A few T<3ci~e
abou.tr Mexico.

I BO I

Hex Leo

"/give the/e Books
\for. the founding of a, College in this .Colony"

A FEW FACTS ABOUT
MEXICO

President of the United States of Mexico

A Few Facts
About Mexico

J901
Published by
The National Commission from the United States of Mexico
to the
Pan-American Exposition
BUFFALO, N. Y.

The White-Evans-Penfold Company
Nos. 302 and 304 Main Street
. In Buffalo, New York

Contents

I Historical Synopsis, . . . . , . 13
II Geographical Information, . . . . . 21
III The Constitution. ....... 23
IV The Federal Administration, . . . . 31
V President Diaz and His Cabinet, .... 37
VI The Federal District, the States, and the Territories, 49
VII Mineral Resources, ...... 59
VIII Agriculture, ........ 65
DC Manufactures, ....... 7J
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, .... 107
XV Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition, . . 109
Appendix — Comments of the Press, etc. . . 115

Illustrations

General Porfirio Diaz, .....

Frontispiece

Liberty, ........

7

The Mexican Commission, ....

11

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, :

81

Liberal Arts Exhibit, ......

87

Cactus Exhibit, .......

95

Forestry Exhibit, ......

. 103

General View of Ethnology Exhibit, .

. Ill

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.
Buffalo, September, J901.

I. 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

Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition The Mexican Commission

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 large 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, they 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 Dolores, 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 army, he was not able to take
the City of Mexico, even after having obtained a new victory over the
Spaniards 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 Republicans and patriots at Aculco, and
then at Puente de Calderon. Hidalgo was finally taken prisoner at
Aeatita de Bajan on May 21, 1811, and was shot at the City of Chi
huahua on July 31, 1811.
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 great feats
was the defense of the City of Cuautla, 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. Morelos 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 pt Ecatepec, near the City of Mexico, on December
22, 1S15. 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
army, joining- the patriots. The combined and triumphant forces
entered the City of Mexico on September 21, 1S21. Thereupon
a regency of three members was established, of which Iturbide was
appointed President. Soon after, under military pressure, he was de
clared Kmperor and on July 21. 1822, he was crowned as such at the
Cathedral of the City of Mexico.
Put the Mexican patriots could not brook the establishment of an
Knipire. and Iturbide was obliged to send in his resig-nation, and left
the eountrx in the month of May. 1823. Thinking that he could again
resume power, lie returned to the Republic, but was arrested and
linalh shot at Padilla. July 19. 1824. In the same year a Federal Con
stitution was established, and General Guadalupe Victoria became the
lirst President of the Federation. The Federal Republic lasted until
IS3.*>, 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 1S22 to 1845 there was a series of military mutinies
and civil war predominated during most of that period, while in 1847

Father of the Independence of the United States of Mexico-

Historical Synopsis
the war 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 was convened, and after mature de
liberation issued a Constitution on the 5th of February, 1857, which is
still in force throughout the Republic. 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 Reform". 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 Europe 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. Re-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 Tuxtepee, 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
w:as re-elected and since then, through continued, and we may say

A Few Facts About Mexica
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 Juarez

II
Geographical Information
The Republic of Mexico, or the Mexican United States, as the
country is officially styled, is situated between 14° 30' 42" 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
Hie Caribbean Sea; on the south by the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala, and
Belize; and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The boundary line with
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 boundary 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 boundary between Mexico and Guatemala.
The total area of the Mexican Republic is 767,326 English square
miles, which includes 1,471 square miles of islands near the coasts of
the Republic. 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 Republic, washed hy 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 Republic 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 which vary from 4000 to 8000 feet above the level of the sea.
There are two great ranges which cross the Republic, 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 Toluca,
15,019 feet: the Colima. 11.313 feet; and the Ajusto, 13,628 feet.

A Few Facts About Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of California, and the Gulf of Tehuan
tepec, the first mentioned being on the Eastern coast, and the other
two along the Western coast, are considered among the largest in
both Continents.
The principal bays are those of Guaymas, Santa Barbara, Topolo-
bampo, La Paz, and Muleje, in the Gulf of Lower California; Amejas,
Magdalena. 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 Veracruz; Guadalupe at a great distance from the coast of
Lower California; Tres Marias, a group of three islands near the
same coast; The Revillagigedo Islands and Alcatraz Island on the
west coast of Colima and Michoacan.
The principal rivers of the Republic are the Rio Grande, or Rio
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
ures eighty miles in length by thirty in breadth. In the Valley of
Mexico there are seven lakes. There are other lakes of importance
in various states of the Republic, such as Catemaco in Veracruz, Cariel
and Carpintero in Tamaulipas, Eticantado in Tabasco, Bacalor in Yu
catan, Cuitzeo and Patzcuaro in Michoacan, Yuriria in Guanajuato,
and Meztitlan in Hidalg-o.
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
Republic 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.
Regarding the flora and fauna of Mexico, we may say that they are
mosft 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.
Tlie population of the Republic was estimated at 9,90S,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 Re
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 Republic a representative, democratic,
and federal form of government, the states composing the Republic
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 Republic 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 power 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 office of President,
the Secretary of Foreign Relations 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 Relations; 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 About Mexico
all cases arising from the enforcement and application of federal laws,
provided the same do not affect private interests, (b) In admiralty
cases, {e) 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 foreig-n powers, (g) In cases affecting diplomatic
and consular offices. The jurisdiction of said courts likewise extend
to all cases g-rowing 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 Republic, 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 give 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, to
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 writ 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 may

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 judgment of the court 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 by law.
Private property shall not be taken without the consent of the
owner, except on the ground of public utility, and upon previous in
demnification. The inviolability of sealed correspondence going-
through the mails is secured, and the infractors of this guarantee
shall be punished severely.
Monopolies of all kinds under pretext of industrial protection, are
prohibited, excepting the government's exclusive right to coin money
and of the postal service, besides the limited privileges granted by law
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 manage for itself, real estate, with the exception of the
buildings directly devoted to service or object of the institution, and
no religious corporation 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 obligations 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 limited 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
federal 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 bj- 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, excepting
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 general
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 having the
right to seek other protection than that granted to Mexican citizens.
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 expressl}- granted by the Constitution,
are understood to be reserved to the states. The Constitution, the
laws of the Congress of the Union passed by virtue 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 the judges of each state shall be guided by said Consti
tution, laws, and treaties, notwithstanding provisions to the con
trary, which may appear in the Constitution 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 Republic
is lodged in the President, who has a cabinet of seven secretaries to
assist him in the discharge 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 o'f 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 legations in England, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Bel
gium, Holland, Portugal, and Austria, in Europe; a legation 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 law 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 Congress 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
secretary in his labors. The first branch mentioned comprises the ad
ministration of justice, in everything relative to the federal laws
and courts throughout the Republic 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 Tepie 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, weig-hts 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-
32

Hon. Justino Fernandez
Secretary of Justice and Public Instruction.

The Federal Administration
ations. The work of making the boundary lines between 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 Republic.
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 Republic.
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 Republic, 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
his 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. When the War of Reform 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 Reform 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 Tulancingo, Piutla, and Miahuatlan, 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
army, hastened and laid siege 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 Republic, and took possession of that high office May
2, 1877. He remained as chief executive of the 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 Republic. 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 his
duties as such Commissioner-General he made a trip to the United
States, where lie 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, remaugurated President, in
1888, 1892, 1896, and 1900. The enthusiastic and magnificent ovation he
received upon his reinauguration 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 Republic. 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

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. Returning to Mexico, he successfully filled
the 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
came as representative of President Diaz to take part in the laying
of the corner stone of the public federal building of Chicago. In that
city, in New York, and elsewhere, he was most cordially and en
thusiastically received.
At the head of the Department of the Interior we find General
Manuel Gonzalez Cosio, who was born at the City of Zacatecas in 1838.
After obtaining a common school education he went to the City of
Mexico, where he pursued the studies necessary for the career of a
civil engineer. The Civil War between the Conservative and Liberal
parties drew young Gonzalez Cosio into the ranks of the Liberal army.
Through his gallant conduct in various battles he rose rapidly, and
when the War of the French Intervention commenced he was among
the first to take up arms on behalf of his country. His most brilliant
achievements during those campaigns was his stubborn defence of
Fort Santa Ines, 1863, at the City of Puebla; as a recognition of his
conduct he was then appointed General. He was then taken prisoner
and sent to France, where he remained about a year. Regaining his
liberty, he decided to return to his country with two fellow-prisoners.
Upon arriving in the United States, the three companions had no
means to pursue their homeward journey, and so determined to draw
lots and find out which one of them would enlist in the Federal Army,

