Gass ri'^o^i Book lA^^ OFFICIAL DONATION. Digitized by the Internet Arciiive in 2010 witii funding from Tine Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/fewfactsaboutmex01mexi A FEW FACTS ABOUT MEXICO President of the United States of Mexico A Few Facts About Mexico LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, DECEIVED OCT 14 1901 DIVISION OF DOCUMENTS. I90J Published by The National Commission from the United States of Mexico to the Pan-American Exposition BUFFALO, N. Y, OCT 14 1901 D.ofD, The White-Evans-Penfold Company Nos. 302 and 304 Main Street , In Buffalo, New York l'{\- Contents I Historical Synopsis, ♦ . ♦ . * ♦ 13 II Geographical Information, ♦ * . . . 21 III The Constitution, ♦,,♦,.. 23 IV The Federal Administration, . ♦ ♦ . 3 J V President Diaz and His Cabinet, . , . . 37 VI The Federal District,- the States, and the Territories, 49 VII Mineral Resources, ♦ . ♦ . ♦ ♦ 59 VIII Agricuhure, ♦♦...♦♦. 65 IX Manufactures, ♦ . . ♦ ♦ » ♦ 7 J X Commerce and Finance, , . . ♦ . 77 XI Means of Communication, , . . . ♦ 85 XII Public Instruction — Religion — Arts and Sciences — Army and Navy, ...... 91 XIII Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners, . ♦ 97 XIV Mexico at Other Expositions, . . . . J07 XV Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition, i . 109 Appendix — Comments of the Press, etc. . . 115 Illustrations General Porfirio Diaz, * « Frontispiece Liberty, ♦ ♦ 7 The Mexican Commission, . n Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, ♦ ♦ ♦ 15 Benito Juarez, . . , . ♦ 19 Hon. Ignacio Mariscal, 25 Gen. Manuel Gonzalez Cosio, 29 Hon. Justino Fernandez, 33 Hon. Leandro Fernandez, . 39 Gen. Francisco Z. Mena, 43 Hon. Jose Ives Limantour, 47 Gen. Bernardo Reyes, 51 The Mexican Government Building, . 57 Map Plan of the Pan-American Exposition, 63 General View Exterior of Agriculture Exhibit, . 69 Mines and Liberal Arts Exhibit, . 75 Front View of Manufactures Exhibit, : 8J Liberal Arts Exhibit, .... . 87 Cactus Exhibit, ..... . ♦ 95 Forestry Exhibit, .... ♦ ♦ . 103 General View of Ethnology Exhibit, . . * t . nt /" ~^!^ ./ A FEW FACTS ABOUT MEXICO S thousands of visitors have kindly shown an interest in the exhibits presented by the Mexican Government at the Pan-American Exposition of Buffalo, it has been deemed appropriate to gather in these short pages the most recent and reliable information concerning that Republic, which, under the progressive administration of President Porfirio Diaz, has aroused the attention of the traveler and of the investor, and has drawn such favorable comments from impartial writers in this country. It is not intended to give full and detailed infor- mation herein, as the space at our disposal forbids it; but, whatever is set forth in this little pamphlet, briefly though it may be, shall be as accurate as possible, and has been compiled from the most reliable and the latest official sources. Buffalot September, J 90 1. 1. Albino R. Nuncio 2. Maximiliano M. Chabert 3. Juan de D. Fleury 4. Carlos Sellerier 5. Rosendo Sandoval 6. Enrique H. Garibay 7. Alberto McDowell 8. Jesus M. Nuncio 9. Lauro Viadas 10. Antonio M. Maya The numbers refer to the illustration opposite Historical Synopsis The early history of Mexico, like that of most countries, com- prises much that is fabulous. The true historical starting point may be found in the annals of the Toltecs who inhabited vast areas of land in the northern part of the Continent, but owing- to civil commotions emigrated from their country in the year 544. They settled first in one place and then in another, establishing larg-e cities, until in 661 they founded their great kingdom, whose capital was located on the site of the modern City of Tula. That kingdom was ocerthrown in 1116. Thereupon, the Chichimecas made their appearance and occu- pied the country abandoned by the Toltecs. Other tribes afterwards came from the north, and established themselves in various portions of the Valley of Mexico. The Aztecs were the last to reach the valley. After many years of servitude and privations, tiiej finally settled on the islands near the western borders of Lake Texcoco. There, according to an old legend, they found an eagle upon a cactus and holding a snake in its beak, and thereupon established their capital called Tenochtitlan, upon the site of the present City of Mexico. The monarchy of the Aztecs in- creased in importance and power from the year 1376, when the first king was elected, until it was finally conquered by the Spaniards un- der Hernan Cortez. The latter landed in Veracruz on April 21st, 1519. His conquest of the country and the stubborn resistance of the Aztecs are subjects which have been the theme of the historian and the poet, the siege of the City of Mexico being the final and culminating scene of that his- torical drama. The capital was captured on August 13, 1521, when the conqueror Cortez became governor and captain-general of the coun- try, which was called New Spain. After being governed by five governors and two councils, the rule of the 'Spanish viceroys commenced. There were sixty-two viceroys, some of whom were men of great administrative ability, but others permitted many abuses and fostered oppressive measures. Finally, under the leadership of the great patriot, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, independence was proclaimed at the Village of D-olores, State of Guanajuato, on September 16, 1810. Hidalgo assisted by Allende, Aldama, and Abasolo, three Mexican officers, gathered a large number of Indians and peasants, and being joined by two or three regiments of the militia, he captured successively the important cities of Celaya, Guanajuato, Valladolid, and Toluca. As he was not a great military A Few Facts About Mexico leader and had only an undisciplined arnn-, he was not able to take the C'it3' of Mexico, even after having obtained a new victory over the SjDaniards at Monte de las Cruces. The viceroy thereupon concen- trated his army and sent it under the order of General Calleja, who defeated the leader of the Kepublicans and patriots at Aculco, and then at Puente de Calderon. Hidalg-o was finally taken prisoner at Acatita de Bajan on May 21, ISll, and was shot at the City of Chi- huahua on July 31, ISll. The great work of Hidalgo was then carried on by other noble leaders. Among- whom Morelos, a parish priest of the State of Michoacan, stands prominent. He defeated the Spanish forces in several encounters and captured various cities. One of his g-reat feats was the defense oi the City of Cnautla, where he resisted with 3,000 men the 12,000 Spanish soldiers sent against him. He finally broke the lines of the enemy and succeeded in retreating with the rest of his army. He afterwards captured Orizaba, Tehuacan, Oaxaca, and Acapulco. ]\lorelos was the first to organize a regular government and to convene a Federal Congress. The latter met at Chilpancingo on September 14, 1812, and issued a declaration of independence on the 6th of the succeeding November. It also framed a provisional consti- tution and established an executive council of three members. More- los began to meet reverses in 1813 and was finally captured; he was shot at the town of Ecatepec, near the City of Mexico, on December 22, 1815. Other patriots continued the fight for freedom, among them we can mention Bravo, Mina, and Guerrero. The latter kept alive the cause of independence until it was successful. The final overthrow of the Spaniards was accomplished by General Iturbide, of the regular armj^ joining the patriots. The combined and triumphant forces entered the City of Mexico on September 21, 1821. Thereupon a regency of three members was established, of which Iturbide was appointed President. Soon after, under military pressure, he was de- clared Emperor and on Juh' 21, 1S22, he was crowned as such at the Cathedral of the City of Mexico. But the Mexican patriots could not brook the establishment of an Empire, and Iturbide was obliged to send in his resignation, and left the country in the month of May, 1823. Thinking that he could again resume power, he returned to the Republic, but was arrested and finally shot at Padilla, July 19, 1824. In the same year a Federal Con- stitution was established, and General Guadalupe Victoria became the first President of the Federation. The Federal Republic lasted until 1835, when General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna became President of a Central Republic under a new constitution. The Liberal and Conserva- tive parties continued to struggle for the supremacy of the adminis- tration. From 1822 to 1845 there was a series of military mutinies and civil war predominated during most of that period, while in 1847 J^'yy\jfnyCCCC, Father of the Independence of the United States of Mexico^ Historical Synopsis the wai' with the United States took place, which ended by the sign- ing* of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on February 2, 1848. Santa Anna's last administration began on April 1, 1853. In order to obtain means to meet the expenses of his government, he sold to the United States the Mesilla Valley lands. He also governed the country in a most despotic manner. It was then that the Liberal leaders proclaimed the plan of Ayutla, proposing to restore a consti- tutional government. The Ayutla revolution was successful, and General Juan Alvarez was named President and assumed office on October 4, 1855, but soon after resigned, and General Comonfort be- came President ad interim. A Constitutional Congress v^as convened, and after mature de- liberation issued a Constitution on the 5th of February, 1857, which is still in force throiughout the Kepublic. The Constitution having been approved by the people, General Comonfort was elected President and took office on December 11, 1857, but guided by evil advisors and claim- ing that the Constitution was impracticable, he dissolved the Con- gress that had just convened and declared himself Dictator. Comon- fort was then betrayed by the Church party, left the country, and the administration of the Republic remained in the hands of the great patriot Benito Juarez. Thereupon followed the final and decisive struggle between the Liberal and Conservative parties, styled in Mexican history as "War of Eeform". During that great contest, President Juarez issued his celebrated reform laws, which destroyed the political power theretofore exercised by the clergy. The Liberal party was successful in that war, but its opponents did not give up the struggle, and sought in E^urope the intervention of foreign powers. England, Spain, and France formed a coalition in 1861 and sent their armies to Mexico. The Spanish and English forces soon withdrew from the country, but the French army pushed towards the City of Mexico, and was signally defeated at Puebla on May 5, 1862. Ee-enforcements having' arrived, the War of the French Intervention, so called, was carried on in all its fierceness, and the Archduke Maximilian being induced to assume the title of Emperor, finally paid the penalty of his folly by being executed at Queretaro on June 19, 1867. In July of the same year, President Juarez returned triumphant to the City of Mexico, was re-elected President thereafter, and remained as chief executive of the nation up to the time of his death, July 18, 1872. He was succeeded by Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, as President ad interim, and then as Constitutional President. In 1876 he was a candidate for re-election, but a popular revolutionary movement having been in- augurated at Tuxtepec, it was successfully terminated by the battle of Tecoac, which took place on November 6, 1876; General Diaz there- upon entered the City of Mexico, and in April, 1877, was elected Consti- tutional President of the Republic. He was succeeded by General Man- uel Gonzalez in 1880. Four years afterwards General Porfirio Diaz was re-elected and since then, through continued, and we may say A Few Facts About Mexico unanimous re-elections, has remained at the head of the administra- tion. During' the several terms he has filled the Presidency, he has firmly established peace, encouraged the material advancement of the country, adopted a sound financial policy and eradicated all causes which could bring about political dissensions and pertubation of peace. Benito Juntez II Geographical Information Tiie Eepublic of Mexico, or the Mexican United States, as the country is officially styled, is situated between 14° 30' 43" and 32° 32' 42" north latitude, and between 86° 46' 8" and 107° 7' 31" west long- itude of the meridian of Greenwich. It is bounded on the north by the United States of America; on the east by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea; on the south by the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala, and Uelize; and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The boundary line wMth the United States was established by the treaties of February 2, 1848, and December 30, 1853, and begins at the mouth of the Rio Grande and terminates in a point on the Pacific Ocean, distant one marine league due south of the southernmost point of the Bay of San Dieg*o; the whole extent of this boundary line being 1,833 miles. The bound- ary line with Guatemala was fixed by the treaties of September 27, 1882, and April 1, 1895, and its length is considered to be 642 miles. The boiindary line betweeen Mexico and Belize was defined by a treaty signed July 8, 1893, runs from the mouth of the Strait of Bocalarchica and terminates at the boimdary between Mexico and Guatemala. The total area of the Mexican Eepublic is 767,326 Eng-lish squ^are miles, which includes 1,471 square miles of islands near the coasts of the Eepublic. The widest portion of Mexico is its northern extremity and the narrowest point is the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which is about 100 miles from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans. The eastern coast of the Eepublic, washed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, comprises about 1,737 miles, whilst its western coast along the Pacific Ocean is about 4,574 miles in length. The Eepublic presents a succession of terraces rising from the eastern and western coasts which culminate in a great central plateau running in a northerly and southeasterly direction, and having eleva- tions w^hich vary from 4000 to 8000 feet above the level of the sea. There are two great ranges which cross the Eepublic, nearly par- allel to the coast along the Gulf of Mexico and along the Pacific Ocean, and which have various branches. Beside these there are other mountain ranges, the most noticeable of which is that of Anahuac, which surrounds the Valley of Mexico and of Puebla. There are sev- eral volcanoes, among which we may mention the well known Popo- catepetl and Ixtachihuatl in the Valley of Mexico, being 17,450 and 16,076 feet, respectively, in height; the Orizaba, 17,362 feet; the Toluoa, 15,019 feet: the Colima, 14,3e3 feet; and the Ajusto, 13,628 feet. A Few Facts About Mexico The Gulf of ^Mexico, the Gulf of California, aud the Gulf of Tehuau- tepec, the first mentioned being- on the Eastern coast, and the other two along the Western coast, are considered among- the larg-est in both Continents. The principal bays are those of Guaymas, Santa Barbara, Tojiolo- bampo, La Paz, and Muleje, in the Gulf of Lower California; Amejas, Mag-dalena. San Quintin, and San Bias, on the Pacific Ocean. The principal islands near the coast of Mexico are: El Carmen, a very large one in the Gulf of Mexico; San Juan de Ulua and Sacrificios near A'eracruz; Guadalupe at a great distance from the coast of Lower California; Tres Marias, a group of three islands near the same coast; The Eevillagigedo Islands and Alcatraz Island on the west coast of Colima and Michoacan. The principal rivers of the Eepublic ai-e the Eio Grande, or Eio Bravo del Norte, as it is called in Mexico, being- about 1,500 miles long; the Lerma, or Santiago, 540 miles in length; the Balsas, or Mescala, Fuerte, 340 miles; the Usumacinta, 330 miles; and others like the Panuco and Papaloapan of sufficient importance. Among the lakes, the most extensive is the Chapala, which meas- ui-es eig'hty miles in leng'th by thirty in breadth. In the Valley of Mexico there are seven lakes. There are other lakes of importance in various states of the Eepublic, such as Catemaco in Veracruz, Cariel and Carpintero in Tamaulipas, Encantado in Tabasco, Bacalor in Yu- catan, Cuitzeo and Patzcuaro in Michoacan, Yuriria in Guanajiia+o, and Meztitlan in Hidalgo. Owing to its geographical position, Mexico possesses a great diver- sity of climate. The heat of the torrid zone is felt along the coast and in the valleys which are below 3,000 feet of sea level. Lands which lie in a region between 3,000 and 5,000 feet above sea level enjoy a temperate climate, while those in higher altitude than 7,000 feet may be considered as lying in the cold region. The climate of Mexico is considered by many as the most delight- ful in the world along the central plateau, which is the region of the Eepublic most thickly populated. The climatic conditions of some parts of Mexico are undergoing great changes on account of the destruction of forests. The seasons are divided into the rainy and the dry. Eegarding the flora and fauna of Mexico, we may say that they are most varied and important. Further on we will refer more fully to them; for the present it may be stated that there are raised in Mexico all the products of the torrid, temperate, and frigid zones. As far as mining- is concerned, we can truly say that Mexico is perhaps the richest country in the world in that line. The population of the Eepublic was estimated at 9,908,011 in 1879. The census of 1895 gave a total of 12,619,949. The latest census, held in 1900. gives 13,545,462 as the total number of inhabitants in the Ee- public. Ill The Constitution As already stated, the Constitution now in force in Mexico was adopted on February 5, 1857. Since then it has been amended at dif- ferent times. It adopts for the Eepublic a representative, democratic, and federal form of government, the states composing the Eepublic being free as to anything which refers to their interior adminis- tration. The Federal Government is divided into three coordinate branches, viz: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. The legislative power of the Eepublic is vested in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The members of the Chamber of Deputies are elected for two years, while the senators serve four years, half of the Senate being renewed every two years, and only two senators being elected for each state and the Federal District. The Congress meets twice every year. The first session, which may be extended thirty days, begins on September 16 and ends on December 15. The second, which can be extended for fifteen days, opens on April 1 and closes on May 31. While the Congress is not in session there is a Permanent Com- mittee consisting of twenty-nine members, fifteen from the Chamber of Deputies and fourteen from the Senate, who are appointed by the respective legislative bodies. This Permanent Committee has certain limited powers and reports on all matters not acted upon by the previous Congress, so as to expedite business in the succeeding ses- sion. The executive j)ower is in the hands of the "President of the United Mexican States", who is elected by electors chosen by the people, for a term of four years. The President may be re-elected, there being no limitation whatever as to the number of times that he may serve. In case of temporary vacancy in the ofiice of President, the Secretary of Foreign Eelations acts in his stead, while in case of his death or personal disability, a provisional, president is elected by Congress, who discharges the duties of the office until a successor is elected by the people. The salary of the President is $50,000 per year. The President appoints the persons who comprise his cabinet. They are seven, and have charge of the following- departments: For- eign Eelations; Interior; Justice and Public Instruction; Public Pro- motion, Colonization and Industry; Communications and Public Works; Finance and Public Credit; War and Navy. The Federal Judiciary consists of the Supreme Court of Justice and the District and Circuit Courts. They have jurisdiction: (a) In A Few Facts Abowt Mexico all cases arising" from the enforcement and application of federal laws, provided the same do not affect private interests, (b) In admiralty cases, (c) In cases to which the Federal Government is a party, (d) In cases arising between two or more states, (e) In cases aris- ing- between a state and one or more citizens of another state, or be- tween two or more states, (f) In civil or criminal cases arising from treaties made with foreign powers, (g) In cases affecting diplomatic and consular offices. The jurisdiction of said courts likewise extend to all cases growing out of laws or acts of any authority which in- fringe individual rights; of laws or acts of the Federal Executive which violate or limit the sovereignty of states, and of laws or acts of such states which