CHAPTER III
Character of Foreign Investments in Mexico, Particularly Those of Americans — Relation of These Investments to the Economic Condition of the Country — Dealings Between Foreign Investors and the Mexican Government
ABOUT the end of Diaz's long administration Marion Letcher, American Consul at Chihuahua, compiled a statement which was filed in the State Department at Washington showing the total wealth of Mexico to be $2,434,241,422; of which Americans owned $1,057,770,000; English, $321,302,800; French, $143,446,000; all other foreigners, $118,535,380; Mexicans, $792,187,242. Senator Fall, of New Mexico, who is well informed on Mexican affairs, asserts that the correct figures for English investments are more than double those given by Consul Letcher; and that the figures for the Americans should also be largely increased. However this may be, the Consul's compilation will at least serve to give an idea of the relative importance of foreign capital in developing the resources of Mexico. The fact is that foreigners have developed Mexico; have built its railroads, opened its mines, con-
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