tion as a Heresy; and although I am inclined to think that the influence of the Church is decreasing rapidly, it has still a great hold upon the minds of the people, and might, if driven to extremities, prove a dangerous enemy to the tranquillity of the country.
On every point not connected with religion, the Government of Jalisco has shown a most laudable anxiety for the improvement of public education. Schools have been established in every part of the State, and placed under the immediate superintendence of the Political Chiefs. By an article of the Constitution, those, who, after the year 1840, are not able to read, will lose the right of voting at the elections. In the capital, a college is established at the public expence, upon the most liberal footing. Professors of anatomy and modern languages (both Frenchmen, and clever men,) have been engaged at a salary of 2,000 dollars per annum. A professor of mineralogy from Freiberg is shortly expected, and Mr. Jones (son-in-law of Mr. Lancaster) has been appointed to superintend the Lancasterian system throughout the State, with a similar return for his services. A magnificent building is set apart by Government for this new institution, and lectures were to commence there the week after my departure.
The town of Guadalajara is handsome, the streets airy, and many of the houses excellent. There are fourteen plazas, or squares, twelve fountains, and a
