Page:Mexico in 1827 Vol 2.djvu/92

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78
MEXICO IN 1827.

nery of the Country having been found fully adequate for the drainage of their Mines.[1]

The Expences of the Real del Monte Company, in the same way, have been still greater; but there, the issue of the whole undertaking depends upon the application of the power of Steam, and the Engines render European Workmen of all kinds indispensable. Even there, however, a great reduction is taking place.

The United Mexican Company has likewise dismissed almost all its European Workmen. Indeed, in many instances, the whole management is confided to Natives; and although this system has not, I think, been generally successful, (from the listlessness, and want of activity, of many of the Agents,) in some places it has been productive of the very best effects, as at Sombrerete, where nothing could exceed the beautiful order in which I found the works, under the management of Don Nărcīsŏ Ānītŭá, who acts, at the same time, as Proprietor, and as Mining Director for the Company.

At Tlalpujahua, the attempt to introduce a strictly European System was never made; and that Company has, consequently, experienced fewer changes, and incurred less expence since its establishment,

  1. The Mines of Villalpando and Sirena, which are likely to prove the most productive, were drained by Mr. Williamson, in six months, by the application of Malacates, (Horse Whims;) and of the ultimate drainage of Valenciana, by the same process, I entertain little doubt.