Las Vegas, New Mexico - History

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Preface

It would be impossible to present a complete derailed account of the history of Las Vegas in a volume of this size and cost. Great pains, untiring industry and perseverance were taken to obtain the facts and data in this book, which, from the sources at hand being mostly the remembrance of old pioneers, many of whom spoke a language foreign to the writer, was a task of no small undertaking. The idea has been to present Las Vegas and surrounding country "AS IT WAS and is" without bombast or exaggeration, and allay as much as possible the many misrepresentations which have gone abroad from too hasty and reckless writers.

Every country has its advantages and disadvantages, which can be best ascertained by personal investigation, and one contemplating immigration to any country should not fail to make it before taking the final step. As nothing has ever been placed in print concerning the early history of Las Vegas, but little is known of it by most of the present inhabitants, and I take pride and pleasure in presenting this book to my many friends and patrons.

Chapter Iv. 28-37

Tables, including Village, County and Territorial Officials, List of Governors, List of Delegates, Distance and Time Table, Business Directory.

The Past

Las Vegas has not the antiquity that is generally supposed, or its present looks would easily lead one to believe. As late as 1830, it was the hunting grounds of the noble ( ?) red man, and parties of trappers and hunters frequently

First House, Built By Miguel Romero, Ik 1833

In the early part of 1833 a Mexican named Miguel Eomero came here from the southern part of the Territory, settled on a piece of land, and built a little, low, flat mud house (see illustration) on it, about midway between what are now called Upper and Lower Las Vegas, about a mile and a half from either. He commenced at once to clear the land, - a light job - on the meadow he had located, put in a small crop of beans, which yielded well, and after they were gathered in the Fall, he departed for his southern home, owing to the extreme danger occasioned by the then savage and hostile Indians which infested this region. Each year he returned in the early Spring, accompanied by his brothers, planted wheat and beans, and after harvest returned to his family, until 1840, when he brought them up, and made a permanent location.

In the first of the year 1835, a party of young Mexicans, of San Miguel, attracted by the unusually rich-looking meadows and rolling prairie lands in this neighborhood, came up, built them a few triangular mud huts, near where the Plaza is now, and were instrumental in framing the following petition, which is known as the Vegas Grant :

The citizens, Juan de Dios Maese, Miguel Archuleto, Manuel Duran, and Jose Antonio Casaos, for themselves, and in the name of twenty-five men, appear before your honorable body in the best and most approved manner, and according to law, and state, that having registered a vacant and uncultivated piece of land, commonly known as Las Vegas, on the Gallinas river, about five leagues distant from this settlement, which land we solicit for the purpose of planting a moderate crop ; to have also the necessary lands for pasturing and watering places, and having the following boundaries : - On the north the Sapillo river, on the south the boundary of the grant made to Don Antonio Ortiz, on the east Aguaga de la Zegua, and on the west the boundary of the grant to San Miguel del Baulo> which grant we pray for without any injury to any third party, binding ourselves to receive possession in the name of the federation, and to comply with the reasonable and equitable conditions which your excellency, by virtue of authority conferred upon you, may be pleased to establish for the grant of the land, being pleased to lay this, our petition, before the most excellent Territorial Deputation ; having first obtained the customary report, which by law is intrusted to your excellency, in order that that most excellent body may order the aforesaid grant to be made to us, in which the advancement of agriculture, and the wellbeing of several families without occupation, are interested. Therefore, we request and pray your excellency, that considering us as having presented ourselves, to yield to our petition, which we swear not to be done in malice, and in, whatever may be necessary, etc. MANUEL DURAN,

Historical Sketch Of Las Vegas, New Mexico

Their prayer was granted by the most excellent deputation of the Territory of New Mexico, at Santa Fe, on the 23rd of March, and decreed by His Excellency, the political chief Francisco Sarracino, the following day, with the injunction that it should also be for the benefit of all who may be destitute of lands to cultivate, or without occupation ; the pastures and watering places free to all, none receiving land to let it remain uncultivated ; a suitable place selected for a town, surrounded by a wall to be built in joint labor of the inhabitants, in a manner to afford ample security and protection. Every one to be properly armed and under the charge of the lieutenant of police of that ward.

