Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-07-26

The telegraph brings very unexpected and
important news from Mexico. Benito Juarez,
president Of the Mexican Republic, died at the
city of Mexico, on the 18th instant, Of apoplexy.
This is a great disaster for Mexico, as he was
altogether the most important man in the coun-
trv, the best, the most trustworthy, and the
most necessary TO its welfare. For twenty years
or more, he has led the reform party in that re-
public; and to him more than TO any other
man, more than to all others, we might say, is
due the great success it has won. He has never
faltered, never been dishonest, never in
trigued for personal ends; therefore he had the
confidence of the people far beyond what has
been possible to any other man in Mexican pol
itics, aud was able to defeat signally every rev.
dictionary combination formed against him
after he became president. He first entered
upon the duties of the presidency, in January,
1858, and has been the executive head of the
nation ever since, His death brings to the
presidency Lerdo de Tejada, chief justice of the
supreme court, who is now acting as his sue
cessor, and who will hold the position until
another president shall be elected.
Juarez was pure blooded representative Of
the old Mexican race He was born Of poor
parents, in the State of 0axaca, in 1906. When
he was quite young his natural capacity and
promising character drew the attention of a
wealthy gentleman, by whose aid and favor he
was well educated, in the college of 0axaca.
He studied and practiced law, gained distinc-
ton, and became widely known through the
ability and integrity with which he served in
the legislature Of his native state, and per
formed the duties of various judicial positions
to which he was appointed. III 1876, he was d
member of the Mexican congress. From 1915
to 1852, he was governor OF his native state
Oaxaca. From 1858 TO 1855, Santa Ana be
ing in power, he was cxiled and resided chiefly
in New Orleans In 1855, during the
brief presidency of Alvarez, he was
in the cabinet as minister Of justice.
He was again made governor of Oaxaea; and,
afterwards became secretary of state. In 1851,
he was made president or chief justice of the
supreme conrt. His character and ability were
so generally understood, that his accession to
the presidency, in 1865, was regarded with great
satisfaction by the liberals. The conservative
party rebelled, but was thoroughly beaten. 1t
was made powerleSs, and the reforms so much
needed, were established. He held the office Of
president from 1858 until his death.
Juarez had an experience OF dark days, while
the French were in Mexico trying to make al
emperor of Macmillan; but he went through
those days with wonderful fortitude and resolu
ton. Ii he could have been bought, the Frencl
would have bought him. Ii he could have beer
weak and vaciatiDg, the Mexican cause nigh
have been lost He perseyered, struggled, kept th'
fed, and, at last, triumphed. There were very
great popular rejocings, July Is, 1867 when hi
returned to the City of Mexico, after having
rescued The country from its imperial enemies
The remnants of the old conservative party
made Poriro Diaz their candidate for the
presidency, at the next election, which
took place in October of that year; but
Juaroz was reelected by an overwhelming ma
jority. Since that time, pronunciamentos and
revolutionary conspiraeies in the old style
have been tried against him; but they have al
failed. The latest conspiracy, organized in The
interest of Ponirio Diaz, had just been sub
dued, when the career Of this great president o
Mexico was closed by his sudden death. Tn
next chapter in the political history Of that coun
try will be looked for with some anxiety. lie
us hope that the future of Mexico will be bette
than thepast.