CHAPTER XIX.
DIAZ, GONZALEZ, AND DIAZ.
1877-1887.
Political Programme of Diaz — Installation of Congress — Diaz Elected President — Opposition to his Government — Mutiny of the Crew of 'La Trinidad' — Foreign Relations — Difficulties with the Untted States — Joint Commission on Claims — Adjustment of Claims — The Northern Border Troubles — Their Settlement — Attempts at Reëlection Defeated — Administration of Diaz Reviewed — President Gonzalez' Biography — Guatemala's Claim to Chiapas — Adjustment of Dispute — Foreign Relations — Internal Affairs — Progress of Mexico — Gonzalez as an Administrator — The Modified Stamp Act — Recognition of Debt to British Bond-holders — Diaz Again Elected President.
While Diaz was absent much anxiety had been caused in the capital by the action of the press and certain ill-balanced individuals, who sought to divert the revolution from its true progressive course by inculcating reactionary principles. In order to counteract the effect of such doctrines, Diaz on February 16th issued a circular,[1] in which he set forth that it was his intention to restore constitutional order as soon as possible, and firmly carry out the promises of the plan of Palo Blanco with regard to constitutional reorganization, the security of personal guaranties, and the reforms prescribed therein. The revolution, he stated, was not reactionary or retrogressive, but liberal and progressive in its principles. In conclusion, he wished to impress upon the nation that the present executive was not exclusive in his views of govern-
- ↑ See Diario Debates, 8° Cong., i. 142; and La Voz de Méj. . Feb. 20, 1877, in which a copy of the circular will be found.
