The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1911-07-07

was "a years ago, way DdCA IL
1877, that Gen. Porfirio Diaz was
first elected constitutional presi-
dent of Mexico. His last and
eighth election was In July. 1917.
His career since his early youth.
much of which was spent in poverty.
has been adventurous and picturesque.
He was born in September, 1880, MS
father being Capt. Jose Faustino Diaz'
lineal descendant Of Bernal Diaz
del Castillo. the companion and his
Photographer Of fernando Cortez.
AS a boy General Diaz was educated
for the priesthood, but the death OF
his father forced him to some lucra-
tive employment and he became
drug clerk. While working at this
humble occupation by day. he studied
law and taught school at night
Juarez. governor Of Oaxaca. met the
young man at this point in his career
and became greatly interested In
him.
The invasion Of Mexico by Gen.
Winfield Scott In 1847 gave General
Diax his first great chance. Young as
he was. he Joined the army and fought
vigorously against the Americans.
On the conclusion of peace he re-
sumed his law studies under the
tuteiage Of Juarez, but political upris-
ings invariably found him in arms.
and he finally attained to a colonelcy
in the army. giving distinguished
service at Oaxaca and Jalapa.
Head Of Highest Court.
His great services soon won him
notable recognition. He was raised
to tho presidency Of the supreme
court. which in Mexico gives the same
rights of succession that q vice-pres-
ident has in the United States. The
election OF Juare5 to the presidency
found General Diax In full accord with
him. but politics soon wearied him.
and he resumed his military career.
serving brilliantly as brigadier gen.
eral against the conservative insurrec-
tionists.
On his return from q two months
campaign in the mountains, where he
had many narrow escapes. he found
himself popular hero in Mexico.
Juarex. q dictator. had managed 30 to
embroil himself with foreign govern
ments that fleets Of foreign warships
were sent to Mexico. Then followed
the French invasion in 1862. Dias vas
the great hero Of the defense. While
Juarez was raising troops, In the in
terror. General Diax pitted his raw
men against the trained veterans Of
France and won great victory. He
was finally overthrow. however, and
taken captive.
He refused q parole and made his
escape. 30 that In 1863. when the
French after capturing the City Of
Mexico. proclaimed as emperor the
Archduke MAMMALIAN Of Austria, Gen.
eral Diaz was able to take the fieid
and reorganize the army Of Mexico. Of
which he soon became communicating
chief.
He was captured in 1865 BY Marshal
Baxaipe while In a conference held
under dag Of truce. Bazalne urged
Macmillan to shoot General Diax, say
Ing that he was the most dangerous
enemy the imperial cause had, but
the emperor tried bribery instead.
General Diax could not be won BY
either threats or brides, and finally
made his escape. For months after
ward he kept up . constant guerilla
warfare against thA French.
After the capture and shooting OF
Maximilfan. In 1867. General Dias was
nominated for the presidency By the
progressive liberals against Juares.
He was defeated. and his partisant
raised the cry Of fraud. General Diax
was himself convinced that he had
been cheated. and from that time On
there was the bitterest enmity Be.
tween him and his old friend Juarex.
In 1871 Juare8 again defeated Diax for
the presidency. but soon aftervard
died. his once falling to Lesdo. his
statutory successor.
General Diax was an uncomprom,e.
Ing opponent Of Lesdo and In 1878 r.
raised the standard Of rebellion. IA
was captured. kept prisoner aboard Z
warship, but managed to escape ~
jumping overheard. Later he vas
again captured, but again made Tia
escape and went 70 Oaxaca. whore -
raised m army Of 1000 men. win