Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-09-06

OF our coming, passed us into the inner
court with the usual salute. This
National palace, by the way, is not as
our white house is, the official resi-
dence Of the president, but merely
his Office in connection with the offices
OF the state ministers. He has his
own private residence in the castle Of
Chapultepec. At the entrance to the
state chambers OF the president we
were met by an officer in uniform,
who, recognizing us, passed me on into
the chamber, leaving my friend to
wait for me, as ne was not included in
the call. Inside, l was met by an
officer, to whom I gave my card, and he
offered me his arm with a low bow.
and escorted me to the diplomatic
room, where another officer took me in
charge, and, passing me beyond a
number Of waiting diplomatists, gov
errors, ministers, and other officials,
gave me seat near the entrance to the
presidents room. In a few moments
an officer Of the presidents staff came
out, and with the usual salute, offered
me his arm and escorted me into the
great state chamber of Mexico, that is
to say, one Of the halls of Montezuma.
which you have all read about, and in
its magnificent appointments it was
worthy of any Montezuman that ever
lived.
AS we entered the chamber a tall
and distinguished-Iook man rose
from chair near the center of the
room and waited to receive me.
was duly presented by the officer with
me to the president. who shook hands
most cordially and introduced his son,
Capt. Porfirio Diaz, Jr., a handsome
young fellow Of about % years, of most
delightful manners and speaking ENG
fish with fascinating accent. Apollo
giving to the president for my lack of
an interpreter | was graciously as
sured that his son would only be too
glad TO act in that capacity, and then
the most cordial relations were at once
established. After the customary in
terchange of compliments the president
bowed me to a seat on sofa. with his
son at my left, and seated himself on a
big chair before US.
I'VE then proceeded to talk business
the son interpreting-an the presi-
dent showed that he knew how to talk
it. He assured me of his hearty ap-
prevail of the cooperation of Ameri-
cans and MeXicans in all enterprises
for the development of the country,
and opened the way to me for all the
nf oia 81 inf 7 10Th
had expected that l might get ten
minutes of his time. for he is the
busiest man in Mexico, but he became
so much interested in the matter | pre-
sented that he prolonged the interview
for two hours, and l left him with the
assurances that he would gladly extend
every courtesy in his power during
that visit to the country or any future
visit | might make. A cordial invita-
ton was also extended to call at any
time l desired to see him, either
formally or informally.
cat parting pretty little incident
occurred which struck me very
pleasantly indeed. After 1 had shaken
hands and said 'good-by' young Diaz,
who was to escort me from lne palace.
first saluting his father and bowling
low, took his hand in his own and
touched it with his lips, murmuring
softly in Spanish a loving goodnight.
The young captain did not put me in
charge of any other officer but carried
me himself through the different rooms
of the palace to the porte cochere,
where we babe each other good night
like a pair Of old friends.
CAS- to President Diaz, may say
that he is not only the greatest man
in Mexico, but would be a really great
man in any country. In personal ap-
pearance he strongly resembles the
late Gen. William Preston of my state,
and although about 60 years old he
does not look to be day over so, and
is erect of carriage and sOlderly of
bearing. He is fully feet tall and
will weigh 200 pounds, with small.
shapely hands and feet, strong face,
with piercing black eyes, and darn Lair,
a complexion not at all swarthy, and
deep, resonant voice. His manner is
that of the courtly gentleman and
soldier, somewhat reserved at first, but
growing delightfully."- affable as the aC
quaintance procee IS. His mind shows
a wonderful grasp Of the affairs or his
country in all their details, and his
friends feel pardOnable pride in the
wonderful growth and advancement
of Mexico under his wise and benefi-
cent administration. He has been
president of the republic for more than
20 years and has recently been elected
by reclamation. So great is public
confidence in him he can hold the
office as long as he Will consent to
act, and he is as much esteemed by
foreigners as he is by his own people.
All in all, think President Diaz will
rate with the greatest presidents pro-
duced by the American continent,
which has turned out some pretty good
ones. New York Sun.