davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21

and armed at regular rates, but from
whom no bugler. not even Gabriel him
self, could bring forth an answering
here"
Porfirio Diaz, dependent for many
years on the word OF others and be-
lieving all faithful who extolled his
name. could not cope with a condition
demanding real vigor and penetrating
sight. The "Cientifcos" lacked at this
crisis a broadminded leader capable Of
apprehending larger things than the
immediate profits of their schemes;
they were too busy with their contracts
and their privileges to bother about the
crazy" Madero. In no direction
that one might turn was there a prac-
teal man Of brains and initiative upon
whom Diaz in his moments OF uneasi-
ness as to the future could rely to act
with zeal and faithfulness and judgment.
Surrounded by thousands OF fiatterers,
the man OF the Iron hand" was helpless
and alone.
In every respect the situation became
more perplexing and more menacing in
the month OF December. To Limantour
In Paris came reports from many
sources, the news generally dlsquleting.
ample In volume yet imperfect, because
there were secrets still locked in the
bosom Of destiny. He perceived in part
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21
HOW RAILWAY MERGER CAUSED MEXICAN SITUATION

Francisco Leon de la Barra. Ambassa-
dor of Mexico to the United States.
At the Hotel Imperial was DR.. Francisco
Vasquez Gomez. chief OF the Madero
junta at Washington. Jose Yves Lii
mantour, Minister OF Finance to Porfrio
Diaz, went to the Hotel Plaza, and as
soon as he was properly installed he
sent out for the newspapers Of the day.
The headlines startled him. as In various
forms they had startled the people OF
the United States from ocean to ocean.
Senior Iimantour saw in these lines OF
heavy type a threat that the game Of
cards which has been mentioned would
be interrupted by the great policeman
OF the western world and he stake
confiscated. For by an odd coincidence
that was the day when the news was
published that President Taft had or
dered 10000 troops to be sent at once
from their widely scattered posts to San
Antonio, Tex, ready for active service.
The Minister Of Finance was too wise
however. To infer that this meant inter-
vention. He was inclined to believe
that De In Barra would be able TO as
sure him that 1t was only a threat in
tended to favor one side or the other in
that game OF cards. not to break 1t up
altogether.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21

parture and protracted absence Of the
ablest financier and statesman that
Mexico ever possessed were due to a
sense of injury There is a kind of
self-esteem which partakes OF the ma
ture of vanity without descending to
the trivial: and Limantour 10 full of II.
He. was influenced thereby to choose
the task abroad which would round
out his own career and to abandon
other tasks at home which involved
humiliations and the unbearable an
noyance OF small. daily defeats at the
hands Of interiors. Such contention
often induces in men Of large capacity
and fine fibre a nauseating discourage
ment which causes them to fall by de-
fault while success lies easily within
the scope Of their powers. There had
been no mortal quarrel between Liman-
tour and Diaz. though ] scent a graver
disagreement than I am able to sub
stantiate by proof but what certainly
had taken place was quite as infuen-
tial with the Finance Minister as the
tabled threats Of vengeance and hurl-
ing of canes would have been.
Limantours hold upon the dictator
as his one really capable adviser had
been weakening for many months. and
early In the year 1910 the truth be-
came too plain to be ignored. 1t was
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21

become dividend payer. He could
secure control of the Central at any
moment, but 1t would be useless to do
so while the Mexican Government held
the National Line to Laredo and could
make or break the Central at the within
OF those who might come into power.
Under existing conditions. Hartman
argued. none Of the railways could be
operated with efficiency or made to
yield the profit which modern methods
could extract. Until these methods
should be applied the development Of
Mexico's resources must be greatly re-
tarded. Mexico with its millions of
acres Of untitled land was importing
wheat and cotton its manufacturers
OF woollen and cotton fabrics were
hampered by excessive costs Of raw ma
terial. Flour was an untasted luxury
for nine-tenths OF the population. Ma
tive sugar was supplied in great cones
unrefined. Many rich mines were re-
mote from transportation. Stock rails
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21
Was Chief Reason for Minister Absence
From Country, During Which fine
Madero Revolution Was Hatcheo

