The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1910-09-30
assessing the shadow, but
denied the substance of con-
stitutional government. Mexi-
CO Is today a political anomaly

among republics, If measured
by the standard which prevails in the
United States or even in some of the
Latin countries in Central and South
America. We are told that its consti-
tuition Is modelled after that of the
United States, that it's president is
elected by universal suffrage, that its
legislative power is vested in con-
gress, consisting of two houses like
our own, and that its people have full
political and civil rights. But study
Of conditions as they are shows that
whatever may be the appearances of
things Mexico Is as much a despotism
today as Russia; that its ruler, who
is styled its president, is as much an
autocrat as Gear Nicholas, and that he
holds power little short of unlimited
over the lives and property of Mexi-
cans.
The recent presidential election in
Mexico shows the sabsurdity of the
claim which that country makes to be-
ing republic and emphasizes the ar
bitrary power exercised by President
Diaz. The latter, with the exception
of the termr 1sS0-1sS4, has been presi-
dent Of Mexico since 1875, when he
seized the reins of power as the lead
er Of successful revolution and was
subsequently elected chief executive.
If the process Of selection could really
be called an election. Diaz from the
beginning held things with a firm
hand, and to his ability, which even
his enemies recognize, is due the sta
bility with which the government has
maintained itself since. That his
strong hand checked revolution and
that he was polite enough to foster
the Investment Of foreign capital are
factors to his credit. But at the same
time the political aspirations Of the
people to q fuller share in govern
ment were trampled upon. Freedom
Of speech and freedom Of the press, In
SO far as they conflicted with Diaz and
his policies, were empty sounds. Diaz
was not only the president of the re-
public; he was its dictator, and his
strong arm reached to every corner
Of the land to reward and punish.
4 Promise and Ito Breaking.
Naturally such a condition produced
some political unrest, and when in
March, 1908. Diaz announced that he
would not be candidate for president
again. but would aid in the establish.
ment Of democratic form Of govern
ment, for which he said the country
was ripe. there was great rejoicing.
But the exercise Of power is sweet,
and soon afterward the word went out
from oficial sources that Diax would
be candidate again. Those striving
for fuller political rights were even
satisfied with this and started an agi-
tation favoring Bernardo Reyes, gov
ernor Of the state Of Neuvo Leon, for
vice-presideut. Reyes was one Of the
most popular men In Mexico and his
supporters felt that in the event of
the death Of Diaz, who Is now eighty
years old, the government would be
safe In the hands of Reyes, and the
wave Of reform would 60 on un-
checked.
- AN goOO0 tAo IA0 OSmOCEdt6 plaC0U
Reyes in nomination, the followers Of
Diaz renominated for the same office
Ramon Corral, the most unpopular
man ii Mexico and q reactionary. And
then began bitter persecution Of
the Democrats and the Reyes support
ers on the part Of Diaz, which shat
ters the fiction that there exists polit-
teal freedom In Mexico. s;s M
Army officers friendly to Reyes were
removed to undesirable posts. Con-.
gresham Barron, who was chiefly In
strumental 81 naming Reyes for vice.
president. was banished from the
country: several other cons ressmen
were deposed !: studsnts who favored
Reyes were expelled from u state
schools: public meettnSs we're mn y
pressed nv tho police IN M md
81 various states Reyes Suppo st1rS
$500 throMn into jail. most ofs theu
dharGed With Sedit ton. IN systy
NM K ths cam NJ 10 M odo T. . g