The Washington times., 1902-01-26

they formed one of seven tribes, which,
wandering from the north long before
the Spaniards came, finally reached the
Valley of Mexico. When they found this
place, sheltered from mountain storms,
filled with lakes and with a wonderfully
fertile soil. they decided to settle here
The other tribes took first choice of the
lands. Most of them wanted to be near
some of the lakes and they tempted for
themselves the land along their shores.
But there were not enough lakes to go
around and this tribe, small in numbers
| and not as war-like as the others. was
forced to take what was left by its COM
panions. So they searched the valley and
finally finding this retired nook, miles
from the settlements Of the others, they
took 1t as their own. There was plenty
of water for irrigation from the noun
tain streams and the soil was as fertile as
they could desire. So they decided that
fate had picked out the place for them
and made their homes there. The volcan-
ic stone with which the valley abounded
was easily quarried and they set out to
build houses.
Each person took as much land as he
wanted, for there was no reason why they
should stint themselves. Even before
their homes were built and their land en-
closed they had begun raising crops, the
fertility Of the soil and the number of
the mountain streams which afforded
abundant water for irrigation making the
task an easy one.
Secluded From the World.
They had brought no herds with them.
but gradually they acquired a few goats
and afterward some cattle. These they
pastured in the recesses of the valley
nearest the mountain where there was
no danger of their starving. In a few
months they had made for themselves all
they needed to satisfy their desires. Then
they settled down into the lazy, indolent
life which they still lead.
With no strong liking for the other
tribes with which they had made the
long journey from the north, with moth
ing to gain from them and an indistinct
fear that association with them might
be for their own injury these Aztecs kept
to themselves and did nothing to let their
old companions know that they were in
the valley. Miles of land separated them
and they felt that 1t was a good thing.
For many years the other tribes paid
no attention to this lost one. They were
too busy making homes on the borders
of the lakes they had chosen, fighting
back the frequent inundations which de-
stroyed their buildings, and with warning
on each other to bother to look up the
peaceful community which had made it's
home in the other end of the valley.
This went on until one Of the tribes
victorious had formed the Aztec empire.
Then the ruler decided that he could not
allow an independent tribe to exist in
the same valley with him. So he sent
some of his forces against the peaceful
settlers.
Tribute CheerfuIly Paid.
They made no opposition to the SOL
before the Aztec emperor they willingly
agreed to pay the tribute he demanded in
return for the freedom he promised. This
payment of tribute continued until the
Spaniards came.
These tribesmen took no part in the
defense of their country against the
forces of Cortes and it is likely that it
was on that account that they were left
alone by him. All that he demanded of
them was that they pay him, as they had
paid their old emperor, the annual tri-
butte. This they did.
Year after year, to whichever Govern
ment happened to be in power, sometimes
to each side Of the warning revolutionary
parties these villagers have paid tribute.
1t is not fattering record for them that
they have submitted without resistance to
the dominion Of any force which hap
pened to come along. But it certainly
brought them peace, and in their minds
peace and freedom from war was worth
much more than the tribute they were
compelled to pay.