ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the general objects of railway construction in West Africa and the principal factors which influence the choice of the lines of railway development. European nations are realizing the immense importance of tropical possessions. The delimitation of international boundaries and pacification of the country have paved the way for systematic economic development, which can only be obtained by improved means of communication. The moment is therefore opportune to review the situation generally, in the hope that the various factors will present themselves in their proper proportion. The Government appears to have organized the collection of information bearing on the extension of railways, and in May, 1911, the Governor-General of French West Africa proceeded on a tour embracing all the colonies under his jurisdiction. A special mission is investigating the country with a view to deciding on the best direction for the extension of the northern line.