encroach on the authority of the Federal Govern- ment. The seat of the supreme power of the Federation is the capital of the Eepublic, situated within the Federal District. Under the Constitution all men are born free within the Republic and slaves who set foot upon the national territory, thereby recover their liberty. Instruction is free, and every man may adopt the pro- fession, industrial pursuit, or occupation, which he prefers, provided it is useful and honorable. No one can be obliged to g-ive personal ser- vices without just compensation and without his full consent. The liberty to write or to publish writings on any subject whatever is in- violable. No previous censure nor other restriction on the liberty of the press may be allowed. The right of petition and of lawful as- semblage is secured. Every man has the right to enter and to leave the Republic, +o travel through its territory and to change his residence, without the necessity of a passport or safe-conduct. No title of nobility or hereditary honors are recognized, and no person may be tried by special law nor by special tribunals, nor shall retroactive laws be enacted. No person may be arrested for debts of a purely civil character, and imprisonment shall take place only for crimes which deserve corporal punishment, while no detention shall exceed the term of three days, unless justified by a wrrit showing cause of imprisonment and other requisites established by the laws. Punishment by mutilation and infamy, branding, flogging, the bas- tinado, torture of whatever kind, confiscation of property, or any unusual or extraordinary punishment are forever prohibited. In all criminal proceedings, the accused shall have the following guarantees: that the ground of the proceedings and the name of the complainant, if there shall be one, shall be made known to him; that his preliminary declaration shall be taken within forty-eight hours af- ter the time when he may be placed at the disposal of the judge; that he shall be confronted with the witnesses who testify against him; that he shall be furnished with the information that he may require and that appears in the records of the proceedings, and finally that he shall be heard in his defence by himself or by counsel, or by both, as he niay »i-^lfc. Hon. Igfnacio Mariscal Secretary of Foreign Relations The Constitution desire. No criminal proceedings may be heard before more than three tribunals, and no one shall be tried twice for the same offence, whether by the judg-ment of the coiu't he be acquitted or condemned. In time of peace no soldier may demand quarters, supplies, or other real or personal service, without the consent of the owner; and in time of war he may do so only in the manner prescribed bj^ law. Private property shall not be taken witho'ut the consent of the owner, except on the ground of public utility, and upon previous in- demnification. The inviolability of sealed corresj)ondence going through the mails is secured, and the infractors of this guarantee rshall be punished severely. Monopolies of all kinds under pretext of industrial protection, are prohibited, excepting- the government's exclusive rig'ht to coin money and of the postal service, besides the limited privileges granted by la^N to patentees of any useful invention. No corporation, civil or ecclesiastical, whatever may be its char- acter, denomination, or object, shall have legal capacity to acquire in ownership, or manag-e for itself, real estate, with the exception of the buildings directly devoted to service or object of the institution, and no religious cori>oration is permitted to acquire real estate or the •capital invested thereon, except as prescribed by law. The Senate and the church are independent of one another, and •Congress may not pass laws establishing or prohibiting any religion. No monastic orders can be recognized, nor will the government per- mit their establishment. Marriage is considered a simple civil contract and the civil status of persons belong to the exclusive jurisdiction of the functionaries of the civil order within the limits prescribed by the laws. The simple promise to speak the truth and comply with the oblig-ations that are insured thereby, is substituted for the religious oath, with its effects and penalties. The President of the Republic, with the advice of his cabinet and with the approval of Congress, or, during its recess, of the Permanent Committee, may suspend all constitutional guarantees in cases of in- vasion, serious internal disorder, or great disturbance endangering the state, but only for a lin:iited period, by means of general pro- visions and without the same being aimed at a particular individual. According to the Constitution, Mexicans are: (1) All persons born within or without the territory of the Republic, of Mexican par- entage. (2) Foreigners that are naturalized in conformity with the iederal laws. (3) Foreigners that may acquire real estate in the Republic, or have children, provided they do not express their de- termination to preserve their nationality. It is the duty of every Mexican to defend the independence, territory, honor, rights, and in- terests of his country, and to contribute to the general expenses of the Federation, as well as of the state and municipality in which he may reside, and as the law may prescribe. To be a citizen of the Republic, A Few Facts About Mexico one must, beside being a Mexican, be eighteen years, of age, if mar- ried, or twenty-one, if not married, and possess honest means of live- lihood. All citizens have the right to vote at all popular elections, to be voted for any office subject to popular election, and be appointed for any other employment or commission, if they have the qualifica- tions established by law; to meet with others to discuss the political affairs of the country, to enter the army or the national guard, and to exercise in all cases the right of petition. A citizen has the obligation to be inscribed on the register of the municipality stating all prop- erty owned by him and the industry, profession, and labor he is en- gaged in, to enlist in the national guard, to vote at popular elections in the district to which he belongs, and to discharge the duty of any office to which he may be elected. Citizenship is lost by naturalization in a foreign country and by serving officially the government of an- other nation, or accepting from it badges, titles, or employment, without previous permission from the Federal Congress, exce])ting literary, scientific, and humanitarian titles, which may be accepted freely. Foreigners under the Constitution are those who do not possess the qualifications of Mexicans, above stated; they have all g-eneral rights granted to Mexican citizens, but must obey and respect the in- stitutions, laws, and authorities of the country, subjecting- them selves to the judgment and decrees of the courts, without havir.j^ the right to seek other protection than that granted to Mexican cilizens. The rights and duties of aliens and foreigners, as well as their natural- ization, have been regulated by the law of May 26, 1886. The powers which are not expressly granted by the Constitution, are understood to be reserved to the states. The Constitution, the laws of the Congress of the Union passed by virttie thereof, and all the treaties made, or which shall be made, by the President of the Republic with the approval of Congress, shall be the supreme law of the land, and tJie judges of each state shall be guided by said Consti- tution, laws, and treaties, notwithstanding provisions to the con- trary, which may api^ear in the Constittition or laws of the states. Gen. Manuel Gonzalez Cosio Secretary of the Interior IV The Federal Administration As we have already stated, the executive power of the Eepublie is lodged in the President, who has a cabinet of seven secretaries to assist him in the discharg-e of his duties. We will now cursorily glance at the work assigned to each of the said secretaries, who are at the head of the respective departments of the Federation. The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Relations has a sub- secretary, as his assistant, and five chiefs of bureaus. The first bu- reau is entrusted with all diplomatic affairs relating to America, Asia, and Oceanic. The second bureau has under its charge the same matters relating to Europe. The third bureau has in charge the con- sular service. The fourth bureau is for letters-patent, treaties, pass- ports, register of naturalization, etc. The fifth bureau deals with the accounts, archives and library of the department. The general arch- ives of the nation are also under the direct management of the De- partment of Foreign Relations. Mexico is represented abroad by an embassy in the United States, by leg-ations in England, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Bel- gium, Holland, Portugal, and Austria, in Europe; a leg-ation for the Central American Republics, another for the South American Re- publics, and one in Japan. There are also representatives from those countries in Mexico, who reside at the capital of the Republic, the representative of the United States having the full rank of am- bassador. The diplomatic career is governed in Mexico by the org-anic laAv of June 3, 1896, and the regulations of the same. Mexico has established a competent consular service abroad, and the same is regulated by the law of February 12, 1834, which has been modified several times. The regulations for the service were issued on September 16, 1871. Treaties of friendship, commerce, navigation, extradition, etc.,. with nearly all the nations in the globe have been signed and are in force, and the boundary treaties with the United States, Guatemala, and Great Britain, already referred to, have satisfactory solved pend- ing questions as to the boundary lines with the neighboring nations. The Department of Interior has under its charge the due obser- vance of the Federal Constitution, the election of federal officers, the relations between the President of the Republic and the Congi-ess and the various states, public health, regulations as to public worship, the administration of the Federal District and the territories, the rural A Few Facts About Mexico police, the public civil register, the national loan office, municipal councils, federal penitentiaries and houses of correction, public chari- ties, public festivities, the Official Gazette, and the government print- ing office. The secretary has a sub-secretary and four chiefs of bu- reaus under his immediate direction. The Federal District and the two territories, as far as political and administrative powers are concerned, are directly under the con- trol of the Department of the Interior, while the Federal Congress legislates regarding them. This department likewise directs every- thing relative to public health through the Superior Council of that branch of the public service, acting in conformity with the law on the subject, approved September 10, 1894. Public security, the electoral regulations and the establishment of harmonious relations between the federal and the state authorities are matters which greatly claim the attention of this department. Justice and public instruction are branches of the public service entrusted to the same secretary, but during the present year two sub- secretaries instead of one, have been respectively assigned to aid the secretar^^ in his labors. The first branch mentioned comprises the ad- ministration of justice, in everything relative to the federal laws and courts throughout the Eepublic and the administration of the law in general in the Federal District and the territories. The educational establishments of the Federation, all under the control of this department, are divided into primary, higher or sec- ondary, and professional, confining the same, of course, to the insti- tutions of that character in the Federal District and the territories. For the sake of uniformity in primary instruction, there was established under the law of June 3, 1896, a general bureau of primary instruction answerable to the department, and having branch offices in the territories of the Tepic and Lower California. Hereafter we shall refer to the federal institutions of higher and professional edu- cation, which are under the direction of this department, but we may here state that the National Museum, the National Bibliographical In- stitute, the National Library, and other public libraries in the Federal District and the territories are likewise under the control of this de- partment. The following are matters under the supervision of the Depart- ment of Public Promotion, Colonization, and Industry, viz: Sale of public lands, industry, trade marks, weights and measures, mining properties, water rights, agriculture, pisciculture, forestry, natural productions, immigration, national geography, astronomical and metereological observations, patents, national and international ex- positions, geology, statistics, and the study of Mexican medicinal plants. There is a sub-secretary and six chiefs of bureaus to aid the secretary, and likewise a director of statistics, a medical institute, a weights and measures department, the geologi- cal commission, and the commission of geographical explor- Hon. Justino Fernandez Secretary of Justice and Public Instruction. The Federal Administration ations. The work of making the boundary lines bet-ween Mexico and its neighbors was also under this department, which has charge, as already stated, likewise, of the principal sources of national wealth of the Eepublic. The Department of Communications and Public Work has control of everything relative to telegraph, railroad, and steamship lines, bridges, roads, post offices, hydrographic works, public monuments, the drainage of the Valley of Mexico, and other public works in gen- eral. There is a sub-secretary and three chiefs of bureaus to aid the secretary in his labors. Furthermore, the hydrographic commission, the post-master-general, and the director-general of telegraphs, are dependencies of this department. The Department of Finance and Public Credit has under its charge the collection of all federal taxes and imports, the purchase, sale, and management of all national property, all matters relative to institu- tions of credit and to the mints, the expenses of the federal adminis- tration, fiscal statistics, the public register of property, and every- thing pertaining to the commerce and the public debt of the Eepublic. Finally, the Department of War and Navy has under its control supervision of everything pertaining to the military and naval ser- vice of the nation. The sub-secretary and six chiefs of bureaus as- sist in the various labors of this department. Dependent on it are the general staff, the military school at Chapultepec, and other establish- ments for instruction in the various branches of the military and naval services. The Supreme Military Court and its subordinate tribunals, as well as various commissions for the advancement and improvement of the service and to prepare charts and maps of the Eepublic, are also subject to the control of this important department. V President Diaz and His Cabinet We think that it would not be out of place to give here slight biographical sketches of President Diaz and the members of his •cabinet. Porfirio Diaz was born at Oaxaca, September 15, 1830. After finishing his preliminary studies, he entered the seminary of his native city, and while a student took part, in 1847, in the defense of iis country against the armies of the United States. Two years after- wards, he began to study law at the Institute of Sciences of the State of Oaxaca. Unfortunately, lack of means and the necessity of assist- ing his family, made him abandon his studies. Affiliated with the Lib- eral party of his country, he early took part in its struggles against the Conservatives, and helped in the overthrow of General Santa Anna. The first public office held by Porfirio Diaz was that of Sub- prefect at Ixtlan. Wben the War of Keform began he was Captain in the 2nd Battalion of the State National Guard. During that war he was dangerously wounded, in 1857, at the Battle of Ixtapa. As soon as he recovered he again took up arms, fought in various encounters, and in July, 1857, became Lieutenant-colonel in the National Guard, while shortly afterwards he was made Colonel. In 1860, he laid siege to Oaxaca, took it, but was wounded in the leg- while leading his men on to the assault. When the War of Eeform ended he was elected a Deputy to the Federal Congress, but his legislative labors were very brief, and he again entered the field against the reactionary forces, which he defeated at Jalatlaco, August 3, 1861. This feat of arms gave him the rank of Brigadier-general. When the French invasion commenced, General Diaz took up the defence of his native land and formed part of the victorious army which defeated the foreign troops at Puebla, May 5, 1862. He therefore continued in active service and was among the defenders of the same city of Puebla, which sur- rendered to the French after a long siege in the spring of 1863. There he fell a prisoner, escaped, and again fought in the ranks of the Lib- eral forces. He was captured a second time and again eluded his captors. Thereupon, he gathered fresh troops and defeated the in- vaders of his country at Tulancing'O, Piutla, and Miabuatlan, his crown- ing achievements at that time being the victory of La Carbonera, won October, 16, 1866, and the taking of Oaxaca soon after. He then laid siege to Puebla, and upon learning that a large force was coming to relieve the city, he ordered a general assault which was successful. This took place April 2, 1867. Thereafter he defeated the relieving A Few Facts About Mexico array, hastened and laid sieg-e to the capital of the Republic, which he took June 21, 1867, this being the finishing blow to the so-called empire. Peace being restored, he retired to private life, but when he was nominated as a presidential candidate he issued his manifest, called of "La Noria," this being the country place where he resided. This political movement terminated when President Juarez died and Mr. Lerdo de Tejada became President. Owing to the agitation against the re-election of President Lerdo de Tejada, the manifest or "plan" of Tuxpec was issued, and through the battles won at Tecoac and Los Abodes, General Diaz entered victorious the City of Mexico November 24, 1876. A general election being held, he was elected President of the Eepublic, and took possession of that high office May 2, 1877. He remained as chief executive of tbe nation until December 1, 1880, when he surrendered his trust to his successor, General Ma- nuel Gonzalez. From the first election of President Diaz the era of peace and prosperity, the development of railways, and the establish- ment of several new industries may be properly said to have com- menced in the Mexican Eepublic. During the administration of General Gonzalez, Porfirio Diaz acted as Secretary of Public Promotion, Sen- ator, Governor of the State of Oaxaca, and Commissioner-general for the New Orleans Exposition of 1884-5. Prior to the discharge of bis duties as such Commissioner-General he made a trip to the United States, where he was most cordially received and grandly entertained. Upon his re-election to the presidency he again assumed office in De- cember, 1884, and since the approval of a constitutional amendment he has been through successive re-elections, reinaugurated President, in 1888, 1892, 1896, and 1900. The enthusiastic and magnificent ovation he received upon his reinaugiaration in last December is still fresh in the memory of all newspaper readers. President Diaz is, indeed, one of the most popular and conspicuous leaders in both continents, and his achievements in peace and in war will give him everlasting fame. Among the great gifts that President Diaz possesses as a states- man, one of the most remarkable is that of knowing how to choose his advisors and how to surround himself by most competent and able counsellors. The Cabinet of the President is an exceptionally strong- one. The Premier, or Secretary of Foreign Relations, who under the Constitution holds a position equivalent to that of Vice President, is Mr. Ignacio Mariscal, who was born at the City of Oaxaca, July 5, 1829. From his earliest childhood he showed great aptitude for the study of jurisprudence, and when scarcely twenty years of age he was admitted to the bar at the capital of the Eepublic. He then re- turned to his native city, where he held various subordinate offices. Being elected a member of the National Constitutional Convention, he was one of the signers of the Federal Constitution, adopted February 5, 1857, and which is now in force. During the War of Reform he held office under Juarez. In 1861 and 1862 he was again a member of the Chamber of Deputies. Thereafter he became a Justice of the National 38 Hon. Leandro Fernandez Secretary of the Department of Public Promotion, under the direction of whose Department Mexico's Exhibit at Buffalo is made President Diaz and His Cabinet Supreme Court, and in 1863 he