Evening star., 1902-09-15

questions about the domestic concerns of
another country. But a Mexican friend,
who may have guessed my thoughts, gave
me a hint. He is known for his outspoken-
ness, but / forbear to give his name. The
occasion was at an official function when
some one had spoken of President Diazs
desire to visit Europe.
Said this parsonage: 4 think Gen. Diaz
would have gone to Europe this season if it
had not been for the Pan-American confer
ence, and probably he will go before an
other year. Your inquisitive Yankee friends
want to know what viii happen. Nothing.
Mexico will go on in the path she has been
following. But you wondering whether
his successor will be Gen. Reyes or Secre-
tary Limantour Did you know Mr.. Liman-
tour isn't fifty yet. and Gen. Reyes is only
Yankee friends that Gen. Diaz will have
successors. Don't forget the plural"
While the hint was given in raillery 1t
was pointed enough and as this is the first
occasion that has offered l repeat 1t for
general information rather than for ques
toning Yankees, the latter term meaning in
the Latin sense Americans. What the
order Of the succession will be do not
dertake to guess any more than to predict
whether there will be incidental contention
in determining it. The fact in which the
world is interested is that the Diaz policies
will be carried on by men who have been
closely associated with him and that when
the period IS reached and the choice of an
immediate successor is to be made 1t will
be one Of two men either of whom is fully
qualified for the responsibilities of keeping
MEXICO peaceful and progressive.
Popularity Of Gen. Reyes.
After President Diaz the most popular
man undoubtedly is General Reyes. This
is not simply because he is the head of the
army. 1t is more on account of his own
personality. He has the magnetic qualities
which attract men and hold them. His
to ha
1t is even affectionate. His home life is
delightfully."- hospitable one to such Ameri-
cans as are welcomed to 1t. His family is
large and he takes pride in being grand
father before sa1e, was Atty.
1t is in thes ergapization of the Mexican
have made themselves, felt This is a strong
army. much stronger than is generally un-
state Of efhsiency,, Military officials Of
from it. I heard a civil war veteran Of
note say one afternoon as he watched sew
eral battaiions returning from a long
practice march that for disciplined en-
troops against any soldiers in the world.
At the annuH review the maneuvers al
ways bring OUT unstinted praise from the
foreign military observers.
has national militia in which she takes
just pride MY attention was first drawn
to 1t on the occasion of an of1icial function
at Guadalajar when what seemed to be
the largest number of troops caused in
qufry to be made. Those are the reserv
istas. Cthe reservesp' was told. and an ex-
planation was given me OF Gen. Reyes plans
for the organization and development Of
these reserves in the different Mexican
states. They are more closely allied to the
general government than are our state
militias. and they como much nearer to
forming the basis of genuine volunteer
army. ~ St -
While his understanding Of the technique
OF the military profession and his own ex-
perience as a soldier have had much to do
with Gen. Reyes success In organizing the
Mexican army, these alone would not have
been sufficient to raise its standard as has
been done. The morale Of the officers has
been greatly advanced, both through the
example and the rigid enforcement OF the
precepts Of the secretary OF war It Is sur
prising to find how much OF Puritan aus
terity exists among leading public officials
In Mexico. They are not galioping too far
ahead OF their people. but they are not
afraid to lead in a crusade against the
fallacy that certain vices are to be let
alone because they are racial and therefore