The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1901-10-18
MEXICAN EXPERIENCES.
DIR. J. w. ERKENBECK WRITES ENTERTAIN
INGLY FOR READERS OF THE TRUE
NoRTHERNER.


evangelical literature As neither of Us
were used to the saddle, the few leagues
passed 10y midday were quite sufficient
for the first day.
We had little more than left the
city than we passed family NOV
ing. 1t consisted OF two donkeys,
one having large, deep baskets tied to
either side with child riding between.
The baskets were filed with few pieces
of rude pottery packed between worn
out pieces of clothing, being the extent
of the dish cupboard aud wardrobe. The
other burro had strapped to one side the
fiat stone lmatate) aud hand piece on
which they grind their corn for bread.
To the other side was strapped the
rush mats or beds on which they sleep.
The burros were driven by the husband
who was clothed in a suit of factory
cloth. Across his shoulder was his
folded blanket which answers as pro
lection from cold and rain and is the
only bedding for the night. Above all
was the Mexican hat, which is always
worn except when sleeping. Following
were the wife and other children with
scarcely enough clothing to cover their
nakedness, and two half starved little
dogs. | presume | would not have been
attracted by the scene had it not been
for good sized pig that followed along
the same as the dogs.
Probably none of our boys and
girls at home have seen such a sight
as this, especially such as the pig
that followed the family. Why should
it not, as it lives in the same house with
the family, eats at nearly the same table
and during part of the time occupies
the same bed. What a contrast to some
of our nice farm homes of the states!
Probably so would buy all the belong
ings of the home, and within ID minutes
after they arrived in their new home
everything would be set in order. Yet
these poor people are not unlike 49,
100000 other Mexicans.
From time to time, we would pass lit
tie houses made of sun dried brick with
a window opening to the road in which
there would be something TO sell. In all
our journey we could buy cigarettes and
alcohol where bread could not be had
The road is a rough one, worn by the
travel of three or four centuries The
rains come with such violence that in the
course of time a single wagon road may
be worn ID feet deep. In this way, the
roads are made almost impossible for vehi
Giles, except the large two wheeled carts.
In little over an hour we passed viii
lage OF dilapidated huts, built two or
three centuries ago. In contrast to our
American towns, no matter how small
the streets are named and the houses
numbered. The Spanish people delight
In choosing Bible names, or those in some
way connected with religion, as Jesus
Gomez, who lives IN the settlement of
Peace, Saint John street. Passing this
little town we soon came toa large ranch
owned by d general who served in the
late revolutionary war.
Before reaching our destination for
the day, We passed over some quite rug
ged mountains These were cultivated
with the large Mexican hoe clear to the top
They are used by the poor people for
raising corn and vegetables. The land
is in the hands OF .ne owners of large
estates, who arr very jealous toward
encroachments OF the poor.
Soon we passed over sharp ridge and,
in beautiful valley below, almost at
our feet, lay small city of about 1900
inhabitants.
Being somewhat acquainted with Mex
lean life, | told my friend to take us to
the best hotel, knowing the best would
only furnish comfortable surroundings.
lie took me to little inn, the home of a
tailor, and said it was the best. We
rode the burro5 directly into the
front room of the house, dismounted,
removed our saddles and the horses pas
sed to the corral back of the house. The
man gave us some chairs and in a very
friendly way told us to make ourselves
comfortable.
After resting for short time we went
out to find something to eat We went
to the best house in the city. The room
in which we ate seemed to be the sitting
room, parlor and dining room for the
establishment. Yes and more, for in one
end of the small room was pretty little
bed. We managed, however, to get very
good meal of beans, bread, eggs and milk
for two of US for Is cents gold.
After friendly chat with the mem
bers of the household, we went back to
our inn and found people already wait
ing for medical consultation, others COM
ing only to make us a friendly call and
invite us to their homes. During the
afternoon and evening, | was kept quite
busy examining and prescribing for
patients. After talk with them we
would give them some literature on
health and temperance and send them
away. We were so busy 9 o'clock came
before we were aware oft. We were then
shown a little room about eight feet
square where we were to spend the night
Here for the first time had the privi-
lege of sleeping upon rush mat,
privilege only because there were no
beds to be had. As we went to bed we
thought we two we're the only ones occu-
plying the room, but long before morning
we found we we're not. Bugs and heas