Evening star., 1901-02-16
MEXICO'S CAPITAL.
Evidences of Prosperity and Progress
on Every Hand.

Evidences of Prosperity and Progress
ON Every Hand.
Ex- Secretary John W. Foster in the New York
Tribune.
Humboldt, in his visit to America at the
beginning Of the last century. pronounced
the capital Of Mexico the best built city on
this hemisphere. During the rule of Span
ish viceroys, under the stimulating in
f1uences Of the great riches yielded by the
mines Of Mexico, the capital contained a
population much greater than that of any
other city of the new world. and it num-
bered among its public buildings a cathe-
dral unequaled in size and architectural at
fractions the result of a hundred years of
labor and pious contributions; Institutions
Of learning and benef1cence, public gardens
and drives without rivals in any other of
the western countries. But during the first
fifty years Of the independence of the coun-
try, torn by civil dissensions, the capital
remained stationary, or at times even re-
trograded, while New York and Philadel-
phia, as well as Rio de Janeiro and Buenos
Ayres, outstripped 1t in the race for popu-
lation and development. All that was need
ed however, to enable the City OF Mexico
again to take it's place among the first
cities of the hemisphere was the preserva-
ton of public order. With the establish
ment by General Diaz Of a government OF
peace and security. beginning at the close
Of 1879, the capital gave the first symptoms
Of returning prosperity. When 1t became
apparent that the new chief Of the state
had the power to preserve continuous
government Of law and the executive abil-
ity to awaken the dormant resources or
the country. under the new regime OF peace
which had at last dawned upon the country
the City of Mexico entered upon an era OF
prosperity unparalleled in its history. Popu-
lation began to flow in from the surround
ing states. Native wealth. which had been
hidden away or deposited In Europe. re-
turned to the natural channels of trade,
and foreign capital, which during the time
Of disorder had kept away. began TO seek
methods Of investment. Before the nrst
term Of Diaz came to close the construc-
tion of railroads had been entered upon.
under government aid.
Today the capital Of the republic presents
to the old-time resident the most Impressive
evidence Of the growth and prosperity OF
the country. During the Diaz administra-
tion 1t has nearly doubled in population, the
census Of 1900 showing over 4O0,ooo souls.
The area OF the city has greatly extended.
especially in the suburbs to the west and
northwest Formerly it was regarded as un-
safe for a well-to-do family to live outside
the city gates; as soon as the ne" govern
ment could give an assurance OF satety 10
life and property, the movement or SUBURBAN
enlargement began and now the most beau
tiful and commodiouS private residences are
found In the quarter named, far away from
the noise and hustle Of the center or the clty:
In all parts the price of real estate ana or
rents has largely advanced. especially to the
west of the national palace. and marvellous
stories are told of the enormous increase IN
value in suburban real eState-many num-
dreds per cent; and it Is gratifying to be
Informed that wide-awake Americans have
shared in the profits the projectors of La
Colonia Americana" laid out by New Jer-
sew corporation, being among the most sue
cessful promoters.
The evidences Of progress and prosperity
are to be seen ON every hand. The streets
are much more crowded than formerly. the
foreigners are more numerous, and among
these Americans predominant. The shops
are enlarged and multiplied In number In
the central part Of the city substantial
houses have been torn down to give place
ito magnificent business edif1ces constructed
Of steel and marble. with electric elevators
and all modern appliances OF hrst-class
establishment in New York or Paris. The
government has taken the lead in this era
of reconstruction. A new and extensive
general hospital, one Of the largest and
best-equipped In the world and new penf-
tentiary, as perfect as the advance IN hu-
name study could make it, have just been
completed. The foundations of hall OF
congress, which promises to be an impos-
ing edifice, are being laid, and the appro-
priations have been made for new depart
ment post Office and other public buildings
which will greatly beautify the city. The
many friends in the United States Of the
late Matias Romero. SO long the honored
minister of his country in Washington will
be glad to learn that the great advance in
real estate largely enhanced his modest
property in this city. In his will he stated
try. and he devised the great body of his
estate to the founding Of home for in
oigent old people, which will constitute one
of the improvements Of the capital.