40 
INDIANOLA 
sentially American in its character. Mexican indo- 
lence cannot stand by the side of the energy and 
industry of the Americans and Europeans ; and the new 
comers are rapidly elbowing the old settlers to one 
side. Some few of the Mexicans have the good sense 
to fall in with the spirit of progress ; but the great 
majority draw back before it, and live upon the out- 
skirts of the town in the primitive style of their fore- 
fathers. 
Situated in the centre of a rich agricultural region, 
San Antonio is destined to be a place of much impor- 
tance. The necessity of a railroad communication 
with the coast is severely felt, and energetic move- 
ments are making to establish it. At present the sup- 
plies of merchandise are brought from the coast by 
the slow medium of ox carts. These are driven by 
Mexicans, and in a favorable condition of the roads 
make the trip in six days. The business of freighting 
almost entirely supports the Mexican population of 
the city and its vicinity. The American people are 
too much imbued with the spirit of progress to 
engage in any business that partakes of the past. The 
idea of carrying on commerce with ox carts, and 
making 130 miles in six days, over an excellent road, 
might do for the past century, not for this steam and 
lightning age. 
Large trains frequently leave here for El Paso, 
Eagle Pass, and other points on the Mexican frontier, 
and often penetrate to Chihuahua, Parras, and other 
Mexican cities. Those engaged in the Mexican trade 
are beginning to see the advantages the route through 
Texas possesses over the long one from Missouri, by 
