The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1913-07-09
INTERESTING TRIP
into MEXICO
Mr.. Conner and Party Cross Line In.
to Mexican Territory and Note
Great Difference There.
DECLINES TO SEE BULL FIGHT
Los Angeles Young Giant Among
Cities Of Coast-San Francisco
Rapidly Rebuilding.

San Francisco, Cali. July 8, 1918.
Editor Review:
Our last letter was written from
San Diego, two or three days before
we left that interesting place for Los
Angeles and this city.
We are indebted to Mr.. and Mrs.
Jones for an auto trip to Pine Hills, a
place sixty or seventy miles east of
San Diego. The scenery on the way
was most fascinating. The valleys
through this section are devoted to
raising fruits of all kinds and garden
truck, all of which find ready mar
ket at San Diego. We passed through
a number of thriving villages, some
of which are of considerable histori-
cal interest. On the way we had a
view of the old San Diego mission,
the first mission established in Cali
fornia, as early as the year 1869. The
buildings are considerably decayed,
and some of them are practically in
ruins. The mission has been out of
use for a number Of years. A few
priests are living there, who take
great pleasure in explaining to tour.
lists it's history, etc.
Another trip of considerable inter-
est was across the line to Tia Juana,
in Mexico. This city is perhaps more
interesting on account of being on
Mexican soil than for any other reas-
on. 1t certainly has nothing in the
way of development or enterprise to
commend it. We were in the place
not to exceed an hour and half, but
long enough to take lunch at the
leading cafe in the town. The bill OF
fare embraced vegetable soup, pepper
salad. stewed rabbit, potatoes, hot
tamales, coffee and genuine Mexican
chile con carne, prepared and served
by Mexican matron. The meal was
an exceptionally good one, and every
thing clean and inviting.
This city is within the zone OF the
Mexican war. 1t was captured sew
eral months ago by an army of tramps
numbering 1877. recruited largely in
the United States. They were able,
however, to drive out the Mexican
forces and to hold possession OF the
town for perhaps two months, levy
ing tribute upon the merchants and
other people of means in the vicinity
It is said that one fellow, formerly a
resident of Iowa, transported across
the line into the United States in the
vicinity of $4,000 worth of goods.
The possession of the city was re-
taken by an army of about 700 Next
cans, and a good many OF the tramps
we're killed or taken prisoners.
One could hardly imagine so much
difference in conditions between Mex
leo and the United States. Within
two minutes after crossing the line
into Mexico the deplorable conditions
of the highways were noticed, and in
stead of the roads being worked into
nroper condition, they are rough and
almost impossible. The protection
afforded the town by the fort erected
in almost the center of the place was
regarded as a joke; no better illus
tration of the character OF the fort
could be suggested than a circus ring
This is the old fort-a new one IS
being erected near it, which is OF the
same type as the old one.
An opportunity was afforded our
narty of viewing bull fight. but want
Of time and perhaps Of inclination
prevented.
Another interesting trip was to
Point Iona, some few miles out OF
San Diego. In making this trip we
nassed Madam Tingley's theosophical
institute. Lyman Gage, late secretary
Of the treasury, who is now follower
If the cult. lives in the neighborhood.
large amount of money has been
exnended in developing the commun-
itv and in the residences of the prom
inent followers of the new faith. 1t
&c one of the lovliest spots on the
coast and with it's fine climate makes
an attractive place to live.
Point Iona is high point OF land
extending out into the sea for con-
siderable distance. A lighthouse is
located upon the point, but is now out
- nee for the reason that on account
80 The fogs it cannot be seen as read
,1v as lighthouse located nearer the
waters edge. The new lighthouse
now in use is located so that 1T does
not appear to extend much above the
surface of the water.
We went from Point Iona to La
7o,,a beautiful seaside resort in the
.o;ghborhood of fifteen miles from
San Diego. This is charming place
and property values are quite as hien
ANU other mart. outside OF the