to itself. We never tired of exploring the historic places which have from its founding been objects of unfailing interest to all visitors and travelers. Calle Real was an especial source of pleasure as we viewed it from the Plaza of the Martyrs, upon the corner of which stands the monument erected to Morelos. Watching the itinerant venders from our shady retreat, and the idlers who added their statuette-like figures to the monument, the whole resting tranquilly under the motionless trees above them, we could but feel that the hapless poor have an aptitude for posing, and in lending themselves to this occasion the scene was at once thoroughly harmonious and national.
One gets strong ideas of imperialism in the decorations and furnishings of the municipal buildings and halls of congress. A city of twelve or fifteen thousand inhabitants has the mayor's ofifice fitted up as if that functionary were a representative of royalty. The legislative halls have an appearance of regal magnificence with their immense, lofty apartments, gayly frescoed and lined with portraits of the governors of the State; mirrors, chandeliers, and carpets of richest texture; and the dais with its canopied chair for the executive. For me, all this splendor, while it suggested the influence of the viceroys, found a suitable solution in the national love of bright colors and display.
Two lines of chairs facing each other extend from the dais to the further extremity of the hall, where another official occupied his elevated seat, but without the canopy.
The legislature was then in session, and having letters to Governor Jimenez, then newly installed, we were courteously invited by him to visit the palace. We gladly accepted and had the additional pleasure of seeing that august body in session in this the Virginia of Mexico. If Morelia has gained that name, it is not alone because of her many distinguished sons, who have long since passed from these living scenes, but, without intending or wishing to detract from the men of any other part of the Republic, the members of the legislature of Michoacan were the most commanding in appearance of
