Page:Mexico of the Mexicans.djvu/136

118 is but one thing that it is not rich in, and that is human population; but it is getting over this difficulty by attracting suitable immigrants from the United States and elsewhere. The pity of it is that revolutionary disturbances have put a temporary period to its mineral development. Silver and coal abound here, and as the State has been carefully fostered, so far as its resources are concerned, by a wise and politic Government, the work of reconstruction, which has already begun, should be no very prolonged or serious matter. Coahuila probably contains more silver ore than any other tract of similar extent in the world, but for the benefit of prospecting amateurs it will be as well to state that practically all claims are already "pegged out" and strongly held. Cattle-raising flourishes here also, especially as regards the Swiss breed, which seem to thrive in the high altitude; and pure agriculture is by no means neglected, the universal Mexican bean being raised in large quantities, as well as maize, wheat, and cotton. Wages in this State are high, and during the cotton-picking season an active labourer can make from a dollar (American) to a dollar and a half per day—"big money" for the Mexican peon. It cannot be said that the financial resources of the State are in the hands of native Mexicans, as most of its capital belongs to Americans, Germans, and Spaniards. The capital of the State is Saltillo, with about 30,000 inhabitants, which possesses some fine buildings, among others a beautiful cathedral, a fine theatre, and an imposing official residence for its governor. The Casino is one of those charming places common to the larger cities of Latin-America and the continent of Europe, where society meets in its leisure hours for reasonable amusement and pleasure—such a place as the British climate and British snobbery could never permit. The new town of Torreon has within a few years become one of the most important commercial and industrial centres in Mexico, and is a great rallying-place of Americans.