Evening star., 1928-12-09
STABILITY in MEXICO
AFTER YEARS OF STRIFE
Country Realizes Disastrous Results of
Political Revolutions and Looks to
Peace Under Gil.

was proclaimed, and by virtue thereof
CarranZa became the constitutional
President of the republic.
Other Disturbances Cited.
In 1919 the country was again under.
| going a period of unrest and interna,
| disturbances. Zapata continued his
warlike activities, and while waiting
| for the opportunity to launch an at
tack on the City of Mexico was met by
the federal army and completely de-
feated, losing his own life in the affray.
At this time the forces of Villa, who
had strongly intrenched themselves in
the north and were engaged In fighting
the government, as well as the military
expedition of Gen. Pershing, proclaimed
Gen. Los Angeles as President and i'm
mediately proceeded to establish them
selves in power by force of arms. After
successful campaign they compelled
Carranza to flee from Mexico City and
establish the seat of the government in
Vera Cruz. But after all Villas forces
were not to enter the capital, for Gen.
Obregon, one of Carranza's supporters,
haStened into the city, and, controlling
the situation well in hand, named
Adolfo de la Huerta as provisional
President of the republic, thereby ig-
noring his connections with his old
leader. Shortly after Carranza was
made a prisoner by mandate of the
government and mysteriously assassi-
mated. Upon the death of the consti-
tutional President Congress Immediate
ly confirmed the appointment of de la
Huerta to the presidency and set the
date for the general elections several
months hence. In these elections, as it
was to be expected, Alvaro Obregon
was elected chief executive without the
slightest opposition.
Opponents Suppressed.
With the election of Obregon to the
presidency ceased the major disturb
anceS of the country. The new govern
ment was indeed powerful. and the
severity displayed was such that the
activities of the opposing factions were
soon reduced to unimportant engage
mentS in various points far distant from
the capital
After a period of four years of stable
government, in 1924 Gen. Plutarco Elias
Gales was elected to the presidency in
a most peaceful manner by popular
vote. Ever since, until the middle
part Of this year, Mexico enjoyed peace
and prosperity. Not complete, how
ever, for there have always been minor
uprisings of certain revolutionary lead
ers, but that political anarchy char
acteristic Of those people does not exist
at the present time.
During the latter part of the Gales
regime, there arose a great danger
which threatened to interrupt the ma
tional peace-the strife between the
church and the government. This
antagonism has given rise to internal
difticultieS and to it is due the present
civil strife, which, although small in
scale, Is agitating the republic.
This condition OF affairs resulted in
the assassination of Gen. Obregon sew
eral months ago while attending a ban
quet which was being given in his
honor upon his return to the federal
government. Obregon had been elected
President of the republic by a great
majority, despite the fact that the con-
stitution which prohibited the re-elec-
ton OF an ex-President to second term
had to be amended The two prob
able opposing candidates we're found
guilty of revolutionary designs and
executed long before the general elec-
tionS.
When the assassin. Toral, brought to
an unhappy end the life of the great
Mexican leader the shock and the sur
prise to the nation were electrifying.
The eternal drama of Mexico appeared
to once more outline itself on the
horizon. There remained but two alter
natives either the country would again
subject itself to the anarchy of small
political leaders or professional poll
tlclans, who would unquestionably bring
disaster to the republic, Of it would
grant full and plenary powers to the
federal government In order to pre-
serve peace and order or impose
dlctatorial regime as the only means of
salvation. Dictatorship and anarchy
are equally deteSted by a people who
boast OF freedom and liberty.
Storm Has Died Down.
However, the storm has ceased and
once more peace reignS in Mexico. The
country has at last come to realize the
disastrous consequences and futility
OF armed political campaigns, and the
leaders have learned to maintain them
selves aloof from all entanglements un-
der the circumstances The principle
of democracy has followed its well de-
fined course, and today we find our
neighbor republic guided by provision
al President whom the law and the
will of the people have placed in power.
In another year the Mexican peo-
pie will have once more the opportunity
to elect their own constitutional Presi-
dent.
Ex-President Gales materially aided
IN the democratic accomplishment
which Mexico is today ENJOYING. by
wisely guiding the destinies of the re-
public in time when the efforts of
the most resourceful mind were needed.
A further proof of his desire for peace
and prosperity in his native land was
evidenced when he declined to be re-
elected His words in this connection
Will long be remembered in Mexico.
One term is enough for any Presi-
dent said Gales. "The constitution
is. indeed, specific in this respect, and
any infraction thereof deserves punish
ment"