Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-09
MYTHS OF OLD MEXICO.
Not All of the History Of That Coun-
fry IL tn lie Taken without Salt.
1.-TWO Republics.


The Two Republics would be pleased 10
satisfy the laudable curiosity OF n reader
in Puebla who wants to know something
about the population of ancient Mexico
and Montezuma's treasure.
We are unable TO do so, however, VITA
regard to either question. As to tire
former question, there is a variety or
opinions. Foreigners who speak and READ
the English language have usually taken
Prescotts word for it, and Prescott has
undoubtedly given a very greatly eXag-
gerated word painting OF the situation
that existed prior to and at the time OF
the conquest. The early Spanish chrohl-
clers were also given 10 lights OF lthagl-
nation not valuable for historical pur-
noses. and the conquistadores delighted
in mentioning the names ol elhPe 1oi,5,
princes. and such, which undouoteuIy
maenifed the importance of their own
accomplishments.
Mr.. Ignacio Aitamrano, who gave the
subject profound study is Of she impress
sion that the city Of Mexico at the uine
of the arrival OF COrtez consisted OF no.
thing but rude huts and a population OF
about 1900 peop.e. The Two Republics Is
inclined to accept Mr.. Altamiranos state
ment. Few men I'm the republic were In
a better position to get at the facts, ana
n.ne have been more CONSCIENTIOUS III
heir investigations. While 1t may spoil
some very beautiful fiction, facts compel
rs 10 the belief that the Aztec people
were very far from being the magnificent
semi-barbarous people that they have
been represented MonteZuma. who Is
snoken OF as the great Emperor" of the
Aztecs. is said to have frequently appear
ed at court I'm undress UNIFORM, ana 10
have eaten his meals at very irregular
hours out of a huge pot that always stood
over the fire.
What the races were that preceded the
Aztecs might be another question, but as
for the AZtecs themselves, there is little
reliable information to warrant Us in say
ing that they were much above the plane
of hundreds of other tribes that Populated
Mexico generations ago, or, for that mat
ter. still form numerically the greater
part Of our population.
As to Montezuma's treasure, that Is
something of a myth. one good priest.
who was connected with the first occupa-
ton OF Mexico. stated, upon seeing a par
eel Of gold I'm an Aztec establishment,
which stood on the present site Of the
Monte Piedad, that 1t appeared to be
more gold than he had thought was 10
be found i'm the whole world. This state
ment Is usually taken with rocksalt 10y
historians. There was undoubtedly gold
here. and considerable gold in those poor
times. During the retreat Of the noche
trieste the Spanlards lost most OF their
ill-gotten gains, and later, when Cortez
returned to the city, this gold was not
discovered. The assumption was imme-
diately jumped at that it was hidden
and the assumption may have been per
fectly correct. "Montezumas treasure
has been handed down TO us as a collec-
tive name FOR all the valuables which the
Spaniards were unable 70 locate. There
are still some people who devoutly be
lieve that 1t exists. but there are other;
who waste little time in the thought.