years
use of various gauges in the United States has demon-
strated the fact that, neither in net tonnage trans-
j)ortcd, nor in speed or safety or economy, have the
wider gauges established any superiority over the
narrower gauge of 4 feet S^ inches, whilst in a new
enterprise, especially, it has manifest disadvantages.
Accordingly, it is pro])Osed to adopt the prevailing
gauge in use in the United States, viz., of 4 feet 8^
. . -■ V I
61
inches. The dimensions and weight of rail proposed
is tliat of the pattern of the Eric llaih'oad and the
Union Pacific, with the iron fish-joints now heing in-
troduced on the former road as the latest modern
practice, using therewitli tlie superior quality of cross-
ties found on the Istlimns, to tlie number of '5,()0() to
eacli mile of track, witli foni* G-inch wrought iron
spikes to each cross-tic.
YI._TUIiN()i:TS.
At Minatitlan, and at the port on the Pacific, the
road will be opened with four tracks in addition to
the main track, giving a total of over 10,000 lineal
feet of turnout at each of these points. At Hargou-
sana,or at the point selected for the repair shops of the
Company, there will be at tlie least 10,000 feet of side
track, and, in addition, there will be 8 intermediate
stations with 2,000 feet of side track at each, or a total
of nearly 1) miles of side track ; to be increased at
such points, and to such extent, from time to time, as
the wants of the road may indicate as desirable.
VII.—DEPOTS AND FIXTURES.
There will be a central engine house and repair-
shop at " Ilargousana," or such other point as may be
selected, with stalls for 10 engines, with arrangements
for ultimate extension, to be built of brick, with slate
or iron roof, and turn-tables of iron. The locomotive
repair shops, with steam engine, machinery, and tools
for repaira of all the engines in use, and so planned as
to admit of extension for ultimate use in the construc-
tion of cars and carriages, to be of brick, with iron
roof; substantial houses to be erected for the use of
the mechanics and their families.
At each terminal station tliere will be an enujinc-
house, with stalls for G engines, also of brick, with iron
roof, and repair shop, with the requisite tools for
63
smaller repairs, and turn-tables of iron. The passenger
houses at these terminal stations, and also at the cent-
ral station, to be substantial structures of brick with
iron roofs. Eefreshment rooms and other accommoda-
tions, similar to the first class station houses in the
United States, to be provided at these points. The
freight houses at these terminal stations to be of iron,
of single story, at least 300 feet in length, 30 feet in
width, with derricks, cranes and scales, and side tracks
for the prompt disposal of freight. The freight houses
at the intermediate stations to be of timber, about 1)0
feet by 30 feet, closed in securely from the weather,
with rooms under the same roof for passengers and
officers of the Company ; at each of the stations and
at intermediate points, giving a supply for every 10
miles of road, iron water tanks will be provided, each
to hold at least 6,000 gallons of water, with the most
approved iron pumps (wherever tlie latter are needed)
and fixtures complete, and timber wood sheds, each of
a capacity of from 300 to 400 cords of wood.
. VIII.— EIVER Js AVIGATION.
Tlie channel through the bar at tlie mouth of tlie
Goatzacoalcos to be excavated to a width of 300 feet,
and depth of 18 feet at low water. The river from
Minatitlan to SucUil, and Jaltepec to Hargousana,
to be cleared of snags, and dredged where necessary
to a depth of 2^ feet at extreme low water; danger-
ous rocks to be removed, and the river rendered safe
for light-draught steamers to those points.
IX.— PIERS AND WHARFS.
The only work of a temporary cliaracter which is
contemplated, will be that of the piers and wharfs,
the proper extent of which cannot be determined until
a better knowledge of the localities shall furnish tlie
requisite information to govern their construction.
«l
At Yentosa, for ooDvenience of Iimdin^ at a))
times, a breakwater will be built from within tbo
Morro point, cnixing towards tlie southea^ for a
length of abont 1,-500 feet into 30 feet of water.
This pier will be 40 feet wide at top. and with a
side slope of 3 inches to a foot, and built of orilvs of
timber, sunk and filled with stone, the sidc« plankoit
with 6-inch plank, bolted and spikeil to the crib tim-
bers.
The pier will be 10 feet above high water, and will
form a nucleus for further and more pcnimncnt works
as may be needed. •
A double rail track will extend to the head, of
the pier.
At Minatitlan, a bulk-head, with a frontage of at
least 600 feet, will be built of crib work filled in with
stone, to be replaced ultimately by iron sheet piling if
necessary.
A double line of rails to run parallel to the front.
The wharfs at Suchil and Ilargousann will bo formcMl
by piling the requisite frontage on the river, ami with
caps bolted to the pile heads, with heavy jjlimk floor-
ing spiked to the caps, the whole properly braced and
bolted.
X.— LIGHT IIOITSES.
A brick or iron tower, of such height as, tog^rthur
with its site, will give an elevation of 1^''0 fe^rt abovo
the sea, will be bnilt on the we^t bank of the UoHi'/.Hr-
coalcos Kiver, and fumihherl with a s^;a light caj#abh;
of being seen at sea for a flhUkUCA: of 20 wiUm,
A beacon or harbor liglit will )p4: iplfWJ/A iu nUmi
8 feet water, within the liar^ on an iron ^;rffW-f>>l/j pi^jf ,
elevated 15 feet above high wzicr.
A similar ligfit, of the «wn^, m4f^ and t^t^kiupu^
to be placed on the Morro [i^/ir>t, and a l/#^/'y/rf W^ti
on the pier liead, will be pot op at Xt^^Umst.
64
XL— TELEGRAPIL
The telegrapli line will commence at the mouth of
the Goatzacoalcos Kiver, and following the sand hills,
cross the Eio Tierra Nueva near the Kancho Calcados,
and, taking the high land aT)ove the overflow, reach
Minatitlan; thence it will follow the carriage road
nntil after the completion of the railroad, when it will
be transferred permanently to the latter line. A branch
also will extend from Ilargousana to Suchil.
The above specification embraces what would be
considered in the United States that of a first clas8
road, with a capacity snfiicient for the immediate
transportation, without the possibility of hindrance or
delay, of a yearly tonnage of 100,000 tons of mer-
chandise and 100,000 passengers.
In conclusion, I would beg leave to recommend that
in view of the rapid improvements now being made in
all branches of mechanical work, particularly such as
the one under consideration, the engineer should not
be confined too closely to existing works elsewhere as
a guide, but may, with the approval of the Company,
as the work progresses, introduce such improvements
as may be thought conducive to the success of the
enterprise, although not specified irf the above project.
JULIUS W. ADAMS, Engineer.
Vice-President of the American Society of
Civil Engineers.
Examined, approved and recommended for adoption,
(Signed,) MAESIIALL O. ROBERTS.
Adopted by the TKnuANTFCPicc Railway Company,
New York, August ^Ist, ISOS.
(Signed,) SIMON STEVENS,
[seal.] Pres^ident,
2'ehuantApec Railway Co.
Attest :
(Signed,) PETER A. IIARGOUS,
Seiyretary.
66
ESTIMATED COST OF RAILWAY.
ExtriNEKK's Office,
ThurANTEPKc IIailway Co.,
Xlw York, Feb. 22d, 1869.
Simon Stkvkxs, Ej?q.,
President,
Sir: At your request I have examined all the
maps, profiles, and reports, and such other data in my
possession bearing in any way uj)on the subject of the
cost of constructing a railway across the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec, and beg leave to rc^wrt the result as fol-
lows:
I have taken the quantities of material, as estimated
by Major Barnard in 1852 for the construction of the
several divisions of this road, and make such changes
in the prices, as in ray judgment were called for to rep-
resent the comparative values of executing the vari-
ous kinds of works then and now.
I have adopted 4 feet 8 inches as the guage of the
road, being all that is nee<Jed for requisite power to
move anything which can be transported to advantage
on railroads. I have assumed IG feet width of banks,
and 26 feet width of cuts in earth as sufiicient, and
should recommend that most of the bridges of any ex-
tent, as well as embankments over 20 feet in height,
should be built on trestles to serve until the road is
opened, when the more permanent structure can l>e
put in.
