Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/225

Rh Opposite this Plaza de Toras, is the Alameda Park. This is truly one of the most beautiful places I have yet seen. It is well shaded with different kinds of trees, and richly laid out with flowers and shrubs. The walks and drives are all handsomely laid out with beautiful and well adorned fountain jets and statues, throwing out delicious water, something like Franklin Square, in Philadelphia, Pa., only more tastefully ornamented.

Puebla City is like all Catholic cities; a city of idlers, loungers, Ieperos and ladrones, because it is a city of numerous churches, priests and bishops. Every believer of the Catholic religion attends church regularly.

The Roman Catholic spirit or religion, was first established in this country by Conqueror Cortez; and its bishops are now under the government of the Pope of Rome. No other religion or institution is tolerated in all Mexico. And the Catholic people (or to use plain words). Catholic bishops, have succeeded in preventing the people from venerating anything else to this day (1847). The benches or chairs are of the ordinary description, and serve the purposes of pews. I have been in some churches where there were no pews or chairs at all, and the worshippers kneel on the cold stone floor (both rich and poor alike); but always found their altars and their ornaments beyond description.

History tells us that this city was built by Sebastian Reamires. It was built in the year 1 531, and it was called by the Spaniards the First Heaven. It was the second city built by the Spaniards, Vera Cruz being the first, the rest being all Indian towns.

In the year 1550 the Cholucoans, once an independent and powerful people of the rulers of Mexico, moved from Choluco to Puebla, and the selection and situation does credit to the first builders. It is a splendid and well-planned city; situated in the midst of a large valley.

Its chief edifice is the Cathedral, there are other fine large churches, such as the Franciscos, Augustinos, Capuchinos.