was Sub-secretary of Foreign Affairs. During the War of the French Intervention he was Secretary of the Legation, and then Charge d' Affairs of Mexico at Washington. Upon his return to his native country he occupied various official positions, .and in 1868 he became Secretary of Justice and Public Instruction. In the succeeding year he was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary in the United States, which high diplomatic position he held until 1876. Eeturning to Mexico, he successfully filled ihe offices of Justice of the Supreme Court of the Federal District, President of National School of Jurisprudence, and in 1879 he again took charge of the Department of Justice and Public Instruction. It was mainly through his efforts that the Codes of Civil Procedure and of Penal Procedure and other laws regarding practice in the federal courts were issued. In 1880 Mr. Mariscal was appointed Secre- tary of Foreign Affairs, and since then until now, excepting the period he acted as Mexico's diplomatic representative at the Court of St. James and a few months' travel in Europe for the benefit of his health, he has been at the head of that important department. His invaluable services in the negotiations of treaties, and in settling the difficult boundary questions with Guatemala and Belize, and in all other matters refering to international relations, are well known, and have won for him a high reputation as a diplomat. He is, further- more, an eloquent orator, an elegant writer, and a fine linguist. He is a member of several foreign and domestic scientific and literary so- cieties, and has received decorations from various governments. The last visit of Mr. Mariscal to the United States was in 1899, when he i) in- habitants. The State of Oaxaca is also of great importance, has an area of 35, .392 square miles and a population of 947,910 inhabitants. Its lead- ing industries are agriculture, manufacturing, and mining. It has an extensive coast line along the Pacific Ocean, along which may be found Salina Cruz, one of the termini of the Tehuantepee R. R., Puerto Angel, and other harbors. The capital had 32,641 inhabitants in 1895 and is an interesting city. The State of Puebla in the central portion of the Republic is most important, especially on account of its manufacturing and agri- cultural interests. It has an area of 12,207 square miles and a popula- tion of 1,024,446 inhabitants. Its capital bears the same name and had 91,917 inhabitants in 1895. and is a large commercial center and a handsome city. The State of Queretaro, though one of the smallest of the Re- public, is very rich in agriculture and mining, and its commercial and industrial interests are in flourishing condition. It has an area of 3,558 square miles and a population of 228,489 inhabitants. Its capital, bearing the same name, is historically most interesting, and had in 1895 a population of 32,790 inhabitants. The State of San Luis Potosi, also one of the central states, is rich in mining and agriculture, while its industries are rapidly in- creasing in importance. It has a population of 582,486 inhabitants, and an area of 25,323 square miies. Its capital has the same name, is an attractive city, and had in 1900 a population of 61,009 inhabitants. The State of Sinaloa has an extensive sea coast line on the Paciflc Ocean, a population of 296,109 inhabitants, an area of 33,681 square miles, and is rich in agricultural and mining resources. Its leading port is Mazatlan, and its capital Cnliacan, which in 1895 had a popu- lation of 14,205 inhabitants. The State of Sonora is the second in extent and has an area of 76,922 miles. Its population is 220,553 inhabitants. It is on the border of the United States, and its eastern portion is washed by the Gulf of California. Its soil is very fertile and it has vast mineral resources. Its leading port is Guaj^mas and its capital Ilermosillo. which had in 1900 a population of 17,618 inhabitants. The State of Tabasco lies on the southeastern part of the Re- public and borders on Guatemala. It has large rivers and its agri- cultural resources are verj^ great. Its area is 10,075 square miles and The Federal District^ the States^ and the Temtories has a population of 158,107 inhabitants. The capital city of this state is San Juan Bautista, which has a population of iO,543 inhabitants. The State of Tamaulipas occupies one of the most beautiful sec- tions of the Republic, and is one of the border states, and has an ex- tensive coast on the Gulf of Mexico. Its principal source of wealth is agriculture, and its mineral resources are scarcely developed. With an area of 32,585 square miles, it contains only 218,948 inhabitants. Its leading sea ports are Matamoros and Tampico, while its capital is Ciudad Victoria, with a population of 10,086 inhabitants, according to the census of 1900. The State of Tlaxcala is the smallest in size in the Eepublic, and it has merely 1,595 square miles, with a population of 172,217 inhabi- tants. It is essentially an agricultural state. Its capital city bears the same name and had in 1895 a population of 2,874 inhabitants. The State of Veracruz, considered the richest in the Republic, has an area of 29,210 square miles and a population of 960,570 inhabitants. It is one of the most important commercial sections of the Republic, and has an extensive coast along the Gulf of Mexico, its chief ports being Veracruz, Tuxpan, and Coatzacoalco. Its capital is Jalapa, with a population in 1895 of 18,173 inhabitants, but both Orizaba and Veracruz are larger cities in said state. The State of Yucatan, so celebrated for its production of fibrous plants, is a peninsula with an area of 35,214 square miles and a popu- lation of 312,264 inhabitants. Its foreign trade is carried on almost, exclusively throug'h the port of Progreso. Its capital city is Merida, which had a population in 1895 of 36,720 inhabitants. The iStattyof Zacatecas, with an area of 24,764 square miles and a population of 462,886 inhabitants, is one of the most leading central states in the Republic. It cannot be classed as an important agricul- tural section of the Republic, but its mining resources are vast, while its commerce is very large. Its capital and leading- citj'^ had a pojju- lation in 1900 of 32,856 inhabitants. The two territories of the Republic are Baja (Lower) California, a peninsula bordering on the United States, with an area of 58,345 square miles and a population of 47,082 inhabitants; and Tepic, which formerly was part of the State of Jalisco, having- an area of 11,279 square miles and a population of 149,677 inhabitants. The leading city of the former is La Paz, a sea port, with a popiilation in 1895 of 4,737, and the capital of the later bears the name of the territory, and in 1900 had a population of 15,488 inhabitants. The Mexican Government Building: Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition VII Mineral Resources The Mexican Republic is considered by many as the richest min- ing- country in the world, and as Baron Humboldt very well ex- pressed it, Mexico is probably to be "the treasure house of the world." Nearly all her niountains are of a metalliferous character, but those which appear richest in mining deposits are on the western chain, ex- tending from the State of Oaxaca to that of Sonora, a distance of 1,600 miles, more or less, from northwest to northeast. The principal mining- reg-ions of the Eepublic and the states in which they are re- spectivelj^ situated are the following: Peras, State of Oaxaca; Zacual- pan, State of Mexico; Guanajuato, State of Guanajuato; Zacatecas, State of Zacatecas; Catorce, State of San Luis Potosi; Topia and Mapimi, State of Durango; Sierra Mojada, State of Coahuila; El Tri- unfo and Santa Rosalia, Territory of Lower California; Chihuahua and Batopilas, State of Chihuahua. Besides the above, there are others of sufficient importance to be found in the States of Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, Aguascalientes, Guerrero, etc.; in fact no state of the Republic can be considered as wanting in mineral resources. Gold was used freely in Mexico long- before the Spanish conquest and it is well known that Cortez and his companions obtained large amounts of that precious metal. Althoug-h the production of g-old has so far been comparatively small, because silver mining had yielded larg-er profits, and Mexico had been an undeveloped country in so far as many industries are concerned, the output of the yellow metal has increased during- the last few years in a very noticeable manner, and in 1899 there were eig'hty-nine g-old producing- mines in the Re]Dublic and three hundred and eighty-five mines yielding- gold in combination with other metals. The leading- states where gold is being- produced are Sonora, Sinaloa, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. The following- figures show the most progressive increase in the production of said precious metal in the Republic: 1892-1893 $1,269,907 1893-1894 $1,244,621 1894-1895 $4,744,542 1895-1896 $6,864,806 1896-1897 $7,218,836 1897-1898 $7,726,006 1898-1899 $8,339,882 1899-1900 $7,823,701 A Few Facts About Mexico The pi-ofl notion of silver represents over one-third of the total ■output of the world, according to official statistics. In 1899 there were in operation in the Repviblic two hundred and fifty-six silver mines and four hundred and twenty-one mines yielding- silver in com- bination with other metals. The g-reat g-roup of mines in Guanajuato, Zacatecas, and Catorce, have produced more than half of all the silver heretofore found in Mexico, but there are other districts, such as Pachuca and Batopilas, that are immensely rich in their production of the white metal. The annual average production of silver in Mexico from 1892 to 1896 amounted to $56,311,864. A like yearly average from 1896 to 1900 was $68,592,540. Iron is found in very large and extensive deposits in the Republic and if even partially utilized, it would bring great wealth to the coun- try. One of the largest mines of this metal, called "Cerro del Mer- •cado" near the City of Durango is almost a solid mass of mineral, and is 4,800 feet long, 1,100 feet wide and about 640 feet in height. In 1899 there were twelve iron mines in operation in the Republic and eighty- one mines containing it in combination with other metals. Copper is now being produced in considerable quantities in Mexico, and some of it is exported to the United States and Europe. One of the largest group of mines of that class is the Boleo in Lower California, exploited by a French company. The total yield of that metal in the Rep.ublie amounted in 1899 to the sum of $11,443,733. As far as quicksilver is concerned, its production is not sufficient for the requirements of the country. In 1899 the yield of that metal amounted to $396,451. Although large coal deposits have been found and are exploited in the Republic, its supply is far inadequate to the demand. Since 1881 large deposits of that product have been worked in Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Sonora, Puebla, and other states. Asphaltum and liquid petroleum are to be found in deposits scat- tered here and there throughout the Republic, but until recently they have not been worked to any great extent. Lead mines yielded over $4,000,000 in metal during 1899, while there were about thirty mines in the same year which produced anti- mony. Tin and cinnabar can also be found in abundance in several states. In order to give an idea of the great mineral wealth of Mexico, we present the following table which shows the number of mining properties on which taxes were paid during April, 1901, although of course some of them were not in active operation. Gold alone 995 Gold and silver 2,411 Gold, silver, and lead 266 Silver alone 4,181 Silver and copper 340 Silver and lead 1,743 Mercury 123 6o Mineral Resources Sulphur 57 Gold and copi3er 130 Gold, silver, and copper 253 Silver, copper, and lead 94 Copper 412 Copper and lead 8 Copper and iron 69 Lead 37 Iron 126 Antimonv 71 Tin ." 7 Silver and manganese 8 Silver and mercury 4 Manganese 6 Zinc 1 There are in the Eepublic besides, several valuable deposits of salt rock crystal, jasper, marble, splendid building* stone, and the beautiful onyx, so well appreciated and liked in this country. There are likewise deposits of various precious stones such as opals, ame- thyst, topaz, agate, emerald, and g-arnet. In order to form a still more complete idea of the product of precious metals in the Eepublic, we herein append some official data reg-arding- the exportation of metals and the coinage of the Mexican mints. Beforehand we may state that in 1899 the output of all the mines- was estimated at $89,044,906, and that they gave employment to 106,536 persons. From Jiily, 1899, to April, 1900, the total value of the precious metals brought to the mints and assay offices of the Feder- ation was $52,754,426.35, of which $49,066,353.67 were in silver and $3,688,066.68 in gold. For the ten corresponding months of the next fiscal year, viz., from July, 1900, to April, 1901, the corresponding- values were $4,910,272.62 gold and $48,759,834.90 silver, or a total of $53,670,107.52. a noticeable increase in that period over the preceding^ one. As to coinage we will say that from 1889-1899, a period of ten years, the mints of the Eepublic issued gold coins to the value of $4,498,589.50, silver coins amounting to $242,614,315.60, and copper coins. to the value of $741,277.96, the total coinage for the period of ten years being $247,854,183.06, or say an average of $24,785,418 per year. It may be further stated that since the establishment of the mints in the Eepublic up to 1899, the grand total of coinage has amounted to $3,577,183,500.14. The mineral products of all kinds exported from the Eepublic for a period of ten months terminating in April, 1900, amounted to $68,793,- 279 in value, while the exportation of the same products for a like period of ten months terminating in April, 1901, gave a total value of $83,596,192.58. The above data fullj'' prove to any unprejudiced mind the greatness of the mineral resources of the Mexican Eepublic, as well as the in- crease that the iDroduction of metallic substances is there attaining. vni Agriculture The wonderful fertility of the soil of the Mexican EeiDublic is well known, and it may be truly stated that everything that may be culti- vated can be raised in that country with great profit to the agricul- turist. Owing to its peculiar geographical situation, and orography, Mex- ico should be divided into three agricultural zones or regions, which may be designated as the sugar cane and rubber region in the low- lands, the coffee region in the temperate lands, and the section yield- ing the European cereals, which comprises the central j)lateaus. According to an article in the "Corn Eeporter" of the Agricultural Department of the United States in its issue for June, 1901, Mexico ranks third among the corn-growing countries of the world, its total crops being exceeded onlj^ by those of the United States and Aiistria- Hungary. This most abundant cereal grows almost everjnvhere in the Eepublic, and in some places three crops of it are raised everj- year. Wheat and the other cereals are produced, but not in such abund- ance as corn. Still the tables hereinafter inserted, will show the im- portance of this production. Mexican coffee is now well known, and in the last few years the number of plantations have increased, and it is claimed that in time Mexico will be able to supply more of that product to the markets of the world than all other countries combined, save onljr Brazil. The production of cocoa is now increasing every jear, while sugar cane, notwithstanding- the great competition to which it has been subjected owing- to the increase in the production of sugar beets, still is an inexhaustible source of wealth in Morelos, Veracruz, Puebla, Jalisco, and other states of the Eepublic. Mexican tobacco now holds its place among the first in the world, and since 1868 the plant has been cultivated on an extensive scale. Cotton has been raised in Mexico from the most remote times, and the Aztecs well knew and practised the art of cotton spinning. Al- though the soil and climate are suited to the production of this fiber, Mexico has to import that staple, as its output is not sufficient to supply the great demands of its factories. There are several cotton belts in the Eepublic, which are situated in Sonora, Sinaloa, Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Veracruz, and other states. Vanilla, cochineal, and alfalfa are also products which are suc- cessfully raised in Mexico. In so far as fibers are concerned, the territorj^ of Mexico stands pre-eminent for the richness and abundance of such products. The A Few Facts About Mexico exportation of heniquen, jute, and other fibers, reaches everj^ year enormous figures, and the traffic in them is a source of wealth to Yucatan. Campeche, Sinaloa, Oaxaca, Cliiaxias, and other states. Among" fiber plants we cannot forego mentioning- the ag-ave or mag-uey, which grows most abundantlj^ on the plateaus, and j'ields a great variety of products from its leaAes, roots, and juice, it being claimed that about forty different articles are manufactured from said plant. Among these we may mention pulque, a beverage made from the fermented juice, which is consumed in very large quantity in the City of Mexico and neighboring- towns. Mescal or tequila is another alcoholic drink, which is largelj' produced principall}' in the states of Jalisco and Coahuila. About one-fourth of the territory of Mexico is covered with num- berless trees and woods for dyeing" and construction purposes, and medicinal plants are also to be found throughout the Eepublic. Ma- hogany, ebony, rose, cedar, oak, and walnut, and other trees of a similar class, are cut yearly and make a large item in the exportation of the country. Chewing gum and rubber are also valuable products of the Ee- public and are successfully obtained in the states of Campeche, Chia- pas, Jalisco. Oaxaca, Puebla, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Yucatan, and the Territory of Tepic. The climate of the high xilateaus is well adapted with the aid of irrigation for the cultivation of all fruits; there we find apples, peaches, pears, figs, and apricots produced in abundance. On the slope of the Gulf of Mexico and of the Pacific Ocean we find the region which produces tropical fruits, such as bananas, pineapples, mameyes. chirimoyas, oranges, limes, etc. Of these onlj-^ the orange is cultivated for export. Of vegetables there is abundant production, though witli few exceptions they are consumed in the home market. The flora of Mexico is extensive, brilliant, and varied. All kinds of flowers are to be found everywhere, and roses, carnations, begonias, camellias, etc., may be procured at the -City of Mexico and other cities of the Republic at most reasonable prices. Cacti and orchids are abundant, and large quantities of them are exported annually. We now will make refei"ence of some statistical data, which will undoubtedly prove the importance and magnitude of the agricultural resources of the Mexican Eepublic. These data we take from the latest "Anuario Estadistico de la Eepublica ISlexicana," issued in 1900 by the Department of Public Pro- motion, and corresponding to the year 1S99. Undoubtedly they under- rate the yearly production of agricultural products, owing to the lack of pi-oper officials to collect information in some localities, and to the desire of land owners to conceal the extent of these products for the purposes of avoiding taxation. Duiino- said vear 1809, the total value of agricultural products. Agfriculttire fermented drinks, and medicinal plants in the Eepnblic was as fol- lows: Rice $ 2,209,021 Barley 5,591,533 Indian corn 72,807,205 Wheat 17,607,924 Chickling vetch 427,997 Beans 7,847,898 Chick-peas 1,687,439 Lima beans 1,136,485 Lentils 98,647 Sweet potatoes 369,898 Huacamote 49,834 Potatoes 1,387,973 Green peppers 2,420,563 Dried peppers 1,960,307 Sugar 13,283,338 Brown sugar 5,022,500 Molasses 2,246,450 Sesame seed 45,502 Peanuts 344,674 Linseed 172,585 Eum 15,748,558 Pulque 6,196,703 Unfermented pulque 9,292,578 Heniquen : 33,227,203 Ixtle 808,621 Cotton 4,679,628 Grape brandy 139,064 Grape wine 307,225 Indigo 35,826 Brazil 145,656 Campeachey 266,507 Cascalote 59,092 Tanning bark 1,557,091 Cocoa r 689,907 Coffee 11,065,657 Tobacco 2,038,897 Vanilla 868,967 Chewing gum 502,471 India rubber 272,821 Mezquite gum 9,523 Cocoa gum 9,062 Jalap 15,830 Sarsaparilla 7,464 The exportation of agricultural products is quite large, the aggre- gate value of such exportation being $4,046,854.41 for April, 1901, the latest month whereof reliable statistical data are at hand. The prin- cipal items of such exports were coffee, woods, tobacco, heniquen, and ixtle. 6r A Few Facts About Mexico Furthermore, we will state that the aggregate values of the expor- tation of aericultural products for the iiseal years beginning with 1892-93 and ending with 1S99-1900, were as follows: 1S92-93 $24,S5S,SS7 1893-94 26,689,978 1S94-90 27,999,998 1895-9 ■. 