Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-02-27

Paso DEL NoRrE, Mexico,
February 81, 1885.
To the Editor of the Eagle
Since writing you from Namba, the trans
ition from the ice and snow-bound noun
tains of Northern New Mexico, has been SC
sudden, that hardly realize that 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 of tn,
snow farther north. The country between
Santa Fe and here is the most barren and
dreary looking have ever seen. The ycge-
tation consists mainly Of sage brush, cactus
palmea and mesquit-the latter has immense
roots, which make good fuel, and are used
extensively for that purpose throughout the
territory. Extensive lava beds are seen for
long distance along the road, and show
that in ages past this country was subject to
immense heat or volcanic eruptions. Large
tracts of land are so covered with alksli, that
il looks like 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 -.her 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 mistletoe-being the one redeeming fea.
ture of beauty on the route.
FL Paso, on the American side ofthe river
is a 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 lotels, stores and job
bling houses are large and elegant in theil
appointments. The hillsides are dotted with
fine modern resi- dences, and are fine con
trast to the neighboring adobes. The con-
trast between the two places is still. how
ever, greater showing the difference between
American push and enterprise and Mexican
lethargy and stupidity. The Mexican towr
is said to be several centuries old, and il
certainly is behind the age that long as COM
pared with its American neighbor on the
opposite side of the river. The old church
of San Guadalupe occupies commanding
position, facing the plaza, and is severa
hundred years old. Wepaid visit to thc
prison, and the guard or soldiers
in charge are the most Yillanou'
mortals we ever saw, and fol
ludicr business their uniforms would take Tho
premium over any Dutch comedians get up
Americans are imprisoned for very trivial
offenses, and unless they have influential
friends, have hard time in regaining their
freedom. We pity the poor mortal, if he
be an American, who gets behind the bars
at Del Norte. The houses are all adobes
and the most pretentious are built in the
form of square, with a courtyard insidei
where in many cases, fountains, shrubbery
flowers, etc, are placed, looking very cool
and inviting from the dusty streets outside.
The town covers an area of probably six
miles, but on account of the alley-like
streets, the place does not show up much
like a town. Considerable petty smuggling
is carried on by the Americans, especially
BY visitors; ard in the line of cigars and
liquors mostly.
The natives seem to make an effort not TO
exert themselves, and no doubt succeed sd-
mirably-in a country where nature is Sc
reluctant in the bestowal of her gifts; peo-
pie learn to subsist on what American:
would starve, and few tortillas, and little
chile, goes good ways with Mexican
Fl. Bliss, on the outskirts of FL Paso, j;
quite little village of itself, and the officer
quarters, are especially inviting looking, ant
are said to be furnished very handsomely
Five trunk lines of railroads center at e
Paso, which adds good deal to the life and
business of the place. Yours, etc,
A. w. b.