The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-11-27
co MMU NICATED.
LEAVES FROM MY JOURNAL by J. r. b. NJ
o5-roUR ACROSS MEXICO.

appearance WI us cNttIloI, anu iilC IICn-
ness Of the interior anything of the kind
tina, have ever seen, my experience in
respect to public buildings being to be
sure limited to those of the new world.
As entered, the scene was a solemn aud
impressive one. The sight of its lofty
and majestic arches, the statues of saints,
the profusion Of gold and silver ornaments
which reflected the dim light admitted
through the stained windows, the kneel-
ing forms around on the marble floor,
some still as statues, others repeating the
paternoster, or confessing to the dark
robed priests. impressed me with feeling
of awe, and did not wonder at the hold
which the priesthood have obtained over
these superst,ious people, with the i'm
posing ceremonies of the Church of Rome.
This city is the citadel of pries,ly nfu-
ence in Mexico, and all the ceremonies
calculated to impress weak-minded peo-
pie with awe and superstitiuos dread, are
here practised in their fullest extent. Ev-
cry evening during our stay here, | saw
a procession of the Host" marched
through the princi pal street preceded by
full military band of music, the splendid
carriage containing the consecrated wafer
surrounded by chanting priests aud fam
in torches, and wo to the person, wheth-
er high or low, native or foreigner, who
does not bow the knee in alteration while
the procession remains in sight. | was
strolling through ono of the principal
streets at dusk, when | suddenly found
myself close upon the Host, and the OBJ
iect of many chances of horror from the
kneeling and apparently pious multitude
around me. Remembering with wonder
full dis,inctness my adventure with the
mob Of Valparaiso upon a similar occa-
sion, when was attacked by a guard of
soldiers and my companion severely
bruised, for our ignorance Of the language
and customs, in not kneelng before the
Host | looked about for some avenue to
escape, and being fortunately near cross
street, I succeeded in making good my re-
treat. though from the scowling looks
which I received from the kneeling faith
Iful [ saw that my motive was known, and
considered myself fortunate in evading
anv personal insult or violence. 1t is
said here that the priests are of the
most corrupt class, and the greatest gam
Iblcrs and roucs in the city. One grows
Iheartsick to hear some of the stories of
\ th"ir vices, and were not many of them
'oevident to the stranger, such stories would
4be considered as foul SANDERS, though told
I{by those entitled from their standing in
society to the fullest credence. They
are constant attendants at the bull bats
: and cock fights which are held on the
Sabbath, and are frequent visiters at al.
most every scene of dissipation.
The Sunday after orr arrival, was at
J trac,ed to the window by the sound of
music, whensI saw one of those ridiculous
POSSESSIONS so common in most Catholic
y countries. FIRST came two clowns paint
> ed most hideously, riding on miserable
4 boxing donkeys, with their faces TO the
y TAIL, and endeavouring to excite the arten-
# ton of the mob by their antics, in which
NJ aadable purpose they were completely
Successful these were followed by a huge
n s'rlch made of pasteboard, which was
Kept in motion by man enclosed in the