IN presenting this work to the consideration of those intending to visit Texas for the purpose of making it their permanent home, or as tourists desiring merely to visit a State presenting so many objects of interest, both in its varied scenery and its ancient Missions, it has been the desire of the company, under whose direction the book has been published, to present fairly and without embellishment the various advantages of Western Texas. The gentleman, a writer well known to the press of the United States, was instructed to confine himself to facts and statistics, and to let the reality, when seen, convince the judgment that the great resources of this beautiful and fertile portion of Texas had not been exaggerated; but while the truth had been told, it was not the whole truth. While it is the earnest "Sunset Route" to see desire of the company controlling the the rolling prairies, fertile valleys and hills of Western Texas, settled with an industrious, enterprising and prosperous population, and her vast water power made available, yet no one connected with the company would induce a solitary citizen to change his home, sever the ties of old associations, by any representations of their own or their agent not warranted by facts. We give you an honest and faithful description of the country. Come and examine, and decide according to your judgment. The President of the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway Company, and, I might say, the owner of the road, Thomas W. Peirce-a citizen of Massachusetts-was so impressed with the advantages of Western Texas, and its great future, that He has invested millions in developing its resources and adding its material wealth. The same influences that operated upon is judgment and determined his action still exist, and will to a greater or less extent operate upon all who once visit this beautiful section of Texas, and study what must inevitably be the result of enterprise and well directed labor in a land so bountifully provided for by nature. Officers, agents and all employes of the company, have orders to at all times afford every facility and accommodation to those seeking homes on the Sunset Route or Western Texas, and the writer will with pleasure answer any and all letters in relation to Western Texas and this line of road. HENRY B. ANDREWS, Vice-President and General Manager Sunset Route. |