ESTIMATE.
Wagon road from Minatitlan via Jaltepcc
crossing at Ilargousana to Ventosa, com-
plete, 2US miles $160,(X)0
Passenger and freight house at Ilargous-
ana or Jaltei>ec cros>ing, including ma-
chine shop, fixtures and machinery for
the whole road 120,(XK)
66
Passenger and freight bouses and light re-
pair shops at Ventosa and Minatitlan. . . 120,000
Wood and water stations 18,000
Clearing, grading, bridging, and prepara-
tion of roadbed complete, from Minatit-
lan to Ventosa, 162 miles , 5,948,000
For one mile of superstructure I estimate
as follows. (Iron imported free of duty). 8,500
172 miles of track including 10 miles of
turnouts complete 1,462,000
EQUIPMENT.
8 freight engines, 30 tons, each $14,000. . $112,000
6 passenger " 26 '' " 12,000.. 72,000
14 " cars 4,000.. 56,000
10 " and baggage, 2d class 3,500 . . 35,000
120 freight cars, open and box 900 . . 108,000
35 repair cars of all kinds 12,000
This equipment will suffice to open the road with
a capacity for 100,000 passengers, and 100,000 tons of
freight yearly : Of course this item will undergo a con-
stant and steady increase to meet the requirements of
the trade.
Kecapitulation of cost of opening passenger and
freight traffic from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific
Ocean.
Auxiliary wagon road, Minatitlan to Ven-
tosa $160,000
Kailroad fixtures at Jaltepec, Ventosa,
Minatitlan, and line of K. K 258,000
Grading, bridging, and preparation of road-
bed, Minatitlan to Ventosa, 162 miles. 5,948,000
Superstructure, 172 miles 1,462,000
Engineering and superintendence 600,000
Equipments 395,000
$8,823,00J
67
Jaltepec or Hargousana becomes a proper point
for the great machine shops of the company ; although
not in the centre of the road when complete, it is
within the ordinary days run of an engine to Ventosa,
and the river from Minatitlan will always be used
more or less as far as this point, and, if the enterprise
is destined to work any permanent benefit to the Isth-
mus, it must be looked for through the building up of
a trading centre, accessible in all directions by the
limited means at command of the natives. Such a
point is the neighborhood of Suchil, and the establish-
ment of the machine shops of the company at this
point, will inure to the mutual benefit of the road,
and the local traffic which no other point could prom-
ise.
Tlie passage from Minatitlan by train to Ventosa
may be estimated at eight hours.
It is a difficult matter to estimate the progressive
increase in travel growing out of increased facilities
for its accommodation.
It is not likely that the travel the first year would
form any standard of comparison for what would in-
evitably follow. All great improvments, even when
projected on established lines of travel, shows this.
If the advantages of a far more healthy and salu-
brious climate, a saving of 1,700 miles of sea voyage,
commodious harbors on either side, increased economy
of transportation, freedom from taxation, and the en-
ormous impulse which the development of the China
trade will give to the shorter routes of travel across
the continent, fail to give your road an income equal
at least to tliat of the Panama railroad, the result will
falsify all the predictions which are legitimately de-
ducible from the experience of existing lines of travel.
Kespectfully submitted,
JULIUS W. ADAMS,
Engineer.
10
68
Bond of the Tehuantepec Railway Co. given to the
Repvhlic of Mexico^ pursuant to Artide 16th of the
ffrant,
' BOND.
Know all men hy these presents :
That we, the Teliuantepcc Railway Company as
principal, and Marshall O. Roberts as surety, are
jointly and SjBverally held and firmly bound unto the
Republic of Mexico in the penal sum of one hundred
tliouFand dollars [100,000] of the .coined money of
Mexico, to be paid to the said Republic at the National
Treasury in the city of Mexico ; to which payment
well and truly to bo made, we bind ourselves, our suc-
cessors, and representatives firmly by these presents.
Sealed with our seals, and dated tlie eighteenth day
of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-nine.
Whereas^ the Government of Mexico, on the sixth
day of October, A. D., one thousand eight hundred
and sixty-seven, granted authority to a company to be
formed by Don Emilio La Sere to open interoceanic
communication across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec,
upon certain conditions and with certain rights ex-
pressed in the grant to which reference is to bo had,
which grant was modified and confirmed by the Con-
gress of Mexico, the 29th day of December, 1868, and
on the 2d day of January, 1869, was ordered by the
Constitutional President of Mexico to be printed, pub-
lished, circulated, and observed, and which was duly
printed and published in the Diario Official of the
Supreme Government of the Republic of Mexico, on
the 4th day of January, 1869, and, .
Whereas^ the said La Sere, in pursuance of the said
grant, has formed a company which has procured from
the General Assembly of the State of Vermont the
69
establishment of its incorporation, which company is
established and organized in such manner as to fulfil
all the requirements of the said grant.
Now then, the condition of this obligation is such,
that if the company shall, within eighteen months from
the 2d day of January, 18G9, as specified in the said
grant, comply with its obligations to present plans and
to commence and finish the construction of the roads
and telegraph line mentioned in the said grant, and
according to the terms thereof, and if the said company
shall, within the said specified periods, comply with
its -obligations as mentioned in Article sixteen of the
said grant, and according to the terms thereof, then
this obligation shall be void, otherwise it shall continue
in full force.
(Signed) SIMON STEVENS,
[seal.] President Tehuaniepec
Railway Co.
(Signed) MARSHALL O. ROBERTS.
Surety,
(Signed) P. A. Hargous,
Secretary.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
State, Cnr and County of New York.
On the eighteenth day of February, A. D., one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, before me,
Henry Stanton, a notary public, duly commissioned
and sworn in and for the city and county of New
York, personally came Ppter A. Hargous, to me known
to be the Secretary of the Tehuantepec Railway Com-
pany, with whom I am personally acquainted, who,
being by me duly sworn, said that he resided in the
city and county of New York, in the State of New
York, in the United States of America ; that he was
Secretary of the said Tehuantepec Railway Company ;
that he knew the common seal of the said company ;
70
that the seal affixed to the foregoing instrument was
such common seal ; that it was so affixed by order of
the Board of Directors of the said company, and that
he signed his name thereto by the like order as Secre-
tary of the said company :
And the said Peter A. Hargous farther said, that
lie was acquainted with Simon Stevens, and knew him
to be the President of said company ; that the signa-
ture of the said Simon Stevens subscribed to the said
instrument was in the genuine handwriting of the said
Simon Stevens, and was thereto subscribed by the
like order of the said Board of Directors, and in tlie
presence of him, the said Peter A. Hargous,
And, also, on the day and year aforesaid, before
me personally, came Simon Stevens, to me known to
be the President of the Tehuantepec Railway Com-
pany, with whom I am personally acquainted, who,
being by me duly sworn, said that he resided in the
city and county of New York, in the State of New
York, in the United States of America ; that lie was
President of the said Tehuantepec Railway Company ;
that he knew the common seal of the said company ;
that the seal affixed to the foregoing instrument was
such common seal ; that it was so affixed by order of
the Board of Directors of the said company, and he
signed his name thereto by the like order as President
of the said company.
And, also, on the day and year aforesaid, personally
came Marshall O. Roberts, to me known to be one of
the individuals described in and who executed the
foregoing instrument as surety, and acknowledged that
he executed the same as and for the purposes therein
mentioned.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my official seal the day and year
[seal.] last above written.
HENRY STANTON,
Notary Pullic in and for tJte City
arid Cminty of New York.
71
El Conavl general de la Hepuhlica Mejicana en tos
Estados Unido8.
Certifico que la firma y sello que anteeeden y dieen
Henry Stanton, son del Escribano publico, del mismo
nombre y los mismos que acostumbra usar en todos los
documentos que autoriza, por lo que se les debe dar
entera f6 y credito. En fe de lo eual doy la presente
en la Ciudad de Nueva York k dos de Marzo, de mil
ochocientos sesenta y uneve.
(Signed) JUAN N. NAVARRO.
[l. 8.]