A Few Facts About Mexico
so that with the bounty money the other two might be able to reach
their native land. Luck was against him, and he was about to enter
the service of the United States, when a friend loaned the three
patriots sufficient funds to buy their passage to Mexico. There, Gen
eral Gonzalez Coaio continued fighting bravely in the ranks of the
Republican army. When peace was restored he was elected deputy,
then member of the Federal Senate, and on two occasions Governor of
his native state. From 1886 to 1889 he was President of the Common
Council of the capital of the Republic. Thereafter he became Secre
tary of Communications and Public Works, and on the death of the
able statesman, Manuel Romero Rubio, the portfolio of the Interior
was given to him. He has been ever since at the head of that de
partment, gaining well-merited praise for his efficient administration
of affairs. During his term of office the new penitentiary of the
Federal District and other public improvements, as well as charitable
and correctional institutions, have been established and fostered.
Mr. Justino Fernandez is the latest addition to President Diaz's
Cabinet, and was appointed Minister of Justice and Public Instruction,
and succeeded the former Minister, Mr. Joaquin Baranda, April 19th
of the present year. The new Secretary was born at the City of
Mexico, June 22, 1828. After the termination of the usual academic
course, he pursued his professional studies and in January, 1853, was
admitted to the bar. Soon after he took part in political life, and be
came a member of the Common Council of the City of Mexico. He
entered the ranks of the Liberal party and was returned to Congress.
He has had the honor of being one of the signers of the Federal Con
stitution of 1857, now in force. Mr. Fernandez has held several im
portant offices, and in 1860 was elected Governor of the State of Hidal
go. Since 1882 he has been one of the most prominent members of
Congress at various times, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, and
since 1884 Dean of the National College of Jurisprudence. He is a
member of many scientific and literary societies, both at home and
abroad, and is a fine speaker and forcible writer.
Mr. Leandro Fernandez, Secretary of the Department of
Public Promotion, Mining, Agriculture, and Colonization, was
born February 27, 1851, in the District of Nombre de Dios,
State of Durango. He pursued his preliminary instruction in
his native city, but terminated his professional studies at the
City of Mexico. In 1873 he was received as assayer, and
soon after as civil engineer. He practiced his profession successfully,
and had under his charge the Chair of Mathematics and Astronomy
at the National College of Mines. For a time he was President of that
institution of learning and also Director of the Central Astronomical
Observatory. Upon the organization of the new Department of Com
munications and Public Works he was appointed Sub-secretary of that
department. He has been likewise Director of the Mint at the capital
of the Republic and a member of the Sanitary Board of said city.

Gen. Francisco Z. Mena
Secretary of Communications and Public Works

President Diaz and His Cabinet
He discharged with marked ability the duties of these various posi
tions. In 1897 he was elected Governor of the State of Durango, but
soon returned to take charge of the Mint at the City of Mexico.
Finally upon the resignation of the former Secretary of the Depart
ment of Public Promotion, Mr. Manuel Fernandez Leal, President
Diaz, with his usual tact and foresight, selected Mr. Leandro Fernan
dez as his successor. He entered into the discharge of his new duties.
in December, 1900.
General Francisco Z. Mena, the Secretary of Communications and
Public Works, was born in 1841 at the City of Leon, State of Guana
juato. While yet a boy he entered the ranks of the Liberal army, and
in March, 1857, began his distinguished military career as a Lieutenant
in the infantry army. He rose in rank and in November, 1880, was
made a Brigadier-general. During the War of the French Intervention
he was a member of General Diaz's staff. After the fall of Maximilian,
he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, was re-elected for several
terms, and thereafter became Governor of the State of Guanajuato^
Being appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary
of his country in London and Berlin, he served with distinction, until he
resigned. He remained several years abroad, but was finally called by
President Diaz to his present position. In his department General
Mena has supervision over the railways, telegraph and postal services-
of the Republic, which he has managed with great ability. A dis
tinguished soldier and an affable gentleman, General Mena has won
the esteem of all who come in contact with him.
The Secretary of Finance in President Diaz's Cabinet is Mr. Jose
Ives Limantour, a lawyer by profession and a great financier. He was
born at the City of Mexico, December 24, 1854. His parents were
wealthy and gave him all the advantages of a liberal education. After
pursuing his preliminary studies at the National Preparatory School,
and his law studies at the National School of Jurisprudence, he was
admitted to the bar in March, 1875. In the succeeding year he was ap
pointed Professor of Political Economy at the National College of
Commerce. He began his public career as a member of the Common
Council of the City of Mexico, and in 1888 he was elected to the Cham
ber of Deputies, where he served several terms and acted as President
of said legislative body. During that time at various occasions he
filled commissions of importance for the Federal Government. His
thorough acquaintance with all questions relative to political economy
led to his appointment in March, 1892, as Sub-secretary of the Depart
ment of Finance. A year afterwards he was given the portfolio of
that department, where he has since rendered inestimable services to
his country. The late conversion of the public debt and the financial
operations performed under his direction, whereby a balance of sev
eral millions have remained in the National Treasury, have stamped
him as one of the ablest financiers of the present time. Mr. Liman
tour speaks several languages, is highly accomplished, and although

A Few Facts About Mexico
wealthy, instead of devoting his time to frivolous amusements or
pleasure, gives himself up readily to intellectual labor and painstaking
study. He has traveled throughout Europe and the United States, his
last trip having occurred during the spring and summer of 1899.
The Portfolio of War and Navy in General Diaz's Cabinet is held
by General Bernando Reyes, one of the most popular military leaders
of the Republic. He was born at the City of Guadalajara in 1850, and
after pursuing his preliminary studies, entered college, but when six
teen years of age he went into the ranks of the Republican army,
which was fighting against the French invaders. He rose rapidly
through his gallantry, and was present at the siege of Queretaro, when
Archduke Maximilian was made a prisoner. After peace was restored
he continued his miltary career, and at various times assisted in put
ting down some revolutionary chieftains. At Villa Union he won a
great victory, but was wounded three times. It was then he was
given the rank of Brigadier-general. Since then he has been made a
Major-general. Owing to his popularity he was made Governor of the
State of Nuevo Leon in 1885, and was re-elected for several successive
terms. His wise and enlightened administration of affairs in that
state gave him both a national and an international reputation. Final
ly, on the death of Secretary of War Berriozabal, in 1899, President
Diaz called him to become a member of his Cabinet. In that position
he has rendered important services, and has justly earned the plaudits
of his countrymen.
The foregoing brief sketches of the persons who are aiding Presi
dent Diaz in his great and patriotic labors, sufficiently demonstrate
the wisdom displayed by the Executive of Mexico in the selection of
the members of his official family.

Hon. Jose Ives Limantour
Secretary of Finances

VI
The Federal District, the States, and
the Territories
The Republic of Mexico is divided into a Federal District, twenty-
seven states, and two territories. As already stated, the states are
free and independent as far as their internal affairs are concerned;
each one has a Governor, a Legislature, and a State Judiciary.
The Federal District, situated in the southwestern portion of the
Valley of Mexico, has an area of about 463 square miles. According
to the census of 1900, it has a population of 540, 47S inhabitants. It
is divided into four subprefeetures, viz: Guadalupe-Hidalgo, Tacu-
liaya, Tlalpan and Xochimileo, and the Municipality of Mexico, the
capital of the Republic. About three-fourths of the lands in the
Federal District are under cultivation. The Municipality of Mexico
comprises the capital proper, with a population of 368,777 inhabitants.
It has about nine hundred streets and lanes, five hundred and thirty-
two public and private schools, ten theaters, twenty-one hospitals and
asylums, one hundred and thirty-four churches, fourteen markets,
and thirty-four libraries. The number of dwelling houses in the
Federal District was 47,901 in 1900, and the value of real estate about
.$200,000,000. The City of Mexico is one of the oldest of this continent,
and has been successively the capital of the Aztec Empire, of the
Colony of New Spain, and now of the Republic. At present it em
braces nearly twice the area that it did in olden times. It is a most
important commercial center and possesses wealthy banking institu
tions, great manufacturing industries, large and numerous stores and
mercantile establishments, electric lighting and tramways, and all
the comforts and conveniences to be found in the leading cities of the
world. The gieat work of the drainage of the Valley of Mexico,
which was successfully terminated in 1S96 at a cost of more than
$13. 000, 000, is now to be perfected and made thoroughly available t.
the city, by the construction of an extensive system of interior sew-
eis, soon to be completed at an expense of several million dollars.
The water supply of the city has been greatly enlarged, and lately the
widening of several streets, the construction of a new hospital, of a
magnificent national theater, of a Legislative palace, of a new post-
office, and of other expensive improvements, will greatly add to the
beauty and attractiveness of that great capital.
We will now briefly describe the states of the Republic in then-
alphabetical order:

