New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-07-23

Americans was solidly lined up
against the professor who was taking
his wife to Mexico. IF he wanted to
bring her along, why hadn't he selected Cali
fornia, Canada or some other tranquil spot
for his vacation? Why choose Mexico of all
countries, where both would be insulted,
robbed or possibly murdered? In the smoking
saloon blood-curdling stories were exchanged
for his edifcation-tales of horror that would
have supplied material for hundred movie
plots of the regulation border variety.
The fifth day out the professor was seen
to leave a half-emptled glass of Scotch on
his table and hastily make tracks toward the
pursers office. On the way he encountered
his wife and stopped to tell her that he had
decided to take her home on the same boat.
Mrs. Professor was not so easily managed.
She wanted to know the why and wherefore,
and the professor was obliged to sit down and
relate what he had overheard.
A wel-dressed Mexican gentleman reclin-
ing in nearby steamer chair listened to the
conversation with serious expression. After
the professor had finished his report and had
taken up the subject Of return tickets he
sprang to his feet. Introducing himself and
apologizing profusely for having Listened in,"
he plunged into an eloquent defense Of his
country. Speaking with the authority of one
who had lived his whole life in Mexico, he
assured them that their fears were ground
less. He guaranteed them complete safety
and finally brought them round with promise
of introductions to high officials who would
smooth the way for certain archaeological
enterprise they had in mind.
The professor had some nlisgivings, how
ever, as the steamer slid into the bay Of Vera
Cruz. Sinister looking Indians were as
sembled on the dock and rent the air with
their cries. These were the corgadores-in
other words, the baggage express of the sea-
port. Going down the gang plank the pas
sengers were obliged to run the gauntlet Of
q mob of dirty poems, who clutched at their
clothes and battled fiercely with each other
for the privilege Of carrying their luggage.
Although there is a night train to the City
Of Mexico, the wise traveller waits over until
next morning so as not to miss this scenery
along the route. Timorous Americans figured
that it would be less dangerous to travel by
daylight, but gave the scenery as their excuse
for putting up with the heat and mosquitoes
of Vera Cruz night. The little squad Of
soldiers provided as an escort was not one to
inspire confidence, and nervous fingers felt
for unaccustomed automatics as the train
stopped suddenly a few miles out. Strange
as it seemed, no bandits appeared, only
struggling group of Indian women with roses
for sale. Evidently thu dreaded encounter
was to happen further up the line. AS the
train painted up into the high mountains the
stage was set in perfect fashion for the dark
est deeds. Just the spot for a bloody encoun-
ter with Zapat.stas, Villistas, the Americans
knew not what. But at was roses, roses all
the way" and baskets of Strawberries and
Mexican onyx held up temptingly to the car
windows by sweet-voiced Indian girls.
few weeks ago one of the leading Mexi-
can papers ran page Of recent crimes in
the United States under the heading: "Shall
Mexico interviewer" The American colony is
getting rather sensitive about the publicity
gwen to lawlessness in the Mexican
dallies and spends good deal Of its time in
trying 10 explain it away. There also seems
TO be plethora Of American crook pictures
now showing in Mexico, which also adds Its
embarrassment. Some Of the foreign resi-
dents say they are glad TO see Mexico getting
even If the average American thinks Of
Mexico as the land Of bloodthirsty ba7sditN,
the Mexican is rapidly coming to the con-
clusion that ali Americans are either safe
blowers or yeggmen.
It IS common sight 5n Mexico City to see
youthful employees carrying bags of gold and
SILVER from one bank to another. Strolling