Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-11-22
THE MEXICAN RIOTS.
OF the English Debt-Confiicts of Cit.
iZens and Soldiers IN the streets.

CRY OF MEXICO, Nov. 2l.
Since Saturday evening this city has been
IN the greatest commoti0n on account of the
discussion bv Congress of the bill on the
conversion of the English debt. This bill
contains clause authorizing the issue of new
bonds in the sum OF Sl3, 900. 900 for the paw
ment Of commissions 10 those who manipu
lated the arrangement in addition to the
payment OF the bondholders. The people
en- masse, and large minority in Congress
protested energeteally against this clause on
Saturday last, and every day this week the
sessions Of Congress have been of the storm
lest, orators friendly to the government being
hissed by those of the opposition and bolster
ously applauded by their own side. Members
of the opposition strongly protested against
COngress being surrounded by federal troops
with the re suit that the troops were with
drawn a short distance. Every night this
week, large mobs headed by students have
passed through the streets crying: Death
to President Gonzales and down with the
English debt" Last night they visited the
house of Gen. Diaz and one of their orators
made fierce speech urging Diaz to disayow
any approval of the obnoxious clause. The
speech was lost, however, as Diaz was not at
home.
Yesterday afternoon the galleries of Con-
gress were crowded 10 overflowing Imme-
dately after the roll call a member from
Guadalajara offered resolutions suspendng
discussion for a few days. He was hissed bv
the galleries, whereupon the ex-secretary OF
the treasury. Jesus Fuentes Munoz, offered
another resolution suspeuding the discussion
of the debt question until after the installa
ton of Gen. Diaz. This was received with
tremendous applause and passed the House
flaKa
diately thereafter. An immense crowd waited
in front of the building in which Congress
met, to greet Gen. Diaz, who was in attend
ance. Miroe, Vinas. Francisco, Romero and
other opposition orators. backed by mounted
police and squad of cavalry, commanded
by Lieut.. Manuel Gonzales, son of the presi
dent, ordered this crowd to disperse, where
upon the people threw themselves upon the
police and soldiers. and for the space of ten
minutes terrible struggle was kept up,
during which young Gonzales broke his
sword over a citizen. He was dragged from
his horse by the enraged people, and his lite
was onv saved by charge made by COM
pany of mounted rural guards, who rescued
him and soon dispersed the mob During
the encounter the swords of the soldiers could
be seen cleaning in the rays of the setting
sun, and then descend with telling effect on
the head o. some man IN the crowd. Often
the side of the blade was used, but in many
instances the edge was brought into play. 1t
is not known that anybody was killed in the
encounter, but many are wounded on both
sides. Last evening, angry crowds rushed
through the streets. breaking lamps and
stoning policemen, but it is generally thought
that everything will quieted down today. The
people have perfect confidence in Gen. Diaz,
and will gladly see the debt question pass
into his hands.