25.907,196 1896-97 28,684.389 1897-98 34,743,290 1898-99 40,371,661 1899-1900 50,939,474 Thus in eig-ht years the exportation of agricultural products has more than doubled. The figures above given more than sufficiently attest the growth and prosperity of Mexican agriculture. General View Exterior of Ag-rictilture Exhibit Agriculture Building Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition IX Manufactures Mexico cannot be classed among the manufacturing countries, and until some years ago only raw materials were supposed to be prodaced and raised successfully in the Eepubllc. However, about ten years ago the country entered into an era of industrial prosperity, and manu- facturing sprang up everywhere throughout the land. This was due to the permanent peace the country is enjoying, the increase in its railroad mileage, the wise and enlighted administration of public af- fairs, the liberal laws enacted to encourage foreign capital, and other causes, among which the depreciation of silver may be set down as an all important one. Cotton factories are to be found in various states, some with most extensive plants and employing a large number of operatives. In Julji 1900 there were 134 of such factories in active operation throughout the Kepublic, which gave employment to 27,767 persons; their sales during the fiscal year terminating July 30, 1899, amounted to the sum of $18,460,348.19. The profits of some of those factories reached as high as forty per cent per annum on the investment. Woolen mills are also established in various states as Aguascalien- tes, Duraugo, Guanajuato, Puebla, and others, and there splendid woolen blankets and cassimeres are made. The zarapes, or woolen blankets, have achieved considerable reputation, especially those of Saltillo and San ]\ligue]. Silk weaving may be considered as a growing industry, which ia time will become most important. Already, manufactured articles from Mexican silks have found quick sales. The jute manufactured products, such as cordage, ropes, sacks, etc., are daily finding great favor. Paper mills are profitable investments owing to this industry be- ing protected by the tariff. The oldest paper mill in the Eepublic is situated at Cocolapan, near Orizaba, but the more modern mills in the Federal District, Puebla, Jalisco, etc., have greatly improved this industry. There are many flour mills in the Eepnblic, but their output is not sufficient to supply the local demand. Hammock making is one of the industries, which, especially in Yucatan, has attained considerable proportions, and a great part of the product is exported to the United States. There are a great many foundries m the Eepublic, and some of them turn out excellent work. It may be here appropriate to state A Few Facts About Mexico that the government has a large arsenal and gun foundry at the capi- tal, where arms and all kinds of first class munitions of war are made. Though tyi3e founding is in its infancy, we may say that printing ma- terials are made for home consumption, though the g-reater part of the type in use is imported. Perhaps one of the industries which is more generally carried on in every state is that of pottery manufacture. The leading cities in that industry are Guadalajara, Puebla, Zacatecas and Guanajuato. Crockery for table use is also manufactured in Mexico, and glassware likewise to some extent. The manufacture of acids and chemical compounds is attaining great imj)ortance, especialh^ in the Federal District. Cliocolate, which is a favorite beverage throughout Mexico, is manufactured in establishments, some of which have large capital invested in this industry. Tanneries exist in manj' places and the leather made is of good quality. Mexican workers in leather have gained a well-deserved repu- tation for the articles they manufacture, saddles especially. The City of Leon is one of the principal centers of this industry. The collection and exportation of hides, skins, and leathers is an industry w'hich has attained considerable importance. The manufacture of felt hats is carried on in all cities, while straw and x^alm hats are made everywhere in the Eepublic. The arti- cles turned out at some hat factories in the cities of Mexico, Puebla, and Guadalajara can well compete with the best imported articles of a si^nilar character. There are several furniture factories in the Kepublic, but the de- mand for such articles is so great that large quantities are j^early imported. Rubber factories, electrical plants, soap, brick, artificial stone, var- nish, and starch factories are already established and yearly their number increase, as the demand for their output is very large, and the profit derived from their establishment is so alluring and solid. Several smelting- works are now in operation, and the capital in- vested in them amounts up to millions, of dollars. Cigar and cigarette factories are numerous, especially in the states of Puebla, Guanajuato, Veracruz, and the Federal District. This in- dustry is a most xjrofitable one. From July, 1900, to April, 1901, inclu- sive, a period of ten months, there were manufactured in the Eepublic 5,019,820 kilograms of cigarettes, and the number of cigars made was 95,534,544. In April, 1901, there were 745 cigar and cigarette factories in the Republic. The raj)id advancement of this industry is shown by the notable increase in the taxes paid by the factories to the govern- ment. The amount so paid for the fiscal year 1896-97 was $1,161,480.12; for 1897-98, $1,280,729.52; for 1S9S-99, $1,395,212.17, and for 1899-1900, $1,551,447.15. Manufactures Beer and ale manufacturing is also making rapid strides, and in 1899 there were seventy-two factories of that beverage in the Eepublic. During the fiscal year of 1898-99, there were 2211 establishments devoted to the manufacture of spirits from maguey, grapes, sugar cane, grains, etc., and their output was 39,311,731 liters. The pearl industry is quite important in the Territory of Lower California; while sponge, abalone, and other shells are collected in various parts of the Republic; tortoise fishing having also become an industry of some importance. Mexico is known the world over for the success attained by its people in what may be styled distinctively Mexican industries, such as drawn work, filigree jewelry, feather work, rag and wax figure, tecali fruits, paper weights, inkstands, etc. Such articles now find a ready market abroad, and their exportation is yearly increasing. The raising of cattle is another most important industry in the Eepublic, and in the northern states and Veracruz and Michoacan great advancement has been made in that line. During the year 1899, there were slaughtered for home consumption 764,935 cattle, 790,148 sheep, 617,124 goats, and 659,334 hogs, no refer- ence being had to the consumption of the states of Chihuahua and Chiapas, as the information relative to the same was not at hand when the above totals were prepared. During the six months com- prised from January to July, 1900, the exportation of live stock from the Eepublic was as follows: 1,904 horses, valued at $ 67,000 1,331 sheep and goats, valued at 45,002 647 hogs, valued at 3,575 725 mules, valued at 34,160 83,759 cattle, valued at 2,203,075 The above figures show how large is the exportation of Mexican cattle. During that same period, the value of the importation of ani- mals of all kinds to the Eepublic only amounted to $246,291. Let us finally say that manufacturing industries in Mexico have received lately a great impetus through the utilization of water power under liberal concessions from the Federal Government. X Commerce and Finance The growth of Mexican coniiiierce since the advent of General Diaz to the presidency, and especially since the year 1893, has been reallj' wonderful. The official figures as to exportations of the Re- public, and the increase in the revenues of the government, without additional taxation, as well as the great increment of Avealth through- Dut the countrj', plainly' and unequivocally corroborate that state- ment. The duties collected for importations since 1893, paid in Mexican silver, of course, were as follows: Year 1893-94 $15,313,926.59 " 1891-95 17,738,129.66 " 1895-96 21,492,211.91 " 1896-97 21,481,225.93 " 1897-98 20,963,442.63 " 1898-99 26,443,847.66 " 1899-1900 27,696,979.06 "While the value of such importations declared in gold, was as follows: 1893-94 . .$30,287,489 1894-95. 34,000,400 1895-96 42.253,938 1896-97 42.204,095 1897-98 43,603,492 1898-99 50,869,194 1899-1900 50,869,194 1899-1900 61,318,175 Thus it is that the value of the imx^ortations has doubled in a period of seven years. If we now examine the figures relative to the values of the article sent abroad by Mexico, we will notice the same rapid increase. The total exportations, which were declared in Mexican silver, were as follows: 1893-94 $ 79,343,287 1894-95 90,854,953 1895-96 105,016,902 1896-97 111,346,494 1897-98 128,972,749 1898-99 148,453,834 1899-1900 ; 158,247,933 These last figures likewise show that the exportations have doubled in the said period of seven years. Let us now examine into the class of articles which are mostly imported into the Eepublic. and for that purpose we take the following- A Few Facts About Mexico official figures corresponding to tlie fiscal year of 1899-1900. They are as follows: Animal industry $4,359,933 Ag-ricultural products 8,367,184 Metals and their manufacture 16,555,522 Fabrics (cotton, wool, etc.) 9,928,361 Chemical products, drugs, oils, and paints 2,450,028 Wines, liquors, fermented and unfer- mented drinks 2,809,986 Paper and its manufactures 2,126,630 Machinery and apparatus 9,843,880 Carriages and wagons 1,392,847 Arms and explosives 1.715,575 Sundries 1,768,239 Total $61,318,175 The exportations in that fiscal year may also be distributed as follows: Metals and their manufactures $ 84,988,592 Vegetable products 50,939,474 Animal industry 10,633,713 :Manufactured articles 2,813,687 Sundries 680,914 To which is to be added the premium on the gold exported... 8,191,573 Total $158,247,933 During that same year the countries whose c<:finraerce was most active with ^Mexico, were the following: Countries. Importations. Exportations. United States and colonies. $31,026,435 $116,105,935 England and colonies 10.973,757 12.659,757 France and colonies 6,763.398 6.637,765 Germany 6,673.846 5,049,487 Cuba 49.637 5,882,029 Spain 2.919.162 912,173 Belgium 802.374 1,926,103 Italy 463,224 83,657 Austria 414,983 30,000 Holland and colonies 189.511 237,912 Guatemala 32,849 238,996 Thus it may be said that over half of the imported articles Mexico receives come from the United States, and that the latter country ab- sorbs about thi-ee-fourths of the exports of the Mexican Republic. During- the said fiscal year the arrivals and departures of vessels at Mexican ports, whether doing an international traffic or coastwise trade, was as follows: Arrivals — Steamers 5.232 " Sailing vessels 3.815 Total 9,047 7* Commerce and Finance Departures — Steamers 5,112 " Sailing vessels 3,801 Total 8,903 And the tonnage of the merchandise carried by said vessels was: Exportation 1,076,676 tons Importation 412,985 " Coastwise trade 350,985 " Total 1,840,646, tons The traffic by rail along the northern frontier, that is, to and from the United States, was the following during said fiscal year of 1899-1900: Arrivals 47,592 cars, carrying 645,953 tons Departures. 24,471 cars, carrying 242,550 tons If we now look into Mexican finances, we may state without fear of contradiction that their present condition is most prosperous and satisfactory. In the able report presented by Secretary Limantour to the Chamber of Deputies in December, 1900, we find the following state- ment as to the revenues of the fiscal year of 1899-1900, subdivided into four groups or classes: I. Foreign Commerce Taxes. Import duties $27,696,979 . 06 Export duties 872,996.00 Two per cent for port investments 550,963.74 Special port taxes 419,718.32 Sailing licenses 704 . 00 Pilot's dues 17,483.05 Health office receipts 77,157 .51 Consular fees 298,173 . 67 Consular and diploiriatic certificates abroad 11,617 . 69 Total $29,945,793 . 04 II. Interior Federal Taxes. Stamp tax comprising — Eegular stamps $8,968,326 . 33 Federal tax 6,401.755 . 51 Seven per cent on imports 2,086,977 . 69 Mining tax 814,044 . 20 Three per cent on gold and silver . . . 2,309,239.20 Eeal estate tax 10,063 . 00 Manufactured tobacco 1,395,212.17 Spirits 880,926 . 93 Cotton yarn and fabrics 1,367,660.98 Sundries 96,439 . 29 Mintage dues and charges 1,367,660.98 Patent and trade mark dues 6,520.00 Total $26,201,406.14 A Few Facts About Mexico III. Interior, District and Territorial Taxes. Direct taxes on real estate, professions, business houses, flour and pulque.. $2,947,393.34 Inheritance tax 332,921.66 Other taxes 315.91 Total $3,280,630.91 lY. Public Services and Minor Sources. Postal service $1,860,105.86 Telegraph service 1,087,520 . 34 Tehuantepec Railway 106,025 . 80 Lottery' and sundries 1,779,594.30 Total $4,833,246.30 The above gives a grand total of revenue of $64,261,076.39 for the said fiscal year. The proa'ressive increase in the revenues of the Mexican Govern- ment has been as follows: Fiscal vear 1895-96 $50,521,470.42 '" 1896-97 ■ 51,500,628.75 " " 1897-98 52.697,981.55 " 1898-99 60,139,212.84 " 1899-1900 64,261,076.39 The estimated expenditures for the .year 1900-01, as proposed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and then modified by the Chamber of Deputies in jMay, 1901, are as follows: Legislative power $1,130,983.30 Executive power 183,986.84 Judicial power 537,368.20 Department of Foreign Kelatioas 755,127.25 Department of the Interior 4,852,778.10 Department of Justice and Public In- struction 2,889,677.50 Department of Promotion, Colonization and Industry 996.686.16 Department of Communications and Public Works 8,699,840.09 Department of Finance and Public Credit 28,205,411.55 Department of War and Navy 14,023,242 . 84 Total $62,275,101 . 83 Since 1895, there has always been a balance left in the treasury at the end of every fiscal year after all expenses have been paid. The accumulated balances at the end of the fiscal year of 1899-90 amounted to the large sum of $31,799,921.14. These figures satisfactorily prove the healthy condition of the public treasury in the Mexican Eepublic. The public debt of Mexico was as follows at the end of the fiscal year of 1899-1900: i» Front View of Manofacttires Exhibit Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building M«sico at th« Pan-American E:spos(tion / Commierce and Finance Debt payable in gold $115,178,612.00 Debt payable in silver 123,118,982.20 Floatins" debt paj'able in silver and bearing no interest 1,015,836.24 $239,313,430.44 The interest on the pnblic debt has always been punctually paid, even in those years, now fortunately gone by, when some difficulties were experienced in meeting all the expenses of the government. The foreign gold bearing debt, through a skillful operation of the Secretarjr of the Treasury, was lately converted into a five per cent loan, w'hile formerly the g-overnment securitie-s issued on account of said debt were bearing- six per cent. In connection with the finances of the country, we may take a cursory glance into coinage, currency, and banking in Mexico. Owing to the liberal provisions of the laws of Mexico, the production of precious metals has greatly increased. A portion of the output of the mines is exported, while the rest, with exception of whatever may be used in the arts, is coined at the various mints of the Ee- public. These were first established in 1537. Up to seven years ago there were thirteen mints in the country, but owing to increased facilities for the transportation of bullion and for other reasons, the number of s^i ch e stabli shmen ts has been reduced to four; one is situated at the City of ]\[exico; another at Guanajuato; a third one at Zacatecas; and still' another at Culiacan. Besides these, there are g-overnment assay offices at various other cities of the Republic. During the fiscal j-ear of 1899-1900 the coinage effected by the mints amounted to $18,723,726, while the value of the exportation of gold, silver, and copper in money, bars, ai-id in ores, amounted to $80,888,926. Practicallj^ there is no g'old in circulation in the Republic, the circulating medium being silver and copper fractionary coins and bank notes issued by banks duly authorized for such purposes. Their paper is not legal tender, and it is covered by large deposits of coins. The g-overnment issues no paper money. On the 30th day of April, 1901, there were twent^'-four banks in operation in the Republic, duly organized under the banking laws. Their financial standing was as follows: ASSETS. Unsubscribed capital $5,452,450.00 Cash on hand . . ." 56,429,472.46 Bills receivable 91,712,252.36 Loans and pei-sonal properly 34.474,676.29 Hypothecary loans ". 10,076,450.89 Loans on real estate 3,027,436.59 Public funds 3,070,324.35 Current debts or accounts 52,115,844.85 Real estate 1,953,235 . 47 Total $258,312,143.24 8.S A Few Facts About Mexico LTABILITlEvS. Authorized capital $77,a00,00O.00 Bills in circulation 61,855,281.25 Mortg^age bonds in circulation S, fill, 600. 00 Ca.sh bonds in circulation 709,300.00 Sio-ht deposits 4.317,265.25 Other deposits 6,795,876.05 Current credit accounts S4.998.9r)S.10 IJeserve fund 10,271.335.93 Surplus fund 2,452,516.66 Total $258,312,143.24 The four princii^al banks of the Eepublic are the National Bank of :Mexico, the International and Mortgage Bank, the London and Mexico Bank and the Central Bank, having- their main offices at the City of Mexico and branch offices in different cities of the Republic. The oldest banking institution is the Monte de Piedad (National Loan Office), AVhich was established in 1775. In former times itcouliissue- notes^— ft4: pvc.^ »»nt it merely effects loans on pledges, at moderate rates of interest, under supervision of the government, and does a business of more than $1,000,000, distributed among 60,000 persons. The banking institutions now in operation in the Eepublic are in a most flourishing condition, but the demand for increased facili- ties are so i^reat and legal provisions relative to such institutions are of so liberal a nature, that new banks are being established in various parts of the Eeijublic. and the business of the old ones is increasing very rapidly. 84 XI Means of Communication It was in 1873 that the entire line of the Mexican Eailway, from Veracruz to the City of Mexico/was inaugairated; but what may be called the "railroad era" of the Mexican Eepublic did not really begin until General Diaz became President, in 1876. From 1877 to 1882 Mexico constructed more miles of railways than any other Latin American country, and thereafter the increase in railroad mileag-e has been steady and uninterrupted. At the end of 1896 there were 11,469 kilometers of road, or 7,053 miles, while at the present time the railway lines aggregate 15,454 kilometers, or say 9,600 miles. In 1897 the number of passengers car- ried was 27,470,296; in 1898, 30,809,624; and in 1899, 36,037,447; ^vhile the freight transported amounted in 1897 to 5,936,852 tons; in 1898 to 6,329,029 tons; and in 1899 to 7,267,067 tons. The gross earnings of the roads were $36,747,658.12 in 1897, $40,225,981.95 in 1898, and $46,374,334.94 in 1899. Most of the roads were built, after obtaining large subsidies from the Government, ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 per kilometer. At the present time, the railway system of Mexico connects the capital with the leading cities of the Eepublic, also with some of the most important seaports on the Gulf of Mexico, and with the United States. In point of fact now the trip by rail from B\ifealo, New York or Washington to the City of Mexico, or other principal Mexican cities, is as rapid, safe, commodious and agreeable as a trip to some of the western cities or those of the Pacific Coast of the United States. The leading railways of the Eepublic are: The Mexican Eailway, broad-gauge, which, as already stated, was the first road built in Mexico. It has branches to Puebla and Pachuea, and is considered one of the most picturesque roads in the world, especially the portion comprised between Veracruz and Ori- zaba. The Mexican Central is the longest road, the whole of the main line connecting El Paso, Texas, with the City of Mexico, was opened to traffic in April, 1884. Since then branches have been built to Guadalajara. Ameca, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, and Pachuea. It crosses some of the most important states, and reaches Chihuahua, Zacatecas, Aguascalie&tes^Leon, Trapuato, Celaya, Queretaro, Guada- lajara, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Pachuea, and other important cities. The Interoceanic Eailway is a narrow-gauge road which ulti- mately will connect Veracruz and Acapulco. It has completed the A Few Facts About Mexico road from Veracruz to the City of ]\[exico. passing through Puebla and Jalapa, and has built a portion from the capital towards Acapulco. The Mexican National Eailroad, also narrow-gauge, is the shortest line between the City of Mexico and the United States, which it enters at Laredo. Corpus Christi, Texas, is the northern terminus of the line. It has branches to Patzcuaro, El Salto, and other points. The Mexican International Eailway is a broad-gauge line, built w'ithout a subsidy, and commences at Ciudad Porfirio Diaz, opiiosite Eagle Pass, Texas. It reached Torreon in 1888, and was completed to the Cit3' of Durango in October, 1S92. It has also several branches. The IMonterey and Mexican Gulf Eailway, now owned by a Bel- gian company', extends from Trevino in the State of Coahuila and g'oes as far as Tamjiico, passing through ^lonterej' and Ciudad Vic- toria. The Mexico, Cuernavaca and Pacific Eailway, which also it is in- tended shall reach Acapulco, has gone beyond Cuernavaca, and is also considered a most picturesque road. In point of fact the scenery along most of the railroads in Mexico is most interesting and attrac- tive. The National Interoceanic Tehuantex^ec Eailroad connects the At- lantic and Pacific oceans at the Isthmus of Te huantepec , its termini being the Port of Salina Cruz on the 'Pacific Ocean and that of Coatzacoalcor on the Gulf of Mexico. It is being rebuilt and repaired by an English company, and the two ports mentioned are being im- proved at great expense. There are other railways, especialh'^ in the State of Yucatan, which might be described if our limited s^jace would permit it. All those lines, and the new ones to be constructed, are regulated by the new railway law promulgated Aj)ril 29, 1899. All the leading cities of the Eepublic have street car lines or tram- way's. These are very extensive in the Federal District, where electric traction was inaugurated in 1900. In December, 1898, there were over 501 kilometers of said tramway lines in the Eepublic. There is no state capital or fairly important town in ^Mexico which is not connected Ijv telegraph with the outside world. The telegraph services may be divided into federal telegraph lines, railway telegraphs, lines belonging to private individuals or companies, and state lines. On January ]. 