Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/54

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 Public buildings of the Capital.—The Mineria, or school of mines.—Academy of Fine Arts.—Palace of the President.—The Plaza Mayor.—Visit to the Monte Pio.—Articles in Pawn.—Motley groups.—A young cavalier and a stately dame.—"Bringing out" a daughter.—A miscellaneous lot.—A daughter's sacrifice.—A needy tradesman.—Apprehension of a robber.

a century ago, the city of Mexico was adorned with many magnificent buildings occupying prominent positions in the more spacious squares and streets. The man of science, the artist, and the manufacturer, had each an elegant public building, whither they could resort at pleasure; to the erection of which either they or their forefathers had largely contributed, and upon which they gazed with pride and interest. But now the glory has departed from these structures: they are generally either diverted from their original designs, or disused and left to decay; and the descendants of their founders may wander