Ten minutes later, from a booth at
the chemists on Sixth avenue at the
corner OF Fifty-seventh street, he called
by telephone a friend of his, an Ameri-
can who speaks Spanish.
THE secret service men are after
me-" said Gustavo in that tongue. Il
have just had rather narrow escape.
Somebody has made an application at
Washington to have me extradited to
France"
That night and the two succeeding
days Gustavo remained in hiding at his
friends home in Sixty-ninth street.
And in what manner did Diaz pass
these final hours. while the nation he
had ruled 20 long was breaking from
his grip? In complete oblivion, save
for a few minutes OF partial conscious
ness. He had been contending with q
foe closer than the mob that rose
against his rule, no other than the
most ancient enemy of man. sheer pain.
His delay in signing his resignation had
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21

then that he laid his plans for an ex-
was completed; he would undertake a
new labor in the refunding Of the ma
tional debt to per cent basis. put
ting the credit of his country on a par
with that of leading nations and by the
same stroke establishing his own fame
for the bankers with whom he must
deal would represent the worlds imam
cial judgment, and their acceptance Of
the refunding plan would be in effect
an Endorsement OF Limantour's life
work, his record OF sixteen years as
Minister Of Finance. 1t was along the
lines Of his policy that Mexico had ad-
vanced to so strong a position in the
money market OF the world. His three
conspicuous achievements. the method
by which the parity Of tho. peso was
maintained. the system for the issue
and control Of the circulating medium.
and the merger Of the railways. would
all be covered by this certificate of APP
prevail Here was undoubtedly a tempt
ing prospect, with small risk OF misad-
venture.
On the tenth day after the close of
the centennial celebrations Francisco
Madero. Jr, who had been In prison
for his opinions was released. At this
time his cause had no visible organiza-
ton worth considering. nor any known
support which could excite the alarm of
Diaz. The reformer, being free, crossed
the northern border and remained In the
United States for forty days. but the
Madero idea was in Mexico, spreading
fast. At the end of the forty days
the little leader returned to his native
land and marshalled the peon rabble
that had been waiting for him into a
grotesque semblance OF military array
against the mighty Diaz, the solidity Of
whose government was still being
trumpeted through the world Here was
a very small David to challenge so
great a Goliath.
The news Of this outbreak came
promptly to Limantour in Paris. and no
man alive was better equipped to under
stand all the Issues involved. At the
least 1t meant disturbances in northern
Mexico which would certainly be fol-
lowed by friction with the United States.
As 10 the revolt itself he understood
perfectly that 1t was based upon the
fabric OF a vision and built OF promises
impossible Of fulhlment. Yet it had
seized upon the Imagination of the
poems and was gaining steadily in open
opposition to Dlaz. Sharp measures
would suffice to put II down, but Llman-
tour saw reason to doubt that they
would be effectively employed.
The old fogies OF the Cabinet, grown
stiff with age and inaction. were worse
than useless. The army was honey
combed with padded muster rolls and
petty larceny. More than half the roster
were men Of straw who were clothed
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21

