Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 1.djvu/58

34 monuments was a colossal statue of King Charles IV., by Tolsa, the designer of the Mineria; it occupied a huge pedestal of Mexican marble in the centre of the square, but has now disappeared.

Part of the splendid palace—the erection of which is ascribed to Cortes—is appropriated to the purposes of the Monte Pio, or National Pawnbroking Establishment.

The Monte Pio presents too many characteristic scenes and incidents of Mexican life to be left unvisited.

The system pursued at this establishment resembles in many respects that of the Mont de Piété at Paris; and the spacious rooms; which are very numerous, are most commodiously arranged. Passing under an archway, we at once enter one of its principal and most extensive apartments.

Order is usually pretty well maintained, considering the number and qualities of the applicants; and due privacy may be observed, when required in particular cases: though, for the most part, the motley groups jostle each other in the freest manner possible. Boxes, shelves, bins, and partitions, line the sides of the apartments; attendants and clerks,