82 
MEXICO. 
peuplo a general desire for peace ; and the wise, just, and thoughtful 
of all parties, can surely agree upon some plan to satisfy the common 
interests, to quell the inordinate passions of military chieftains, and, in 
fine, to terminate for ever these dreadful scenes. In treating hereafter of 
the political condition of Mexico, I shall have occasion to refer again to 
this subject, and shall then do so more fully. 
These ideas struck me as I went for the first time to the University, 
and saw even the front of that edifice, which should naturally be sacred 
to learning and peace, pierced with cannon balls and bullets. The walls 
only, 1 believe, were injured. Indeed, from the appearance of the houses 
throughout the city, I am inclined to think that the Mexicans were either 
exceedingly bad marksmen, or, that they aimed high, if they aimed at 
all, to prevent carnage. The plaster and stones, and the poor non-combat- 
ants were evidently the greatest sufferers, while the soldiers seem to have 
had an amiable compassion for each other ! 
The University is a fine old monastic building, erected around a court- 
yard of large dimensions, in the centre of which is now placed the colos- 
sal bronze statue of Charles IV. cast in the city of Mexico by Tolsa, a 
Mexican artist. This really beautiful work formerly stood in the great 
square fronting the Cathedral, where its huge mass was more in proportion 
to the surrounding space and objects. 
STATUE OF CHARLES IV. 