Discussion OF the revolutionary de-
mands had taken a long time and the
Maderos were still uncertain OF Liman-
tours intentions when he startled them
by saying that he purposed giving all
the assistance in his power to effect the
reforms which they desired. He was
convinced. he said, that the movement
they represented was entitled to con-
sideration because 1t evidently was be-
coming popular. What he could do to
bring about peaceful. solution should
be done
Concealing his establishment and joy
as well as he was able Francisco, ST.,
accepted the statement literally and
proceeded at once to practical details.
Diaz must resign; a provisional Presi-
dent must be placed in office and fair
election held
Limantour stopped Madero's flow of
words by emphatIcally declining to say
or TO hear anything whatever upon the
subject Of the resignation OF Porfirio
Diaz. Even from Madero's standpoint
the resignation of Diaz should be seen
to be an error, Limantour asserted,
adding that he himself would view 1t as
calamity. He spoke sharply, in a tone
than rebuke: they warned that It was
the friend Of Diaz to whom the Maderos
were talking and not a conspirator.
Father and son looked at each other in
dismay. Without the resignation of
Diaz their hopes were vain.
There was silence that seemed long
then Limantour spoke. The sharpness
had gone from his voice; his manner
was calm and dignified. He could not
but recognize the possibility, he said.
that vacancy might occur in the
PRESIDENTIAL office. What might bring it
about he did not know. One thing he
knew; 1t would not be due to his
agency or consent. But 1t was neces-
sary lhat ne should consider the results
10 Mexico of such lamentable event.
lhmantour was now more than the
kindly host; he placed his hand on
Gustavo's shoulder and said in a tone
or fatherly admonition
Young man, you have committed
grave errors. You have converted to
improper use funds entrusted to YOU
ana you have attempted to sell re-
puuiated bonds For your familys sake
and for the sake OF your aged grand
ia'her l counsel you to mend your
ways"
Whlle Limantour was yet speaking
the telephone rang. Having answered
1t he came RAPIDLY across the room
ana spoke few words in Gustavo's
ear For an instant the young man
STOOD mot'onless. recovering from
very considerable shock Then, without
giving Limantour time 20 offer his
hand--if he should wish to do it
Gustavo turned away with a gesture
OF gratitude and farewell and hurried
from the room.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21

not been due wholly to natural reluc-
lance or to lingering hope. For some
days he had suffered tortures from a
tooth which, 1t is said. had been I'M
skilfully treated by his dentist. The
resignation OF Corral, conditional upon
the Presidents, came to hand on
May 20, but Diaz between pain and
opiates was incapable of considerate
action and the business was put Off
On the afternoon of the cath. while
the nation waited and the rioters were
gathering in the city, the dictator, who
had at last gained relief from his
physical distress. tottered feebly into
the library of his house on Cadena
street and sat down at his desk to sign
away the power that was so dear to
him. His wife. who had assisted him
into the room, withdrew to avoid the
sight of his humiliation. How long he
stared at that paper or what attempts
he made to set his name 10 1t no one
knows, not even himself Probably
quite soon the sleep. of which his aged
body had been cruelty deprived of late,
EMBODIED him irreslstibly, and he passed
to where lost Kingdoms, and even youth
itself. are won again in dreams.
Three times his wife looked in upon
him as he slept. She would not rouse
him, and 1t was after nightfall-when
the mob had overrun the plaza and the
mischief was under way-that he
opened his eyes. Still but half awake
he was led away to bed, and for the
whole night he lay in profound slumber.
1t was next morning that he wrote the
name of Diaz for the last time on an
nffi al nit % 49, - Il
side, steadying his hand.
Both nights / had dined at a res
taurant on Avenida San Francisco,
three squares from the zocalo. The
second night at midnight walked with
friend along the now almost deserted
street TO its ending at the plaza. scene
of the vast assemblage and the cruel
massacre so little while ego. Perfect
peace reigned everywhere; the square
and its environs lay deserted under a
brilliant moon.
But even as we moralized over a
people who faced bullets but who ran
from rain, a new sensation was brew
ing. At that hour Diaz In disguise was
making his way from his town house
on Cadena street to the residence OF
Gov. Gonzalez OF the State of Mexico.
over beyond the zocalo to the east, we'll
past the San Lazaro station OF the mar
row gauge railway to Vera Cruz, stood
n train that had been waiting for three
days On the train, watchful and ready.
was a crew OF trusted men. Out on the
line ahead was an advance guard" To-
connective on a siding was a follower"
train filled with troops under the COM
mand OF Gen. Victoriano Huerta.
At 2 o'clock the Diaz family began to
arrive In motor cars--Donna Carmen
and her maids, Porfirio Diaz Jr., and
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21