The settlement was entitled Nuestra Senora de las Dolores de Las Vegas, owing to the rich meadows there, - Vegas meaning meadows - and on the 6th of April, 1835, Jose de Jesus Ulibarri y Duran, constitutional justice of this jurisdiction, came to the new settlement and distributed 5,410 varas (yards) of land to twenty-nine individuals, the number to each person varying from 100 to 250 varas ; laid out the town with certain number of varas for a Plaza, and house and garden-plats for each ; designated places for acequies, or watering ditches, the pastures, and made the plans for the wall which was to surround the town-

Following years up to, and even including, 1846, a great many came in and took up land, William and Antony Donaldson being the first and only Americans who received any distribution under the grant, they appropriating a small portion of land where the Hot Springs are, in 1840, but did not cultivate, and in a few years sold to other foreigners, as all non-Mexicans were teamed.

No building was done in 1835. A few planted some beans, but a terrific hail storm destroyed the crop, and the men went back to San Miguel to spend the "Winter. The early Spring of 1836 presented great activity, and several log huts, or jacilies, were built, some on that portion of the Plaza where now stands j the San Miguel Bank. The crops of corn, beans, and wheat were successful this year, and at the opening of 1837 the settlers were highly elated at their new acquisition. More log huts were built, and the plucky little party toiled bravely on, fighting against the many adversities and dangers which beset them, bringing all their supplies on their backs from San Miguel, a distance of thirty miles.

In 1838 thirty families had settled in the new land, and a few adobe and stone houses were erected, on the Mexican plan, of course - low, flat, one-story huts, no windows, and rude holes for doors. A heavy frost came this year before the corn was ripe, and it was supposed the settlement was ruined, as such a thing had never been seen or heard of before ; but when the corn was dry, it made better and more gruel than the same amount from sections that had not been caught, and the occurrence served as a great advertisement to the place. It got abroad that the crops of this section were much better, and one could live on n less quantity than in other older and probably better neighborhoods.

Living as cheaply and on as little labor as possible, was as much an inducement in those days as at present, and in 1840 Las Vegas assumed the appearance of quite an important little settlement, but mostly of poor people, however, as the grant was generously intended for those who had no land to cultivate, were destitute and out of occupation. Thus, the more fortunate ones who were enabled to bring cattle and the usual farming implements of those days, a crooked stick plow, sickle, and carreto, or cart, were greatly looked up to. But freeness and hospitality is one of the great traits of Mexicans, and usually in farming seasons the common practice was, the first who arose in the morning and obtained possession of the cattle, had their use for that day. Later on, and even at the present day, a system of exchanging work was commenced, and proves very satisfactory.

The Indians were a continual source of danger and trouble to the settlement ; at no time did they feel safe from an attack, and often when prosperity dawned upon a settler, goodly little stores being accumulated, a few cattle gathered, or flock of sheep obtained, would the treacherous Indians swoop down upon them, in the dead of night, massacre the sleeping family, destroy their possessions, and drive off the stock. But they struggled on, and that year, 1840. seemed to be the starting point of prosperity. What is now called Upper Las Vegas, about three miles from Lower Las Vegas, was started this year, and a great deal of stock was brought in. A little trading post was also established this year, by Mr. L. J. Keithly, who had come in the previous year, and was the first American, or non-Mexican, who settled in Las Vegas.

The people were peaceable, quiet, and industrious. The Alcctlda, or Justice of the Peace, was law to the letter, and all abided by his decisions, which were always short and simple, as in case of debt was usually, "Pay him, serve him, or go to jail."

The Texans' raid on the. Territory, in 1841 and 1843; the occasional passing of Kit Carson and other noted trappers and hunters; general gradual increase in population; building of several adobes in both towns; a Catholic church in Lower Las Vegas ; occasional settling of a foreigner ; passing of the merchant train and coach once a year from Missouri to Santa Fe, and frequent Indian depredations, were the principal features of interest and excitement, up to 1846 when the United States took possession of the Territory, and the inhabitants of Las Vegas were* the first to take the oath of allegiance, in the person of their Alcalda, Juan de Dios, to Gen. Kearney.

Historical Sketch Op Las Vegas, New Mexico

Las Vegas then came under military law with the Territory, but Gov. Bent was soon appointed by Gen. Kearney; in a few years a Legislature was organized, delegates to Congress elected, and the Territory became greatly Americanized.

