<3eograpbical Botes on 



For the American common laborer who looks to his day's pay for 

 his living, Mexico is unquestionably not the proper place to go. He 

 cannot compete with the Mexican laborer, whose usual pay is from 38 

 to 50 cents a day in silver, and he boards himself. For the man who 

 has no means, unless he is especially qualified in some particular 

 branch, and knows something of the language, and will work harder 

 and longer hours, it is no place. There is room for the steady, sober, 

 industrious mechanic or miner or tradesman who will adapt himself 

 to new conditions and surroundings, leave all social, political, and 

 other ambitions behind him, and who will attend strictly to his own 

 business. 



Those who are safest in going to Mexico are those who have a 

 little capital, say from $2000 in gold and upward, which will give them 

 about twice that amount there; who can look around and decide what 

 they propose to do, and where they want to settle. There is an excel- 

 lent field for the small general farmer of the New England or Middle 

 States type, who will raise a little of everything. Butter, potatoes, 

 hogs, poultry, corn, vegetables, and small grain find a ready sale at 

 good prices. I have seen the common article of corn, which is nearly 

 always a sure crop, sell at from $i to $1.25 per bushel, Mexican money. 



It is always best for the mechanic or miner to first secure a job 

 before going to Mexico, and work for wages several months, and in 

 the meantime study the situation, get acquainted with the language, 

 the customs, and the people before going it alone. 



The manner of living there and the customs of the people are 

 totally different from those of the United States. Those going there 

 will have to work harder and longer hours than in the United States, 

 but they can save money. Ten years ago Americans went to Mexico 

 to make money and return to the United States ; to-day they go to 

 find homes. I know several Americans who would not live in the 

 United States again. 



The climate of Mexico permits a man to work every day in the 

 year. The cost of living and clothing is cheap, and a dollar in Mexi- 

 can money can be made to go as far there as a dollar in American 

 money in the United States, and a dollar there is easier to get. 



In mining, Mexico offers inducements superior to any other coun- 



hoods. While there are undoubtedly good opportunities in Mexico for enterprise, 

 frugality, and thrift, it is like other countries, a land of varying conditions, and it often 

 happens that disappointment is the result of emigration undertaken upon insufficient 

 or misleading information, or without resources, which are always necessary for success 

 in a new country. Many Americans have been induced by alluring statements as to 

 the cheapness of coffee raising, etc. , to emigrate to Mexico within the past year, and 

 some have lost their, all by so doing. For these reasons Consuls desire to caution 

 Americans against the representations of speculators, who are always on the watch for 

 the unwary." 