1900, the entire telegraph system, in round numbers, was as follows: Kilometers. Federal lines 45,103 State lines 8,557 Private lines 3,690 Eailroad lines 11.198 Total 68,548 That is a grand total of over 68,500 kilometers, or 42,53S miles. S6 9<3 13* Means of Communication In December, 1900, the extension of the federal lines amounted to 45,740 kilometers and the increase in revenue from that branch of the service had been remarkable. The number of messages lately trans- mitted throug-h said lines had been: Fiscal year of 1896-97 1,559,450 Fiscal year of 1897-98 1,765,758 Fiscal year of 1898-99 1,978,280 Fiscal year of 1899-1900 2,241,859 Mexico has also an efficient cable service vi^hich places it in direct communication v\-ith the United States and Europe. ^ Telephone service in the Republic is excellent. On January 1, 1900, the total extent of the telephonic system in Mexico, in round numbers, was as follows: Kilometers. State citj lines 914 State suburban lines 7,040 Private city lines 3,740 Private suburban lines 6,630 Mexican Telephone Company 3,260 Eailroad telephones 1,739 Private suburban lines, for private use 7,005 Total 30,328 Thus giving- a total of 30,328 kilometers, or say 18,834 miles. ^ Since 1877 the establishment of steamship lines has been greatlj^ encouraged by granting special concessions or subsidies. In January, 1899, there were twenty-three steamship lines having contracts with the Government for carrying mails, of which eleven were Mexican, five American, four English, one Spanish, one German, and one French. The leading ports of the Eepublic are therefore in constant and rapid communication with the principal countries of Europe and America. The postal service in the Eepublic is now very efficient, and has been greatly improved from year to year. The following data will fully prove this statement: In 1896, there were 1,500 postoffices in the Eepublic, while in 1900 the number of such offices was 1,972. The movement of interior postal matter has been as follows: Pieces. Fiscal year, 1896-97 77,819,334 Fiscal year, 1897-98 86,821,020 Fiscal year, 1898-99 92,189,270 Fiscal year, 1899-1900 99,714,426 While the international postal service was as follows: Pieces. Fiscal year, 1896-97 23,48.3,863 Fiscal year, 1897-98 26,024,464 Fiscal year, 1898-99 30,256,582 Fiscal year, 1899-1900 34,922,683 S9 A Few Facts About Mexico The revenues of that branch of the public service have likewise in- creased, and were as follows: Fiscal year, 1896-97 $1,247.14-1.22 Fiscal year, 1897-98 1,407.17S.0.J Fiscal vear, 1898-99 1.596,477.10 Fiscal year, 1899-1900 ] .S71.09S.44 Of course, the service of certified letters, parcels, and postal money orders (the latter having- been extended to the United States in January, 1900,) is well established and gives most satisfactory results. The postal orders transmitted in the Eepublic during the fiscal year of 1896-97 amounted to $924,406.89; in 1897-98 to $1,212,217.82; in 1898-99 to $3,323,510.63; while in 1899-1900, they rose to $5,112,388.37. Finally, we may state that in December, 1900. the extension of all postal routes was 91,048 kilometers, or 56,540 miles. XII Public Instruction— Religion— Arts and Sciences— Army and Navy Public instruction has made rapid strides in the Mexican Eepublic .-luring- the past few years, and more especially since 1897, when the law making- compulsory education went into efPect. Under that law primary elementary education in the Federal District and the terri- tories was Dlaced under the exclusive control of the Executive, pre- paratory education was made irniform for all professions and profes- sional education Avas reorganized making- it only relate to such techni- cal matters as pertain to the professions to which each special estab- lishment is devoted. In the states the state g-overnments defray the expenses of public education either with funds appropriated for that purpose or with the funds of municipalities. The following- statistical data shows the condition of public educa tion throughout the Eepublic on January I, 1900: Number of schools 9 271 Students enrolled 669'941 Average monthlj' attendance 463^095 As to private educational establishments, we have the following rigures for that same date: Number of schools 2 560 Students enrolled 134'987 Average monthly attendance 103'955 The total expenses made for the support of federal, state and municipal schools in 1899 amounted to $4,720,062. The Federal Government, beside maintaining in the City of Mexico and in the territories a large number of primary normal schools, has under its control most important institutions for profes- sional education and technical schools. To those existing in the capi- tal of the Eepublic we shall now make passing reference. The National School of Medicine, whose organization dates back from 1768, is now housed in the building occupied by the Inquisition before the establishment of the Eepublic. This school has the repu- tation of being one of the best institutions of its class. The National School of Engineering, formerly called the School of Mines, partly occttpies the magnificent building which contains the of3fices of the Department of Promotion, and that was erected at a cost of three millions of dollars. This educational establishment is among the best A Few Facts About Mexico in the Latin-American Republics. The >»ational Conservatory oi Music and Elocution occupies the edifice of the first university in America, founded by the Spanish Kings in 1551. The National Acad- emy of Fine Arts, formerly called the Academy of San Carlos, stands where Fray Pedro de Grante established, in 1524, the first school of the New World. The National Preparatory School, with its numerous students, serves as the threshold to all professional studies. The National School of Jurisprudence is also one of the institutions which worthily fulfils the object of its org-anization. We may also mention the National School of Commerce and Administration, the School for the Blind, the School for the Deaf and Dumb, and several reformatory and industrial schools, etc., which fully demonstrate the extent and importance of professional education in the capital of the Eepublic. And here we may add that in the various states there are also public educational institutions where all may follow a professional career, free of charge, and under competent instrtictors. Among- other institutions pertaining to or connected with the branch of public education, we may state that on January 1. 1900, there were throughout the Republic thirty-three museums, one hun- dred and thirty-five libraries, fortj- scientific and literary associations and seven hundred and two periodical publications, distributed as follows: Federal District, 202; State of Aguascalientes, 8; Lower Cali- fornia, — ; Campeche, 4; Coahuila, 20; Colima, 11; Chiapas, 5; Chihua- hua, 29; Durango, 17; Guanajuato, 28; Guerrero, 3; Hidalgo, 4; Jalisco, 58; Mexico, 17; Michoacan, 36; Morelos, 4; Nuevo Leon, 21; Oaxaca. 11; Puebla, 25; Queretaro, 1; San Luis Potosi, 15; Sinaloa, 9; Sonora, IS; Tabasco, 18; Tamaulipas, 27; Tepic, 8; Tlaxcala, 1; Veracruz. 4S; Yucatan, 36; and Zacatecas 14. Of such publications six hundred and fifty-nine are printed in the Spanish language; twentj'-one in English; four in French; one in German; sixteen in English and Spanish; and one in several lang-uages; there being sixty-four dailies, three hundred and twenty-seven weeklies, one hundred and nineteen monthlies, and the rest published at various other stated periods. As is well known, the prevailing religion in the ISIexican Republic is the Roman Catholic, but there is no connection between church and state, and the Federal Constitution guarantees the free exercise of all religions. Many of the buildings erected by the Catholic clergy, both before and after tlie colonial period, are splendid specimens of architecture and their interiors are magnificently decorated, the cathedrals of the City of Mexico, of Puebla, of Guadalajara, and others, being among the most admirable structures of their class in the American continent^ Statistics show that there are 10,112 Catholic churches and chapels in the Republic and that the number of Pro- testant places of worship is 119. The army in Mexico has lately attained a high degree of discipline and efficiency, due to the proper re-organization given to it during the administration of President Diaz. Furthermore, the Department of Public Instruction — Religfion — Arts and Sciences, etc. War and Navy, under the able direction of Secretary Bernardo Eeyes, lias recently introduced many notable improvements in the service. In 1899 the personnel of the regular army was as follows: Generals 62 Commissioned officers 944 Non-commissioned officers 2,471 Soldiers 27,247 Total 30,724 The navy consists only of several gun boats, lighthouse dispatches aj:(I training ships. o GO O r-h xin Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners To the colonist, to the settler, and to the investor, some of the most important laws of Mexico are those which relate to the acquisi- tion of public lands, to colonization, and to patents and trade marks. It may therefore be not amiss to take a cursory g-lance at such legis- lation. All lands in the Eepublic which have not been duly dedicated to public use, or that have not been granted as a lien or for a pecuniary consideration to some individual or corporation authorized to acquire such property, are public lands, and any inhabitant of the Republic has the rig-ht to claina up to two thousand, five hundred hectares, and no more, of such lands, excepting- persons born in countries along- the boundaries of the Eepublic, and those naturalized therein, who cannot acquire them in the state bounded thereon. The Supreme Govern- ment publishes every two years the price of public lands in each state, district, and territory. The price of public lands is to be paid, two-thirds in cash and the rest in bonds of the public national or foreig-n debt. There are certain cases specified in the law in which a reduction may be made on the price of public lands. Owners of public lands are obliged to keep in some place within their property, and during ten years computed from the time when they were granted, an inhabitant at least for each two hundred hectares granted. Petitions for claims of public lands should be presented to the judge of first instance who has jurisdiction of federal cases in the judicial district wherein the public lands may be situated. When the petition is presented, the survey and plot shall be made by a professional ex- pert, or by a practical expert, if the former is wanting, who m^ay be appointed by the judge. After the survey and plat of the land shall have been made, an investig-ation shall take place at the office, under whose jurisdiction such public lands may be, to ascertain whether the Government is in full possession of the land claimed. If it should be, and no contestant appears, the adjudication and ownership of the property shall be decreed to the claimant, without further proceed- ings; but if there be a contestant, the judicial proceedings pending between the claimant and the contestant shall first be decided; a representative of the Federal Treasury to be likev\dse a party to such proceedings. If the Government should not have possession of the public lands, the claim or denouncement shall be published three times — once every ten days — in the newspapers and by notices fixed in A Few Facts About Mexico public places. If no contestant appears, the atljiidlcation of the prop- erty should be decreed, not as absolute proj)erty, but as bj' possessory title; but if a contestant appears, proper proceedings must be previ'Ouslv instituted as between the claimant and the contestant, a representative of the Federal Treasury likewise to appear as a party to the proceedings. A judicial decree relating to the adjudication or concession of public lands whether for possessory title or ownership, shall not be carried into effect until it is first approved by the Depart- ment of Public Promotion. When such approval is obtained, and tlie party concerned has presented a certificate showing that he has paid into the corresponding office the value of the land, in conformity with the price list or schedule of the two-year period within which the claim was made, the judge shall caiise to be delivered to him the land and the titles of ownership or possession. The adjudication and de- livery of possession g'ives ownership as well against the Government as against the contestants who may have appeared in the litigation; but as far as third parties are concerned the ownership in this class of jiidgments or adjudication, can onlj^ be acquired h\ limitation or other legal title. Any siispension in the proceedings instituted by virtue of the denouncement or claim, due to the fault of the claimant, whether it should consist in not making- the necessary expenses, in remaining absent without leaving an attorney under pay, in not pushing the proceedins's which should be instituted, or in any other way, shall give right to the contestant to ask that a time be set. which shall not exceed six days, within which such proceedings shall be prosecuted. If that is not done, it shall be decreed that the claim has been aban- doned and the dilatory claimant shall not be able to claim the same public lands ag-ain. If no motion is made by the contestant, the judge on his own motion shall set the time already mentioned. The expenses of measurements, survey, delivery of possession, and any other that may be incurred, shall be on account of the claimant. It may be stated that public lands are classified as follows: Lands of the first class are those which, owing to their situation and favorable elements for agriculture or operation of some industry, deserve to be considered as such; that is, lands adjoining towns of some importance, or to railroads, or rivers; those which may be irri- gated and are suitable for an easy and remunerative cultivation; those having trees of precious woods; those having orchilla or some dyeing productions, and those containing minerals or salts. Lands of the second class are those of a single crop, those that are naore distant than those of the first class from means of communication, and those that are suitable for cattle raising, or that can be rendered productive with little cost, be it for agriculture or for any other industry. And lands of the third class are those that, owing to their inferiority, be it throug-h the qualitj' of the land, or for their g'reat distance fiv)m Laws of Special Interest to Foreigfners meaixs of communication, or from the centers of consumption, or throug-h their situation exposed to iniindations, cannot be considered as comprised "within the first and second classes. The law of colonization contains equally liberal provisions. They are substantially as follows: In order to be considered a colonist and have the right to the franchises g-ranted by the law. it is necessary that the foreig-n immi- grant shall bring to the Kepublic a certificate of the consular ag-ent of immig-ration executed at the request of the very immig-rant, or of the companjr or corporation authorized bj^ the Executive to bring- colon- ists to the Republic. The petitioners must present certificates of the appropriate authorities, certifying* to their g-ood habits and the occu- pation which they may have followed before making their petition to be admitted as colonists. Colonists shall enjoy for a period of ten years, computed from the date of their establishment, the following exemptions: From military service; from all kinds of taxes, except municipal; from the duties of importation and interior dues on provisions, wherever there shall not be any, agricultural implements, tools, machines, materials of construction for dwellings, furniture in use, and animals for breeding and procreation purposes, intended for the colonies; from the expor- tation duties on the fruits that they maj^ gather; and from the pay- ment of fees for the legalization of signatures and issuance of pass- ports issued by consular agents. Such colonists are also entitled to premiums for notable labors and bounties and special protection for the introduction of new methods of cultivation or new industries. The Department of Public Promotion shall determine the amount and kind of articles that in each case may be introduced free from the Xjajanent of duties, and the Treasury Department shall reg-ulate the manner of making- the importations. Colonies shall be established under the municipal system, subject however as to the election of their authorities and as to the levjdng and collecting taxes, to the general laws of the Eepublic and of the states where they may be at the time. Every foreign immigrant who may settle in a colony shall declare, prior to his settling, before a federal agent of colonization or be- fore a competent notary or judge, whether he has the intention of preserving- his nationality, or whether he desires to be naturalized. Colonists shall be considered as having .all the rights and obligations that in their case the Federal Constitution grants or imposes on Mexicans and foreigners, and enjoy the temporary exemptions that the law gives them; but in all questions that may arise, they shall be subject to the decision of the courts of the Eepublic with the entire exclusion of any foreign interference. Colonists may acquire lands, not to exceed two thousand, five hun- dred hectares, under the following- conditions: A Few Facts About Mexico I. By sale, at the price of appraisement, made by the engineers and approved by the Department of Public Promotion, payable in installments in ten years, beg-inning from the second year after the establishment of the colonist. II. By sale, upon the payment of the full price in cash, or in shorter stated terms than those above stated. III. As a ffift. when the colonist shall demand it, but in that ease the amount of land shall not exceed one hundred hectares, nor shall he obtain the title of ownership unless he proves that he has held it in his possession and has cultivated the whole or not less than one-tenth of its extent during five consecutive years. Colonists who may abandon, without duly justified cause, for more than one year, and before they may have paid for, the lands that shall have been granted to them by sale, shall lose the right to said lands and to the portion of the purchase price that they may have advanced, and in case of the lands being granted as a gift, the right to a free title shall be lost, by abandoning the land or leaving it without culti- vation for a period of six months, without a justified cause. In places dedicated by the Federal Government to new towns, there shall be granted free one lot to the Mexican or foreign colonist who may wish to establish himself thereon, as founder, but he will not acquire the ownership of said lot until he shall justify that before the two years of his settlement he had built a dwelling thereon; other- wise he shall lose the right of ownership. The Executive may assist the colonists or