Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-06-19
STATEMENT BY D|Az
Says He Retired to Avoid
Further BIoodshed.

SANTANDER, Spain, June 19.-The
steamer Ypiranga. with Gen. Porfirio
Diaz ex-President of Mexico, aboard,
sailed last night for Plymouth. Several
tugs. flying the Mexican colors and
crowded with cheering people. escorted
the steamer several miles. Gen Diaz
said the friendly demonstrations at Span
ish ports had comforted him greatly in
his bitter exile.
On the voyage from Gijon to Santan-
der Diaz. after some hesitation. consented
to talk. Asked II he intended to take up
his residence In Spain, he said:
1T is quite possible that after a few
months rest I shall turn my steps to
the peninsula. l speak only Spanish, and
l am too old to begin the study of for
eign languages. However. nothing has
yet been decided upon. I shall make up
my mind in Paris. where ! go direct
from Havre'
Incidentally, member of Gen. Diaz's
suite said the principal reason for the
visit to Paris was to consult specialist
with reference to the abscesS from which
Gen Diaz still suffers greatly
Although reluctant to touch upon Mex
leo, as he wishes to keep recent events
from his thoughts as much as possible
Gen. Diaz finally made this statement:
Il abandoned power when I became
convinced that nothing but war lasting
at least year would put down the revo-
luton. I wished to prevent the spilling
of the blood of the children Of my coun-
try in the fratrfcidal struggle and, above
all, to avoid the possibility of an inter-
national conflict. or even representations
from foreign powers.
the national credit and the dissatisfaction
Of foreigners residing in Mexico, who
have contributed greatly to the prosperity
Of the nation and who have merited the
H. -
work
Not Guided by Pride.
my desire was to safeguard both my
own dignity and the dignity of my charge.
without ever having been guided by vul-
gar sentiment or petty pride. and certain
ly I did not bring about this strife as
some seem to believe. to keep myself in
power I have sacrificed myself and
have given up the struggle convinced that
/ am giving better proof of abnegation
and devotion to my country by abandon
ing the reins of government and trans
hitting them to Others with the political
situation by no means desperate; with
the army, while not numerous uncon-
uuered and with the treasury. despite
heavy campaign expenses In the last six
months, still holding g., 100000 pesos.
That alone suff1ces to show the loyalty
of my conduct during the recent crisis. /
submitted myself to the Will expressed
by a portion Of my country, although I
believed II was misled. and all | ask for
nv declining years is to spend them in
tranquility in the bosom of my family,
and ardently hoping for the prosperity of
nv country, to which I have ccnsecrated
sixtv-three years of effective services
placing 1t in a good position among civil
.zed nations.
Would Not Return.
Il have broken all the bonds which
held me to Mexico. and even IL I were
asked I would not return to take part In
the politics Of the country. Only some In
ternational difficulty necesstating SUI
preme effort on the part of all Mexicans
in a close union could make me alter
my decision, but If such an eventuality