Page:Mexico's dilemma.djvu/163

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RISING OR SETTING SUN IN MEXICO
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skeleton of the proposed House of Parliament. The Mexicans call it the Black Elephant.

These are the Mexican Sphinxes—the symbols of Mexico to-day. Whether these structures are completed and transformed into modern architectural monuments depends upon the answers to the questions facing the government. Whether they rattle to pieces or wear away unused depends upon the replies Señor Carranza makes to the questions the world is asking. These two buildings, or parts thereof—just as Mexico itself—contain possibilities for success or failure. But the question their bleak walls and iron bones ask is answered with the echo:

"What will Mexico do?"

Aristotle once remarked that, to be complete, things must have a beginning, a middle and an end. How simple; and yet how informing! This chapter, so far, has only a beginning and a middle; therefore, it is not complete.

I began by asking whether the sun was rising or setting in Mexico. I shall answer: The sun is rising; but I cannot tell whether there will be rain to-morrow.