immigrants, as deemed convenient, with reference to the expenses of their transportation and their baggage, and may provide them with tools, seeds, materials for construction, and animals for labor and breeding purposes. The Executive may authorize companies for the measurement, sur- vey, subdivision, appraisement, and description of public lands, and for the transportation of colonists and their settlement in the same lands. These companies shall always be considered as Mexicans and must have their place of domicile in some one of the cities of the Republic, without prejudice to their having offices abroad, and are obliged to establish a part of their Board of Directors in Mexico or to have one or more representatives in the Republic fully empowered to enter into agreements with the Executive and all questions that may arise between the Government and the companies shall be settled by the courts of the Republic and in conformity with its laws, without there being any rights of foreign diplomatic interference. The companies shall have similar privileges and franchises as those granted to individual colonists, and as are established in the law for coloniza- tion. In conformity with the law above described, which was approved December 15, 1883, the Department of Public Promotion issued on July 17, 1889, the regulations for the importation of articles belong- ing to colonists, which are extremely liberal. The law which regu- Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners lates the issuance of letters-patent for inventions was approved on June 7, 1890, and amended on June 2, 1896. Under said law any Mexican or foreigner, who is an inventor or improver of any industry or art or objects destined therefor, may obtain a patent, which may be granted for twenty years, but if the articles or processes patented are already protected by foreig-n patents, the term of its duration cannot exceed what may be wanting for the exciration of the first patent issued in favor of the petitioner. The term of the patent may be extended for five years at the discre- tion of the Executive. An invention or improvement cannot be con- sidered new under the law, if in Mexico or abroad, and prior to the petition for the patent, it may have received sufficient publicity, unless such publicity has been made by a foreign authority empowered to issue patents or the invention or improvement has been presented in expositions held in Mexico, or abroad. Inventions or iniprovemen.ts whose working shall be contrary to the laws forbidding them or to public security and scientific principles or discoveries of a merely speculative power, or that cannot be put into practice by means of a machine, apparatus, instruments, mechanical or chemical proceedings of a practical industrial character, shall not be patentable. The right of petitioning for a patent on objects or processes that may be protected by foreign patents can only be granted to the in- ventors or improvers or to their legitimate representatives. Appro- priation of patents for the piiblic good may be made under certain circumstances stated in the law, but always upon payment of a fair indemnity. In order to obtain a patent, application must be made therefor in due form to the Department of Public Promotion. The first applicant shall have in his favor the presumption of being the first inventor, and moreover enjoys the right of possession. Inventors, whether citizens or foreigners, who are unable to apply personally to the Department of Public Promotion, may appoint at- torneys-in-fact to act for them, both in obtaining the patent and in law suits and other matters relative thereto. Citizens and foreigners residing in the Eepnblic may appoint an attorney-in-fact by a common letter of authorization, but those residing abroad must grant a regular power of attorney duly registered. The petitions for the granting of letters patent shall be published in the Official Journal of the Federal Government, during a period of two months, and at intervals of ten days, and during that period in- terference proceedings may be instituted by any one with a view to prevent the granting of the patent, but after said period has elapsed no proceedings of interference •will be allowed. These proceedings can only be instituted on the ground that the alleged invention or improvement is not properly patentable under the provisions of the law, or that such invention or improvement had been taken from de- A Few Facts About Mexico scriptions, dravving-s, models, devices, apparatuses, or methods in- vented by another, or from processes already reduced to practice by another, or, in o-eneral, on the g'round that the applicant is not the original inventor or his legitimate assignee. If two or more persons claim the same invention, the first inventor shall be entitled to the patent, but if prioritj^ of invention cannot be determined the patent shall be granted to the first petitioner. If interference proceedings be instituted, the Department of Pub- lic Promotion summons the parties and endeavors to reconcile their couflicting claims, but if this is not obtained, the Department sus- pends all further executive proceedings and transmits all the proofs in the case to the jjroper judicial authority, and then the party insti- tuting the proceedings is allowed two months to make good his action in court, but if he fail to do so within that time his claim shall be dis- allowed. At the expiration of the period of two months alreadj^ mentioned and after the due payment of the Government tax, the letters patent shall be issued, provided others covering the same invention shall not have been previously granted by the Department of Public Promotion. Letters patent shall require the payment of a fee amounting to from fifty to one hundred dollars payable in Mexican dollai's or in bonds of the National Consolidated debt, and in case of an extension a new fee shall be paid. The owner of a patent must prove to the satisfaction of the De- l>artment of Public Promotion at the end of each five years of the life of a patent, in order to preserve it for another like period, that he has made to the General Treasury of the Federation at the end of the first five years a payment of $50, at the end of ten years a pay- ment of $75. and at the expiration of fifteen years a payment of $100; and the term within which these payments must be proven will be two months next succeeding the expiration of the five years' period, and cannot be extended. Proceedings may be instituted to declare the nullity or lapse of patents in conformity with the law, and the determination of nullity and lapse produce the effect of subjecting the inventions or im- provements to the use thereof by the public in general. The ownjprshtip in letters patent may be assigned by any of the means established by law with regard to private property, but no act of assignment or any other that implies the modification of the right of property, shall be prejudicial to the rights of third parties, if the same shall not be recorded in the office of the Department of Public Promotion. The trade-mark law of Mexico was passed November 2S, 1889, and amended in one particular only, on December 17, 1897. It provides that any proprietor of a trade-mark, whether a citi- zen or a foreigner, residing in Mexico or abroad, may acquire the ex- o Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners elusive rig-ht to the use of the same in the Republic, subject to th provisions of the law, biit the protection granted includes only ar- ticles manufactured or sold in Mexico. In order to aequire the exclusive ownership of a trade mark, the party concerned will apply personally, or by means of a representa- tive, to the Department of Public Promotion, stating that he reserves his rights. The application should state the name of the factory, its location, the residence of the owner, and the kind of trade or industry in which the applicant desires to employ the trade mark, and must be accorapanied by the following documents: A power of attorney, granted to the attorney-in-fact, in case the party concerned does not appear in person; two copies of the trade mark or of an engraved or photographic reproduction thereof; and in case that ttie trade mark is in intafflio or in relief on the articles manufactured, or has some other peculiarity, two separate sheets will also be forwarded on which these details will appear, either by means of one or more drawings or a written description. The person who may have first made legal use of a trade mark is the only one who can apply to aeqtiire ownership thereof, and in case of a contest between two owners of the same mark, the ownership will rest in the first possession, or in case possession cannot be proven, in the first applicant. A trade mark owned by a foreigner not residing in the Republic, cannot be registered therein, unless previously and regularly regis- tered abroad. Trade marks may only be transferred with the establishments for whose manufacture of trade they serve as a distinctive device; the transfer, however, is not subject to any special formality and will be carried into effect according to the ordinary provisions of law. The duration of the ownership of a trade mark is indefinite, but the right will be considered as abandoned by the closing or failure to produce, for more than a year, of the establishment, factory or business em- ploying the same. It may be not amiss to make reference in this chapter to a law which was approved on December 14, 1898, which is of interest to investors of new enterprises in the Mexican Republic. By virtue of that law the Executive is authorized, for the term of five years, reck- oned from the date of its promulgation, to enter into contracts granl^ ing franchises and concessions, without prejudice to third parties, to enterprises that shall guarantee the investment and development of new industries, subject to the following condition: I. The term of the franchise and concessions to be, from five to ten years, according to the importance of the industry and the amount of capital invested therein. II. The minimum capital to be invested in the establishment and exploitation of an industry shall be one hundred thousand dollarB (Mexican currency), and shall apply to the minimum franchise. A Few Facts About Mexico III. The said industry sh;ill be exempt from all direct federal taxes during- the full term of the contract, excepting- revenue stamps. IV. The concessionaii-es may import, once onl3', free of customs duties, such machinery, apparatus, tools, and building- materials, as may be necessary to establish the industry and the erection of build- ings, after inspection by the Department of Public Promotion, and the execution of a bond in everj^ case of introduction to be cancelled as soon as the machinery is erected, and the iise to which the apppara- tus or material is to be put, is proven. V. The said concessionaires to guarantee the performance of their contracts by a deposit in securities of the public debt to be determined by the Department of Public Pi'omotion, which shall be made upon the signing of the contract. YI. The concessionaires to defray the cost of the stamps to be affixed to the contract upon signing said document. And finally, the importation privileges granted unnder said law are to be regulated by the Departments of the Treasury and of Public Pro- motion. It may be stated that by virtue of the law above described several important concessions have been granted by the Mexican governmenT, and thereby various new and valuable enterprises have been estab- lished in the Pepublic. XIV Mexico at Other Expositions The first international exposition in whicli Mexico toolv part in an official manner may be stated to be the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, held in 1876, to commemorate the bnndredtli anniversary of the independence of the United fitates. Although the public treas- ury was not at the time in a flourishing condition and the country was part of the time in a state of political perturbation, the Mexican exhibits were greatly admired and the press published favorable criticisms reg-arding- tbem, while the niimber of premiums obtained were commensni-ate with the importance and extent of the Mexican department. The Cotton Centennial held at the City of New Orleans towards the end of 1SS4 and beginning of 1885, was the next international ex- position in which Mexico took a prominent part. The Commissioner- General was General Poriirio Diaz, now President of the Eepublic, and he labored with great zeal to make the Mexican department a great success. The Mexican exhibit then occupied spaces in the Main Building, in the Gallery of Fine Arts, in the Agricultural Building, and in the Women's Building. Besides, Mexico erected a beautiful iron and glass octagonal pavilion, wherein her mineral exhibit was placed, and a large rectangular building which contained the barracks for the fine band and the military contingent sent by the government. It -was the unanimous ox^inion of the press that Mexico was the foreign nation best and most brilliantly represented at that exposition. The next occasion when the Mexican Eepublic made a most cred- itable showing at an international exhibition, was at the one held in Paris in 1889. There the whole exhibit was presented in a building erected for the purpose, seventy meters long by thirty meters wide, and constructed in imitation of the most correct style of Aztec archi- tecture. This building- was inaugurated on June 22, 1889, and was con- stantly thronged by visitors until the end of the exposition. It was the first time that a Mexican exhibit had been seen at an international exhibition held in Europe, and therefore the articles presented aroused the attention of all visitors. The large number of premiums obtained Tay Mexican exhibitors plainly demonstrated that the work of the Government in collecting and presenting the exhibit was properly appreciated. The large and varied display made by Mexico of her natural prod- ucts and manufactures at the World's Fair, held in Chicago in 1893, now claims our attention. That international exposition, so grand in A Few Facts About Mexico its conception and execution, aroused a friendly rivalry among all nations, and every one of them endeavored to be seen at its best neai- the shores of Lake Michig-an. Mexico there appeared, showing her vast resources and possibilities, and although it did not have a building of its own. her exhibits could be seen in the following buildings: Agri- cultural. Fisheries, Manufactures and Liberal Arts, Leather, Mines, Ethnology, Forestry, Woman's, Machinery, Transportation, Horticul- ture and Viticulture, and Fine Arts. In all a full and complete ex- hibit was made, and therefore it was nothing but just that the Mexi- can exhibitors should obtain, as they did, a very large number of premiums. After the World's Fair, Mexico has taken part at expositions held at Atlanta, Nashville, Omaha, and San Antonio, Texas, where in a more limited scale than in the larger and more important exposi- tions, her exhibits have been creditable and well deserving of praise. The participation of Mexico in the International Exposition, re- cently held at Paris in 1900, deserved the praises of all. The elegant building which the Mexican government erected at the capital of France was full of products and manufactures tastefully arranged, and which showed the state of advancement of the country and its great elements of wealth. At that exposition, Mexico obtained thirty- three grand premiums, one hundred and fourteen gold medals, two hundred and forty-two silver medals, three hundred and forty-two- bronze medals, and three hundred and fifty-seven honoray mentions. These satisfactory results fully and justly compensated for the pains- taking efforts of the able commissioners who had charge of the ex- hibits and for the expenses incurred and well directed measures taken, by the Department of Public Promotion of Mexico on that behalf. io8 XV Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition Mexico could do not less than take an important part in an ex- position, such as is the Pan-American at Buffalo, wherein all the oountries of America are invited to show the state of advancement of this Continent at the beginning of the twentieth, century. As soon as the Grovernment was officially invited to participate in the exhibi- tion, the former Secretary of Public Promotion, Senor Manuel Fer- nandez Leal, issued the necessary orders for the collection and prepa- ration of the exhibits to be sent to Buifalo. President Porfirio Diaz, not only determined that the Mexican department should be in keep- ing with the importance of the exposition, but in order to show the interest he took therein, he determined that a military band and a military contingent should also take part at the opening of the ex- position, and remain for some time thereafter at Buffalo. His resolu- tion in that regard was cheerfully seconded by the efficient Secretary of War, General Bernardo Eeyes; and thus it was that for about a period of two months the First Artillery Band, under the leadership of Captain Ricardo Pacheco, and a military contingent of the Mexican Army under the commend of Captain Samuel Garcia Ouellar took part in the festivities and exercises held on various occasions at the Pan-American Exposition. But let us state events in the order in which they happened. Soon after the new Secretary of Public Promotion, Senor Leandro Fernan- dez, entered into the performance of the duties of his office, he sent to Buffalo, Mr. Albino E. Nuncio, Chief of the Second Bureau of the Department, in order to receive the spaces that had been set apart for the exhibits of Mexico in the leading exposition buildings. Upon the report made by Mr. Nuncio and it being apparent that sufficient space was not granted to Mexico for her mineral exhibit, it was deter- mined that a building should be erected on the exposition grounds, to contain the mining exhibit and serve as an office to the Mexican Commission. Afterwards, it was decided that the display of Liberal, Graphic, and Fine Arts, shoiilil ;ilso be placed in said building. The Commission appointed by the Mexican government to repre- sent it at the Pan-American Exposition was constituted as follows: Albino R. Nuncio, Mechanical Engineer, Chief of the Commission. Maximiliano M. Chabert, Secretary of the Commission and Chief of Divisions XIV, XV, and XVIII. Lauro Viadas, Agronomical Engineer, Chief of Divisions I, III, and IV. A Few Facts About Mexico Jesus M. Nuncio, Chief of Pomology and Viticulture, Division V. Alberto McDowell, Chief of Floriculture, Division VI. Juan de D. Fleury, Mining Eng-ineer, Chief of Divisions VIII and X. Carlos Sellerier, Mining- Engineer, Chief of Divisions XI and XIII. Enrique H. Garibay, Chief of Division VI. Eosendo Sandoval, Assayer, Chief of Division XVI. Antonio M. Maya, Second Chief of Division XVI. Later on, the Department of War sent an honorary commission to the exposition, headed by Mr. Enrique Mondragon, Lieutenant Colonel of the Engineers' Corps of the Mexican Army, and he was assigned as Honorary Chief of Division XII. Owing- to strikes, the inclemency of the weather and other cir- cumstances, delays occurred which prevented the full installation of exhibits in all the leading- buildings of the exposition, and likewise in the opening of the pavillions erected by the foreign nations and states of the American Union. However, Mexico was one of the first countries to have her installations ready and to open her official build- ing". The formal dedication took place on June 14, 1901, in the presence of the Secretary of State, Hon. John Hay, the Mexican Ambassador, Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, the Lieutenant General of the Army of the United States, Nelson A. Miles, the President of the Exposition, Hon. John G. Milburn, the Director-General of the Exposition, Hon. William I. Buchanan, the chiefs of the foreign and state commissions and other prominent persons; the ceremonies of inauguration likewise consisting of a review of the Mexican troops sojourning at the ex- position, and of a banquet given by the commission in honor of the ^lexican Ambassador. Full detail of these ceremonies, as well as of the Mexican exhibits, may be found in the various articles pub- lished on the subject bj' the leading- newspapers of this country, whose kind and well-written notices have done so much to make known and popularize the exhibits of the Mexican Kepublic. Some of said notices are reproduced in the appendix herein. The display- made by Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition is as follows: In the ^Mexican Building, 60x40 feet, two stories high, Mining, Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, and Graphic Arts. In the Agricultural Building, Mexico occupies about 2000 square feet. In the Forestry Building, about 1,000 square feet. In the Horticulture Building, and outside in the garden, about 6,000 square feet. In the Manufactures Building, it has about 3,000 square feet. In the Ethnology Building, it occupies about 2,000 square feet. The number of Mexican exhibitors is as follows: Division I. Agricultural and Dairy Products. 