Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 April 1894 — TOPICS OF THESE TIMES. [ARTICLE]

TOPICS OF THESE TIMES.

THE SIBERIAN RAILWAY. The great continental railway now in process of construction by the Russian government, of which mention has heretofore been made, is regarded as one of the most important enterprises in this decade. Its effects upon the commerce of Europe is likely to be revolutionary, while its bearing upon the political relations- of Russia and Great Britain is destined to be far reaching and of the greatest possible advantage to the Czar. This road will be nearly 5,000 miles long, with many important branches reaching from ports on the Black and Caspian seas to Vladivostock on the Japanese sea and Okhotsk on the bay of the same name, which is an inlet of the Pacific ocean. Work was commenced upon the route about two years ago. The cost is estimated at $300,000,000, which will be furnished by the imperial treasury. It is not supposed that the road will pay expenses for a long term of years, but ts value to the Russian government from a strategic standpoint can not be overestimated. The road will open an area of 5,000,000 square miles, the the greater portion of which is fertile, covered with forests or affording good pasturage. All the staple products of the temperate zone can be produced without irrigation. It will be the policy of the Russian government to encourage immigration to the Siberian wilderness, easy access to which will soon be had by means of this railway. Mr. Clarence Webster, a Chicago newspaper man,intends sailing for Vladivostock this month, and will follow the line westward for the purpose of making a scientific survey of the country. The result of his explorations will be awaited with interest.