Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-07-03

country. dissipating its wealth. ex-
hausting its resources and exposing
its policy TO international complica-
tions.
4 hope gentlemen, that when the
passions which are inherent TO all rev
oIutions have been Gained, 2 more
conscientious and just study will bring
out in the national mind, a correct
judgment, which when l die, / may
carry craven on my soul as a just es-
innate of the life which have devoted
and will devote to my countrymen."
The revolution led by General Fran
cisco / Madero. Jr., had brought about
the aged presidents reported pledge
early in 1911 to resign his Office in q
bargain for peace. but on May "a the
day on which the resignation was eT-
pected, it was not forthcoming Riots
occurred that day in Mexico City.
during which many persons were kill
ed The national palace was stoned
by mobs shouting viva Madero." and
demanding to know why Diaz did not
resign. The next day he read his let
ter of resignation to the chamber of
deputies A large majority voted aye;
the other legislators rose and bowed
their affirmation as their names were
called.
The minister of foreign affairs. Leon
de la Barra, was Immediately chosen
provisional president and Diaz. eff
whom for IS years all Mexico had
stood In awe. left the capital, secretly
the next day, to embark at Vera Cruz
for Europe Since then he had lived
virtually an exile in Paris and other
European cities, a silent observer OF
still more troublesome times in the
land he had long ruled.
The views General Diaz held Of
these subsequent happenings were
reported mainly by rumor He auth
orized but few interviews, and those
in the main were those Of an old man
grieved over his own misfortune and
those Of Mexico He longed to see.
peace reestabHshed, and was often
quoted as having urged the now for
mer President Huerta to cult TO pre-
vent a foreign war. He was repeated
" reported on the point of returning
to Mexico. but he denied that he ever
would, unless Mexico was drawn into
war with the United States, or unless
it was for him to die In his native
land.
General Diaz was born in 1880. His
family were of old Spanish stock with
an infusion of Indian blood. Left faith
erless at the age Of 8, he was educated
at the expense of the bishop of Oaxaca
with the intention of becoming a
priest, but he eventually turned to law
and then at the outbreak Of the war
with the United States turned to a
military career. He served through /
out the struggle in q militia company
which he helped organize, and after
peace was declared he made a special
study of military science. He and one
other were the only two in the coun-
try who dared openly oppose the con-
tinuation Of Santa Annals dictatorship.
His execution was ordered, but he es-
capped and Joined Herrera's revolt, He
speedily made a reputation as sol
der. and as a brigadier- general he was
the chief thorn In the side of the
French forces, when, taking advan-
tage OF the Civil war in the United
States. they attempted 10 place Arch |
duke Macmillan of Austria on the
throne OF a Mexican empire. Diaz har-
raised the enemy constantly, and in
June. 1877. captured Mexico City with
his forces. On the reestablishment OF I
the republic he was unsuccessful as a /
candidate for president but in 1877 he /
was elected to I'LL the unexpired term !
of the fugitive president, Lerdo- His
last and eighth election was In July, /
1910.
To Diaz was given credit for the ad-
vance Of Mexico to the status Of a /
stable, progressive and prosperous /
government, although the autocrattc |
methods he employed were widely crit !
icised.