[Illustration: Book Cover]
[Illustration: MAP SHOWING STATES, BOUNDARIES, AND RAILWAYS OF MEXICO.]
[Illustration]
THE BOY TRAVELLERS IN
MEXICO
ADVENTURES OF TWO YOUTHS IN A JOURNEY TO
NORTHERN AND CENTRAL MEXICO, CAMPEACHEY, AND YUCATAN, WITH A
DESCRIPTION OF THE REPUBLICS OF CENTRAL AMERICA
AND OF THE NICARAGUA CANAL
BY
THOMAS W. KNOX
AUTHOR OF
"THE BOY TRAVELLERS IN THE FAR EAST" "IN SOUTH AMERICA" "IN RUSSIA"
"ON THE CONGO" AND "IN AUSTRALASIA" "THE YOUNG NIMRODS"
"THE VOYAGE OF THE 'VIVIAN'" ETC.
Illustrated
NEW YORK
HARPER & BROTHERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE
1890
BY THOMAS W. KNOX.
* * * * *
THE BOY TRAVELLERS IN THE FAR EAST. Five Volumes. Copiously Illustrated.
8vo, Cloth, $3.00 each. The volumes sold separately. Each volume
complete in itself.
I. ADVENTURES OF TWO YOUTHS IN A JOURNEY TO JAPAN AND CHINA.
II. ADVENTURES OF TWO YOUTHS IN A JOURNEY TO SIAM AND JAVA. With
Descriptions of Cochin-China, Cambodia, Sumatra, and the Malay
Archipelago.
III. ADVENTURES OF TWO YOUTHS IN A JOURNEY TO CEYLON AND INDIA. With
Descriptions of Borneo, the Philippine Islands, and Burmah.
IV. ADVENTURES OF TWO YOUTHS IN A JOURNEY TO EGYPT AND PALESTINE.
V. ADVENTURES OF TWO YOUTHS IN A JOURNEY THROUGH AFRICA.
THE BOY TRAVELLERS IN SOUTH AMERICA. Adventures of Two Youths in a
Journey through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentine
Republic, and Chili; with Descriptions of Patagonia and Tierra del
Fuego, and Voyages upon the Amazon and La Plata Rivers. Copiously
Illustrated. 8vo, Cloth, $3.00.
THE BOY TRAVELLERS IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE. Adventures of Two Youths in a
Journey in European and Asiatic Russia, with Accounts of a Tour across
Siberia, Voyages on the Amoor, Volga, and other Rivers, a Visit to
Central Asia, Travels among the Exiles, and a Historical Sketch of the
Empire from its Foundation to the Present Time. Copiously Illustrated.
8vo, Cloth, $3.00.
THE BOY TRAVELLERS ON THE CONGO. Adventures of Two Youths in a Journey
with Henry M. Stanley "Through the Dark Continent." Copiously
Illustrated. 8vo, Cloth, $3.00.
THE BOY TRAVELLERS IN AUSTRALASIA. Adventures of Two Youths in a Journey
to the Sandwich, Marquesas, Society, Samoan, and Feejee Islands, and
through the Colonies of New Zealand, New South Wales, Queensland,
Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. Copiously Illustrated. 8vo,
Cloth, $3.00.
THE BOY TRAVELLERS IN MEXICO. Adventures of Two Youths in a Journey to
Northern and Central Mexico, Campeachey, and Yucatan, with a Description
of the Republics of Central America, and of the Nicaragua Canal.
Copiously Illustrated. 8vo, Cloth, $3.00.
THE VOYAGE OF THE "VIVIAN" TO THE NORTH POLE AND BEYOND. Adventures of
Two Youths in the Open Polar Sea. Copiously Illustrated. 8vo, Cloth,
$2.50.
HUNTING ADVENTURES ON LAND AND SEA. Two Volumes. Copiously Illustrated.
8vo, Cloth, $2.50 each. The volumes sold separately. Each volume
complete in itself.
I. THE YOUNG NIMRODS IN NORTH AMERICA.
II. THE YOUNG NIMRODS AROUND THE WORLD.
* * * * *
PUBLISHED BY HARPER & BROTHERS, NEW YORK.
_Any of the above volumes sent by mail, postage prepaid, to any part of
the United States or Canada, on receipt of the price._
* * * * *
Copyright, 1889, by HARPER & BROTHERS.--_All rights reserved._
PREFACE.
Until within the past few years, Mexico was a country not easily reached
from the principal cities of the United States, and our relations with
it were by no means intimate. Since the completion of the railway from
the frontier of Texas to the heart of the most northerly of the
Spanish-American republics, there has been a rapid development of
commercial and social relations between Mexico and the United States,
and the tide of travel from one country to the other is steadily
increasing year by year. These circumstances have led the author of "The
Boy Travellers" to believe that his young friends everywhere would
welcome a book describing the land of the Aztecs, its history and
resources, the manners and customs of its people, and the many curious
things to be seen, and adventures passed through, in a journey from one
end of that country to the other.
In this belief he sought the aid of his and their friends, Frank and
Fred, immediately after their return from Australasia. Ever ready to be
of service, the youths assented to his request to make a tour of the
Mexican republic, in company with their guide and mentor, Doctor
Bronson, and the result of their journey is set forth in the following
pages. It is confidently hoped that the narrative will be found in every
particular fully equal to any of its predecessors in the series to which
it belongs.
The methods on which the Boy Travellers have hitherto performed their
work have been adhered to in the present volume. In addition to his
personal acquaintance with Mexico and travels in that country, the
author has drawn upon the observations of those who have preceded and
followed him there. He has consulted books of history, travel, and
statistics in great number, has sought the best and most accurate maps,
and while his work was in progress he consulted many persons familiar
with Mexico, and was in frequent correspondence with gentlemen now
residing there. He has sought to bring the social, political, and
commercial history of the country down to the latest date, and to
present a truthful picture of the present status of our sister
republic. The result of his efforts he submits herewith to the judgment
of his readers.
Many of the works that have been consulted are named in the text, but it
has not been convenient to refer to all. Among those to which the author
is indebted may be mentioned the following: Bishop's "Old Mexico and her
Lost Provinces," Griffin's "Mexico of To-day," Haven's "Our Next-door
Neighbor," Charnay's "Ancient Cities of the New World," Squier's
"Nicaragua" and "Central America," Wells's "Honduras," Stephens's
"Travels in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan," Baldwin's "Ancient
America," Wilson's "Mexico and its Religions," Abbott's "Hernando
Cortez," Prescott's "Conquest of Mexico," Ober's "Travels in Mexico,"
Geiger's "Peep at Mexico," Gooch's "Face to Face with the Mexicans,"
Chevalier's "Mexique Ancien et Moderne," and the hand-books of Janvier,
Conkling, and Hamilton.
As in the other "Boy Traveller" volumes, the author is indebted to the
liberality of his publishers, Messrs. Harper & Brothers, for the use of
engravings that have appeared in previous publications relative to
Mexico and Central America, in addition to those specially prepared for
this book. As a result of their generosity, he has been enabled to add
greatly to the interest of the work, particularly to the younger portion
of his readers, for whom illustrations always have an especial charm.
T. W. K.
NEW YORK, _June_, 1889.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE.--PLANS FOR THE JOURNEY.--TO
MEXICO BY RAIL.--BAGGAGE, AND BOOKS ON THE COUNTRY.--BRUSHING
UP THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF SPANISH.--WESTWARD FROM NEW YORK.--A
HALT AT ST. LOUIS.--SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.--VISIT TO THE
ALAMO.--REMINISCENCES OF THE FALL OF THE ALAMO.--BATTLE OF
SAN JACINTO AND INDEPENDENCE OF TEXAS.--NOTES ON THE RAILWAYS
OF NORTHERN MEXICO.--OLD TEXAS AND MODERN
CHANGES.--"G. T. T."--PRESENT WEALTH OF THE STATE.--ARRIVAL
ON THE FRONTIER OF MEXICO. Page 1
CHAPTER II.
HOTELS ON THE FRONTIER.--ACCOMMODATIONS AT LAREDO.--SMUGGLING
OVER THE BORDER.--LAREDO AS A RAILWAY CENTRE.--THE RIO GRANDE
AND ITS PECULIARITIES.--RIVERS BENEATH THE SANDS.--ENTERING
MEXICAN TERRITORY.--EXAMINATIONS AT THE CUSTOM-HOUSE.--MEXICAN
TARIFFS.--BRIBERY AMONG OFFICIALS.--LEAVING NUEVO LAREDO.--A
DREARY PLAIN.--FELLOW-PASSENGERS WITH OUR FRIENDS.--A MEXICAN
IRISHMAN.--PEOPLE AT THE STATIONS.--ADOBE HOUSES; HOW THEY ARE
MADE.--THE LAND OF MAÑANA.--POCO TIEMPO AND QUIEN
SABE.--LAMPASAS.--MESA DE LOS CARTUJANOS.--PRODUCTS OF NUEVO
LEON.--SADDLE AND MITRE MOUNTAINS.--MONTEREY. 15
CHAPTER III.
THE AMERICAN INVASION OF TO-DAY.--MONTEREY AS A HEALTH RESORT;
ITS SITE AND SURROUNDINGS.--THE CATHEDRAL AND OTHER PUBLIC
BUILDINGS.--CAPTURE OF MONTEREY BY GENERAL TAYLOR.--SHORT
HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR.--FROM CORPUS CHRISTI TO
MONTEREY.--THE ATTACK ON THE CITY.--CAPTURE OF THE FORTS AND
THE BISHOP'S PALACE.--FRANK RECITES A POEM.--LIEUT. U. S.
