Morning journal and courier., 1888-11-10
rnE GnnAr mExIoAr RoAp.


 The Mexican National and She RIch
 Mining Country ThronGh Which it
 Runs.
 LAREDO, Tex, Nov. 5.-The festivities in connection with the opening of the Mexican National railway, held in San Luis Potosi, ended last night and this morning President Diaz and his staff will leave for the City of Mexico. The governors of nearly all the Mexican States were present at the celebra- tion, and the occasion has been a most note- worthy one.
 The completion of this road is one of the most important events in the history of La redo. It shortens the route to the City of Mexico by 260 miles. The last rail was laid on Sept. 27, and the first through train was run on Nov. 1. The distance from Laredo to the City of Mexico is S39 miles, and the run ming time is thirty~six hours. This reduces the time from New York to the City of Mexi- co to five days.
 The Mexican National is a narrow gauge road. In 1880 the work of laying the track ed as far as Saltillo. Funds then gave out. and for five years nothing was done. Last year loan was negotiated and the road was continued through the gap between Saltillo and the City of Mexico.
 The road runs through some of the richest mining country in the world. The scenery is beautiful. San Luis Petosi, where the cele- bration has been held, is next to the City of Mexico, the most important town in Mexico. It is the center of great mining region. Ca torce, distant only miles, contain several of the richest mines in the world. Silver was discovered there in the latter part of the eigh- teenth century. For thirty years afterward khk The Mexican method of working mines is so expensive that only the richest mines pay to be worked. Vast quantities of carbonates are being extracted, which, on account of their fine fluxiug qualities, are very valuable for smelling purposes. Heretofore nearly all this material has been thrown aside, because of the impossibility of making it pay when worked by the anticipated Mexican system. Large shipment of ore will now be made to the United States to be worked at the vest ern mines.
 Cotorce Is situated on top of mountain 1, 600 feet above the level of the sea. The mountain sides are SO steep that the ascent can only be made on foot or mounted on 8 Mexican burro. The city has shifting pop- ulation of frem 5000 to 10000. Mining is the only industry. One of the most peculiar facts in connection with this town, which, until the opening of the railroad, was but little known outside of Mexico, is that no
  Cab drivers are unknown. The impossibili- ty of bringing anything up the steep sides of the mountain, except at the greatest expense, has prevented cabs from making their entry, though common enough in other parts of Mexico. The streets, besides, all meet at an angle of 45 degrees, which would render driving unsafe.
 The mountain of Cotorce is network of mines, for the working of some of which enormous sums are needed.
 The St. Augustine mine, which extends 1,S00 feet into the heart ot the mountain, has tunnel bored through the side mile and a half long. It's cost was $2, 800, 900. A tram way run by horses carries the ore out of the mine. The tunnel was built to drain the mine, as before the various shafts were food- ed as soon as completed. This mine is worked on the "barrotero" system. The miners in- stead of receiving any regular wages are al- lowed from a third to an eighth of what they are able to take out, according to the value of the ore. The average sum they make is usually very small, but sometimes a rich strike is made.
 A few years ago miner while breaking through 6 ledge of rock discovered rich pocket of ruby silver. His share amounted receiving the money was to call at 8 store and ask the proprietor to show him the handsom- est thing he had. The storekeeper showed him handsome silk dress worth several hundred dollars.
 'tPll take it." the miner said as he pulled g bag of silver from his pocket.
 The gale was made and the first thing the Mexican did was to call his donkey, dress him up in the valuable silk gown and mount on his back.
 Then he turned to the astonished storekeep- CT and said:
 "He has served me faithfully for many years and now he is rewarded"
 It was not long before the miner was once more delving in the recesses of the earth at 50 cents day.