CHIAPTER 21.

 

            LONGING for some assurance of Margaret’s regard to comfort and sustain him in his absence, Maynard again had recourse to Dame Partridge as a medium of communication. His note to her, and letter to Margaret, brought him the following replies on the eve of his departure: –

 

            ‘DEAR SIR,

            ‘Pray be content with this one writing, and do not ask for another. I cannot tell you why, but duty and prudence forbid me to do as you wish. My young lady is nicely. Time and patience alone can help.

‘Yours respectfully and obediently,

                          ‘JANE PARTRIDGE.’

 

(p. 107)

            The other, signed simply M.,’ ran thus: –

 

            ‘I knew not before how much I loved the sea. It is the only friend I have to converse with here. I bathe in it, and sing to it, and read my translations aloud to it, sitting on a jutting point of rock. Thank you so much for the task. I have glanced over the story, and found it delightful. It deserves my choicest English. My best wishes and grateful regards go with you to Mexico. Happily returned, you shall find my task accomplished.’

 

            James did not tell Margaret of his deeper purpose in the selection he had made, and that he trusted, by means of the intensely refined sentimentalism of ‘Aslauga’s Knight,’ to convert her abstract affectionateness into a concrete personal attachment. His idea was, that the spectacle of the true knight wearing life away in devotion to the dead ideal of an historical mistress could scarcely fail to excite in her a desire to possess a devoted knight of her own, and to reward his worship with the more solid solace of her real and living self.

 

            Three letters which came from Maynard about four months after his departure, contain as much of the history of his expedition as it is necessary to give, before we return to the party at Linnwood Manor.

 

                                                                       ‘Near Guanaxuato, Mexico.

            I believe, dear Margaret, you never in your life have looked to the future, but were always content with a present which allowed you to dream about the past. It used to be much the same with me. Absorbed in the historical, the scientific, the philosophical, or the abstract, the future always had for me an ideal instead of a real significance. It was a poem to be read, rather than a fact to be enacted. You have thanked me for what I taught you. Will you be very much surprised to be told, that you have taught me far more than I you? Yet I fear that such is indeed the case. A knowledge, too, none the less important in that you did not intend to impart it, and were utterly unconscious even of having it in your power to do so. It is good for you to exercise your mind in thinking rather than in reverie, so I leave you this enigma to ponder.

            I wish I could have seen you in your sea-side retreat, so as to have the picture of your surroundings as well as of yourself

(p. 108)

in my mind. I had a surprise shortly before I sailed. I was at Stonehenge, having gone there about some of those old theories of mine I used to inflict upon you in our long talks. I was in the dark, on the top of one of the big stones, and Lord Littmass suddenly appeared to me. He was returning to London, I fancy from seeing you. But he did not tell me anything of you. He never spoke to me of you but once, and then he said what I hoped might turn out a mistake, for it wounded my selfishness. Even affection is selfish sometimes. He implied that there is a barrier between us which wealth alone can surmount. It is in the hope of getting over that barrier that I have crossed the Atlantic again, and climbed the Sierra Madre of Mexico. Throughout my six weeks upon the sea it ever seemed as if you were near to me, for the same element held us both, and formed a chain of sympathy. So vivid at times was the feeling, that I could not help fancying you to be bathing, and that water had become for the nonce a good conductor!

 

            ‘Once ashore, and toiling through the burning lands which are well called Tierras Calientes, you seemed to retreat from me bodily, but only to diffuse yourself over my whole idea of things. I found myself inquiring the best season for making such a journey, thinking it would never do for you at the time I made it. As I mounted towards the high table lands, which alone are really habitable, I inquired, – again for your sake! – if there were no easier route: and learning that the capital city of Mexico is approachable only by the wretchedest roads, I found myself devising an improvement on the litters here in use, so that you might be gently transported to these heights. Then, when the shocks of an earthquake frightened the inhabitants out into the streets, I thought how easily I could construct for you a little dwelling of wood and iron that should be quite earthquake-proof. The people here have done something to diminish the danger by building mainly on the ground, but could improve upon them if you were here to make it worth while. Thus, already are you in anticipation the founder of a new order of architecture!

