The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1883-03-05
DISTINGUISHED NIEXICANS.
Sketches of Ex-President Porfirio Diaz and
His Fatber-in-law, Don Romero
RubiO.
General Diaz' Speech at New OrIeans-In-
tention of the Party to Come
Here.

General Por6rio Diaz, the distinguished
Mexican Statesman and Chief Justice of the
Supreme court of Mexico; his wife and his
son; Don Manuel Romero Rubio, Mrs. Diaz
father; Mrs. Rubio; DR.. and Mrs. Laceaya
and their son Mr.. Chouze, who is General
Diaz' Secretary, and Mr.. A. Quit leave New
Orleans to-day for Monterey and thence to
New York via San Antonio and St. Louis.
While in New Orleans the party was received
with marked consideration. In response to
addresses of welcome then delivered Presi-
dent Diaz said: 81 am extremely grateful for
the kind, might say cordial, welcome ex-
tended me by the Federal Government, the
State of Louisiana and the city of New Or
leans, through their representatives, the gen.
tlemen who have just spoken, and by the
members of the various associations, whose
representatives have likewise welcomed me.
81 always have admired the great Republic
of the North, and have learned to esteem its
citizens and as soon as | was elevated to the
supreme magiStracy of my country, and my ad-
ministration was recognized by your govern
ment, | bestowed upon many of your coun-
trymen many valuable railroad franchises,
which they are now carrying out in Mexico.
1t was and is my ambition to see my native
country articulated with railroad tracks and
with telegraph wires, for have noticed,
during my sevefal journeys through this
republic, that quick and cheap trans
portation conduce, as much as anything
can, to the prosperity and happiness
of people. l am sorry cannot remain in
this city for several days longer but it is i'm
possible. A large number of friends are
awaiting the arrival of myself and party at
Monterey, so must take my departure by
Monday morning at the latest. But the few
days do remain here will be fully occupied
in visiting certain kind friends and partakine
of the hospitality of others. Again, gentle
men, permit me to thank you for the kind re-
ception you have extended me, and to again
express the profound admiration l entertain
for this great republic which is so enlightened,
so wealthy and so powerful"
The New Orleans Times-Democrat says of
General Diaz that he is t.beyond doubt one
of the most remarkable men Mexico has pro-
duced. If Juarez, Alvarez, Comonfort,
Ocampo, the Vetegas and others were the
leaders of the reform movement, which
framed the wonderful constitution of 1857.
and which triumphantly re-establshed it in
1867, General Diaz, their disciple and fol-
lower, has confirmed that constitution. They
reformed the Republic while DiaZ made it
innovating and progressive. He has given
Mexico her railroads, has pushed her forward
on the path of material development, and has
made his country the second power on this
hemisphere. He will undoubtedly succeed
General Gonzales as President
Don Manuel Rubio, General Daz father
in-law, has long occupied high place in the
esteem of his fellow citizens. During the
Il al -
followed the varying fortunes of the patriot
party until Diaz struck the first blow at the
imperial thorne at Puebla, and Escobedo
overthrow it at Queretaro, where Macmillan
surrendered his army and his person to the
triumphant Liberals. Upon the re-establish-
ment of the Republican form of government.
Mr.. Rubio was elected to the National
Congress, and assisted very mate
rally in the reorganization of the
republic. When a GOODNESS sprang up be-
tween the great Juarez and Mr.. Lerdo de Te-
jada, he adhered to the fortunes of the latter;
and, when Juarez died-July IS, IS72-and
Lerdo stepped into the presidency, Mr.. Rubio
was one of his most trusted and esteemed ad-
visers. When General Porfrio Diaz demol-
ished the Lerdo government at Texcoax and
Lerdo fed, Mr.. Rubio, who was a
cabinet officer, accompanied him in his
exile and lived with him in New
York for some months. Unwilling to assist
Lerdo's and Escobedo's efforts to GUST Diaz,
he left this country, retained to Mexico and
again took an active part in politics. A short
while since his eldest daughter married Gen
eral Diaz; but before this event took place
Mr.. Rubio had become sincere friend and
admirer of the great Liberal chieftain. As
General Diaz will probably, if he lives two
years longer, again be President of Mexico,
Mr.. Rubio will undoubtedly be called to his
Cabinet, and will thus again have an oppor-
tunity of serving his couty efectually.