Certifico tambien que la fianza anterior suscrita
por Mr. Marshall O. Roberts, me ha sido presentado
hoy por la Compaflia del Ferrocarril de Tehuan tepee,
para cumplir con el Art 16 de la Concession, por no
haber actualmente en Washington representante al-
gnno del Gob°. Mejicano, y que yo he hecho presente
& dicha Compa. que aunque creo la fianza entera-
mente satisfactoria, no tengo instrueeiones para reci-
birla, y la remitire por el proximq vapor ^ mi Gob**.
para que la examine y diga si estd 6 no conforme con
ella.
(Signed) JUAN N. NAVARRO.
[l. s.]
Certifico tambien que el documente anterior es
una copia perfectamente exacta del original que envio
ik mi Gobierno para su exdmen.
(Signed) JUAN N. NAVARRO.
[l. 8.]
NuEVA York, Marzo 29, de 1869.
72
NuEVA York, Abril 14 de, 1869.
Habiendo recibido hoy instrucciones y aiitorizacion
de itii Gobierno para aprobar la fianza anterior, caso
de encontrarla satisfactoria, y siendo tal en mi con-
cepto por la prescnte y en nombrc del Supremo Gobi-
erno do la Kepublica Mcjicana, admito la dielia fianza
y declaro que la Compafiia lia cumplido plcnaraente
con las obligacioncs que le impone el articulo 16 de la
concesion aprobada por cl Congreso de la Union el 29
do Diciembrc de 1868, y sancionada por el ejecutivo el
2 de Enero de 1869.
(Signed) JUAN N. NAVARRO.
SEAL.]
[translation.]
The Cbnsid General of the liepublic of Mexico in the
United States.
I certify that the preceding signature and seal
saying "Henry Stanton," are those of the Notary
Public of that name, and the same that he affixes to
all the documents that he authenticates, and are, there-
fore, entitled to all faith and credit.
In witness whereof, I give the present in the City
of New York on the 2d day of March, 1869.
[l. 8.] (Signed) JOHN N. NAVATIRO.
I also certify, that the preceding bond, signed by
Marshall O. Roberts, has been presented to me to-day
by the Tehuantcpec Railway Company, in order to
comply with the 16th Article of the grant, because
there is not actually, in Washington, any representa-
tive of the Mexican Government; and I have made
known to said company, that although I consider tlie
bond to be entirely satisfactory, I have no instructions
to receive it, but will forward it by the first steamer to
iny Government, in order that they may examine it
and state whether it is satisfactory or not.
[l. 8.] (Signed) JOHN N. NAVARRO.
73
I also certify, that the foregoing document is a
copy perfectly exact of the original that I send to my
Government for its examination.
[l. 8.] (Signed) JOHN N. NAVAKKO.
New York, March 29, 1869.
New York, April 14th, 1869.
Having received to-day, instructions and authority
from my Government to approve the foregoing bond,
in case I find it satisfactory, and being so, in my
opinion, by the present and on behalf of the Supreme
Government of the Mexican Republic, I admit the
said bond and declare that the Company has fully
complied with the obligations imposed on it by Article
16th of the grant approved by the Congress of the
Union the 29th December, 1868, and sanctioned by
the Executive the 2d January, 1869.
(Signed) JOHN N. NAVARRO.
[seal.]
Part II
I
p
■
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■
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3HHIII
K
HISTORICAL AND
GEOGRAPHICAL
!■
NOTES
H^H
1453—1869
IhRI
^3
4-
By HENRY STEVENS, m b, rsA, «e.
ni
FtUow of the Rtiyil GcQg. Soc. of London, Coc
Mtmb. AmfT. Antiq. S«. »nrl of the Hiii, Soc.. af
MiH. Conn. Mi1n>, Vt N. J, Pcnn. >nd Wiicon.
and Btk. Bid Alhm Clb Lond.
In
IN^I
D. Apfhtlin & Cu., Nt* Vuilt, 1869.
jO^fl
^^^ymP^
pl^^P^^^P
Sp^ii^^^^' Nj'^^i^^^^UU^uL
k.
CtJTit'reH of BadBJus.
^
II I S T III C A L .
A retrospect of four centuries, with a rapid
glance at the progiess of modem di8covei*y, ex-
ploration, and iuveutiou, will i)roliiibly serve as
an ai)propiiate introduction to our projected
selieme of Interoccanic CoDimuiiication by means
of tLe Tkuuastepec Bailway, and show that
the time is near at hand for its acconiplishment.
IjCt us, therefore, go hack for a moment, and
survey the little old world and its inhabitants
as they appeared ahout the middle of the tif-
teenth century. According to Ptolemy, the beat
recognized anthin-ity, whoso geography Lad
stood the test of thirteen hundred yeivrs, the
then known world was a strip of some seventy
degrees wide, mostly north of the ecguator, with
Cadiz on the west, and farthest India or Cathay
on the east, lying between the frozen and the
burning zones, both impassable by man. The
inhabitants, as far as known in Euroiie, were
(^ristians and Mohnmedans, the one sect about
half the age of the other. Christendom, the
elder, that once held considerable portions of
Asia and jVfrica, had been driven back inch by
inch, in spite of the Crusades, even from tlie
Holy Land, the place of its birth, up into the
northwest corner of Europe ; and both in lands
and people was outnumbered six to one by the
followers of Mahomet. For seven hundred
years the fairest provinces of Spain acknowl-
edged the sway of the Moors, and the Mediter-
ranean, from Jafta to the Gates of Hercules, was
under their control. The crescent was constantly
encroaching on the cross ; while Christendom,
schismatic, dismayed, demoralized, and disheart-
ened, seemed almost incapable of further resist-
ance.
India beyond the Ganges, from the days of
Moses, Alexander, and Aristotle, to say nothing
of the geographers Pomponius Mela, Strabo,
and Ptolemy, was deemed the land of promise,
the abode of luxury, the source of wealth, and
the home of the spices ; but the routes of com-
merce thither, via Venice and Genoa, by the Bed
Sea, Egypt, the Nile, Arabia, Asia Minor, the
Black and Caspian Seas, through Persia and
Tartary, were one by one being closed to Chris-
tians. The profits of the overland carrying
trade were mostly in the hands of the Arabians,
who inherited it from the Bomans ; but Mem-
phis, Thebes, and Cairo, that flourished by it,
had declined as it fell off, and yielded to Alex-
andria nearer the sea. Finally, in 1453, Constan-
tinople, the Christian city of Constantine, fell
into the hands of the Turks, and with it the
commerce of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus,
the last of the old trading routes from the Ejist
to the West. Christendom for a time was dis-
consolate, and could only **pray for the conter-
ition of the Turks." The whole of the carrying
trade passed into the hands of middle men or
agents, who x>assed goods without news, and In-
5
dia became more a land of mystery than ever ;
but this ai)parent misfortune proved to be the
beginuiuji^ of a new and brighter era.
The l(»ained Cluistians of Constantinoi)le,
with nothing but their heads and their books,
fled in exile into Italy, and became its school-
masters. At once began there the revival of
learning, which soon extended throughout the
West. " Westward the star of empire takes its
way." The JVIcdici family of Italy, at Venice
and Florence, welcomed these learned Greeks,
and bought their i)recious manuscripts of ancient
lore. The gunpowder of Eurox)e had already
silenced the Oreek lire of Asia. On the Rhine
the young printing press was just giving forth
the lirst sheets. The compass and the astrolabe,
recent inventions, began now to give confidence
to mariners and teach them that, though the old
paths of trade overland were closed, they might
venture on new ones over sea. In 1453, in
Western Europe there was no tea, no cotfee,
no tobacco, no Indian corn, no potatoes ; and
many of the necessities of our day were not even
known as luxuries. Though the Crusades had
failed in their immediate objects, they had ex-
posed the secrets of the India trade, and the
vast revenues of the Eastern cities. The manu-
script travels of Marco Polo and Maudeville had
found their way into the hands of thinking
men. Venice was already waning, i)reparatory
to yielding its trade to Portugal, the then most
rising and active maritime power. Prince
Henry the Navigator had still ten years to live
to carry out his great schemes of discovery and
exploration of the western coast of Africa. He
was an ambitious student of geography, history,
mathematics, astronomy, and navigation, and
for almost forty years had stood alone. At the
6
early age of fifteen he had a successful brush
with the Moors at Ceuta, opposite Gibraltar ; and
by 1418 had crept down the coast of Africa to
Cape Nun, lat. 28° 40', the southern boundary
of Morocco. In 1434 his captains doubled Cape
Boyador, and seven years after obtained from
Pope Martin V a grant to the crown of Portu-
gal of all he should discover from this cape to
the Indies. In 1442 Eio del Oro was reached,
and gold and negro slaves brought back. These
were two real stimulants to Portuguese discovery,
avarice, pride, and wealth, though the conver-
sion of the infidels to Christianity, was, no doubt,
a strong additional motive power. The reintro-
duction of negro slavery, and tlie part it soon
played in commerce and the world's progress, may
be ascribed to Prince Henry. He encouraged the
traffic, which, with the love of gold and the
hatred of the Moors, aroused his countrymen to
his projects, and insured the in*omotion of dis-
covery, in so much that by the time of the fall
of Constantinople, his captains had reached
Cape Verde, lat. 14° 45' N, probably a few de-
grees beyond, and had exi)loded the old theory
of a boiling belt about the equator.
