Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/644

624 of secret gambling establishments at the capital, often persons of prominence, now publicly rent houses for their purpose. Among the host of tables the stakes vary from a gold piece to a silver or copper coin, and ever children are indulged to try their fortune in securing confectionery or toys. At the gambling-table the woman of wealth and the beggar mingle; and in the cockpit President Santa Anna, for one, hesitated not to bet with the vagabonds.

Lotteries and raffles, more than once forbidden or restricted, flourish in considerable number, some bearing the names of charitable institutions, for which they are working, and all contributing a fair revenue to the state. Of late years the receipts have exceeded two million dollars, out of which the public receive over sixty per cent in prizes.

The days of more frequent and rapid communication with foreign states has had the effect of fostering theatres, by alluring dramatic companies, and adding novelties in a wider range of performances. This encouraged local talent, and within a quarter of a century after the independence, the capital alone possessed three recognized theatres, one of them left exclusively to the populace. Boxes are usually let by the month or year, and serve as reception places for friends of the family. This obviates the necessity of giving parties at home; but such domestication in