137. Division III. Live Stock. 2. i«*S- 1^ '■ x^Ml Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition Division IV. Foods and their Accessories. 135. Division V. Horticulture, Pomology, Floriculture, and Yiticui- ture. 88. Division VI. ForestrJ^ 59. Division VIII. Mines and Metallurgy. 119. Division X. Electricity and Electric Appliances. 9. Division XI. Transportation. 5. Division XII. Ordnance and Munitions of War. 3. Division XIII. Manufactures. 144. Division XIV. Graphic Arts. 10. Division XV. Liberal Arts. 109. Division XVI. Ethnology. 11. Division XVII. Fine Arts. 10. About the 22nd of July, 1901, the juries v^^hich were to give the awards were duly appointed and began their labors. The Chief of the Commission, Mr. Albino E. Xuncio, thereupon became a member of the Superior Jury. In the juries that actually examined and passed upon the merits of all the exhibits, Mexico was represented by the fol- lowing gentlemen: Division I. Agriculture. Mr. Jose F. Godoy, First Secretary of the Mexican Embassy at Washing-ton. Division IV. Foods and their Accessories. Mr. Lauro Viadas, Chief of the Mexican Section of Agriculture. Division V. Viticulture. Mr. Jesus M. Xuncio, Chief of the Mexi- can Section of Pomology and Viticulture. Division VI. Forestry. Mr. Eosendo Sandoval, Chief of the Mexi- can Section of Ethnology. Division VIII. Mines and Metallurgy. Mr. Juan de D. Fleury, Chief of the Mexican Section of Mines and Metallurgj-. Division XII. Ordnance and Munitions. Captain Victor Hernan- dez, of the Mexican Army. Division XIII. Manufactures. Mr. Carlos Sellerier, Chief of the Mexican Section of Manufactures. Division XV. Liberal Arts. Mr. Maximiliano M. Chabert, Chief of the Mexican Section of Liberal Arts. Group 125, Class 115, Division XV. Photog-raphs. Mr. Antonio M, Zslaya, Second Chief of Division XVI. Division XVI. Ethnology. Mr. Enriqiie H. Garibay, Chief of the Mexican Section of Forestry. Although, officially, no information has been given as to the num- ber of medals and honorary mentions that Mexican exhibitors have xeceived, it is gratifying to know that about sixty per cent of such exhibitors have been given awards. Finally, we may say, that the Mexican Commission, besides per- forming the labors of installation and proper presentation of the ex- hibits, has been giving, and will continue to give, to the public all the A Few Facts About Mexico information at its coiiniiaiid i-ei;ar(lini;- such exliibits and the resources of the ^Mexican Ivepublit'. aiul to obtain tliat end, has distributed periodical publications relative to JSIexico, and has issued in pamphlet form, translations of various important laws, a full and complete cata- logue of all said exhibits and now publishes this illustrated pamphlet in the hope that the information it contains may prove of some value to the visitors of the Mexican sections at the Pen-American Exposi- tion. Appendix lexican Commissioners at the Pan-American Exposition (as published by the Committee on State and Foreign Relations, Aug:tist, J90I) Senor Don Albino E. Nnncio, Chief of the Commission. Senor Don Maximiliano M. Chabert, Secretary of the Commission. Senor Don Jose F. Godoy, Commissioner "ad honorem." Senor Don Nicolas Veloz, Jr., Clerk. Agricultttre Senor Don Lauro Viadas, Chief. Senor Don Valente Alvarez del Castillo, Assistant. Senor Don Luis Eosas, Assistant. Horticoltwre Senor Don Jesus M. Nuncio, Chief. Senor Don Benito Navarro, Assistant. Forestry Senor Don Enrique H. Garibay, Chief. Senor Don Jose P. Godoy, Jr., Assistant. Mines Senor Don Juan D. Fleury, Chief. Senor Don Luis I. Fleury, Assistant. Senor Don Julio Viderique, Assistant. Manufactures Senor Don Carlos Sellerier, Chief. Senor Don ]Manuel Costa, Assistant. Senor Don Edwin Charles Georger, Assistant. Graphic Arts, Liberal Arts, and Fine Arts Senor Don ^Maximiliano M. Chabert, Chief. Senor Don Jacinto Aiorales, Assistant. Senor Don Amando Gomez, Assistant. Senor Don Francisco A. Godoy, Assistant. Ethnology Senor Don Eosendo Sandoval, Chief, Senor Don Antonio Maya, Second Chief. Senor Don Saulo Navarro, Assistant. Senor Don Alberto L. Godoy, Assistant. A Few Facts About Mexico Women Managfers Senora Laura Smith de Mariscal. Honorary Member of the Board of Women Managers. Senora Maria Callas de Linmantour, Honorary Member of tha Board of Women Manag-ers. Mexican Army Representatives Technical Commission Lieutenant Colonel Don Enrique Mondragon. Captain Victor Hernandez. Comments of the Press From 'Brooklyn Eagle-Times, 'June 14, 1901 At the dedication of the Mexican building on the Pan-Americau grounds yesterday, Hon. Manuel de Az^jiroz, Ambassador from Mexico to the United States, said: "Althoug-h the world at large does not look upon the Pan-American Exposition as an international fair, it is to us of the three Americas more than an international exposition. It is a gathering of brother countries, where each is trying to do all the good that it can for itself incidentally, but really for the entire western hemisphere." The spirit o'f the Pan-American has not been better expressed by anyone since the idea of the fair was conceived. It is especially ap- propriate that this sentiment should come from the representative of Mexico, which has co-operated so heartily in making the exposition a success. All of the nations on this hemisphere are being brought in- to closer contact than they ever have been before. We of the United States are learning daily more respect for the people and institutions of neighboring states and they, it is hoped, are gaining more confi- dence in and admiration for us. A common discovery of one an- other's good qualities is going on. And there is no nation which has risen to the occasion better than Mexico. This was to have been ex- pected in view of the progressive character of the Mexican Govern- ment. We of the United "States like to think of our own advance- ment since the close of the Civil War, but when Mexico, which Juarez started to rebuild after the downfall of Maximilian, is compared with the Mexico of today, the progress of the LTnited States seems slow be- side that of our southern neighbor. The building of a nation has been laid deep to make it a great nation. The commercial relations of Mexico and the United States are al- ready very close; fifty per cent of Mexico's imports are from this country and seventy per cent of her exports come here. Mexico is our best customer on this hemisphere after Canada, and the trade figures approach very close to those with the Dominion. This com- merce has been increasing rapidly and it will continue to grow by leaps and bounds as a result of the better acquain'tance and increased knowledge of the wants and resources of the two countries which their representatives are gaining by means of this exposition. ix — Comments of the Press From Buffalo Times. June 14, 190 1 Our honored sister republic, Mexico, held the stage at the exposi- tion yesterdaj' with the dignity that is a heritage with the people of Spanish blood and training, and with a pride born of the conscious- ness of a part well-played and enthusiastically applauded. The central figures in the ceremonies attending the formal dedi- cation of the fitting structure Mexico has erected in the center of the colony of foreign and state buildings were Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, the Mexican Ambassador, Senor Albino E. Nuncio, Chief of the Mexi- can Commission, and his colleagues, together with Capt. Ciiellar and his gallant associates representing' the Mexican army. The exchajig'e of courtesies and the expression of reciprocal appreciation by the gentlemen from Mexico on the one hand, and the Hon. John Hay, Sec- retary of State, President Milburn and Director-General Buchanan on the other, gaA-e great pleasure to the large party enjoying* the hos- pitalities of the occasion. The key-note of what His Excellency, the Mexican Ambassador, happily styles the "Gathering- of brother coun- tries" was 'the hope earnestlj^ expressed by all speakers that the ex- position would fulfill its true mission in making all the nations and peoples of the Western Hemisphere better known to each other, soci ally, politically and commercially. "jNTever has there been an exposi- tion which Avas born as the result of such an idea," said President Milburn. "It is a good one!" We have not known each other as Ave should." After the popular demonstrations of yesterday in honor of the Mexican visitors there can be no question about the immense suc- cess of the Mexican contribution to the Pan-American Exposition and of the hiffh esteem in which President Diaz is held by the American people. We hope many Mexicans will think it worth while to visit +he exjjosition this summer. They Avill find only friends here. From. Buffalo Courier, June 15, 1901 The dedication of the Mexican Building at the exposition, Avhicli took place yesterday morning, was made a notable ceremony by the prominence of the participants. The neighboring Eepublic of Mexico was not only represented by its ofiicial commissioners to the Pan- American, but bjr the Mexican Ambassador at Washington, Don Manuel Azpiroz, a veteran Mexican statesman; by Jose F. Godoy, First Secre- tary' of Legation, and by several army officers, beside the Mexican soldiery and the excellent military band. The Ambassador made a happy address in Spanish, which was responded to felicitously by Secretary John Hay. It Avas a pleasant chance that brought the Secre- tary of State to the exposition at the time of the dedication of this building, and our southern friends will undoubtedlj^ be gratified by the attendance of the commanding general of our army. Mexico has taken more complete advantage of the opportunities offered by the Pan-American than any other country except our oavu. Mexican ex- hibits Avill be found in nearly every building, all of a high order of excellence and all attractively arranged. While President Diaz is not likely to attend, because of advancing age and ill health, he has shoAvn his appreciation of the objects of the exposition in many Avays. A Few Facts About Mexico From Buffalo Express, June 15, 1901 A dig-nity and fine courtesj' marked the ceremonies of the opening of .Mexico's building- at the exposition at 11 o'clocl^ yesterday morn- ing'. The building- is in the center of the group of foreigTi buildings east of the Triumphal Causeway' and south of the Government Build- ing. It is an attractive building- tastefully decorated, with its exhibits arranged to excellent advantage. President Milburn, Secretary of State Hay, the Mexican Ambassador, Director-General Buchanan, and ^.Tayor Diehl spoke, Senor Nuncio presiding. A banquet and a review of the Mexican troops followed. The entire Mexican contigent met the Ambassador and escorted him into the g-rounds. Color bearers rode ahead bearing- the flags of the United States and Mexico. Then came a trumpeter and then Capt. Cuellar mounted on a prancing- horse. Next came Capt. Eicardo T'acheco and his Eurales. It was a gorgeovis, picturesque procession. The Mexican Commission escorted the Mexican Ambassador. All wore high hats and frock suits. At the entrance to the building they met President Milburn, Treasurer Williams, Chairman Scatcherd, and the other guests of honor and all entered together, two by two. The specially invited gnests were Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, Am- bassador to the United States from Mexico; John Hay, Secretary of State; Gen. Nelson A. ]Miles, U. S. A.; Jose F. Godoj^, First Secretary to the Mexican Embassy; President John G. Milburn of the Pan- American Exposition Comjiany; Director-General Buchanan, John N. Scatcherd, Secretary Fleming, and Mayor Diehl. They were received by the members of the National Commission from the United States of Mexico to the Pan-American, as follows: Senor Albino E. Nuncio, chief of commission; Maximiliano M. Chabert, secretary to the com- mission; Lauro Viadas, chief of agricultural departiuent; Alberto Mc- Dowell, chief of the floriculture section; Enrique H. Garibay, chief of forestry department; Juan de D. Fleury, chief of the manufactures departments; ^laximiliano M. Chabert, chief of the various arts; Eo- senortance. The building- itself is a two-story structure, gayly ornamented and beautifully furnished; rich carpets cover the floors, and rare paint- ings, manjr at them prize winners at the Paris PZxposition, adorn the walls. An idea of the comprehensiveness of the display is gained when mention is made that ten thousand specimens of minerals and metals alone are on view. Groups illustrating- grajihio, liberal and fine arts and mining are arranged in a tasteful manner, and polite attendants look after the comforts and demands of the visitors, who are wel- comed with true Mexican hospitalitj*. The mineral display attracts the eyes of the city dwellers. The exhibits of silver ores are unusually fine, and ^he silver particles often are so large that the precious metal could be removed by merely breaking the ore with a hammer. The fanna of the country have not been overlooked, and there are mounted specimens of beasts that are rare even in Mexico. One specimen holds attention by its lifelike attitude. It is that of a ^Mexican puma of extraordinary size, and its ferocity must have equaled that of a tiger, while its strength could not have been far inferior, as its size is almost as great. Some of the finest specimens are among the mounted birds, which include everything from the little humming- birds to the gaudy jiar- roquets. There are many birds of paradise, and their various hiie ex- cites even the envy of women who would not wear feathers in their hat.«. The Mexican P.uilding- does not contain all of Mexico's display, inuuense as it is. An entire section in the Manufactures Building is devoted to exhibits from that country-, illustrating- its progress in The mechanical arts. Saddles, rich and costly, are shown in all of the different sha])es; boots, shoes, furniture .and cotton goods are in this section, and attract much attention. In the Agricultural Building- there is a big display of coffee, tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes of all kinds. Care is taken to explain the merits of the different products, cost of production, and the advantages the country oft'ers for locating Appendix — Commsnts of the Press there. Tliei-e also are JNIexican displays in the Horticultural Building and the Forestry Building-. The display in the former building at- tracts the men from California and Central New York because of the excellence of the specimens of wine made in Mexico that are shown. From Modern Mexico, September 19, 1901 Upon crossing- from the north half, or Exhibit Division, of the Pan-American Exposition, over the splendid Triumphal Bridge into The section devoted to State and Foreign buildings, one of the fore- most features to attract the eye is the imposing pavilion of Mexico. It represents the central figure of a unique architectural group, whose artistic details combine to" form one of the most striking features of the magnificent color scheme which has made the Pan-American Ex- position so justly famous. The group in question comprises five buildings, the arrangement and deco'i-ative treatment of which call to mind the exquisite details of a variegated Mexican begonia. One of the petals of this gorgeous architectural flower is the quaint. Pagoda-like pavilion of the Do- minican Eepubllc, with its carving, rose-tinted roof spreading gen- erously above its cream and azure walls; another, is the superb rubescent edifice of Chile, its ornamental steel sides ablaze; again, in perfect harmony, both as to angle and color effect stretches away the stately and commodious mansion reared by the New England States resplendent in natural brick effects and immaculate Colonial trim- mings. Finally, to complete the symmetincal and eminently cosmopoli- tan ^setting, there is interested the inviting Queen Anne structure of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, which, with gorgeously hued ban- nei-s floating above an artistically treated exterior, stands as a herald of the next great World's Fair, at St. Louis, in 1903. And from the heart of this'^cosmical creation towers the majestic Moorish Palace of the Mexican Eepublic, its green and gray castellations constituting a fitting central feature of so novel a configuration. Viewed from the broad avenue on which it fronts, the Mexican pavilion present's the form of a perfect quadrangle the main structure being two stories in height, while at each of the four corners orna- mental towers capped by banner staffs arise. In the rear of the buikl- ino- for its entire height is a semicircular well containing the stair- ways of the structure, above which is a gracefully fashioned dome. The windows throughout the entire structure are of a highly orna- mental character, and are further set off by costly moresque panels. Extending for a considerable distance across the main facade, at the height of the second story, is an inviting balcony enclosed by an ornate triple archwav and^ carved balustrade. Immediately beneath this is the principal entrance to the building, enclosed by an engaged colonnade on the entablature of which, in carved letters, is the name "Mexico," and above it the emblem of the Eepnblic, a sculptured eagle perched on a cactus branch and holding a serpent in its beak and talons. When President Diaz, on behalf of his Government, accepted the invitation to participate in the Pan-American Exposition, he_ chose as his Commissioner-General for the occasion, a man who, by his past achievements in kindred lines of work, had proved himself, more than any other citizen of the Republic, pre-eminently fitted for the duty. That distinguished personage was Senor Don Albino R. Nuncio, one A Few Facts Abottt Mexico oi the most progressive and widely known exponents of expositions on this continent. The wisdom of President Diaz's choice in this con- nection is today manifested in the fact that Mexico has by far the largest and most creditable exhibit of all the foreign countries rep- resented at the Pan-American Exposition. And when the truly supei I' exhibits of many of her sister nations are considered, such pre- eminence is indeed significant. Even before the main building is entered, one of the principal resources of the Republic is brought to notice by the large pyramid:- of silver and coj)per ore and virgin coal specimens which guard the approach on either hand. Immediately within the entrance and oc- cupying nearly the entire lower floor is the mining exhibit, superin- tended by Senor Don Juan D. Eleury. This displaj^ is remarkable for its richness and variety, the specimens on exhibition representing every species of the finer and baser metals and ores known to the mineral kingdom. Nearly every State in the Republic has contributed something- to this interesting department, some of the most notable specimens being copper from the vast deposits in Baja California, gold from the famed ledges of Sonora, silver from the historic lodes of Zacatecas and onyx from the rich quarries of Puebla. In addition to the mining exhibits, a number of highly ingenious scientific instru- ments are shown on the first floor. The most interesting of these is the Mexican seismogTaph, a curious triangular-shaped ajjparatus em- ploj^ed as an indicator of the seismic motions in cases of earthquake. A commendable detail in the interior arrangement of the main building is the clever manner in which space has been economized. Every inch of both wall and floor space has been utilized for ex- hibition purposes in one form or another. For example, the master pieces in sculptured marble and on cleverly wrought canvases, rep- resenting the Fine Arts, and the superb specimens in photography and kindred lines comprising the Liberal Arts are strikingly ar- ranged on the large expanse of wall flanking the double stairwaj's. jNlany hours may be spent in pleasant and profitable contemplation of these truly exquisite art productions of Mexico. The upper floors of the building are most tastefully appointed, both with respect to furni- ture and decorations, this portion of the structure being devoted largelj'' to reception purposes. But even here some beautiful displays have been made, notably that of the natural historj' specimens which are made to serve the double purpose of adorning the apartment and showing, through the taxidermist's skill, the products of the country in this particular line. Opening from the upper floor at one side of the reception hall is the private office of Commissioner-General Xuncio, and on the opposite side that of his secretarj', Senor Don ^Maximiliano M. Chabert. The various other departments comprising the Mexican section are distributed throug-hout the various exhibit buildings of the Ex- position. One of the most interesting and instructive of these is the ethnological display, which has been collected from all over the Re- public and appropriately installed by Senor Don Rosendo Sandoval, a scholar of rare attainments in this scientific field. Jij his w'onderful collection of antiquities and