In all ages there had been a prevailing notion
that one might sail round Africa ; but when once
it was demonstrated that Portuguese sailors
could cross the equator and survive, Prince
Henry's vague idea of reaching the land of spices
by this route was confirmed. At all events, he
was schooling hardy sailors, and training them
for bolder work, so that soon after the date of
the fall of Constantinople, Italy and Portugal
had reached that tiu'n for adventure and enter-
prise, which spread like wildfire throughout the
other States of Europe, and caused the entire
revolution in the commerce of the world.
lu 1453, Columbus was Ji lad of six years at
Genoa, Vesimcci of two years at Florence, and
John Oabot a youth at Venice. The new learn-
ing at once took deep root. When these three
Italian boye became men, behold how changed !
The sciences of mathematics, astronomy, and
navigation had grown with their growth, and
developed with mai-velous rapi<Uty. The press
had spread broadcast the learning of the ancients.
The secrets of the earth were inquired into and
reveale*!. Many islands of the Atlantic hiwl been
discovered and described, and sailors knew the
coasts of Europe and Africa"7tTmi Icelapd to Cape
Verde. But, above all, the knowledge of the
si)hericity of our earth was no longer confined to
phiIos()|>licrs. Alexander ha^l told Aristotle what
be knew of the East, and Aristotle bml written
down that there was but a small space of sea be-
tween Hpaiu and the eastern coast of India.
Strabo had said that nothing stood in the way of
a westerly passage from Siiaiu to India but the
great breadth of the Allaiitie Occiin ; but Seneca
said this sea might h<' pussi-d in a few days with
favorable winds. roui|H>iiiiis Mela and Macro-
bins put in Like testimony, with certain difficul-
ties about passing burning zones, and the earth
beingshaited like an egg floating in water. All
these opinions were rehashed and digested by
Ptolemy of Alexandria, in the second century,
who first properly reduced the globe into 3(50
degrees of latitude and iongtitude. In latitude
he van as coiTect as he was incorrect in his longi-
tude, lioger Bacon, an Englishman, again sum-
marized these theories in his 0/>m» Majit«, in the
thirteenth eenliiry ; and in the fifteenth century
Pierre d'Ailly, a Frenchman, reviewed the whole
question, bringing together the opinions of the
ancient writers named, as well as the fathers of
8
the chiircb, including modem philosophers, trav-
elers, and theologians, especially Eoger Bacon,
Marco Polo, and Gerson, and gave to the world
his well-known Imngo Mundi. This celebrated
work, finished in 1410, was afterwards the guide,
companion and friend of Columbus. The learned
author was Provost of the ancient Ecclesiastical
College of St Die in Lorraine, away up in the
Vosges Mountains, in the remotest corner of
France. This was on the very spot where, nearly
a century later, in the Gymnasium within the
same precincts, a confraternity of some half dozen
earnest students, lovers of geography, of whom
the poet Mathias Ringman was the soul, ui a little
work called Co8vwgra2)hi(B Introductio, printed
there in May, 1507, suggested that the New
World should be named America, after a man,
inasmuch as Europe and Asia had been named
after women. Thus a little mountain town of
Prance first gave aid and comfort to Columbus
and afterwards a name to the New World.
As early as 1474, Paul Toscanelli a learned
physician of Florence, sent to Columbus the
Chart of Marco Polo, and was in correspondence
with him on these very subjects, showing that
even then the plans of Columbus were maturing.
In 1478, the great geographical work of Ptolmey,
with the 27 beautiful copper i)late maps, was
printed at Rome, and about the same time many
other of the ancient historians, poets, philoso-
phers, mathematicians, and astronomers saw the
light. The Imago Mundi was i3rintod at Louvain,
in 1483, and there still exists at Seville, Columbus'
own copy, with many of his manuscript notes,
discovered and described about forty years ago
by our countryman, Washington Irving.
Meanwhile, the work of discovery and ex-
ploration w^as earnestly pursued by the Portu-
guese. In 1454 Prince Henry secured the services
of Cadamosto, an intelligent Venetian, well ac-
quainted with the trade of the East, and sent
him down the coast of Africa, where he reduced
the explorations and trade to order, and pushed
southward the discoveries to Sierra I^one in
14G3, the year of Henry's death, and the capture
of Gibralter by Spain from the Moors. Kings
Alphouso and John continued these discoveries
with so much energy that, after passing Con-
go, the bold captain, Bartholomew Diaz, reached
the Cape of Good Hope, and looked beyond it, in
1487, thus completing an exploration of some
six thousand miles of coast line in seventy years.
Bartholomew Columbus was in this expediton.
Meanwhile King John had sent overland
through Egyjit, Pedro de Covilham, to India and
Eastern Africa to gain information and report. In
1487 he reported that he had visited Onnuz, Goa,
Calicut, &c., and had seen pepper and ginger, and
heard of cloves and cinnamon. He visited the
eastern coast of Africa, went down as far as
Sofala, and returning northward, sent a message
to King John that he had learned for certain that
if Diaz should pursue his course round Africa he
would reach India over the Eastern Ocean via
Sofala. This theoretical discovery of Covilham
exactly coincided with the practical one of Diaz.
All these events were but leading up to the
grandest discovery the world ever knew, but it
is difficult to trace the precise origin and the
gradual development of the plans of Columbus.
We know, however, that at the early age of
fourteen he went to sea, educat<5d with small
knowledge of Latin and less Greek; and in
1474, at the age of twenty-seven, was in corres-
pondence with Toscanelli, and became the father
of Diego, the boy for whom, some ten years
10
later, ho beggeil a ni^lit*s lodging at the Con-
vent of La Rabida. By tlie year 1487, when the
mystery of a path to India aronnd Africa was
solved, he had not only completely worked out
his groat idea of sailing West to find the East ;
bnt had offered his services in carrying it out,
tii^st to his native city, (ienoa, without Huccess,
and had two years before brought it to Si>aiu fi-oni
Portugal where his ]»roposals had been oiH»nly
spurned ami ridiculed, but treacherously though
unsuccessfully tested. It is tolerably certain
that much of his time had been spent in active
and pnacticiU maritime sc^rvice, for he had been
down the coast of Africa as far as El JVIina ; had
resided at Porto Santo, one of tlie out-lying
P<n"tuguese islands of the Atlantic, the ihuighter
of whose first governor had become his wife;
had visited England an<l IcehuKl, and was ac-
quainted with the whole of th<» Mediterranean.
His brother Hartholom(»w Inul been a cliart-niaker
at Lisbon, and was his advocate at the court of
Henry VIL "NVe know fnmi the writings 4)f his
son Ferdinand that he was both a ]mictical and
a learned mathemati<*ian as w<41 as navigator.
