Page:Face to Face With the Mexicans.djvu/135

This page has been validated.
FROM BORDER TO CAPITAL ALONG THE MEXICAN CENTRAL.
129

Central, has become a prominent point for mining operations, and probably a larger number of Americans are congregated there than at any place outside the capital. It has a fine climate, is situated in a beautiful and fertile valley, with all the accessories of a healthful and thrifty population. One hundred years ago, however, Chihuahua was larger than New York; to-day the population does not exceed thirty

THE STREET OF GUADALUPE, CHIHUAHUA.

thousand. But it still has the beautiful cathedral and ancient aqueduct, and must always be important as a mining center. A branch of the Mexican mint is also established there.

The sleepy old town of Santa Rosalia, with a population of about seven thousand, is the next. It has known no change for nearly a half-century, though situated in the midst of a fine agricultural region, and having an industrious, orderly population.

Dr. Charles E. Tarver, with his wife and five children, has resided