inevitably have perished but for the courage and humanity of a party of Rurales. One poor sailor was swept out of their reach, though they made superhuman efforts to save him.
The President of the United States, through Mr. Bayard, and in appreciation of their valor, forwarded to the Rurales memorials, consisting of a gold watch and chain for the chief, with this inscription:
"Presented by
The President of the United States
to
Pedro Miramontes,
Chief of the Rural Guard, Ensenado, Mexico,
For humane and praiseworthy services in behalf of a boat's crew of the U. S. steamer
'Ranger,' January18, 1886."
Silver medals were given to the others of the rescuing party.
Upon the subject of American interests in Mexico, I am glad to introduce the opinion of Judge J. F. Crosby, of Texas, who was at the Mexican capital during my stay there, and in an interview with a representative of the Two Republics, thus freely expressed his views with regard to the prospects and safety of American enterprise in Mexico:
"I do not only believe but know from actual observation that American enterprise has a most promising future in Mexico. The people of Mexico are not nearly as prejudiced against Americans as superficial observers would have the people of the United States believe. That they are down on men who claim to be Americans, but are devoid of gentlemanly instincts, and show no respect for the religion and customs of a people whose hospitality they ask; who slander their wives and daughters, and charge the Mexicans with being dishonest and treacherous, is not to their discredit. But they are anxious for the good will of the American people, and if the Americans who have visited this country had been half as anxious to win the respect of the Mexicans, both countries would be better informed about each other than they are now. The upper ranks of the Mexicans are the
