Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-01-22
Specializing as to the Probable Mexi-
can Commander.
GENERAL REYES LIKELY TO BECHOSEN
Diaz in Some Circumstances Would
Take the Field.
IN APPEAL TO PATRIOTS

CITY OF MEXICO, January 22.-An In
teresting story in circulation regarding the
probable outbreak of war between Guate-
ruala and Mexico is to the effect that Gen.
Diaz, president of the Mexican republic.
will take command of the forces on the
frontier in person. The report is widely
spread in official gossip and is not without
the range of possibility. In the higher
circles it is held that Gen. Diaz will not
leave his seat as chief executive in the
pending difficulties. at least not until his
presence Is lmperatively demanded at the
front.
The general opinion of those close to the
executive Is that he will place the COM
mand finally in the hands of one of three
men to push the Guatemalan invasion
These three officers are Gen. Bernardo
Reyes. governor of the state Of Leon and
general Of division of the Mexican
army; Gen. Jose V,Ctnte VilladO, governor
of the state of Mexico and general of a
brigade, and Gen. LOWS Torres, governor
of the state of Sonora and general of a
brigade. OF these three 1t Is pretty we'll
known that the choice Of the president is
Gen. Reyes of Monterey, Who Is also the
understood favorite of Gen. Diaz as his
successor as chief executive Of this re-
public.
The Guatemalan war will give the presi-
dent an excellent opportunity to bring out
his protege and push him well forward In
public favor. Reyes Is well and favcrably
Known by his valor and fine executive
abilities, and next to the president is the
most popular man in Mexico among Amer
leans.
BY his friendly and encouraging attitude
as governor of Nuevo Leon he has planted
many large American industries in the
city of Monterey, and today. as result.
that place has q larger American popula-
ton than the City of Mexico. Should any
thing prevent Gen. Reyes taking command
at the front, or should accident befall him,
1t is probable that one or the other OF the
remaining generals would assume direc-
ton of the campaign.
Should the conflict lead into a general
Central American fight, or develop into
unforeseen complications. 1T Is entirely
within the range of possibilities that Gen.
DiaZ would then take the field in person,
with the probability of adding to his glory
as the greatest military man of the pres
ent generation in Spanish America.
Should the president vacate his chair, the
next official legally authorized to assume
provisional charge of national affairs
would lie the president Of the senate, or, i'll
case of recess of congress, as at the pres
ent time, the chairman Of the permanent
congressional commission, who is named
the first Of every month.
FL TEMPO. the opposition government
organ of the church in Mexico, has come
out for the federal power in the present
crisis, and announces that by the side of
patriotism no other issues are to be COM
pared. 1t, therefore. burieS the Ratchet in
a strong editorial, eulogistic Of the general
government. and says 1T will not fight the
administration until the close of hostilities
when it will again turn it's attention to the
oppression which Roman Catholics suffer
in Mexico under the prevailing constitu-
tion.