The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1911-08-11

Was % years ago. way DdCk III
1877, that Gen. Porfirio Diaz was
first elected constitutional presi-
dent Of Mexico. His last and
eighth election was in July. 1910.
His career since his early youth,
much of which was spent in poverty
has been adventurous and picturesque.
He was born in September. 1890, his
father being Capt. Jose Faustino Diaz,
a lineal descendant of Bernal DiaZ
del Castillo. the companion and his
Photographer of fernando Cortez
AS q boy General Diaz was educated
his father forced him to some lucra-
tive employment and he became a
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 1s47 gave General
Diaz 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
tutelage 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 the presidency OF the supreme
court, which In Mexico gives the same
rights of succession that vice-pres-
ident has in the United States. The
election of Juarez to the presidency
found General Diaz 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 a two months
campaign in the mountains, where he
had many narrow escapes. he found
himself a popular hero In Mexico.
Juarez, a dictator, had managed so to
embroil himself with foreign govern,
ments that fleets of foreign warships
were sent to Mexico Then followed
the French invasion in 1862. Diaz vas
the great hero Of the defense. While
Juarex was raising troops In the in
terror, General Diaz pitted his raw
men against the trained veterans OF
France and won a great victory. He
was finally overthrow. however. and
taken captive.
He refused a parole and made his
escape. SO that in 1868, when the
French after capturing the City OF
Mexico. proclaimed as emperor the
Archduke Macmillan of Austria. Gen
eral Diaz was able to take the field
which he soon became commander-in
chief.
He was captured in 1865 by Marshal
Bazaine while in conference held
under flag of truce. Bazaine urged
Macmillan to shoot General Diaz, say
/ lH6 thot hC "oo thC lHpot udn6SlOus
enemy the imperial cause had, but
the emperor tried bribery instead
General Diaz could not be won by
either threats or brides. and finally
made his escape. For months after
ward he kept up a constant guer.lls
warfare against the French
After the capture and shooting o.
Macmillan, In 1867. General Diaz wa.
nominated for the presidency by the
progressive liberals against Juarez
He was defeated. and his partisan.
raised the cry of fraud, General Dia;
was himself convinced that he hat
been cheated and from that time OF
there was the bitterest enmity be
tween him and his old friend .Juarez
In 1871 Juarez again defeated Diaz for
the presidency. but soon afterwart
| died, his Office falling to Lesdo. hi!
statutory successor.
General Diaz was an uncompromis
ing opponent of Lesdo and in 1875 h,
raised the standard of rebellion. II,
was captured. kept prisoner aboard ,
warship. but managed to escape b,
| jumping overheard. Later he wal
again captured, but again made hi,
escape and went to Oaxaca. where h,
-aised an army OF 1000 men Witt