The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-05-29


on the three other sides are magnificent
palaces. There are many other edit
ces strikingly admired for their beauty.
There are few churches in the world
more magnifcently ornamented than
the cathedral in this city. All the
chandeliers and lamps, which are in
great numbers, are OF massive gold or
silver; the dome is Of marble in the
country, of great beauty and fine work.
manshlp. There are ten chapels, rich.
ly decorated, and each Of them closed
with an iron gate door of very great
height, and Of the finest finish.
This church was finished in 1908,
and is said to have cost Sc 100000
There are also many other fine church.
es. The Almedia, or public walk, is
very well kept. 1t is composed of
three alleys (of from 500 TO GOO feet
each) Of popIars and other fine trees,
and is surrounded by a wall, at the foot
of which runs a fine little stream of
water. There are a good many foun-
tains in different parts Of the city, and
a few jets dcau, or water Spouts. Few
cities in Europe are finer than Puebla;
but much cannot be said for the popula-
ton, which, since the late expulsion of
the European Spaniards, who were by
far the most intelligent and Industrious
portion Of it, leaves a curious contrast
between the present occupants OF pub
lie and private edi6ces, indicating the
highest state Of civilization. The same
may be said of the whole population
bordering on the road leading from
Vera Cruz TO the city. Time will no
doubt correct this.
CORDOVA.
A small walled and garrisoned town
through which the road passes. Be-
yond PuebIa the road is good till it
the mountain Of Cordova, about
midway between the former and the
city of Mexico, where the ascent is We
ny rugged and steep, though without
defles. Near the road at the foot of
this mountain, passes the Rio Frio, or
Cold River, which has its rise in the
neighboring mountain Of Popocatapel,
1900 feet above the level Of the sea.
A work on some Of the heights of Po-
~pocatapetl would command the road.
After leaving the mountain Of Cordova,
the road is good and unobstructed, with
plenty Of water TO the city Of Mexico.
For several miles before reaching that
city the road is delightful, passing be-.
tween parallel canals and rows Of Lum.
hardy poplars. This point is to be &C.
cupied by Gen. Worth, for the purpose
of guarding the southern road from
Puebla.
THE LAKE OF TERUCCO.
This lake commences on the right of
the road, near the city, into which its
waters are carried by a canal, the latter
serving also TO drain the cutters, &C.,
into the lake. The %so-called lake is q
long and very irregular shaped basin,
shallow, and containing numerous small
islands, and covered with myriads of
wild ducks. The depth of water varies
with the season; in the rainy months
the basin is filed, and then it assumes
the appearance Of a large lake. Be-
ing the receptacle Of all the drainage of
The city it is very filthy. The canal
from the city passes through ii, fed by
its waters, five or six miles in a south
east direction to the small fort Of Chal-
CO, at the extreme margin Of the basin
in that direction. This canal is used
for transporting produce into The city,
and for pleasure excursions in gon-
dolas, &c.
CITY OF MEXICO.
Like all other Mexican cities, this
has walls and houses Of stone, with fiat
roofs, &c. 1t is well paved; a gutter
four feet wide passes through the centre
Of eacl, street, covered by broad flag
stones, removable at pleasure. All the
cutters are drained into the canal or
lake. The city has many large and
strong churches and other great build
ings, easily converted into fortresses.
If its walls were repaired and mounted
with cannon, and well garris oned, it
could make a formidable resistance to
b~esiegers. During the festival days,
which are very numerous, the hacien.
das for twenty or thirty miles around
send into the city not less than 10000
mounted peasantry Of the better class,
most expert horsemen. They are cour.
ageous and skilful in the use ofthe lance,
and machete, which is a large and
heavy knife. Nothing more would be
necessary than for the padres to 60
into the streets Of the principal
particularly Puebla and Mexico,
their crosses, and appeal to the .
Of the population, to rally an