On Jan. 9, 1848, the New Mexico Rebellion broke out, and Gov. Bent and all the Americans at Toas, were murdered. But on the arrival of the news at Vegas, Juan de Dios, the justice, immediately called a gathering, and addressed the people in such an authoritative manner, deploring the sad affair, and denouncing the Toas murders in the most stringent terms, that the American residents here - four in number - experienced no trouble or danger, and the military soon dispelled the rebellion.

In 1850, the Plaza was completely surrounded with compact buildings presenting a good defence against the Indians, as the contemplated walls around the town were never built. Inhabitants were about 1,000. Monthly mail and coach came in from Independence, Mo., always accompanied by troops. Postoffice usually found in the Postmaster's hat ; the position being filled by Mr. Keithly and Mr. Morrison. Samuel Streeter had started a hotel. The garrison of four companies stationed here, under Col. Alexander, made money plenty, times good, and gambling a great rage. In 1854 the garrison was transferred to Ft. Union, and caused quite a consternation among the people.

In 1855 the heirs of Louise MeC. de Baca commenced contesting the Las Vegas grant, claiming they held a prior Spanish grant. After a number of years of fighting, the United States government recognized both grants as valid and offset the Spanish grant by giving the heirs 500,000 varas of unoccupied, non-mineral land, in five square floats, or bodies. The owners of land on the Las Vegas grant then had surveys made and government patents issued to them.

Times prospered, and in 1860 the population was about 2,500. Several good stores, or trading posts, had been established; rough adobe houses were still being put up, and one two-story house, of Dr. Whitlock's, was a wonder to all. Yesso, or mica, had been introduced as windows. A number of foreigners who had passed through in former years, came in and settled; the meadows around the town made excellent resting and recruiting places for the trains of freighters before attempting to cross the mountains for Santa Fe, and Las Yegas became a port of entry and exit to and from the Territory.

A heavy snow storm on April 11, 1858, had killed considerable stock, and the Indians had been a little troublesome. But in 1862 the Indian trouble was settled by putting some 10,000 Navajos, and other wild tribes, on a reservation at Ft. Sumner, and the citizens obtained fat contracts from the government for furnishing them supplies until they were moved to Ft. Wingate, in 1867. Many contracts were obtained for furnishing supplies for troops in this neighborhood during the rebellion ; the government trains all came through here, and prosperity was heaped upon all.

The first company of New Mexican mounted volunteers was raised here in June, 1861, by Maj. Morrison, and placed in Col. Kit Carson's command. But little was seen of the war here, and not very much damage from foraging troops experienced. In 1862 an epidemic of small-pox caused great alarm.

Up to 1870 the progress was in a gradual, hardly perceptible sort of way, though the population had reached about 4,000. A great deal of money had been made toy the business men. Large stores had been started by both Mexicans and foreigners, immense stocks of goods brought in, and sales were heavy, reaching in some instances the enormous sum of $30,000 a month, and the commercial importance of Las Yegas was firmly established. A good cash wool market was being well worked up ; weekly coach and mail came in ; telegraph communications were had with Denver and Santa Fe. The Hot Springs near town had received some attention, and obtained quite a little reputation as a resort for invalids. The railroad had been talked of a little ; freighting to Las Yegas had become an important occupation. Upper Las Yegas had decreased, and was more of a farmers' residing place ; lower town became of all the importance. A few substantial business adobes had been put up, but still rude and on the old-style plans ; one or two common hotels were running, but farming was still in a very primitive state. The lands had to be irrigated, and some dry years the yield of provisions were barely sufficient to supply the home consumption. Vegetables and good meats were scarce and very high, as were all kinds of goods or merchandise; for instance, potatoes, 25(JJ a pound; apples, brought from the southern country by the Pueblos, who made yearly visits with fruit and earthern ware, 50cb a pound; coffee 50(JJ a pound, and calico 20(JJ a yard. No attention had yet been paid to mining; stock, and principally sheep raising, was the chief occupation.

Early in 1870 important changes and events took place. The old Catholic church on the northwest corner of the Plaza was torn down and replaced by a substantial two-story building. A fine new stone cathedral was commenced. Kev. Mr. Annin, a Presbyterian missionary who came here in 1869, organized a mission-school and commenced preaching. He built a church in 1871, but there being few Americans, his support was small, and he also met considerable opposition from the Catholic priesthood.

