The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-12-12
MExIco.s WHITE HOUSE

MExIco's WHITE HOUSE
The Magnificent Pile Or Marble Once o.
cupied BY MaximilIan.
President Diaz has moved his
official residence out to the Castle
OF Chapultopcc. which becomes once
more-for tho first time since tho un-
lucky Macmillan and his charming
wife lived there the white House.
OF Mexico. Chapultcpoc is one OF tho
lovelicst spots imaginable. Il is
unique In itself as we'll rs in ito name
Tho Hill Of tho Grasshopper.
Montczuma made his summer house
here. and an under passage still in cx-
istence, was made. by his direction to a
point in the valley below. SO that the
Aztec chieftain could do as he pleased.
Under the old cypress trees in the park
the conqucror Cortez pitched his tent
after the celebrated ..Noche Triste," or
night OF sorrow, whom the Aztecs fell
upon the Spaniards and massacred
them. Here Macmillan and the un,
fortunate Carlotta made love as they
promenaded the magnificent marble
terraces which were built by order of
the Austrian Grand Duke" Here
the American army fought bloody
but decisive battle-one which has
made the queer word Chapultepec IA
miliar to American ears Ono might
relate numbcrless historical incidents
connected with the spot which abounds
in memories. II space permitted, but
the place itself demands some descrip-
ton.
Imagine park Of 1000 acres. COW
cred with dense growth OF cypress,
many Of the trees 500 or 600 years old.
The gray Spanish moss festooned from
limb to limb adds to the picturesque
ness Of tho scene. In the center OF
this park-which Is surrounded by
massive walls on three sides, the old
aqueduct forming the barrier on the
fourth-rises precipitous mound, ii
such term will express the idea This
mound is composed principally OF rock.
and is probably 200 feet in height
There is but ono road to tho top, the
summit being accessible. except by this
single route.
Upon tie very apex stands the castle.
completely covering the space, SO that
no matter from which direction you
look, there Is a sheer descent of nearly
one hundred feet The castle was built
In sections, and presents no singular
feature OF architecture. except a pecul-
lar double staircase that seems to have
no supports. Whom Macmillan first
saw the staircase he remarked to the
architect that he would not trust his
own weight upon it; whcreupon the
designer, with His Majesty's permits
sion. brought regiment OF soldiers
and marched them up and down the
stairway ten abreast, thus demonstrate
ing its strength. The staircase is the
only ono of its kind in existence. and
Is built Of white marb.c and brass
The terraces at Chapultepeo ara one
OF the sights Of Mexico. They are
tloored with white marble, with brass
balustrades. and lighted by electricity.
The upper terrace extends the entire
distance around the castle and is TWEEN.
ty-four feet broad. Lovely little flower
gardens are located at frequent inter,
walls, and here are blooming gerani-
ums. fuchias. heliotropc and mignon-
cite. making tho air rich with perfume
and adding to the brightness Of the
scene.
The furnishing OF tho castle for the
reception OF President Diaz has been
very elaborate. The private apart
ments are in the northwest wing,
Each room is fresooed appropriately.
the chess room has chess board in
the center OF the ceiling. with the
bishops, kings and queens in merry
dance about 1t, the pawns furnishing
appropriate music from tho four cor
ners Of the room. The private recep
ton parlor OF the Presidents wife /,
done up" In pink silk with plush and
brocade hangings to match. Ever,
wall IA VIC OuttEO cuAG VI EOOIuo ID CIV
cred with silk brocade instead OF pa
per. Tho bedroom occupied by tn.
President End his wife was decorated
and furnished at an expense OF $50. 0OO
The dining room has seating capacit,
that Is limited to thirty persons Tn,
magnificent solid silver that once be
longed to the Emperor Macmillan i
to be used, but the china and glasswar.
are not in keeping with the royal mag
nifcence Of the silver; one OF the soul
tureens require four men to carry it
when filed.
President Diaz Is greatly loved by hi
followers. and he will doubtless max,
the castle Of Chapultepcc quite as bril-
liant rs it was in the days when tn
Austrian and Empress Carlotta drov'
their eight gray horses and COLDER
state chariot up the hill and made tn
castle ring from alcove and gallery
from garrison to the entrance gate
with gayety. Mime. Diaz is a mos
brilliant woman and Q IN entertain roy
ally. should sho take the notion. AL
Mexico has its eyes upon. her. and
| romains with her tn add immNn sii,. III