ing, except in the northern States. was
haphazard and unremunerative, and
within fifty miles Of Mexico city native
farmers were ploughing with a crooked
stick.
The remedy lay with the railroads.
and the only practical solution of the
problem which their inefficiency pre-
sented was n general consolidation.
Six years would have seemed a long
time to Hartman for the completion Of
this bit of business, but aside from any
difference OF ability and experience,
there were obstacles which multiplied
as Limantour advanced. and of course
he lacked the pecuniary resources which
the American would have had at COM
mand. Sharp criticism was inevitable:
scandal was to be expected, for when
have they failed to follow a consolida-
ton Of such magnitude? 1t was every
body's business. for the Government
was involved as the ultimate holder OF
voting control which necessltated a
large capitalization and as guarantor OF
the issue OF second or general mortgage
bonds of which $500, 10000 (Mexican)
were authorized. Critics thought the
sum excessive, and they attacked the
being burdensome and perilous. Scan
dial mongers found material in the array
of counsel which Limantour employed
and In the distribution OF fees--a matter
out Of which more trouble was manu-
featured than might have seemed pos
sble.
1t would appear therefore that the
story OF violent quarrel with Daz
NH hA daI M hat tHo~
explanation must be found for Imam
tours absence from Mexico city for
more than eight months-July II. 1910.
to March 20. 1911--in which period the
revolution OF Francisco Madero became
serious peril TO the State and the atti-
tude of the Government at Washington
toward that of Diaz underwent 80 great
and significant a change.
Never before during his tenure Of
office had Limantour absented himself
for so long a time. and never had his
Government so needed his guiding hand
He was in close touch with Mexican
affairs during the entire period. Sew
enty-one neatly labelled letter files
standing side by side on the topmost
row OF shelves in his library--with its
red leather fittings. its beautiful Gobelin
tapestries and pleasant windows over
looking the Avenue Victor Hugo in
Paris-are filled with Mexican corre-
spondence. by cable and mail, for those
months. II is surely remarkable that
thus informed he should have remained
abroad. even upon an errand important
TO his country's credit, while influences
were at work on the other side Of the
ocean to undermine the, Government on
whose stability that credit in a great
measure depended.
The truth SENS TO be that the de-
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21

the lessening cordially between Wash
no loss for a reason; the heavy Ameri-
can interests in the northern States Of
Mexico were exerting their influence.
These interests were close observers of
conditions; they saw the Government Of
Pornrio Diaz seriously threatened and
were preparing to gain such advantage
as the situation afforded.
A good understanding gathered from
many years dealings with the men con-
trolling the American mining and rub
Der enterprises aided Limantour in in
terpreting their desires with accuracy.
Intervention in Mexico by the United
States Government would result in i'm
mense gains for them 1t would be their
first choice. But II Intervention should
not come. they hoped for a Government
to succeed Diaz which would be amen
able to the propositions which Dlaz,
ever encouraged by Limantour, had
steadily rejected. The American cor
pofations which had invested heavily
in Mexico were managed by men who
had accomplished sensational results in
the United States by methods which
Mexico, thus far. had not permitted
them to use. With Limantour out and
Diaz deposed or resigned they could
barter Washington recognition OF the
succeeding Mexican Government in en-
change for the privileges they coveted.
1t was not conceivable to Limantour
that these interests were satisfied with
looking forward to Mexico presided
over by an idealist reformer such as
Francisco Madero. Jr.. but 1t was quite
credible that they viewed with COM
posure the efforts that young man was
making to disrupt the Diaz Government.
While this was going on the prospects
for intervention were good. But failing
this great desideratum, which would be
the precursor Of annexation Of a large
part OF Mexico's territory. a new Gov
eminent must be set up. That new Gov
eminent the American corporations
were planning to dominate. but they
must have some other man in view
than Madero.
During the few days Immediately fol-
lowing the receipt OF the answers to
his letters OF January ~ he was busily
occupied In cabling to Mexhv, 10 New
York and to Washington. On the eth
OF February he left Paris In response
to his countrys call, and on the 7th of
March stepped from the French liner
to the New York pier.
He made the fifth in an oddly as
sorted company assembled In the Ameri-
can metropolis to play out a game Of
cards with Mexico az the stake. In a
suite on the fourth floor Of the Hotel
Aston were Francisco Madero, Sr.,
and his son Gustavo brother OF the re-
former, They were the financial man
ayers Of the Madero revolt In another
apartment under tho same roof was
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-21
Former Editor Of La Prensa" and THE
Daily Mexican" Tells of Limantour
and Edward II. Hartman Deal

fANI occurrences which the
MI writer saw and the characters
i " l. OF many persons he knew in
Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1914-06-03

JOINT RECITAL.
Mr.. Reed Presented Mrs. Stuart Horne
Pianist, and Miss Evelyn Sanders.

