Omaha daily bee., 1906-02-25
SIGHTS In MEXICO'S CAPITAL
How the City Interests a Visitor from
the States.
RESPECT FOR LAW VIGOROUSLY ENFORCED
Peculiarities of Government and
People-Ancient and Modern CiviIi-
sations-scenes from Heights
Round About.

CITY OF MEXICO, Feb. Ito the Ed
tor of The Bee Nowhere do the plains
seem more vast, sagebrush and the cact
more plentiful, nor do the stately noun
tains pierce bluer skies than in this land
Of romance and mystery.
The City OF Mexico is to Mexico what
New York and Washington are to the
United States, and Paris is to France; in
general appearance is not unlike the latter
place.
AS one goes about the well paved streets
and along the tree-lined boulevards. pass
ing fountains and monuments at every
turn. it is gradually borne in upon them
that they are in a city of the first class
and that the varying scenes of beauty
could not be surpassed in any southern
city. The streets are clean and well kept
The style of building is a blending Of the
old Roman with the more modern archi-
lecture, and is very attractive. The better
buildings are of white stone, many Of them
very beautiful, while the great mass Of
them are Of adobe plastered over, many Of
them deliberately decorated with fresco
work and thing. The sidewalks. like those
of any ancient city, are very narrow, too
much so for the busy throng of foot pas
sengers that must get through the street,
and collision is not infrequent, because Of
not knowing which side the native will de-
eide to take in passing.
The city represents all the possibilities
of the country, socially, politically and &C.
Realistically, and is the comercial center,
as well as industrial capital of the republic,
having, with it's immediate suburbs, pop
ulation of 10000.
The federal district corresponding to that
of the District of Columbia in the United
States has about 100000 inhabitants.
Differences I'm Government.
The form of government in Mexico is a
federal republic, with constitution similar
to that of the United States, one of the
marked differences being in the appoint
ment OF officers for certain duties. Each
district is represented by an officer. who
represents 1.-THE person of the governor,
and this person is an executive officer
combining the power of mayor and chief
of police in an American city.
There is perfect religious freedom and
Justice is administered impartially The
government is a terror to criminals The
law is more Roman than the English com
mon law, but the organization of the
court" seems to be on the American plan,
and there is no place in the world where
property and life are safer than in the
republic of Mexico, This is due. not sc
much to the courts being on the Amer
lean plan as to the mode of operation
pursued by the liberal dictator" and thai
the outcome of his course of dealing with
his people has brought about the present
state of affairs is patent to all resident:
of the republic, well as the observers
of good government everywhere President
Diazs dictatorial course has made Mexico
a stable and prosperous country. and dur
ing his reign the nation has advanced fal
beyond the expectations of the most san
guine and has an established credit among
the money markets of the world. There /!
no federation for crime. Peace is compelled
at the point of the bayonet. II need be
Diaz Is the only absolute dictator" who
is elected by the electors. who seems t.
stand the test of being in high power ant
who strictly adheres to his own policy. fo
the president rules in Mexico with a strong
hand and level head. melting out Justice Il
the revolutionist and disorderly in a wa!
that is convincing and which command
respect and compels obedience, If not love
The evil-doers know they must deal will
energetic officers when they offend the law
Educational Facilities.
Mexico expends 100000 annually for tn
education of its people. Primary education
is compulsory, and there are in the re
public 1926 government schools, with al
average attendance OF 900 pupils. Tn
federal government maintains. in the cit
alone, the Academy of Fine Arts, Schoo
of Medicine, Law school, School of Com
merce, Arts and trades, School OF Mines
Conservatory of Music Military college
civil engineering, two normal schools 70
teachers, both sexes. besides schools 70
both the deaf mutes and blind. With a
these institutions, together with their pub
lie Libraries and the publication of 81
periodicals, there is hope for the comm
generations of children in the republic O
Mexico. The national library at the CAPT
tai contains 265. 900 volumes and is one @
the places OF interest.
Beautiful Scenes.
The summer residence of the president.
the castle" on the hills well worth
visit, and the drive through the ancier
wood OF Chapultepec is beautiful The vie
from this point is one of the finest to b
- seen anywhere, and presents scene whic
embraces endless variety. A multitude {
little Villages with their whitawa he