ocean, great improvements of the highways have been effected. Under the administrations of the viceroys Bucareli, Re villa Gigedo, and Iturrigaray,the most important lines of traffic were placed in tolerable condition and stage lines established.[1] The exertions of the latter ruler were particularly successful, and to him are the Mexicans indebted for the splendid Jalapa highway to Vera Cruz, the construction of which had cost nearly 3,000,000 pesos in 1812.[2]
Although the physical formation generally is unfavorable to river and canal navigation, such is not the case in the valley of Mexico, and thousands of canoes yearly conveyed grain into the capital by the lakes Tezcuco and San Cristóbal, which were connected by a narrow canal, or rather dike. Communication with Lake Chalco, and throughout the extent of the valley, might have been easily effected at an early date, and freight charges greatly reduced, but the government opposed all such projects until the time of Iturrigaray, who ordered the opening of the Tezcuco canal.[3]
- ↑ A stage ran in 1791 from the capital to Puebla, thence te San Andrés, the limit of the line, towards Oajaca, 'por no poder seguir carruage.' Gaz. Mex., iv. 347. In 1793 six coaches called the 'coches de Providencia,' plied the streets of Mexico, the drivers dressed in livery. Id., v. 419-23, 472. To the proprietors of these latter vehicles the concession was granted in 1794 to open a passenger line between the city of Mexico and Guadalajara, through Querétero, and also to Perote. The stages were to run weekly or monthly, and carry only four passengers. Should there be only one passenger to Guadalajara his fare was $200; two passengers paid $105 each; three $75, and four $62.50. The return fares were at half price. To Perote the prices paid were, for one person, $70; for two $76; for three, $82; and for four passengers, $90. An amount of freight in decreasing proportion to the greater number of passengers was allowed to be carried. Id., vi. 51-6.
- ↑ Lerdo de Tejada, Comerc. Exterior, 43. This work was commenced in 1803, and the expenses were defrayed by the consulado of Vera Cruz. Id., 22. A traveller in 1805 describes the principal roads as excellent, and expresses the hope that others will be made equally good, adding, 'pues he visto muchos que han muerto desbarrancados, {{SIC|ssi]] eclesiasticos. . ., como arrieros.' Diar. Mex., i. 348. Consult also Azanza, Instruc., 71-5; Panes, Extension, V. Cruz,' MS, 211-61; V. Cruz, Esposic., 15-17; Revilla Gigedo, Instruc., MS., i. 1 19-44. Opposing interests for many years delayed the construction of the Jalapa road, the merchants of the capital desiring that the proposed new road should pass Orizaba, while those of Vera Cruz were in favor of it being conducted through Jalapa. The old route led through the plain of Apa without touching Puebla. Humboldt, Essai Polit., ii. 685-6.
- ↑ Humboldt, Essai Polit., i. 231. In 1715 a memorial was addressed to the viceroy petitioning for the formation of a canal from the Goazocalco River
