Illinois newspaper directory. History of the Illinois press association

Illinois Newspaper Directory and Historya telling address in response to the toast, 'The Press.' Mr. J. J. Anderson responded tothe 'Editor and the Devil,' and it was universally conceded that by his wit and eloquencehe raised the latter part of his subject. Senator Castle, as might reasonably have beenexpected, represented 'The Ladies,' and showed that by their ability and enterprise theywere entitled to more than the hackneyed verdict, 'God bless them.' 'Reciprocity' waseloquently advocated by Gen. Hayes. Throughout the entire stay in Laredo the excursionistswere treated with that unbounded hospitality so peculiar to the Southern people.Laredo's dash and enterprise and progress were the frequent subjects of comment bythose who spent the time so pleasantly in this borderland of the Mexican Republic."After twenty-four hours in Laredo, caused in part by the changing from standardto narrow gauge trucks under the four elegant Pullmans in which the party embarkedat Peoria, and also in part by the hospitality of Laredo, the train moved over the RioGrande, the line separating American civilization from the darker, more gloomy andyet novel type of land of the Aztecs. On arriving at Nuevo Laredo the collector ofcustoms for the Mexican Government forcibly reminded the scribes abroad that therewere certain legal barriers to a freedom of exchange between the Sister Republics.Recognizing that the editor abroad is not so for gain or pelf, the sombre-hued representativeof President Diaz did not deem it necessary to be so exceedingly exacting inhis search for contraband goods. Again we were under obligations to Messrs. Galbraithand Cowan, of the Mexican National Railroad, and Mr. Newell, Superintendent of thePullman company, for favors which gave the excursionists pleasure, and freed themfrom many annoyances. For the first time many of the loyal people of Illinois were onsoil not protected by the Stars and Stripes."During the night the historic Monterey was passed while all were in unconsciousslumber. Early on the morning of the 26th the train halted at Saltillo where Mr. Hodge,the caterer of the Mexican National Railroad, served the excursionists their first mealin the Mexican domain. The vivid anticipation of chili con came and other irritatingGreaser diet was not realized and a good breakfast a la Americano was thoroughlyenjoyed. Leaving Saltillo after this short rest the train sped away over the valleys andthrough the mountains to the spot so well known to the Americans, but especially theMexican soldiers under Gen. Taylor, as the battlefield of Buena Vista. A short stop wasmade that all might see the place where Santa Anna first felt the force of Americangeneralship and courage. Again the train sped away through the land of the cactus.All day long, after the first few hours of hills and valleys, the trip was over an aridplain of which the chief element was dust. Over this the railroad is compelled totransport water for the engine in tank-cars provided for that purpose. At Catorcedinner was served and again under Mr. Hodge's management, giving another pleasantsurprise to the hungry travelers. San Luis Potosi was reached in time for supper. Thiswas the last as well as the best of the meals served by the National Railroad, underMr. Hodge's supervision. Early on the morning of 27th the train halted at Acambaroto give the scribes and their ladies an opportunity to test the merits of their first Mexicanmeal. Fearing that it would not bear the closest scrutiny those with sensitive stomachs,greater caution and less curiosity, patronized Mr. Layton's buffet quite liberally. Thosewho braved the perils of Mexican cookery and diet were agreeably disappointed inbeing served with a very palatable meal."The anticipation of beautiful scenery, grand old mountains, rushing streams,sharp curves, and beautiful canyons, were more than realized during the day's travel.A short stop was made at Toluca for dinner, and then hearts beat quickly at the thoughtof scaling the Sierra Madres to their summit, an ascent of more than 3,000 feet beingmade in about 20 miles. Finallv, at 4 o'clock, the train stood still at La Cima, the