The morning journal-courier., 1908-01-04
JOSE LIMANTOUR The Man Who Engineered Mex co on to a Gold
 Basis. A MARVELLOUS FINANCIER Also Benefaetor of His Country in
 Many Other
 Ways.

Jose Yves Limantour, minister of the treasury of Mexico, is at present the national hero, the Theodore Roose- welt of the southern republic. He has proved himself the most marvellous tinancier his country has ever produc- ed. His success in establishing Mexi- can finance on a gold basis, after many years of silver tluctuation, has been the chief cause of that nations awakening. A writer in the World To- day dwells upon Senor Limantour's business genius and tells of his activi- ty and interest in other phases of Mexican life. He says:
 No sooner was the monetary ques- ton settled than the people realized the tremendous importance of the event. When Senor Limantour was seen on the streets of Mexico City he received ovation after ovation and the people whispered, "Diaz's successor There is no man in the country so em- inently qualified to succeed our great president" But the minister of finance quickly suppressed this talk He has al- ways enjoyed the presidents closest friendship. and more than any other person has minute knowledge of his chiefs accomplishments. He knows that no man in Mexico is so capable of filling his position as the present in- cumbent of the Mexican executives chair
 The Mexican people have been re- minded time and again that no thing of interest to the public has been too small to invite the encouragement and assistance of the minister of finance. An accomplished musician, it was through his influence that the splendid national orchestra reached it's present stage of perfection. He was the father of the plan which caused the Mexican government to send a limited number of talented young people. musicians, artists, and those of other high pro- fessions, each year to Europe to be educated properly. at the expense of the republic. The foreigner who goes into ecstasies over the magnificent parkway around the castle of Chapuf- tepec recognizes the hand of master landscape gardener in its composition. A close student of landscape garden ing as well as architecture. it was Sen or Limantour who planned this superb show-place surrounding the former home of Nlntezunla, now the prcsi- dents summer palace.
 MeNicans with justlfabie pride tel how Scnor Llmantour secured the money to build the nati3nal railway to Tchuantepcc. recently completed. the magnificent new national postetllce in Mexico City, opened las, February; tte fine harbors at Vera Cruz mi Wan5an'lio and those now in col- struction ot Sallna Cruz end Coa.za. coalc5s the Lew water ststem in tl e federal district new pubic schoG.s lflblic buildings. and ilncrous bri lSes "licll were SO badly ih itd. The lo1n for these improvements, s40,0O0. 900. was made through New York brokers to apply on obligations and bonds. With especial pride the Mexican states that his government pays no broker age or commissions for the sale of bonds, and gives no guaranty but the good name and credit of Mexico This loan consisted of titles which pay only four per cent. nominal. and as they are sold at 9S per cent, they are equiv alent to money lent at 4.4g per cent.
 Jose Limantour is one of the mos, distingushed-looking men in Mexico His coloring and features are those of the scholar. His face is pale and his snow-white hair, burnsides, and mus. tache enhance his pallor and belle his 54 years. When his tall, slight figure appears on the streets of Mexico City he is greeted with the same adoratior as the beloved President Diaz In the early days of his public ministry. tho people were wont to confuse Senol Limantour's dignity with coldness anc pride. There Is no such misunder. standing now, for the Mexicans recog. nlze modesty in his dignity, and hi, many helpful deeds have taught then that he is ono of the most responsiy, and warm hearted men fin the repub lie.
 Sonora Limantour is of famou, Mexican family, the Canas. Her fatheI Is the present president of the cham bers The home life of the Mexican minister of finance is ideal One of tn, busiest men in the world, he still find, time to devote to his family. He Ina! an office in his city home which i invaded every day by men on business He travels about the country in hi own private car, and his family in variahly travel with him. His one idol ized daughter of the house marriet into one of the best Mexican families and. with her husband. MioueI d.
 lturbe, resides in Paris Their thre
 babies are the joy and pride of tn
 Limantour-Canas-Iturbe families 15-year-old son, Guillermo. complete the Jose Limantour family. Like hi father, his education is to he who'll Mexican. He is being taught the gosne of work bv example as well as pre cept, for the head of his house
 though one of the wealthiest men i
 the republic. spend more hours eac day working than the lowliest peon i
 the country.-Literary Digest.