 

            ‘As I looked down into the barrancas, as the deep wooded hollows of these vast plateaux are called, and then up to the snowy peaks in the distance, I thought that though the natives may like to bury themselves in those fertile but stifling recesses,

(p. 109)

the free airs and vide outlook of the loftier regions would better suit your Teutonic nature.

 

            In Mexico city itself I found much to, admire. It has a captivating exterior, and is by no means devoid of such comforts as I never before thought to care about, but now covet as necessary for you; supposing, of course, anything should ever occur to induce you to travel hither. Unluckily it is subject to swamps, being built on a lower level than is sometimes attained by the neighbouring lakes, whose water is apt to percolate through into the city.

 

            While there, I had much work consulting lawyers and examining legal documents. Then there were mining agents to be dealt with, and lastly, the authorities, who were profuse in verbal civilities, assuring me, after the manner of Spaniards, which some admire, but which I detest as being grossly insincere, and wasting so many words, that the whole country was mine, but at the same time endeavoured to plunder me liberally by their exactions.

 

            What interested me most, I think, next to the ancient remains, was the sight of the President, whose acquaintance I was so fortunate as to make. If you can imagine a Hindoo Governor-General of India, a red Indian President of the United States, a Maori Governor of New Zealand, or a ‘black fellow’ of Australia, you will understand the feeling excited by Juarez, a full-blooded aboriginal Indian, whose rate has survived the whole series of Mexican conquests, Olmec and Toltec, Aztec and Spanish, being President of the country, in preference to any Spaniard. Not that he was elected to his present dignity. He was judge of the supreme court; and only succeeded on the death of the President and Vice-President.

 

            ‘After getting matters in a proper train, I started with an armed escort for the place of my destination. It went much against the grain with me to have this I have always got on very well when left to my own resources among savages; but the Mexicans are not savage enough for that, and I was assured that it was absolutely necessary as a protection against the brigands, who infest the country in spite of all the Government can do.

 

            ‘My journey up here lay through some noble scenery, amid which the snowy peak of Iztaccihuatl, or white woman,’ appeared as conspicuously as did in my imagination a certain

(p. 110)

fair damsel of my acquaintance, who, among the people out here, would indeed be reckoned the fairest of white women.

 

            ‘Well, to conclude, before I quite tire you. My task is, for the present, well nigh finished, and, I am rejoiced to say, augurs most favourably. I shan’t trouble you with particulars. Those may be reserved for Lord Littmass and my employers. But I think there is little doubt but that, after a short stay in England, I shall return hither for a lengthened sojourn. Whether it will be for a life of joy or of sorrow will not depend upon myself. My fate is in your hands.

                                                                                              ‘J. M.’

 

            From Maynard’s official report to Mr. Tresham it is sufficient to make the following extracts: –

 

            ‘I beg to report my arrival at Mexico, and subsequently at Guanaxuato.’

 

            On reaching the capital I lost no time in finding out Don Silva, the agent to whom I brought letters. He is one of the most respectable procuradórs, or solicitors, in Mexico. Having examined my credentials, he placed himself most cordially at my disposition, and greatly facilitated my search among the Government records for verifications of the statements made by the representatives of the late proprietors of the Real de Dolóres, and in proving the validity of the title. On these two important points I am fully satisfied with the results of my inquiries. It is true that the Government returns on which the royalty is paid are considerably below the actual amount stated in the private archives of the family, but the difference is not greater than is justified by the custom of the country, all mines being assessed on a very low estimate of their average yield.’

 

            ‘The title is indisputably good, a rare circumstance in this country, and one that greatly enhances the value of the property; and the mortgagees are ready to hand over the requisite certificates on receiving payment in cash to the extent of one-third of their claims, and a covenant to pay the remainder by equal half-yearly instalments, extended over a space of five years; they undertaking to keep the offer open for six months.

