The log cabin Democrat., 1907-06-13
WEST TEXAS AND OLD MEXICO
Great Progress Evident in Mexi-
 can Republic.
American Capital Responsible for its De- velopment - Interesting Account
 of Sout hwestern Trip.

or SOuI InWeSter0 lIlp.
 In fulfllment of promise made The Log Cabin Democrat for a de- scription of the country of west Texas and Old Mexico I shall give the following as seen while on a visit through the above mentioned country.
 The country west of San Antonio to the Rio Grande river, known as West Texas, is the part of Texas that I shall endeavor to give an in definite description of.
 First, 1 will say that San Anton 10 is surely the mecca of health, where many assemble to receive the benefits of its pure and salu- brious atmosphere, and it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities of America. Beyond San Antonio are the great cattle plains of Texas, where also the sheep industry is a great business. This part of Texas in fact is almost entirely unsettled, nevertheless several small stations along the different railroads for the accommodation of the stockmen are provided. For some forty miles southwest of San Antonio the land is level with slight elevations, the terminus of the well-known foot hills of southwest Texas. This is a continuation of the black land belt and would be very productive under favorable circumstances, but being considered an a:id region, it yet remains agriculturally undevel- oped. The soil becomes some thinner further west, but the mes- quite grass, the finest for grazing, certainly remains fine. The great est change which occurs at this distance from San Antonio is the appearance of the great hills of west Texas, which can be seen for quite a distance before they are reached.
 The dry river channels, all of which are provided with steel bridges at railroad crossings, is all interesting feature of this part of Texas. Just at certain months there is water in them and during the rest of the year there is no water at all
 On reaching the Rio Grande river bottom the soil Is very deep and the timber is some heavier, but there is nothing in southwest Texas that can be called timber, a low, thorny, mesquite growth being the best grade.
 In this extreme western portion the mining industry is growing and should the deposits of coal be so great as is now thought to be, Texas will in the near future sure ly have cause to be proud of this apparently desolate country.
 It is not until the train stops on the Rio Grande bridge that the ex- quisite panorama of the two repub- lies comes full into view; the Rio Grande and Old Mexico on the one side and the gray-green convolu- tions of the Texas mountains on the other. As the train stops mid way the Rio Grande bridge force of Mexican revenue officers from the station house, heavily armed board the cars and as they go through, rapidly inspect all things thereon.
 For quite a distance into Old Mexico the character of the land and timber is similar to that oi west Texas. As to the moral and religious condition of Old Mexico, I would think that an energetic missionary, familiar with the Span ish language, would find a real in- viting field, as bull fighting, cock fighting, etc., are the preferred means of pastime. These Mexican men seem to be naturally adapted to horseback riding, the use of the lariat rope and revolver.
 In the republic of Coahuila the leading industries appear to be mining and stock raising. These are largely controlled by the United States capital, but the labor is performed by Mexicans. Further west the country becomes more broken, but the timber better, sc much so that numbering becomes quite an industry. In eastern Durango fruit and grain raising is a growing industry.
 I shall call special attention tc