GRANT AND WHAT HE DID AT MONTEREY.--A STORY ABOUT JEFFERSON
DAVIS.--HOW JOHN PHENIX ESCAPED CASHIERING.--SIGHTS OF THE
CITY.--THE MARKET-PLACE AND WHAT WAS SEEN THERE.--FRUITS,
BIRDS, POTTERY, ETC.--IN A MONTEREY HOUSE.--A PALATIAL
RESIDENCE. 31
CHAPTER IV.
SOUTHWARD TO SALTILLO.--SANTA CATERINA.--REMARKABLE
CAVES.--SCENERY OF THE SIERRA MADRE.--WAY-SIDE ATTRACTIONS.--THE
CACTUS; ITS FLOWERS AND MANY VARIETIES.--SALTILLO.--THE
ALAMEDA.--MEXICAN CURRENCY.--THE BATTLE-FIELD OF BUENA VISTA.--BY
CARRIAGE AND SADDLE.--A NIGHT AT A HACIENDA.--MEXICAN
COOKERY.--TORTILLAS, PUCHERO, FRIJOLES, TAMALES, AND OTHER
EDIBLES.--HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN WAR FROM MONTEREY TO BUENA
VISTA.--5000 AMERICANS DEFEAT 20,000 MEXICANS.--DESCRIPTION OF
THE FIELD.--COTTON FACTORY AT SALTILLO.--COTTON MANUFACTURES
IN MEXICO. 48
CHAPTER V.
FROM SALTILLO TO JARAL.--A JOURNEY BY DILIGENCE.--PECULIARITIES
OF DILIGENCE TRAVEL.--BRIGANDAGE; HOW THE GOVERNMENT SUPPRESSED
IT.--ROBBERS TURNED INTO SOLDIERS.--STORIES OF BRIGANDS AND
THEIR WORK; THEIR TREATMENT OF PRISONERS.--A CASE OF
POLITENESS.--DINNER AT A WAY-SIDE INN.--CHILE CON
CARNE.--DESCRIPTION OF CHIHUAHUA.--THE SANTA EULALIA MINES;
ROMANTIC STORY OF THEIR DISCOVERY.--TORREON AND LERDO.--COTTON
IN TRANSIT.--STATISTICS OF COTTON IN MEXICO.--FRESNILLO.--
CALERA.--A BAD BREAKFAST.--ARRIVAL AT ZACATECAS.--LODGED IN AN
OLD CONVENT. 66
CHAPTER VI.
NAME, POPULATION, AND PECULIARITIES OF ZACATECAS.--THE
PILGRIMAGE CHAPEL.--A WEALTHY CATHEDRAL.--STREET SCENES.--MINES
OF ZACATECAS.--A DANGEROUS DESCENT.--THE PATIO PROCESS OF
REDUCING ORES.--TREADING ORE WITH MULES AND HORSES.--A SORRY
SIGHT.--THE MINERS; HOW THEY LIVE AND WORK.--STATISTICS OF
SILVER-MINING IN MEXICO.--ASTOUNDING CALCULATIONS.--FROM
ZACATECAS TO AGUAS CALIENTES.--FARM SCENES.--FARMING IN
MEXICO.--CONDITION OF LABORERS.--MEN AS BEASTS OF BURDEN.--AGUAS
CALIENTES.--A BEAUTIFUL CITY.--A PICTURESQUE POPULATION.--WOMEN
OF MEXICO. 85
CHAPTER VII.
SOUTHWARD AGAIN.--CROSSING A BARRANCA.--BARRANCAS IN
MEXICO.--LAGOS AND ITS PECULIARITIES.--LEON, THE MANUFACTURING
CITY OF MEXICO.--SILAO.--ARRIVAL AT GUANAJUATO.--A SILVER
CITY.--THE VALENCIANO MINE.--AN UNHEALTHY PLACE.--BAD
DRAINAGE.--A SYSTEM OF RESERVOIRS.--THE CASTILLO DEL
GRENADITAS.--AN INDIAN'S ARMOR.--EXPERT THIEVES.--STEALING A
GRINDSTONE.--MARKET SCENES.--HEADS OF SHEEP AND GOATS.--SCHOOLS
AT GUANAJUATO.--EDUCATION IN MEXICO.--DOWN IN THE RAYAS
MINE.--SIGHTS UNDERGROUND.--AN INDIAN WATER-CARRIER.--HOW A SKIN
IS TAKEN WHOLE FROM A PIG.--THE REDUCTION HACIENDA.--MR.
PARKMAN'S MACHINE.--QUERETARO.--THE HERCULES AND OTHER
COTTON-MILLS. 102
CHAPTER VIII.
AQUEDUCT AT QUERETARO.--THE RESULT OF A BANTER.--THE HILL OF
THE BELLS.--PLACE WHERE MAXIMILIAN WAS SHOT.--REVOLUTIONS IN
MEXICO.--FOREIGN INTERVENTION.--MAXIMILIAN BECOMES
EMPEROR.--THE "BLACK DECREE."--WITHDRAWAL OF FRENCH TROOPS
FROM MEXICO.--MAXIMILIAN'S DEFEAT, CAPTURE, AND DEATH.--HOW A
FRENCH NEWSPAPER CIRCUMVENTED THE LAWS.--PRONUNCIAMENTOS.--
JUAREZ AS PRESIDENT.--THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN OF MEXICO.--A
WONDERFUL PROPHECY.--PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF JUAREZ.--RELIGION
IN MEXICO.--FORMER POWER OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.--THE LAWS OF
THE REFORM.--PROTESTANT CHURCHES AND PROTESTANT WORK.--MISSIONARY
MARTYRS.--MURDER OF REV. J. L. STEPHENS.--RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS AT
PRESENT. 116
CHAPTER IX.
FROM QUERETARO TO THE CAPITAL.--PLAIN OF THE CAZADERO.--
TULA.--THE GREAT SPANISH DRAINAGE-CUT.--DISASTROUS INUNDATIONS
OF MEXICO CITY.--A PUZZLE FOR ENGINEERS.--ARRIVAL AT THE
CAPITAL.--HOTEL LIFE.--RESTAURANTS AND THE MODE OF LIVING.--
AMUSING STORIES OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT.--FONDAS AND FONDITAS.--
MEN FOR CHAMBER-MAIDS.--ALMUERZO.--A MORNING STROLL ALONG THE
STREETS.--WOMEN ON THEIR WAY TO MASS.--THE MANTILLA.--SELLERS
OF SACRED THINGS.--DEALERS IN LOTTERY TICKETS.--LOTTERIES RUN
BY GOVERNMENT.--ATTENDING A DRAWING.--HOW THE AFFAIR WAS
CONDUCTED.--FLOWER-SELLERS. 132
CHAPTER X.
THE CATHEDRAL OF MEXICO.--SITE OF THE AZTEC TEOCALLI.--HUMAN
SACRIFICES.--PANORAMA OF THE VALLEY OF MEXICO.--EXTENT AND
COST OF THE CATHEDRAL; CHAPELS AND ALTARS.--TOMB OF
ITURBIDE.--THE CAREER AND TRAGIC END OF ITURBIDE.--THE RICHEST
ALTAR IN THE WORLD.--GOLDEN CANDLESTICKS A MAN COULD NOT
LIFT.--THE AZTEC CALENDAR-STONE; ITS INTERESTING FEATURES;
INSCRIPTION ON THE STONE.--BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE AZTECS.--THE
TRIBE CALLED MEXICANS.--AZTEC LAWS AND CUSTOMS.--PREVALENCE OF
THE DEATH PENALTY.--AZTEC POSTING SYSTEM.--PICTURE-WRITING.--
FLOWER-SHOW IN THE ZOCALO.--A FASHIONABLE ASSEMBLAGE.--WONDERFUL
WORK IN FEATHERS. 147
CHAPTER XI.
LOST ARTS IN MEXICO.--GOLDSMITHS' WORK IN THE TIME OF
CORTEZ.--SILVER FILIGREE.--MODELLING IN WAX AND CLAY.--NATIVE
TASTE FOR MUSIC.--NATIONAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC.--MUSEUM
OF ANTIQUITIES.--THE SACRIFICIAL STONE.--SACRIFICES AMONG THE
ANCIENT MEXICANS.--GLADIATORIAL STONE.--A BRAVE SOLDIER.--
OBSIDIAN KNIVES AND RAZORS.--AZTEC METALLURGY.--STATUE OF THE
GOD OF WAR.--SHIELD AND CLOAK OF MONTEZUMA.--AZTEC WARFARE AND
DOMESTIC LIFE.--RELICS OF HIDALGO AND MAXIMILIAN.--MAX'S STATE
COACH.--NATIONAL PALACE.--HALL OF THE AMBASSADORS.--MEXICAN
PAINTINGS.--THE MONTE DE PIEDAD.--AN EXTENSIVE PAWN-SHOP.--
LOCKING UP MEN AS SECURITY.--FORMALITIES OF THE SALESROOM. 163
CHAPTER XII.
MEXICAN POLITENESS.--FREE GIFTS OF HOUSES AND OTHER
PROPERTY.--AWKWARD MISTAKES.--AN ENGLISHWOMAN'S DILEMMA, AND
HOW SHE GOT OUT OF IT.--UNCLE FREDDY AND THE GOVERNOR OF
ACAPULCO.--THE GREAT MARKET; SIGHTS AND SCENES THERE.--ON THE
CANAL.--EXTENSIVE LOCAL COMMERCE.--THE CHINAMPAS, OR FLOATING
GARDENS.--AN EXCURSION ON THE LAKES.--SANTA ANITA, A PLACE OF
RECREATION.--EXPERTS IN DIVING.--THE HILL OF ESTRELLA.--THE
FESTIVAL OF FIRE; PRESCOTT'S DESCRIPTION OF THE FEARFUL
CEREMONY.--FISHING IN THE LAKES.--THE AXOLOTL.--FISH OR
REPTILE?--FLIES' EGGS AS AN ARTICLE OF FOOD. 179
CHAPTER XIII.
