The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1888-06-20
MEXICO.
Extracts From an Interesting Letters Re-
ceived by a Resident of Fort Tsenton

We are permitted to make the following
extracts from an interesting letter writ
ten by lady relative, and received by
Fort Benton lady few days ago The
writer's husband is an American, who is
superintendent of construction on the
Mexican National railway. The lady is
evidently a close observer, and graphical
ly describes what comes under her OBJ
servation:
SALTILLo, Mex, May %, 1888.
Indeed, this IS heather coun-
try, and my heart aches to see these poor,
filthy, ignorant creatures; but am pleas
ed to note great improvement in the bet
ter class since we oanle here, last August.
A railroad will carry civilization with it
wherever it goes. Saltillo is quite a pretty
city, containing between $4,000 and 10000
inhabitants. It is situated on plateau
$500 feet above sea level, nesting costly
among the foothills of the grand old Sier
ra Madre, or Mother Mountains, that
loom sub1imely upward from the south
west several thousand feet. The streets
are picturesquely narrow and crooked,
while the architecture is borrowed by the
Spaniards from the Moors. Quaint and
wierd-it possesses charm for those who
come under it's peculiarly fascinating in
fluences.
The water supply issplendid, being con
veyed from the mountains by irrigating
bitches in clear, pure streams to every
part of the city, through gardens, plazas,
along streets wherever needed for domes-
tic purposes and for beautifying the city.
Beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers line
these silver streams. The climate of Sal
tillo is not to be surpassed. Last winter
was very mild compared with that of the
Southern States; still, the inhabitants
say that was more severe than has been
known for years. The weather now, May
29th, is simply delightful. In the sun,
from al1out u to 3 p. fa., ii isquite warm,
but all the while it is delightfully."- cool in
these adobe houses and under the shade
of trees. It IS impossible to describe the
spell that possesses one while wandering
along these paved streets, charmed with
types Of bygone centuries. Here and
there appear the Aztec and Toltec, pure
and simple as in the days of the Monte
zumas; the women grinding, presumably,
after the ancient custom, on the metatas,
preparatory to making ''tortillas," pan
cake on which these people chiefly 1--we.
Here will also be seen the dark-eyed wo-
men, with urns at the fountains for water,
as were Rachel and Rebecca in the days
Of the Patriarchs.
Upon entering one of the markets one
sees the market women sitting on rude,
tilted floor, with their fruits and Yegeta-
bles on one side and their copper sheckles
on the other, while opposite is the bright
eyed boy with his kids and doves, all anx-
ious to impress upon the passer-by the SUI
periority Of his or her wares.
Now, moving on to the charming plazas
we find most delightful resort for the
old and young, rich and poor. Here prom
enading will be seen all classes. The Sc
noritas and their sweethearts enjoy these
promenades to the utmost, but not side
by side as is customary with us in the
states. They go in opposite directions, SO
that they can merely look at each other,
bow, exchange smiles and glances as they
pass, while entraneingly sweet music en-
hances the spell thrown over all.
7 could write much more on Saltillo, on
Mexico, the climate, the people, their Gus
toms, manners, etc., but will cease for the
present by adding that were there many
more Americans here I would prefer this
country to any other
Mr.. B. has received instructions to
make arrangements to Eli the Office of su-
perintendent of the middle division of
this, the Mexican National road, with
headquarters at San Luis Potosi The
road will be completed through to the
City Of Mexico by the 10Th Of September
next.