Page:Travels in Mexico and life among the Mexicans.djvu/624

616 in the Americanizing of Northern Mexico. And by the term "Americanizing" I would imply that great civilizing force that is permeating the Southern republic, opening its mines, spanning its deserts with bands of steel and electric wires, thus materially aiding the central government in the restoration and permanent preservation of law and order in its remote and hitherto inaccessible provinces.

"The most hopeful sign of the better fortune dawning for the two republics," says a progressive newspaper, the El Paso Times, "is to be found in the rapid manner in which the old feelings of ill-will, which were wont to prevail between the people of the United States and the people of Mexico, are disappearing. In the near future will doubtless be realized the statesman-like vision of Grant: a free trade for the North American continent, and a moderate tariff for foreign nations."

The railroad brought to Chihuahua many industries to which she was a perfect stranger, one of the first being a great lumber company and factory, the result of the joint efforts of Ex-Governor Anthony of Kansas, a former Superintendent of the Central Railroad, and Mayor Zubiran. A flouring-mill was established by Mr. Marshall of California, and a bullion refinery by a learned German, to utilize the wastage made in silver by the old processes. Three hotels were soon opened by Americans, which were a great improvement over the Mexican meson, with its stables in the courts and total disregard of a traveller's wants. A livery stable and transfer company was the next American enterprise, and the street railroad the crowning one, while rapid communication with the North and the safe forwarding of letters and packages is attended to by the Wells Fargo Express. Real estate agents are here in sufficient number, the "liveliest" of whom publish an excellent journal, the "Enterprise," while bankers of integrity and good standing are already established. A telephone company and an ice factory, and everything that Chihuahua needs, or is supposed to require, have been provided, except a well-appointed drug store and a really magnificent caravansary. News and book companies operate here at great profit, while hand in hand with other American institutions the