CHAPTER XXI.
MINING, MANUFACTURES, AND FISHERIES.
1800-1887.
Effect on Mining of the Revolution — Subsequent Policy of the Government — Effect of Mining on Agriculture — Mine Management and Routine — Mining Districts — Minor Metals — Mints — Development of National Manufactures — Banco de Avío — Patent Laws — Cotton Factories in the Colonial Period — Woollen Industry — Other Manufactures — Silk, Paper, Crockery, and Glass — Tobacco and its Utilization — Fisheries — Food-fish — Pearls — Tortoise Shells — Sponges — Whaling — International, National, and State Exhibitions.
The prospects of mining were full of promise, when, early in the century, a cloud overspread this and other industries,[1] in the form of the political agitation, which after ten years of warfare brought to an end Spain's domination in Mexico. The first blow for independence was struck, not at the capital, but in the region of Guanajuato, and the revolution demolished in a few years what had occupied nearly three centuries in building up.[2] From 1814, with the exception of the districts of Catorce, Zacatecas, and Sombrerete, scientific mining was almost wholly suspended. Min-
- ↑ Detailed information on the subject to the end of the 18th century may be found in Hist. Mex., iii. 578-9, this series.
- ↑ The mining population dispersed to participate in the events of the day, or fled from their homes, the general insecurity rendering further pursuit of their industry unproductive and often dangerous. Most of the buildings, machinery, and reduction-works were destroyed. This naturally envolved the disappearance of the rescatadores or purchasers and their capital. Facilities for obtaining supplies were frequently cut off. In evidence of Guanajuato's loss, we have that the production which had been 617,474 marks of silver and 1,842 marks of gold in 1808 had fallen to 73,983 marks of silver and 298 of gold in 1821. Ward's Mex., ii. 44; Mex., Mem. Min. Hac., 1870, 08; 1872, 68; Del Mar's Precious Metals, 147.
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