He had read probably all the compilations named
above, and his own cxp(nicn(*(% togt^tluT with
what he had h^ariuMl from the Portuguese, had
enabled him, with his Mar(*() Polo in his jjocket,
to sift all the vague and <*oiitradictory notions of
the ancients as to the Antipodes and the sha])C
of our tsu'th, as \sv\\ as to cypher out a theory of
his own. For seven long y(*ars, aftcM- being worn
out and disgusted <*lsr\vlirre, he <lancr<l attend-
anc(»<)n tli(» Spanish court, with no fortune bnt
his idea ; sometimes tlneadban* and barefootetl,
(»V(»r pressing liis suit, nrv(»r flagging in his con-
ti<l(»nce, <|nestionc(l and ridicuhMl hy <M)mmissions
of g(M)graphers \\\\k\ s<*irntili<* mrn, witiiout t»v<»r
11
being uhlo to i>oiiotrate the conservative igno-
TOiiee of the learnetl and the courtly, or, as lie
complanuMl, to convince any one man how it was
possible to sail west and reach the Ejist. J^nt
Time was workin<»; lor him then, as it is now for
Interoi'eanie Connnunication.
The fortieth vear from thv fall of Tonstan-
tinople, tin* forty-lifth of the age of Columbus,
witnessed the <lcath of Lorenzo de Medici ; but
other suns were rising, (■opernicus, in the far
north, was in his twentieth year; Erasmufi, his
twenty-tlfth ; Cortes, his seventh; and Luther,
his tenth. Martin i^ehaim, the old geographer
of the Azores, age<l sixty-two, was home on a
visit to his native city of Nuremberg, from whidi
the tide of c(>unuerce was ebbing. Here, in
1492, lie nuule his famous globe of the whole
world, as if to lay down upon it all the knowledge
(and all tl'.e igncu-.ince) of the geogi*aphy of the
eartli, preparatory to the opcuiing of neAV books.
The same eventful year Avitnessed the expulsion
of the Moors from Spain, the opening of the
^Mediterranean, an<l the discovery of America.
Moliamedanisui received its lirst check, and
Christendiun received a New World. These
three Italian boys were men. When Columbus
had balanced his i'*x't^ for Spain, it was easy for
Vespucci and the Cabots to <lo it for l\)rtugal
and England. Italy, whose noble sons did this
ill foreign service, never acquired a foot of the
uewly discovered lands for herself, yet how much
of the honiu' was an<l still is hers.
In 141KJ, witlan three luouths from the return
of Columbus, Alexandi^r \'I, a Spaniard, a roi)e
of not a year's stan<ling, wishing to reward Fer-
dinand and Isabi^lla for their struggles in expel-
ling the MotM's, divided our globe into twoj^arts,
by a line of denuircation passing from i)ole to
■ - >•
. r
12
pole, one hundred leagues west of the Azores and
Oape Verde islands, f?ivln«: to Spain all she should
discover within 180° to the west of it, leaving
to Portugal all her African discoveries and the
Indies for 180° east of it. But poor Portugal,
that had been struggling seventy years in the
dark in her circuitous route to India round Afri-
ca, jealous of the new short cut of Oolunibus,
which had been oftered to her and refused, i)ro-
tested against the position of this meridian. It
was finally settled in the treaty of Tordesillas, of
June, 1494, with tlie Pope's approval, that the
line should stand at three hundred and seventy
leagues west of the Azores. Had the King of
Portugal's geographers and pilots advised him to
contend for a line further east instead of further
west, he would have received within his half the
Moluccas and the other Spiceries. As some com-
l)ensation for this geographical blunder, how-
ever, .he secured a foothold in Brazil. Both na-
tions were now running a race of discovery of
India by divers routes. By India is here meant
all the East beyond the Ganges, including China,
Cathay, Japan, and the Spice Islands. The ac-
quisitions of the Spanish were named the West
Indies, while those of the Portuguese were called
the East Indies.
Never was great discovery more modestly an-
noxmced. **J. Letter of Christoplier Columbus^ to
wlwm mir age is much indehted^ respecting tlw IsU
ands of India bei/ond the Ganges lately discovered^^^
dated Febnniry, 1493. Columbus thought his suc-
cess complete. He aimed at Zii)angu, or Japan,
and, to his dying day in 150(5, believed that he
had found it nearly where his calculations had
placed it, but never was man more mistaken, and
never dhl mistake produce greater results. Be-
lieving our earth to be a globe, Columbus rea-
13
soned correctly tliat by suilins^ west lie would
come to tlie east of Marco Polo, but from want
of knowledge of longitude, lie, like everybody
else, from Ptolemy down, was vastly deceived as
to the size of the globe. From Cadiz to the
Ganges the distance had been computed from the
days of iVlexander, but was always much over-
rated. From the (Janges to the Corea and
Cathay, and thence to Zipangu lifteen huiub-ed
miles more, the distance was also exaggerated
by Marco l^olo. So that, still going east, the
distance from Zipangu to Cadiz was calculated to
be about equal to the si)ace from Palos to Saint
Domingo. Upon this eiTor in longitude hung no
doubt the i>rOi)lem of circunniavigating the
globe, for had Columbus suspected the real dis-
tance to Japan by the west, he would never i)rob-
ably have ventured to penetrate the "sea of
darkness," or have found sailors bold enough to
accompany him. The actual distance from San
Francisco to Hong Kong is nearly one-third more
than Columbus had reckoned it from Spain to
Cuba.
The sensation i)roduced throughout Euroi)e by
this discoverv of a short and direct route to India
was great, but for nearly twenty years nobody sus-
pected the truth. The sinqde letter of Colum-
bus in various editions, in i)rose and verse, was
about all that was published for ten years, but
the intelligence gave a new imimlse to maritime
discovery aiul connnercial enterprise. Columbus,
with full honors, returned in 1493, with a well
equipjied fleet to explore his Archii>elago. He
returned to Spain in June, 149G. Juan de la Co-
sa went with him in this second voyage. The
Portuguese now redoubled their energies, and,
in 1497, Yasco da Gama, just ten years after Diaz'
discovery of the Cape, circumnavigated Africa
14:
and readied ( Jalcutta. Tlie saini^ year the ( 'abots,
under a license of Henry VII, «:iven in 1490, in
tryiuji^ for a sliort cnt to Cathay by tlie north-
west, discovered Newfoundland and otlier islands,
and took ]K)ss(^ssion, sap]>osinj!f them to be olf
China, and erected conjointly the flails of Enju^land
and Venice, on the 24th of Jinie, 1497. The next
year Sebastian ( 'abot explored the coast from La-
brador to Virginia, that is, as he cxi)r(\ssed it,
to the latitude of (Jibraltar and the lon|i?itude of
C'Uba. These discoveries wi^re in 149S reported
to the kin<fs of S|>ain by their vi^ujilant andiassii-
dor in London, with the remark that he had seen
(■abot's chart, and would send liome a copy of it.
What steps followed it is didicult now to trace,
but the result api>ears to l)e that Henry VII,
never following up the disctoveries after 1498,
Sebastian (?abot remained cpiietly at home till
the death of Henry, when hv took service under
the king of Spain, jjcrmitting his English and
Venetian rights of discovery and plantation to
lapse. Thus ended the first English and V\*ne-
tian attenii>ts to r(»ach ( -athay by the northwest.
On the 30th of May, 149S, in his third voyage,
( -olumbus first touched the continent of America
in Venezuela, though some still contend that
Vespucci had antici])ated him by nearly one year.
He called it Taria, and reasoned himself into the
belief that it was Paradises whence our lirst
parents had been driven. In 1499, Vicente Yailez
Pinzon and Alonzode Ojeda, private traders, with
the latter of whom was Vespucci on his second
voyage, visit(»<l Brazil under Spanish flags; and
in 1500 J^razil was discovered accidentally (?) by
C'abral, in that great fleet which the success of
(jama had called forth. He Avas blown out of his
course on his way to India, and took possesHion
for the Portuguese. Portugal thus gained uu-
15
disputed i)ossessi()u of Eastern Brazil by rule
of iguoraiice of longitude, elaiuiing it as hers be-
cause it was east of tlie Hue of demare^itiou. All
the seieueo of Spain at that time could not dis-
prove this, and therefore Pinzon abandoned it to
the Portuguese. The same year, tlic Portuguese
hearing of tlie voyage of the Cabots, and proba-
bly susiiecting irreverence in the Englisli for Pa-
pal bull lines of d(»marcation, sent (laspar Cor-
tereal to follow in their track. J^abrador was dis-
covered, and laborers (slaveys) brought back to
Lisbon the 8th of ()cto])er, 1501. A second voy-
age was nnide the next year by the same cai)tain,
but not returning with his ship, a third expedition
was sent in search of him, under command of his
brother. Of this last expedition nothing was
ever heard, and thus ended the Portugru\se at-
tempts to reach ( 'athay by the northwest.
