Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1892-02-11

Dictator and an Autocrat.
A reporter of THE GAZETTE yesterday
met at the Pickwick hotel q gentleman
who a citizen Of the City of Mexico. He
has been for a number Of years a ssese e
server of the QItairs OF his nativscoun asS
Fard is thoroughly congersant with the po-
ntical situation in MeSaco. having studied it
with that Interest which the hianer class of
Sexicans always eviGce toward ssything
that affects their coyAtry. The gent&man,
who spoke English fiEaRtly, in the fourse
OF Inc songsEss said; nssiee5An this
AdgustirFse ftnrbide, grandson of one of
the brayest of the patriots of Mexico, was
IN this city a day or two ago.
In the interview had with him
some reference was made to
the object Of his visit to this part of the
country, and it was intimated that it
might be fraught with considerable
believe, disclaimed that he was personally
interested in any way in the politics Of
Mexico. and this is a fact, although the
gentleman has been importuned
frequently of late by the
conservative party in Mexico
to interest himself in the politics of that
country. This Mr.. Iturbide has decli a to
W, d. uc says GLdL CduUOJ see NOW ne
would be justified in meddling in the affairs
of Mexico and pushing his claims for po-
Htical distinction. Mind you, he does not
say that he is not interested in the trend of
the politics of Mexico. for every Mexican of
any standing, you might say, has
his being in the politics of his country.
Circumstances have been such that for
many years Mr.. Iturbide has not resided in
his native land. Laws were passed exiting
his family. These laws have been repealed
since, but the gentleman has thought it
best not to return to Mexico. The fact
that he has never lived in Mexico and
has been looked upon unfavorably by
a certain class induces him to question his
right to entertain the idea Of a large num-
Der of peopie-which idea is, in short, to
make him the successor of Diaz. The people
of Mexico have never forgotten the
services which his patriotic grand
parent rendered his native coun-
try when he gained for Mexico her
independence in 1929. The subsequent
action of the government in shooting him,
her greatest benefactor, for a traitor, and
exiting his family has always been regarded
as an act of fragrant injustice and ingrati-
tude. His memory is still held dear, and
this is attested by the fact that in nearly
every Mexican town or city one of the
streets always bears the name Of Iturbide.
The people have never lost sight
of his family and even after his death sew
eral of his sons were repeatedly honored
with positions of prominence and import
ance, and now thousands OF the best peo-
pie of the country wish to honor the grand
son who bears the name of his illuStrious
grandfather. His having lived in another
country makes no difference to them so long
as they know that he is in
touch and sympathy with Mexican
ideas and sentiments. The true situation
Ii. TO- Of
the higher classes, the lower stratum of
the population being densely ignorant Of
how matters really are. Mexico poses as Z
republic after the fashion of your country,
but the name republic, as applied to
that country, is misnomer and
wofully misleading. The govern
ment is ostensibly republican in
form but in reality it is nothing less than
an absolute monarchy in which Diaz is a
veritable autocrat His sway is as abso-
Lutte as the car of the Russias, and he ex-
ercises his power to the fullest extent.
Freedom in any way is an unknown
privilege. The liberty that is ID
corded the press in this countf*s
is denied the newspapers in MeXis&
and the editor who has ideas and expresses
them is unfortunate. The consequence of
the expression of any views which do not
accord with the policy of the government is
Imprisonment and sometimes confiscation
of property. This will give you some idea
Of the situation in the republic Of Mexico.
The sentiment that n real mon
archy would be preferred to
the present hypocritical pretensions TO
republican form of government is often
heard expressed. The people are beginning
to see how they are governed and waking
up 10 the true condition of affairs. Diaz's
following is very strong, his support com
ing from the extreme Liberals. and 1t viii
be no easy matter for any one to supersede
him. Those, however, who are opposed
to him are not undertaking his power and
compose what IS known as the Conservative
party. This party favors Augustin Itur-
bide as the successor of Diaz, and they are
seconded in this by the Moderate Liberals.
Their object is TO inaugurete 4 move
ment in his favor which will not be
evanescent, but permanent and lasting.
They intend preparing the way SO
stated above he declined taxing any ac-
tive part in the matter, or in fact any part
whatever, but when it is presented TO him
in the right light and everywhere is
smooth sailing, think he will accept and
see no good reason for his declin-
ing if he IS unanimously called.
The next election occurs in about q
porters Of Iturbide viii carry on a vigor
50 campaign, and I think that before the
election takes place such progress will have
been made by them as will surprise all, and
most Of all, mr. Iturbide himself, for the
gentleman DO not believe fully realizes
what a large following he has. Those
who favor him are the foremost people of
the country, the arIstocracy of Mexico. who
are descended from the proudest Castilian
families. However he has Just as ardent
supporters who are not so high born.
Cara and his followers favor him.
but the Iturbide party does not
look with favor upon their meth
DDS. Still they serve their purpose
andiare only means to an end. Yes. sir it is
is my opinion that Augustin de Iturbide
viii succeed Gen. Diaz''
The gentleman left last night for New