The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1867-07-18
BENITO JUAREZ.


... .. .....
In view of the extreme interest at.
taching to all Mexi can news at present,
we print an excellent sketch, from the
New Orleans Times, of Benito Juarez,
the Liberal leader, whose vigor, tenaci-.
ty and pluck have prevailed against the
French, Belgian, and Austrian troops,
and achieved the Gnal independence Of
the Republic Of Mexico j
In the years 1852, 1858, 1851, and
1855, there lived in this city, on Saint
Anne street, between Bourbon and
Dauphin, middle.aged, quiet, dark
complexioned, gentlemanly parsonage,
who, either by himself or associates,
conducted small mandatory of cigar
cites. A very small, select coterie of
friends knew the History OF this individ-
ual, and oultivrted his society. His
life was that of a student, close and
silent observer of men and events, and
his habits were those of great simplicity
and reserve. He was careful reader
of the newspapers, and to crafty his
curiosity, frequent visitor at the edi-
torial sanctum of the old Courier, on
Chartres and Custom. house streets,
when it was conducted by that amiable,
intelligent, and energetic citizen, Emile
La Sere, whom we are happy to meet
frequently on our streets, in we'll pre-
served vigor and good spirits. There
was cordial intimacy subsisting be-
tween Mr.. La Sere and his visitor, and
in their conversations they always em-
ployed the familiar aprellations Of En-
lie and Benito.' ,. .. .-.r .. ..e.
Mr.. La Sere's friend Benito is the
same gentleman whom recent, and in.
deed previous, events have assigned the
principal part in the interesting drama
now being enacted in Mexico-Don
Benito Juarez, President ofthe Repub,
lie of Mexico, and the head of the par
ty and the people who have crushed the
scheme Of imperializing that long, DESC
lated and unhappy country. ''.-.-.'a
At the time of his quiet sojourn in
st. Anne street he was an exile and ref
ugee from his native land, having aban-
doned it to escape the penalty which
the invariable but detestible policy Of
that people never fails to inflict upon
the chief of a defeated or minority par.
ty. Attached to the administration Of
Comontort, until the downfall OF that
chief through the intrigues and partisan
rriumphs of Santa Anna, Juarez had
followed the example of many other de-
feated chiefs, and found an ASYLUM in
this country. The time of his sojourn
was usefully and industriously employed
in the study of our institutions aud laws,
SO that on his return to Mexico he was
we'll prepared to apply to the admins
tration of his own country a mind stored
with sound republican ideas and much
valuable Information. ...
There is perhaps no Mexican of po-
sition now in that country who is better
Informed in regard to our political and
judicial systems than Juarez. He may
not be equal in resources, in sagacity,
and general accomp plishments to Al
monte-now in Paris-who was also
long resident Of this country aud served
his time at mechanical trade in Gin
cinnatti, but in the combination of NOR.
al and intellectual qualities, in tenacity
of purpose, honesty and purity of per-
sonal character and habits, he is unqucs-
tionably the first OF the public men in
Mexico. ..... .....f
Those who conclude from the fact of
his being an Indian OF pure blood that
he must necessarily: possess the craft,
cruoly and yindictiveness, and savagery
which are generally attributed to the
aboriginal race, will, we think, on a
clearer view OF his life and character,
find nothing therein to justify their op,
inion. Indeed, the history of Mexico
does not support this idea OF the aborig-
inal character. The best, the most hon
orable, honest and patriotic of the
chiefs who have figured in the long
train OF bloody revolutions in I at
country, have sprung from the aborigi.
nal stock, and from Cortez down tn Mi
ramon and MARQUEE, the prihcipal actors
in the tragic scenes which have disgrace
ed the country, have been Of those who
boastcd Of their Castilian blood.