COURTSHIP IN MEXICO.--"PLAYING THE BEAR."--LOVERS' TROUBLES.--A
SHORT ROAD TO MATRIMONY.--PRESENTS TO THE EXPECTANT BRIDE.--THE
MARRIAGE CEREMONY.--TEDIOUS PRELIMINARIES.--CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS
MARRIAGES.--DIFFERENCES OF MARRIAGE AMONG THE COMMON PEOPLE AND
THE UPPER CLASSES.--A HAND-BOOK FOR LOVERS.--FUNERALS; HOW THEY
ARE MANAGED.--CARDS OF CONDOLENCE.--CEMETERIES.--MONUMENT TO
AMERICAN SOLDIERS.--ANNUAL DEATH-RATE IN MEXICO CITY.--PREVALENT
DISEASES.--DOMESTIC SERVANTS; THEIR NUMBER, WAGES, AND MODE OF
LIFE.--A PECULIAR LAUNDRY SYSTEM. 198
CHAPTER XIV.
SCULPTURE AND PAINTING IN MEXICO.--NATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE
FINE ARTS.--BRIEF HISTORY OF MEXICAN ART.--CELEBRATED
PAINTINGS.--"LAS CASAS PROTECTING THE AZTECS."--"THE DEATH
OF ATALA."--HOW AN ARTIST MANAGED TO SELL A PICTURE.--FROM
ART TO PULQUERIAS.--THE NATIONAL BEVERAGE OF MEXICO.--THE
MAGUEY PLANT.--HOW PULQUE IS MADE.--COLLECTING THE SAP.--
FERMENTING AGUAMIEL.--DAILY CONSUMPTION OF PULQUE IN THE CITY
OF MEXICO.--MANAGEMENT OF THE SHOPS.--ROMANTIC HISTORY OF THE
INVENTION OF PULQUE.--MEXICAN POLICE-COURTS.--NOVEL MODE OF
TRYING CASES.--THE BELEM PRISON.--CATALOGUE OF OFFENCES AGAINST
THE LAW.--AN ADROIT THIEF.--RUNNING THE GANTLET. 212
CHAPTER XV.
THE PASEO DE LA REFORMA.--BRIGANDAGE NEAR THE CITY.--STATUE
OF CHARLES IV. OF SPAIN.--STATUE OF COLUMBUS.--A RELIC OF
MAXIMILIAN.--AQUEDUCTS FROM CHAPULTEPEC.--MONTEZUMA'S
TREE.--CHAPULTEPEC; ITS HEIGHT AND EXTENT.--MONTEZUMA'S
BATH.--THE PALACE.--"THE FEAST OF BELSHAZZAR."--NATIONAL
MILITARY COLLEGE.--MOLINO DEL REY.--GENERAL SCOTT'S ADVANCE
UPON MEXICO.--CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ.--BATTLE OF CERRO
GORDO.--ENTERING THE VALLEY.--CONTRERAS AND CHURUBUSCO.--
FALL OF CHAPULTEPEC.--GENERAL SCOTT'S ENTRANCE INTO THE
CITY.--TREATY OF PEACE.--GENERAL GRANT ON THE MEXICAN WAR. 229
CHAPTER XVI.
THE NOCHE TRISTE TREE.--A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CONQUEST OF
MEXICO.--DEPARTURE OF CORTEZ FROM CUBA.--HE LANDS IN
YUCATAN.--FOUNDING THE CITY OF VERA CRUZ.--DEFEATING THE
TLASCALANS.--ENTRANCE TO TENOCHTITLAN.--RECEPTION BY
MONTEZUMA.--RETURN TO THE COAST.--EXPULSION OF THE
SPANIARDS.--BESIEGING THE CITY WITH THE AID OF THE
TLASCALANS.--CAPTURE OF THE CITY, AND DEATH OF GUATEMOZIN.--
BEGINNING OF THE RULE OF THE VICEROYS.--THE CHURCH OF
GUADALUPE.--STORY OF THE MIRACULOUS APPARITION.--RELIGIOUS
AND POLITICAL HOLIDAY.--PILGRIMAGE TO GUADALUPE.--PENITENTES;
THEIR SELF-INFLICTED TORTURES. 248
CHAPTER XVII.
AREA AND INHABITANTS OF MEXICO.--CHARACTER OF THE
POPULATION.--INDIANS, EUROPEANS, AND MESTIZOS; THEIR
RESPECTIVE NUMBERS AND CHARACTERISTICS.--INCLINATIONS
OF THE MIXED RACES.--TENDENCIES OF EDUCATED INDIANS.--
PRESIDENT JUAREZ AS AN EXAMPLE.--HOW THE INDIANS LIVE.--
HOW THE SPANIARDS TOOK POSSESSION OF THE LAND.--CREOLES AND
THEIR ORIGIN.--THE MESTIZOS.--LEPEROS AND THEIR CHARACTER.--
ADROIT THIEVES.--PAWNING A CHURCH ORGAN.--THE LEPEROS AND THE
BRIGANDS.--CHURCH OF SAN DOMINGO.--SHORT HISTORY OF THE
INQUISITION IN MEXICO.--THE AUTO-DA-FÉ. 264
CHAPTER XVIII.
ASCENT OF POPOCATEPETL.--"THE WHITE WOMAN."--GEOGRAPHICAL
POSITION OF THE VOLCANO.--FIRST ASCENT BY WHITE MEN.--
AMECAMECA.--HIRING HORSES AND BUYING PROVISIONS.--EQUIPMENT
FOR THE EXCURSION.--DANGER OF ROBBERS.--PEONS AND VOLCANEROS.--
FIELDS OF BARLEY AND FORESTS OF PINE.--AN INDIAN TRADITION.--
FATE OF THE GIANT AND GIANTESS.--ICE FROM POPOCATEPETL FOR THE
CITY OF MEXICO.--SULPHUR FROM THE CRATER.--SLEEPING AT
TLAMACAS.--ARRIVAL AT LA CRUZ.--THE ASCENT ON FOOT.--
DIFFICULTIES OF CLIMBING IN THE RAREFIED AIR.--THE PICO DEL
FRAILE.--CAUGHT IN A CLOUD. 279
CHAPTER XIX.
THE ASCENT OF POPOCATEPETL CONTINUED.--LAST STEPS OF THE
UPWARD JOURNEY.--LOSS OF LIFE ON THE MOUNTAIN.--HOW THREE
INDIANS PERISHED.--THE CRATER OF THE VOLCANO.--HOW THE
SULPHUR-MINERS EXIST.--DANGERS OF THE CRATER.--THE
SOLFATARAS.--CAUGHT IN A STORM.--VIEW FROM THE SUMMIT.--
SCENES IN THE CRATER.--A RAPID DESCENT.--TOBOGGANING ON A
GRAND SCALE.--HOW THE SULPHUR-MINE ORIGINATED.--NO ERUPTION
IN SEVEN THOUSAND YEARS.--RETURN TO AMECAMECA.--EXPLORATION
OF THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY.--TOMBS AND THEIR CONTENTS.--
CURIOUS INSTANCE OF PRESERVATION.--MONTE SACRO.--"MODERN
ANTIQUITIES."--INDIANS WORSHIPPING THE VOLCANO.--EXPERIENCE
WITH A RATERO. 296
CHAPTER XX.
RAPACIOUS CARGADORES.--OLD BOOK-STORES IN THE PORTALES.--
PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE MEXICAN CAPITAL; THE PUPILS IN
ATTENDANCE.--THEATRES AND HOSPITALS.--A THEATRE SUPPORTING A
HOSPITAL.--THE BROTHERS OF CHARITY.--INSIDE THE THEATRES.--A
PERFORMANCE OF OPERA.--A MINOR THEATRE.--LISTENING TO A
MEXICAN PERFORMANCE.--BULL-FIGHTING IN MEXICO.--A
DISGRACEFUL SPORT.--ORIGIN OF THE BULL-FIGHT.--MARIONETTE
THEATRES.--THE PROCESSIONS.--MEXICAN LOVE FOR COCK-FIGHTING.--
COMMINGLING OF RELIGIOUS CEREMONIALS AND AMUSEMENTS.--THE
POSADA AND THE PASTORELA; THEIR PECULIARITIES.--KILLING JUDAS. 312
CHAPTER XXI.
EXCURSION TO TULA.--AN ANCIENT CITY OF THE TOLTECS.--CHURCH OF
THE TIME OF CORTEZ.--MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE TOLTECS.--
TOLTEC KINGS, COURTS, AND KNIGHTHOOD.--RUINS OF THE TEMPLE AND
PALACE.--JOURNEY TO MORELOS.--INTEROCEANIC RAILWAY.--MORELOS
AND HIS SERVICES TO MEXICO.--CUAUTLA AND ITS ATTRACTIONS.--
TERRIBLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.--DOWN THE SOUTHERN SLOPE.--IN TIERRA
CALIENTE.--VISITING A SUGAR ESTATE.--TO YAUTEPEC AND
CUERNAVACA.--RIDE OVER THE MOUNTAINS.--SITUATION OF
CUERNAVACA.--OLD CHURCH AND PALACE OF CORTEZ.--A FORTUNATE
FRENCHMAN.--ROMANTIC INCIDENT IN THE CAPTURE OF CUERNAVACA. 328
CHAPTER XXII.