 

            ‘Having completed my preliminary work in the capital, I started for Guanaxuato, accompanied by a confidential clerk of the agent, a skilled engineer and surveyor, and a professional working miner. The journey cost more than I could have

(p. 111)

wished, as we were strongly advised, on account of the disturbed state of the country, to travel with a rather numerous escort. We were fifteen in number, all mounted on horses. I expect, on my return, to dispose of the latter for as much as they cost me.

 

            ‘We were unmolested throughout the journey, owing, I am assured, to the precautions taken. The mine lies about fifteen miles from the town of Guanaxuato, and a little over a hundred from Mexico. It lies on a ridge or spur that runs out from the eastern slope of the Sierra Madre, at an elevation so great as to secure a bracing climate throughout the gear. It is in the district of the famous “Silver Ridge,” and possesses a distinguishing characteristic from the hole of the surrounding range, in being admirably wooded with pine, cedar, and oak.

 

            An inspection of the works showed that the old machinery has fallen into a very bad state, and must be almost entirely replaced; and the walls enclosing the Hacienda, a protection necessary against Indian and other brigands, require considerable repair.

 

            ‘Finding the excavations full of water, I set a party to work, cutting a drift through the hill-side, in order to drain the principal shafts, while, together with the surveyor, I visited the principal Real in the neighbourhood, in order to examine their method of working, and also, if practicable, to ascertain the position and direction of their vein. The mine in question boasts possession of the finest lode in the district, perhaps in Mexico. It is a single solid vein, averaging over a hundred feet in thickness, and singularly rich in sulphurets of silver.

 

Of the peculiarities and direction of this important vein I made a careful examination; and, tracing it for several miles in the direction of the Dolóres mine, I had the great satisfaction of finding myself brought so directly towards the spot where my party was at work, that only the interference of a deep ravine prevented my discovering a visible connection between the two portions of the vein. The inclosed diagram (A) will suffice to prove identity in this respect; a valuable element in the prospects of success, owing to the high character of the mine had visited.

 

            ‘During the few days occupied in draining the old shaft, analysed specimens of ores from the two mines, and also set some men to work washing for gold. From the results thus obtained I satisfied myself, not only that the Dolóres lode is the

(p. 112)

continuation of its valuable neighbour, but that it maintains its excellent character throughout; and moreover, that in addition to the yield of silver, a considerable profit may yearly be made by the gold-washings.

 

            Sketch (B) exhibits the condition of the various shafts, and the extent in each direction that the vein has been worked, as compared with the limits of the property. The time and means at my disposal were insufficient to enable me to verify in all cases the accuracy of the representations originally made to you, owing to the prevalence of water, and the falling in of some of the levels. But, by measuring the heaps of refuse at the mouth of each shaft and at the works, I have been able to form an approximate estimate of the lengths extracted, and to compare it with the statements made by the vendors.

 

            ‘On this, as on all other points, I may say with confidence that the representations which have been made are characterised by remarkable accuracy, and that thorough good faith seems to me to pervade the entire transaction. Not merely are the ores good, but they are abundant, and easily accessible. Whence it follows that a handsome return may be anticipated from a moderate outlay; and this, at an early date after commencing operations.

 

            ‘It only remains to speak of the political condition of the country, in regard to the safe and permanent carrying on of such operations.

 

            The results of the conversations I have held on this subject with the principal foreigners and natives are, briefly, these that the chronic perturbations to which the country is liable are likely to continue, until they culminate in a foreign intervention; but that mining property is the last that is likely to suffer seriously by the exactions of any party that may be in power. The mines, especially those worked by foreign companies and capital, form so important an element in the wealth of the country, that it would be suicidal for any government to seriously injure them. The managers, moreover, have a certain safeguard in their ability to check or suspend the yield in times of unusual danger, without, in the long run, materially diminishing the profits of the working. This is done by restricting operations to the extraction of ores, the reduction of metal being, reserved for a more favourable season. Similar precautions are taken with regard to the transport of metals to the coast for shipment. The impression of those best qualified

(p. 113)

to judge is that, whether there be any foreign intervention in Mexican affairs or not, no government will incur the risk and odium which would arise from the subjection of foreign, and especially mining, interests to ill usage.

