The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-06-11
looNNUNcATED.l
A Brief Review OF Mexico.

This hayward Republic at this moment, po-
itically, is more stable than it has ever been
since the white haired priest, Hidalgo, followed
by small band of Indians first unfurled the
banner of Mexican freedom, and made musical
the air with the glorious refrain of the patriot,
" Yea Ia Independence" Though the
genius of the great and venerated Juarez,
rose luminously above the storm-clouds of
discord with which infallible priesthood and
the tyranny of the autocrat, Santa Anna, had
benighted the land, yet did he fail to curb en-
tirely the fierce spirit of. revolution which so
long had been buried in the hearts of that rest
less people; and. until his demise and the
promotion to power of Mr.. Lerdo, the
present President-until then, peace had
rarely ever sustained her Ggis successfully
against the fatal missiles of war. That a rev
olution did not then occur has been considered
almost miracle, and it is alone due TO them
tegrity and patriotism Ia virtue rare indeed
among Mexicans) of the Minister of War, Gen.
Mexia. He was second in popularity to
JuareZ and was the idol Of the soldiery, but
when his great rival was no more, his probity
and virtue, overwhelming selfish ambition,
maintained the cause of right and Justice and
the right man became the first in power This
President has conducted his administration in
comparative peace, but for this reason he is now
losing that popularity, which at first, by his
atfable and generous manner, he acquired A
strange people indeed, that a respite from
strife and bloodshed should be deemed a fet-
ter and a kind of menial servitude.
:. nd n1sai,a AZ
terisffc Of the Mexican to rigldly Oppose all
works of progress either in the agricultural or
scientific world. Still may be seen the farmer
in the most civilized parts of Mexico. even in
the valley, following pillow coeval In inven-
ton with that which Adams earliest descend
ants used. No charter for railroad can be
procured, and that which they now have be-
tween Vera Cruz and the City of Mexico
was not completed in less time than thirty
years, and is only 267 English miles long. All
the wealth is owned by only a few. and they
are no less than lords, while the lower and
poorer classes are in a state of almost com
plete servitude
However, the City of Mexico is one of the
most delightful places in the world, and we
cannot censure our Christian friend and fell
low-citizen, DIR. e. G. Wise, for establishing
himself there; and we may say. for the graft,
fication of his many friends, that he is in fine
health, and that his business prospects are
most fiattering
The only safe and available mode of visit
ing the most famous and historic places of
Mexico, is by way of horseback. It is true
that one not accustomed to such a life might
feel somewhat nervous at the thought of so
long ana latlgung trips but after all, It is
not so unpleasant-in fact. rather the reverse.
None of the country between the City of
Mexico and the Rio Grande Vies at all with
that which we find there But on this route
may be passed the city of Queretaro-the
place where Macmillan was executed, and
the last faithful city to that unfortunate En-
peror. A heap of rough stones is all the
monument which tells the bloody story.
A few withered flowers scattered thereon
by some sympathetic hand and some little
crosses Of wood tell that it is here that death
has been.
Almost every day some one is murdered and
robbed along the road, and on either side may
De seen crosses above small mound, bespeak-
ing that here is another victim of the demon
spirit which seems to pervade like curse that
wonderful land