Daily Republican., 1883-09-01
Letter From Mexico.

CITY OF MEN1Co, Aug. 10. 1000. ~Au
OK PLANTATION of the document quoted
heiow, l would remark that here, as In
other Catholic countries, Sundays the
favorite fete day, and 1t Is needless to
say that Mexican customs must be fol-
lowed II you wish to become acquaint-
ed with them.
81 have the honor to invite you in the
name of the Governor Of the State OfMex
leo, TO the banquet In honor Of General
POrfiris Diaz, In Toluca, Sunday, June
3rd 1888. The train will leave Cinda-
della station at 3 80 a. m"
Cindadela station occupies portion
of the Government arsenal grounds,
near the Chapultepec gate, where 20
stubborn resistance was offered to
General Scott after the castle had been
captured. his opponents believing they
we're meeting the main line OF attack,
which was really penetrating their de-
fences at the gate Of San Casme, a mile
away. No sign Of wars alarms now
disturbs the peacefully valley as we
glide along the rails, Chapultepec's
white walls rising high on our left In
more than their original beauty, sur
rounded by giant cedars as OF Lebanon.
In "A few moments Molino del Rey ap-
pears, harmless to the view as mill on
the Brandywine, nothing indicating
terrible memories except its name
Presently we pass the hamlet OF 'iaciba,
where stands the Oak of the sad
night" under whose branches Cortez
sal and wept after his disastrous though
TEN porary expulsion from the Aztec
capital.
The road has thus far traversed a level
sward diversified by handsome groves !;
ca at Rio Hondo, however, ten miles
out, we have entered the mountain
chain (here called Las Crnces) which
forms a portion of the continents back
bone, and are face to face with the
problem solved by the Mexican Nation
al Railway, namely, to overcome the
altitude of 9, 500 feet which intervenes
between Mexico and Joluca. Our train
follows tie valley of Deep River,
hugging closely the mountain sides In
constant ascent to the su mmit near
Salazar. Passengers are attracted to
the lett windows of the cars by the
lovely valley Of fertile and highly cul-
tivatcd farms, and as we rise higher the
view widens, changing in degree from
simple beauty to absolute grandeur.
At SalaZar OverCOats are in demand,
10, 900 feet above the sea, and here We
desert the east ward flowing waters for
those seeking a Pacific outlet. The
grade now requires a brake instead OF
extra steam, the downward course
being rapid and the flexible narrow
gauge train following readily sinuous
curves once deemed impractica BILE.
From the mountains foot to Toluca is
ten. mile stretch of straight and level
track over wide prairie of corn fields
and densely populated pastures, bor-
derpd by eternal hills, at least one OF
which shows the white robe, attestinp
nearness to heaven.
But meanwhile, where is the guest OF
the day Assuming no prominence,
resting quietly in evident enjoyment OF
the scenery and Of the comfOrta blt
Pennsylvania built parlor car glad to
speak of his late tour through the Unit
ed States, of his friendship with Gen
eral Grant and other prominent ADeri'
cans.
The Governor palace is more Repub.
lican in fact than in title; its Legislative
hall was admirably adapted for a ban
quet, and the same remark applies just
ly to the guests. When the moments
for toasts and speeches arrived, word
was passed that, by special request OF
General Diaz, this portion OF the pro
ceedings wonld be omitted. Could
stronger evidence be offered of sound
political judgment, or perhaps o.
craftsmanship itself? The General II
said to be slated for the next presidential
term.
A bull fight was the last item OIL the
official program, but those more quietl!
disposed chose rather to seek the re
turn train for Mexico. II. W. g.