Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir: One of the most important public improvements of this country, and which places it in direct connection overland with the rest of Europe, has just been completed, and was formally opened to-day with public demonstrations of satisfaction. I refer to the railroad between Lisbon and Madrid. The absence of that means of speedy communication has been a material drawback to this capital, socially and commercially. Heretofore the sea has been almost the only avenue to approach to and exit from the city, and its dangers and difficulties have turned aside a large travel which with more agreeable facilities would have sought the interesting interior of this comparatively unexplored and unknowns kingdom. Under the operation of the new system an impulse will be given which must soon be felt in all the departments of activity, and resources will be developed which the absence of ready transit has hitherto retarded to the injury of general prosperity.
Lisbon is now within ready reach of all the great commercial and political centres, and after a short experience it will be practicable to traverse comfortably the distance which separates it from Paris in sixty hours.
Several members of the Spanish ministry and other distinguished persons honored the opening with their presence yesterday and were presented to the King and entertained becomingly by the minister of foreign affairs in the evening.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.