In 1501 New (imnada, Darien, and Pananm
were taken i)ossession of for the* Spanish by Bas-
tides, and in 1501-J Vespiu-ci explored the <*oast
of Brazil for the* Portuguese, down as far as 50^
S. lat., within two or three degrees of the strait,
and in 1502 there was luiblished an account of his
expediticm under the title of Mundus Norns.
The years 1502 to 1504 were occupied by (Colum-
bus in his fourth and last voyage, in which he
wiu$ accompanied by his brother Bartholemew,
and his son Ferdinan(U), who afterwards Avrote a
life of his father. He explored the coast of Ve-
ragua, still looking for the (ianges and in<piiring
for the home of tlu* (Irand Kahn. An jK*c<mnt
of this voyage, coming down to July 7, 150-%
was printed at A>nice in 1505*
In 1502 Valentim Fernandez, a (ierman, at-
tiiched to the household of the t^x-cpieen of P<n--
tugsd, edited and printed at Lislxm a collection
of voyages in tin; Portuguese language, com-
16
prising Marco Polo, Nieolo Couti, Santo Ste-
phano, &c., with a view of stirring up the peo-
ple to a more lively interest in the commerce
and navigation of the Indies. The success of
Columbus and the Cabots is referred to, and the
speedy return of Cortcreal from the north, from
his second voyage, is exi)ected. This magnificent
folio volume, the first imiK>rtant book (not bibli-
cal) i)rinted in Portugal, must have had a pow-
erful effect in drawing popular attention to the
land of spices. It was the first collection of voy-
ages printed in the vernacular tongue, and could
be read by all the unlearned who had a peimy to
venture. It Avas translated into Spanish, and
printed at Seville in 1503. No rarer books are
now known to geogi'aphers. In May, 1507, the
four voyages of Vespucci were published for the
first time together, in Latin, at St Die, in France,
as stated above, as an appendage to a little work
on cosmogi*aphy, a science which now began to
assume new and startling importance.
On the thiiil of November, the same year,
there wa*s published in Italian, at Vicenza, a
most imi^ortant collection of voyages, under the
title, Cauntrws newly discovered^ and the New
World of Albericus Vcsjinccij containing accounts
of the voyages of.Cadamosto to Cape A^erde, in
1454-5 ; of de Cintra to Senegal, in 1402 ; of
Vasco da Gama, in 1497-1500; of Cabral, in
1500-1 ; of (^>lumbus (tlu*ee voyages) ; of Alonzo
Negro and the IMnzons ; of Vespucci (four voy-
ages ; of (/ortereal, &c. This work was the next
year, 1508, i)riuted in Latin and German.
All these new geograi)hical works hitherto
printed, it will be perceived, i)ointed to the same
thing, enlightenment of tlu^ public as to India
beyond the (JaugiNs, and how to go and trade
thither. In 1508, fur the first time in print, Jill
17
these discoveries were collected and laid down in
a beautilul copper-plate map, by Johann Iluyscli,
a German, who had probably* visited the new
found islands with the Cabots, and knew well
what he was doing*. Jt appears in the Ptolemy
of 1508, published at I4ome, accompanied by A
nrw description of tite world, and the new Naviga-
tion of the Ocean from TAsbon to Irulia, by Marcus
IknevenUinus. A (careful study of this map and
its descriptive text, if we exclude all subsecpient
])ublications, and look at the world as seen by
the <!^eo<Ljraphers of that day, will greatly aid us
in clearing up many apparent inconsistencies.
There were three distinct and independent
liehls of discovery. Tirst, the Archii>eIago of
(>ohunbus in the center, tilling a space of above
a thousaml miles from north to south, and open
to India. This part of the map was no doubt
laid down from C(dumbus' own letter, the only
authority, in 1507, existing in print, lie had, in-
deed, coasted along Taria from Trinidtul west-
ward, in June, 1498, as IMnzon, Ojeda, and others
had d<me subseipiently, supposing it to be an-
other large island, or i>art of the mainland of
(Uthay, but nothing of this luul then been
printed. Second, the Mundiis Novns of Vespucci,
* neiicvcutunus HayH '* Joaiincs viTo UuibcIi (iunnaiiUH Cicoji^raplio-
riiiii iiico judic'io periti£!i8iiiiu.s, ue in piii^eiido orle dili^cntitMiiiuuH cujus
udininiculo in hac lueubratiuncula usi suniUH. dixit, kc navi^usse ab
Albionis aimlruR parUi; ci tunidiu (]uo ud i«ub])ai'ullelum ub subicqiia-
torc ad buream Hubgraduin, .*>.'{, pci'veiiit ; i>t in oo parallelu navi^assu
u.l ortiLs litloru \}vr an'^uluiu lioctis aUpie plurcs insulns lustrasse, qua-
rum inferius descriptioueui a^tsit^nabinius.'* A nglici' : ]5ut John Ruyech,
of Gtnniny, in my judgment a moat exact geographer, and a moRt
painstaking one in delineating thcT^lobe. to whose aid in this little work
I am indebted, ha^^ told me that he sailed from the south of England,
and penetratiid as far as the 5:id d<'gree of north bititude [straits of
Belle lsle(?)], and on that parallel he sailed toward the shores of the
East [Asin(?) J, Ijeuringa little northward, and explored many i:(lands,
the descri[>tion of which 1 have given below.
18
being the eastern coast of South America from
Daricn to Upper Patagonia, one vast Island with
an unknown background. The authcnity for this
was what has since been called Vespucci's "Third
Letter," first printed at the end of 1502, or prob-
ably early in 1503. And third, tlie discoveries of
tlie Oabots and tlie Cortereals in the north, re-
jiresented by them as ])art of the mainland of
Asia. This is only Marco Polo's chart of ( -athay
extended considerably to the northeast, and mod-
ified by the experience, probably, of Euyscli
himself, and the information he gathered from
the Bristol men, when he was with them in
1497-8.*
* Tiie chart of Juuii do la Cosa, representing the then known
world, bearing the date of 1500, is nut overlooked, but its signiiicance,
so far OS the coast line of the T'nited SUiti'S is concerned, has been so
manifestly distorted by almost every one wh«> lias described it, from
its discovery ?jy Humboldt in the library of Baron Walckenner,
nearly forty years ogo, down to the present day, that the writer hesi-
tates to venture his opinion. But by long study and comparison of
this with other early maps, especially those of Iluysch and Peter Mar-
tyr of 1508 and 151 1, he is convinced that the coast line, from the most
westerly of the five English fltig-stuffs marking the extent of Cabot's
discoveries southward and westward, to a point west of Cuba, pre-
cisely like the map of Ruysch seven or eight years later, is laid down
as the eastern coast of Cathay, from the map of Marco Polo. If our
Maine friends, therefore, will place behind their re.l line border,
Marco Polo's name Alainji, they will see that this territory is farther
"down East*- than is generally supposed, being indeed Eastern Asia.
The word Cuba, instead of Juana the- name given by Columbus, and
the fact that it is represented as an island, may be accounted for by a
circumstance mentioned by Peter Martyr, that it was Hiustomary to
add to recent maps the new discoveries as they were made.
