BENJ. HARRISON.



EXECUTIVE MANSION, _May 19, 1890_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

I transmit herewith a report of the International American Conference,
recently in session at this capital, recommending the survey of a route
for an intercontinental line of railroad to connect the systems of North
America with those of the southern continent, and to be conducted under
the direction of a board of commissioners representing the several
American Republics.

Public attention has chiefly been attracted to the subject of improved
water communication between the ports of the United States and those of
Central and South America. The creation of new and improved steamship
lines undoubtedly furnishes the readiest means of developing an
increased trade with the Latin-American nations. But it should not be
forgotten that it is possible to travel by land from Washington to the
southernmost capital of South America, and that the opening of railroad
communication with these friendly States will give to them and to us
facilities for intercourse and the exchanges of trade that are of
special value.

The work contemplated is vast, but entirely practicable. It will be
interesting to all, and perhaps surprising to most of us, to notice how
much has already been done in the way of railroad construction in Mexico
and South America that can be utilized as part of an intercontinental