The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-05-15

The natural changes of population in
Mexico are remarkably slight as COM
pared with those of our own coun-
try. Almost as many die as are born,
and the changes of residence from
state to state, or from one village to
another are very few indeed. The
masses love home associations, and
their relatives and childhood friends,
more than they covet wealth, honors,
or increased comforts. To them all
these count for nothing as against the
sweeter privileges Of such associations.
Even the criminal who has committed
ever so serious an offence against So
cety and the law seldom fees the i'm
mediate vicinity of home and relatives
20 avoid arrest, though the punish
ment be death. Few leave the scenes
of their youth, unless it be to cross
the dark river" and fewer strangers
intrude their presence on the typical
Mexican village. This is particularly
true Of the common people or Indians.
OF the climate of Mexico, what shall
l say? or, rather, what may not say?
Not in our own fair California; not in
tropical Florida; not in sunny Italy,
so noted for it's bright skies and mellow
atmosphere; not in the wide world has
it rival to fear by any just method of
comparison. SO slight and so gradual
are its changes; so conducive to good
health and a ripe old age are its con-
trolling characteristics; 50 tempting
and so gratifying its smiles, that to en-
ter its presence is to become a slave to
its charms, to wish that its domain
might embrace the broad universe.
From the mountains, which are al
ways clothed in freshest and greenest
verdure, and which are never beyond
the easy range Of human vision. there
descend into the warmer plains and
valleys reclining at their feet as if pa
tiently awaiting anticipated favors
the softest, most grateful breezes and
most refreshing rain. Even in the
tropics, nature has provided compen-
sating benefits for every unfaYorable
condition. However intense the heat
of the day. there is always comfort IN
the shade, and as the sun disappears
there comes to every being ample rec
ompense for the anervating effects
of his rays, in the most delightful
fragrance-laden atmosphere that ever
gave comfort to heated brow, oil
brought peaceful sleep to tired, eX-
hausted nature. 1 have never rested
more comfortably, or derived more
benefit from natures sweet restorer,"
than in the city of Vera Cruz, in Ori'
zaba, in Jalapa, and on the great sugar
| haciendas of Morelos and Michoacan
When the distinguished ex-governor
of Kansas, the Hon. Mr.. Anthony, sale
| of Mexico that 1t was composed of on,
| part soil and nine parts climate" III
did not over-estimate the latter al
though he underestimate the former
| The remark was merely an eXtraVa'
| CANT illustration of fact impossible L
be magnihed, and involved no inten
| tion to detract from the glory of an
| either fact which needed no praise.
1t is not possible to portray I'm words
or in colder figures, the possibilities o
such climate, either in the production
Of grains, vegetables, fruits and flow
ers, or as potent agency i'm restoring
health and Vigor to the thousands wht
suffer from contact with the severe ex
actions of our Northern winters. The!
are as boundless as the universe, anC
] as varied as the bounties Of nature.