The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1898-01-13

c'S Ai'h'N IA u p'i hOoC SutU
nit the teachers of the State have
erected their Chattauqua building,
thus popularlzing this pleasant retreat.
At we return TO our hotel and
with sharpend appetites enjoy a
splendid breakfast awaiting US. We
leave at 9 and go to San Antonio the
largest city in the State and about
which | have written in a former com
munication, but l cannot refrain from
mention Of the Alamo again. As !
have before said this is the mos,
historic of all buildings in Texas, for
it was here that Crockett, Travis,
Bowie and ia other as brave spirit:
as ever craved independence laid
down their lives that Texas might be
free. In March, 1896, Santa Anna,
the Mexican general, with 5000
soldiers appeared before its walls and
demanded the surrender of the Alamo
which was refused by its brave com.
mander, Col. Travis. AS the
Mexicans had raised the black flag, the
garrison knew to surrender was to be
butchered. So they resolved to sell
their lives dearly for the cause they
represented.
One Of their number volunteered to
escape and thus take a message TO
Gen. Houston for aid. This he Sue
ceeded in doing by getting into a
swift running mote that passes along
to the rear of the building which is
still there, and returned in time only
to meet the fate of his comrades.
But from so me Couse or another aid
never came. Soupon the morning of the
18th day death and Santa Anna held
the Alamo. The III defenders were
in deaths embrace and 1000
Mexican dead told the tale of car
mage and cost to possess the Alamo.
This together with the murder OF $50
prisoners fired the Texan heart for
Independence which was finally
gained.
At the old State capitol door, before
its destruction by fire, was placed a
tablet upon which was inscribed,
"Thermopylae had its tale bearers,
the Alamo had none."
We leave San Antonio regrettfully
for our stay was very enjoyable one,
and are off for Laredo, the last Amer
ican town between this and Monterey,
Mexico. AS we cross the Rio Grande to
the Mexican side big free-negro look
ing fellow came to the car door and
followed, "Rabbish your baggage" I"
We paid no attention TO him. This
was Customs officer, as our Con
ductor informed US, SO we take our
grips, all the baggage we have, to the
office for examination. No dutiable
goods being found he puts his stamp
on and we return to our coach, and
are soon on our way for an all night
trip to Monterey which we reach at
one O'Clock a. m.
When we sally forth after breakfast,
we notice that in every direction, the
lofty peaks and ranges Of the Sierra
Mardres Mountains present themselves
to view, the most beautiful being the
Satilla, so-called from its resemblance
to Mexican saddle. We visit the
Bishops Palace, an old castle built on
an eminence overlooking the city and
upon the lower shelf of small noun
tain, made historic by the fact Of its
being the battle ground of an engage
ment between the American and
Mexican troops in the war of 1916 be-
fore the City of Monterey.
Upon the summit of this mountain
are four cannons of huge proportions,
spiked with broken trunions just as our
troops left them.
As these heights are 1000 feet
above the city they command a fine
view of both it and the surrounding
country for many miles. The streets
of the city are about 80 feet wide,
three feet of which are taken for side
walks on either side. Nearly all
Mexican houses are one story, built of
stone and cement the walls three feet
thick. Before the doors and windows
of all business houses are heavy iron
gratings, giving more the appearance
Of a huge fortress or Jail. These afford
protection, when the doors are closed.
These buildings extend in an unbroken
line around the squares. In the rear
of each or centre is an open plaza used
as commons for all the occupants
indiscriminately, for cooking, washing,
ironing and other household work.
Going through the market one is
struck with the quantity of pepper
and onions on sale, as we'll as many
rare and lucious fruits that are never
seen in our markets. The public square
or "Plazas" are amply provided with
seats and shade for visitots. As soon
night sets in these places are crowded
with lunch tables from which are sold
coffee, tomales and chincancaily. Tne
latter is simply pepper soup, SO ho'
ltlat IlO OIC Oul Il NISAiIdti NoOto S'
low it. The tomale is hash cooked
in shuck wrapper. From noon till
:, o'clock P. M, all the places Of busi.
ness are closed and you could break
Jail into as soon as you could get into {
Mexican's house duriag this time, fol
the lazy rascals are taking 'sies,as,
or as we say "nap-'
We see oranges and bananas IN all
their perfection growing in the public
squares, while beautiful flowers adorr
the walks Cactus Of every variety has
its home hereabou,s. The Mexican
dagger, species, grows as large as a
mans body and to a height OF tel
feet. | saw several palma christ
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