corruption of the master class, certainly no condition has ever existed better calculated to destroy the moral fiber of a race than the condition of the Latin element in Mexico's population, during the three centuries between the Spanish conquest and attainment of natural independence. It should be understood that in what is said concerning the character of the Latin-Mexicans, the great majority of that race is referred to. I know Latin-Mexicans who are men of ability and the highest probity and whom I am glad to call friends. But they are in a sad minority, and the very fact that they are honest men prevents their taking part in the activities of the party of robbers and violators of international law and diplomatic pledges, which now control the destinies of their country. Furthermore, the qualities of character which make them admirable have, in most instances, caused their banishment.
Occasionally the Latin race has produced a popular leader of the highest character and most devoted patriotism. There can be no doubt of the honesty and the single-minded devotion to the public good of a leader like Hidalgo but unfortunately he represents the exception; the rule has been found in such conscienceless demagogues as Santa Anna, Paredes, and Carranza, and the almost numberless leaders who have not hesitated to plunge the masses of the people into the profound-
