New Britain herald., 1924-03-21
GUADALAJARA IS
 IMPORTANT CITY
Is Rated as the Second Metropolis .. Of Mexico

Washington, March 2l.-The re- capture of the city of Guadalajara by Federal troops in Mexico means a certain prestige for their arms, d bulletin from the Washington. D. C., headquarters Of the National Geo graphic society points out, because this is in importance the second city O. the republic, a community of wealth and power.
 There is something Of a Parsian touch about Guadalaiara," says the bulletin. One senses a light gaiety in spite of the sears from decade of revolution and footing. A palm filled plaza adds a semi-tropic note which quite prepares the visitor to learn that the gaiety has a more somnalent nota than that which the Champs Elysee or the Rue de la Paix have to offer The banners or lottery tickets which ones line Of sight must thread to pass to tho twin dcmes Of the yellowish brown cathe- dral. speak eloquently Of Latin tolcr- snce in the realm Of chance.
 Menentoes Of Better Days
 There is architecture in Guada- lsiara; and evidence of wealth that may be wholly a thing of tn. past or may be slumbering below the surface. ss to speak, awaiting the more settled times that wealth demands whether in the tropics or near the poles. Whole streets of handsome private residences speak Of more prosperous day. The stocks of the shops are sadly depleted by years of strife, but the buildings that house them are well built and ornamental. The hotels are clean and comfortable.
 'This second city of Mexico has al- ways heen famed for its beautiful women; and it still deserves it's repu- tation through many of the wealthy families whose daughters led the social world have taken up their residence in the United States and Europe since Diaz fell. In the good old days' the ladies of the better world used to promenade in the plaza of an evening when the band played. the gentlemen marching in inc reverse direction, while the peons stooa defersntialiy outside admiring the beauty and msgnihcence. But this parade of the first families is a thing of the pasr. Now the peons have the plaza to themselves and march and counter-mareh with their own women.
 But basic customs die hard, and the visitor today is not denied view of Guadalajara'5 beauties. Early each Sunday afternoon for an hour they drive up and down fhe narrow main street between the cathedral and . little church a quarter of mile distant, smiling and greeting their friends of the carriage class Many cf these first families of Guadalaiara are of unmixed Spanish blood, and ihoir outlook on life, despite rcvolu- tons and the democratization of their government, is uncompromisingly a-istocratic.
 \ Muriife in Hiding
 Tn the city is a painting by Mu lilo for which s400,ooo was once e'iered. Bnt the visiting art lover viii look for it In vain. Great works of art are not safe when revolution stalks, and the authorities of the ca ihedrdl, in which the magnificent painting hung. saw 10 if that their priceless charge went into hiding, awaiting the return of a happier day in Mexico. The picture was the gift of inc King of Spain as a recognition af contributions from Guadalajara turing the Peninsula war.
 'Guadalajara's climate is all that could be wished. Perhaps if is even more: for each day with it's clear b,ne sky and flood of sunshine Is like the one that went before and the one that will follow tomorrow. Winter has no sting. It has little to dis fineuish it save that some nights have touch of frost to lend an added sparkle to the air"