ceeded to the presidency on the death of Juarez; and, after a series of hazardous adventures and bold exploits, collected a force sufficient to defeat Lerdo (who fled the country when his fortunes were by no means desperate), captured the capital, assumed the presidency, and subsequently obtained a ratification of his proceedings by a nominally popular election. Although he is understood to have come into the possession of large wealth and great estates (in Oaxaca) since his first elevation to the office of chief executive, he is now believed to have the interests of his country supremely at heart, has appreciated the necessity and favored all efforts for establishing and extending popular education, and is undoubtedly disposed to be as liberal and progressive as the difficult conditions and influences by which he is surrounded will permit.
It is not, furthermore, to be denied that many of the men associated with the present or recent Administrations of Mexico are of very high character and fine abilities. Thus the present Minister of Foreign Affairs—Ignacio Mariscal—is a man of great ability, a finished diplomat, and who, in addition to conducting his department with success under several Administrations, has also served as minister to England. Another dominant force in the government is Manuel Romerio Rubio, the father--
