Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/550

530 A number of the national fairs took place in the city of Mexico, and one in Aguascalientes. Of the former, special mention is made of those of 1849, 1850, 1853, 1854, 1856, and 1857. The one of the same class in Aguascalientes was on the 26th of April, 1853, the first general exhibition in the country, after those held in the nation's capital. The fair of 1850 was quite a satisfactory one in its results. That of 1853, called for since September 1852, did not meet the aspirations of the board having charge of it. Nevertheless, a large number of objects were exhibited.

The exhibition of 1854 was the best thus far, due no doubt to the efficacious efforts of the state governors and agents of the general government. From one called for 1856 much had been expected; but the political troubles made the transportation of objects difficult, and the exhibition was pretty much limited to products of the federal district and state of Mexico. Another invitation was issued for 1857, and the fair proved a very poor one, owing, doubtless, to the disturbed condition of the country. Still another was to take place in November 1859, but I can find no evidence that it took place. Indeed, Mexico was then in the throes of civil war. It is doubtful if any attempt was made in that direction during the succeeding years of war. In June 1865 the imperial government then flourishing at the capital decreed the establishment of a permanent board of exhibitions, protective of industries,