OVERLAND TO ACAPULCO.--SCENES OF LONG AGO.--PRESENT MODE OF
TRAVEL.--TEN DAYS ON HORSEBACK.--WAY-SIDE ACCOMMODATIONS.--
ACAPULCO'S HARBOR.--RETURN TO THE CAPITAL.--EXCURSION TO
GUADALAJARA.--DOCTOR BRONSON LEFT BEHIND.--OLD BRIDGES AND
THEIR HISTORY.--BATTLE BETWEEN HIDALGO AND THE SPANIARDS.--
STORIES ABOUT BRIGANDS.--SLAUGHTER BY PRIVATE ENTERPRISE.--
HOW SEÑOR PEREZ SECURED PEACE.--ATTRACTIONS OF GUADALAJARA.--
THE CATHEDRAL AND OTHER CHURCHES.--THE GREAT HOSPICIO.--WHAT
THE EARTHQUAKE DID.--PUBLIC SCHOOLS.--A DAY ON A CATTLE
HACIENDA.--A RODEO.--RETURN TO THE CAPITAL. 348
CHAPTER XXIII.
INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT DIAZ; HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND
HISTORY.--A CHECKERED CAREER.--SAVED FROM THE SEA.--THE
FAITHFUL PURSER AND HIS REWARD.--CHARACTERISTICS OF DIAZ'S
ADMINISTRATION.--MADAME DIAZ.--A DIPLOMATIC MARRIAGE.--THE
ARMY AND NAVY OF MEXICO.--THE POSTAL SERVICE.--NEWSPAPERS
AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS.--PRINCIPAL WRITERS OF FICTION.--FROM
MEXICO TO PUEBLA.--HOW THE MEXICAN RAILWAY WAS BUILT.--
DIFFICULTIES OF ENGINEERING.--APIZACO.--THE CITY OF THE
ANGELS; ITS CATHEDRAL AND OTHER CURIOSITIES.--MANUFACTURES
OF PUEBLA.--BATTLE-FIELD OF CINCO DE MAYO. 364
CHAPTER XXIV.
FURTHER SIGHTS IN PUEBLA.--ECCLESIASTICAL BUILDINGS.--SCHOOLS,
HOSPITALS, ASYLUMS, AND OTHER PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.--CHOLULA
AND ITS GREAT PYRAMID.--FIRST SIGHT OF THE PYRAMID; ITS
CHARACTER, SIZE, AND PECULIARITIES.--ANCIENT CHOLULA.--
MASSACRE OF INHABITANTS BY CORTEZ.--RUMORS OF BURIED
TREASURES.--HOW A CRAFTY PRIEST WAS FOILED.--VISIT TO
TLASCALA.--THE STATE LEGISLATURE IN SESSION.--BANNER CARRIED
BY CORTEZ.--FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA.--ANCIENT
PULPIT AND BAPTISMAL FONT.--A REVERED SHRINE.--FROM
TLASCALA TO APIZACO AND ONWARD TOWARDS THE GULF. 380
CHAPTER XXV.
DOWN THE CUMBRES.--A MONSTER LOCOMOTIVE.--MALTRATA.--EL
BARRANCA DEL INFERNILLO.--IN THE TIERRA TEMPLADA.--PEAK
OF ORIZABA; HOW IT WAS ASCENDED.--AN OLD AND QUAINT TOWN.--
EXCURSIONS IN THE ENVIRONS OF ORIZABA.--FALLS OF THE RINCON
GRANDE.--MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES--CERRO DEL BORREGO.--THE
MEXICAN ARMY ROUTED.--CORDOBA.--HOW TO RUN A COFFEE
PLANTATION.--BARRANCA OF METLAC.--PASO DEL MACHO.--TIERRA
CALIENTE.--DRY LANDS NEAR THE SEA-COAST.--VERA CRUZ.--
ZOPILOTES AND THEIR USES.--YELLOW FEVER; ITS SEASONS AND
PECULIARITIES.--NORTHERS AND THEIR BENEFITS. 394
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE ALAMEDA OF VERA CRUZ.--TROPICAL GROWTHS.--THE PALO DE
LECHE AND ITS PECULIARITIES.--A DANGEROUS PLANT.--FOUNTAINS
AND WATER-CARRIERS.--GOVERNOR'S PALACE.--BRIEF HISTORY OF
VERA CRUZ.--PILLAGED BY PIRATES AND CAPTURED IN WARS.--
FORTRESS OF SAN JUAN DE ULLOA.--HORRORS OF A MEXICAN
PRISON.--EXCURSION TO JALAPA.--THE NATIONAL BRIDGE.--CERRO
GORDO.--GENERAL SCOTT'S VICTORY.--JALAPA.--A CITY OF MISTS.--
STAPLE PRODUCTS OF THE REGION.--JALAP AND ITS QUALITIES.--
PRETTY WOMEN.--PECULIARITIES OF THE STREETS.--ORIZABA AND
PEROTE.--NEW RAILWAY CONNECTIONS.--TAMPICO AND ANTON
LIZARDO.--DELAYED BY A NORTHER.--DEPARTURE BY STEAMER.--
FAREWELL TO VERA CRUZ. 410
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE COATZACOALCOS RIVER.--ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC.--TEHUANTEPEC
RAILWAY AND SHIP-CANAL.--THE EADS SHIP-RAILWAY.--AN IDEA OF
CORTEZ.--PLANS OF CAPTAIN EADS.--A RAILWAY-CARRIAGE WITH 1200
WHEELS.--SHIPS CARRIED IN TANKS.--ENGINEERING AND OTHER FEATURES
OF THE SHIP-RAILWAY.--MAHOGANY TRADE.--FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS
FOR THREE LOGS.--FRONTERA AND TABASCO.--RUINS OF PALENQUE.--
LORILLARD CITY.--EXPLORATIONS BY STEPHENS AND CHARNAY.--PALACE
OF PALENQUE.--TEMPLE OF THE CROSS.--TEMPLE OF LORILLARD.--
REMARKABLE IDOL.--A REGION ABOUNDING IN RUINS.--REMAINS OF
MITLA.--PILLAR OF DEATH. 423
CHAPTER XXVIII.
"THE MYSTERIOUS CITY;" STORIES AND RUMORS CONCERNING IT.--
ACCOUNTS OF STEPHENS AND MORELET.--FATE OF TWO YOUNG
AMERICANS.--DON PEDRO VELASQUEZ.--CARMEN AND CAMPEACHY.--
UNDERGROUND CAVES.--HOW LOGWOOD IS GATHERED; ITS COMMERCIAL
IMPORTANCE.--THE QUEZAL AND ITS WONDERFUL PLUMAGE.--SNAKES
AND SNAKE STORIES.--TRAVELLERS' TALES.--PROGRESO AND
SISAL.--HOW THE YUCATAN RAILWAY WAS BUILT.--AGAVE SISALANA.--
DISCOVERY AND CONQUEST OF YUCATAN.--A FEROCIOUS POPULATION.--
REBELLIOUS INDIANS IN YUCATAN; HOW THEY TREAT VISITORS.--
TOWNS AND VILLAGES DEPOPULATED. 439
CHAPTER XXIX.
RAILWAY-STATION AT MERIDA.--PUBLIC CONVEYANCES.--THE
CALESA.--A RIDE THROUGH THE STREETS.--WHEN MERIDA WAS
FOUNDED.--PRACTICAL MODE OF DESIGNATING STREETS.--PUBLIC
BUILDINGS.--CASA MUNICIPAL.--DRESS AND MANNERS OF THE
PEOPLE.--INDIANS, SPANIARDS, AND MESTIZOS.--A CITY OF PRETTY
WOMEN.--CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAYA RACE.--THE MESTIZO
QUARTER.--SCENES IN THE MARKET.--BREAKFASTING AT A MEDIO
RESTAURANT.--EUCHRE OR YUCCA.--USES OF THE YUCCA PLANT.--
GAMBLING IN YUCATAN.--LA LOTERIA; HOW IT IS PLAYED.--AMERICAN
COUNTERPART OF THE YUCATEO GAME.--A POPULAR ASSEMBLAGE. 454
CHAPTER XXX.
POTTERY AND HAMMOCK MARKETS.--HAMMOCKS IN YUCATAN; THEIR
GENERAL USE FOR SLEEPING PURPOSES.--YUCATEO SALUTATIONS.--AN
AWKWARD SITUATION.--FASHIONABLE, MESTIZO, AND INDIAN BALLS.--
CHARACTERISTIC INDIAN DANCES.--WORSHIP OF THE SUN AMONG THE
ANCIENT YUCATEOS.--NATIVE MUSIC.--ZOPILOTE DANCE.--VISIT TO A
HENEQUIN HACIENDA.--THE VOLAN COCHÉ.--A VEHICLE OF THE
COUNTRY.--A RACE AND HOW IT ENDED.--ARRIVAL AT THE HACIENDA.--
THE SCRAPING AND BALING MACHINERY.--STARTING A PLANTATION.--
PRICE OF THE FIBRE IN THE MARKET.--"NO MONEY IN THE
BUSINESS."--FIBRE-FACTORIES IN YUCATAN.--HOW THE OWNERS OF
ESTATES LIVE. 468
CHAPTER XXXI.