 

            ‘I purpose returning to England so soon as I have made all the arrangements necessary for completing the purchase to the utmost point possible to me.’

 

            To Lord Littmass Maynard wrote as follows: –

 

 

            ‘MY DEAR LORD LITTMASS,

            ‘I have deferred writing to you until I should have definite intelligence to send. The mail that takes this letter takes also my report to the chairman of the company, which you will doubtless see. I need not repeat, therefore, what I have there said. You will observe that, having written it for City men, I have endeavoured to adopt the style which such people are supposed to prefer, as was early impressed on me by the following story: –

            ‘Certain City magnates, desiring to do honour to the younger Pitt, commissioned a scholar to write an epitaph for the monument they proposed to erect to his memory. The epitaph was accordingly written, and contained an eloquent recapitulation of the minister’s services to his country, ending with the words, “and he died poor.” This was altogether too simple for their tastes, and savoured, moreover, of the work-house. So they amended it thus, “and he departed this life in indigent circumstances.”

            ‘Of the business that brought me here, I may say decidedly that the mine promises splendidly. So much so, that on my return to Mexico city, I went thoroughly into the history of the circumstances which have kept it idle so long. Its very wealth seems to have been the cause, for, under a divided ownership, it led to a bitter family squabble, and costly legal proceedings, to defray the expenses of which it was finally ordered to be sold.

            ‘The one point on which there is room for uneasiness consists in the unsettled state of the country, and the grasping character of the short-lived governments, which spring up in rapid succession to each other.

            ‘I do not mean you to infer that the Mexicans are worthy of a better government than they have or can produce. I believe

(p. 114)

that nothing can regenerate Mexico, except a totally new régime. The Spanish race in America is, in Yankee phrase, “played out,” and the country is ready to fall, as a ripe plum, into the hands of the United States. In the mean time, the cry among the foreign population is for protection by their own governments. Nothing but fear or force will, they say, induce the native authorities to observe even the semblance of honesty in their dealings; and having, under a pledge of security and fairness, induced foreign merchants and others to settle in the country, those who suffer by ill usage see no plea of right to hinder their respective governments from insisting on the observance of good faith towards their respective citizens.

            ‘The almost universal feeling of the foreigners is in favour of an intervention, which shall either enforce the authority of the President in his desire to fulfil the national obligations, or supersede native government altogether. I confess that, abstractedly speaking, I cannot see the matter in this light. The country belongs to the Mexicans, and if they choose to produce what others consider a bad article in the way of government, and make their country uninviting, that is their own affair. They may be supposed to consider such government as suited to themselves; and foreigners, who have come here knowing what to expect, have no right to decline taking the bad with the good. It is a speculation, in calculating the probabilities of which, the elements of politics and national character must not be left out of account.

            ‘A number of the leading Englishmen here are drawing up a representation to our government for me to take home. This I propose to place in your hands, hoping that your influence may effect something, though the memorial goes farther than I approve. You will now have a personal interest in the matter. The value of the company’s property will be greatly enhanced by any measure that will ensure security. I believe that, on both policy and principle, it should be confined to affording friendly advice, and material aid, if desired, to the existing government.

            ‘In spite, however, of any drawback, I consider that no time should be lost in completing the purchase and commencing operations. Three or four years’ working on the method I am contemplating will, I am satisfied, cover the entire outlay, and leave a handsome profit besides.

