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416 a line from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific. Revolutions disturbed the country, so that several years elapsed before active labor was entered upon, but in 1863 Senor Escandon was secured in his concession, and a consolidated fund of the public debt was created, amounting to $8,000,000, bearing five per cent interest, the capital to be paid up at the end of twenty-five years.

The war of the intervention prevented operations until, in 1864, Señor Escandon transferred his concession to the "Imperial Mexican Railway Company," which transfer was approved by Maximilian in January, 1865. After these various delays, work was begun at either end, and on the restoration of the republic one hundred and thirty-four miles were found completed. Although, upon the resumption of power by Juarez, the concession was declared forfeited, "for having contracted with a government seeking the overthrow of the Mexican republic," yet, in May, 1867, a decree was issued restoring its rights, and in November of that year work was resumed. Under the general direction of Mr. Buchanan, C. E., the rugged country between Orizaba and the plateau was entered; in September, 1869, the branch line from Apizaco to Puebla was inaugurated, and the section from Vera Cruz to Atoyac, fifty miles in length, was opened in 1870. The important city of Orizaba was placed in connection with the coast in September, 1872, and on the 1st of January, 1873, the entire line was completed from the Gulf to the city of Mexico, and solemnly inaugurated by Señor Lerdo de Tejada, President of the republic.

The advantages resulting from the completion of the "Mexican Railway," as this first iron road in the country was called, were so manifest, that it soon seemed equally desirable that Mexico should have rail connection with the United States. To this end many persons sought government aid. Under the wise rule of Lerdo and the progressive administration of Diaz, all enterprises of this character were encouraged. Capital was eager to invest in railways in a country that possessed neither canals