A Few Facts About Mexico
The State of Aguascalientes has a population of 101,940 inhabitants.
Its total area is about 2,951 square miles. Though one of the smallest
states in the Republic, it is very rich in agricultural resources. The
principal industries of the state are stock raising, agriculture, min
ing, and commerce. Its chief city, bearing the same name, had in
1900 a population of 35,052 inhabitants.
The State of Campeche, with a population of 84,281 inhabitants,
occupies the western portion of the Peninsula of Yucatan. Its area
is 18,091 square miles. Nearly all the state has a hot climate. Its
principal industries is the cutting and shipping of cabinet woods,
commerce, agriculture, stock raising, fisheries, exploitation of the
salt deposits, and manufacturing of articles made from the heniquen
fibetr. Its capital is the City of Campeche, with a population in 1895
of about 17j000 inhabitants.* Its leading sea port is El Carmen.
The State of Chiapas has a population of 363,607 inhabitants,
and is situated along the boundary line with Guatemala, and has
an area of 27,230 square miles. It has great agricultural resources
and, though generally hot, has lands at a moderate altitude, enjoy
ing a temperate climate. Its principal industries are the raising oi
coffee, tobacco, rubber, and fruits, stock raising and commerce.. Its
capital is Tuxtla Gutierrez, with a population in 1895 of 7,882 inhabit
ants, and its leading sea ports are Tonala and San Benito.
The State of Chihuahua is the largest state in the Republic, has
an area of 87,820 square miles and a population of 327,004 inhabitants.
It is a very rich state in mining and agriculture, and its manufactur
ing interests are also of importance. Being situated along the fron
tier of the United States, it has great commerce with said country.
Its capital city bearing- the same name r s a population in 1895 of
13,128 inhabitants.
The State of Coahuila is the third largest in the Republic, and
has also the United States for its northern boundary. Its area is
62,376 square miles and its population is 280,899 inhabitants. Agri
culture is the principal industry of the state and cattle raising is one
of its great sources of wealth. Although its mining resources were
little known until lately, now they are being well and properly de
veloped. The leading city and capital is Saltillo. with a population
in 1900 of 40,441 inhabitants.
The State of Colima is after Tlaxeala, the smallest of the Re
public. Its area is 2,273 square miles and it has a population of 65,026
inhabitants. Most of the state is in a tropical region and has a good
coast line along the Pacific Ocean. The principal industries are agri
culture, stock raising, and the exploitation of the salt deposits. The
-capital of the state had in 1895 19,305 inhabitants.

*Where the figures of the census of 1900 could not be obtained
before this publication went to press, those of the census of 1895 are
given.

^l»

EL***

*^l

- 1 1
Gen. Bernardo Reyes
Secretary of War and Navy
The Federal District, the States, and the Territories
The State of Durango has an area of 38,020 square miles and a
population of 371.274 inhabitants. It is a very large and rich state.
and its capital city bearing the same name had a population in 1900
of 42,165 inhabitants. Its principal industries are agriculture, stock
raising, and commerce. There are various manufactories in the state,
among which are several cotton mills of importance.
The State of Guanajuato has an area of 11,374 square miles and a
population of 1,065,317 inhabitants. Its capital city had in 1900 a
population of 52,412 inhabitants. There are other large cities as Leon,
Celaya, San Miguel Allende, Irapuato, Silao, and Salamanca. The
state has one of the richest mineral regions in the world and is a
most important mercantile and industrial center of the Republic.
Tlhe State of Guerrero, having- a sea coast line on the Pacific, has
a population of 474.594 inhabitants and an area of 25,003 square miles.
Its leading city and capital is Chilpancing-o with 6,204 inhabitants in
1S95, and its principal sea port is Acapulco. The commerce and
manufacturing interests of Guerrero are as yet of comparatively
little importance, and its agricultural and mineral interests are partly
undeveloped. The State of Hidalg-o, with an area of s.920 square miles and a
population of 603.074 inhabitants, is one of the most important in so
far as mining is concerned. Its principal industries are the reduction
of ores, the manufacturing of cotton and woolen goods and of pulque,
brick tiles, etc. Its leading city and capital is Paehuca, with a popu
lation in 1895 of 52,189 inhabitants.
The State of Jalisco is one of the richest in the Republic and has
the larg-est population of any. Its manufacturing, agricultural, and
commercial interests are very great. It has an area of 31,855 square
miles and a population of 1,137,311 inhabitants. Its capital is Guada
lajara, a very beautiful city with a population in 1895 of 83.S70 in
habitants. The State of Mexico is among the most important in the Republic
for its agricultural and industrial interests. It has an area of 9,250
square miles and a population of 924,457 inhabitants. Stock raising
and mining are also sources of its wealth. The leading city and
capital, Toluca, with a population in 1900 of 20,893 inhabitants, is a
most attractive and interesting town.
The State of Michoacan is another of the leading agricultural
states in the Republic. It has also very rich mining districts and its
commerce and manufacturing interests are quite important. Its
population is 935,847 inhabitants and it has an area of 22,881 square
miles. Its leading city and capital, Morelia, had in 1895 32,287 in
habitants, is situated in a picturesque location, and offers great at
tractions to the tourist.
The State of Morelos is one of the smallest, but is a rich state,
with an area of 2,774 square miles and a population of 161,697 in
habitants. Its leading industries are manufacturing, commerce, and

A Few Facts About Mexico
agriculture. Its leading city and capital, Cuernavaca, had in 1895
8,554 inhabitants and is a most attractive winter resort.
The State of Nuevo Leon, which occupies part of the eastern slope
of the Central Plateau, has an area of 24,324 square miles and a popu
lation of 326,940 inhabitant;-. It has large manufacturing interests',
its agriculture has been steadily progressing, but its mineral wealth
has not been greatly developed. Its principal city and capital is
Monterrey, a most progressive town and had in 1900 62,266 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 Tehuantepec 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, 4S9 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. Tt 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 Pacific
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 Culiacan. 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 Guaymas and its capital Hermosillo, 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 very great. Its area is 10,075 square miles and
54

The Federal District, the States, and the Territories
has a population of 158,107 inhabitants. The capital city of this state
is San Juan Bautista, which has a population of xU,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 32.5S5 square miles, it contains only 218,948 inhabitants.
Its leading sea ports are Matamoros and Tampieo, 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 Republic, and
it has merely 1,595 square miles, with a population of 172,217 inhabi
tants. It is essentially an ag-ricultural 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 1S95 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. Tts 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 £tate<of Zacatecas, with an area of 24,764 square miles and a
population of 462, 8S6 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 city had a popu
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 population 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 mountains 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 regions of the Republic and the states in which they are re
spectively 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. Although the production of gold has
so far been comparatively small, because silver mining had yielded
larger 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 1S99 there were eighty-nine gold producing mines in the Republic
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
59

A Few Facts About Mexico
The production 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 Republic two hundred and fifty-six silver
mines and four hundred and twenty-one mines yielding silver in com
bination with other metals. The great group 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 1S92 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-
eado" 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 Republic 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
Go

Mineral Resources Sulphur  57
Gold and copper  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
Antimony  71
Tin  .'  7
Silver and manganese  S
Silver and mercury  4
Mang-anese  6
Zinc  1
There are in the Republic 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 garnet.
In order to form a still more complete idea of the product of
precious metals in the Republic, we herein append some official data
regarding' 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 106,530
persons. From July, 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 1SS9-1899. a period of ten
years, the mints of the Republic 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 Republic 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 Republic 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 fully prove to any unprejudiced mind the greatness
of the mineral resources of the Mexican Republic, as well as the in
crease that the Drodnction of metallic substances is> there attaining.

* <$» -~» cSjs,

vni
Agriculture

The wonderful fertility of the soil of the Mexican Republic 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 plateaus.
According to an article, in the "Corn Reporter" 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 only by those of the United States and Austria-
Hungary. This most abundant cereal grows almost everywhere in
the Republic, and in some places three crops of it are raised every
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 only Brazil.
The production of cocoa is now increasing every year, 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 Republic.
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 Republic, 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 territory of Mexico stands
pie-eminent for the richness and abundance of such products. The

A Few Facts About Mexico
exportation of heniquen, jute, and other fibers, reaches every year
enormous figures, and the traffic in them is a source of wealth to
Yucatan, Campeche, Sinaloa, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and other states.
Among fiber plants we cannot forego mentioning the agave or
maguey, which grows most abundantly on the plateaus, and yields a
great variety of products from its leaves, 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 largely produced principally 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 ulants are also to be found throughout the Republic. 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 Re
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 plateaus 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 only the orange is cultivated
for export. Of vegetables there is abundant production, though with
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 reference of some statistical data, which will
undoubtedly prove the importance and magnitude of the agricultural
resources of the Mexican Republic.
These data we take from the latest "Anuario Estadistico de la
Republica Mexicana." issued in 1900 by the Department of Public Pro
motion, and corresponding to the year 1899. Undoubtedly they under
rate the yearly production of agricultural products, owing- to the lack
of proper 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.
Dining said year 1S99. the total value of agricultural products,

Agriculture fermented drinks, and medicinal plants in the Republic was as fol
lows: Eice  $ 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  49 334
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
Rum  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 ."  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-
?i+e 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.

