Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-14

of Mexican Independence, was slain. He,
however, still lives in the memory and
hearts of the people, and his pictures
adorn the humble homes of the poems as
well as those of the wealthy; his noble
deeds are told by every tongue. and the
soil of uahua, where he laid down his
life by many is considered almost sacred.
Mexico's Liberty Bell.
The old church bell that rang out for
liberty in that quiet night in September is
still in existence, and is as dear to the
Mexicans as is the old bell that on July A.
1776. proclaimed liberty to the American
people. On the night of September II of
each year the president of Mexico rings
that same old bell and eXcains as did Hi
dalgo, Viva Mexico! Viva la Libertadw
and the grito is repeated by thousands.
They consecrate themselves anew as they
recall the trials. the bloodshed and sacri-
fees that followed the death of Hidalgo;
they speak of the passing Of the tickle
empire of ItuIbide, the rule of Santa Anna,
the war of reform and the war of French
Intervention. which ended June 10. 1867,
when Emperor Macmillan died from bull
lets fired by Mexican guns. They speak
of the triumphant return of President
Juarez and his death In 1872, and the cleo
ton in 1915. Americas centennial year. of
General DiaZ as president of Mexico.
Hidalgo's soul, like that of John Brown is
marching on. Revolution and evolution
nave produced fOrNrlO IlaZ, the most
unique character in Mexican history a
veritable Quetzalcohuatl. He is one Of the
greatest soldiers of his day, and worthy
to carry out the Inspirations Of the great
Hdalgo. General Diaz is now seventy-two
years of age. and his whole life has been
one Of activity for Mexico, which he has
so ably and faithfully served.
A student at the time Of the Mexican
war, he enlisted and fought against the
United States. He after affiliated with
the liberal party in its struggles against the
conservatives. He was a potent factor In
the overthrow Of Santa Anna. He was con-
spicuous In the war of reform and was ever
at the point of danger. as the wounds he
received In battle testify. He opposed the
French invasion, and was in command of
the Mexican army that on May 5 Gel cinco
de Mayor 1862, captured Puebla after a
siege of nearly a month. Later, at the
same place, he was taken prisoner, but
was successful in making his escape
Again he fought the French and was again
captured, but again he escaped. With his
characteristic determination he raised new
troops and successfully contended with the
enemy. In 1867 he captured Mexico city,
which ended the war and French rule in
America.
Elected President.
There being no need for his services Cen
eral Diaz returned to his country place, La
Novia. On the death of President Juarez,
Lerdo de Tejada was chosen to succeed
was great opposition to his candidacy for
reelection. General Diaz became the leader
Of the opposition, a revolution followed,
Diaz was victorious and entered Mexico
City in November, 1876, and was chosen
president. This office he held until 1880
when he surrendered it to the new presi-
dent, General Gonzales.
During the next four years he served his
country in many places of responsibility
and trust. He visited the United States as
commissioner to the New Orleans exposi-
tion where all who met him became his
firm friends. In 1884 Gen. Diaz was again
chosen president of Mexico and has been
reelected as often as his term of office
expired. the last time every commercial
and other interest favoring him, a high
tribute to any man. How could they have
dona otherwise, for under his administration
law and order have been firmly established
property is secure, prosperity has taken
the place of depression justice has been
administered, right has taken the place
of wrong. I hear nothing but praise for
the qualities of mind and heart of this
great man. who is courageous. practical
and tactful. When he came into office he
found parts Of Mexico terrorized by bandit
II, led by fearless and determined men, who
had been outlawed for opposing the rulers
These men were outcasts and had to live.
and they thought they had to live by plum
der. He opened communication with them,
offered them amnesty, offered positions i'm
the army. in civil administration and else
cent highway police of Mexico, were at
first largely recruited in this way. In a
short time disorder disappeared, the old
bandits were engaged, in preserving order
and carrying out President Diaz's wishes in
making Mexico the great country nature in
tended 1t to be. During his administrator
the revenues have more than doubled and
are sufficient to meet all expenses mining
has developed to gigantic proportions aeyri-
culture and stock raising, in fact, every in
dustry has grown phenomenally. He is now
engaged in stimulating local manufactures
by protective tariff. His policy is to ad-
init nothing free into Mexicosif It can be
made or grown there. President Dtaz knows
exactly what Is going on In each state In