Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-06
MEXICO AT THE FAIR.
A Proposed Representation NJ Chicago-His-
tortcal Subjects Presented.


tortcai Subjects Presented.
Lieut.. A. @. Baker. the commissioner sent on
behalf of the Columbian exposition TO Mexico,
forwards an interesting sketch Of plan for
Mexican exhibit at the exhibition, which was
prepared and submitted by August Baker and
P. II. Balling, two well-known artists Of that
republic:
Mexico, with all the other nations Of the
world, will participate in the grand exposition
~ be held at Chicago in the year 1888: and this
me memorandum is for the purpose Of submitting
10 the national government Of Mexico. and the
information Of all others interested, q plan
which we believe will be acceptable and will &C
complish fully the objects desired.
10 present the Mexican republic in the most
favorable light we have the most abundant ma
teriai, the history OF Mexico. The Spaniards
were the first TO penetrate into the interior Of
the country. and they met there a most unex-
pected culture. They were surprised to find
what great progress had been made by a nation
which had no knowledge of Europe. We there
lore take as a basis for exhibit the history Of
the epoch OF Fernando Cortez, and present the
following plan:
CHARACTERISTIC STREET.
AT the front of the ground allotted TO the
Mexican government we suggest the erection
OF a building, and for this purpose the one
exposition of 1889 may be utilized. Proceeding
from this edi;ce we enter a street made 90 eN-
actly represent in style and character a street
IN the ancient Tenochtitlan (Mexicol. In the
middle OF II will be a canal. leading TO the foot
OF the Ieocalla (temple Of the Aztecs). which is
at the end of the street. Some Indians will be
at hand to transport passengers in boats ard
canoes from one part Of this street 60 an
other. The houses on either side will vary
IN construction. representing the most charac-
teristic buildings of Mexico. beginning with
the habitations Of the poor Indians in the
country districts and up to the palaces Of the
Aztec MOBILES The interiors will serve TO ex-
hibit the industrial products and curiosities OF
ancient Mexico.
HISTORIC SUBJECTS TEEArEp.
The building OF these houses may be done
by the state or the larger cities Of the republic
which may desire to take part. Specific infor-
nation. plans and drawings will be furnished
by the exposition commission. The houses and
the teocaili will be surrounded by gardens laid
out In ancient style. The temple will
De reproduced as exactly as possible. from the
traditions and authentic copies preserved by
historical records. In its interior NAV be
shown two semi-circular panoramas. The first
VIII depict the conquest Of Mexico by Fernando
Iortez AT the moment when the Spsniards ar
rived at the center of the city. The tumut of war
fills the streets. while beyond the clouds of
smoke the blue mountains form the back
ground. 1t will also be interesting rs showing
the war trappings of the Spaninrds and the rich
armor and clothing of the Aztecs, as
Wen as peculiar examples of archi-
lecture and special scenery. occupy
ing large space. The second will show
modern Mexico. as seen from the terrace Of the
castle of Chapultepec. and will be very beauti-
fui. In the foreground will be the park of
Chapultepec, with its majestic trees thousands
of years old, and IN the held at the left regi-
ment OF soldiers engaged in martial exercises.
Ii will also show on 4 large scale
the valley of Mexico, with the city and great
lakes surrounded by the mountains. among
which may be seen Popocatapetl and lztacci-
huatl. forming one majestic whole. which will
he lifelong and interesting memory il the
mind of every spectator.
Exact drawings and plans of the grounds and
buildings will be given and the artistic skill of
those engaged upon thi enterprise warrants
the assurance that il will be carried out in a
manner creditable to the republic of Mexico. -