The national Republican., 1867-07-12
PREsIDENT JUAREz.


This distinguished chief, who now oc.
cupies the position Of leader and chief
magistrate Of the Mexican Republic by
force Of circumstance, holds so promi-
nent place in the eyes Of the world, it
may not be amiss to give some account Of
him. His life and history present many
features that are replete with romantic
incidents and almost startling situations.
BESro JUAREz, like many other great
men who have arisen from obscurity 10
distinction, has led life checkered by
various fortunes and illustrated by sacri-
fees, hardships, earnest labors, and in
domitable zeal and perseverance. He was
born on the Isthmus Of Tehuantepec, Of
Indian parents. He managed when boy
to shift for himself, and was employed in a
store in the city OF Oaxaca. He early
manifested q disposition to learn; was
fond of books, and like all boys Of his
disposition. was both exemplary and
studious. His fondness for books, and his
aptitude for learning, attracted the atten.
tion of his employer, wealthy merchant
of oaxaca, who sent him to college. There
he showed great proficiency, and by his
studious habits and praiseworthy ambition
outstripped all his fellow-students, and
graduated with the highest honors Of his
class. On his return to Oaxaca he mar.
ried the daughter Of his employer. He
established himself in the city of Mexico,
and entered at once upon the practice OF
the law. His business continued to in
crease, and became very lucrative, and he
accumulated an ample fortune. In his pro-
fession he soon took the highest rank, and
before he attained middle life was made
Chief Justice.
While he was Chief Justice the Presi-
dent died, and in accordance with the Mex
ican Constitution, JUAREz was elevated to
the Presidency. On the expiration Of the
term for which his predecessor was elected,
JUAREz received the popular vote and was
continued in Office. This was shortly prior
to the French Intervention. All are fami-
liar with the scenes that followed the in
yasion of Mexico by the French, and with
and during the reign Of MAMMALIAN by the
home traitors, who contributed to estab-
lish the Archduke in the Halls of the Mon
tezumas. During oil this period JUAREz
remained firm and hopeful, never doubling
the ultimate triumph Of his cause, and the
liberation Of Mexico from the foreign yoke.
We have now given brief history Of this
mans early private and more recent pub
lie career but there is another chapter oil
JUAREz's eventful life to which we desire to
allude in this connection. We refer to
scenes which transpired sometime anterior
to those related above.
JuAREz was firm adherent of CoxoN
FORT, and was attached to the administra-
tion Of that distinguished man. On the
downfall Of that chief, through the in.
trigues and partisan machanations of SAN
IA ANNA, JUAREz, like many others, became
o refugee, and found an asylum in this
country. From 1852 to 1855 he resided
in New Orleans, and kept cigar store in
that city. There he lived in quiet and
seclusion, studied our institutions, was
fond Of reading oil the newspapers, and
thus made himself familiar with our cur.
rent politics and workings of our institu.
tions. As we may believe, he was no
unapt scholar and his after career and his
attachment to Republican principles shows
that he did not read in vain. He is firm
adherent Of the Liberal cause. 1t has been
said JUAREz is an Indian, and to this fact
is attributed the cruelty which the shoot.
ing Of MAMMALIAN and others manifesto.
1t has been said, what else could be ex-
pected of a descendant of that aboriginal
race but craft, cruelty, and vindictiveness.
Those who come to such conclusions would
do we'll TO reflect, and especially would we
call their attention to few facts in the
history of Mexico. Who were CoRryz,
MIRAMoS' MARQUEE, and long line Of in.
termedlate chiefs, whose lives were marked
by cruelties, In many instances too borr;d
to contemplate? Were they Indians or
does the Castilian blood flow in their ve;no (,
Castilian, of course. Before, thererora
we speak OF the cruelties Of JuAREz, and
attribute them to his pure Indian origin, we
had better account for the perpetration Of
the foul and murderous deeds which have
been prompted by the pure Castilian blood
AS we have said. JUAREz now stands
prominent before the world. All eyes arc
upon him. Will he act prudently, firmly
wisely? He is master Of the situation,
What will he do? Will he bring order
and peace to poor distracted Mexico :
These are questions which the future must
solve,