The Portland daily press., 1866-12-31

A Mexican correspondent OF the Chicago
Tribune furnishes the following intelligible ac-
count of the character manners and prejudices
| of the Indian population Of Mexico, adding
some definite statements respecting the enor-
nous possessions which have been acquired
and SO desperately defended by the Roman
| Catholic clergy there:
The Indians of Mexico adhere with singular
pertinacity to the customs and language OF
| their ancestors, and Notwithstanding three CEN
turtles of what the Spaniards are pleased to
term "civlizatIon" and daily intercourse with
| the whites in the valley OF Mexico and i'll the
city itself, the Aztec language is spoken, and
the buildings themselves are the same as in the
days when the MonteZumas ruled over two
thirds of Mexico. In passing through the
streets, and particularly at the market-places.
is always to be heard jargon-not cultural
sounds, which seemed to he jerked by a great
effort from the neighborhood of the Wristbands,
as is the speech of the Indians of the western
Territories, but more like the Chinese, except
that the words are longer and more liquid.
Eight miles south OF the capital and in SIGHT
of the cathedral is the town of San Nicholas
in which not word of Spanish is ever heard
save when white man passes through its
streets. The Aztec is thes language taught
the children, but the adults acquire sufficient
Spanish for trading purposes, and even this lit
| tie they hate and use it sparingly Among the
their ancestors, and across the lake, in the CITY
of Tezcuco, the ancient rival of Mexico. are
spoken the same words as fell upon the ears of
Cortez when he first descended into this val
ley. SO universal is the Aztec among the In
dams that important DEGREES are frequently
translated into that language for the benefit of
the native population, most of whom would ev-
er remain ignorant of the laws if published on
ly in Spanish. 1 have before me a decree of
the 10Th of September last printed in Aztec, in
HI AInxr sl,ar,s -f
or emperor.
The Caziques in the interior frequently send
their sons to this city to be educated almost
invariably requiring them to become LAWYERS;
after they have graduated, they return home
with their diploma, which is proudly shown
their dependents; the young lawyer is then
stripped OF his fine wardrobe, and clothed as
are his neighbors, his father telling him that he
has been taught the ways and laws of the Span
iards in order that he may defend his people
against their oppressors; that henceforth he is
to be an Aztec, and to mix with the whites on
ly when his people require his services as
legislator or as lawyer. This explains the
reason of so many Indian lawyers and members
OF Congress-Juarez, and several of the most
prominent members Of the bar being full-blood-
ed Indians.
Among the Sierras, to the north, in the old
States of Puebla and Mexico, are found the
Chininjuapo Indians, still powerful tribe, and
possessing many peculiar characteristics
They are as white as the fairest Saxon, but
with Indian features; cleanly, industrious and
inclined to be traders; they mix freely with the
whites, but preserve the purity of their ra e.
Virtue being respected among them, half-breds
are unknown. This interesting nation are re-
markably attached to their homes, have meas
urably preserved their independence and like
mLst ofthe mountain tribes, are strong Impe-
rialiSts. They have defended the city ofTulan-
cingo for months against the attacks of the
Liberals, and resolutely refuse to listen to any
overtuTes for abandoning Macmillan and pro-
nouncing for the republic. They do not fancy
American protection, and unless their princi-
pal men can be won over to that doctrine will
cause great trouble whenever the United
States shall be called upon to adjust the affairs
of Mexico. ~
The pride of this city is in its churches of
which there are great number Before 1850 it
was estimated that one third OF the property in
the city belonged to the church, and that one
fifth OF the buildings were used for churches
converts, and inconsistencies. A great portion of
this property was confiscated by ,Juarez and the
act was ratified by Macmillan; still the num
Der OF churches is astonishing TO au American
The CITY contains about one Thousand PRIESTS
monks, and nuns, and with novitiates, attend
ants and servants upon churches, &c, the num-
Der is sweled to one thousand five hundred-a
large number, certainly, to be supported at
public expense. The property formerly held
by the church in the whole country was esti-
mated at over $400,000000; of this immense
sum S5UO,OOO,uOO was confiscated to the State. !
1t will be seen that the church is still |
wealthy body, and consequently Yields great
power. This powell. am sorry to saw, has |
been seldom used in the cause of liberty but |
almost invariably against the people. ii was |
the church party that asked French interyen- |
ton, and invited Macmillan to become emper- |
or. The same party now sustains him AGAINST |
the wishes of three fourths of the Mexican neo- |
Pile. AS political party it has been corrupt.
always opposing progress and endeayoring to |
keep the people in ignorance. As a RELIGIONS
body the church has done much toward civil
ling the country, and to her Mexico owes an
its advancement and Christianity. The priests
have been energetic, untiring, and oftentimes
but they are miserable politi-
clans, who had better give up the government
into the hands of laymen.
- laxa1adrn n1,,,,nn la+.