La Cosa perished in Ojcda's mad expedition in Dec, 1509. lie
was a clever fellow, and a great favorite, and used to boast that he
knew more of the geography of the new lands than did Columbus him-
self. Indeed, of all others, eays Peter Martyr in 1514, his charts were
the most esteemed. His knowledge und experience were great, for he
had been, between the years 1493 and 1509. on no less than six explor-
ing exjK'ditlons, either as pilot or coiniiiander, with Columbus, Ojeda,
Vespucci, and Bastidcs, and had visit<;d repeatedly the entire coast,
from Paria to Uraba, and thence on his own account, north to the mid-
19
Ooluiubiis had placed his discoveries in the
Indian Archipelago beyond the Ganges, and the
workl accepted the names lie ga\G to the sepa-
rate islands. No new general name was reqnired.
Oabot's discoveries being also East, were so re-
dle of Vuciitan, as well «w most of tlic lAlAiid.s in Columbua* vast Archi-
pelago. Wlicn with Bnstides, in 1501-2, lie found that the Portu-
guese were nuMhlling on the wrong side of the line of dcnmrcation, en-
deavoring, probably, to find a flhortcr route to Calcutta Wa Darien, and
therefore, on his return to Spain, La Cosa was sent to Lisbon to re-
monstrate against tliis encroachment. He was there imprisoned and was
not released till August, 1501. Nothing daunted, the next year, 1605-6,
he went on an exploring and trading expedition of his own to Uraba
and Panama, ami on another similar one in 1507-8. On the 11th of
November, 1509, he embarked with Ojeda from I lispaniola, and per-
ished soon after. From this it will be seen that ho might be in Spain,
chart-making, from June to October, 1500; from September, 1602, to
1504, autumn (except when in prison in Lisbon); and again parts of
the years 15O0-7, as well as parts of L508-9. He had, therefore, am-
ple time to touch up his great chart of the world, which he made and
dated in 1500. The date is positive, and there is probabl}' no reason
to doubt it. But that he did retouch it subsequently is apparent from
man}' circumstance3. In the first place, there are manifestly two dis-
tinct letterings, in what may be called thin and thick letters, probably
oil by the same hand, but written at considerable intervals. All the
thin letters mai/ have been ])ut on in 1500, but it is impossible to be-
lieve that all the thick lett<^ring3 could have been received or known
in time to be recordj'd in that year. There are many other points
for discussion, but as the writer has never had under his eye the orig-
inal chart, but judges only from M. Jomard's excellent colored fac-
simile on three ilouble elephant folio sheets, he feels that ho is treading
on ticklish ground. The fac-similies (greatly reduced in siac) given
by Humboldt. Ghillan}', LelewoJ, and other writers, are in many re-
spects defective, ond tend to mislead the student, inasmuch as the col-
oring, and the lines of latitude and longitude are left out. Some names
are misplaced an<l others are misspelled, while many important ones
are omitted altogether. ()n\y the western sheet or third, is given (ex"
cept by Humboldt), liut it should not be forgotten thot the chart is
intended to represent, on a ])lain, the entire globe as far as known in
1500. There is a broad green border above and beyond the Ganges,
showing that the northeast of Asia is terra incognita. But La Cosa
had the samc^ authorities up to the Polisacus river and bay, in latitude
62" nortii that Helmim had for his globe ma-.le in 1492. Hence the two
works agree remarkably well, but La Cosa, taking advantage of the
seven years progress in geography has attempted to complete Asia by
20
cognized as he placed tliein, and required no new
general name, but liis names of particular locali-
ties, such as Terra Xova and Baccalaos, were
adopted. I^ut as to tlie New World described by
Vespucci, the case is ditt'erent. This large coun-
layin^ down itfl ii()rthonst4»rn coast on tlio otiior sido of the j^jIoIm*,
from Homt^whcro nliout Zaiton in tho (^oroa, to and fonio thirty dejfn**^^
eastward, beyond tiic Polsiacu?* river and bay. through tho kinjj
(h)niH of Go*r and Ma^ojy, and thence by a dream line connectinsf Asia
with the diHCoveriffl of the Cabota and the (\>rterenl3. The Poliwin-
ehiu river f»f Fra Mauro in liTi? is the INdisaeufl of Kuvfich and
the Pt4)leuiies of 1511, 1513, 15;i5. and 15-10. These and the Fosacim
of Sehoner, the Puluisangii of Orleliua an<l Pidisangu in later maps
map« are probably the Amoor river of our day. At all eventjl, the
river and ))ay are in eastern Asia, are about 50" t^) 52** noi th latitude. on<l
therefore, America (m l^a Cosa's chart cannot extend further west than
the left fl:ij;staff, the meridian of Porto Rico. Th<» thre<» river-* on the
three reduced faenimiles are not in the oriijiiial map of La Cosa. and,
on one of them, the important words, Afar tlenfnUnrtn jtor YnijhxrH, are
placed too low down and half an inch too far west, thus conveyint; the
ide.i that the F'nn^lish had discovered Manjifi.
In short, La Cosa*s coast line*, from C'id)a to the first flaj^starf, was
intended for Asia, and to this day answer** better for Asia than Amer-
ica. The student, therefore, who^ is n(4' clear on th "se p(»intfl is liable
to i^et the Polisacus (sometimes sp<'lletl Plisacus) TV13'. the Oulf of
Maine, Rio (lomez, Cathay, Memj)hramaiijo«^, (Jo*^ and Mai^)i^, Quinsny.
('ape (\)d, Rhode Island, New York, Zaiton, Zipanjju, Cai)es llace ami
Ilenlopen, Mani^i. Carolina, riambu, Fh>rida, Chieora, Tuba, ete., into n
■ beautiful muddle. This is no exajjji^eration. This utter confusion hart
b<»en made b}' compilers and amateur 2reoijra])hers from the times of
Hylacimiilus, A planus, Schoni?r, Laurence Fries, Orintius Fine, and
Muenst<;r, to tlie present day, and no doubt will continue so until
geogra])h<'rs look more carefully into tin* chronoloi^^^ nnd bibliography
of their subjects. With these explannlions this miip is perfectly
intelligible, and is reconcilable with other gmxl ma[>s ma<le since
the discovery of the Pacific in 15i:i, when Amerii'a tirst began to stand
alone in geography in<lependent < f Asia. The ((uestion next to b«*
ask<Ml is, how fur w<'st an(' south did Sebastian Calwit go in 14*.»7— 8?
According to Ru^'sch, as far probably as Cape Sable. The remark
of Peter Martyr, in 15L') (after their eyes were openeil to the aiy.e
and shape of the globe by the <Iise(»very of the Pacific), about (^ab<.t*s
reaching on the American coast ihe latitude f»f (iiHralter, nnd finding
himself then nn a meridian of longitude far enough west to leave Cnbu
on his left, is sinij ly absurd, dilennnatize it as you will. Such n voy-
age would have landed him near Cincinnati.
21
try was iiTi(loiil)te(lly new, and as his was the
lirst nescription of it print<?d, liis friends of tlie
Vosges Mountains, lovers of ^eoji^rapliy, sought
very properly, in 1507, to conii>linient him l)y
ffiviiiij^ it, instinid, the beautiful name Amkrica.
This was done without the knowledge of Ves-
imeci, and was never intended to interfere with
the just rights and elaims of (lohnnbus. The
trutli is, there was then no other book in print
describing Brazil but Vespucci's vi^ry simph^ and
interesting letter, written (but in what language
it is doubtful) probably inunediately after his re-
turn, in Septend>er, 15(12. He gave the country
he describe<l no name, but the translator into
Jjatin, Jean Basin de Sandacoiu't, (^^anon of St
Die, entitled his little tract Mundns Noma. lUit
time wore on, and the mistakes of the geogra-
l>hers, as well as those of Columbus and Ves-
l)ucci, are made ai>parent.*
In 15()5-(i Nicaragua, Honduras, and Yucatan
were seen by I)e Solis and Pinzon, and in 1508
J nana (henceforth called Cuba) was circunniavi-
gated by Ocampo, thus dispelling the doubt about
its being Zipangu, <u* part of the main land of
Asia. It was IVnuid to be a long, narrow island,
extending east and west, and not north .and
* A little book, liitherto unknown, written by Wulter Lud, and
printed at Stra^buriij in 1507, entitltMl SfM-ntii Orbin Declaration discov-
♦Tt'd by the writer in 1S(»2, baH Ixien the means of clearing up ninny
unjust aspersions of historians against Vespucci, and explain ng the
tiue state of affairs. The book is now in the British Museum. The
writer, after unsncccfrsful endeavors for tw<j years to place it in Amer-
ica, at the end of March, 18r»4, had the great satisfaction of calling the
att(.>nt:on of his friend*, U. 11. Major, Ksq., to it, an*l pointing out to
him the pasfuiges referring to the V^espucci books. How well Mr.
