Evening star., 1902-04-26
At THE WHITE HOUSE
A Talk About Affairs in
Mexico.
DIAZ'S S q UCCESS0R
PROBABLY WILL BE THE MINIS
TER OF FINANCE.
More Pressure by Senator Pritchard
for Southern Man in Cabinet
-Today's Callers.
DIAZ'S SUCCESSOR

One of the Presidents visitors today was
a District man who has recently been on
a tour through Mexico. He gave the Presi-
dent his views and observations OF the
country and the people.
Among intelligent Americans who visit
Mexico there is always food for thought
and deep interest in the question of who is
likely TO be the future executive head of the
republic south of the United States and It
| is probable that this government keeps in
formed as to developments I'm this direction.
President Diaz is in the seventy-second
year of his age and has been looking for
ward for some years to the time when he
will be able to leave the presidential office.
He is too broad and patriotic a man. how
ever, to retire until his succession has been
satisfactorily arranged. The general belief
that president is elected by popular suf-
frage in Mexico is more less Of myth.
The best element of the people is COM
PEELED to unite upon a strong man as presi-
dent and see that he is elected Conditions
are such that any division of opinion and
support by these people would mean revo-
luton and the rising of those classes that
have no qualifications and no desires for
order and good government. II is a case
of the best element of Mexican people
standing together or paying the penalty.
That is why they have repeatedly reelected
Diaz as president and have practically
given their assent that he shall pick out
his own successor. They stand ready TO
sanction his choice and will cordially sup
port that choice when the presidential cleo
tion is held three years from now.
His Probable Successor.
Up to within the last five or six months
it has been generally understood by leading
Mexicans that Gen. Reyes, secretary OF
in the cabinet of President Diaz, would
be the man to succeed to the presidency In
case of the death retirement of Diaz.
The opinion now prevails in diplomatic
circles In the City of Mexico and among
those who keep posted as to affairs in the
republic, that the man who stands highest
in the favor of President piaz Is Senor
Temantour, the secretary of finance OF
Mexico. He is said to be the brainiest man
in the Mexican cabinet. but is not pop
ular with the Mexican people as Gen.
Reyes, who, as commander of the Mexican
army, is the real power in Mexico next to
President Diaz. Without his full consent
Temantour could not be president OF
Mexico.
The next chief executive of the republic
must like Diaz, be able to do with the
army as he desires, and no Mexican is
said to have greater influence among the
soldiers than Reyes. He was The governor
of one of the Mexican states years ago, and
became so strong and so popular that
he was really the only formidable rival
old DiaZ saw this and called General Reyes
to the City of Mexico to make him secre-
tary of war, at the same time letting IL
be understood that Reyes would be his
successor. What has brought about the al
legged change to Temantour is not known
among the diplomats. The chief Interest
this country would have as between these
two men is that Reyes is a Mexican by
birth and blood while Temantour's parent
age is French and his sympathies are pos
sibly in that direction. The United States
might get along better with Reyes.
Diaz May Take Trip.
There has recently been some talk in
Mexico that President Diaz wants to make
a trial of some one, and to do so is going
away to Europe on a long visit, leaving
the executive functions in the hands OF
Temantour, Reyes or Vice President Mare
schal. The latter is seventy-three years old
and has no aspirations for the Mexican
presidency permanent office. He
would like to occupy the position for a
time because of the honor and prestige. IL
President Diaz does go abroad MareschaI
would expect to act as president during his
absence being willing that Temantour and
Reyes should settle the permanent presi-
dency without giving consideration to him.
The understanding is that If Temantour
should be the successor Of President Dia1
either temporarily or regularly he would
give way after one term to General Reyes
who is said to be a wise and conservative
Mexican.
Southern Cabinet Officer
Senator Pritchard of North Carolina had
a long conference with the President this
morning on matters which We're not made
public. Senator Pritchard at nearly every
opportunity, is putting before the Presi-
dent the desirability and adyisability OF
having a southern man in his cabinet. The
President likes Senator Pritchard, and
would be glad to meet his views to a
cabinet place If political and other grounds
would warrant it,
Senator Foraker talked with the President
about some Ohio matters.
Senator kearns of Utah presented some
friends from his state. Senator kearns
will leave tonight for Utah to be absent
about ten days.
Representative Henry c. Smith of Mich
igan presented Judge E. ID. Kinne of Ann
Arbor and Thornton Dixon, the prosecut-
ing attorney of Monroe county, Mich.
Consulship for Kentuckian.
4 he Kentucky republicans are making a
strong effort to have Charles Erdman given
a consulship. Mr.. Erdman has a splendid
record in the consular service. He resigned
a German consulship during the Mckinley
administration. Representative Boreing
was at the White House today TO press
Mr.. Erdmans case.
Senator Burrows saw the President this
Senator Jones of Arkansas pre-
sented some ladies. Senator Mitchell had
the President. Representative Storm also
fria