The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1910-06-10
,EzRRfLET RAZA, NHZN14N

" HE picturesque little town of
Uruapan, the western terminus
of the Mexican National rail-
road, is. in the state of Michoa-
can, a few hours ride from
Patzcuaro
The scenery along the line is beau
tiful, while the engineering skill dis
played is as fine as any in the re-
public 1t was to me a thrilling ride
and I was half glad, half sorry when it
ended. We found the station filled
with Indians who came down every
day to see the train arrive. 1t is
marvellous sight to them, especially
the engine
The next thing to cause smile was
the conveyance to take us to town.
Originally fat car, it now had can
vas top for shelter and two long wood
en- benches for seats. Sturdy looking
mules stood harnessed to this affair,
as impatient to start as their driver.
1t was a hard climb for them and not
very comfortable for the passengers.
Much of this was forgotten, however,
Every thing interested us; the low
adobe houses, with tiled or slate roofs,
the many coffee plantations, the pretty
side lanes (they cannot be called
streets), where we caught glimpses Of
quantity rooted bridges spanning the
river. A recent shower had made the
air delightful, while the foliage and
or1y1 nd NIT
Finally, the driver drew up, with a
grand flourish, in front Of the hotel.
AS soon as the room question was
settled, we started out to get another
glimpse, before dark, of this fas-
cinating town. AS we turned the cor
ner, less than block away, we came
upon novel sight. Directly facing
us was the market plaza; here the
vendors as well as the people in the
portales were making ready for Urua-
pans evening meal. AS six o'clock
drew near the poorer class came
pouring into the plaza from all direc.
lions. The curbstones were soon
filled with happy family groups, eating
and chatting with all their might
Those minus seat stood in front of
the stands, the lights showing their
dazzling white teeth and bright, dark
eyes. In addition to the stands for
fruit, vegetables, frijoles, chilli con
carne, enchiladas, tortillas and many
other dishes, we noticed that one of
the portales was entirely filled with
coffee stands.
These stands had table cloths and
very pretty bowls and plates. The
coffee was in great urns, kept hot by
curious little charcoal stoves; with
the coffee they served various kinds of
bread, mostly sweet. Here the GUS
toners have benches or chairs to sit
on and altogether, put on considerable
style. 1t was great fun watching
them; in fact, the entire scene was of
never-failing interest, especially on
market day, Sunday. Then, not only
the town people are there, but crowds
of Indians and Mexicans from the
country. Many of them come a long
distance, walking all night in order to
get there early in the morning. SUM-
day night the scene is bewildering;
there is scarcely an inch of space in
the portales, along the curb stones, on
the street or in the plaza, that is not
filled with happy humanity; men,
women and children, eating, drinking,
laughing, talking, selling. No quar-
reling, no crying children, everybody
well behaved and orderly. The scene
is certainlE unique, one remarkable
feature being that there is no drunk
enness. They seem to indulge in COT
fee more than anything else.
Uruapan coffee, by the way, is the
uuintessence Of coffee, and is served
here in peculiar way. They have it