Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1889-07-19
MEXICO,S WHITE HOUSE
The Magnificent Pile OF Marble that
maximilian Once Occupied.


President Diaz has moved his official resi-
dence out to the Castle of Chapultepec which
becomes once more-for the first time since
the unlucky Macmillan and his charming
wife lived there-the "White House" of Mex
leo. Chapultepeo is one of the loveliest spots
imaginable. 1t is unique in itself as we'll
as In its name-"The Hill of the Grasshop-
per-"
Montezumo made his summer house here,
and an underground passage still in exist,
ence, was made, by his direction to q point
in the valley below, so that the Aztec chief
tain could 60 and come as he pleased. Under
the old cypress trees in the park the conquer
or Cortez pitched his tent after he celebrated
"Noche Triste," or night of sorrow, when the
Aztecs fell upon the Spaniads 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 de-
cisive battle-one which has made the queer
word Chapultepec familiar to American ears.
One might relate numberless historical incl
dents connected with the spot which
abounds in memories, If space permitted,
but the place itself demands some descript-
ion.
Imagine park of 1000 of acres, covered
with dense growth of cypress, many of the
trees 500 or 600 years old. The gray Spanish
moss festooncd from limb to limb adds to the
picturesqueness of the scene. In the center
Of this park-which is surrounded by massive
walls on three sides, the old aqusduct form
ing the barrier on the fourth-rises a preci
pitous mound, If such term may express
the idea This mound Is composed principal
" of rock, and Is probably 200 feet in height.
There Is but enc road to the top, the summit
being inaccessible, except by this single
route.
TTnon tho varu o,,ov at.n5a {ha ooskIa oo,,,
pletely covering the space, so that no matter
from which direction you look there is a
sheer decent of nearly 100 feet. The castle
was built Ia sections, and presents no singu-
lar feature OF architecture, except a peculiar
double staircase that seems to have no sup
ports. When Macmillan frst saw the stair
case he remarked to architect that he would
not trust his own weight on it; whereupon
the designer, with his Majesty's permission,
brought a regiment of soldiers and marched
them up and down the stairway ten abreast,
thus demonstrating its strength. This stair
case is the only one of its kind in existence,
and is built of white marble and brass.
sights of Mexico. They are foored with
white marble, with brass balustrades, and
lighted by electricity. The upper terrace ex-
tends the entire distance around the castle
and ia twenty four feet broad. Lovely little
flower gardens are located at frequent inter
walls, and here blooming gersniums, fuoias
heliothrope, and mignonette, making the air
rich with perfume and adding to the brights
ness of the scene.
The furnishing of the castle for the recep-
ton of President Diaz has been very elabor-
ate. The private apartments are in the north
west wing. Ee~ 'aom is frsscoed appropi-
atoly. The chessa has chess board in
the centre of the CO. with the bishops,
kings and queens In q. Try dance about it,
the pawns furnishing appropriate music from
corners of the room. The private reception
parlor of the Presidents 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 bedroom occupied by the
President and his wife was decorated and
furnished at an expense of$30, 600. The dining
room has q seating capacity that is limited
to thirty persons. The magnificent solid sill
yer that once belonged to the Emperor Max
imilian is to be used, but the china and glass
ware are not in keeping of the royal magniA-
cence of the silver; one of the soup tureens
President Diaz is greatly loved by his fol-
lowers, and he will doubtless make the castle
of Ohapultepec quite as brilliant as it was in
the days when the Austrian and Empress
Carlotta drove their eight gray horses and
golden state chariot up the hill and made the |
castle ring from alcove and gallery, from gar |
rison to the entrance gates with gayety. Nine.
Diaz IL most brilliant woman and can enter
tain royalty, should she take the notion. All |
Mexico has its eyes upon her, and 1t remains |
with her to add immeasurably to the gay
sties Of the capital. 4