Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/582

576 anywhere near it. This whole region is supposed, from its many relics, to have been thickly populated by a class of people whose sacred history of its faith and race have long since been forgotten.

The ancient histories of Mexico tell us that Chalco was once a strong and well-built city, and governed by a brave and gallant people. After the inauguration of the last monarch in Mexico City, King Montezuma marched with a large army, and fell upon Chalco for the purpose of capturing prisoners to offer to his (Montezuma's) devil idol god, Viztliputli, to be sacrificed on the piedra sacrificial block.

The citizens of Chalco defended themselves and their city with great gallantry, and in the fight the Chalcos took King Montezuma's brother and other high princes of note prisoners. The name of Montezuma being very popular, even among his enemies, it was a regular household word. The Chalcos proposed the government of Chalco to Montezuma's brother just captured; at first he utterly refused the honored offer, but, being strongly insisted upon and many promises of rich jewels in store for him, he at last accepted the rein of government of Chalco.

There was a high mast erected (about thirty feet high); on the top of this mast was a platform for the new king to stand upon to make his inauguration speech. The day was set as a day of feast and jubilee, for an occasion in which all the Chalcons felt one common interest of uniting to give a fitting reception to their new king; in fact, the day of inauguration has been looked forward to with the most pleasure of all feasts. The people seemed to be infused with a new life, as they came from all directions with joy and activity; they came to witness the inauguration of one of the most popular young princes in their country. The principal thoroughfares were thronged with eager and expectant crowds, with much enthusiasm and excitement, while from the windows, housetops, and balconies floated the Chalco colors. Flags, bunting, evergreen, and banners with appropriate inscriptions greeted the eye at every