Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-02
NEW AND OLD MEXICO
VIEWS OF A WASHINGTONIAN ON
THEIR PRoGREss.
Mr.. B. n. Warner's4Tour of the West
and His "Trip to Mexico
City.


an extended tour withahis daughter through
some of the western states and old Mexico.
He was found by Star reporter at his
desk. bronzed by his long journey and ex-
posture to the suns of the valleys and noun
tains. Being asked to give some impress
sions gained from his journey, he said:
Il have not been to New Mexico for near
ly twenty years, and l saw wonderful
improvement in the condition of the farms,
towns and cities, all along the line. The
farm lands are better fenced, there are
more trees, and houses and outbuildings
have more paint on them. In every way
rural life is made more attractive, and one
of the most important features is the i'm
provement In the roads. The Agricultural
Department is more appreciated and is do
ing a great deal in the suggestion it gives
as to the suitability and protitableness of
crops for certain conditions of soil and eli
mate. l was much gratified to hear of the
popularity of this department in all locali-
ties.
The great question now in New Mexico,
Colorado and Texas, as we'll as other far
western states and territories, is irrigation.
and that is now being handled and develop
ed by the government. Millions of acres of
land, at present without value because of
want of water. will be made enormously
productive within the next few years by
the irrigation schemes now being under
in the artificial introduction and use of
water.
Surprised and Gratifed.
Il was never in Mexico before, and was
surprised and gratified with my experience
and observations. 1 had anticipated hot
weather and poor food. We enjoyed a de-
lightful climate and had plenty to eat. 1
think the average traveller eats too much
during his journeys, and if he does not get
much better fare than at home he fire.
quently delights to exercise the American
privilege of Kicking A tourist may now
go to the City of Mexico and beyond in
luxurious cars with very satisfactory meal
service all the way This makes travel a
diversion and pleasure, instead of hard
work. as was formerly the case. If had
to choose between a trip to Europe
and one to Mexico, l should GER
tainly decide in favor of the latter
and 1t is also comparatively mex
pensive The cost of a round trip ticket
between the City of Mexico and Washing
ton is s1G6. The distance there is about
$50 miles. 1t takes six days and six
nights to get there. Only Mexican money
is used in Mexico, and American money
was at a premium of about 125 per cent
when left The prices of living are COM
paratively low.
1here is constant stream of Ameri-
cans pouring into Mexico to engage in bust
ness operations and to hunt good specula-
tons Many of them are making fortunes
washington is we'll represented in the pro-
gressiVe host. | met large number from
ms city and they are holding their own
with the other Americans. | understand
thefe are 10000 people from the United
States located in the City of Mexico alone
ihey are engaged in mining, banking and
hluustriai enterprises of every character.
Mexican Fourth of July.
1 happened to be there the 10th of Sep
tember' which was the Mexican Fourth of
July. l enjoyed all the exercises exceed
ingly. The parade really very fine, and
the display magnificent. The city was gay
with bunting and garlands, and the SOL
dlers We're in their most pretentious and
gorgeous uniforms. The president of the
republic was in the fulI-dress uniform of n
major general and was decorated with a
very large stock of medals He Is a most
Impressive looking man, and was surround
ed by his cabinet and other officials of the
republic. The diplomatic CORPS was on the
grand stand. The city was crowded with
visitors from all parts of the republic and
the scene presented from our hotel was
picturesque in the extreme.
There Is the greatest difference between
the mode of living of the wealthy and Door
in Mexico. The rich live in elegance and
splendOr, while the poor are satisfied and
contented with one small room, although
many of the families are very large Some
of them have as many as thirty children
so there is really no danger of the extermi-
the inhabitants are Indians, and they paw
so little attention to their raiment that
ready made clothing stores do not seek
their patronage.
Make Good Music.
THE Mexican bands, which participated
in the parade, were as fine as any 1 have
ever seen. and their music is first Class .
These bands play quite frequently in diff
ferent sections of the city. They set a
good example for In Washington There
is no reason why we should not have music
every night in one of our parks. However,
l suppose this will come along in course
of time.
Few people appreciate the resources or
the splendid scenery of Mexico. It's history
Is most interesting. 1t Is really older than
Is the United States and full of romance
Mexico has not been as progressive as our
country. but during the last twenty years
wonderful progress has been made. There
are many natural advantages which have
only recently been utilized The next
twenty-tiv years must witness a wonder
full development, and the people Of the
United States will certainly participate, to
a very large extent, in this prosperity