The weekly tribune and the Cape County herald. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1914-1918, 1915-07-09
GEN. P0RFIRI0 DIAz
IS DEAD IN PARIS
Former Ruler of Mexico, Sue
cumbs in Exile at Age
of So.

| StilSJ July Z-Ien. I0ftlflO DlaZ
former President of Mexico, died at Z
O'Clock this morning.
Gen Diaz's Sonora Carmen Romero
Rubio Diaz, and their son, Porfirio
Diaz Jr., and the latter's wife were at
the bedside when the end came.
Gen. Diaz was born in 1880. His
family were of old Spanish stock, with
an infusion Of Indian blood. Left IA
therless at the age of 3, he was edu-
Gated at the expense of the Bishop of
OaXaca, with the intention of becom-
ing priest, but ne eventually turned
to law, and then, at the outbreak of
the war with the United States, turn
ed to military career.
He served throughout that struggle
IN militia company which he helped
organize, and after peace was daclar-
cd he made a special study Of mili5ary
science. He and one other were the
only two in the country who dared
openly oppose the continuation OF San
"a Annals dictatorship. His execution
was ordered, but he escaped and Joined
Hcrrera's revolt. He speedily made a
reputation as a soldier, and as a Brig
adier-Gcneral, he was the chief thorn
IN the side of the French forces, when,
taking advantage Of the Civil War in
the United States, they attempted to
place Archduke Maximilian OF Austria
on The throne Of Mexican empire.
Diaz harrassed the enemy constant
t., and in June, 1867, captured Mexi-
CO City with his forces. On the re-es-
tab!ishment OF the republic he was IN
successful as a candidate for Presi-
dent, but in 1877 he was elected to fill
the unexpired term Of the fugitive
President, Lerdo. His last and eighth
election was in July, 1910.
To Diaz was given credit for the adj
vance Of Mexico to the status of 4 sta
bic, progressive and prosperous gov
eminent, although the autocratic
methods he employed were widely crit
icised.
The letter With which Gen. Diaz an
nounccd, May %, 1911, his rcsigna-
ton from the Presidency of Mexico
after having been master Of the cOun-
try for % years gives in his own
words an interesting glimpse of his re-
mark4bIe career. 1t reads.
Sir: The Mexican people who gen
erously have covered re with honors,
who proclaimed ne as their leader
during the international war, who pc
trioticalIy assisted me in all works IN
dertai.en to develop industry and the
commerce Of The Republic, establish It's
credit, gain for it the respect of the
world and obtain for it an honorable
position in the concert of nations
that same people, sir, have rcvoltcd in
armed military bands, stating that my
presence in the exercises OF the Su-
prcmc executive power is the cause Of
this instruction.
Il do not know OF any fact imputa-
bic to ne which would have caused
this social phenomenon, but permit
ting, though not admitting, thai may
be unwittingIy culpablc, such a posi-
bility makes me at least able to rea-
son out and decide my own culpability
respecting as have al
ways respected the will Of the people.
and IN accordance with article 81 of
the Federal Constitution, / come be-
fore the supreme representatives OF
the nation in order to resign, unrc-
the office Of Constitutional
President OF the Rcpubica with which
the national vote honOred me, which
| do with the more reason since, in or
der 70 continue in office, it would be
to shed Mexican blood, en-
the credit Of the country,
dissipating its wealth, eXhausting its
resources and exposing its policy to
international complications.
u hope gentlemen, that when the
passions, which are Inherent to all rev
have teen Gained, q more con-
and lust study will bring
out in the national mind, correct
Judgment which, when l die, | may
carry craven on my soul as a Just cs-
innate of the life which ! have de
voted and will devote 10 my country
men,
LJSITANIA WITNESS HELD