New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-01-31
NEW ORLEANS REPUBLICAN, SUNDAY, JANUARY 81 le75

people. As there is no change in either, ex.
eept in so far as the political revolutions
may effect popular action, the works of
Humboldt, Waed, or Madame Calderon de
Ia Barca, will furnish better authority for
opinions than can the casual observations
OF Q tourist for q few weeks or months.
Having discoveredhothing new in Mexico,
1t will be unnecessary to repeat in language
unequal to that Of standard predecessors,
that which they have already told, with
even the added advantages of pictorial H.
lustration. 1t is, however, the province of
every traveller to philosophize upon the
spirit of civilization, and the peculiar
usages which present themselves in every
country. This differs from the repetition
OF scenes and objects. 1t may be original
from the nationality of each observer.
The dominant sentiment is then wonder.
A people whose mass is of distinct race,
language and custom is in itself subject
of surprise. Monuments of art that Illus
trate civil and religious ideas opposite to
our own; climate with productions pecu-
liar and not to be compared with those of
any within our extended territory compel
curiosity, and almost repress comment.
Raise your eyes to the massive cathedral,
the churches and converts. There is
power of devotion, and OF ecclesiastical
influence of which we can not well conceive.
Remember the power and property once
held in the name of Him who had nothing,
and we perceive union of civil and relig.
iOus authority which it cost our ancestors
SO much to separate and restrict. Enter
these places of worship; see all ranks kneel-
ing before the same altar. View the lofty
architecture, the statuary, paintings, with
the wealth and elegance go prDfusely be-
slowed. 1t is evident that no religion had
ever stronger hold on popular thought.
There may be schism and STRIFE
among the orders Of the same relig-
ion, but they are not perceptible in
the universal alteration of the common
of the faith. 1t is not within the
purview Of an observer to comment upon
the state of religion in Mexico. That
portion Of the people had become jealous of
tho temporal power and possessions of the
clergy, is evident from the secularization Of
the church property, az we'll as from some
which have borne with stringency
upon the personnel of the religious. 1t is
probable the entire separation of church
and state in Mexico may be effected. The
faith Of her people will, however, remain.
1t is not improbable that here, as in our own
whenever the support of religion
shall rest upon the voluntary contributions
Of the people, that the form of faith will
become more vital. The clergy will here,
rs elsewhere,b be chosen from the most pure
and intelligent Of their order, and the re-
ligion of Mexico may be far more perma.
nent under the new system than under the
DID. 1t is only for an observer to testify to
The universal respect Of the poorer classes,
and the strict attention to all the out
ward forms by the women of all condi-
ions. These evidences mark a spirit of
unity end conviction that will support the
aith in all Its political trials, and will
maintain it with a voluntary aid adequate
o its wants and to its diffusion.
Without regarding as persecution what |
oever free people may do in establish |
ng institutions to suit themselves, and |
specially in separating sacred from tempo,
al authority, we may safely say that the
eligion OF Mexico, deprived of all legal right
D possess property or administer authority,
lay become more permanent, and perhaps
ven more useful, by the very measures
'hich have caused it's present depression.
w. NJ. BURWELL.
Mexico, December, 1874.