            ‘I propose to return to England with the mail that follows

(p. 115)

this, and trust to find matters so far advanced in providing the capital, &c., that I may be able very shortly to return and get to work : supposing, as I hope may be the case, that the company will be sufficiently satisfied with the conduct of my present commission to desire my farther services. I shall have no hesitation in undertaking the entire management, now that I have had the advantage of living at one of the country Reales, and daily watching and helping in all the operations. The mine which I fixed upon for this purpose has been most successful for many years, under the management of a scientific Englishman, whose own share in the profits, for he is also a partner in it, some-times reaches ten thousand pounds a-year. At the head of a large staff of native miners and English artisans, numbering altogether some ten thousand, with large revenues at his disposal, his territory fortified by a high wall, and a body of troops in his own pay to escort him and his treasure across the country, he holds the position of a small sovereign, and is received by the ruler of the country almost as an equal.

            ‘Here is a sample of the dialogues which occur when a general belonging to the party in opposition to the government, applies to the director of a mine for a loan.

            ‘General says, with a profusion of compliments, that he and his friends fully recognise the value of such institutions, and would not injure them on any account; “but the fact is, we are sadly in need of supplies.”

            ‘ “Doubtlessly,” returns the director, “we have it in our power to be of use to each other. I presume that you will engage to refrain from enlisting my men. They would be useless to you as soldiers, for they would take to the hills directly they had joined you. Thus we should both lose them, and should be disabled from serving you in the future.”

            ‘ “Certainly. Your stipulation is but reasonable.”

            ‘ “And you have no objection to give me bills on your party, payable when it comes into power?”

            ‘ “None whatever.”

            ‘ “Good; and what amount do you require?”

            ‘The general says, so many thousand dollars a week, or a month. The money is handed over, bills are given, and they part excellent friends.

            ‘After a while he looks in again on the accommodating director, and says,

            ‘ “I fear we must leave your pleasant neighbourhood for a

(p. 116)

time. Our friends of the Government are getting too strong for us. So I propose to move on a bit. No doubt we shall pay you another visit soon, on our way back to the capital.”

            ‘And I am assured that they always do come back in a few months, and always do pay on coming into power; so fully is honesty recognised in this country as the best policy.

            ‘The director whom I have been visiting was a sailor before he became a miner. Other things being equal, I see no reason why an Oxford Fellow should not rival, or even surpass his success, with such a stimulus as will animate me. Believe me, it will be a real pleasure to me to be in any way the means of benefiting you, who have hitherto held the aegis of your protection over my life from my childhood. Forgive what I am going to mention, if I am wrong in referring to it. Our Minister in Mexico, who has been most polite to me for your sake, has told me that the Queen offered you a higher dignity in the English Peerage; but that you declined it, as requiring larger means to support it properly than you could command. I am confident that such a barrier will soon no longer exist, if you secure anything like a substantial interest in the Dolóres venture. I do not like to trust too much to a letter, which may miscarry, but I know the secret of success in silver mining. As a small capital only is necessary for the commencement of operations, you will do well to keep it in as few hands as possible. My plan of procedure will be the reverse of that followed by professional miners, who have the money of a public company to spend. Their system consists in laying out as much money as possible in labour, excavating huge shafts and tunnels, and constructing gigantic machinery, leaving it to chance to determine whether the returns shall be an equivalent for the cost. These people have their own fortune to make first, and it is no matter to them whether it comes out of the expenditure or out of the profits. Their employers come next, by a long interval: and the reason why so few mining enterprises pay, and so many people are ruined by embarking in them, is because the commencement is on such a scale that only the most exorbitant returns can compensate. Our English mode of doing many things is not favourable either to honesty or to economy. We pay our architects by a percentage on the amount they make us expend, and a mining agent’s remuneration is in proportion to the amount of wages that pass through his hands. I, on the contrary, propose to use just so much capital as will fairly start

(p. 117)

the mine, and then make it pay for its own development. Of course it must be somewhat longer before large dividends are obtained, but they will be larger in proportion to the outlay; the returns will not be absorbed by interest; and no one will be ruined by failure. In short, I propose to work the property of the company as if it were my own, and success essential to my existence.’

 

 

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