The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-08-16

mant intelligence and so multiply their
wants j had heard before coming here that
these indiana were degenerate and good
Iney are a good class. but their brains are
benumbed. They will come forward fast
under the stimulus of higher wages and
Mexico's greatest problem is the educa-
ton OF the masses OF her population. the
CONVERSION OF seven million of u~neducated
people into citizens fit to exercise their con-
stitutional right to vote. To give them that
right now would be TO burlesque free insti-
buttons. But the work that the government
is doing is directly IN this line. The new
always encouraged by the federal au-
tnofities, bring in the light everywhere.
The locomotive Is a missionary. a teacher
and a mental emancipation. II Is wonderful
how instinctively the Indians seem TO wei
come the great machine They know II
means much for them.
A very cultivated and progressive man
OF purest Indian blood. who speaks several
languages and has travelled. said 10 me:
Our people will yet dominate here. Tn
Indian will not be kept down. We have no
liking Tor the Spariiard. or for his descend
ants. or for any of his works. When We be-
come enngntened. We ask: What 90 our
conquererS believer and then we instinct
lively reject H.. We have been hardly dealt
with. our minds have been enslaved, and
we ara as a race, just beginning to have
ambition. II is a source OF pride TO us that
so many of our race are occupying high
places I'm the nation. Ii means that we al
ready can furnish our quota of talent. and
- -( oAa "a III tAA4tAo
president Diaz is everywhere establishing,
and which he will protect to the utmost
we shall soon develop a deal of intelligence
II am very American / know your
country and admire your wonderful pro-
vision for education. Our Mexico. the Next
CO of the educated and enfranchised In
dian, Will not be content TO follow IN the
beaten path.
THE civilization imposed upon US is not
ours; we have neither act nor part in IL.
In religion we shall be independent investi-
gators. following where science and our
not be the beliefs of a decadent race that
shall dominate US in the future. The best
that the white race may give us will be
none too good: hence We turn toward
America, and are happy that so broad a
statesman as Diaz rules here, for he is OF
us and knows us. and believes in the native
race and its capacity, of which he is him
self, as was Juarez, a triumphant proof
and illustration"
An Indian of a different intellectual level.
n poor mar without instruction. said TO me;
They tell me the machines that draw
the railway cars come from your country;
you must be a great people up there, and
we like you. Your people help us 10 rise In
the world. The railroad is a great thing"
The next presidential term of General
Diaz will be signaiized by the work he
markable ruler daily receives his visitors
in a vast apartment hung with red silk.
covered with imperial crowns and the
eagles of Mexico. The transitory Maxi
milan was a failure, although he had be-
hind him all the traditions of the house OF
Hapsburg; but this man, sprung from tho
soil, a Mexican of MeXicans. with the
strong indian blood in his veins. is every
inch a ruler. He lives wholly for his be-
loved country. None of the abuses which
ave been cited in this letter have his APP
prevail: he is a civilizing and reforming
force in this land. and already he has per-
formed wonders. The Mexico or to-day and
that Of twenty years ago are two different
countries. Now the path is open to talent;
the poorest Indian may aspire to the high
est post.