The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1894-05-02
An Interesting Letter from Mexico.

ZAcArEcAs, Mexico, April 20, 1884.
* Editors Intelligencer: The struggle for
religious liberty In Mexico has been
long. continuous and continued one. TO
.one who is fond Of studying history there
IL in connection with this struggle many
intaresting incidents. In 1920, when 1tur-
biGe proclaimed Mexico free from Spanish
domination, it was with the understanding
tbat the priests Of the Catholic Church
ahould have complete control Of the pub
lie excheouer. But ever since its conquest
by Cortez there had been bitter struggle
between the priests and the civil rulers.
After her Independence from Spanish rule
this internal struggle between the clergy
and the civil rulers became more severe,
and the strife more bitter. In 1887 Juarez
proclaimed entire separation between
Church and State, and while the victory
struggle goes on even yet. While the
Stats obtained nominal victory, yet it is
In no sense complete We must remem-
ber that the clergy dominated Mexico for
three whole centuries, and 1t il not to be
supposed that the customs they imposed
on the people during that time can be
thrown OFF In less than half century.
II is interesting to notice how these two
forces contend the one against the other.
even now. To show the great power Of
fhe Catholic Church with the people /
have to mention only single incident.
During holy (?) week all the stores in rs
oatecas were closed, and everybody took
holiday. This custom was imposed on
the country by the Catholics. Now. un.
der these circumstances, what does the
State dor Does she observe holy (?) week
Iike the Catholic Church 2 No, that
would never do. To do 90 would be yield
inr 30 the customs of the Church, which
She would nor think of doing for . mo-
ment. But her employees must have q
weeks rest, too 80, instead OF observing
holy (9) week, the State allows her em.
ployees to rest,th week following, thus
trying to cut loose from the holldays OF
the Church. But 1t Is uphill business, I.
In the history OF Mexico we read OF
the aeetness Of the Indians, and OF their
powers of endurance, It is recorded that
ths Chief Mactezums had fresh fish every
morning for breakfast that were brought
from the coast by runners distance OF
two hundred miles This was done by
having men stationed along the route at
certain intervals, each one running Ger.
tain distance, The writer has positive
proof of their powers Of endurance, and
ability to travel long distances without
rest rest Recently be visited Colstsan, a city
southwest Of Zacstecas-a city lar remoy.
cd from the railroad or even q stage line.
On INV return had TO travel forty i've
miles on horse. back before reaching q
poiut on the stage line. This was done in
less than day, and q man came along
with me afoot TO take the horse back.
When I reached my destination my man
,vas there to take charge of my horse, and
seemed less fatigued than ], although
had ridden all the way and he walked.
This TO me Ia very interesting fact, espe.
cislly in the light Of past traditions.
There is q great deal said now a.days
about customs OF Mexico, Some OF the
things we hear are doubtless true, and
some otherwise. But q case recently came
under the writer's observation that was
neither staie nor second handed, but fresh
from the mint. A. young man wished TO
propound certain important question to
the idol of his heart. What does he do 2
Does he exercise the right of free-born
American citizen in propounding this all
important question himself? Not at all.
He has discovered another way OF mesting
the difficulty. His method Is the follow
ing: He, in somewhat tremnlous man
ner, goes to his father. ana in halt
stammering way, tells him what is the
matter with him. The father then goes to
some person lin this case known 10 the
writer) acceptable TO the young lady. and
requests that he make known the wishes
of his son to the young lady, and also to
her family. In the present case: tho young
lady did not return an affirmative answer,
but begged for more time, in which che
might have an opportunity to get better
ACQUAINTED with her nouia before getting
engaged. In this, it seems to the written
she acted wisely. It might not be out OF
place to say she is Christian young lady.
Respectfully,
N. GASSAWAY.