The Washington herald., 1908-09-04
ANOTHER TERM FOR pIAz.
Movement for Reelection of Aged
Mexican President.

Movement for Reelection of Aged
Mexican President.
Frrn the Bossan Trans--irt
The announcement that a movement has
been started IN the state of san Luis Po-
tosi. which is likely 20 spread 10 other
states. TO exert moral pressure upon Pres
ident Diaz 10 accept another term as head
Of the republic Is an indication that Mexi-
can politics are likely TO be more inter
estng and perhaps more sensational dur
ing the next two years than they have
been during the last twenty. Tie cleo
tions take place IN 1870 At that tine. z
he lives, Diaz viii be eighty years Of age.
and though a man OF extraordinary phys
ical and mental vigor. for his weight OF
years. he has shown a sensible reaIiza ton
of his natural limitations by the an
nounceme1t that he should not run again.
For twenty-eight years out Of the last
thirty-two he has been President OF Mex
ico. The interregnum was from 80 tc
lsS4 when his intimate personal friend.
Gen Gonzalez. occupied the Office. the
constitution not permitting his own re-
election. but the need of his wise direc-
tiou was so apparent thar the constitu-
ton was amended. and he has continued
70 direct his country's destin-es Uniuter-
ruptedly since
Il has t,-- r. era Of peace. order. and
prosperity such as Mexico had never. pre-
vi0usly known J-5sr his rule about
21ede miles Of -a-I1o-L have been built.
government revenues have grown from
Sl5.o00.010 70 Sis. 60 o1l. and investments
OF foreign capital 20 the amount Of more
than s. -. .1l1 GO have been made He
has commanded q degree OF confidence
not only az home. but abroad. that is
little less than phenomenal considering
what the previous history Of Mexico had
been. Not long ago Secretary Root said
OF him that he seemed TO him Of al liv-
ing men the one best worth seeing and
Fthe editor Of one Of our popular msga-
zines has ventured 10 call him "-he great
est man OF the continent" While super
latives are hazardous. It Is perhaps safe
to say that in the last quarter Of a cen
tury no other one man has done so much
for his country as DIaz has done for
Mexico. He has developed a high order
Of craftsmanship and Of a kind particU-
larry adapted to a solution OF the prob
lens with which he had 70 deal
As thoushtful men Of the republic look
backward and forward II Is not surpris-
ing that they should contemplate with
apprehension the wlthdra wal OF his firm
.
But he as well as they has been looking
into the future He is a patriot as well
as a leader. and after me the deluge"
Is not a position that he IS content to
take. He is anxious that Mexico should
90 forward on the new lines Of civic or
der and economic progress that he has
laid down. He desires to see the success
sion pacifcally established ere he goes
hence. and without doubt the great in
fuence that he has acquired would go
far toward securing a consumnation so
devoutly TO he wished
He has apparently been seeking to di-
rect events 10 that end Ramon Corral.
for whom the position Of Vice President
was created. is the man, II is believed.
that be wishes 20 see step into his place.
He has had large experience in public
and executive affairs He understands
the Presidents policies and sympathizes
with them Could Diaz see his work
crowned with a prospect Of peace and
permanenCe he would doubtless be ready
to say, Now let thy servant depart in
peace" and as he is likely 20 be able TO
contribute NOR TO that result by retiring
than by continuing in Office until the last
call. he VIII probably not give a favor
able response 10 the opportunities that
have been set on foot