A Few Facts About Mexico
Furthermore, we will state that the aggregate values of the expor
tation of aa-ricultural products for the fiscal years beginning with
1892-93 and ending with 1899-1900, were as follows:
1S92-93  $24,85S,887
1893-94  26,6S9,978
1S94-95  27,999,998
1S95-9 i  25.907,196
1S96-97  2S,6S4,389
1S97-9S  34.743,290
1S9S-99  40,371,661
1899-1900  :  50,939,474
Thus in eight years the exportation of agricultural products has
more than doubled. The figures above g-iven more than sufficiently
attest the growth and prosperity of Mexican agriculture.

General View Exterior of Agriculture 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 produced
and raised successfully in the Republic. 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 enlig-hted administration of public af
fairs, the liberal laws enacted to encourage foreig-n capital, and other
causes, among- which the depreciation of silver may be set down is
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 Jul;;
1900 there were 134 of such factories in active operation throughout
the Republic, 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, Durango, 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 Miguel.
Silk weaving may be considered as a growing industry, which in
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 Republic is
situated at Coeolapan, 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 Republic, 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 in the Republic, 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 type founding is in its infancy, we may say that printing ma
terials are made for home consumption, though the greater 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 importance, especially in the Federal District.
Chocolate, which is a favorite beverage throughout Mexico, is
manufactured in establishments, some of which have large capital
invested in this industry.
Tanneries exist in many 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 which has attained considerable importance.
The manufacture of felt hats is carried on in all cities, while
straw and palm hats are made everywhere in the Republic. 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 similar character.
There are several furniture factories in the Republic, but the de
mand for such articles is so great that large quantities are yearly
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 profitable one. From July, 1900, to April, 1901, inclu
sive, a period of ten months, there were manufactured in the Republic
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 rapid 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 1S96-97 was $1,161,480.12;
for 1S97-98, $1,280,729.52; for 1S9S-99, $1,395,212. 17, and for 1S99-1900,
$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 Republic.
During the fiscal year of 1898-99, there were 2211 establishments
devoted to the manufacture of spirits from maguey, g-rapes, su»av
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
Republic, 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 Republic 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 Republic 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.

Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition

Mines and Liberal Arts Exhibit
Mexican Building

X
Commerce and Finance
The growth of Mexican commerce since the advent of General
Diaz to the presidency, and especially since the year 1893, has been
really 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 wealth through-
mit the country, 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
" 1894-95  17,73S,129.66
" 1*95-96  21.492,211.91
1896-97  21,481,225.93
" 1S97-9S  20,963.442.63
" 1898-99  20,443,847.66
" 1S99-1900  27,696,979.06
While the value of such importations declared in gold, was as
follows: 1S93-94  $39,287,489
1S94-95  34,000.400
1895-96  42,253,938
1S96-97  42.204,095
1897-9S  43.603,492
1S9S-99  50,8(19,194
1899-1900  50,S(i9,194
1S99-1900  61,318,175
Thus it is that the value of the importations has doubled in a
period of seven years.
If we now examine the figures relative to the values of the article
-ent abroad by Mexico, we will notice the same rapid increase. The
total exportations, which were declared in Mexican silver, were as
follows: 1893-94  $ 79,343,2S7
1894-95  90,854,953
1895-96 '.'.  105,016,902
1S96-97  111,346,494
1897-9S  128,972,749
1898-99  148,453,834
1899-1900  158,247,933
These last figures likewise show that the exportations have
doHbled in the said period of seven years.
Let us now examine into the class of articles which are mostly
imported into the Republic, and for that purpose we take the following-

A Few Facts About Mexico
official figures corresponding to the fiscal year of 1899-1900. They are
as follows: Animal industry  $4,359,923
Agricultural 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  2,813,6S7
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 commerce 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.SS2.029
Spain  2,919.162 912,173
Belgium  S02,374 1,926,103
Italy  463.224 83,657
Austria  414,983 30,000
Holland and colonies  189.511 237,912
Guatemala  32,S49 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 three-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.S15

Total  9,047

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 oi
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  29S.173.67
Consular and diplomatic certificates
abroad  11,617.69
Total  $29,945.793 . 04
II. Interior Federal Taxes.
Stamp tax comprising —
Regular stamps  $S,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
Real estate tax  10,063.00
Manufactured tobacco  1,395,212.17
Spirits  8S0,926.93
Cotton yarn and fabrics  1,367,660.98
Sundries  96,439.29
Mintage dues and charges  1,367,660.9s
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
IV. 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 progressive increase in the revenues of the Mexican Govern
ment has been as follows:
Fiscal year 1S95-96  $50,521,470.42
"" 1S96-97  51,500,628.75
" 1897-98  52.697,981.55
" 1S98-99  60,139,212.84
" 1S99-1900  64,261,076.39
The estimated expenditures for the year 1900-01, as proposed by the
Secretary of the Treasury, and then modified bjr the Chamber of
Deputies in May, 1901, are as follows:
Legislative power  $1,130,983 . 30
Executive power  1S3,986 . S4
Judicial power  537,368 . 20
Department of Foreign Relations  755.127.25
Department of the Interior  4,852,778.10
Department of Justice and Public In
struction  2,SS9,677.50
Department of Promotion, Colonization
and Industry  996.686.16
Department of Communications and
Public Works  S,699,840.09
Department of Finance and Public
Credit  2S,205,411 . 55
Department of War and Navy  14,023.242 . S4
Total  $62,275,101. S3
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 1S99-90 amounted
to the large sum of $31,799,921.14. These figures satisfactorily prove
the healthy condition of the public treasury in the Mexican Republic.
The public debt of Mexico was as follows at the end of the fiscal
year of 1899-1900:

Front View of Manufactures Exhibit
Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building
Mexico at the Pan-Am«rican 'Exposition

Commerce arid Finance
Debt payable in gold  $1 15.178,612.00
Debt payable in silver  123,118.982.20
Floating- debt payable in silver and
bearing- no interest  1,015,836.24
$239,313,430.44
The interest, on the public 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
Secretary of the Treasury, was lately converted into a. five per cent
loan, while formerly the government securities 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
mav be u-ed in the arts, is coined at the various mints of the Re
public. These were first established in 1537. Up to seven years ago
•there weie thirteen mints in the country, but owing' to increased
facilities for the transportation of bullion and for other reasons, the
number of such establishments has been reduced to four; one is
situated at the City of Mexico; another at Guanajuato; a third one at
Zacatecas; and still another at Ciiliacan. Besides these, there are
government assay offices at various other cities of the Republic.
During the fiscal year of 1899-1900 the coinage effected by the
mints amounted to $18,723,720. while the value of the exportation of
gold, silver, and copper in money, bars, and in ores, amounted to
$MI.S.8s.92(i. Practically there is no gold 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 government issues no paper money.
On the 30th day of April, 1901, there were twenty-four banks in
operation in the Republic, duly organized under the hanking- laws.
Their financial standing was as follows:
ASSETS.
Unsubscribed capital  $5,452,450.00
Cash on hand . . .'  56,429,472.46
Rills receivable  91,712.252.31;
Loans and personal properly  34,474,676.29
Hypothecary loans  '  10.070.450. 89
Loans on real estate  3, 027, 43,6. 59
Public funds  3,070,324.35
Current debts or accounts  52, 115,844. 8.>
Real estate  1.953,235.47
Total  $258,312,143.24
S3

