Charge Winthrop to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Madrid, October 7,
1905.
No. 43.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy and
translation of a royal decree which appeared in the Gaceta of to-day and
which the Department may consider of sufficient interest and
far-reaching in its practical scope as to secure some publicity therefor
in order that the ever-increasing number of American citizens who travel
may be less deterred from visiting Spain, a country which has so much in
the way of interest to offer to the tourist. The decree is also
interesting as furnishing evidence of the national awakening to the need
of a wider intercourse with the outside world, both from the educational
as well as from the pecuniary point of view. As regards the latter, it
appears to be realized by all thinking Spaniards how directly the
pecuniary resources of the country may be benefited by an influx of
travelers, and how much this has contributed to the prosperity of such
countries as Switzerland, as well as to the rehabilitation of Italy.
In some recent newspaper discussions of the recent very startling fall in
the rate of exchange on Paris, this having now fallen to 26.75 (this
being the premium in pesetas paid for a 100-franc note, whereas most of
the summer it has hovered about 31 and last year it fluctuated between
32 and 34), a realization of the desirability of fostering the aim of
this decree is voiced in no uncertain terms. The approaching visit of
the President of France will unquestionably do much good in developing
this idea and in making Spaniards see the practical good which will come
to them in furthering the provisions of the said decree.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
royal decree.
Upon the advice of the minister of fomento and in accord with the
council of ministers, I decree as follows:
- Article 1. A national commission
is herewith created charged with encouraging in Spain, by
whatever means are at its disposal, the visit of foreigners,
either those coming for pleasure or improvement.
- Art. 2. This commission will be
presided over by the minister of fomento, and will be
composed of members to be designated by him.
- Art. 3. Among the adequate means
for encouraging the influx of foreign travelers, to the
study and establishment of which the national commission
named in the preceding article will at once begin to devote
itself, will be the following:
- (a)
- Preparing and publishing in foreign countries
itineraries for travel, in order that the chief
national and artistic monuments, landscapes, etc.,
may be visited most easily and profitably.
- (b)
- To study means and take the proper steps with the
railway companies in order to organize and establish
special tariffs and fast comfortable trains, which,
starting from the frontier, and, if possible, from
the seaports as well, may convey travelers on these
tours, making the journey attractive and
comfortable.
- (c)
- In concert with deputies, town councils, or other
bodies as may be expedient to see that an
improvement be arrived at in the lodging and
services of all kinds relating to travelers, and
when it may be done legitimately to attract and
retain the subjects of other nations.
- (d)
- To publish and diffuse in foreign countries, in
the appropriate language, historical facts,
descriptions of our monuments, and whatever may be
considered useful for the better
[Page 851]
appreciation of
beauties, artistic as well as natural, and for
giving a knowledge of our history and for awakening
the curiosity of foreigners.
- (e)
- Whatever other work or steps to be taken, which,
in the judgment of the above-named commission, and
with the approbation of the government, if such be
necessary, will be considered as contributing to the
design of favoring the coming into Spain of the
foreign traveling public.
- Art. 4. The minister of fomento
will include in the next national budget the amount which,
in the judgment of the above-named commission, is considered
necessary in order to attend to the printing and propagation
of the work which is to be accomplished in the carrying out
of the preceding articles.
- Art. 5. The minister of fomento
is authorized to arrange what dispositions are necessary to
carry out the present decree.
Given in the Palace, October 6, 1905.
Alfonso.
Alvara Figuepoa,
Minister of Fomento.
