The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1911-05-24
Officeseekers Already Max
ing His Life Mis-
cradle.
HIS IS THE DUTY
OF RECONSTRUCTION
As MAN Behind Madero" He Has
Tremendous Work-News-
papers in Revolution"

MEXICO CITY, May A.-Al Mexico
has an attack of band wagon madness
and Francisco L. de la Barra, minis
ter Of foreign relations, and slated for
president ad interim, has fallen for
coolies of attention form the pork
barrel circle. His office In Avenida
Juarez near the Iron Horse Is a per-
petual jam, and men who formerly cool
ed their heels in the outer chambers of
the palace, or the Diaz residence, have
abandoned the old for the new hope.
Mr.. de la Barra has been a busy per-
son throughout a busy diplomatic life.
Since he took over creei's job after the
recent cabinet smash he has clipped of
sixteen hours Of good for his country
each day. with no time to observe bank
holidays OF white sales. Mexico's little
big man worked some, and to rub Il i'll
and show their appreciation Don Por-
hrio and Don Pancho snaked Mr.. de la
Barra into being president.
de Is Spolls OF wa-. His best friends
have unloaded more trouble on his dip
lomatic shoulders than rest on those of
any Lattn-American.
Has Many Problems.
Now he Is confronted by a thousand
problems growing from the aftermath
Of revolution-when he steps into the
chair from which Diaz is ducking, he
will have more: 1t IS true he will have
the steadying company Of Frank Ma
dero. jr.. for Madcro will be the power
in the inner office-but the president ad
interim must be the mouthpiece, he
must wear decorations, and walk always
within range OF the spot light.
When there are no receptions he will
give some time to the reorganization
OF shattered republic; will consider
claims from thousands Of foreign resi-
dents who suffered losses or injury
during the revolution; foreign powers
will ask indemnity for a dozen wrongs;
thousands of widows and orphans will
ask pensions; he must hear the appeals
starving people whose crops were de-
vastated or never planted during the
months of civil strife. There will be
appeals to the president from every
corner on every phase of the national
government, and there must still be
large outer waiting room at the minis
try of foreign relations is crowded now
lit can't, but it will be worse.
Garry Nations Worry.
Mr.. de la Barra must do more than
shape a new republic-he must lift an
old one from the, mire of a thousand
troubles and tangIes. and the fates viii
have surrounded him with helpers of
little or no experience-he will carry the
worry of a nation-he must guide his
people through an election wherein they
must follow lines entirely contrary to
a well-formed custom; he must see that
the people really get a vote, that the
count is square. and that the election
goes to the man who wins. He has a
big job. Mr.. de la Barra is the news
paper man's-best friend. Since he re-
turned to Mexico he has been the one
steady hope of the clan. The boys have
been admitted to his office or home
with a like welcome, and though he
has been the busiest man in Mexico he
always has time to at least say there
is a great hope" Aside from being
busy he is the most hopeful man in the
country-he Is our DR.. Munyon when he
lifts his diplomatic finger and says
there is hope" we feel II, the cables
repeat 1t and the newspapers OF the