unleavened Indian peoples and those of white blood, constitutes at the present time over half of the total. It is the hope of some friends of Mexico and the desperation of others. In the opinion of most observers it is an improved stock as compared to the aborigines, quick to learn but inconstant in the application of the lessons taught. At present this population drifts as far as may be into the lighter occupations. Unfortunately it shows an unwillingness to undertake manual labor and a desire for an education of a literary or professional sort that will assure that physical labor will be unnecessary.
These are the people upon whom the future Mexico will depend, but from whom she has not yet received constructive leadership. Their ability to develop the qualities of constancy and responsibility, which they now lack, will determine whether Mexico assumes the independent position economically and politically that her physical endowment indicates is possible. Unless the trend of immigration changes, thus upsetting the racial developments now in progress, Mexico seems destined to become a mestizo republic. It is already far on the way to becoming one.
Perhaps no characteristic of Mexican life speaks more plainly of the diversity of the elements entering into its composition than the languages spoken by the peoples of the republic. To appreciate the degree to which the existence of the many tongues found in use indicates lack of unity one must bear in mind the immobile character of the population, the low state of education, and the lack of facilities for communication, all elements that work for particularism.
