Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1892-02-07
POLITICS in MEXICO.
A Mexican Citizen Talks of the
Situation in that Country.
lTuRBIDE TO SUCCEED DIAz.
The People Still Revere and Honor the Mem
DRY of Augustin de lturbide.
The Mexican Government characterized
rs a Travesty on Republican Govern
ment, and Diaz Declared
Dictator and an Autocrat.

a reporter of The GAZETTE yesterday,
met at the Pickwick hotel a gentleman
who IS citizen of the City of Mexico. He
mas been for a number of years close OBJ
server of the affairs of his native country
and Is thoroughly conversant with the po-
utlcai situation in Mexico, having studied it
with that interest which the higher class of
Sexlcans always evirce toward anything
that affects their country. The gentleman,
who spoke English fluently, in the course
OF the conversation said: 81 noticed in this
mornings issue of The GAZETTE that
Augustin De Iturbide grandson of one of
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
political Significance. Mr.. Iturbrde, I
believe, diSclaimed that he was personally
interested in any way in the politics of
Mexico, and this is q 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 declined to
do, as he says that he cannot see how he
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.. Itarbide 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 These laws have been repealed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 people-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 ne gained for Mexico her
independence in 1920. 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 iugrati-
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 inustrious |
grandfather. His having lived in another |
as they know that he is in |
touch and sympathy with Mexican |
ideas and sentiments. The true situation |
in Mexico Is known to very few outside of |
the higher classes, the lower stratum of |
the population being densely ignorant of |
how matters really are. Mexico poses as a |
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 q
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 &C
corded the press in this country
is denied the newspapers in Mexico
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
and sometimes confiscation
of property. This will give you some idea
of the situation in the republic of Mexico.
The sentiment that 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 to the true condition of affairs. Diaz's
is very strong, his support COM
ing from the extreme Liberals, and it viii
be no easy matter for any one to supersede
lim. Those, however, who are opposed
20 him are not undertaking his POWER, and
party This party favors Augustin Itur-
0ide as the successor of Diaz, and they are
seconded in this by the Moderate Liberals.
Their object is TO inaugurate move
nent in his favor which will not be
but permanent and lasting.
they intend preparing the way so
hat Iturbide can do nothing but accept. As
stated above he declined taking any ac- =
i've part in the matter, or in fact any part
whatever, but when it is presented to him
n the right light and everywhere is
mooth sailing, think he will accept and l |
lee no good reason for his declin-
ug if he IS unanimously called
The next election. occurs in about a
Tear. From this time forward the sup
,orters Of Iturbide will carry on vigor-
'us campaign, and think that before the
Election takes place such progress will have
,ee1 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
he country, the aristocracy of Mexico, who
re descended from the proudest Castilian
antilles. However, he has just as ardent
Importers who are not so high born.
Sarza and his followers favor him, -
nut the Iturbide party does not
polk with favor upon their meth
DIS. Still they serve their purpose
ndIare only means to an end Yes. sir it is
5 my opinion that Augustin de Iturbide
will succeed Gen. Diaz."
The gentleman left last night for New