284 MEXICO. 
Fifty thousand tons will then cost for transportation $8,750,000. But 
suppose we take only the half, or twenty-five thousand tons to be trans- 
ported to the interior, and we shall have for the cost, $4,375,000, for 
the annual value of mule freight. 
I think it would be perfectly fair to consider this sum as the income of 
a railway, (at least, during the first years of the enterprise,) especially 
when the transportation of passengers and the speed with which merchants 
will be served with their goods, are taken into consideration as induce- 
ments. 
The statement of freights which I have made above, is only of carriage 
to the Capital ; an equal sum, nearly, may be expected to cover the trans- 
portation from it, including passengers, and pay for the portage of coin 
and bullion to the coast. But, if nothing more than $4,375,000, in all, 
are raised as income, you will perceive that the road must pay for itself 
in less than two years, or yield (after deducting expenses,) more than 
thirty per cent, to its shareholders. If the low cost of the railway is 
objected to, let the estimate be doubled, and still the profits will be pro- 
portionably great, if we take into account the extension of business that 
will be created by the increase of facilities. 
I think it may be safely stated, that two thousand passengers pass over 
the road every year between Vera Cruz and Mexico, each paying $50 
for his seat, or, $100,000 in all. How great would be the increase of 
travelling — the security of life and property from robbers — the induce- 
ments to trade — and the general promotion of the prosperity of the Re- 
public, by an outlay of money at so profitable an interest !* 
MEXICAN COACHES AND MULES. 
Not the least singular of the sights of the Metropolis, are the mules 
harnassed to the antique vehicles still used by some of the old-fashioned , 
folks of Mexico. The carriage is usually quite globular, or tun-like, 
with its doors and sides covered with elaborate gilding and painting. 
This clumsy cavity is suspended on a carved and gaudy-colored frame- 
work, or square scaffolding, resting on enormous wheels ; and the whole 
machine has the appearance of a big fly hanging in the midst of a 
spider-web. A long pole extends in front, to which are attached a pair 
of mules, almost hidden in a heavy harness studded with brass bosses and 
shining ornaments, while the tails of the luckless animals are invariably 
stuck into leathern bags by way of queue ! A postillion, with short jacket, 
of brown stamped leather, embroidered with green braid ; stout leggings, 
* Since the above was written, I learn that the Oovemnment has issued orders for the repair and improvement of 
roads all over the Republic. An enterprise has been actually set on foot by Mexican merchants of great wealth 
and respectability, to open a communication with the Pacific, across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, partly by 
railway. 
The railway from Vera Cruzto the river San Juan, in the direction of Jalapa, has also been commenced, and 
laborers are already at work on four miles of the twenty-one of which it is to consist. 
