from east to west, thus establishing communication between the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Ocean. Another line is being built from Altata to Culiacan, and thence to Durango.
None of the trains on the various railroads, as a rule, carry escorts or guards, except the Mexican Railway. A special car is provided on the latter for a squad of Federal soldiers. Occasionally the Mexican National Railway Company will send several guards on the pay-car, or on a train that transports an enormous amount of coin and bullion.
The plan of building railways in Mexico has been to work from each end toward a middle point. This method proved very expensive to the Mexican road, but it is found expedient in the construction of the American trunk-lines. The latter rarely pass through the cities and towns along the route, as the inhabitants prefer to keep the railroad-track at a considerable distance. At Monterey the station is one and a half miles from the city.
With the exception of the Mexican National Railway and the Morelos Railway (the latter being owned by Mexicans), the standard gauge has been adopted on the principal lines of the country. These two roads are constructed of the narrow gauge (via angosta), which is thought to be well adapted to the wants of the region traversed by them.
Mexico derives two great benefits from the construction of railroads—viz., in giving employment to a great many people, it produces a peaceful effect on them; and, in case of a revolution, the Government can send troops to the seat of war within a few hours.
The following table of charges for the transportation of freight and passengers on the trunk-lines will be found useful:
