The Portland daily press., 1888-07-02

Mexico has her presidential election in the
summer instead of the autumn, taking the
solar and electoral heats at one time. The
electors were chosen several days ago, and
ON the eighth day of this month those cleo
tors will meet and chose president. There
is no doubt of their choice. They have been
expressly elected to make General Porfirio
Diaz, president for another term of four
years, the constitution having been express
ly changed so that he could be eligible as his
own successor. A constitution of Mexico is
far different from the strong and respected
charter of liberties that is revered as the
constitution of the United States; yet it is
enough of document so that the changing
of it for the convenience of one man marks
that man as a person of unusual power and
influence. OF Diaz's popularity it may be
SUFFICIENT explanation that during his term
of office the manufactures and resources of
the country have increased, commerce has
multiplied, robbers and reyolutionists have
been dispersed. and there has been general
diffusion of prosperity among the people ac-
companied by greater comfort and better ad-
vantages for education. These results mark
Diaz as statesman, and that he is now play
ing new role in his wonderful career. For
no knight or robber of the middle ages ever
had more wonderful career than this same
Diaz. Born fifty years ago. he was at the age
of II years sub-lieutenant in the Mexican
army that resisted the American invasion. He
had previously been law student, and now,
with military training added to legal train
ing. he was ready to play the part of
patriot, a revolutionist, a political
intriguer and adventurer and finally
of a broad minded statesman. In
1860 he had achieved fame as liberal leader
In the war of the reform against the re
dictionary or church party, having previously
been engaged almost continually in wars or
revolutionary escapades since the war with
the United States During the French and
Austrian attempt to establish Macmillan
on throne in Mexico, Diaz as a military
chieftain played prominent and patriotic
part, being twice taken prisoner and twice
escaping. After the final reconstruction of
the republic he retired to his ranch, but not
to find rest and quiet. He even then aspired
to the Presidency, and in the campaign of
1867, was an unsuccessful candidate against
Juarez. From that time he became a con-
spirator against the government. For ten
years he led Instructions and conspracies.
sometimes consorting with robbers, some
times pushing his designs disguised, often in
imminent peril of his life, and twice at least
compelled to seek refuge in the United
States. He did not always keep his word if
he could carry his point by breaking it; nor
does he appear to have been over scrupulous
in any of his dealings. But finally he sue
ceeded in oyerthrowing the established gov
eminent and putting himself and his parti-
sans IN its place, becoming President in 1877.
In 1880 he retired to make way for his Sec
rotary of war, General Gonzalez, who is said
to have agreed to retire in four years. He
did retire, and Diaz again became President
of Mexico in 1884. The constitution would
have prevented his reelection this year; but
a man who can overturn government from
the vantage ground of bandit has in Mexi
co little difficulty with constitution when
he approaches it from the position of a pow
erful President.