The Washington times., 1902-12-28
Confidence of Presi-
dent iaz-Opposed by
His Predecessor, General
Reyes, Who IS Candidate
for Head of Government.
Sudden Change in Monetary
Standard From Silver to
Gold Basis to Have I'M
portant Effecton Selection
of Next President.

Ges- Francisco z. Mens. who has been
appointed secretary Of war and marine
Of Mexico as a result OF the changes
which have just taken place in the Mex
lean cabinet. stopped 20 Washington last
night On route for his native country TO
take mp his new portfolio. His stay in
this city was purely accidental and was
caused by the breaking down OF the
train on which he was travelling near
Trenton. \. J. Rot desirOus Of spending
the night IN the sleeping car. General
Nena took the next train for Washing
ton and engaged a suite OF rooms in the
Hotel Raleigh.
General Mena was accompanied By
two companions. ". d. Pierson and Il.
a. Waters, anu, two servants Every
precaution was taken BY the party 10
conceal its Identity. Tor the reason. as
explained by one member. that time
was too short in which to call at the
Mexican embassy and pay proper re-
spects." Il was intimated that the hotel
was much more comfortable than the
quarters at the embassy. The recent
changes which have occurred in Presi-
dent Diaz's cabinet. It Is surmised. may
have had mor--to do With the desire on
General Mena's part 10 remain incos.
than the explanation given.
General sfuua mas just returned from
N s-f~
Of the troubles in Official circles at homs
he decided 70 hasten to the City OF
Mexico with all possible speed. Ths
journey will be resumed this morning.
Members Of Party Reticent.
The party kept close to the hotel all
evening. When asked about their visit
they said it was due entirely to the ac-
cident TO the train. Further than that
they declined 10 make any statment
General Mena is a picturesque indi-
vidual He Is about six feet tall. very
broad shOuldered. with a large head
and long beard. His complexion is
swarthy and his hair coal black and
cropped OF short His costume last
ttA1@AA vac aA1N AAAA4Ns NUAAcAoAAME OA a
long Prince Albert coat. light vest. and
striped trousers. bright tan shoes. and
richly colored socks. which showed
plainly beneath his trousers. which were
hitched up in that fashion peculiar to
the Latin races.
The changes which have occurred In
Mexico's Official circles within the past
few days viii bring about two great
political divisions. the head OF each
being a candidate for the Presidency 10
succeed Diaz- on the one side will be
arrayed the commercial. financial and
professional interests supporting Senior
Limantour, minister Of finance. On the
other viii be those who favor a strong
army man for the Presidency.
The question now uppermost is who
viii control the military General Reyes.
who has just resigned from the post Of
minister OF war. to which General Mena
has beer named. was the creator OF the
Second Reserve, and strengthened him
self with the public while in Office in
many ways. General Mona. his success
sor, has the entire confidence OF Presi-
dent Diaz and Senior Limantour
New Monetary System.
The sudden change in the monetary
standard from silver TO gold will also
have an important effect on the selec-
tion Of the next President Of the Re-
public. That the change will seriously
affect the business interests Of the coun-
try is regarded as a certainty. This. it
is believed. will give Senor Lamantour
his opportunity as the financial man to
aid in relieving the republic and thus
secure for him the coveted seat so long
held by President Diaz.
The retirement OF General Reyes as
minister OF war has undoubtedly
strengthened Senor Limantour's chances
and has removed the former from active
competition for the presidency. General
Reyes, as a result OF his place as head
Of the army, has been considered as a
presidential possibility and even a prob
ability
Reports were current a year ago that
lack OF harmony existed between
SenOr Limanrour and General Reyes and
that they we're rivsl candidates. These
rumors we're set at rest last March by
a direct statement from General Reyes
that he was in perfect harmony with
senor Limantour, and that he heartily
supported him for the presidency. But
for the recent changes this combination
would have proven powerful one and
would have probably meant the election
Confined ., Fo,,r+..,,h D.