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388 moral and philosophical character, evidently intended to elevate his countrymen.

Prominent among the literati of Yucatan are Señores Castellanos, Cisneros, Aldama, Sanchez Marmol, and Perez Ferrer.

The latest work of the distinguished archæologist, Peñafiel, giving illustrations and explanations of numerous Aztec hieroglyphics, was published under the auspices of the Federal Government, and is regarded as a boon to historians.

I must not omit to mention Señor Ignacio Mariscal, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who, in addition to his diplomatic abilities, has shown marked literary talent. Sharing the poetic gift common to his countrymen, he is not only the author of many meritorious works in both prose and poetry, but has also made fine translations of Longfellow's Evangeline and Poe's Raven.

Manuel Acuña was an impassioned writer of great talent, and among the modern writers none have made a stronger or more lasting impression. His betrothed becoming the wife of another during his prolonged absence was more than his soul could bear, and he took his own life, which had been rendered unendurable by her faithlessness. His poem, A Rosario, expresses the keenest pangs of disappointment mingled with undying love for the faithless one. The closing verse is eloquent of his utter wretchedness. He says: "But now that a black gulf has succeeded the entrancing dream—farewell! Love of my loves, light of my darkness, perfume of all flowers that bloomed for me! my poet's lyre, my youth, farewell!"

Mexican journalists are a bold and fearless set of men and express their disapprobation of any public cause with but little regard to consequences. Therefore the best of them may any day find themselves political prisoners in Belem.

There are but two American newspapers published in Mexico—the Two Republics, a daily, and the Mexican Financier, a weekly. The first is owned and edited by Mr. J. Mastella Clarke, the latter is the property of Boston capitalists, and ably edited by Messrs. Levy and Guernsey. These gentlemen are on very harmonious terms with the