At Carnegie Hall Tuesday morning
at 10 o'clock. Mr.. Herbert w. Reed
presented his pupils, Mrs. Stuart w.
Horne, pianist. and Miss Evelyn Nj.
Sanders. contralto. in joint recital.
The stage in the auditorium was
artistically arranged and many cut
flowers, palms and ferns completed
charming background for the clear
toned piano. which stood near the
front of the stage.
Mr.. Reel gave word OF welcome
to the large audience present, assuring
them of his appreciation and also that
of his pupils for the splendid patron
age OF the hour. He gave brief out
line of the work of the year accom-
plished by these pupils, after which
was given the following program. The
even numbers are the vocal numbers
given by Miss Sanders, the odd num-
bers the instrumental numbers. by
-i.G. l.o.lc.
Sonata Pathetique 80. Beethoven
Grave, Allegro di Motto, Adagio
Cantabile.
? Elizabeth's Prayer from Tam
Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1914-06-03
EIGHT ROAD BOND ELECTIONS
HELD DURING MAY
Seven Of Them Carried for Total
Sum Of 100000.

Fort Worth, Tex. June 3.-The
Texas Business Mems Association mss
completed report relating to the road
and bridge bond elections which were
conducted in the various counties OF
the state during May. and according
10 their figures. eight elections we're
held In seven counties. resulting IN
the issuance of bonds in the sum OF
s7OA, 900. Only one proposition 70
authorize bonds was defeated during
the month and that was held In the
league precinct OF Freestone County,
involving road bonds to the amount OF
$3.50. 900. This is more than twice the
amount OF road bonds authorized dur
ing the same month OF 1918, and is
also q substantial Increase over March
and April OF this year.
Following are the counties. pre-
cincts. dates and amounts OF the sue.
cessful issues:
Pell County. Rogers precinct. May
I, $250,000; Blanco County, road dis
trict No. 1, May 81. $4,000; Fannin
County. Bouham district, NAY 16
s25O,OO0: Milan County. road district
No. s. MAY 81, 100000; San Patricio
County. causeway bonds May %, $50.
900. 2avala County. entire county
May 70, $4,000; Zavala County, pre-
cinct No. I. NAY -. $4,000.
The defeated election was held In
Freestone County May 90, and in
volved highway Improvement bonds
totsling $150,0OO.
The issuance of the s250.000 bonds
in Bell County last month brings the
total authorized for road building in
that county since the first OF the yeaI
IN an even million dollars. The pro
ceeds of these elections will afford
sufficient funds for the construction
Of a COMPLETE system of highways
throughout Bell County.
The good roads advocates in the
Bonham district Of Fannin County
won a decided victory when they car
! ried the S250,000 issue in the face oi
two defeats inside OF three months
This proposition carried by an over
whelmng majority and its success
was large attributed to the unswerv
inc sunnort afforded the project by
the Ronham Chamber OF Commerce
and the naners Of that city.
Only two voters opposed the Is
suance of the $4,000 causeway bonds
in San Patricio County last month, the
final vote being for 227 against ., The
proceeds of this election will be USED
to construct causeway across Nueces
Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1914-06-03

Bay connecting the mainlands OF San
Patrlclo and Nueces Counties.
This work viii be started as soon
as the bonds are approved and dis
posed OF.
The two bond issues in Zavala Coun.
~ we're given handsome majority
at the polls, there being only one dis.
senting vote cast against the $4,000
issue In precinct No. /.
According to the members OF the
commissioners court the proceeds OF
the $4,000 election will be used to
construct a section OF the Southern
National Highway. which passes
through this county. The $4,000 Is
sue will be devoted to road improve.
ment general In the entire county.