Graham guardian., 1901-03-01
EXPEDITION LETTER.
Regular Correspondent to GUARDIAN.
THROUGH SONORA AND s1NALC

the expedition has passed through
so many varying climes, from the
mountains down to the sea level,
that an account of all the changes
dependent on altitude, soil and peo-
pie, and their way of influencing
and being influenced would fill a
volume. Southern Sonora, for in
stance had both the fertile and the
sterile; while Sinaloa was a COM
plete disappointment.
Mazatlan standing on the brink
of the ocean will not pass easily
from our recollection. The beach,
the bay, the ships, the market furn-
ished few hours of genuine enjoy
ment. Then followed a stretch of
swampy coast with surprisingly
lovely scenery animated by par
rots, ibises, terms, cranes and in
Vulnerable small fowls, but also
abounding with mosquitoes, gnats
and fever. Topic agair, around an
Eden. Here we saw our first vol
canoes, Sangiiengay and Cebornco.
Here, too, we encountered the first
remains Of the Spanish dominions,
churches, dams, bridges and roads,
testifying with their massiveness,
solidity and size to the ancient ex-
tent and resources of the crown of
Carlisle. The roses stood in full
bloom, the season was like spring.
As we ascended the high plateau
of Mexico, cities, villages, ranches,
haciendas, population and industry
increased. Leon furnished a few
example of an industrial center.
Guadalejaca that Of an opulent
metropolis surrounded by untold
resources. Then followed some
parts of the interior states, Michoa-
can, Guanajuato, Ouerelero, with
rich and extensive haciendas. Fin
ally Popocatapetl and Tzlaccibuatl
loomed up in the distance, bespeak-
ing the vicinity of the valley OF
Mexico where stands surrounded
by immense maguey plantations
the city workers of the land.
Ever since we left Topic the
weather has been beautiful, oul
health good, the people kind and
hospital. No accident of any kind
marred the pleasantncss of the trip,
the continuously changing country
awakening interest from a hundred
points of view. (You will under.
stand now why our spirits were
perfect and why we look upon this
trip as one of the rare privileges Of
life. Already deep sense Of salts
faction is ours which | hope the
future will increase and ripen. Toe
much speaking in general way
to illustrate what | attempted to
outline, | shall relate the incidents
and experiences more at large. In
doing so can speak ofthings only
as they have appealed to me in
dividually for which, especially il
at times it becomes too personal,
beg the readers kind indulgence.
That day we expected to drive
as far as the haeiehdn az Ia Fore
but il proved thQt sid iSeniity was
twes. s. ,tsses otf the main road. In
stead therefore, Of hating we de
|cided to 90 on until a suitable
camping place was reached. 1t
was late; the full moon was
out ere we found what we were
looking for, but we did find it al
last and supposing that the particu-
lar spot belonged to the hacienda
de Loles, neighboring estate, |
was commissioned to obtained the
necessary permit while the rest
Of the company struck camp. |
expected to be done with my ex-
ira work in a couple of hours and
rather enjoying the cool of the
night after day of shine and dust
mad my animal trot up briskly
over the road that showed plainly
in the moonlight.
| am glad to say that eventually
/ did arrive at Lolis. A large
building, two stories high, and
with all the resem blance of a castle
was before me, white and spotless
in the moonlight. There was a
chapel corresponding in dignity,
arcades and bridges dating from
Spanish times, inches with the cru
cifiX and fountains by the roadside
forming a picture absolutely grand
and making you feel as though you
were approaching palace enchant-
ed. l was by this time, however,
fully conscious Of what L had come
for and throwing castles and senti-
ments to the four winds, made
straight for the porter's lodge.
Poor devil, / could hear him swear
sixty yard away, but business
is business. Tapping at his door
my knocks set all the dogs in the
neighborhood to barking. 1t was
enough to revive the dead, and out
came my porter, frightened and
shivering with cold, to answer my
summons. / stated my case and