In the Summer of 1870 the Weekly Mail was started by Ash Upton and John Bollinger. Louis Hommel obtained possession in 1872, and called it the Gazette. It fell into the hands of J. K. Koogler, the present proprietor, in 1874. During the years up to 1879 other newspapers were published, as, - the Acorn, Daily Advertiser, Rivista Catolica, New Mexico Herald, and the New Mexico Patriot, and the current events of those years are pretty generally known by mosfe of the present inhabitants.

The political excitement of 1873, 1876, and 1878 was very high. A great fire 011 June 8, 1877, destroyed three substantial buildings on the south side of the Plaza, owned by M. Hayes, E. Romero, and D. Gonzales, and occupied by M. Hayes and Jaffa Bros., general stores, Eosenwald & Co., general store, and M. Friedman, hides, wool, and pelt dealer. The loss was about $100,000, with little insurance. The burned district was immediately rebuilt with as substantial business buildings as the Territory affords.

A great deal of building went on in 1877. Strangers coming in were surprised to see the large store-houses and immense stocks carried. There was a great mining excitement in 1877, in the Jicallies ; and this same year the Jesuit college was built ; a small-pox scourge came again ; new roads were built, - and daily coach and mail lines established in 1875 ; Reynold Bros, bank started in the Fall of 1876. Several mail routes commenced verging out from Las Yegas; the Hot Springs became more improved; the wool, hide, pelt and fur trade greatly increased ; several small manufacturing shops for wagons, buggies and harness were established. Great attention was paid to stock raising, very profitably for those engaged in it ; tin and shingle roofs were introduced ; some good buildings erected ; a well dug in the Plaza and a wind-mill put over it, on which M. Barela and G. Dugiwere hung by a mob of vigilantes on the night of June 4> 1879. Community sympathized, as both had committed cold-blooded murders- Several daring coach robberies took place near town, in 1877, 1878 and 1879. The following list of murders : - P. Buisson and Tomaso Gallegos, by G. Dugi, December 1, 1878; John Matthewson, by John Rimes, December 5, 1877; Juan Perea, by F. Sandoval, November 30, 1878; and the deaths of the following prominent citizens : - Samuel Kohn, an old pioneer, and the first exclusive woolbuyer who established a cash market, September 29, 1877; John Dold, an influential citizen who came to the country at an early period, died at Tecolote, July 7, 1877 ; Geo. W. Stebbins, Deputy Collector Internal Revenue and formerly Postmaster for six years, April 18, 1878 ; Hon. Benito Baca, one of the most popular, influential and promising young men of the Territory, June 21, 1879; Frank Chapman a very enterprising and public-spirited gentleman, December 31, 1879, - are items which will ever be fresh in the memory of many of the present inhabitants.

The greatest feature in the last few years was the coming of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. In 1878 a survey was made; in May, 1879, the depot was located, and on the first day of July the track was laid into Las Yegas. On the 4th, the first train came in, and the "fate was sealed." The great train of freighters who were running between Las Yegas and Otero, Trinidad, West Las Animas and Kansas City were sent on their way to seek pastures more green in southern countries.

The crack of the driver's whip, and rumbling of the bulky old stage, gave way to the shrill snort of the "iron horse," and whirl and whiz of the wonderful cars. The year 1879 will ever be remembered as the most eventful era in the history of the place.

With the railroad came hordes of people, of every class and description. A new town sprang up near the depot, on the east side of the little river Rio Gallinas, on which Las Yegas is situated, and what was almost a wilderness, seemed in a day to be transformed to a metropolis with all the life, activity and industry of a new frontier town. Town lots were laid out in June, and building at once commenced; the sound of the hammer and saw was heard in all directions, - and by the last of August, shanties of almost all sizes and descriptions were scattered all over the IQW tract of land about the depot, numbering near one hundred and fifty, with a population of nearly 1,000 new inhabitants.

Many who were creeping into the stages of old decay, saw a railroad and train of cars for the first time. Dance houses, variety saloons, and every class of novelties and amusements rushed in, carrying dread astonishment and often wondering consternation to the natives. Frightful broils, horrible orgies, fearful rows and murders became of common occurrence; freedom and gambling ran riot, and law had no sway. But improvements went on ; money was plenty, but living was very high, - from which many reaped a little fortune, while others lost what little they had on landing.

