Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1889-11-27

dence out to tho cattle of Chapultepec'
which becomes once more, for the first time
since the unlucky Macmillan and his
chermog wife lived there, the "white house.
of Mexico.
Chaaultepec is one of the lovelest spots
imag.uabls, according to the Omaha Bee. 1t
Is unique in itself, as we'll as in its name,
"the hli o: the grasshopper."
MouteZuma made bis cum mer house here,
and an underground passage still in exist
ence was made by his direction to point IN
the valley below, so that the Aztec chieitaln
could 90 ard come as he pleased. Under
the old cypress trees in the park the con-
aueror CorteZ pitched his tent after the cee.
brated "Noche Triste," or night of sorrow,
when the Aztecs fell upon the Spaniards ard
maesncred them.
Here Macmillan and the unfortunate
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 familiar 10 Amer-
can ears. One might relate numberless his
toiical incidents connected with the epot,
which abounds in memories, if space per-
mitted, but the place itself demands some
description.
Imagine a park of 1000 acres covered
with denss growth of cypress, many Of the
trees 500 or 600 years old. The gray Span
ish moss, festooned from limb to limb, adds
to the picsGresqueness of the scene. In the
center of this psrk, which is surrounded by
massive walls on three sides, the old eque
duct forming barrier on the fourth, riees
precipitous mound, If such term will ex-
press the idea. This mound is composed
principally of rock, and is probably 200 feet
in height. There is but one road to the top,
the summit being inaccessible except by
this single route.
Upon the very apex stands the castle,
completely covering the space so that no
matter from which direction you look there
is sheer descent of nearly one hundred feet.
The castle was built in sections, and presents
no singular feature of architecture except q
peculiar double staircase that seems to have
no supports. When Macmillan first saw the
staircase he remarked to the architect that
be would not trust his weight upon it,
whereupon the designer. with his majesty s
permission, brought regiment of soldiers
and marched them up and down the stair.
way ten abreast, thus demonstrating its
strength The staircase is the only one of
its kind in existence, ana is built of white
marble and brass.
The terraces at Chapultepec are one of
the sights of Mexico. They are hoored with
white marble, with brass balustrades, and
lighted by electricity The upper terrace
extends the entire distance around the cas-.
tie and is "a fee. broad. Lovely little flower
gardens are located at frequent intervals,
and here are blooming geraniums, fuchsias,
helotrope and mignonette. making the air
rich with perfume and adding to the bright.
uess OF the scene.
The furnishing of the castle for the recep-
tion of President Diaz has been very elsbor,
ate The private apartments are In the
northwestern wing. Each room is frescoed
appropriately. The chess room has chess
room in the centre of the ceiling with the
bishops, kings and queens 10 merry dance
about it, the pswns furnishing appropriate
music from the four corners of the room.
The private reception parlor of the Presi-
dents wife is "done up" in pink silk, with
plush and brocade hangings to match.
Every wall in the entire suit of rooms is
covered with silk brocade instead of paper.
The bed room occupied by the President
and his wife was decorated and furnished at
an expense of $4,000. The dining room has Q
seating capacity tna6 Ia limited 10 tnlrty
persons The magnificent solid silver that
ouce belonged to the Emperor Macmillan
is to be used, but the china and glassware
are not in keeping with the royal magnif.
ceuc- Of the silver; one of the soup tureens
r, quifes four men to carry it when filed.
President piaz is greatly loved by his fol-
lowers, and he will doubtless make the cas-
tIe Of Chapultepec quite as brilliant as it
] if,t np n - VI
press Carlotta drove their eight gray horses
and golden state chariot up the hill, aud
made the castle ring from alcove to gallery,
from garrison to the entrance gates, with
gsyeiy Nine. Diaz is most brilliant
woman, and can entertain royalty should
che take the notion. All Mexico has its
eyes upon her, and it remains with her to
add immeasurably to the gayeties of the
an xaital