FIRST NIGHT IN THE HAMMOCKS.--INSPECTING A CENOTÉ.--
UNDERGROUND WATERCOURSES AND LAKES.--HOW CENOTÉS ARE
FORMED.--A SUBTERRANEAN BATH-HOUSE.--A NORIA.--WATER TAX ON
A DIRECT SYSTEM.--NATIVE SUPERSTITIONS.--A LIZARD THAT SHAKES
HIS TAIL OFF.--BITING A SHADOW, AND WHAT COMES OF IT.--JOURNEY
TO THE RUINS OF UXMAL.--A HEETZMEK.--YUCATEO MODE OF CARRYING
INFANTS.--BREAKFAST AT A HACIENDA.--GARDEN AT UAYALKÉ. EATING
TROPICAL LIZARDS.--FRED'S OPINION OF LIZARD STEWS.--BEES OF
THE COUNTRY.--SUPERFLUOUS INDUSTRY OF YUCATEO BEES.--EVENING
PRAYER AT A HACIENDA.--ARRIVAL AT UXMAL. 483
CHAPTER XXXII.
A ROMANTIC LEGEND.--HOW THE KING WAS OVERCOME BY THE WITCH.--
VISITING THE DWARF'S HOUSE; ITS POSITION AND PECULIARITIES.--
HOUSE OF THE NUNS; ITS EXTENT AND CONSTRUCTION.--CASA DEL
GOBERNADOR.--DESTRUCTIVE AGENCIES AT WORK.--AT HOME IN A ROYAL
PALACE.--MAYA ARCHES.--TROPICAL TREES AND PLANTS.--DOUBLE-HEADED
DOG OF UXMAL.--GARAPATAS AND THE ANNOYANCE THEY CAUSED.--INSECT
PESTS OF YUCATAN.--DR. LE PLONGEON AND THE STATUE OF
CHAC-MOOL.--GHOSTS AND GHOST STORIES.--BIRDS OF YUCATAN.--AN
ANCIENT WATERING-PLACE. 498
CHAPTER XXXIII.
A CHAPTER ON ARCHÆOLOGY.--NUMBER AND EXTENT OF THE RUINED
CITIES OF YUCATAN.--MAYAPAN, THE ANCIENT CAPITAL.--PYRAMID
OF MAYAPAN.--AKÉ AND ITS PICOTÉ.--AN ANCIENT WHIPPING-POST.--
PYRAMIDS AT AKÉ.--HISTORICAL CONUNDRUMS.--KABAH AND ITS
MOUND.--SCULPTURE OF A MAN ON HORSEBACK.--CHICHEN-ITZA.--
CHURCH, NUNNERY, CASTLE, AND TENNIS-COURT AT CHICHEN.--
EXTENT AND CHARACTER OF THE SCULPTURES.--STORY OF THE CONQUEST
OF CHICHEN.--SKILFUL RETREAT OF THE SPANISH CAPTAIN.--OTHER
RUINED CITIES.--IDOLS OF COPAN.--PROBABILITIES OF CITIES YET
TO BE DISCOVERED. 513
CHAPTER XXXIV.
CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE REPUBLICS COMPOSING IT; A SKETCH OF
THEIR HISTORY; AREA AND POPULATION.--SNAKES, LIZARDS, AND
OTHER CREEPING THINGS.--COSTA RICA AND ITS REVOLUTIONS.--A
PRESIDENT WHO COULDN'T READ.--HONDURAS AND ITS RESOURCES.--
VISIT TO TEGUCIGALPA.--YUSCARAN AND ITS MINERAL WEALTH.--
UNFORTUNATE FINANCIERING.--INTERESTING SOCIAL CUSTOMS.--
INTEROCEANIC CANALS; THEIR PRESENT STATUS.--THE NICARAGUA
CANAL; SURVEYS, ESTIMATES, AND DESCRIPTION OF THE ROUTE;
PROBABLE ADVANTAGES TO THE WORLD'S COMMERCE; TERMS OF THE
CONCESSION; ESTIMATED COST, REVENUES, AND SAVING OF
DISTANCES.--FAREWELL TO MEXICO.--THE END. 530
ILLUSTRATIONS.
View of Popocatepetl _Frontispiece._
Map of Mexico with its Railways _Front Cover._
Route of the Boy Travellers in Mexico _Back Cover._
A Next-door Neighbor 1
The Mexican Frontier 3
Scene on the Pennsylvania Railroad 4
Street in El Paso 5
Bridge over the Mississippi at St. Louis 7
The Alamo Mission, San Antonio 8
General Sam Houston, Liberator of Texas 9
"G. T. T." 11
Mexico, showing Present and Old Frontier 12
A Group of Texan Hunters 13
View in San Antonio, Texas 14
On the Banks of the Rio Grande 15
Indian Water-carriers 17
An old Mexican Chapel by Moonlight 19
View in Nuevo Laredo 20
Watching the Frontier 21
Landscape near the Border 22
A Mexican Muleteer 23
A Solid Silver Spur 23
A Group of Adobe Houses 25
The Land of Mañana 26
The Threshing-floor 27
Saddle Mountain, Monterey 29
View of the Sierras 30
View of Monterey 31
The Plaza de Zaragoza 32
General Taylor's Attack on Monterey, September 21, 1846 33
The Bishop's Palace 35
Z. Taylor 36
Officers' Uniforms in 1860 39
Mountain Scene near Monterey 41
The Alameda, Monterey 42
Native Pottery 43
A Scene in the Market 44
A Court-yard in Monterey 45
A Window in Monterey 46
View of Sierras from Bishop's Palace 47
Santa Caterina, near Monterey 49
The Organ Cactus 50
Varieties of Cactus 51
In the San Juan Valley 52
A Solid Citizen 53
On the Road to Buena Vista 55
A Servant at the Hacienda 56
Near the Kitchen 57
Making Tortillas 58
A Primitive Kitchen 59
The Guide on the Battle-field 61
The Battle of Buena Vista 63
Boll of Mexican Cotton Plant 64
Picking Cotton 65
Departure of the Diligence 67
On the Road 68
Fight between Brigands and Soldiers 69
Encampment of Brigands 71
A King of the Road 72
Cavalry Pursuing a Band of Robbers 73
Hotel by the Way-side 75
Street Scene at Jaral 77
El Real de Santa Eulalia 78
The Ravine where the Outcasts Lived 79
On the Edge of the Cotton Field 80
"Cotton is King" 81
View in the Mining Region 83
Convent and Fountain 84
A Silver-producing Valley 86
Cactus Growths near Zacatecas 87
Field with Adobe Walls 88
A Mexican Arastra 89
Carrying Ore to the Reduction-works 90
A Mexican Crusher 91
Bringing Ore from the Mines 93
Mexican Bellows 94
Mexican Smelting-furnace 95
An Old-fashioned Plough 96
Farm-laborer in a Grass Cloak 97
Hacienda near the City 98
Prisoners at Work in the Jail 99
Of Spanish Blood 100
Indian Girls at a Spring 101
A Dry Barranca 103
Church of San Diego, Guanajuato 104
Court-yard of a Mexican Tenement-house 105
Superintendent's House at Silver Reduction-works 106
A Ton of Silver 107
A Mexican Beggar 108
Old Convent now used as Barracks 109
A Leading Citizen 110
Prisoners Breaking Ore 111
Sloping Ladders in a Silver-mine 112
Opening a New Mine 113
Entrance of a Mine Not in Operation 114
A Cotton Factory, Queretaro 115
Aqueduct of Queretaro 116
Queretaro 118
A Mexican Cavalry Soldier 120
A Mexican Infantry Soldier 121
Line of Defence held by Maximilian during the Siege of Queretaro 123
First Protestant Church in Mexico 125
Pueblo at Taos, New Mexico 126
Garden of a Mexican Convent 127
Interior of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, City of Mexico 128
Rev. John L. Stephens, a Martyr Missionary 129
In the Cathedral 130
Mexican Priests 131
Comparative Level of Lakes 132
The Great Spanish Drainage-cut 133
Young Girls of Tula 135
Environs of Mexico 137
A Member of the Church Party 139
Transcontinental Profile of Mexico 140
Interior Court-yard of a Mexican Hotel 141
Street View in the Capital 142
On the Way to Morning Mass 143
A Modern Street Front 144
Mexican Lottery Ticket 145
Flower-girl 146
The Cathedral, City of Mexico 148
Moonlight View of Plaza and Cathedral 149
Augustin de Iturbide, Grandson of the Liberator 151
Granting Absolution in the Cathedral 153
Ready for Mass 154
Old Spanish Palace in the Calle de Jesus 154
Church built by Cortez 155
The Aztec Calendar-stone 156
Indian Picture-writing 157
Tenochtitlan, A.D. 1517 158
First Cavalry Charge by Cortez 158
A Flower-show in the Zocalo 159
How the Mantilla is Worn 160
The Trogon 161
Near the Plaza 162
Wax Model of Water-carrier 163
Ancient Indian Pottery 164
Mexican House-maid and Children 165
The Sacrificial Stone 166
One Form of Sacrificial Stone 167
Sacrificial Collar 167
The Form of Sacrifice 168
Sculptures from Tizoc's Stone 169
Gladiatorial Stone--from an Aztec Drawing 170
Huitzilopochtli, the God of War 171
The National Palace 173
Gen. Manuel Gonzales, former President of Mexico 174
Collateral in the Monte de Piedad 175
To the Pawn-shop 176
Occasional Patrons of the Monte de Piedad 177
A Gift to Fred 179
"My house and all it contains are yours" 181
Seeing and Being Seen 182
The Market-place, City of Mexico 184
Interior of a House near the Market-place 185
Mexican Bird-sellers 186
View on the Canal 187
Residence on the Banks of the Canal 188
Sunday Diversions at Santa Anita 189
Crew of a Cargo-boat 190
Chinampas, or Floating Gardens 191
Peon's House on a Chinampa 192
Cactus Growths near the Hill of Estrella 193
Rock Inscriptions made by Ancient Aztecs 194
Home Scene near the Lake 195
A Dead Fly 196
Ruins of a Toltec House 197
A Fortunate Bear 198
Mexican Courtship 199
Code-signalling with the Fan 200
"There he is" 201
A Student of "El Secretario" 202
Mexican Wedding in the Country 203
Flowers for a Lady 204
Funeral of General Doblado, Guanajuato 205
Soldiers' Monument in the American Cemetery 207
Taking Things Easy 209
A Charcoal Peddler 210
A Mexican Wash-house 211
The Landing of Columbus 212
Mexican Sculpture--Door-way of Church of San José 213
Las Casas Protecting the Aztecs 215
The Death of Atala 217
A Successful Artist at Work 218
Maguey Plant 219
The Tlachiquero 220
Extracting Aguamiel 222
A Glass of Aguardiente 223
"Not caught yet" 224
A Magistrate 225
An Old Offender 226
Scene of the Capture 228
A Corner of Chapultepec 229
Montezuma's Tree 230
Statue of Columbus on the Paseo de la Reforma 231
San Cosme Aqueduct 233
Montezuma's Bath 234
Chapultepec and its Gardens 235
El Salto del Agua 236
An Aztec Relic 237
The Valley of Mexico, from the American Official Map 239
View of the Fort of San Juan de Ulloa from Vera Cruz 240
Battle of Cerro Gordo 241
General Santa Anna 242
Battle of Churubusco--Charge of the "Palmettos" 243
Storming of Molino del Rey 244
General Scott's Entrance into Mexico 245
Captured at Chapultepec 246
A Scene of Peace 247
The Noche Triste Tree 248
Departure of Cortez from Cuba 249
The First Mass in the Temples of Yucatan 250
Battle with the Indians 251
First View of the Mexican Capital 252
The Meeting of Cortez and Montezuma 253
The Battle upon the Causeway 255
The Capture of Guatemozin 256
Ponce de Leon 257
The Church of Guadalupe 258
Statuette of the Virgin Mary 259
Making a Pilgrimage Comfortably 261
The Penitentes Walking on Cactus-leaves 262
San Franciscan Mission 263
Indian of Northern Mexico 264
A Mestizo Woman 265
Indian Girl Spinning Cotton 267
Peddler of Wooden Trays 268
Charcoal Vender 269
Of the Old Aristocracy 270
A Creole Residence 271
Group of Mexican Horsemen 272
A Society Belle 273
A Mexican Grandee 274
A Sermon in the Church 275
Church of San Domingo 276
Torture Chamber 277
Prisoners of the Inquisition 278
A Residence in the Foot-hills 279
The Valley of Amecameca 280
Iztaccihuatl, the White Woman 282
Along the Trail 284
Dwarf Pines at a High Elevation 285
The Dome of Popocatepetl from Tlamacas 286
Mexican Saw-mill 287
Hacienda of Tomacoco 288
Volcaneros (Miners) 289
In the Pine Region 291
El Pico del Fraile 292
Not a Good Climber 294
"No mountain for me!" 295
"Hurrah for the top!" 296
The Crater of Popocatepetl 297
Bringing Ice from the Mountain 299
Pack-train from Tlamacas 301
An Improved Refinery 303
Looking from the Top of Popocatepetl 304
A Dangerous Place 305
Ruins of Tlalmanalco 307
Burial-ground of Tenenepanco 308
Vases Found at Tenenepanco 309
Caricature of an Aztec Warrior 310
Ancient Aztec Vases 311
Wants a Souvenir 312
Ruins of San Lazero 313
On the Way to Church 314
Monks at their Musical Exercise 315
A Belle of the Opera 316
A Stage Brigand 317
Tivoli Garden, San Cosme 319
Teasing the Bull 320
Picadores 320
The Matador's Triumph 320
The Final Blow 321
Scenes at a Bull-fight 322
A Bull-ring of the Highest Class 323
A School on the Old Model 324
Figure of Joseph (Procession of the Posada) 325
The Railway Judas 327
Warrior's Profile, found at Tula 329
Church and Part of Plaza at Tula 330
Toltec King and his Throne 331
Ruins of a Toltec Palace 332
The Pyramid of the Sun at Tula 333
Parts of a Column, Tula 335
Toltec Caryatid, Tula 336
Native Hut on a Sugar Estate 337
Henequin Plant 338
Fight between Regulars and Insurgents 339
Railway Crossing a Barranca 340
A Product of Cuautla 341
Travellers Resting 342
Over the Hills 343
A Scorpion of Cuernavaca 343
A Church Going to Decay 344
Mexican House with Tiled Roof 345
Climbing the Heights 347
A Way-side Shrine 348
On the Road to Acapulco 349
A Country Hotel 350
Galleon of the Sixteenth Century 351
Town and Castle of Acapulco 353
A Scene on the Diligence Road 354
An Interior Town 355
At the Hacienda 356
A Corner of the Market-place 357
Court-yard of a Private House 359
In the Poor Quarters 360
Mexicans Planting Corn 361
A Rodeo 362
Driving a Herd 363
President Porfirio Diaz 365
View in Oajaca 366
Saved from the Sea 367
House with Tile Front 369
American Residents of Mexico 371
A Military Post 372
A Country Post-office 373
Compositor for _The Two Republics_ 374
Surveying under Difficulties 376
Ruins of the Covered Way to the Inquisition 377
Cathedral of Puebla 378
Street Scene in Puebla 379
Part of Puebla 380
Pyramid of Cholula 382
View from the Top of the Pyramid 383
Sport at Cholula 384
Local Freight Train 385
A Relic of the Past 386
Indian Farm Laborers 387
An Aztec Relic 388
Interior of an Old Church 389
First Christian Pulpit in America 390
Old Baptismal Font, Tlascala 391
Ancient Bells 392
A Native Ploughman 393
The "Portales," or Covered Walks 394
Map of Railway between City of Mexico and Vera Cruz 395
Double-ender Locomotive on Mexican Railway 397
View of Orizaba 398
The River at Orizaba 399
Hill of El Barrago 401
Orange Grove in Cordoba 402
Coffee-drying 403
Bridge of Attoyac 405
In Tierra Caliente 406
Vera Cruz, looking seaward 407
After the Vomito 409
A Coffee-carrier 410
Fountain at Vera Cruz 412
The Governor's Palace 413
On the Way to the Fort 414
The National Bridge.--Robbing a Coach 416
Sketched at Rinconada 417
Part of Jalapa 418
A Narrow Street 419
Exterior of a Church 421
A Tourist 422
On the River's Bank 423
A Steamship on a Platform Car 424
Plane and Elevation of Terminus 425
Tank Carriage 426
Section of Part of Cradle Carriage 427
Map of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec 429
Mahogany Hunters 430
Travelling in Tabasco 431
Plan of Part of the Palace at Palenque 433
Medallion Bass-relief 434
Idol in Temple at Lorillard City 435
The Cross of Palenque 436
Grand Hall at Mitla 437
Exterior of Temple at Mitla 438
In the Forest 439
John L. Stephens 440
Seeking the Mysterious City 441
Campeachy Tobacco 443
The Quezal 444
Difficulties of Travel in Campeachy 445
Map of Yucatan 447
Tropical Railway Train and Station 448
Flock of Pelicans 449
Sisal-hemp 450
Indians of Yucatan 451
Retreating from Hostile Indians 453
In the Outskirts 454
The Calesa.--Entrance of a Merida House 455
House built by Montejo 457
Musical Instruments 458
Municipal Palace and Square, Merida 459
Dancing Scene 460
Native Village in the Interior 461
Fruit-sellers in the Market-place 463
Sitting for her Portrait 464
In the Market-place 465
No more "Loteria" 467
Hammock Lodgings in the Country 468
View on a Back Street 469
Scene in a Ball-room 471
Indians Dancing 473
Preparing for the Ball 475
A Volan Coché 476
A Street in Merida 477
A Primitive Sugar-mill 479
Railway-station in the Henequin District 480
Storehouse at the Hacienda 481
A Morning Run 482
A Corner of the Hacienda 483
An Underground Walk 484
Formation of Stalactites 485
At a Noria 487
At Home in Merida 489
Scene of the Heetzmek 490
Garden of the Hacienda 491
Native Village near Uxmal 493
Hunting the Iguana 494
What Perfumes the Honey 495
The Sierra from the Garden of the Hacienda 496
Side of Ancient Altar 497
Archway of Las Monjas, Uxmal 498
Hacienda of Uxmal 499
Dwarf's House and East Wing of the Casa de las Monjas 501
Façade of West Wing of Casa de las Monjas 503
Ground-plan of Las Monjas 504
Casa del Gobernador 505
Ground-plan of Casa del Gobernador 506
Statue of Double-headed Dog, Uxmal 507
Decorations over Door-way of Casa del Gobernador 509
An Unwelcome Visitor 510
Statue of Chac-Mool 511
Maya Arches 512
Yucateo Sculpture 513
Great Mound at Mayapan 514
Circular Edifice at Mayapan 515
Sculptured Head of Yucatan 517
Pillars of Great Gallery, Aké 519
Head of Incense-burner 520
Maya Sculpture (Profile) 520
Ruined Arch at Kabah 521
Façade of El Castillo 522
Bass-relief, Chichen-Itza 523
Door-posts in Tennis-court 524
Casa Colorada 525
Head of War-god, from Copan 526
Idol of Copan (from Stephens) 527
Decoration over Door-way 528
Map of Central America 529
In a Central American Forest 530
Government Palace, San José 531
Central American Lodgings 533
Banana Plantation in Costa Rica 534
Don Bernardo de Soto, President of Costa Rica 535
Gen. Luis Bogran, President of Honduras 536
Tegucigalpa, Capital of Honduras 537
Street in Yuscaran 538
Old Bridge at Tegucigalpa 539
Statue of Morazan, Tegucigalpa 540
Bird's-eye View of the Nicaragua Canal 541
Profile of Nicaragua Canal 542
A Section of the Canal 543
River San Juan at Toro Rapids 544
Street in Greytown 545
El Castillo, San Juan River 546
View of Lake Nicaragua 547
Mozo in Full Dress 548
Fort San Carlos 549
Native Boats, Lake Nicaragua 550
Central American Hacienda 551
Birds of Nicaragua 552
THE BOY TRAVELLERS
IN
MEXICO.
