The message is noteworthy only in that it depicts very clearly the
improved financial condition of the country.
[Inclosure.]
President’s speech at the opening of
Congress.
summary.
The foreign relations of the Republic are declared to be on an
excellent footing. Negotiations for a treaty with Bolivia are
reported to be progressing satisfactorily; while the difficulties in
the way of a final arrangement with Peru have not yet
disappeared.
The Republic of Panama has been recognized.
telegraph service.
A convention is being negotiated with Bolivia, and one has been
celebrated with Argentina. The new lines over the Cordillera are
nearly completed.
commerce.
In 1903 the commerce amounted to $348,429,793. Imports amounted to
$146,276,667 and exports to $202,153,126; that is to say,
$27,000,000 more than in 1902, of which $17,000,000 correspond to
nitrate. The exportation of copper increased $2,300,000; the
agriculture, $8,000,000.
railways.
The following have been opened to the public: From Pueblo Hundido to
Inca, from Serena to Rivadavia, from San Diego to Providencia
(Santiago), and from Talca to San Clemente, 161 kilometers.
There are 237 kilometers in construction. The railway from Pitrufquen
to Loncoche and Loncoche to Antilhue (114 kilometers) will be opened
to the public. The other 117 kilometers will be finished in
1905.
The following lines are under consideration: Aguas Blancas to
Vallenar, Vallenar to La Serena, San Marcos to Illapel, Los Vilos to
Rayado, Curico to Hualañé, Cauquenes to Quirihue and Coelemu, San
Felipe to Putaendo, Chilian to Tomé,
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and Rio Negro to Puerto Montt; and at the
beginning of 1905 estimates will be asked for 500 kilometers of
railways.
There are also under consideration some local railways of a
60-centimeter gauge, such as that from Artificio to Maquinas de
Catemu, from the station of Yungay to the village of Lampa, from
Chilian to Las Termas, and from a point on the Central Railway to
Villa Rica.
Permission has been granted to construct 150 kilometers of private
railways, and several other permits are under consideration.
The Government is studying the proposition for the termination of the
Transandine Railway, via Uspallata.