Of course every day brought its horde of people, many locating, and others returning to the States or pushing on farther south. This brings us to the present writing, opening of the year 1880.

Chapter Ii The Present

The eventful year just past has been almost a complete drouth, and the early Spring of 1880 opened witli many blustering winds and severe sand storms.

Las Yegas Ih 1880

Las Vegas has grown to a population of 6,000, is the county-seat of San Miguel county, and now considered one of the first places of commercial importance in the Territory. Two or three million pounds of wool are shipped annually, and an average of fifteen cars of wool, hides, pelts, -furs, copper and ores are sent East from here daily, while upwards of twenty-five cars of merchandise are received daily, for the merchants here, and shipments to other counties. The town is situated in the northeast portion of New Mexico, on the banks of the little river Bio Gallinas,in a quite fertile valley, being often styled the "City of the Meadows."

It consists of Upper, Lower, and East Las Yegas, or New Town, as the latter is usually called. We have seen Lower Las Vegas grow from the woods to a hamlet, thence to a place of fair population and wealth. The Plaza is in the center of the town, and around it are the principal business houses, many of them carrying larger stocks of goods than are found in Eastern cities of four times its size, and which would make some wholesale houses of the States quail. Two banks, the First National and San Miguel National, front on the Plaza, as well as three hotels, two restaurants, several saloons and dwelling places. V erandas run the length of nearly every building, and stone or the bare earth form the most of the sidewalks. The houses are all of adobe (sun-dried brick), low, flat roofs of oriental style, and except four, but one story high. About the center of the Plaza is the relic of the old well, the windmill having been torn down, and the well long out of use. It was the scene of another horrible sight this Spring, as on the night of February 9th the vigilantes hung one cow-boy to the windmill, and laid his two companions out beneath him, riddled with bullets, because of their murder of Joe Carson, a few weeks previous.

The Plaza is the principal market for the produce of the farmers, and all public business transactions. Almost daily one will see large droves of burros standing around, loaded with wool, hides, or pelts, and long trains of freighters will drag across, bound for some of the vast range of country south, which is tributary to Las Tegas. Little, narrow, crooked streets lead out from the Plaza, and on all sides of the town are scattered those queer little adobes, which give the place its ancient and foreign appearance to strangers. Several large and substantial dwellings have lately been erected, but as yet there are very few frame buildings in the place. A fine stone cathedral, a good sized Presbyterian church, the Jesuit college building, and convent of the Sisters of Loretto, are the remaining points of importance. The Daily and Weekly Gazette, and Monthly Eureka, are published in this part of the town. The Daily Gazette, which was started by Mr. J. K. Koogler, last July, receives the Associated Press dispatches, and is ;a very enterprising and readable paper. The greater population of this portion are Mexicans, though many Americans reside here, and have large business establishments. Upper Las Yegas has one or two fine, large residences, but is mostly gone to decay.

Across the river, over which a good bridge has been built, lying for the most part upon a low, flat piece of ground, is East Las Yegas, or the New Town. Two of the largest commission houses in the Territory, which carry enormous stocks of everything, are here. About two hundred, mostly frame buildings, are now erected ; many little shanties, several quite neat brick and wood residences, a fair sized hotel, two churches, livery stables, blacksmiths' shops, and the depot, comprise this portion. The Daily Optic, by A. E. Kistler, a sprightly little afternoon paper, is issued this side the river, and gives its readers a good account of the general local news. The Weekly Optic moved to Las Yegas from Otero, last July, and was made a daily last November.

Everywhere the appearance of a new frontier town is presented. The general stores are small, and goods are stowed away with more regard to room than display. Saloons and restaurants are thickly interspersed along the two principal business streets. The greater portion of the rougher element which infested the town have left ; the place has quieted down, and presents a goodly showing of thrift and enterprise. Lots are now quite salable, and considerable building is going on in both East and West towns. In West Las Vegas, ^Reynold Bros, are having a beautiful stone block erected on the southeast corner of the Plaza, for their First National Bank, and when completed it will surpass any business building now in the Territory.

A Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and a temperance lodge are orders fully established here, and there is also a pleasant and quite refined class of society, which is surprising to strangers coming in.