A Few Facts About Mexico
LIABILITIES.
Authorized capital  $77,300,000.00
Bills in circulation  61,855,281.25
Mortgage bonds in circulation  8,611,600.00
Cash bonds in circulation  709,300.00
Sight deposits  4,317.265.25
Other deposits  6,795,876.05
Current credit accounts  84.99S,968.10
Reserve fund  10,271,335.93
Surplus fund  2,452.516 . 66
Total  $258,312,143 . 24
The four principal banks of the Republic 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), Which was established in 1775. In former times it could issue
notes; at present 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 Republic are
in a most flourishing condition, but the demand for increased facili
ties are so great and legal provisions relative to such institutions are
of so liberal a nature, that new banks are being established in various
parts of the Republic, 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 Railway, from
Veracruz to the City of Mexico, was inaugurated; but what may be
called the "railroad era" of the Mexican Republic 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 mileage
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; while
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 189S, and $46,374,334.94
in 1S99. 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 Republic, 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 Buffalo, 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 Republic are:
The Mexican Railway, broad-gauge, which, as alreadjr stated, was
the first road built in Mexico. Tt has branches to Puebla and
Pachuca, 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
Guadalaiara. Ameca, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, and Pachuca. It
crosses some of the most important states, and reaches Chihuahua,
Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Leon, Trapuato, Celaya, Queretaro, Guada
lajara, San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Pachuca, and other important cities.
The Interoceanic Railway 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 Mexico, passing through Puebla
and Jalapa, and has built a portion from the capital towards Acapulco.
The Mexican National Railroad, 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 Railway is a broad-g-auge line, built
without a subsidy, and commences at Ciudad Porfirio Diaz, opposite
Eagle Pass, Texas. It reached Torreon in 1888, and was completed to
the City of Durango in October, 1S92. It has also several branches.
The Monterey and Mexican Gulf Railway, now owned by a Bel
gian company, extends from Trevino in the State of Coahuila and
goes as far as Tampico, passing- through Monterey and Ciudad Vic
toria. The Mexico, Cuernavaca and Pacific Railway, which also it is in
tended shall reach Acapulco, has g-one 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 Tehuantepec Railroad connects the At
lantic and Pacific oceans at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, 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, especially in the State of Yucatan,
which might be described if our limited space would permit it. All
those lines, and the new ones to be constructed, are reg-ulated by the
new railway law promulgated April 29, 1S99.
All the leading cities of the Republic have street car lines or tram
ways. These are very extensive in the Federal District, where electric
traction was inaugurated in 1900. In December, 1S9S, there were over
501 kilometers of said tramway lines in the Republic.
There is no state capital or fairly important town in Mexico which
is not connected by 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 1, 1900, the entire telegraph system, in round numbers,
was as follows: Kilometers.
Federal lines  45.103
State lines  8^557
Private lines  3 590
Railroad lines  11.19S
T°tal  6S,54S
That is a grand total of over 68,500 kilometers, or 42.538 miles.

Mexico at th.c F, 111- American Expositio

Liberal Arts Exhibit
Mexican Building

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 through said lines had been:
Fiscal year of 1896-97  1,559,450
Fiscal year of 1S97-98  L765^758
Fiscal year of 1898-99  l,97s|280
Fiscal year of 1899-1900  2,241359
Mexico has also an efficient cable service which places it in direct
communication with 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 city lines  914
State suburban lines  7,040
Private city lines  3,740
Private suburban lines  6,630
Mexican Telephone Company  3,260
Railroad 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 greatly
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 Republic are therefore in constant and rapid
communication with the principal countries of Europe and America.
The postal service in the Republic 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 Republic, 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  23,483,863
Fiscal year, 1897-98  26,024,464
Fiscal year, 1898-99  30,256,582
Fiscal year, 1899-1900  34,922,683

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  $1,247,144.22
Fiscal year, 1897-98  1.107,178.05
Fiscal year, 1S9S-99  1,598,477.10
Fiscal year, 1899-1900  1 .S71.II98.44
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 g-ives most satisfactory results.
The postal orders transmitted in the Republic during- the fiscal year of
1896-97 amounted to $924,406.89; in 1897-9S to $1,212,217.82; in 1S9S-99 to
$3,323,510.63; while in 1S99-1900, they rose to $5,112, 3SS.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 Republic
during the past few years, and more especially since 1897, when the
law making- compulsory education went into effect. Under that law
primary elementary education in the Federal District and the terri
tories was nlaced under the exclusive control of the Executhe, pre
paratory education was made uniform for all professions and profes
sional education was 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 governments 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 Republic on January 1, 1900:
Number of schools  9,271
Students enrolled  669,941
Average monthly attendance  463,095
As to private educational establishments, we have the following
figures 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 Republic we shall now make passing reference.
The National School of Medicine, whose organization dates back
from 176S, is now housed in the building occupied by the Inquisition
before the establishment of the Republic. This school has the repu
tation of being one of the best institutions of its class. The Xational
School of Engineering, formerly called the School of Mines, partly
occupies the magnificent building which contains the offices 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 National Conservatory of
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 organization. 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 Republic.
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 instructors.
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, forty 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; twenty-one in English:
four in French; one in German; sixteen in Eng-lish and Spanish; and
one in several languages; 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 Mexican 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 the 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 — Religion — Arts and Sciences, etc.
War and Navy, under the able direction of Secretary Bernardo Reyes,
has recently introduced many notable improvements in the service.
In 1S99 the personnel of the regular army was as follows:
Generals  62
Commissioned officers  944
Non-commissioned officers  2,471
Soldiers  2 7.247
Total  30,724
The navy consists only of several gun boats, lighthouse dispatches
n.-d training ships.

Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition

Cactus Exhibit
Southern Ground Portion of the Horticulure Building

xm
Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners
To the colonist, to the settler, and to the investor, some of tne
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 glance at such legis
lation. All lands in the Republic 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 right to claim up to two thousand, five hundred hectares, and
no more, of such lands, excepting persons born in countries along the
boundaries of the Republic, 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
foreign 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 may be
appointed by the judge. After the survey and plat of the land shall
have been made, an investigation 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 likewise 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 adjudication of the prop
erty should be decreed, not as absolute property, but as by possessory
title; but if a, contestant appears, proper proceedings must be
previously 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 the
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 cause to be delivered to him the land
and the titles of ownership or possession. The adjudication and de
livery of possession gives 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
judgments or adjudication, can only be acquired by limitation or
other legal title.
Any suspension 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
proceedings 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 again. 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 more 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
through the quality of the land, or for their great distance from

Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners
means of communication, or from the centers of consumption, or
through their situation exposed to inundations, 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 granted by the law, it is necessary that the foreign immi
grant shall bring to the Republic a certificate of the consular agent of
immigration executed at the request of the very immigrant, or of the
company- or corporation authorized by the Executive to bring colon
ists to the Republic. The petitioners must present certificates of the
appropriate authorities, certifying to their good habits and the occu
pation which they may have followed before maldng 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 may 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
payment of duties, and the Treasury Department shall regulate 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 levying
and collecting taxes, to the general laws of the Republic 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 Republic 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 otf Public Promotion, payable in
installments in ten years, beginning 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 a-ift. when the colonist shall demand it, but in that case
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 foreign
patents, the term of its duration oannot exceed what may be wanting
for the expiration 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 improvements
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 public 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 Republic 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, drawings, models, devices, apparatuses, or methods in
vented by another, or from processes already reduced to practice by
another, or, in general, on the ground 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 priority 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
conflicting 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 proper 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 already 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 dollars 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
partment 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 ow njershjip 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 anyr 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 28, 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-

Mcnco .it the Pan-Amcric.in E.tposition

Forestry Exhibit
Forestry Building

Laws of Special Interest to Foreigners
elusive right to the use of the same in the Republic, subject to th
provisions of the law, but the protection granted includes only ar
ticles manufactured or sold in Mexico.
In order to acquire 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
accompanied 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 the trade mark
is in intaa-lio 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 acquire 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 grant
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 dollars
(Mexican currency), and shall apply to the minimum franchise.

A Few Facts About Mexico
III. The said industry shall be exempt from all direct federal
taxes during- the full term of the contract, excepting revenue stamps.
IV. The concessionaires may import, once only, 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 every case of introduction to be cancelled '
as soon as the machinery is erected, and the use 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 Promotion, which shall be
made upon the sig-ning of the contract.
VI. The concessionaires to defraj' 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 Republic.

XIV
Mexico at Other Expositions
The first international exposition in which Mexico took part in
an official manner may be stated to be the Philadelphia Centennial
Exposition, held in 1876, to commemorate the hundredth anniversary
of the independence of the United States. 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 regarding them, while the number of premiums obtained
were commensurate with the importance and extent of the Mexican
department. The Cotton Centennial held at the City of New Orleans towards
the end of 18S1 and beginning of 1885, was the next international ex
position in which Mexico took a prominent part. The Commissioner-
General was General Porfirio Diaz, now President of the Republic,
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 octag-onal pavilion, wherein her mineral exhibit was placed, and
a large rectang-ular building which contained the barracks for the
fine band and the military contingent sent by the government. It
was the unanimous opinion of the press that Mexico was the foreign
nation best and most brilliantly represented at that exposition.
The next occasion when the Mexican Republic 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 throna-ed bv 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
by 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 near
the shores of Lake Michigan. 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.

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
countries of America are invited to show the state of advancement of
this Continent at the beginning of the twentieth century. As soon
as the Government 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 Buffalo. 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 Reyes; 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 R. 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, should also 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 Engineer, Chief of Divisions VIII and X.
Carlos Sellerier, Mining Engineer, Chief of Divisions XI and XIII.
Enrique H. Garibay, Chief of Division VI.
Rosendo 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
consistina- of a review of the Mexican troops sojourning at the ex
position, and of a banquet g-iven by the commission in honor of the
Mexican 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 by 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 Republic. 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.

Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition

General View of Ethnology Exhibit
Ethnology Building

Mexico at the Pan-American Exposition
Division IV. Foods and their Accessories. 135.
Division V. Horticulture, Pomology, Floriculture, and Viticul
ture. 88.
Division VI. Forestry. 59.
Division VIII. Mines and Metallurgy. 119.
Division X. Electricity and Electric Appliances. 9.
Division XL 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 which were to give the
awards were duly appointed and began their labors. The Chief of the
Commission, Mr. Albino R. Nuncio, 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 Washington.
Division IV. Foods and their Accessories. Mr. Lauro Viadas,
Chief of the Mexican Section of Agriculture.
Division V. Viticulture. Mr. Jesus M. Nuncio, Chief of the Mexi
can Section of Pomology and Viticulture.
Division VI. Forestry. Mr. Rosendo 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 Metallurgy.
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. Photographs. Mr. Antonio M.
Maya, Second Chief of Division XVI.
Division XVI. Ethnology. Mr. Enrique 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
received, 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
"13

A Few Facts About Mexico
information at its command regarding such exhibits and the resources
of the Mexican Republic, and to obtain that end, has distributed
periodical publications relative to Mexico, 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

Mexican Commissioners at the Pan-American Exposition
(as published by the Committee on State and Foreign
Relations, August, 1901)
Senor Don Albino R. Nuncio, 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.
Agriculture
Senor Don Lauro Viadas, Chief.
Senor Don Valente Alvarez del Castillo, Assistant.
Senor Don Luis Rosas, Assistant. Horticulture
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 if. Chabert, Chief.
Senor Don Jacinto Morales, Assistant.
Senor Don Amando Gomez, Assistant.
Senor Don Francisco A. Godoy, Assistant.
Ethnology
Senor Don Rosendo 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 Managers
Senora Laura Smith de Mariscal, Honorary Member of the Board
of Women Managers.
Senora Maria Callas de Linmantour, Honorary Member of the
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-American
grounds yesterday, Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, Ambassador from Mexico
to the United States, said: "Although 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 of 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 United States seems slow be
side that of our southern neig-hbor. 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 acquaintance and Increased
knowledge of the wants and resources of the two countries which
their representatives are g-aining by means of this exposition.

Appendix — Comments of the Press
From Buffalo Times. June 14, 1901
Our honored sister republic, Mexico, held the stag-e at the exposi
tion yesterday 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 R. Nuncio, Chief of the Mexi
can Commission, and his colleagues, together with Capt. Cuellar and
his g-allant 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, gave 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 earnestly 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. "Never has there been an exposi
tion which was born as the result of such an idea," said President
Milburn. "It is a good one!" We have not known each other as we
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 hie'h esteem in which President Diaz is held by the American
people. We hope many Mexicans will think it worth while to visit +he
exposition this summer. They will find only friends here.

From Buffalo Courier, June 15, 1901
The dedication of the Mexican Building at the exposition, which
took place yesterday morning, was made a notable ceremony by the
prominence of the participants. The neighboring Republic of Mexico
was not only represented by its official commissioners to the Pan-
American, but by 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 was 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 undoubtedly 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 own. Mexican ex
hibits will be found in nearly every building, all of a higii order of
excellence and all attractively arranged. While President Diaz is not
likely to attend, because of advancing- age and ill health, he has shown
his appreciation of the objects of the exposition in many ways.

A Few Facts About Mexico

From Buffalo Express, June 15, 1901
A dignity and fine courtesy marked the ceremonies of the opening
of Mexico's building at the exposition at 11 o'clock yesterday morn
ing. The building is in the center of the group of foreign 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
Mayor 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 grounds. 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. Ricardo
Pacheco and his Rurales. It was a gorgeous, 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 guests 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. Godoy, First Secretary
to the Mexican Embassy; President John G. Milburn of the Pan-
American Exposition Company; 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 R. Nuncio,
chief of commission; Maximiliano M. Chabert, secretary to the com
mission; Lauro Viadas, chief of ag-ricultural department; Alberto Mc
Dowell, chief of the floriculture section; Enrique H. Garibay, chief of
forestry department; Juan de D. Fleury, chief of the manufactures
departments; Maximiliano M. Chabert, chief of the various arts; Ro-
sendo Sandoval, chief of the department of ethnology, and the
following-named army officers: Lieut. Senor Teniente Enrique, Capt.
Victor Hernandez, and Senor Teniente F. Narvaez.
Pacheco's band played during the ceremonies. The concert was
one of the finest heard on the grounds and was a triumph for the
great Mexican bandmaster. The g-uests of honor ascended to the
broad landing on the stairway in the building. The main floor was
filled with distinguished persons, including the commissioners from
all countries on the Western Hemisphere. Herbert P. Bissell, Col. W.
H. Michael, J. N. Adam, F. Almy and many others were present.
Senor Nuncio spoke first.
"It gives us pleasure that you have accepted this invitation," he
said. "We tender you a cordial welcome."
Briefly and eloquently, he referred to ti task well done, and
felicitated the exposition officials on the successful opening of the
exposition. He thanked them for many helpful acts, thanked the
people for coming to the dedication ceremonies, told them they were
always welcome, and invited the representatives of the foreign gov
ernments to make their homes in the Mexican Building-, which, thoug-h
small, is large enough to hold a great deal of hospitality. Then he
spoke in Spanish receiving- great applause for his graceful utterances
to the members of the Mexican Commission. He introduced the Mexi
can Ambassador, Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, gray-haired, gray-
mustached, soft-voiced.

Appendix — Comments of the Press
The Ambassador spoke in Spanish and was interrupted repeatedly
by applause. He turned to the history of the world's progress and
eloquently, concisely, graphically, traced it to the present. New ideas
in old times were coupled with religion, he said. Every new thought
was conceived in the church, as in the days of the present time every
long stride in progress is coupled with the exposition. The ambassa
dor traced the history of the various great expositions.
"Although the world at large," he said, "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 gath
ering- 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. He referred to the great help that the Pan-American officials had
given to the Mexican Commission and enlarged on the hope that the
exposition would result not only in bringing the countries of all
America closer together, but also would aid in developing trade re
lations among them. He paid a graceful tribute to President Milburn
and to Secretary Hay. One paragraph near the close of his speech
was a beautiful expression of sentiment of peace, friendship, and
affection between the United States and Mexico. He received pro
longed applause when he finished.
Secretary Hay spoke next, briefly and amid great applause.
"My part in this joyful occasion is very simple," said he. "It is
merely to express to you my very g-reat pleasure at being here, to
extend my congratulations to the Mexican Ambassador, who has done
so much during- his stay in this country to make pleasant the rela
tions between this country and Mexico, and to express the hope that
this occasion and the entire Pan-American Exposition may not only
extend our social relations, but may broaden our commercial inter
course, which I know will be greatly to the advantage of both re
publics." President Milburn was introduced next and he made a charac
teristically graceful speech. He said:
"It is occasions like this which give the greatest satisfaction to
those who are officially connected with the exposition. The exposi
tion originated in a great idea and that was to make all the nations
and peoples of the Western Hemisphere better known to each other,
socially, politically, and commercially. Never has there been an
exposition which was born as the result of such an idea. It is a good
one. We have not known each other as we should. This exposition
will have reached its greatest result if it succeeds in promoting closer
relations between the countries of the Americas. I ask you, Sir.
Ambassador, to extend to the President of Mexico the heartfelt thanks
of the Pan-American Exposition officials for the many kindnesses that
have been shown us, both by himself, and by his commissioners,
through his direction."
In closing-, Mr. Milburn said that the exposition is indebted to
Mexico for its ready acquiescence in the Pan-American idea, and for
the building- and exhibits it has on the grounds, to the commissioners
for the hearty way in which they joined with the officials, and to the
ambassador for his trip to Buffalo, both now and two years ago in
the interests of the idea which had fostered the exposition.
Director-General Buchanan then spoke, briefly:
"It is certainly unnecessary," said he, "for me to say that so far
as the executive officials of the exposition are concerned, we are all
gratified at being here and at the efforts that Mexico has so success
fully made for the accomplishment of this great purpose. I ask you,

A Few Facts About Mexico
Mr. Ambassador, to extend the heartfelt thanks of the Pan-American
Exposition officials for the many kindnesses they have shown to us,
both by himself and by his commissioners, through his direction.''
Senor Nuncio then introduced Mavor Diehl.
"On behalf of the City of Buffalo," said the Mayor, "I heartily
congratulate you. The City of Buffalo appreciates what you have
done. You were the first country to come into line for the exposition.
You are to be congratulated, too, on your beautiful building."
A luncheon followed. It was informal and enjoyed by all. Every
woman present during the day received a bunch of carnations. The
Mexicans were the embodiment of courtesy and cordiality to all. The
great crowd remarked it and was pleased.
At 1 o'clock the ambassador and his party reviewed the Mexican
troops on the Esplanade. A big crowd applauded the parade. The
Mexicans made a fine showing. Their gay colors, the picturesque
yellow charror uniforms and big- sombreros of the Rurales, the pranc
ing-, bounding mustangs, the splendid band, all receiving great ap
plause. The ambassador naturally was proud of the ovation g-iven
his countrymen. To the joy of the thousands the troops paraded
around the Promenade to the Plaza. Everywhere they were cheered.
A tremendous burst of enthusiasm g-reeted them when they saluted
the American flag. The crowd cheered again and again. It was one
of the foremost ovations of the expositions, given with a heartiness
and sincerity that betoken the warm friendship existing- in this coun
try for Mexico and appreciation of the courtesies of President Diaz
to the American people at the exposition.
There will be a banquet in the Stadium tonight, which may be
considered a part of the dedication celebration.

