El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1897-03-22

"o.iu uo1 NC cOQpleUo WITHOUT q refer
| ence to our sister city on the west bank
of the Rio Grande, opposite Ell Paso.
This city, formerly known to the world
as ''Paso del Norte,' is at present the
| most important settlement on the north
ern frontier of Mexico, and is located
| in the northern part of the state of Chi
huahua. 1t was founded as an Indian
mission in 1859. Until 1850 it was only
an Indian village, and the only relay
between Parral in Southern Chihuahua
and Santa Fee in New Mexico In 1880
when the Pueblo Indians of New Mexi-
co drove the Spaniards from Santa Fe
the retreating colonists and few SOL
diers halted at Ell Paso del Norte and
esta bhshed their camp. Thereafter it
became the seat of government for the
province of New Mexico until 1893. and
the base of operations against the hos
tile Pueblos. A Spanish town gradual
ly arose. and the Indian settlements be-
came merged in that place in the course
of time. 1t remained attached to New
Mexico until after the war between the
United States and Mexico, when it was
after the conclusion of peace, included
in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
During the latter part of the reign of
Maximillian, Ell Paso del Norte formed
the headquarters of the national forces
and OF President JuareZ. In regard to
the soil surrounding Juarez, it is safe
to say that 1t is, in point of fertility,
equal to the best on the American con-
tinent and its adaptibility to fruit rails
ing is superior to any locality that has
become famous on account of their
yielding capacity. This valley is not
cries. Almost all kinds OF fruits are
successfully raised though the most at
tention has been given to the grape
which is raised in the greatest abund-
apce. The purity and flavor of tn is
wine is proverbial and large business
Is done in Western Texas, New Mexico
and the north ern states of the republic |
small grain can be raised in abundance
The climate is dry and crops are pro-
duced by thorough system of irriga-
ton. This city has many advantages |
not possessed by any other city in Mex |
leo. 1t is the terminus of the Mexican |
Central railway and the Corralitos rail-
way which Is in course of construction |
through one of the finest, mineral, |
lumber and agricultural sections of the |
republic, The town is connected with |
Ell Paso by street railroad, the run
being made in about 10 minutes. Among
the citizens OF JuareZ are macy en-
ergetic, capable and shrewd business
men composed of both Americans and |
spanish. The city has two substantial |
banks and many other large and sub
5tantial mercantile blishments.
Among the prominent buildings of the
city may be mentioned the custom
house, built by the government at ex-
oense of about 100000, the barracks
$40, 900 and the postotfice 0,OO0. Gu
lad JuareZ is known far and wide as
being possessor of one of the Oldest
Catholic churches on the American con-
5inent. a picture of this church will
De seen on this page. 1t is called ''El
Temple de Nuestra Sonora de Guadalu
De-" Guadalupe is the patron saint of
he native Mexican, churches being de-
1icated to her homer in many of the
titles of the republic. The age of this
church is variously estimated from 25O
% 30 years. 1t has many historic mem
)ries. The plaza which it overlooks
has been the theatre of many a bloody
struggle and it is here where the col
INN of Texans who were captured when
hey marched to take New Mexico,
we're counted on their fatal journey
rom Santa Fe to chihuahua and the
officer in command sent back to his gov
,rnor, Armijo, the ears which he had
evered from those who fell by the way,
o show his master that none had es-
'aped.
The foregoing statement is a brief
ketch of Ciudad Juarez's historical |
eatures. Following will be found
'rief review of the business interests of
he city: