There is some difference of opinion whether or not the Indian element is relatively decreasing. In 1874 it was estimated at one half of the population; in 1894, less than two-fifths. While there is a relative decrease, there is a numerical increase. Diseases have made fearful ravages among them. From lack of medical skill and the want of proper food and care the mortality among children is great. Then, too, the process of commingling is steadily going on, thus reducing the proportion of pure blood Indians. But a long period must elapse,

MEXICAN WATER CARRIER.

if ever, before the Indian element will disappear.

In many of the rural villages, often containing several thousand inhabitants, especially in Central Mexico, they are of pure Indian stock, and use more or less the Indian language. They live in the same simple manner as their ancestors of a hundred years ago. Indeed, in the Indian villages of Santa Anita, Ixtacalco, Mexicalcingo, and Ixtapalapa, a short distance south from the City of Mexico, with which there is communication by tram-cars as well as in part by the Viga canal, the Indians live almost precisely as their ancestors lived when the white man on horseback first burst upon their astonished sight. I visited these and other Indian villages, as well as the older quarter of the City of Mexico, where thousands dwell in most primitive fashion, with a fixity and immobility of character that is surprising. The people seemed to be unaffected, as respects advance in civilization, by their proximity to a great city or by their abode within it. Their lives run on in the deep ancestral ruts; without

high aspirations; they are indisposed to assume high and grave responsibilities; are passive, unobservant and unconcerned about the march of civilization; moderately industrious to meet their needs and possibly to have a something for pulque or the gambling table on a great feast day. They appear to have very little genius for organization in any direction. At the same time they impress one, by their quick gait, a certain alertness and determination, that they possess elements of real power which, if evoked, would make them a force in Mexican affairs.

Among these, Christian missions have made moderate progress. In most of the evangelical churches there is a moderate percentage of pure or nearly pure Indian stock. I learned of rural villages remote from the large cities where many of the natives have accepted the Gospel. There are other than mere racial reasons, as we shall see, why more have not been brought to a knowledge of the truth.

Now, while these are the general characteristics of the Indian population, and while this does not seem a very promising field for Christian tillage, on the other hand we must not forget that the ancestors of these very people, without extraneous aid, alone of all the native races of this continent, had developed a civilization which was a surprise to their conquerors; that this clearly indicated marked native ability; that the very ripest fruit and the flower of the race were destroyed by the ruthless conqueror; that, subordinated for ten generations, they became at last, in the bivouac of life, like dumb driven cattle under the master's lash, intellectually inert and generally illiterate; and that the comparatively brief period in which they have had equality of opportunity with others is insufficient to show what their capabilities are.

Particularly let it be remembered that from this very Indian stock, in recent times, has come a high order of talent which has exerted a potent influence on the destinies of Mexico. Its most distinguished man of the nineteenth century was Benito Juarez, "the Washington of Mexico," a full-blood Zapotec Indian. Two of Maximilian's best generals, Mejia and Mendez, were pure-blooded Indians. Some of Mexico's eminent artists have been nearly or quite pure Indians. Conspicuous is Felix Parra, whose chief work, in the Academy of San Carlos, City of Mexico, entitled "Las Casas Protecting the Aztecs," has elicited the highest commendations. There

are strains of, genius yet in this race, which afford hope and encouragement that some day. in answer to earnest prayer and faithful effort, the Spirit of the Living God will evoke therefrom a "Son of Thunder," the reverberations of whose earnest Gospel message shall be heard throughout Mexico, calling men away from error, to Christ and His truth.

The Mixed Population.

The mixed population of about five millions constitute really the most hopeful field for Christian effort. They live mainly in the cities and the large centres of population. In color, they are of all shades, from the white Caucasian to the dark brown Indian. Color works no disability in social or civil circles. Social equality prevails among whites, Indians and mixed populations; companionship being determined by the usual laws of congeniality of disposition, similarity of tastes, culture and condition in life. There is perceptible, however, a more deferential regard for the white man, other things being equal.

This mixed race is destined to become the characteristic Mexican type, drawing constantly from the whites on the one hand, and the Indians on the other, and eventually approaching to a degree of uniformity in the blending of bloods. There seems to be nothing unnatural or repugnant in such blending. Indeed, in the United States, a touch of Indian blood in the white man's veins does not detract at all from the respect in which he is held by his

fellows. This mixed population, originally the result of a union between Spaniards and Indians, during the last two generations has absorbed also a considerable of English, German, French, and some American blood. Hence it possesses a combination of qualities differentiating it from the distinct races which have contributed to its production. It is not so fiery as the Spaniard nor so submissive as the Indian; if it is not so ambitious as the pure white, neither is it content to live as the Indian. Indeed, where the blood of two races is blended in nearly equal proportions there is

the noble discontent, the striving for better things, the earnest application to practical matters, which are predictions of the possibilities of this element of the population under improving conditions in Mexico. Even now they constitute the bulk of the industrious middle classes- the artisans, manufacturers, miners,

agriculturists, and smaller storekeepers, while they are very largely represented in the professions and in public. life. The eminent President of the Republic is one of this number.

It is a significant fact, deserving of mention in this connection, that the foremost races of the world have been and are a composite people. The Englishman is a mixture of Briton, Anglo-Saxon, Dane, Norman, Flemish and Huguenot, not to mention others; while the American, a new type or variety of the white race, is a still more marvelous amalgam, the Anglo-Saxon element, as in a composite picture, dominating. Hence, in considering what the Mexican people are and are to be, we should exercise philosophical discrimination concerning racial characteristics and tendencies,

and not, in the popular estimate of fifty or seventy-five years ago, sweepingly assert that they are a worthless and hopeless race, for this would be slanderously unjust. As a matter of fact, the large majority of our converts come from this mixed population. An eminent writer on "National Life and Character" has truly said: "It is in the lower strata of society that we have to seek for the springs of natiopal life." Preeminently true is the essence of this statement concerning the Christian Church. Hence, here is our great hope for

the evangelization of Mexico.

It has seemed desirable to say thus much about the general characteristics of the Mexicans in order to understand the nature of the native material out of which, as from a quarry, Christ's master workmen are to obtain, fashion and polish the living stones of his spiritual temple.

We now turn our attention to some specific difficulties and encouragements in Christian work in Mexico, putting the one over against the other, in order that we may be neither too pessimistic nor too optimistic in our views.

Bigotry-Liberalism.

The intense bigotry of the masses of the Roman Catholics in Mexico renders the work of their evangelization very difficult. They have been most sedulously taught by the venerated priesthood that outside of the Roman Catholic Church there is no salvation; that Protestantism is of the devil; they have heard Luther described as an earthly prince of his satanic majesty and have shivered as they came in contact with Protestants who were branded as Lutherans; they have been told that it was a mortal sin to enter a Protestant place of worship; forbidden to accept the Bible; while priestly lies have been concocted to the effect that American missionaries were secret emissaries of the United States to bring about annexation and annihilate Mexican nationality; and even in some cases that they sought to abduct children to send to the United States to be manufactured into fine soaps for toilet purposes. These are but specimens of the diabolical methods employed to influence the lower classes especially, against missionaries of the Gospel. The poor, ignorant, credulous people believe every word of it and often become terribly excited over the matter. Inflammable as powder, they need but the application of a priestly spark to explode in deeds of violence and bloodshed. Hence, it is not surprising that

there have been martyr missionaries in Mexico. Dr. William Butler, of the Methodist Episcopal church, gives statistics of the numbers, the localities and dates where these witnesses for Christ came to a violent death at the hands of Romanists; showing that one American and fifty-eight Mexicans perished thus within the last twenty-five years. The American was Rev. J. L. Stephens, a Congregational missionary, who was assassinated by fanatics on Sunday night, March 2, 1874, at Ahualulco. Many others have narrowly escaped death. There have been some wonderful providential deliverances of imperiled missionaries, for the account of which we have not space. Within a few years, even lately, at some of our mission stations, stones have been thrown into places of worship, and other outrageous acts committed.

During my visit at Toluca, with Bro. Powell, in the hospital there lay a man fearfully cut by knives in the hands of fanatical Indians dwelling in a village about five miles distant. His only offense was that he was inclined to Protestant views and had been appointed by the liberal authorities of Toluca to teach the public school in that Indian village. The priest had excited the people to this act.

Singularly enough, these fanatical outbreaks frequently occur just after a great saint's day or some church festival. Knowing the circumstances of this assault, when we visited the old Toltec hill, having to pass through this village at its base, we felt a little more secure as one of our company carried a Winchester repeating rifle, not knowing, of course, what game we might meet on the way!

At Puebla, a woman who committed the great sin of selling some property to the Methodists was finally relieved of the burden of her guilt by the payment to the condescending bishop of $500 for absolution.

The pure Indians, as those best acquainted with them assured me, are not so much converted to Romanism as to the authority of the priests who take the place of the old pagan priests. The Catholic priest visits the interior Indian village or hacienda once a year to baptize the children, telling them sometimes that unless children are baptized they will remain animals without souls.

But there is a brighter side at which we must look. Already we have had occasion to mention the "Liberals" of Mexico. The term indicates the liberal element both in politics and

religion.

We have seen how these Liberals, who favored a republican form of government, came to be haters of the clergy because of their opposition to it. So bitter was their hatred of the clerical antagonists of the Republic that years ago, during the struggle for independence, the Liberals stabled their horses in the old Franciscan church, near the Plaza Taragossa, in Monterrey, and amused themselves by firing at the image of the Virgin. The Liberals became disgusted with the greed and general corruption of the clergy. They no longer recognize the ecclesiastical authority of Rome; never go to confession or mass; indeed, seldom attend public worship. Many, on account of strong social influences and other considerations, do not openly renounce Romanism and are reckoned as nominal adherents; but they are utterly indifferent to its teachings and practices. Their wives, under the influence of the confessional, may be more closely attached to the Church, and the children are baptized, as that is the general custom. They are detached from Rome, but not attached to Protestantism. Their drift is toward infidelity. They are very tolerant, however, of Protestantism, admit its superiority to Romanism, are pleased with our teachings of separation of Church and State, and in many cases that came to my knowledge evince a desire to understand our views. They are found chiefly in the large cities, which have had most intercourse with the outside world, and in the northern tier of States along the Rio Grande. I personally met several very intelligent and refined men of this class. At the opening exercises of Bro. Powell's orphanage at Toluca, the Governor of the State, some of his associates, and members of the Common Council were present by invitation, so ne taking part in the exercises. Social calls are exchanged between missionaries' families and their Liberal neighbors. The walls of bigotry are breaking down. Were it not for the tremendous power of public opinion and the absolute social ostracism for themselves and their families that would follow their identification with evangelical Christians, more of this number would be gathered into our churches. process of emancipation goes on, as liberalizing influences become stronger and more pervasive with every passing year, and as the doctrines of the Gospel commend themselves to the people who have been kept in ignorance concerning them, we may expect larger results from this increasing liberal element. Even the

As the

Indians themselves, a few years ago, openly resented the acts of prelates in bringing Spanish priests to minister to them and check liberalizing tendencies. They had not forgotten the hated Spanish yoke of old.

In all this there is encouragement; not so much because of immediate results, as of those that may be expected ere long, as the number and influence of open-minded Liberals increase and as the teachings of the Gospel are better understood. These Liberals are not going back to Rome; but whether they will become infidel or Christian depends largely upon our fidelity and liberality in their behalf.

ren.

Illiteracy-Education.

common

sense.

