The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-24

H. clearly uehned against the sky. glowing with the
rosy tint of sunrise. Its outline distinct as II
the pure air around it was never darkened by the
vapor of an approaching storm. but
to see It all bright'ning
When the tempest filings out his red banner Of lightning
and when the valleys resound with the thun-
derous voices of the storm and the snow crown be-
comes the source of thousand cataracts. whose
courses scar and wrinkle the brow of old Orizaba,
then inded his aspect must be terrible.
ONWARD UPWARD.
Leaving this picturesque resting place we excur-
sonists. took the cars again and began at seven
O'Clock on Tuesday morning to ascend the mountain
slopes to the plain of Mexico. I must reserve for
later correspondence any description of the wonder
ful beauty of these mountain regions. Although the
ascent from Orizaba station to that at Maltraa is
steep the real climbing does not begin until we reach
Bota the boot about three miles beyond Maltrata
Between the latter point and Alta suza direct dis
lance of perhaps mile but by rail eight miles
there is rise of nearly thousand feet. The immense
Fairlie engines can alone accomplish the work Of
dragging a train up this grade. With weight Of
over sixty tons and only two foot driving
wheels they hold the track against the force
of gravity, and the weight of the train
rising slowly but steadily get new views
of Orizaba at every point and the valley of Marata
opens out like map or two thousand feet below
Crossing some of the gorges the airy looking iron
bridges. asks what would happen il
we of. Well. the engine would strike
hard pan thousand feet below and would then
jump another thousand feet into the Valley of
Maltrata Yet these terrors of Nature forgotten
in her beauties and the eye is captured at every turn
by of indescribable splendor in which light
shadow, atmosphere. vegetation and earth produce
picture which the memory can never lose
ON THE PLAIN MEXICO
We had hurried breakfast of coffee and cold meat
at Espuraza, station 152 miles from Mexico. The
view of Orizaba again magnificent from this
point, which is the plain of Mexico. Away to the
westward shore the equally beautiful peak Of
Popocatapetl and Otaccihaut. like twin giants
crowned with silver diadems. Far away stretch the
seemingly endless prairie, as level as billiard
table and Of varied colors, the cultivation
changed from to pulqe. Hacendas dotted
this plain, looking like little feudal strongholds
with their walls and towers. Vast herds of
CATTLE focks Of sheep and droves of horses
and mules could be like little patches of
black shadow on the verdant plain. Here and
there curious columns of yellow smoke rose
from the prairie, and stood erect for
minute two. then bending over gracefully moved
before the wind with slow but stately motion.
They sandspouts raised by atmospheric dis
turbance of limited and energy. As ap-
preached them the whirling movement Of the sand
laden Dir very distinct. Every object that came
within the influence of centripeta force was raised
and carried round and round, giving most curious
appearance to the sandspout.
MUSIC FEAsTrN0.
The train not long after into Epsicaco, eighty
six and half miles from the capital Here we found
the platform crowded with picturesque looking
people, clad in the costume Of the country. large
guard of honor, composed of the country police
was formed the platform, and full band
Of music greeted the excursionists with operate
selections. we'll executed In a large shed near by
which handsomely decorated with evergreens
and flowers was spread splendid repast. Every
thing that could tempt the appetite there.
special committee Of gentlemen from Mexico
had arranged this grand reception for their guests
Soon the clatter Of knives and forks the popping
champagne corks and the peculiar sounds of vigor-
mastcation told the curious crowd of spectators
around the doors that the Americans were at work
on the good things Of Mexico. Gradually the
buzz of conversation began to drown the chatter
of the crockery and steel Glass hand the excur-
sionists greeted each other across and along the
table. Necks craned to catch distant eyes, and
those peculiar smiles which near at ffty
yards range Heres to you. old fellow" or
''Senora. kiss your hand" were exchanged briskly
course of which the orators rose to the sublimest
heights Of eloguence to give Governor Fisk our
worthy president, his due.
GOVERNOR FIsK's REMARKS
Governor Fsk's reply was brief and to the point.
He thanked the Committee Of Arrangements from
Mexico very warmly for their hosptable reception
and assured them of the favorable impression it
would make in the United States. At the time he
expressed the highest admiration for Mexico and her
people and the desire that strong and lasting bonds
of friendship should be formed between her and the
United States bringing peace and prosperity to both
countries These remarks were translated by Colo
mel Whitney, the manager of the excursion party,
and were we'll received by the Mexicans present.
Then came an address of thanks to the
Commercial Club Of Vera Cruz. the Governor of that
State the Chief Justice and the Alcadc and Custom
House officials for their hospitalities and cour-
tesies to the Americans. The attitude of the
Mexicans was sober, but friendly. They
identity did not understand style of
greeting them. yet when the whole American party
rose, glass in hand, and shouted, "viva Mexico" l
noticed tears rushing down many a bronzed check.
AGAIN ROAD.
What an awful ride we had over the dusty plain
after leaving hospitablc Episaco. Eighty-sx and q
half miles In atmosphere thickly charged
with dust that respiration already rendered difficult
by the great elevation, became positively painful.
Our heavy engine could not run fast but the train
kicked mp this suffocating cloud which soon filed
eyes, ears mouth and nostrils and baked the skin
if it were powdered with hot cinder dust. Through
vast fields of pulquc. maize and other growths we
rolled until toward night, the simmer of a distant
lake told us that drawing tho Capital.
THE CAPITAL.
Arrived there we found the station Of Bucna Vista
crowded. band of music blowing itself hoarsc and a
largo and imposing reception committee waiting to
take charge OF tho travellers. An informal reception
in big waiting room. at which the American
Minister Mr.. Foster. presided. was first intro
duction to the courtcses of Mexico City. We were
all nearly glad it was as the Reception Com
mittec were. We presented q woful appearance with
dust and trnccs of travel Rushing Oft to the 1turbidc
Hotel we found the usual confusion about the allot
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