The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1885-08-06
AT OLD pAS0 DEL N0RTE.
A QUAINT CITY OF A PAST AGE,
Standing stiu in Ancient Apathy in
Sight of the Modern March of
Mankind--A Visit to the Old
Cathsarsl-Popular rrej-
udise of the People.
PAso DEL NoRTE, NJ

PAso DEL NoRTE, NJ Aug. 81
Correspondence, l-Faso del Norte.
Mexico, is situated on tho Rio Grande
river, opposite El Peso, Texas. 1t In
one of the Oldest cities in the State Of
Chihuahua, and had at one time a
population OF over % eco. AT the pres
ent day the population is something
over 5000. Ell Paso is connected with
Paso del Norte by n line Of htreat care,
which brings both Towns into Vsry
close relationship, butJhe customs and
habits of the two places are in a
marked degree different. Ell Paso
may be called city (although small
OF the modern times, while Pasu del
NOrte js IN appearance (and in lncD
an ancient city, with no modern i'm
provements whatever, and the Gus.
toms OF ages past are still INDUCED.
The writer stood on the bridge that
separates the cities and tho spectacle
presented TO his view was both
strange and grand. Beneath him ran
the Rle Grand9 river (Grea5 River OF
the North through the beautiful
valley covered with vineyards bur-
dened with ripening fruit.
My attention wag called toward
the American side and thero
beheid modern American city (El
Paso), OF which have already written,
but hardly did it justice. Alter look
ing over THAT splev did little city, with
its buildings OF magniticence, my eyes
wandered Toward the city of Pdso del
Norts. What contrast!
at Is built Of the Same sun dried
/ bricks as in days OF old. Something
within prompted ma 20 20 forward,
and j walked iltO the old town. It
was like stepping back into past ago.
There WAS the large wooden
wheel wagon; sticks used for
ploWs; women clad In short
dresses, Walking toward the
river, with eyers on their heads, for
water, and the mea lying about in
groups smoking cigarettes, and up
parently looking upon the women as
slaves, The Mexican custom is III at
the Women's calling in lils ia to do
hard worH while the men take life
easy. proceeded toward the cathe-
dral on the mesa table laDd) overlook
ing the city. This odiiice was built In
the year 1880. 1t is made OF adobes,
the walls being 10 feet in thickness
The ceiling, which IL made of huge
1Ob'J NoA NshJ 10 OU ldtb Ill ublRllL.
The church inside Is perfectly barren,
there being no seats or benches. This
people attending services worship with
bendod knees on rugs which they
carry with them. The altar is enclosed
by railing, and is handsomely deco
rated with solid gold and silver. Over
the pulpit is small figure nailed to
cross, which Is to represent Christ.
The image Is made OF pure gold.
gave the old sexton piece OF sill
yer To show me into room heavily
barred with bolts and chains. He first
refused TO admit me, saying that only
the high priests had admittance
into that chamber, which hs claimed
was very sacred. Another piese of
silver, however, had the effect
and he began 20 take down. the bars,
and finally the door was opened by
large key, which he had strapped
around his waiat, aud no Walkea in
and followed. The room was
wrapped in total darkness but he let
In some light from q small window,
which he opened. In the corner wAs =
large glass case, ak feet long and
three ieot high. Inside tho case was
lie sizs image Of Christ, with wreath
OF thorns around his head. The figure
HNA'NNNiJ WIN lItNktu Hehu
and beard stained with blsoo, which
made me feel faint, and / turned my
head away. In another corner, en-.
closed In tho same kind of case, was
the image of woman, who the sex
ton said was Mary, the mother OF
Jesus. On the walls hung number
OF spears, axes and swords. then as
oended winding pair of stairs, which
finally terminated upon tho tower of
the church, from which / could Wow
tho country Tor miles around. It was
, magnificent sight.
The Mexican people do not seem TO
0 take kindly to the habits OF tho Ameri-
ccans in making Improvements. They
rather desire TO continue In the foot
steps of their fathers, and Mexico .r-
years ago IL the same to day, ~ 3 rp-
parently will be no different iCv ears
TO come, unless Americans adop. ald
improve that country, which Is so rich
In soil, mineral wealth, and climate;
only waiting for apeopo thai will do
Yelop the resources ofnature,