The Detroit times., 1912-10-24
nx WlLLIAM q. sHEPHERp.


PARIS, Oct. 24.---I had to make an
appointment In advance to see ex.
President Porfrio Diaz, who Is liying
In This gay capital Of the French In
retirement.
Ali sorts OF people from all corners
|of the world move about In Paris
even anarchists, even pistol-heeled
patriots.
SO figure 1t that the ''Iron Man OF
Mexico" IL taking no chances.
Whatever may happen In the land
OF the Aztecs. am quite sure. now
that I have interviewed him, that
Senior Diaz has no hope of ever ruling
there again or taking any part In Its
politics. He Is SO and although he
looks strong and hale as q healthy
American Of 70 would look, he Ii be-
ginning to feel his years.
Diax feels that he did much for
Mexico and his experience Of the past
two years has saddened him. He
does not mix at all In any society
here. His closest and indeed his only
associate and confdant 10 his beauti-
|ful wife, Carmen, many years younger
than he.
found the ex-president In his com
Portable but not luxurious apartments
and during the course Of our talk he
ermitted me to take the accompany
ing photograph.
told the ex-president that had
travelled on Madero's armed train In
the triumphal trip to Mexico City and
followed with the question:
How could Madero have prevented
the growth OF another revolution"
1T requires an iron hand" said the
old man, his eyes swapping. In all
revolutions crime and lawlessness
will arise to the surface, In all forms.
II II necessary to correct this at Its
first appearance, as soon az q revolu-
ton IL ended, with great severity and
prompt action. II 1t is not stopped,
1t blossoms and fruitens into rebel
lior."
Madero, 1 knew,sh.a not made any
such effort.
Then Diax told me OF the famous
order which he gave Immediately az
tef--his revolution against Lerdo, 80
years ago.
when I approached the capital OF
Mexico with my army" he said, dur
ing the last days Of Lerdos govern.
r1en., rebellion began to appear In
many forms. all over the land. is.
sued circular with the object Of sup
pressing this condition. This circular
provided instant death for theft and
certain other crimes. In the history
OF Mexico this Ia known as the Cir
cuIar OF Yuxtlahuaca," because ! was
I'm that city, with my army, when
sent It forth.
The provisional authorities and
the chiefs OF my army declared the
measure cruel one. But within two
moaths, as foresaw, rebellion ceased
and the country was at rest. The
circular was withdrawn and the mum.
Der CT executions had been less than
TEL"
"what do you think OF the future
OF Mexico?" / asked.
4 "I'n sorry cannot tell you,' he
answ cred. Il do not know enough or
the men who are now In office."
He believes, however, that the men
who surround Madero, will also SUI.
round the next president, after
Ma ieros term Is ended. He feels
that a clique OF men. and not Madero.
have gained control OF the Mexican
government. His opinion Of these
men IL not high. Madero he consid-
ers honest, but weak.
asked him why he left Mexico. In
stead of remaining to fight.
"I left to avoid an international
conflict. which felt would be newt
able. II I remained" he said. In the
OF 1911 there was no re.
srect for the lives and property OF
foreigners. did not wish TO shed
blood or to struggle. at the risk OF
my country's Independence, to retain
the power had held for 30 years.
My greatest desire In life now"
he concluded, is to see Mexico at
peace and on the highway to pros
per.ty. The consequences Of the revo-
luton OF 1911 are very unfortunate"
. Il