Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1921-01-04
MECHEM
TAKES THE HELM

I would have been worth while 10
have been In old Santa Fe during the
inaugural ceremonies and festivities
last saturday.
The Graphic editor couldn't be there
hut he can visualize the scenes and set
ting. Santa Fe Is a picturesque city
and the effect loses nothing In inteE.
sity by lack OF dramatic appreciation
on the part Of the Ancient City boost
ers. They take themselves very ser
iously. Santa Fe has progressed from
a village Of squat adobe houses and
buildings Of crude Mexican fabrication
until many OF its public buildings, al
least. are models OF adapted Pueblo
art. Many OF its finest residences re-
fleet Spanish and Spanish Mexican In
fuences, the whole being very pleasing
In spite of the mixture Of more mod
ern" Anglo-American brick, stone or
frame mOistrosities.
Santa Fe is making excellent prog.
ress toward "Puebloizing" its archi.
lecture. Recently very fine federal
building In this Interesting style has
been authorized to be built and new
ia Fonda" is 10 be constructed In
this style that will occupy the site OF
the old hostelry that marked the end
OF the Santa Fe trail. While the
Graphic editor Is no connoiseur II
would seem that Santa Fe and New
Mexico have made an unique and last
ing contribution to architectural style
the equal Of which has not been seer
since the middle ages.
And Santa Fe has treasures OF art
OF science and historical interest t'
house In It's public buildings. The old
palace Of the governors and the mu
scum reveal quite credible display ol
exhibits OF aesthetic interest that mus
be seen TO he appreciated. Evidence Il
not lacking thss here is the beginning
OF a vigorous art md culture that i
destined TO win universal recognition.
The citizens Of Santa Fe are largely
Spnnish-Americans, though Its affair
are mostly In the hands Of Anglo-Amer
leans. The natives, however, add 4
the unconventional general effect tina
makes Santa Fe interesting 10 tourists
Stripped OF its peaks and It's fakes, th
Ancient CITY Is still good place 10 he
especially when new state govern
ment Is IN process OF being inaugural
ed. Politics Is the health OF life &
Santa Fe. II was likely that ther
weren't enough beds TO accommodate
those who came 10 seek political job
or 10 cultivate the friendship Of IN
new powers that he. The curse o
Santa Fe Is Its politicians out Of jo
and disgrunted.
Governor Mechem IL plain man
no silk topper and frock coat for hin
His general appearance Is neat. how
ever, In spite of his rather ancient era
Stetson. The Latin love OF splendo
has usually added an exotic bit OF hru
lance 20 inaugural ceremonies nm
functions. hut the new chief executiy
has made II plain that he cannot b
made fashionable" In appearance no
led into oratorlcal excesses. Like nj
capital cities Santa Fe has Its under
current Of corrupting influences and !
Is good to believe that Governo
Mechem win refuse to go boating o.
the drainage canal. and to know tina
his birthright places him apart fron
many of his associates.
Three thousand visitors were Il
Santa Fe to attend the inaugural Tn
taking of the oath on the steps OF TN
icapitol. the reception at the museum
and the inaugural ball at night made
up n full day for Santa Fe,
Now to hand out the political pie.