The Mexicans

Many people in Eastern States have I become impressed with the erroneous idea P that all the Mexican people are an enp tirely barbarian set, with neither sense, K mind nor civilization, and that one coml ing to this country must be a walking ^ arsenal, to be safe in their presence. : Among the Mexicans here are many very [ wealthy, well-educated families, and constitute the most influential, solid, and in some instances, most enterprising portion of the community, and are very naturally looked upon as outside the ordinary class of Mexicans, and in speaking of the general traits of that nationality, are not included.

Memorial Wikdhill

This country has many desperate characters, and what country has not ? There have been, even lately, many horrible deeds perpetrated here, but every day brings to light more terrible crimes in the very heart of our most populous cities of the United States. Many of the crimes here are multiplied ten-fold before they reach the eyes of the Eastern people, and but seldom are they committed by Mexicans. The Mexicans have many queer and odd customs peculiar to their race ; and this country is, when compared to the States, even yet in its infancy. One will see many Mexican farmers plowing with the old crooked stick, even to this day, while the wheat will be cut with a sickle, thrashed by driving sheep or goats over it when spread on the ground, and winnowed by tossing in the air.

The average Mexican greaser, or half-breed, is slow, generally lazy, quite ignorant, very superstitious, and non-progressive; and as they can live upon less than any other nationality, they have little ambition to accumulate property or wealth. Their living is principally on chilli (red pepper), tottier (bread) mutton and coffee ; their houses are small adobes, with generally no floor ; in. many instances no windows, and little low holes for doors. The poor are employed in shearing sheep, herding stock, bush-whacking, selling wood, working on farms, and as servants. In the latter capacity they are quite apt and very obedient As citizens, are very peaceful, law-abiding, very free-hearted and hospitable ; usually honest, and will pay as long as their money lasts, and do not try to hide the fact that they have none when all is spent. Women wash their clothes at some spring or acequie, by beating on stones and drying on the bushes. Smoking, drinking, and gambling are great passions among both sexes.

A few of the old order of Penitentes still exist in this neighborhood. Their belief is that self-castigation once a year will purge their bodies of all sins, and pave the way to the Penitentes' heaven. It is not recognized by the Catholic denomination, wrhich reigns supreme in this country, and is the religion which all Mexicans have embraced.

There is some beautiful scenery surrounding Las Vegas. Grand old canons, deep gorges and ravines, rocky heights, table lands, Western parks, and a fine fertile valley up the Rio Gallinas. There are some good farms in the immediate vicinity, excellent roads, and quite heavy tracts of timber land, all of which will be more fully explained in the next chapter.

Chapter Iii The Future

It is hard to realize the exact future of Las Vegas. It has many advantages and resources, which, if properly developed, will place it far beyond even the general expectations of to-day. But capital and skill are needed, and there are many advantageous ways in which they can be put to use here.

Las Vegas is so situated that the great stock-raising valleys of the Pecos on the south, the agricultural and fruit raising valley of the Canadian on the east, and even some portion of the valley of the Rio Grande, Panhandle country Toas, the mining districts of the Jicallies, "White Oakes, and Silver City, are tributary to it, and a great deal of the trade can be commanded. Even now the town is a great supply and out-fitting place for these countries, and constitutes an excellent distributing point.

water facilities could be made at fair and profitable expenditure of capital, and several classes of manufacturing could be conducted here cheaply and quite profitably. Laborers are bountiful and cheap, and living is no higher than in most of the States. The highlands near here could be no better for extensive stock raising, which is now largely engaged in, and the breeding of sheep is being greatly improved in both wool and increase of meat. By industry and proper irrigation, fair crops of corn, wheat, oats, barley, beans, common vegetables, some fruits, and an abundance of very good hay can be produced on the meadows along the Eio Gallinas.

A number of mail routes radiate from here ; huge supply trains of Arizona, and portions of this Territory receive their freight here, and exchange the products of their country. It is one of the principal wool markets of the Territory, has an exceptionally pleasant climate, mild and salubrious at most all seasons, and with the Hot Springs six miles from town, is acquiring quite a reputation as a sanitarium.

Although there is some mining going on near here, and some even claim they have struck rich leads, and expert judges give their opinion that valuable minerals are in the mountains which lie on the west of the town, nothing of a very startling nature has been developed. It is hard to tell what labor, capital, and perseverance will yet unearth.