From Buffalo Evening SNs"Ws, June 16, 1901
The final event in connection with the opening of the Mexican
Building at the Pan-American took place last night at 8 o'clock when
an elaborate dinner was given in the Stadium restaurant in honor of
the Mexican minister, Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz. Over 150 guests sat
down with the minister at tables beautifully decorated with floral
designs, suggestive of the Central American republic.
Bunting of all Latin-American republics were swung generously
from the walls and pillars of the dining room. The Mexican artillery
band stationed behind the head table played appropriate selections.
An orchestra of string instruments, all ilexican performers, a menu
of unmistakable Mexican design, and many Mexican suggestions on
the bill of fare, heightened the effect.
The tables were arranged in the conventional fashion, three lone
tables running from a head table at which sat the minister and the
chief of the Mexican Commission, Senor Albino R. Nuncio, under
whose direction the building and installation of the Mexican exhibit
were accomplished. The director-general of the exposition and the
distinguished members of the exposition board were at the table also
and seated around the board were the heads of the departments of the
exposition and many prominent exhibitors. The employes of the
Mexican Commission were provided for also, many of them occupying-
Beats at the table, and after the dinner the band and all the Mexican
soldiery now quartered in the Stadium had a jollification and a dinner
which they will not soon forget.

Appendix — Comments of the Press
The list of guests at the banquet is as follows:
Senor Hon. Manuel de Azpiroz, Mexican Ambassador; Senor Al
bino R. Nuncio, chief of Mexican Commission; Senor Lauro Yiadas.
commissioner for division of agriculture: Senor Carlos Sellerier, com
missioner for division of manufactures; Senor Rosendo Sandoval, com
missioner for division, of ethnology; Senor Jesus M. Nuncio, commis
sioner for division of horticulture; Senor Alberto McDowell, commis
sioner for division of floriculture; Senor Enrique H. Garibay.
commissioner for division of forestry; Senor Juan de D. Fleury.
commissioner for division of mines; Senor Maximiliano M. Chabert.
commissioner for division of fine arts; Senor Valente Alvarez del
Castillo. Senor if. Rosas, Senor Manuel Costa, Senor E. Georger, Senor
JJenito Navarro, Senor Luis J. Fleury. Senor Jacinto Morales, Senor
Amado Gomez, Senor Nicolas Veloz, assistants; Senor Antonio Maya.
second commissioner for ethnology; Senor Julio Viderique, assistant:
Senor Teniente F. Narvaez, Senor Capt. Samuel Garcia Cuellar, Senor
Capt. J. M. Tello, Senor Capt. Inocencio Martin, Senor Lie. Jose F.
Godoy, First Secretary of the Mexican Embassy; Senor Antonio Rivera
de la Torre, reporter for El Impartial, City of Mexico.
Senor I. D. Montesinos, reporter for El Universal, City of Mexico;
Senor Abelardo Quiroga, Senor Jorge Nelken y Waldberg, Senor M.
Hadida, Senor Enrique Budge, Chile; Senor Ernesto Tomas, Chile:
Senor Elliott Rourg-e, Chile; Senor Julio Perez Canto, Chile; Senor
Enrique Lanz, Chile; Senor Guillermo Fredumberg, Chile; Senor Car
los Silva Cruz, Chile; Senor Teodoro Schneider, Chile; Senor Gen.
Nicinor Bolet Peraza, Honduras; Senor Francisco Altshul, Senor Er
nesto Shernikow, El Salvador; Senor George W. Fishbach, Porto Rico;
Senor Floreciel A. Rojas, Dominican Republic; Senor Charles Garcia
Cross, Chile.
Among the American guests were Mayor Conrad Diehl, Director-
General W. I. Buchanan, John N. Scatcherd, Charles R. Huntley, Edwin
Fleming, Herbert P. Bissell, Dr. D. R. Day, T. Guilford Smith, Frederic
W. Taylor, Harry Hamlin, H. Montgomery Gerrans, George Bleistem,
Dr. A. L. Benedict, George W. Ames, Frank A. Converse, Algar M.
Wheeler, Francis Almv, Maj. T. W. Svmons, Col. William H. Michaels.
Mark Bennitt. Col. John B. Weber, R. R. Hefford, Lieut. Godfrey L.
Carden, Henry Wendt, Hal. W. Smith, William C. Cornwell, H. D.
Follinsbee, S. *W. Mason, E. R. Rice, G. B. Rich, Wallace H. Hill, Bar
clay Chadwick, Julius N. Gregor, W. V. Cox, J. B. Brownlee, J. H.
Brigham, and George P. Mason.
At the close of the banquet Senor Nuncio introduced Senor Ber-
mudez, who spoke in Spanish and whose remarks were vig-orously
applauded. Director-General Buchanan translated the speech and dis
closed that it breathed patriotism and good fellowship between the
United States and Mexico. Ambassador Azpiroz spoke in the same
strain. John N. Scatcherd followed with a tribute to Mexico, and
Senor A. Rivera de la Torre eulogized the United States and Mexico.

From &{. Y. Tribune, June 16, 1901
This evening in the Stadium restaurant the Mexican Commis
sioners gave a banquet in honor of Ambassador Manuel de Azpiroz.
and also in celebration of the opening- of the Mexican Building. The
occasion will be recalled with pleasure by those who attended, because
of its interest and brilliancy. A special train conveyed the guests from
the Terrace station in the business part of the city.

A Few Facts About Mexico
The speechmaking began at 8:30 o'clock, and the exercises were
not over until nearly midnight. The occasion was one to cement the
bonds of friendship between North American and South American
business and public men, and was in line with the ambition of the
promoters of the exposition to this end.
All the principal Spanish speaking visitors were present, and
expressed themselves as hig-hly delig-hted. The general sentiment was
that a few more events of this nature could not fall to remove any
slig-ht commercial differences now existing between the countries of
the Western Hemisphere. It is said that this line will be followed by
the exposition officials as often as possible, so that the people of the
south which lies beyond the Gulf of Mexico may come to know the
citizens of the north as their brothers in commemrce and progress
for this side of the globe.
When the main building for Mexico's exhibit was thrown open to
the public yesterdaj', in spite of the location being far from the main
features of the exposition, particularly the Midway, hundreds of visi
tors found their way to it and were repaid by the fine display of
valuables, curiosities, useful articles, and bric-a-brac of all kinds to be
seen there. In spite of the apparently bewildering collection, one fact
is paramount, and that is that the exhibit is designed to educate, and,
because it can do this, it is a revelation of the advancement of Mexico
that is surprising to the citizens of the United States, who are made
familiar in this way with a country that is making rapid progress in
commercial importance.
The building itself is a two-story structure, gayly ornamented and
beautifully furnished; rich carpets cover the floors, and rare paint
ings, many of them prize winners at the Paris Exposition, 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 graphic, liberal and fine arts
and mining are arrang'ed in a tasteful manner, and polite attendants
look after the comforts and demands of the visitors, who are wel
comed with true Mexican hospitality.
The mineral display attracts the eyes of the city dwellers. The
exhibits of silver ores are unusually fine, and the 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 par-
roquets. There are many birds of paradise, and their various hue ex
cites even the envv of women who would not wear feathers in their
hats. The Mexican Building' does not contain all of Mexico's display,
immense 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 shapes; boots, shoes, furniture .and cotton goods are in this
section, and attract much attention. In the Ag-ricultural 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 offers for locatin°-

