Page:Appleton's Guide to Mexico.djvu/221

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THE CITY OF MEXICO AND ENVIRONS.
193

temple to be built in that place, and that she would render aid and protection to all believers who would call upon her when in trouble. She further commanded him to report to the Bishop of Mexico what had taken place. The Indian did as he was directed, but Zumarraga, who was then bishop, discredited his statement. The Virgin appeared to the Indian several times afterward, and on one occasion ordered him to pick flowers from the barren mountain and take them to the bishop. Accordingly, he gathered beautiful flowers where none had previously grown, and carried them in his tilma or cloak to the episcopal palace. After telling his story, the Indian dropped the flowers on the floor, when suddenly the bishop fell on his knees at the sight of the image of the Blessed Virgin, that appeared to be painted on the cloak of Juan Diego.

A long poem has been written on this miraculous appearance of the Virgin, and it is sold in book-form at the door of the cathedral. Ribbons of various colors, giving the size of the head of Our Lady of Guadalupe, are also offered for sale. A high mass is celebrated on the 12th day of every month, and on the 12th of December a great religious festival takes place, which is attended by persons from all parts of the Republic. It is the anniversary of the day upon which the Virgin first appeared to Juan Diego. Among the illustrious dead buried in this cathedral are the Viceroy Bucareli and Colonel Obregon. The original flag that was carried by Hidalgo in 1810 is deposited here.

The chapel of Guadalupe is situated on a hill directly behind the cathedral. A good view of the valley of Mexico may be obtained from the façade of the former.

The famous Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed at this place on the 2d of February, 1848.

The battle-fields of Chapultepec, Molino del Rey, and Cheruhusco, lie a few miles south of the capital. A hand-