CHAPTER I.
PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE.--PLANS FOR THE JOURNEY.--TO MEXICO BY
RAIL.--BAGGAGE, AND BOOKS ON THE COUNTRY.--BRUSHING UP THEIR KNOWLEDGE
OF SPANISH.--WESTWARD FROM NEW YORK.--A HALT AT ST. LOUIS.--SAN ANTONIO,
TEXAS.--VISIT TO THE ALAMO.--REMINISCENCES OF THE FALL OF THE
ALAMO.--BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO AND INDEPENDENCE OF TEXAS.--NOTES ON THE
RAILWAYS OF NORTHERN MEXICO.--OLD TEXAS AND MODERN CHANGES.--
"G. T. T."--PRESENT WEALTH OF THE STATE.--ARRIVAL ON THE FRONTIER OF
MEXICO.
"I've news for you, Frank!"
"Well, what is it?"
"We're going to Mexico next week," answered Fred; "at any rate, that is
uncle's plan, and he will tell us all about it this evening."
[Illustration: A NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOR.]
"The news is good news," was the reply; "for Mexico is one of the
countries that just now I want very much to see. We have heard a great
deal about it since the railway was completed to the capital; and then,
you know, the Mexicans are our neighbors."
"That is true," said Fred; "here we've been going all over the rest of
the world, and haven't yet called on our neighbors, and next-door
neighbors too. But we're not alone in this, as it is probable that for
every inhabitant of the Northern States who has visited Mexico, a
hundred have been across the Atlantic."
This conversation occurred between Frank Bassett and Fred Bronson
shortly after returning from their tour among the islands of the Pacific
Ocean and through New Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia. The accounts of
their journeys have appeared in several volumes, with which our readers
are or should be familiar.[1]
[1] "The Boy Travellers in the Far East" (five volumes), and "The Boy
Travellers in South America," "The Boy Travellers in the Russian
Empire," "The Boy Travellers on the Congo," and "The Boy Travellers in
Australasia" (four volumes). See complete list at the end of this book.
The youths waited with some impatience until evening, when they were to
hear from Doctor Bronson the details of the proposed trip. In the mean
time they devoted themselves to their Spanish grammars and dictionaries,
which they had not seen for months, owing to their occupation with other
matters. And we may here add that until their departure and while they
were on the road, every moment that could be applied to the study of the
language of the country whither they were bound was industriously
employed. By the time they crossed the border they were able to speak
Spanish very well, and had very little need of interpreters.
"We shall go to Mexico by rail," said the Doctor, "and return by sea; at
any rate, that is my plan at present, but circumstances may change it.
It is my intention to visit the principal cities and other places of
interest, and also to give some attention to the antiquities of the
country and of Central America; exactly what places we shall see I
cannot say at this moment, nor how long we shall be absent."
"What shall we need in the way of baggage?" one of the youths asked.
"About what you need for a long journey north and south in the United
States," was the reply. "You will need clothing for hot weather as well
as for cold. We shall find it quite chilly in certain parts of the
_tierra fria_, or highlands, and warm enough in the _tierra caliente_,
or lowlands along the coast. You must have outer and under clothing
adapted to warm and cool climates, and your ulsters may be placed for
convenience in the same bundle with your linen dusters. Have a good
supply of under-clothing, as the facilities for laundry-work are not the
best, even in the large cities; but do not load yourselves with anything
not absolutely necessary, as the Mexican railways allow only
thirty-three pounds of baggage to a local passenger, and the charges for
extra weight are high. Passengers with through tickets from the United
States are entitled to one hundred and fifty pounds of baggage free.
"Of course," continued the Doctor, "you will want some books on Mexico,
partly for historical research and partly for description. There is an
excellent guide-book which was written by Mr. Janvier, and there is
another by Mr. Conkling; get them both, and also 'Old Mexico and her
Lost Provinces,' by Mr. Bishop, 'Mexico of To-day,' by Mr. Griffin, and
'Our Next-door Neighbor,' by Bishop Haven. Don't forget Charnay's
'Ancient Cities of the New World,' and Prescott's 'Conquest of Mexico.'
You can read the latter book before we go; it is inconveniently large
for travelling purposes, and so we will leave it behind us, as we can
easily find it in the City of Mexico, in case we wish to refer to it
again. Abbott's 'Life of Hernando Cortez' is a more portable work, and
will serve to refresh your memory concerning what you read in Prescott's
volumes."
[Illustration: THE MEXICAN FRONTIER.]
The conversation lasted an hour or more, and by the time it ended the
boys almost felt that they were already in the land of the Aztecs. Their
dreams through the night were of ancient temples and modern palaces,
Aztec and Spanish warriors, snowy mountains and palm-covered plains,
mines of silver and other metals, fortresses, cathedrals, haciendas and
hovels, and of many races and tribes of men that dwell in the land they
were about to see. Fred declared in the morning that he had dreamed of
Montezuma and Maximilian walking arm in arm, and Frank professed to have
had a similar vision concerning Cortez and General Scott.
For the next few days the youths had no spare time on their hands, and
when the start was made for the proposed journey they were well prepared
for it both mentally and materially. They had followed Doctor Bronson's
directions as to their outfit of clothing and other things, had procured
the books which he named, and, as we have already seen, had made a
vigorous overhauling of their Spanish grammars and phrase-books.
[Illustration: SCENE ON THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD.]
From New York there are several routes westward, as our readers are
pretty well aware, and the youths were a little puzzled to know which
one would be chosen. The mystery was solved by the Doctor on the day
before their departure. He announced that they would go to St. Louis by
the Pennsylvania Railroad, and from there to the frontier of Mexico by
the Missouri Pacific and Southern Pacific lines. "And now," said he, "I
will leave you to choose the route to the capital city, and you need not
decide until we reach St. Louis."
The Doctor's suggestion compelled a study of the maps and a careful
reading of the guide-books and other literature pertaining to the
journey. The result of their study may be summed up as follows from an
entry which Frank made in his note-book:
[Illustration: STREET IN EL PASO.]
"The first railway which was opened from the United States to the City
of Mexico was the Mexican Central, which runs from El Paso, Texas, or
rather from Paso del Norte, Mexico, which is opposite to El Paso, on the
other side of the Rio Grande. Its length is 1224 miles, and it was
completed March 8, 1884, at the station of Fresnillo, 750 miles from
Paso del Norte, the line having been built from both ends at the same
time. Three years and six months were required for its construction, and
the line is said to have cost more than thirty-two millions of dollars;
eight miles of track were laid during the last day of the work before
the two ends of the line were brought together; and considering all the
disadvantages of the enterprise, it reflects great credit upon those who
managed it.
"For more than four years the Mexican Central was the only all-rail
route for travellers from the United States to the City of Mexico, and
it had a practical monopoly of business. In 1888 two other lines were
opened; or perhaps we might say, another line and half of a third. These
are the Mexican National Railway, from Laredo, Texas, to Mexico City, a
distance of 825 miles, and the International Railway, from Piedras
Negras, Mexico, opposite Eagle Pass, Texas, to a point on the Mexican
Central, about half-way between El Paso and Mexico. The International is
the one which we call half a line, as it makes a new route into Mexico,
and from all we can learn a very good one too.
"The Central is a standard-gauge road, four feet eight and one-half
inches wide, while the National is a narrow-gauge line, three feet
between the rails; the advantage of the National line is that it is much
shorter than the Central, as I will proceed to show.
"From St. Louis to Mexico City, by way of Laredo, the distance is 1823
miles, while by the Central line it is 2584 miles; there is thus a
saving of 761 miles, or about thirty hours in time. But the Central will
take us through five or six interesting cities, while the National only
goes near Monterey, San Luis Potosi, and Toluca.
"Fred and I have decided to ask uncle to go by neither one route nor the
other, but to travel by both of them, and the International line in
addition; and this is the way we propose to do it:
"We'll go from St. Louis to Laredo because of the saving of time and
distance, and then we'll go to Monterey, which is an interesting city,
by the National Railway. After we've done Monterey we'll go farther on,
to Saltillo, and there we can cross over to Jaral, about forty miles,
and find ourselves on the main line of the International Railway. There
the train will pick us up and carry us to Torreon, on the Mexican
Central Railway, and from there we can continue to the capital, seeing
the best part of the Central line, or rather of the country through
which it runs. The northern part of the route of the Central is said to
be dreary and uninteresting, and so we shall be able to avoid it by the
plan we have made."
The scheme was duly unfolded to the Doctor, who promptly gave his
approval and commended the youths for the careful study they had made
of the railway system of northern Mexico. "Later on," said he, "we will
consider the subject of railways in other parts of Mexico, and I'm sure
you will be able to make some interesting notes about it for your
friends at home. Mexico was for a long time very backward in railway
enterprises, but in the past few years she has gone ahead very rapidly.
Ten years ago there were not five hundred miles of railway in the
country; now there are nearly, if not quite, five thousand miles, and in
ten years from this time there will be double that number. The Mexico of
to-day is very different from the Mexico of a quarter of a century ago."
[Illustration: BRIDGE OVER THE MISSISSIPPI AT ST. LOUIS.]
Our friends stopped a day in St. Louis, and another at San Antonio,
Texas, partly for sight-seeing purposes and partly for rest. At the
former city the great bridge over the Mississippi excited the wonder and
admiration of the youths, who heard with much interest the story of its
construction and the difficulties which the engineers encountered in
laying the foundations. At San Antonio they had their first glimpse of
Mexican life, as the city is quite Mexican in character, and at one time
was almost wholly so. Doctor Bronson told them that about one-third of
the inhabitants are of Mexican origin, and they could easily believe it
as they saw the Mexican features all about them on the streets, and
heard the Spanish language quite as often as any other.
[Illustration: THE ALAMO MISSION, SAN ANTONIO.]
The object of greatest interest to them was the Alamo, the old fort
which, in 1836, the Texans, who were fighting for independence, so
heroically but unsuccessfully defended. They were disappointed to find
that there is not much remaining of the fort, which originally consisted
of an oblong enclosure, about an acre in extent, with walls three feet
thick, and eight or ten feet high. "There were 144 men in the Alamo, and
they were besieged by 4000 Mexican troops under General Santa Anna,"
said a gentleman who accompanied them to the spot. "The Mexicans had
artillery, and the Texans had none, and against such odds it was
hopeless to resist. Santa Anna sent a summons for them to surrender, and
throw themselves upon Mexican mercy, but they refused to do so, and
defied him and his army."
As he paused a moment, Fred asked why they refused to surrender when the
odds were so much against them.
"They knew what Mexican mercy was," said the gentleman. "It was
illustrated not long afterwards at Goliad, where Colonel Fannin
surrendered with 412 men as prisoners of war. They were promised to be
released under the rules of war, and one Sunday morning, when they were
singing 'Home, sweet home,' they were marched out and massacred, every
man of them. The slaughter lasted from six till eight, and then the
bodies of the slain were burned by orders of the general. It is proper
to say that the Mexican officers were generally disgusted with the
terrible business, but they were obliged to obey the orders of Santa
Anna, or be themselves shot down. His policy was one of extermination,
and he could have said on his death-bed that he left no enemies behind
him, as he had killed them all.
"Well," continued their informant, "the siege of the Alamo began on the
23d of February, 1836, and lasted for thirteen days. Over 200 shells
were thrown into the fort in the first twenty-four hours, but not a man
was injured by them, while the Texan sharp-shooters picked off a great
number of the Mexicans. Santa Anna made several assaults, but was driven
back each time, and it is believed that he lost fully 1500 men in the
siege. On the morning of the 6th of March a final assault was made, and
the fort was captured; every man was killed in the fighting excepting
six who surrendered, and among the six was the famous Col. David
Crockett. Santa Anna ordered all of them to be cut to pieces, and
Crockett fell with a dozen sword-wounds after his own weapons had been
given up. Colonel Travis, who commanded the fort, was also killed, and
so was Colonel Bowie, who was ill in bed at the time, and was shot where
he lay. He was the inventor of the bowie-knife, which has been famous
through the West and South-west for a good many years. Only three
persons were spared from death, a woman, a child, and a servant."
"How long was that before the battle of San Jacinto?" one of the youths
asked.
[Illustration: GEN. SAM HOUSTON, THE LIBERATOR OF TEXAS.]
"Less than seven weeks," was the reply, "and never was there a more
complete victory than at that battle. Gen. Sam Houston retreated slowly,
and was followed by the Mexican army. He burned a bridge behind his
enemies, and suddenly attacking them on the afternoon of April 21st, he
killed half their number and captured nearly all the rest. The war-cry
of the Texans was 'Remember the Alamo! remember Goliad!' and maddened by
the recollection of the cruelties of the Mexicans, they fought like
tigers, and carried everything before them. Santa Anna, disguised as a
soldier, was captured the next day; Houston had hard work to save him
from the fury of the Texans, but he was saved, and lived to fight again
ten years later. But the battle of San Jacinto ended the war, and made
Texas independent of Mexico."
A ride of a hundred and fifty miles to the south-west from San Antonio
brought our friends to Laredo, on the banks of the Rio Grande, the
dividing line between the United States and Mexico. The ride was through
a thinly settled country, devoted principally to grazing, and there were
few objects of interest along the route. The time was varied with
looking from the windows of the car, with the perusal of books, and by
conversation concerning the Texan war for independence, to which the
thoughts of the party had naturally turned through their visit to the
Alamo at San Antonio.
"Texas was a province of Mexico," said the Doctor, "in the early part of
the present century, the Spaniards having established missions and
stations there at the same time that the French established missions and
military posts in Louisiana. The territorial boundaries between France
and Spain were never very clearly defined; the two countries were in a
constant quarrel about their rights, and when we purchased the Louisiana
territory from France we inherited the dispute about the boundaries.
Adventurers from various parts of the United States poured into the
country, and the population was more American than Mexican; there were
many respectable men among the American settlers, but there was also a
considerable proportion of what might be called 'a bad lot.'"
"I have read somewhere," said Frank, "a couplet which is said to have
been composed by a resident of the country fifty years ago, and to have
given the State its name.
"'When every other land rejects us,
This is the land that freely takes us.'"
[Illustration: "G. T. T."]
"And I," said Fred, "have read somewhere that when a man ran away to
cheat his creditors, or for any more serious reason, it was commonly
said that he had 'gone to Texas.' When the sheriffs looked for somebody
whom they wished to arrest and were unable to find him, they indorsed
the warrant with the initial letters 'G. T. T.' before returning it to
the authorities who issued it. Sometimes an absconding debtor saved his
friends the trouble of looking for him by leaving on his door a card
bearing these interesting letters."
"Undoubtedly," continued the Doctor, "there was a rough population in
Texas in those days, but the men composing it were not deficient in
bravery, and they had the spirit of independence in the fullest degree.
While the United States and Mexico were disputing about the boundaries,
the Texans set up a claim for independence, and the war which was ended
by the battle of San Jacinto was like our Revolutionary War a hundred
and more years ago. After Texas had secured her independence, she set up
a government of her own; she had a president and all the other officials
pertaining to a republic, and was recognized by England, France, and
other European countries. This did not last long, as her finances fell
into a deplorable condition, and the preponderance of Americans among
the population naturally led to a movement for annexation to the United
States. Annexation was followed by war with Mexico, and it grew out of
the old dispute about the boundaries. Mexico claimed all land west of
the Nueces River, while Texas claimed to own as far west as the Rio
Grande. Each country believed it was right, and our war with Mexico
resulted in the defeat of the Mexican armies, the occupation of their
capital, and the establishment of the right of the United States to all
territory east of the Rio Grande."
"Texas is therefore one of the lost provinces of Mexico," said Frank.
"Yes," was the reply; "it is one of them, and a very large one, as it
has an area of nearly three hundred thousand square miles, and is a
country of great future possibilities. But Texas was by no means the
greatest of the losses of Mexico by the war, as California, Nevada,
Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico were taken by us as compensation for our
trouble, and you know what they are to-day. About the time that the
treaty of peace was signed and the cession of territory made, gold was
discovered in California, and the wonderful wealth of the Pacific coast
and the Rocky Mountain region was rapidly developed. Look on the map in
Mr. Bishop's book and see what Mexico was before and after the war."
[Illustration]
The boys made a careful inspection of the map, and as it will be
interesting to their friends at home, we here reproduce it.
"The Mexicans were severely punished for their cruelty to the Texans,"
said Fred, "and were probably sorry for their butcheries at Goliad and
the Alamo when they sat down to think of the war and how it turned out.
[Illustration: A GROUP OF TEXAN HUNTERS.]
"The responsibility for those butcheries rests rather upon General Santa
Anna than on the officers and soldiers who executed his orders. He
started out in a war of extermination, and there is abundant evidence
that his officers loathed the work they had to perform. One of them,
writing from Goliad at the time of the massacre of Colonel Fannin and
his men, said, 'This day, Palm Sunday, has been to me a day of
heart-felt sorrow. What an awful scene did the field present when the
prisoners were executed and fell in heaps, and what spectator could view
it without horror!' It has been said that the feeble resistance that
Santa Anna's men made at the battle of San Jacinto was in consequence of
the willingness of officers and soldiers to be captured so that the
terrible war could come to an end."
"Texas is now a very prosperous State," continued the Doctor; "the value
of its taxable property is nearly seven hundred millions of dollars, and
some authorities say it is more, and it has seven millions of cattle,
ten millions of sheep, and horses and mules in proportion. By the census
of 1880 it had a population of more than one and a half millions, and it
is probable that 1890 will give it more than two millions. Its area
would make five States as large as New York, thirty-three as large as
Massachusetts, and two hundred and twelve of the size of Rhode Island.
That it has changed greatly from the days before the annexation, and is
favorable to peace and good order, is shown by its liberal appropriation
for schools, its laws relative to the sale of intoxicating drinks, the
fines it imposes for carrying pistols and bowie-knives, and its
penalties for using them."
There was further conversation about the south-west and its
peculiarities, when the train reached the frontier and attention was
turned to Mexico and the new land that they were about to visit.
[Illustration: VIEW IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.]