Appendix — Comments of the Press
there. There also are Mexican 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 tlr-i
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 g-roup in question comprises five buildings, the arrangement
and decorative treatment of which call to mind the exquisite details
of a varieg-ated Mexican begonia. One of the petals of this gorgeous
architectural flower is the quaint, Pagoda-like pavilion of the Do
minican Republic, with its curving-, rose-tinted roof spreading gen
erously above its cream and azure vails; 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 symmetrical and eminently cosmopoli
tan setting, there is interested the inviting Queen Anne structure of
the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, which, with gorgeously hued ban
ners 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 Republic, 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 presents 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 build
ing 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 hig-hly 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 archway 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 Republic, 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 About Mexico
of 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 supeilj
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 pyramids
of silver and copper 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. Fleury. This display 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, g-old
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 seismograph, a curious triangular-shaped apparatus em
ployed 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 stairways.
Many 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
largely to reception purposes. But even here some beautiful displays
have been made, notably that of the natural history specimens which
are made to serve the double purpose of adorning the apartment anrl
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 Nuncio,
and on the opposite side that of his secretary, Senor Don Maximiliano
M. Chabert. The various other departments comprising the Mexican section
are distributed throughout 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. By his wonderful
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, such as rubber, chewing-gum and
other commodities.
The Department of Manufactures, presided over by Senor Don
Carlos Sellerier is absorbingly interesting, in that it shows most in-
coiitrovertibly the wonderful progress that has been made within
recent years by Mexican manufacturers. Iii this connection there is
shown a line of rattan furniture that for beauty and general excel
lence will bear comparison with the best similar product turned
out by any of the leading factories of the world. In addition to this
and other varieties of furniture there are displayed an assortment of
fabrics, cordag-e, textiles, native silks, shoes and hats that would re
flect credit on the resourcefulness of any nation.
Mexico's ag-ricultural 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 some 600 varieties of beans,
while the cereal display throughout is proportionately fine. Senor
Viadas is particularly proud of his coffee and cocoa exhibit, which he
is justly confident will win the higiiest honors awarded by 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. Nuncio, 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 liquors produced by certain species of cactus,
which product vegetates so abundantly throughout Mexico. The
cactus display at the Pan-American is in itself a feature of marvelous
interest, embracing- 125 varieties, ranging from the little-old-man
species with its life-like g-rowth of silvery white hair, to the gigantic
monarch of the desert, which on its native heath frequently attains
a height of over sixty feet. This exhibit, tog-ether with the floral dis
play, is under the charge 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 Exposition is her begonia dis
play. Of this queenly flower she shows some eighty different varie
ties, while in all she has no less than a thousand of the varieg-ated
blossoms of this superb collection which is something- never to be
forgotten. JOSE DE OLIVARES.
Buffalo, N. Y., August 20.

From Buffalo Courier, August 25, 1901
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 the Exposition have been left to
judge for themselves the position to which Mexico has been appointed.
It was 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 highly 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 About Mexico
learn which of its citizens are the most advanced so that he com
mands the services of the best men of Mexico.
When the 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 should be entrusted with the work. The exhibit
is a marvel of perfection and all the credit is due to the commissioners
to the Exposition who made it.
These commissioners are all gentlemen, who in their own country
hold high positions and rank and, with what has today come to be
known as "the true Mexican spirit," have left no stone unturned to
make their display one of the finest and as up-to-date as is everything
in modern Mexico.
While the commissioners are limited by the trifling space that is
at their disposal here, they have gathered together a collection that
is no less wonderful than interesting, and followed out it will give the
visitors a splendid idea of our neighbors and awaken an interest that
will lead to further research and with that comes 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 hospitality that it
is one of the established resting places on the Exposition grounds.
In the Agricultural 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
years Mexico has been rich, even if most of that time wealth has been
the unstable product of mines. No country in the world has the min
ing history that is woven into old Mexico, and who shall blame it if for
years in the past 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? Everj'one familiar with mining countries
knows the life is kaleidoscopic, in its contrasts; that crazy luxury
moves beside g-reat misery; that few are rich and the many poor; that
all other standards than wealth are lost; that looseness ever accom
panies any form of gambling. The life of a mining camp giitters 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
Mexican 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.
From the Exposition display we learn that the mines are not
Jailing, but that other industries are growing up alongside them
w-hich 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 taug-ht his people to pluck the fruits of plenty
along these many lines.
Commerce, growing throug-h new and costly harbors and speeding-
over transcontinental railways: the product of swiftly multiplying-
manufactories; the development of agriculture and other Industrie's
have come to be safer bonanzas than the mines and are engaging alike

Appendix — Comments of the Press
the attention of Mexicans and foreigners who are flocking to the land
to invest their capital.
In the agricultural 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 ag-ricultural 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 position among the cereals. In Mexico, its western
foster mother, it is a vast source of the country's wealth and g-rows
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 writers, is five times
that of fertile France.
Every vegetable of the Temperate Zone we find 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
g-rowths and then we come to realize the tremendous advantage which
the country has in the wajr of agricultural resources.
Within the broad expanse of her territory she raises every article
of ag-riculture, thus providing for her own wants independently of
the elect of the world. Thus she has but to turn her hand to raising
those th'ing-s 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, must 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 may want and offering to sell.
Coffee at present is one of the most promising crops that is being-
raised in Mexico and for several j-ears 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, with 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 producing countries.
Again 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 future 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.
Tobaccos 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 Mexico
The rubber industry, which each year is becoming more im
portant as the demand increases and the visible supply decreases is as
yet in 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 greater industry in Mexico.
In fruits, broadly speaking, every variety grows in Mexico, al
though, in reality, little fruit has ever been cultivated, instead of
growing1 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 countrj- among
the nations of the world.
The precious woods that abound on hillside and forest throughout
the whole 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.
Bice and cane sugar are also two of the world's most famous and
staple food supplies and in the culture o'f 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 g-raphic style: "Between the marvelous
climatic range from tierra caliente to tierra fria, Mexico can produce,
and commercially, not alone every article that she needs herself but,
as Humboldt justly observed, 'Every crop known to the civilized
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 dabble 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 early 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 Aery foundation Mexico was carried
through to safety and to a safety that stands peculiarly alone among
the governments of the world.

Appendix — Comments of the Press
The fall of silver as a money metal cut in two the finances of
Mexico and when she went forth into other climates to buy products
she was obliged to take two dollars to procure one dollar's worth of
goods. 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 of paying two dollars abroad, took to manufac
turing their own commodities and each year has seen new cotton
mills, new machine shops, new factories, until gradually 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 money, and when she
came to pay she was compelled to disgorg-e 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 structures 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
throug-h 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 upon 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
than what the eye sees and the glance reveals. For the exhibit of
Mexico when taken as a wrhole 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 Exposition and to view their showing is to catch a breath
of the inspiration.
Perhaps there is nothing 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 cacti and
they have brought the bed to us and transplanted it within the con
fines of the Rainbow City, where it attracts wide attention in its in
finite beauty and variety and makes everyone envious of a country
where such plants grow.
In the cacti are breaths of the past and from 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 Horticulture 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, attractive, or
creditable than that which Senor Albino E. Nuncio and his associate
commissioners have prepared 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 Leal, no end of praise is due for their active and energetic
efforts in behalf of the representation of Mexico at the Pan-American
Exposition.

13a

Bibliography
The 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,
1S69. Bancroft, H. H. A Popular History of the Mexican People. 8.
London. Resources and Development of Mexico. San Francisco, 1894.
Brocklehurst, T. U. Mexico To-day. London, 1883.
Burke, U. R. Life of Benito Juarez. 8. London, 1894.
Castro, Lorenzo. The Republic of Mexico in 1882. New York,
1SS2. Charnay, D. Ancient Cities of the New World. Tr. 8. London.
Chevalier, Michel. Le Mexique ancien et moderne. 18. Paris,
18S6. Conkling, Howard. Mexico and the Mexicans. New York, 1883.
Conkling, A. R. Appleton's Guide to Mexico. New York, 1890.
Crawford, Cora Hayward. 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.
Gloner, Prosper. Les Finances des Etats Unis Mexicains. Brux-
elles, 1S95.
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. Chicago, 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 Historj^ of Mexico. Chicago, 1890.
Ober, F. A. Travels in Mexico. Boston, U. S., 1884.
Prescott, W. H. History of the Conquest of Mexico. 8. London.
Ratzel, Fried. Aus Mexico, Reiseskizzen aus den Jahren 1874-75.
Breslau, 1878.
llice, John N. Mexico, Our Neighbor. New York. (No date.)
Romero, Mafias. 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.
Sehroeder, Seaton. The Fall of Maximilian's Empire as seen from
a United States Gunboat. New York, 1887.
Scobel, A. "Die Verkehrswege Mexicos und ihre wirtschaftliohe
Bedeutung." In Deutsche Geognaphisehe 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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