Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-08-31
MEXICAN LETTER.
The Anniversary of the Death Of Qua
hetemoc, Last Emperor of the
AZtecS
The PaseO de la RefOrma, One of the Most
Beautiful Drives Possessed by any City
In Europe or America.
Special correspondence Of the Gazette.

| Special correspondence Of the Gazette.
CITY OF MEXICO, Aug. 27.-The 2lst
was celebrated in the Paseo de Ia Re-
forma, the 360th anniversary of the
death of Cuahctemoc, last emperor of
| the Astecs, who was so treacherously
murdered by Cortes. He ls generally
known in history as Guatemotzin, the
second successor OF Montezuma. 1t is
related that when taken by Cortes he
exclaimed in tones of anguish, "Kill
me, since could not lose my life in de-
Tending my country.
Before proceeding further 1 will say a
few words about the Paseo de la Re-
forma. 1t is
THE FASHIONABLE DRIVE,
and ii is said to be one of the most beau
tiful drives possessed by any city either
in Europe or America. 1t was begun
during the French occupation. 1t is two
miles and q half long, and leads in u
straight line to the gates of Chapultepec.
1t is planted with double row of trees,
beneath which are broad footways, along
which are placed stone benches at short
intervals. The equestrian statue of
Charles ". said to be the largest bronze
statue in the world, is at the entrance,
next that of Columbus in the act Of lifting
the vail which hides the new world from
Europe; then the statue of Cuahctemoc,
the hero of the feast. He Is represented
dressed in warrior 8 robe with arrows
and tomahawk, in the attitude of de-
Tending his country.
A double row of soldiers with their su-
periors, reaches from the beginning of
the Paseo TO the foot OF the statue, and
precisely at 9 the president. cabinet,
aids-de-csmp, and body guard rode up
amidst the firing of cannon and beating
of drums. Amidst all that uproar could
be heard a few notes of the imposing ma
tional hymn. which was played BY over
200 instruments. A glorietta as they are
called here, had been erected for the
president and staff, and all the public it
could accommodate. On the opposite side
was one reserved for
THE INDIAN CHIEFS
who had come from all parts of the re-
public TO participate In the feasts offered
to the memory of their ancestors. Their
pavilion was very artistically decorated
with wild flowers of every hue and the
banners and flags of their different
tribes. Immediately after the arrival of
the president n procession headed by IN
dian chiefs approached the statue,
dressed in tae fantastic dress of their
ancestors. After them came several
Indians; hideously dressed and painted,
representing evil spirits, and to the tune
OF an old guitar executed one of their
fantastic dances. After that part of the
ceremony was over the band favored US
with one of Auber's overtures, after
which q speech was made in the Aztec
language. Two or three others were made
in Spanish, after which the president,
escorted by his ministers, deposited
beautiful wreath on the pedestal of the
statue. The president is above middle
height and carries himself well. His
look is very intelligent, and he seems
very kind. Although he will be sixty
next month, he does not appear over
nifty. At his departure the cannon were
again fired, and all his staff departed
amidst martial music. The Indians.
after the wresths had been deposited,
recommended their dance, this time
throwing all their boquets and wreaths,
until the pedestal was entirely hid by
them. They continued their feast until
late In the day, for chiefs aud squaws
all Joined in, and at their departure
resolved to make the feast still more
entertaining to themselves as well as to
the public.
After the president had disappeared in
the crowded streets, the soldiers formed
ranks, and amidst the beating of drums
and blowing of trumpets, repaired to
their different barracks to await the
great feasts which are going to take
place next month in honor of the presi-
dent, and TO commemorate the inde-
pendenoe of Mexico. MARIE l..