Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1885-02-26
A. w. BITING AGAIN.
This Time From Old Mexico, the Land of
Summer. eNr
PAso Del NoRTE, Mexico,


| February 81. 1885.
| To the Editor of the Eagle
Since writing you from Narnba, the trans
ition from the ice and snow-bound noun
tains OF Northera New Mexico, has been so
sudden, that | hardly realize tina. the green
foliage and blossoms on the peach trees in
the gardea adjacent to my window are gen
uine. The weather is warm and delightful,
and dust covers the ground instead o: the
snow farther north. The country between
Santa Fe and here is the most barren and
dreary looking l have ever seen The yege-
tati0n consists mainly Of sage brush, cactus,
palnea and nesquit--thc latter has immense
roots. which make good fuel, and are used
extensively for that purpose throughout the
territory Extensive lava beds are seen for
4 long distance along the road, and show
that in ages past this country was subject 10
| immense heat or volcanic eruptions. Large
tracts Of land are so covered with alkal, that
ii looks like a mantle of snow,and the waters
Of the Rio Grunde is greatly injured thereby.
In places where the soil is good, and irri-
CATION is applied, good results are obtained,
| especially in vegetables and fruits, the coun-
try around Las Cruces, producing very
choice grapes and other fruits. There are
| extensive valleys and tracts of grazing lands
some distance from the road, where thous-
ands Of cattle and sheep are grazed the year
round.
Extensive deposits Of silver and copper
ore are found in the mountains, and mining
with stock raising form the two principal
industries of the territory. The trees along
the river are covered with luxuriant growths
OF nistletoe-being the one redcerning f,,a-
ture of beauty on the route.
Fl PaSo, on the American side Of the river,
is live town Of nearly six thousand popu-
lation, and is quite metropolis in appear
ance. having gas, electric light, water works,
street cars, &c. The hotels, stores and job
bling houses are large and elegant in their
appointments. The hillsides are dotted with
fine modern residences, and are fine cor-
trast to the neighboring adobes The con-
tTast between the two places Is still. how
ever, greater showing the difference between
American push and enterprise and Mexican
lethargy and stupidity. The Mexican town
is said to be several centuries old, and ii
certainly Is behind the age that long as COM
pared with is American neighbor on the
opposite side of the river. The old churci,
Of san Guadaloupe occupies commanding
position, facing the plaza, and is several
hundred years old. We paid "a visit 10 the
prison, and the guard or soldiers
in charge are the most "illainous
nortals we ever saw, and for
Iudicr ou,ne,s their uniforms would take the |
premium over any Dutch comedian, get up |
are imprisoned fcr very triviai |
oficrses, and unless they have Influential
friends, have hard time in regainiug their
freedom. We pity the poor mortal, if be
be an American. who gets behind the bars |
It Del Nortc. The houses are al adohcs.
md the most pretentous are built in the |
orm Of a square, with n courtyard inside;
where in many cases, fountains, shrubhery,
lowers, etc, are placed, looking very cool
md inviting from the da-ty streets outside
The town covers an area Of probably six
niles. bat on account Of the allcy-likc
treet-, the place does not show up much
Ike q town. Considerable petty smuggling
5 carried on by the Americans, especially
y visitor; and in the line Of cigars ana
liquors mostly.
The natives seem to make on effort not 10
xert themselves, and 40 doubt succeed nd
lirably-in a country where nature Is so
eluctant in the bestowal of her gifts: peo-
lie learn to subsist on what American,
'ould starre, and few tortillas, and a LITTLE
lille, gocs good WAYS with Mexican
t. Bliss, on the outskirts of III Paso. Is
ute a little village Of itself. and the officer.
uarters, are especially inviting looking. and
re said to be furnished very handsomely
i've trunk lines OF railroads center at +!
aso, which adds Il good deal to the liz. and
usiness of the place. Yours, etc,
i. ". b.