They are expecting a battle, a big one, within twenty-four hours. Every one and everything is hanging on the turn of that event. Madero is as simple as a child in many ways, and as impulsive, but simplicity isn't the first requirement for manipulating government in the land of the cactus. A Spanish proverb took my attention the other day to the effect that "an official who cannot lie may as well be out of the world," and Madero is as honest as the day. If language is given to conceal our thoughts, he makes little use of the covering. It is complained of him that he is always revealing something to somebody. Of course all business enterprises are deadlocked, and many dark, as well as light, complexioned ones, having "things to put through," doubtless long for intervention. _May 10th._ Things social have "slumped" since some weeks. Nobody in the face of all the uncertainties feels convivial or has any courage about planning for something that may not materialize in the very precarious future. Our bucolic and innocent picnic at the Desierto, where the only harm took the shape of mules, has been turned into a sort of orgy by some of the San Antonio and El Paso papers, in which champagne, Spanish dancers, frisky foreign diplomats, cold-eyed and depraved American "interests," are in the foreground, while the background is occupied by a faithful but scandalized Mexican guard. Of such is the kingdom of history. The dinner that the governor of the Federal District gave last night for the ambassador is the only official thing for some time. It was the usual conventional Mexican _dîner de cérémonie_ with its French menu, many courses, and appropriate wines for each. It does not give the effect of having the least resemblance to what they do when _en famille_, but presents rather a set, very expensive, restaurant effect. I sat between the governor and De la Barra, who took me out. To his refreshment, I think, the talk revolved about the Eternal City rather than the eternal Mexican situation. As ex-President of the republic he received many honors in Italy, decorations from the king and the Holy Father, and is _plus catholique que jamais_. Any one like De la B., who has practical experience of government, however, knows that all is not quiet on the plateau, let alone the situation in the north. Madame de la B., looking very pretty but pale, wore a handsome blue _pailletée_ dress, so good that it was doubtless got in Paris, _en route_ to Rome.