The Washington times., 1903-05-17
Oast Returns Secured, Not
Alone tn Treasures in Gold,
SiLVer, and Copper Dag
From the Earth, But in The
Development of Great Az
ricaltaral Regions That
Haze Weber Been Worked.

of self protection they simply vote Cen
eral Diaz into his position again at the
expiration of each term. Never was a
president so blessed with the power of
holding office
And holding Office in such a way. the
whole power OF government is vested
practically in hinl-actually. IL not nom
inaliy.
But General Diaz Is not the man to
take advantage OF his position TO further
his own ends. He fought for his coun-
try too long in his younger days to i'm
pede its progress or welfare in the
slightest He stands at the head OF
every movement to advance the public
good. With such a large part OF the
population unable to take part in THE
management of affairs. he is naturally
thrown largely upon his own resources.
The slightest affair in Latin-American
countries, as a rule, will cause an up
rising of the people against the admin
istration. no matter how loudly they
commended It when they put II there.
Consequently. for the good of the re-
public. as we'll as for his own welfare,
President Diaz rules with firm hand.
He knows the needs of his country as
no other man, with possibly one or two
exceptions. knows them And he acts
according to his own dictates His acts
are often disapproved by the populace,
not infrequently led by false leaders:
but the peculiar circumstances by which
he holds Office, and his practically I'M
limited power, make him well-nigh un-
assailable.
Talk of His Successor.
Not a little speculation is openly in
dulged is as to who will be General
Diaz's ultimate successor. The general
is now seventy-two years old. or all
the men at the lead in political affairs
in Mexico, only two appear to stand a
show of succeeding to the presidency.
These are Secretary of Finance Liman-
tour and General Bernardo Reyes. ex-
minister of war. or the pair. Senior L.
mantour, as il seems at the present
time, is the most probable man for the
presidency. He is an accomplished states
man, and is thoroughly in touch with
the country's needs. possessing, besides.
the high ideals cherished by General
Diaz.
Until quite recently General Reyes
was considerably the more popular can
didate for the office. Some time ago, It
is said. he was at the head of a party
that was formed to attempt his cleo
ton. President Diaz got wind of the
matter, however, and sent for General
Reyes. AS the outcome of the affair.
Reyes was given the portfolio of the
secretary of war. considered the high
est Office in Mexico next TO the Presi-
dent. All went well for time. His
presidential boom was dropped.
After the general had left the cabi-
net. 1t is claimed by persons of author
ity. he made various statements detri-
mental 20 the government portion
of the people opposed the granting of
so many concessions TO Americans, and,
it is said, Reyes took sides with this
clique
Very recently, as the story goes, his
SOP. also man of considerable promi-
nence. openly and strongly criticised
the government, in which he was aided
by the general himself. Now there is
an article in the Mexican constitution
making certain sort OF criticisms an Of
fenss.
Although the affair has never gained
publicity, even in Mexico. IL was said
upon good authority a short time ago
that President Diaz had secretly ban
ished General Reyes from the country
for his transgression of this particular
clause of the constitution. The actual
truth or falsity of this matter could not
be learned, but ii is very significant
fact that the general has been prepar-
ing for a visit TO Cuba of indefinite
length In which case the presidential
field will be left entirely 10 Senior
Limantour.