The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-15

IN the minds OF many persons whefher the
revolutionary proceedings attending elections ~
former years we're not indicative OF more
healthy state Of affairs than the unnatural qalet
that has recently prevailed In former times
the people seemed active and belligerent IN as
sorting their political rights. while at the pres
eut an almost absolute Indifference prevails
Some idsa of the estimate in which the right
OF suffrage is held by these people may be 90
tanned by looking at the vote cast for Presldent
At several elections IN tue past At the second
election Of Juarez who WAS very popular with
the people. total vota Of II. $40 was cast Dy q
population of nine millions After the death OF
Juarez. Lerdo, in 1872. WAS chosen President BY
10, 500 votes, with about 100 for his opponent.
In 1876 the ravclutionsts came to the 'front.' anu
= President was inaugurated By force. In 1850
Gonzales Was elected by q vote of less than
u O00, and If he had opposition II was 80 weak
that nothing is known concerning 1t. In 1854
the vote cast for General Diaz is said to have
been about 10. 600, but the official hgurrs ara
not at hand. The fact therefore exists that IN q
nation of about 10, O0A. 900 inhabltanas-wnlch
dates its civilization back for 300 years.
and now assumes to be worthy the name OF
ssrepublic" with suffrage unrestricted-even
with law in force imposing fine upon a quail
fled voter who fails to deposit his baiot-the
succession TO the Presidency has always been
determined By popular vote smaller than that
usually cast in the city of Indianapolis for JUS
tice of the peacei
Having some curiosity TO know to what ex-
tent the people participated IN important cleo
tions, even in populous districts. took the time
to ascertain rhe number OF votes Dolied IN a
Mexican city of fully ten thousand inhabitants
The record showed that few more than two
hundred of the qualified voters of the city had
awaited themselves OF their right to cast a ballot
for representative in the national Congress.
That this state of affairs should ever exist
among people having the power to direct the
policy of the government through the ballot box
Is reproach to the country in which 1t prevails.
and certainly reflects credit upon republican
Institutions anywhere
There are some features of Mexican govern
ment which. to an American, seem strangely ont
of place in q republic. For instance, ma5ori-
ty-at times nearly the entire number--of the
Governors of the several States are taken d.
rectIy from the army. being generals or colo
nels of the regular force. To these officials is
given the power 20 appoint the civil judges OF
the various districts and the Jefe Politicos or
Mayors Of the different cantons IN their re-
spective States. The inclination being given.
1t is readily TO be seer how such system of Of
fee holding might be made the means of pro-
tectng and perpetuafing q political ring"
of any character whatever. It is. however, to
be hoped that the good judgment of those now
in power will soon discover the propriety OF .
change in these matters and releRate to the
people the right to which the citizens of repub-
lie are certainly entitled-the right to choose
their own public servants.
For few years past, and especially under the
administration of President Diaz. there has
been much Improvement made, not only IN the
manner of conducting elections. but also In the
enlargement of the liberty of press and in the
tolerarion of public criticism of the conduct of
all officials. Recently the government has given
much attention and gone to great expense IN
providing schools for the education of the chill
dren OF the poorer classes, and has also wisely
leeislated for the protection of laborers in the
mines and on the large haciendas Under the
wise and liberal administration OF President
Diaz the material interests of Mexico have been
LARGELY advanced With y continuation of his
poIicy-whirh means peace and prosperity-this
STRUGGLING republic will in time, secure de-
sirabls position among the nations of the world.
d. w. G.