Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-05-15
The Mexican President.

10 one of his recent letters, written in Mexico,
Mr.. w. G. Bryant gives the following account
of an interview with Juarez
In company with my travelling companions
have been presented to Senior Juarez, the Presi-
dent of the Mexican republic. We went to the
Palace, spacious building of massive construc-
ton, where in the time Of the Spanish domin-
ion the Viceroys dwelt in semi-regal state. Mr..
Romero, the Minister of Finance, had promis-
ed to accompany us, and We called on him at
his cabinet, in a corner Of the building, where
we found him, as usual, closely engaged In the
business Of his department. 1t is no holiday
task to have charge Of the exchequer of Mexico,
the expenditures of which are greater than the
should have the look of one who is greatly
over worked and beset by many perplexltes.
We followed him through spacious ante-cham-
ters and long halls to the cabinet Of the Pre>i-
dent. The Palace, ln its present state. Is large,
including several quadrangle>; but it was con
siderably larger before the tlme OF Macmillan,
who pulled down considerable part OF it, with
view of rebuilding it iu style more conform
able to his taste. He had just time to demol
ish but defeat and death overlook him before
he had time to rebuild.
We reached the cabinet of the President and
found him expecting US. L was struck with
of low stature and dark complexion, evidently
of the Aztez race, square built and sturdy III
figure with mild expression Of counteuance,
yet with something In his aspect which ln-
dicated iufyxible resolution. lie is sixty six
years of age, but time seems to have dealt gent
.ymIlu hlu his hair Is not Sprlnkled with gray,
nor his face marked with wrinkles. The Image
Of him which remains IN my meuory Is that ot
uau not much older than fifty years. l had
already seen three of his daughters at au even
ing party, children of the lady of Italian ex-
traction whom | have already mentioned IN
these letters. They seemed to me to be favor
able samples of the blending of the European
with the Aztec race.
H received us courteously. We spoke of the
Sigual defeat Of the insurgents few days be-
fore by the government forces under General
Rocha, the news of which had been received
with great rejoicings in the capital.
.'It Is, he sand, the end vi the revolt We
shall hear but little more of it. After the first
OF Nav, when the rainy season begins, aud the
insurgents find themselves without shelter, they
will come out of their hiding places in the woods
and submit.
We talked of the state Of the country. I'VE
have he said, great advantages OF soil and
climate, but We want capital tor enterprises lm-
portan; to the country, aud we want the stroug
arms of skilled laborers to execute them. Tie
might have added that more than all the coun-
try wants internal quiet. The revolt by which
the republic is now disturbed will certainly be
suppressed; the rebels viii submit; the roads
will be again safe from robberles perpetrated IN
the name of revolution; but those who have
lived for some years 10 the country do not feel
certain that the quiet will last. we Shall nave
q peaceful condition Of things, said one OF
them to me, "for about two years; then these
fellows who are now running away from kocha
will become uneasy again; we shall have another
pr0nuncium,ento and another revolt, and fresn
robheries on the highways
7 hope this anticipation will not become a re.
alitv 1t is founded on the restessness of the
mixed race 10 Mexico, who are about one-hftt
part of the inhabitants The Aztec race, who
form the greater part of the population, was
told, are generally mild, doce and submissive
to the government. Hard working they are
not, but nearly all the labor of the fields 10
Mexico is performed by their hands. 1t is they
who are the handicraftsmen for the most part.
aud the regular industry of the country, such
as it is is theirs In the mixed race, was
told, are found the men who will not work,
and are ready to engage in revolt against the
government which gives them an opportunity
of living by extorting contributions from the
peaceable part of the population. These tel
lows will fight on any side indlscrlminately,
and when beaten enlist in the victorious army.
President Juarez dismissed me with words
which may cite as characteristic example OF
Spanish courtesy. Taking both my hands 10
his he said: Remember, Senor, that IN me
you have a servant and a friend. 1t at any
time you have occasion tor my aid, apply to me
confidently, and the service you desire shall oe