In the way of railroad talk it is expected that the St. Louis and San Francisco railroad, now at Vinita, Indian Territory, will ere long be pushed on to this place. Koads from Las Vegas to Galveston via Pecos Valley, and to San Juan country, in. Utah, via Mora and Toas, are being agitated. The Kansas^ Pacific, and Denver and Kio Grande, may at some near future day extend this way, and Las Vegas will always be an important point on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe.

By reference to the business directory a very fair estimate of the manner in which the different mercantile branches are represented, can be obtained, and one can readily see if their trade is overdone.

The facts have been given as presented to the writer, and laid before the public unbiased, who must now judge for themselves as to the future of Tjas Vegas.

An Old Pioneer. Came to this Country in 1849. Is 59 Years of Age, and Still Resides Here. Is a Justice of the Peace. Commanded a Company of Neio Mexico Volunteers, Under Col. Kit Carson, During the War of the Rebellion.

Chapter Iv

Las Yegas is not incorporated and has no village tax, consequently, properly speaking, no village officials except two police in both West and East Towns. The Justices of the Peace and county officials have offices here, and fill the functions of village officials.

From Accession Of Territory To U. S. To Present Year

August 18th, 184:6, New Mexico came under the government of the United States. August 22nd, 1846, Gen'l Kearney issued a proclamation continuing in office those who held office under the Mexican Government upon their taking the oath of allegiance. Juan Bantista Vigil, the Secretary of the Department of New. Mexico under the Mexican Government, complying with the proclamation, became

The following-named Secretaries have served in the aggregate of time as acting Governor as follows : - Messervy, four months ; Davis, eleven months and. fifteen days ; Arny, fifteen months ; Heath, four months ; Wetter, two months ; Ritch, fourteen months. From Oct. 15th, to Nov. llth, 1857, there was neither Governor nor Secretary, both having resigned. Samuel Ellison was left in charge of the offices as the last private Secretary to the Governor.

, . . Stephen B. Elkins, elected over Pedro Valdez . . Trinidad Romero, elected over Pedro Valdez. ..Mariano S. Otero, elected over Beneti Baca.

Contents

SEC. 5. Electment in mining clams and real estate. SEC. 6. Repeals former acts. Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of New Mexico:

SECTION. 1. That any person or persons desiring to locate a mining claim upon a vein or lode o* -quartz or other rock in place bearing gold, silver, cinnabar, lead, tin, copper or other valuable de. posit, must distinctly mark the location on the ground so that its boundaries may be readily traced; and post in some conspicuous place on such location, a notice in writing stating the:eou the name or names of the locator or locators, his or their in ' entio n to locate the mining claim, giving a description thereof, by reference to some natural object or permanent monument as will identify the claim ; and also within three months after posting such notice, cause to be recorded a copy thereof in the office of the recorder of the county in which the notice is posted ; and provided no other record of such notice shall be necessary.

SEC. 2. In order to carry out the intent of the preceding section, it is hereby made the duty of the probate judges of the several counties of this Territory, and they are hereby required to provide at the expense of their respective counties such book or books as may be necessary and suitable in which to enter the record hereinbefore provided for. The fees for recording such notice shall ~be ten cents for every one hundred words.

SEC. 3. That in estimating the worth of labor required to be preformed upon any mining claim, to hold the same by the laws of the United States, in the regulation of mines, the value of a day's labor is hereby fixed at the sum of four dollars : Provided, however, that in the sense of this statute, «ight hours of labor actually preformed upon the mining claim shall constitute a day's labor.

SEC. 4. All locations heretofore made in good faith, to which there shall be no adverse claims the certificate of which locations have been or may be filed for record and recorded in the recor. der's office of the county where the location is made within six months after the passage of this act, are hereby confirmed and made valid. But where there may appear to be any such adverse claim, the said locations shall be held to be the property of the person having the superior title or claim, according to the laws in force at the time of the making of the said locations.

SEC. 5. An action of ejectment will lie for the recovery of the possession of a mining claim, as "wrell also of any real estate, where the party suing has been wrongfully ousted from the possession thereof, and the possession wrongfully detained.