One great difficulty which we encounter in Mexico is the general illiteracy of the people. Let us not suppose, however, that all illiterates are deficient in ability or Among the colored people of the South I have met men unable to read a word, whose general knowledge of affairs, acquired from intercourse with intelligent people, whose excellent judgmert, clear perceptions and sagacity made them leaders even among their educated brethThere is a man in the Monterrey church who is unable to read or write, who conducts an extensive business, like Daniel Drew, keeping his accounts in his head, who formerly held a responsible public office that he filled with great credit, and who is a leader among men. It was his misfortune to be born before a school system was established in Mexico. Let us not, therefore, make the mistake of supposing that all illiterate people are void of understanding. But the illiteracy of the masses is their great misfortune, and a serious obstacle in the way of their evangelization and Christian development. The ignorant are narrow-minded, have

a limited vocabulary, so that many terms that we usually employ in speaking of the way of salvation are incomprehensible to them, cannot be reached by the printed page, and so have not the helps of Christian literature for their development.

Extent of Illiteracy.

Nearly forty years ago, Tejada, a prominent Mexican, said: "We may be assured that at least three-fourths of the inhabitants do not know that there is such a thing as an Abecedario (alphabet) in the world." Of the other fourth, only a small fraction could read or write.

The usual statement that 93 per cent. of the population can neither read nor write is evidently antiquated. This would give less than a million who can read over against more than eleven million illiterates. From facts hereinafter given on the subject of education, it will be much nearer the truth to say that about 85 per cent. are illiterate. This refers to the country as a whole. In some localities the per centage is greater; in others much less. The leading enterprising cities make a more favorable showing, though even here the picture is dark enough. Thus, in the City of Mexico, in 1890, in a population then of about 400,000, 176,692 could neither read nor write, while 15,268 of those who could read were unable to write. Many who are classified as being able to read can do so only most imperfectly.

For this illiteracy who is mainly responsible? Beyond all question the Roman Catholic church. A similar condition prevails in European countries where that dominant church dictated the policy of the State, as in Spain, where illiterates are 73 per cent.; in Portugal, 84 per cent. ; in lower Italy, 93 per cent. of the population. In contrast with Protestart nations, as England, where illiterates are only 9 per cent.; Germany, Norway and Sweden, 3 per cent.; Switzerland, 5 per cent., and among the white population of the United States. with a large ignorant foreign element, 8 per cent.

Undeniably, the Roman Catholic church has been hostile to the general education of the masses unless under its restrictions and control. "As for the masses, learning was regarded as not only useless, but prejudicial. Viceroy Branciforte thought only the catechism should be taught in America." Although the University of Mexico was established in the City of Mexico in 1551, and other institutions by various religious orders; and although some of the Spanish viceroys encouraged education, yet all educational machinery was in the hands of the hierarchy and the religious orders. What Motley says of such education in Europe in the fifteenth century, was equally true of Mexico: "The whole system was pervaded by the monastic spirit which had originally preserved all learning from annihilation, but which now kept it wrapped in the ancient cerecloths, and stiffening in the stony sarcophagus of a bygone age."

From this dark picture it is gratifying to turn to the brighter view, and to note the educational progress of Mexico in recent years.

Educational Advance.

Directly after Mexico declared her indeperdence of Spain, attention was given to a system of general education On account of political convulsions this and the renewed effort of 1842 availed but little. The beginning of a public school system in Mexico dates from about 1857, when the Government asserted its supremacy in civil affairs, although unable to carry into general effect its decrees. In 1861, the plan of public education was arrested by reason of the absorption of funds for the war of French intervention. After the re-establishment of the Republic (1867), the educational system began to take more definite shape. During the last twenty-five years, notwithstanding the opposition of the clergy, very decided progress has been made. In 1870, there were about 5,000 schools of all kinds, with an estimated attendance of 250,000; in 1875, 8, 100 school and 349,000 pupils; in 1884, 8,586 schools and 441,453 pup ls; in 1891, 12,791 schools and 722,435 pupils; in 1895 (estimated), 750,000. Of the pupils, 96 per cent. are in elementary schools and 4 per cent. in higher institutions. Mexico the school enrollment is about 6 per cent. of the population, while in the United States it is over 23 per cent.

In

The school statistics of some leading States are as follows: