The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-06-10
PRESIDENT DiAZ.
An Audience With the Chief Magistrate
of the Mexican Republic.

An Audience With the Chief Magistrate
of the Mexican Republic.
The National Palace occupies the
entire eastern boundary OF the plaza.
1t : a low, white-walled building and
is over two thousand eight hundred feet
long. 1t has been for many years the
official residence of the various En-
perors and Presidents of Mexico, and is
now inhabited by General Diaz and
those associated with him in the gov
| eminent of the republic. The palace
is open to visitors, but is closely
guarded by sentries and is the head
quarters of several infantry companies.
The outer walls of the building are
sadly soiled and are plastered with vari-
ous notices and show bills. The audi
ence chamber of the President is long
narrow room. hung with heavy dra-
Deries and containing set of rather
gaudy furniture. Diaz is now enjoying
his second term as Chief Magistrate.
In 1873 he had the same office, and
| during my residence that year in the
| city | became somewhat acquainted
| with the man who had done and is still
doing so much for his country. In per-
,onal appearance he is dark and hand
some. Rather below the average height,
he is thick set and Soldierly, and speaks
rapidly. My first interview was by
special appointment. In company
with Senior $, a son-in-law OF the
lead President. Senior Jaurez, the
Lincoln of Mexico, l was taken
afternoon, and from there led to the
State chamber. In few moments
Diaz appeared and formal introduc-
ton took place. Seating himself, the
President invited me to occupy a sofa
placed ut right angles to the chair he
used and Immediately began a copver-
sation that lasted nearly half an hour.
The nature of the business need not be
mentioned here, but it was of such
tenor as to call forth some words from
Diaz which showed his good will for
America and the Americans. The pres
ent relations between the two republics,
ne thought, were such rs to insure
great benefits to each country. He
looks for still greater friendship be-
tween the two people in the future
than there even is at present. Mexico,
he said, is but inst waking up to areal-
izatiOn that it is country of great
natural wealth. Rapid development
is taking place now, and we are fast
adding to our national income. | do
not think we shall ever again see a
revolution. As our railroads are built
the republic will be more closely
united. Of course we have many an
pOyances, but the Administration is
supported"
The President does not attempt TO
speak English, although he understands
that language little. His children,
however, have an American governesS.
and his second wife is an accomplished
English scholar. Diaz lives simply and
cares but little for pOmp and show. As
[ passed through the ante-roOm again
on departing from the palace the
chamber was filled with people who
were allowed. one at q time, to enter
the presence of their rulers They are
not received in the large hall, however,
but are shown to 4 smaller room. which
the President uses as an official office.
The courtyard of the palace is formed
by the four yards of the building. Into
it the majority of the many rooms
open, and it is at all times filled with
soldiers, citizens and officials. In one
section of the building is the meteoro-
logical observatory aud National Mu-
scum. Near by is a beautiful botan-
zeal garden containing rare plants and
trees. In the museum is the famous
sacrificial stone of the AZtecS. 1t
is covered with figures carved in
bas-relicf and its top is traversed |
by deep cut, down which, so it is said, !
ran the blood of those who had their
hearts torn out by the Aztec priests. |
Near the sacriticial stone is a statue of |
the great war god of the Aztecs. and
of antiquity that have been dug from
the ground upon which the city stands.
In one of the galleries of the museum
are hung the portraits of former Vice
roys of Mexico and an authentic por-
trait of Cortez, with his silken banner.
In another room are other relics of the
and q silver service that
once belonged to Macmillan. There
are also some fine specimens of the
picture writings of the AZtecs and rare
collections of gods and heroes that
once belonged to the Montezuma.
There is not much order in the mu-
scum, but the objects are full of inter
st to every student of the romantic
,ast which the country has had, and
each more in day than could be
earned by reading yesr.-Nezico
I0r. San Francisco Chronicle.