SEC. 6. That "an act concerning mining claims," approved January 18th, 1865, and an act amendatory thereof, approved January 3d, 1866 ; also, an act entitled an act to amend certain acts concerning mining claims in the Territory of New Mexico, approved January 1st, 1872 ; be and the same are hereby repealed : Provided, That no locations completed or commenoed under said acts shall be invalidated or in any wise affected by such repeal.

Las Vegas, - New Mexico

This new American town is delightfully located on the railroad adjacent to the old town of Las Vegas. Information concerning lots and prices given on application, in person or by letter, to

Main Steeet

Established in 1872. The leading paper of New Mexico, and the only Daily Morning Paper with full Associated Press Keport. Circulates in all parts of the Territory, Eastern Arizona and the Texas Pan- Handle.

Pullman Palace Sleeping Cars

Superior First Class Coaches and Smoking Cars., C., B. & Q. PAL-ACE DRAWING ROOM CAKS, fitted with Elegant Reclining Chairs - seats free - and the Famous Dining Cars, run only by his line, upon which meals are served equal in quality to any first class hotel, at the moderate price of Seventy -Five Cents.

All the modern improvements which will secure to the Passenger any additional safety, comfort or luxury, have been adopted and are now being used on the

STEEL TRACK, Stone Ballast, Iron Bridges, Elegant and Improved Coa hes, and in fact everything that can be secured to make this line superior to any other leading East from Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.

Passengers by this line connect with all Eastern Tines from Chicago, and are transferred between depots free of ex^ens". Bates and information of any kind can be obtained by applying to our Agent. Mr. J. MILNEB, at Denver, Colorado.

See that your tickets read by the CHICAGO, BUKLINGTON & QUINCY R. R., and remember that this line offers you all tha comforts and luxuries of modern travel.

N. B. - Passengers going either "Westward or Eastward should take advantage of the many inducements offered the traveling public by the popular CHICAGO, BURLINGTON & ' * IK*

Facts For Hotel Men

I THE HOTEL WORLD is the oldest hotel journal in the world. THE HOTEL WORLD is the largest hotel paper in Ihe world. THE HOTEL WORLD has the largest circulation of any hotel paper in the world.

Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific R. R.

Its main line runs from Chicago to Council Bluffs, passing through Joliet, Ottawa, La Salle, Geneseo. Moline, Rock Island, Davenport, West Liberty. Iowa City. Marengo. Brooklyn, Grinnell, Des Moines (the capital of Iowa), Stuart, Atlantic, and Avoca ; with branches from Bureau Junction to Peoria; Wilton Junction to Muscatine, Washington, Fairfleld, Eldon, Belknap, Centreville, Princeton. Trenton. Gallatin. Cameron, Leavenworth, Atchison. and Kansas City; Washington to Sigourney, Oskaloosa, and Knoxville; Keokuk to Farmington, Bonaparte, Bentonsport, Independent. Eldon, Ottumwa, Eddyville, Oskaloosa. Pella, Monroe, and Des Moines; Newton to Monroe; Des Moines to Indianolaand Winterset; Atlantic to Lewis and Audubon; and Avoca to Harlan. This is positively the only Railroad, which owns, and operates a through line from Chicago into the State of Kansas.

Through Express Passenger Trains, with Pullman Palace Cars attached, are run each way daily between CHICAGO and PEORIA, KANSAS CITY, COUNCIL BLUFFS, LEAVENWORTH and ATCHISON*. Through cars are also run between Milwaukee and Kansas City, via the "Milwaukee and Rock Island Short Line."

What will please you most will be the pleasure of enjoying your meals, while passing over the beautiful prairies of Illinois and Iowa, in one of our magnificent Dining Cars that accompany all Through Express Trains. You get an entire meal, as good as is served in any first-class hotel, for seventy-five cents.

Appreciating the fact that a majority of the people prefer separate apartments for different purposes (and the immense passenger business of this line warranting it), we are pleased to announce that this Company runs Pullman Palace Sleeping Cars for sleeping purposes, and Palace

Dining Cars for eating purposes only. One other great feature of our Palace Cars is a SMOKING SALOON where you can enjoy your "Havana" at all hours of the day.

Magnificent Iron Bridges span the Mississippi and Missouri rivers at all points crossed by this line, and transfers are avoided at Council Bluffs, Kansas City, Leavenworth, and Atchison, connections being made in Union Depots.