Major has used the^e materials his excellent paper on the Manuscript
Map of Leonardo dti Vinci, printed in the ArchwiAinjiay and his admir-
able Life of Prince Ileitrii the Navigator, abundantly show. The next
year the writer cnlled Monsieur Harrisse's ottention to it. and in his
Bih, Am. Vet. it appears, under No. 4y.
22
south, like Zipaiiffii. A strange confusion now
began to seize the German geojp\apliers of Stras-
burff and Vienna. Tliey made Cuba an island,
and ealled it Isabella, and then transferred all
the names tVom TsabeUa to a mainland, name<1
usually, Terra de Cuba, connectin<>^ it with Paria
(sometimes with and sometimes without a nar-
row strait), standing bolt upright, and extend-
ing to 45** north latitude, with a point like Flor-
ida, and a gulf to the west of it. This was still
sujjposed to l>e i)art of Asia, but in reality ex-
iste<l only in the imaginati<ms of the geogi^ajdi-
ers, like Antilla and San Brandan. It holds on
their maps about twenty names, some of which
are found on Kuyseh's large island or main land
west of Spagnola, and all of which are found on
early ma]Ks, especially on a Portuguese iun*tolano
described by Lelewel under date of 1501-4. It
is in the Ptolemy of 151 .'5, extending up to 45°,
while on the globe of Sohoni^r, of 1520, it reaches
51°, and is sei>arated froui Zipangu by live or six
degrees of Balboa's newly dis(*overed Pa<*itic
Ocean. Off to the northeast, in its proper lati-
tude and longitude, n)ost of tlH^se maps have
Terra de Ccu'te Ii(*al as a large island, extending
l^robably as far as the ('abots and the C-ortereals
discovered— that is, as far west as the meredinn
of Porto Rico. Some maps have it Trrra de ( 'uba,
otheri^ Paria ; and <)ne, in the Manjarita Philo-
sophica of 1515, from a misreading <d* Columbus'
tirst letter, Zoana Mela. This fancy continent
grew in size for nearly a quarter of a century,
and was hard to get rid of, but the exi>l<mi-
tions of Ayllon, (}(micz, Vcrrazano, Cartier, and
others, tinally drove it fnmi our geographies.
In 1512 Florida, up to Chicora, was explored
by Ponce de Leon, but it is now certain that it
had be(Mi discovered two or three yi^ars before,
-;^-
23
probably by private adventurers, but i3erhaps by
Ocaiupo in liis return voyage in 1508. At all
events, it appears correctly laid down in the ex-
cellent map of Peter Martyr printed at Seville
April 11, 1511, under the ' designation, Isla de
BeimeuL ^riiis map, exhibiting an unbroken
coast line from Cape Santa Cruz, in Brazil, to
Cape Catoche, in Yucatan, with hints of conti-
nental lines from Florida northward and west-
ward, and one <lue north of Yucatun, if studied
by the light of l\*ter Martyr's tenth book of his
second decade, dated December, 1514, will fore-
shadow an apiu'oaching eclipse of Spanish enter-
prise.
There is little doubt that, at the time of
the [)ublication of this most important mai), the
author was still under the belief that all these
new main lands somehow i>ertained to the conti-
nent of Asia. It is true, he informs us that some
philosoi)hers, and he leaves us to infer that he
was one of them, had their suspicions that Co-
lumbus was mistaken in his opinion of its being
Cathay, that tlie glol>e wus larger than Columbus
supi)osed, and that he had not really reached the
antipodes, or the kingdom of the Grand Khan.
But when Columbus, in his fourth voyage, brought
home some l>oppinjays, and exhibited their bril-
liant i)lumage at court, the good old gossiping
letter writer acknowledged that the gi*eat Dis-
coverer was right, that such beautiful binls could
come only from the East. * Hen(;e, probably, on
this map the lines west of Beimeni and north of
Yucatan are dream lines from Marco Polo. In-
deed, Peter Martyr says, in his first deciide, fin-
ished in 1510 and printed shortly after, that all
these provinces of Paria, Cariena, Canehiet, Cu-
quibacoa, Uraba, Veragua, and others, are sup-
posed to pertain to the continent of India. Flor-
24r
idaaud Beiiuiui forgotti^^jy IVIareo Polo, and loft
out of bis report ! SI|^j!^of Sebastian Cabot !
In 1511 Cuba was^ettled under fav(n*able Jius-
pices, and Avitb Diego Velascjuez as g()vernor
over well to do eolonlsts, it beeann^ the base of
operations for extensive explorations. On tln^
8th of February, 1517, Franeiseo Hernandi^z de
Cordova, acccnnpanied by liernal J)iaz del Cas-
tillo, he of the True lllfitory^ an<l Antonio Ala-
niiuos as pilot, who as a hoy had saih^d with Co-
lumbus, set out on an exploring ex]>edi(ion to
the west, to look for trade, gold, and th(». long-
sought passage to the land of pronlis(^ Jli* went
by Cape (/atoche;, the Bay of Canii)eehe, as far as
Champoton, and returned. The next year, 151S,
on the 5th ()f April, .ruan d(» (Jrijalva set out on
the same route, with a better fleet an<l fuller in-
struetions, aeeomiianieil by liernal Diaz, IVdro
de Alvanwlo, and the ever faithful Palinurus, Al-
amiuos. They visited C^ozumel, (.^ape Catoeln^
Campeehe, Jlio Tabaseo, rotonchan, and named
the country New Spain. ^J^hey went as far as
Panuco. Aivarmlo was sent back with the sick
and heaps of gold, but (Jrajalva himself did not
return to Cuba till the 15th of Noveml)er. The
journal of this imi>ortant expedition, kept by the
chaplain, Diep, was iirst published in Italian b^
Zorzi, at Venice in 1520, as an a])pen<lage to the
Itinera rio of Varthema.
Three days after (Jrijalva's return, Ileriuuido
Cortes, on the 18th of NovenU)er, 151S, with the
instructions in his pocket, which the governor
sought in vain to recall after the return and fav-
orable report of Alvarado, embarked on that most
wonderful expedition of modern history, but he
did not really leave ('uba for C-ozumel till the
10th of February, 1511). lie followed the courses
of Cordova and Crijalva till he reached Vera
25
<,'niz. From thence iMp^scemled the Grand Pla-
tciin, and what fonowea i^nown to all the world.
In his Second Kelation, dat^l 30th October, 1520,
('ortcs sent to the Emperor a map of the entire
(iiulf of Mexico, well laid down, which was jirint-
ed for the tirst time in 1524, at Augsburg, where
diaries V liad resided. On this map are the
names of all the places at which he touched
from Yucatan along tlie coast as far as Vera
Ornz. These are, in order, Santo Anton, lloca
Tartida, liio de CJrijalva, liio de la Palma, Eio
de dos botas, Caribes, Santo Andres, Rio de Co-
euquahpio, Koca partida, llio de Vanderas, Rio
de Alvarado, P. de Sant Juan, Seville, Almeria,
and San Pedro. The Rio de Cocuqualquo was
surveyed for many miles, i)robabIy with the hope
of finding an opening to the South Sea.
ill loll), rran(*isco (iaray, the Governor of
Jamaica, disjuitched Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda
to explore the Ivcys and coasts of Florida, but
owing to the reefs and contrary winds, he di-
rected his way round by the northwest coast by
Mobile liay, and the Mississippi river to Vera
Cruz, thus completing a full and careful survey of
the (lUlf of Mexico. liut still the disappointing
rei)ort to the home government of Old Spain was
— no thoroughfare. Here was the eclipse. P(u*-
tugal had gained a strong foothold of eight hun-
dred miles on the coast of Brazil in consequence
of removing the
…[truncated]