The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-07-27
VISITOR FROM MEXICO
A Missionary Tells of Life in
the Republic.
FREE SILVER GIVES PROTECTION
Celibacy of Priests Q Source of Much
Scandal - Great silver Mines
Owned by Americans.

Rev James d Eaton, who Tor thiF-
teen years has had charge OF the Ameri-
can mission OF TIE Congress church
at Chihuahua. Mexico, ana who from lssZ
10 1876 was the pastor OF the FIRST Con-
gregational church N Portland, las ar
rived in the city. having recently assist
ed DR.. f. W. Gonsauius, the famous chi
cage divine. in the dedica ton OF the new
Congrega uollal church in portland IN
speaking OF mis- work in Chihuahua last
evening MIR. Eaton said
I'VE have succeeded in making 100 con-
verts, most Of whom were formerly no
man Catholics. The Catholic church in
Mexico does not compare in any sense
TO that in America, and people VINO are
inclined 10 n0 belief are fond OK point
ing 10 the examples of the priests ana
saying: If thar is your religion, we 90
not want any Of tt The priests live
openly with W omen, and have large fami-
lies, but this disgrace has been In some
measure corrected of late by better
teaching by the bishops. A few, how
ever, have been only transferred 10 otner
places.
since the Liberals have gained control
of the government it Is Illegal Tor the
priests or sisters 10 appear on the streets
in costumes of the church, and but a
short time ago a priest was lined $50
for such action. A legal marriage is only
civil contract, and the state Goes not
recognize church marriage, but the
church teaches that II only Is necessary
Many use both, but q great .numoer
neither, especially In second marriages.
as divorces are not recognized. some Oh
these remarked people offered TO JOIN
ou- church. but we felt that we could
not take them"
chihuahua is supported largely by sill
yer mining and on the subject OF free
coinage which is practiced in Mexico,
Mr. Eaton said: "Our cheap silver dol
lar. which is worth but 80 cents OF Amer
lean money. acts as a protective taIliI III
our country Other countries cannot pos
sihlv compete under the circumstances as
the prices of commodities are so low that
they cannot reach us. The government,
however, is finding il necessary TO pro-
vide new means OF raising revenue, as Inc
importations are so few.
''Ex-Gov.. Alexander r. Shepard. wno
owns the Batopilas silver mine. has con-
structed a wonderful tunnel for drain
ing II which he has named Diaz. The
great Santa Eulalia silver mines or the
Chihuahua Mining Company, are paylrS
well. They pay all their expenses In ST.
yer except possible Is per cent. in goa
for supplies
being invested in Mexican coffee lands
and the only fear is that the business
may be oyerdone.
..Mondragon rifles, $4,000 In number, ana
soc 600 rounds of ammunition nave peeh
placed IN the hands OF the standing armv
of As. COO men. While the government IN us
branches is similar to the American, the
fact ia that President DiaZ Is the power
and everything goes about as he desires.
He is a splendid. progressive man. and Is
giving a practical government. l visited
the capital ten years ago and heard him
read his message at the opening OF con-
eress. tt was an able document and ne Is
A fine soldierly appearing man
Mr.. Eaton is treasurer of the mission
ana is really In charge of all the Protest
ant mission churches and schools OF the
state Of Chihuahua. He speaks Spanish
quite well. and, being thoroughly well
Informed. is a brilliant conversatonallst.
He and his family are stopping AT the
Hote, Butler and will leave for the Scum
today on the Umatilla-