Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 January 1913 — Railroads in Spain. [ARTICLE]

Railroads in Spain.

Spain has just experienced a railway strike on such an extensive scale that the government has been compelled to call out the whole army to suppress it. Unlike many other European countries, Spain hds no state railways, and 64 per cent, of its main line mileage is in the hands of two French companies. Much of the locomotives and rolling stock have, accordingly, originated in Continental countries other than Spain, although at present a considerable proportion of the rolling stock is being built in the country. There are, four British-owned lines. These employ British material, but their combined length is only some 394 miles. The railway system as a whole radiates from Madrid, and few extension* have been made during the past few years. The two chief companies entered into a pooling arrangement a few years ago, and have thereby much improved their financial position. Tracks are being improved and doubled and the rolling stock on the through expresses now compares favorably with other Continental trains. Speed is another matter, but difficult country, barren stretches, and the conditions of night travel have much to do with its limitation.