The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1904-09-03
Copyright. 1904, by Harry G. wilaesen.

v
pc TO most people terra incognito. =
Why this 10 SO seems almost mex
plicab1e. Both the country and its
people are iSltensely interesting and
attractive to the point Of fascination,
and, with the exception of certain IN
Healthy sections Immediately on the
eastern coast, our sister of the South
has a climate indeed difficult to excel.
Her people, from banker, mine owner
or planter, to primitive Toltec or hum
BILE peon, are always the qufntessence
OF all that is kindness, gentleness and
polite consideration towards the
stranger within their gates Old and
young, rich and poor, the highly cul-
tured, and the untutored of the noun
tain, plain and wilderness, seem to
be alike filed with a gentle politeness
and a dignifed, genuine hospitality
which, among the poorer classes, often
Al proaches the pathetic
The still primitive-mannered de-
scendants of the people whom Cor
tez conquered are bearers of no I'M
certain testimony of the noble G:lali-
ties of their forefathers, while the
magnificent ruins of prehistoric cities,
whose giant aqueducts and sculpured
walls and temples cover many a
square mile of that land of mystery,
are silent, yet eloquent testimonials of
civilization from, which we could even
now perhaps learn some good lessons.
Some day, perehance, the key may be
found which will unfold to US the story
Of their rise and fall, and those who
read the tale will learn, have no
doubt, their supergentle natures were
their own undoing.
Scenery there is to inspire with awe
the most stolid mind or call forth the
loftiest thoughts of the poets soul.
The pastoral haunts Of childhood days
are brought back to meWorys gaze by
familiar scenes in richer and more
gorgeous setting, and idyllic surround
ings such as hope and fancy oft have
pictured for our later years afford con-
genial resting places for 1eisure-en-
dowed tourists or appeal with even
deeper attractfyeness to those whose
pressing duties in a more artificial
sphere youchsafe an all too brief ao-
qaintance
Passing the grim "sierras'' Of the
northern boundary, standing like the
outposts Of forbidden country, the
ment of panorama of fascinating
grandeur, arranged by Nature in one
of her supremest efforts. The first
glimpse of the great Valley OF the
City of Mexico, just before the train
begins its rapid descent from an altI-
tude of ten thousand feet, seems q
fitting climax, and one is lost in con
temptation as the valley unfolds be-
fore his almost enraptured vision, and
6ae newer City Of Mexico comes into
view
Here, indeed, is city from which
we might p ofitably copy much. From
the immaculate cleanliness Of its
streets asphalted to a degree of per-
lection which our city fathers do not
seem to be able to command-one
might be excused for thinking they
were constructed solely for the dainty
tread of lovely 'Senoritas I" while the
vigilant military police, models of
neatness and courtesy, ever alert and
attentive. are truly public servants
whom it is refreshing to behold.
Nothing that France, Germany, Eng
land or the United States can produce
is too costly for Senior and Senora's
comfort or pleasure, while the handi-
W8r11 wrought at home by patient skill
and artistic intelligence brings an
added beauty to the palatial stores,
whose display windows and reception
rooms evidence tasteful use oil time
and wealth which would do credit to
our own New York The wealthy al
ways ride. and the American automo-
bile and Kentucky thoroughbred Vie
with the finest products OF English
breeders in making q perfection or
eouipages. more numerous and uni
form in their elegance than 1t has yet
been my good fortune to see in any
other city of similar size.
Regretfully leaving for a more pro-
pitious occasion a visit to lovely Cuer-
navaca, where Macmillan built his
country home and Borda created the
famous gardens which bear his name,
where balmy spring is ever with you,
where strawberries tempt your break
fast appetite three hundred and sixty
i've days of the year, and blushlng
brides may seldom want for orange
blossoms, We jorrneyed on past ORR
zaba's hoary, cloud-croWned summit
and Popocatepetl's snoW-dlled crater,
further and further southwark, to the
tropic zone, where widely varying
softer moods of Natures playtfme pro-
vide an enchanting scene OF Wondrous
growth and gorgeous color.
Along winding rivers and through
primeyaI forests, as yet untouched by
mans depicting hand, abound IN WIG
confusion q wealth of palms and deli
cately patterned ferns, the wild vanilla
and other graceful vines on giant trees,
and orchards rare, Of most exquisite
shane and hue. Civilizations needs,
however, are fast encroachin5 upon
this great, riotous, uftrimmed garden
of the Republic and far-reaching fields
of sugar-cane, corn, chocolate and rub
Der. and many broad acres Of richest
pasturage, where sleek, contented cat
tie browse and fatten, are seen on
every hand.
The native planters are most thor
oughly posted as to the various com
bfnations Of soil. altitude and climate
to be had in different localities, and
their effect upon the quantity and
quality of whatever crops or products
AZ may be desired to cultivate. With
unfafling patience, courtesy and
and friendliness, they win go to any
amount of trouble to demonstrate dis
emotions and differences and to enable
one to make intelligent comparisons
and arrive at correct conclusions.
Once let them see that you like their
country, that YOU appreciate the