Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1899-12-23
MORMONS" IN
SUNNY MEXICO

Diaz, Mexico, Nov. 26--Thls place has
been retarded IN its growth by the DIFF
ficulty experienced in obtaining build
ing material that had 10 be hauled over
a hundred miles, that is the lumber and
shingles. The garden enclosures are
made Of the Mexican adobe and the
houes are Of the same, but brick are
now being made and an improvement
in the houses promised. The land here
is good and prolific, but water Is scarce;
but the people are farming how to take
advantage of the conditions and the
result is better returns from the land.
There is a good people living here,
Sunday and day schools and their meet
ings are well attended Today
Sunday was their election day. To
Americans Sunday would be a queer
time for election day, but in Mexico
Sunday is the election day and their
odd style Of voting was strange
Around the table were the judges Of
election and a paste board ballot box
was In the center. As each elector
came in he was given a ticket 20 write
out the names Of those he wished TO
vote for--so that every elector had to
write HIS own ticket--and IL he did not
vote was liable TO a fine from 25 cents
TO S.. There is no noise or excite
ment and though there were two tick.
cts out there was no electioneering
Everything Is prospecting and quiet
In Diaz Bishop w. d. Johnson and
aids are looking after the affairs Of this
colony In way that promises to
cause continual growth.
The Deseret News Is much appreciat-
ed by the people and every family to
subscribe for II take IL.
The stock interests here are good and
as a rule good prices prevail.
Many improvements are in progress
and loads of fence wire are coming In
10 enclose more land for cultivation,
while on every hand Is met spirit Of
contented determination to build up
their homes and beautify them.
SALT RIVER VALLEY.
Salt River Valley. Dec. 6.--No more
delightful winter climate could posi-
Div be found than in this favored re-
ter-day Saints In this region, Is the
most inviting, laid of with broad dag
onal roads and owned In small tracts
that are thoroughly cultivated, with Its
pleasant homes. verdant fields thrifty
vineyards and orchards, II presents an
inviting appearance. The orange groves
are a pleasure to behold, loaded with
their golden treasure. One orchardi2t
here took an order for a carload Of
these now appreciated oranges; and as
yet the cultivation OF the oranges here
is a new business. Grapes mature here
one TO two weeks earlier than In Cali
f0rnia. Prosperity seems to attend all
who are industrious enough to earn Il.
The land yields abundantly. five or six
crops Of alfalfa are raised in a season,
and a crop Of wheat or corn are pro-
duced on the same land In one season.
The first frost to affect tomatoes came
night before last. Beautiful flowers
are still blooming In the gardens and
cattle browsing In green pastures, who
seek the shade OF the great trees from
the MONDAY sun.
Maricopa Stake has four wards. Mesa,
Alma, Neph' Snd Lehi, and the Saints
seem alive 10 the love OF the Gospel
and meetings are well attended. All
talk OF the thrift and order OF these
Mormon towns. Great attention is be-
ing drawn TO this region and big
schemes are being formulated to in
crease the cultivated area by the con-
struction OF q vast reservoir system
that Is thought will bring this vast re-
glon under cultivation. There IL good
demand for all the products Of the re-
glon. lucern hay bringing 81 ton and
other products proportionate rates.
Great numbers Of cattle are now fat
tening and pastured on the alfalfa pas
lures, that find a ready market at rls-
ing values. New buildings OF a more
pretentious order are being erected and
plans for others made. while the bust
ness men and orchardists are watching
for the completion Of a railroad that
will give them direct route to Utah's
rich markets.