The Canon City record with which is consolidated the Canon City cannon., 1916-07-06

when you stop ana look the PROPOSE
tion squarely in the face
The United States army had little
difficulty in conquering the army of
the Mexican republic. But our gov
ernment had some difficulty in finding
government long enough on the job
at the Mexican capital. to ne. otiate
and conclude peace terms. The Mex
lean government changed chief execu-
tives eight times during that short
three years war.
In 1861 the party then in control of
the capital found itself hard up, as
usual-a little harder up, perhaps,
than usual. So it decided to separate
church and state and to confiscate
the property of the church. This price
of political diplomacy brought into
the government about s4O0, ,OOO, 900 in
convertible property and lands equal
ling about one-third OF the country.
But this brought on trouble with
England, Spain and France. and these
counties proceeded to have "interven-
ton" Later England and Spain were
bought off. France could not be salts
fed So in 1868 Macmillan was sent
over by Napoleon and was elected
emperor. He was actually elected by
the Mexican people but French army
was in control of all polling places.
There was nothing unusual about
this election. except that Macmillan
was resident of Austria, for ali cleo
tions in Mexico have been largely
influenced by the armies led by aspir-
ing candidates.
The election was Immediately con-
tested by other would-be emperors or
presidents who had armies at their
command. 1t took four years. how
ever, to bring about change. In 1867
they got Maximilian and took him out
and shot him. He bore up bravely.
lhowever-no doubt being proud of the
fact that he had been longer on the
lob than any of his Mexican prede-
cessors. Also for the fact perhaps.
Mexico alone had not been able to do
the job. The Monroe Doctrine had
played a part a-d the United States
r n h t;ooTs frcm Mexico.
| About this period we first hear of
| young general by the name of Por-
drio Diaz. He did valiant service in
upsettilg the Maximilisn empire. His
success was so great that he soon
heard the presidential bee buzzing.
After Maximilian's sudden death in
1867. up to 1876 there were several
presidents. Diaz had run but was de.
feated. So he started a contest with
his branch Of the army. This revolu-
tion contest finally proved successful
and the army following Dlaz elected
him president. This was In 1876. He
lived his term out and bowling to the
constitution which provided for sin
gle term at a time, retired. placing a
personal friend. Gonzales, on the
throne. That was in 1881. Diaz went
back to the army. being commander
in chief This enabled him to keep
his political fences up in tip-top shape.
In 1884 Diaz was elected president
again. The constitution was changed,
the four-year limit being taken on. and
Gen. Diaz succeeded in holding the
presidency until 1911, being uncrown-
ed in his old age by the Madero revo-
luton.
Madero was a candidate for the
presidency against Diaz In 1910. But
as the election day approached Gen.
| Diaz had his opponent. Mr.. Madero.
put in jail for safe keeping. and Gen.
Diaz won the day with hardly dis
senting vote.
Wnen Madero got out of jail b.
started a revolution. That was in
1910. This revolt tion progressed sue
cessfully, being well financed by the
Madero family and on May 10, 1911,
Juarez was captured.
On May 25th, 1911, Cen Diaz, being
past so years of age, and tired of the
strenuous life, resigned the presidency
and left the country.
Then the real troubles OF Mexico
began.
OF the ninety years OF Mexican in
dependence up to 1911. Gen. Diaz ruled
as president for 81 years. His reign
was the only period In Mexican his
tory which was even comparatively
free from wars and rebelIions. Hc
had plenty of internal troubles but
was able to put them down.
Diaz was president aad the Mexi-
can people are very Jealous Of their
Republican form of government. but
he ruled with an iron hand and no