MEXICO by A. G. Bodwell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 14, 1902

MEXICO

By A. G. Bodwell

SINCE the publication of the article, “Opportunities for Missionaries in Mexico,” I have received so many letters from persons desiring to come here that it will be impossible to write a personal letter to all. However, Professor Caviness and myself will try to answer these questions through the REVIEW.

In regard to the climate, I will say that it varies. In some portions of the republic it is quite warm, and in others it is cooler. In another article we will describe the climate more fully.

Some have asked about the price of land; and if there is any government land to be had here. Here is a quotation from the Mexican Herald of December 28, in answer to this same query: “In response to a query: There are no homestead laws in Mexico, as the term is used in the United States. There are government lands for sale in many of the states of the republic, but they are either unsurveyed, and therefore not on the market, or, as a rule, are unfit for occupancy. All the government lands of known value have been taken. Good lands, however, for any purpose can be had at reasonable figures all over the republic.”

I have investigated the price of land, and find that it can be bought for from one dollar an acre up to several hundred. Of course the price depends on the location and quality of the land. In some places lots of one hundred acres or more can be bought by paying one quarter down, and the remainder in three payments one year apart, with interest at six per cent. In other places one might have to buy a larger tract, and perhaps would have to pay one half down. Nearer the towns and cities, and in the villages, smaller tracts, from a small lot up to several acres, may be purchased. But this is much more expensive than in the country. The land is usually very productive; and in most parts of the republic there is an abundance of running water coming from large springs. Good water can also be obtained by digging wells. If one has a small piece of land here, his living will cost very little, as he can raise nearly everything he needs to eat. In many places the land is watered by irrigation; in other places rain is depended upon.

In Mexico City living is very high, especially when persons have to pay rent, and buy everything they eat. But if one has a lot or two in the suburbs, with a house on it of his own, his living will be much cheaper. A family thus situated can save their rent, and raise a good portion of their living.

Where several families intend to come to Mexico, I think that it would be a good plan for them to select one of their company to come ahead, and select a place that will suit them. The way to buy land here is to find a desirable piece, then see the owner, and learn what it can be bought for.

I would not advise any one to come to Mexico who expects to depend on manual labor for a living, as laborers' wages are very small. Neither would I advise any to come unless they are prepared to endure hardships; for while it is a beautiful place in which to live, and has a great many advantages, it also has its drawbacks. But for those who really have a burden for souls, and want to do missionary work, I do not know of a better country anywhere. A. G. BODWELL.

Zuleta 8½, Mexico, D. F.