New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-08
PRESIDENT PORFIRIO DIA2
Credited with the Development and
Prosperity of Mexico.

PorArio Diaz for thirty years dictator
Of Mexico was born eighty-one years ago
His family was OF old Spanish stock. with
an infusion Of Indian blood Left father
less al the age of three. he was educated
at the expense Of the Bishop Of OaXaca
with the intention of becoming a priest
but the young mans refusal 70 obey an
ecclesiastical order thwarted this plan, and
he studied law instead AT graduation he
had an offer Of a profes sorship. but the
outbreak Of the war with the United states
turned him 10 a military career
He served through that struggle in
militia company which he helped organize,
and after peace was declared made o spe-
cial study of military science. He and one
other were the only two in the country
who dared openly oppose the continuation
Of Santa Ana's dictatorship. Hts execu-
ton was ordered. but he escaped and
Joined Herreras revolt He speedily made
reputation as q soldier. and at tho age
Of Twenty-Five was appointed Chief OF Po-
lice Of 1Xtlan.
Diaz. now hrgsdier general, was the
chief thorn IN the side Of the French
forces, when, taking advantage Of our
Civil War they attempted 70 place Maxi
milan on the throne OF 9 Mexican En-
pire once he was taken prisoner, but
escaped He hscassed the enemy con-
stantly till 1855, when, at the battle or
Oaxaca. he was forced 10 surrender Sec
ond time Again he escaped. and in 1861
besieged and captured Puebla. Immedi-
atelv thereafter he marched on Mexico
City. which surrendered 20 him on June ~
Twice more before his dictatorship was
established Daz Headed revolutionary
movements On the re-establishment Of the
republic he had been an unsuccessful candl-
date for President In 1872 and 1876 he led
revolutions against tho government. and
after three severe battles occupied the cap
it5l in the latter year.
He was frst elected President IN 1871 20
M the unexplred term Of the fugitive Pres
ident. Lerdo. According 10 the agreement
made at the time, he was ineligible to sue
coed himself His secretary, General Con-
zales. was elected President and Diaz was
appointed chief justice Of the Supreme
Court and elected Governor of Oaxaca.
But his first term had produced such
beneficial results for the republic that he
was reelected in 1854, and two years later
the law forbidding President 10 succeed
himself was abolished. lie was continu-
ously reelected thereafter, the eighth time
on June g. 1910.
To Daz is given the credit for the adj
vance of Mexico TO the status of stable,
progressive and prosperous government al
though the autocratic methods he employed
have been widely criticised.
President Diazs first wife daughter Of
rr. Ortega REYES, died during his first adj
ministration. In 1852 he married Carmen
Romero Rubio. daughter of Manuel Romero
Rubio. a noted lawyer and statesman. lie
has no children By his second marriage
His children by his first wife are Armada
Mrs Ignacio dc Il TorrcJ. LieEtenant
Colonei Porfrio Diaz and Luz CSlis. +.
Rinco Gallardo).
Although the political campaign brought
tc light much dissatisfaction with his CON
tinued rule. the disturbances which Gull
minated in tie present instruction did not
arise Until after his opponents found them
selves beaten al The polls.