Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-05-14
CHIHUAHUA.
Demolishing an Old Dungeon
Names of Americans Imprisoned
in 1t in 0lden Times.
The Richest Man I'm the Statc---
celebrations and scarcity
of Visitors.

Celebrations and scarcity
of Visitors.
"Hans Mickle" writes from this an
cient city, under date Of May 3, to The
Psso Herald (R. N, MoKie's paper.
as follows:
In a city like this, old for the
American continent. there are many
buildings aud localities around which
have accumulated many historic le-
gends and romantic traditions. Espe-
cially is this true in all old Spanish
American towns, in which the style OF
architecture is so we'll calculated to
conjure up and foster these hobgoblin
fancics. In these things chihuahua
is rich beyond calculation. On every
hand you can hear tales of the won
derful, the antique, the romantic, and
the horrible. The tearing down of
the old mint brings to mind many of
these things. Just back of the city
building, on the main plaza, facing
Gale de la Moneda. and running back
to the next street east, has stood for
many, many years an antiquated old
adobe building. From different por-
tons Of it can be seen smoke stacks
arising, which, indicates, to one faElils
lar with Mexico, that it must either
be a mint or some kind of ore reduo-
ton works. 1t is the former. 1t is
called "the old mint" and has been
lying idle several years, a new one
having been erected farther
down the street. Messrs.
Kettleson q Degetsu are now
engaged in demolishlng it, They have
bought the property and propose to
erect a fine two story rock Wholesale
grocery and warehouse with an eighty
foot front. Being actuated by curios
ity, the other day | wandered into the
place, and learned what | could of its
history. The building is supposed to
be about 200 years old, and for the
major portion of this time it was used
as prison. Standing in the courtyard
and casting my eyes about, | could not
help feeling of awe coming over me.
If these walls could talk what stories
they could tell In the days of des-
potic Spanish rule, when life hung
upon the whims of a military satrap,
how many victims we're led from the
dark dungeon on the north side,
stood against the walls, and shotP
Engraved on the hard rock door
castings we're many names cut and ef-
faced, but | distinctly made out that
of "A. Allen, of New York ,Septem Der
%, 1872" Who was this man, and
for what was he incarcerated in this
dismal dungeon? That: was during
the revolution of Mexican independ-
ence, and this man may have been
venturesome American, battling with
the Mexicans for liberty-on which
side you will find them the world
over. And here, TOO, he may have
met his death at the hands of the
cruel Spaniards. There were also
engraved Samuel Chambers" loca.
ton unknown, and u. Baird, St. |
Louis" without date. Also many |
Spanish Dames. 1t was in this build. |
ing that Don Enrique Miller, next to |
Governor Terrasas. the richest man in |
The State, laid the foundation of his |
fortune here. Many years ago he |
secured a contract for making LAGOS, |
The copper coin of the country, and
he kept on making them for long
time, until it was discovered that he
had flooded the country with copper.
They were deprecated in value, but
The thrifty Teuton had already solidly
aid the cornerstone on which rests
his fortune of over a million. The
dungeons on the north side are dark
aud damp, and must have been hor-
rible places when filed with human
beings. Those were in the days gone
BY, and now this place is doomed to
demolition, to make room for the
finest warehouse in Northern Mexico.
Who can say that not a great change
is taking place, and that there is not
room for much more.
The news of the past week is rather
msagre. Day after tomorrow, May
9th, will take place the "Cinco Mayo
celebration, to commemorate the
overthrow Of Macmillan. | am told
that it will be a grand affair, but see
no great preparation made. To-day is
Santa Cruz, religious holiday, and
many of the places Of business have
closed.
The Mexican Central, until a few
weeks ago, has been paying its skilled
labor in American money, but some
kick" was madeby jealous Mexicans,
and, in order to mollify the hurt pride
an order was issued that hereafter all
employees should beipaid in Mexican
mORey, with a tacit understanding
that pay would be raised sufficiently
TO cover the difference. As this had
not been done to some who were paid
before regular pay day, much uneasi-
ness has been manifested by those
interested, and at one time a gen.
eral strike was talked of. | am
glad to say that this calamity has
been averted,as the road has been true
to its word, and all is again lovely along
the line.
Tourists have been scarce for the
past few days. They know that the
hungry Kansas editors are soon m he
along, and therefore are willing to
have supplies accumulate. Let them
come, they shall be received in a
hostile manner"
The polite and genial Joe Feeban
has gone to the front to do the light.
ming work for the contractors. Joe.
as operator of the business Office Of
the Mexican Central railroad tele.
graph office, made hosts of friends,
who will miss him. His successor "a
lady, and not being a woman :
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