The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-12-01
MEXICO AND ITS PRESIDENT,

of his successor, General Porfrio Diaz, will
accordingly take place. It is gratifying to
feel assured that the change of administration
will take place without bloodshed, and in the
same orderly manner that like changes are
made in the United States. 1t would seem
that the republic of Mexico were now entered
upon an era of new prosperity, or, rather
prosperity never before enjoyed. The com
mercial relations of that government have
been greatly extended, while the means of
transportation have been very material. i'm
friend and champion Of the great international
railway, and it is safe to say will do all in his
power to promote its efficiency and extend its
facilities to yet other parts Of that country.
Improved methods of business in all its
branches are sure to be introduced through
the intercourse that must come from the closer
relationship made possible by the new lines of
railway. Greater prosperity producing
greater wealth among the people,
and, consequently, greater comfort,
will serve to tranquilize and engender spirit
of conservatism that must be the best posi-
bility of peace and increased industry. The
benefits accruing to the Mexicans must of
necessity have a favorable influence in this
country also. The development of the rich
resources of Mexico that will naturally follow
the building of railways will increase our com
merce with that country, and the benefits
arising will be mutual and extensive The
new President will enter upon the discharge
of his official duties with the confidence and
esteem of all the people, military and civil.
Poririo Diaz soldier and statesman, was
born on Sept. Is, 1880, in Oajaca, in the Insti
tute of Science and Arts of which city he com
as brilliant accessory to his other acquire
ments than with the idea of following it as a
profession. In 1S47 he joined the National
Guard, and was elected sdb-lieutenant, and
after the Guadalupe Hidalgo peace treaty he
became lieutenant, and studied military sci
ence under Commandant Urea until 1852, when
he was made captain of artillery. After
the triumph of the party that called Santa
Anna to the dictature, Diaz, in fit of dis
couragement, quilted the army, to devote his
attention to the study and practice of law.
But in 1855, at the outbreak of the revolu-
ton, provoked by the "plan" of Ayutla, he
assumed the command of battalion, and be-
came political chief of the district of Ixtlan,
in Oajaca, where he distinguished himself by
his zeal as patriot and his consummate skill
in organizing troops, and he soon succeeded
in restoring peace. In 1861 he was elected to
the Mexican Congress. He was, however,
present at the May session only, for in June
he again took the field, joining the division
led by General Gonzalez Ostega against the
reactionary chieftain Marquee. He obtained
over the latter such splendid victory as to
elicit the admiration of his superior, who pc
upon Diaz.
But General Diaz won his great fame by
his part in opposing the invasion planned
and supported by Napoleon III and ending in
the enhancement of Macmillan, with the re-
public nominally changed to an empire. At
the head of band of warriors from Oajaca he
was the first to oppose the arms of the inva-
der, and aided in deciding the victory of
May 5, 1862 Shortly afterward he
was appointed governor and military
commandant of the State of Vera Cruz, but
was before long at his own earnest entreaty,
participated in all the great engagements of
that war, and always with distinction. His
force, that never exceeded 5000, including all
arms, composed of troops for the most part i'll
armed and ill-munitoned, was compelled by
overpowering numbers to slowly retreat,
though fighting at every available point. Be
sieged at last In Oajaca, he was forced to capt.
ulate in February, 1865 He escaped from
imprisonment in the following September, and
the next year was at the head of force but
700 strong, with which, on April 2, 1867, he
recaptured Puebla, and continued his triumph
until the surrender of the capital to the
patriot forces, on June 81 of the same year.
After the reconstruction of the republic
throughout the country, Diaz, modestly de
clining (for the second time) the post of Min
ster of War and other proffered honors, with
drew to private life.
In October 1867, he was a candidate for the
presidency against Juarez, but was unsuccess-
full, though the belief was widespread that he
was fairly elected. In 1871 he was again a
candidate and again defeated by Juarez. In