The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1877-02-02
MEzlco's xuDD1E.
Ths' Causes Of the Trouble as aecitsd BY a
Mezahsr Of the Government"
From the San Francisco Call.


From the San Francisco Call.
Since the flight of President Lerdo from
the Mexican capital bis whereabouts have
been involved in an interesting state Of un-
certainty, and his arrival is daily expected
either in This port or New York. A rumor
that he had arrived here yesterday pre-
vailed, and, after search,
SENIOR MANUEL CAsTELLANo WAS FOUND.
He is Representative to the Mexican
Congress from the State of Sinaloa for the
past eight years, and arrived here on Sum
day night. The history of the Mexican
troubles, as given briefly by Senor Castel-
lano, are as follows: Lerdo has been Presl-
dent of the Republic for foL years, and
upon the approach of new election the
question of q second term was agitated, and
strong feeling against establishing such a
precedenb was created, although there was
no provision in the Constitution chat for
bids it.. The election was held in October
last and Congress declared Lerdo re-ele IT
ed " a vote of 1875 to SO. Iglesias, Presi-
cent of the Supreme Court and Vlce-Presi-
dent of the Republic, held that the election
was illegal and fraudulent, and submitted
a motion to the Supreme Court to declare
it void. His application was defeated by a
large majority, and he thereupon took it
upon himself to set the election aside and
declare himself President pro. tenn. under
the Constitution. Meanwhile, Porfirio
Diaz had issued his Plan de Tuxtepec, re-
fusing to recognize any legal government
in Mexico since Jan. /, 1876, and declaring
himself President by virtue of his military
Authority as commander of the army. Gen
eral Ignacio Mejia, Minister of War, COM
mander Of the government troops, was in
colluson with Iglesias, and upon his defeat
by Diaz joined Iglesias in Guanajuato,
where the latter had taken his stand at the
head of IA, 900 troops. Diaz took posses
sion of the City of Mexico in December,
Lerdo and his government fleeing from the
capital before him. The States rapidly
sent in their adherance to Iglesias, with the
exception of those under the military con-
| troll of Diaz and Matamoras,; which still re-
| mains faithful to Lerdo. The latter fed to
Maronto, on the western coast, with the in
tention of leaving the country, as his cause
was utterly hopeless. Senior Castellano left
Mexico on the 18th of December, and at
that time Iglesias and Diaz were $50 miles
apart, marching toward each other at the
head of their respective armies. Although
Diaz is in possession of the capital, the
majority of the States are in favor Of Igles-
las, who has some slight show Of law on his
side since the flight of Lerdo, while Diaz is
in open rebellion against all law and au-
thority. Castellauo has no doubt of the
success of Iglesias, as he is at the head OF
the regular army, and his opponent is sup
ported only by about Il, 600 gusrrillas, bad
ly of6cered. In the event Of Iglesias' sue
cess he will retain the Office of President
only until new election can be held, and
General Mejia declared President In Gas.
tellano's opinion, Lerdo took the course
best calculated to bring about a satisfactory
settlement Of the troubles, for if he had re
manned in the country and attempted to
maintain his authority. which was uI,doubt-
edly legal, it would have made a triangular
| fight that would plunge the nation into an
endless and bloody struggle, whereas in the
present state of affairs decisive and speedy
! termination of the difficulties is probable in
the defeat of Diaz.
The press of Mexico is almost unanimous
in the advocacy Of peace, as the people
have had enough Of war, and are getting
about tired of semi-annual revolutions
The 1876 Congressman who voted for Lerdc
| and some OF the opposition have scattered
in every direction and left Mexico but
Senior Castellano says he intends to return
as soon as possible and settle down to pri,
vate life, as he has enjoyed snficiency Of
politics for the present. He experienced
considerable difficulty in getting out Of
| Mexico in company with Senior Betancourt
of the opposition and q merchant of this city
who happened to be in the country on bu-
siness but succeeded in passing through
Diaz's lines and reaching New Orleans.
Lerdo has either taken direct passage to
this city or gone to New York via Acapul
co, and as he started in good season he will
undoubtedly get through safely. He bear
a strong resemblance to Samuel Tilden, ,an(
may find himself treated to an ovation upol
his arrival as one Of the prospective Presi-
dents of the United States instead of ref
ugee executive from the home Of the Mon
tezumas. From the position Of the oppos
ing armies when last heard from it is prob
able that news of battle will soon be re
ceived, and the future of Mexico determin
| ed, at least until the next revolution.