J2O 



Oeoorapbicai Wotes on 



ing and grows in much larger proportion than the foreign, or inter- 

 national traffic ; and they are paying the interest on their debt, which 

 is due and paid in gold, notwithstanding that they collect their 

 freights in silver, which has been for several years at a great discount,, 

 losing at the present rate of exchange about one hundred per cent, in 

 the operation ; but their business is such that they can afford to suffer 

 that loss. 



In the statistical section of this paper will be found a list of our 

 railroads, their mileage, earnings, and several other data, showing that 

 they are in a prosperous condition, all of which will be of interest to 

 those who desire to have a more intimate acquaintance with the railway 

 system of Mexico. I will only insert here the following statement of 

 the annual building and earnings of the Mexican railways, sup- 

 plementing it with a comparative statement showing the tonnage 

 moved by the principal railway lines, for the ten years ending Decem- 

 ber 31, 1896, which shows a great increase in their business, and con- 

 sequently in their earnings. 



ANNUAL BUILDINGS AND EARNINGS OF MEXICAN RAILWAYS. 



