The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-03-15
HERALD REYES AS
D|Az'S SUCCESSOR
Strongest Man in Mexico
Able and Deeply Be-
loved by Army.
american News Service)

Washington, March 15.-Among
persons here who possess first hand
knowledge of certain phases of the
situation in Mexico by reason of their
former residence in the southern re-
public the opinion is almost unani-
nous that the man who is destined to
ultimately succeed Porfrio Diaz as
the head of the government is Gen.
Bernardo Ryes, for many years gov
ernor of the state of Nuevo Leone of
which Monterey is the capital. Reyes
! is man over sixty years old, able, en-
terprising and deeply believed in by
the army.
General Reyes was born in the city
of Guadalajara and at the age of 16
went into the ranks of the Republi-
can army. which was then fighting the
French invaders. He at once became
noted for his gallantry and was "A mil
itary parsonage of distinction before
he had reached the age of % years.
He was present at the siege of Quere
was made prisoner. After peace was
career and figured in several minor
revolutions with great valor The
battle of Villa Union was the scene
of his greatest triumph. 1t was for
| conspicuous gallantry here that he was
made brigadier general. In this con-
fiict he was wounded three times.
AS reward for his services in the
field General Reyes was appointed
military governor of Nuevo Leone, and
it was said that the real reason for
the latter's appointment as minister
of war was to bring him to the City
of Mexico where a more watchful eye
could be kept upon his movements.
The change, however worked to the
profit of General Reyes. He learned
much through his association with
DiaZ, Limantour and other men of
great ability within the government
| circles. AS minister of war. moreover
he had many opportunities TO strength
en- his popularity with the army and
it is said he used these to the best
advantage. Among other things he in
creased the pay of the soldiers and
introduced many minor reforms that
tended to better their lot. 1t was gen.
orally believed at that time and after
wards that the troops stood ready to
follow Reyes in any movement.
AS a consequence, when Gen. Reyes
resigned his post as minister of war
and again assumed his favorite Office
as governor of Nuevo Leone, the Diaz
government continued to keep sharp
eye on him. In fact the government
understood the situation SO well that
no complete regiment of troops ever
was left in the command of Reyes for
more than six months. After that it
was broken up on one or another eX-
cuse and sent to some other part of
the country. About five years ago
when war threatened with Guatemala
and troops were rushed by the Next
can government to the Central Am
erican border President DiaZ was sick
and there were fears for his recovery.
Coincident with this situation an eX-
cuse was found to withdraw nearly all
the troops from Reyes territory and
leave him only skeleton formations.
I
disposal Again about two years ago
when discussion was rife as to the
probable successor of Diaz, following
the election of Ramon Corral to the
vice presidency. anti-administration
riots occurred in many parts of the
republic and cries of Viva Reyes"
and Down with Corral" were heard
on all sides. President Diaz then en-
deavored to get General Reyes out of
the way by appointing him to go to
Europe on special mission, but the
plan was not successful Neverthe-
less. Reyes. with admirable self con-
troll, refrained at the time from taking
any advantage of his acknowledged
popularity and from the beginning of
the present insurrectionary move
ment he has remained inactive, feel
ing confident. perhaps, that the course
of events would ultimately be to his
advantage.
General Reyes is described as short
of stature, a typical Spanish-American
in appearance, quick of action and rap
id of speech. He is said to possess a
magnetic personality. which especial
ly appeals to the young men of his
country, and he has long been their
idol. In his long career he has shown
himself to be not only capable as a
military leader. but also an efficient
administrator of civic affairs. Under
his rule the state of Nuevo Leone be-
came the most progressive in Mexico
and the capital city of Monterey the