Page:Life in Mexico vol 2.djvu/403

Rh Orders have been given out by the alcalde, that copper shall be received in payment by the merchants, some of whom have declared they will only receive silver. A large mob has collected before the alcalde's door, with shouts of "Viva la plata! Muerta al cobre!" "Long live silver!" "Death to copper!"—apostrophizing these useful metals, as if they were two generals.

The merchants have issued a declaration, that during three days only, they will sell their goods for copper; (of course at an immense advantage to themselves.). The Indians and the poorer classes are now rushing to the shops, and buying goods; receiving in return for their copper about half its value. If Santa Anna keeps his word, the patriotism of the merchants will be rewarded.

Cn has just had a visit from one of the merchants, who wishes his conduct to be represented in a proper light in Mexico.

4em

With much joy we stepped into the diligence early yesterday morning, accompanied by the Comandante of Toluca, and retraced our road to Mexico; for though Toluca is a fine city, with clean, airy houses, wide, well-paved streets, and picturesque in its situation, there is something sad and deserted in its appearance, an air of stagnation that weighs upon the spirits; and the specimens we have seen of its lower orders are not inviting. We had rather an agreeable journey, as the day was cool, and we had the diligence to ourselves. We breakfasted