ancient literature, Senor Sandoval has succeeded in showing both comprehensively and entertainingly the evolution of the Mexican race down to the present age. In her Forestry Exhibit, conducted by Senor Don Enrique H. Garibay, Mexico has revealed in herself a marvelous wealth of re- source. In all there are some 350 different species of woods displayed, of /which no more than seven would be considered as common varie- ties. And not only are these valuable timber woods shown, but like- Appendix — Comments of the Press wise various products of the forest, sucli as rubber, cliewing-gum and other commodities. The Department of Manufactures, presided over by Senor Don Carlos Sellerier is absorbingly interesting, in that it shows most in- controvertibly the wonderful progress that has been made within recent years by Mexican inanufacturers. In this connection there is shown a line of rattan fui-niture that for beauty and g'eneral excel- lence will bear comparison with the best similar product turned out by anjr of the leading factories of the world. In addition to this and other varieties of furniture there ai'e displayed an assortment of fabrics, cordage, textiles, native silks, shoes and hats that would re- flect credit on the resourcefulness of any nation. Mexico's agriciiltural exhibit at the Pan-American Exposition is universally pronounced as the most creditable feature of the entire section. The excellence of the department is in no small measure due to the able management of its director, Senor Don Lauro Viadas. Among other products there are shown soine 600 varieties of beans, while the cereal display throug'hout is proportionately fine. Senor Viadas is particularly proud of his coffee and cocoa exhibit, which he is justly confident will win the highest lionors awarded bj^ the Ex- position juries. In native fruits and wines the Mexicans can boast of the most unique display in the entire horticultural section. A list of the various products shown in this department and submitted by its director, Senor Don Jesus M. Nnncio, a brother of Commis- cioner-General Nuncio, embraces upwards of 100 varieties of fruits and liquors, among* which are products rarely, if ever, heard of by any one outside of Mexico. Among other features of this order are a variety of fruits and liquoi's produced by certain species of cactus, which product vegetates so abundantly throug-liout Mexico. The cactus display at the Pan-American is in itself a feature of marvelous int-erest, embracing 125 varieties, ranging- from the little-old-man species with its life-like growth of silvery white hair, to the gigantic monarch of the desert, which on its native heath frequently attains a heig-ht of over sixty feet. This exhibit, tog-ether with the floral dis- play, is under the charg-e of Senor Don J. A. McDowell, who by the way. is every inch a Mexican, notwithstanding his name. Mexico's strong- feature in the floral lists at the Exiiosition is her beg-onia dis- plaj'. Of this queenly flower she shows some eighty difl'erent varie- ties, while in all she has no less than a thousand of the variegated blossoms of this superb collection which is something never to be forgotten. JOSE DE OLIVAEES. Bufl'alo, N. Y., August 20. From Buffalo Courier, August 25, I90i President Diaz has evolved his people into a greater nation and when the showing- is made of the others, his country has 'come smil- ing and gracious, and visitors at tlie Exposition have been left to judge for themselves th.e position to which Mexico lias been appointed. It w^as not an easy task, this work of preparing an exhibit from Mexico. Skilled hands were required to gather from the store of re- sources the few specimens which could be brought and the com- pleted result must be highlj^ gratifying to its makers. One of the secrets of the success of President Diaz lies in his power to estimate men and he has come to look about his country and A Few Facts Abowt Mexico learn which of its citizens are the most advanced so tliat he com- mands tlie ser\ ices of tlie best men of ^fexico. When tlie Pan-American exhibits was decided, as when there is work to do, the President saw to it himself that the most competent men in his country shonld be entrnsted with the worlc. The exhibit is a marvel of perfection and all the credit is dne to the commissioners to the Exposition who made it. These commissioners are ali gentlemen, who in their own country hold high positions and rank and, with what has today come to be known as "the trne ^Sfexican spirit," have left no stone unturned to make their display one of the finest and as up-to-date as is everything in modern >[exico. While the commissioners are limited l)y the trifling- space that is at their disjiosal here, they have gatheied together a collection that is no less wonderful than interesting, and followed oivt it will give the visitors a splendid idea of our neighliors and awaken an interest that will lead to further research and with that conies endless topics of interest. Mexico has a building of its own in the Court of Foreign Build- ings and already* it has become one of the most attractive features of the Exposition. It is one of the handsomest structures of its kind on the g-rounds and furnishes so much of interest and hospitalit}- that it is one of the established resting places on the Exposition grounds. In the Agricultui-al Building is another massive display, and in Horticulture, Manufacturing, Liberal Arts and Ethnology, the exhibits are wonderfully attractive and unique. From these displays we learn that for three hundred and fifty 3'ears Mexico has been rich, even if most of that time wealth has been the unstable product of mines. No country in the woi-ld has the min- ing- history that is woven into old Mexico, and who shall blame it if for years in the ])ast her people devoted themselves to reaching- their hands into the pockets of the earth's wealth and taking out the riches that lay beneath the soil? Everyone familiar with mining countries knows the life is kaleidoscopic in its contrasts; that crazy luxury moves beside great misery; that few are rich and the many poor; that all other standards than wealth are lost; that looseness ever accom- panies anjr form of gambling. The life of a mining camp glitters and fascinates but it imbues no patriotism, no higher ideals, no nobler people. The wise mind of President Diaz saw this, while the pages of ^lexical! history were covered with examples and under his regime mines have become a secondary consideration, although conservative estimates declare that not ten per cent of the mineral wealth of the country has been exploited. Fi-om the Exposition display we learn that tlie mines are not failing, but that other industries are growing up alongside them which furnish more copious returns and more stable offerings than ever the pockets of the richest mines. "All that glitters is not gold" goes an old saw, and President Diaz knew that neither did all that was gold show a glittering surface and he saw in the hundreds of other industries for which his country was fitted, surface gold that needed but the hands of miners to wash out the pure metal and he taught his people to pluck the fruits of plenty along these many lines. Commerce, growing through new and costly harbors and speeding over transcontinental railways; the product of swiftly multiplying manufactories; the development of agriculture and other industries have come to be safer bonanzas than the mines and are engaging alike Appendix — Comments of the Press the attention of Mexicans and foreig-ners wlio are flocking to the land to invest their capital. In the agricultiii-al exhibit we learn that cereals have always been a heavy factor in the output of the country and the splendid speci- mens there shown tell a story of remarkable interest. Corn has ever been one of the chief products of the Western Hemisphere whence it was given to the Old World by the Spanish conquest and it is still a leader among the agricultural products of Mexico. Wheat, according to tradition, was first introduced into this con- tinent in Mexico in 1530, and it has developed from that start into its present exalted iDOsition among the cereals. In Mexico, its western foster mother, it is a vast source of the country's wealth and grows especially fine under the benign influence of the climate. Fivefold pro- duction is the European return from wheat, while in Mexico it mul- tiplies from twenty to one hundredfold. The mean average of produc- tiveness in Mexico, according to well-posted \sa-iters, is five times that of fertile France. Every vegetable of the Temperate Zone we fiud among Mexico's offerings" and as we follow on we are led through the products of the warmer climates until we come to the rarest specimens of tropical growths and then we come to realize the tremendous advantage which the country has in the way of agricultural resources. Within the broad expanse of her territory she raises every article of agriculture, thus providing for her own wants independently of the elect of the world. Thus she has but to turn her hand to raising those things which are indigenous to her climate and which must be purchased by other people. Cochineal is a stable source of foreign gold, and coffee has be- come one of the greatest revenue producers. We, with all our wealth, miist look to other climes and different countries for our supply of certain food products, and while we are looking, Mexico comes "from over the border waving anything that we in ay want and offering to sell. Coffee at present is one of the most promising crops that is being- raised in Mexico and for several years the output has been doubling. Even the United States is now using something like fifty million pounds of coffee from the vast fields of Mexico and we, wath our dis- criminating tastes, have come to know that Mexican coffee bears com- parison with any in the world and that it is already cutting into the markets of other i^roducing countries. Aeain we see that our neighbor favors us with another of our national beverages, for the chocolate industry of Mexico has always been a great component part in the output of the country. Today it is reaching undreamed heights and' with the increasing demand for so staple an article has come the development of the thousands of miles of land which is perfectly adapted to raising cocoa. At present no great attention is paid to this important crop so that its real great- ness lies in the futiire and the same may be said of the vanilla in- dustry, which at present is confined almost entirely to Vera Cruz and Oxaca. From a financial viewpoint, one of the most important crops of Mexico, we learn at the Exposition, is tobacco, and that, too, is almost a mere infant in arms, awaiting only care and growth to become a man in the commerce of the world. Tobaocos of the finest quality are raised in Mexico, together with medium and lesser types, so that within the scope of her product are produced the various plants that lend themselves to the uses of the thousands of different tastes that are found among tobacco users. A Few Facts About Mexio CO The rubber industry, which each year is becoming- more im- portant as the demand increases and the visible supply decreases is as yet m an embryonic state. Now there are less than five plantations of over 5,000 trees, but there are millions of acres of land which is adapted by nature to the culture of the rubber trees and as the product of these lands is becoming- more and more accessible as the transportation facilities are developed, the growing of rubber bids fair to become an ever g-reater industry in Mexico. In fruits, broadly speaking, every variety grows in Mexico, al- though, in reality, little fruit has ever been cultivated, instead of gro^^^ng naturally. When cultivation is carried to its heights, as is now being rapidly done, there is no doubt that for variety, quality and quantity Mexico will hold first place as a fruit raising country among the nations of the world. The precious woods that abound on hillside and forest throughout the Avhole country include the rarest varieties and types of lumber, while the other forest products are simply astounding' in their variety and quantity. In several sections already the industry of growing silk is being- developed and sufficient headway has been^had to prove that it lacks but the efforts of energetic people to make the growing of silk a source of great revenue to thousands of people. Pace and cane sugar are also two of the world's most famous and staple food supplies and in the culture of these commodities, Mexico is far advanced, yet doing but a trifle of what her natural endow- ments entitle her to do. In speaking of Mexico and her agricultural resources, a well- known writer, who had spent years investigating his subject, sums up the situation in the following- graphic style: "Between the marvelous climatic range from tierra caliente to tierra fria, Mexico can f)roduce, and commercially, not alone every article that she needs herself but, as Humboldt justly observed, 'Every crop known to the civili/ed world.' "Despite Its latitude, two thirds of its land belongs to the tem- perate zone and only one third to the tropics. Setting aside the long- est mountains system on earth, its head touches the eternal snows while its feet dalDble in seas of everlasting summer." But these are only a few things that one learns in viewing the display of Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition, nor by any means do they tell in detail the mighty resources of the country. For everywhere about the Mexican exhibit are revealed other stories of other features that go to make up the whole of the country; in the one place dealing of horticulture and in the other of manu- facturing and mining and liberal arts. This wonderful supply of things necessary for the sustenance of life which is within her borders has brought the nation to where it needs not look to other places for food and giving the people an op- portunity to turn their attention to supplying their wants in other lines. When the financial upheaval of the seventies and earlj^ eighties shook almost the entire world, Mexico stood upon the silver basis which then was being hurled from its place in every clime. Its country was just then coming under the hand of President Diaz and everything was chaotic; yet from out of the many troubles that shook older nations to their very foundation Mexieo was carried through to safety and to a safety that stands peculiarly alone amone- the 2-overnments of the world. Appendix — Comments of the Press TTie 'fall of silver as a money metal cut in two the finances of Mexico and when she went forth into other climates to buy produc'ts she was oblig'ed to take Iavo dollars to procure one dollar's worth of g'ocds. She owed debts then besides all that. Yet, strange as it may seem, the result shows that she has made much out of what would appear to be ruin. Her people, tired pf paying two dollars abroad, took to manufac- turing their own commodities and each year has seen new. cotton mills;'"ilew machine , shops, new factories, until gTadually Mexico has come to make her things rather than to buy them. The surplus of her products she has sent to foreign markets, and for them she has received two dollars of her own money. She leaves her native shores with a cargo valued at a certain price and — presto — when it is landed on a foreign shore it has doubled in value. True, there were her many foreign debts contracted for at the rate of one hundred cents on a dollar, Mexican m^oney, and when she came to pay she was compelled to disgorge two Mexican dollars to wipe out a dollar of the old debt. But gradually she has paid her liabilities and with a rapidity that has astounded the whole world has built modern improvements that vie with any similar s'tructnres in the whole world. Schools have grown into every hamlet, waterworks, sewers, elec- tric street cars, public buildings have arisen up in every city and througli each year she has become more and more prosperous until at the beginning of the century she holds, perhaps, the most con- tented people that reside anywhere u]3on the face of the globe. These things are difficult to comprehend, and it is more to dis- play them that the commissioners from Mexico have sought to devote their exhibit. Behind the hundreds of specimens lurk something more tlian what the eye see's and the glance reveals. For the exhibit of Mexico when taken as a whole depicts nothing so much as progression, advancement and enlightenment. It speaks of arts that stand distinct from anything- in the world, of agriculture that might be well used as an example, of the ultima chule of mines and mining, of the rarest flowers and fairest fruits, and, best of all, of a people of whom the country may well be proud. It is true that there is but one Diaz, but his spirit is no longer confined to him. It has pervaded his people and has become the key- note of the whole country and to talk with the Mexican representa- tives at the EScxDosition and to view their showing is to catch a breath of the inspiration. Perhaps there isnothing that will so appeal to the popular mind when it is turned toward our Southern neighbbor than does the ex- hibit of cactus which is made outside the Horticulture Building. We have always been wont to view Mexico as merely a bed of "ca'c'ti and they have brought the bed to us and transplanted it within 'the con- fines of the Eainbow City, where it attracts wide attention in its in- finite beauty and variety and makes everyone envious of a country where such plants gi'ow. In the cacti are breaths of the past and fro-m the tradition and mysticism the hand of progression has kept all of the beautiful and woven it in with the newer arts and later beauties of the higher plant life that is shown in the Borticulture and Agriculture buildings. Throughout the whole display two things at once appeal to the visitor, and those are the cordial invitation which Mexico holds out to home seekers to come and share her plenteous riches and the spirit of progression of the country which is leading it on to greater ends. A Few Facts About Mexico No exhibit at the Exposition is more interesting, attraetive, or creditable than that which Senor Albino R. Nuncio and his associate conimissionei s have jirepared for the United States of Mexico. The exhibit is made under the Department of Promotion of Mex- ico, under whose wideawake administration developments are being made on every line throughout the country, and to Senor Leandro Fernandez, Secretary of Public Promotion, and to ex-Secretary Manuel Fernandez J^eal, no end of praise is due for their active and energetic efforts in behalf of the representation of Mexico at the Pan-American lixnosition. 130 Bibliography Tlie following- is a partial and rather incomplete list of (princi- pally English) books about Mexico: Abbott, Gorham D. Mexico and the United States. New York, 1869. Bancroft, H. H. A Poi>ular Historj^ of the Mexican People. 8. London. Resources and Development of Mexico. San Francisco, 1894. Brocklehurst, T. U. Mexico To-day. London, 1883. P.urke, U. E. Life of Benito Juarez. 8. London, 1894. Castro, Lorenzo. The Republic of Mexico in 1882. New York, 1882. Charma^^ 1). Ancient Cities of the New World. Tr. 8. London. Chevalier, Michel. Le Mexique ancien et moderne. IS. Paris, 1886. Conkling-, Howard. Alexico and the Mexicans. New York, 1883. Conkling, A. R. Appleton's Guide to Mexico. New York, 1890. Crawford, Cora Haj'ward. The Land of the Montezumas. New York, 1889. Cubas, Antonio Garcia. Mexico, its Trade, Industries, and Re- sources. Mexico, 1893. Flint, H. M, Mexico under Maximilian. 12. Philadelphia, 1867. G loner. Prosper. Les Finances des Etats Unis Mexicains. Brux- elles. 1895. Gooch, F. C. Face to Face with the Mexicans. London, 1890. Griffin, S. B. Mexico of To-day. New York, 1886. Hamilton, Leonidas. Border States of Mexico. Chicag-o, 1882. Hamilton, L. L. C. Hamilton's Mexican Handbook. London, 1884. Janvier, Thomas A. The Mexican Guide. New York, 1886. Kozhevar, E. Report on the Republic of Mexico. London, 1886. La Bedolliere, Emile G. de. Histoire de la guerre du Mexique. 4. Paris, 1866. Lester, C. Edwards. The Mexican Republic. New York, 1878. Noll, Arthur Howard. A Short History of Mexico. Chicago, 1890. Ober, F. A. T'ravels in Mexico. Boston, TJ. S., 1884. Prescott, W. H. History of the Conquest of Mexico. 8. London. Ratzel, Fried. Aus Mexico, Reiseskizzen aus den Jahren 1874-' 5. Breslau. 1878. Rice, John N. Mexico, Our Neighbor. New York. (No date.) Romero, Matias. Geographical and Statistical Notes on Mexico. New York, 1898. Mexico and the United States. New York, 1898. Routier, G. Le Mexique de nos Jours. Paris, 1895. Schroeder, Seaton. The Fall of Maximilian's Empire as seen from a United States Gunboat. New York, 1887. Scobel, A. "Die Verkehrsvvege Mexicos und ihre wirtschaftliche Bedeutung." In Deutsche Geoigraphische Blaetter. Band X, Heft 1. Bremen. 1887. Through the Land of the Aztecs; or. Life and Travel in Mexico. By a "Gringo." London, 1892. Wells, David A. A Study of Mexico. New York, 1887. 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