prosperity. The advance of the republic was rapid, and of that stable nature which indicates the forward march of civilization. The railway undertakings subsidized by Diaz were carried into effect during the rule of Gonzalez, who, notwithstanding the poverty of the treasury, provided the money required to pay the heavy instalments; and it is a remarkable fact that under his government no company was ever left unpaid.
Trade and industry were considerably encouraged; the army was reorganized and provided with the best arms and artillery known in the world; there were constructed bridges, causeways, wharves, and other necessary works at the ports; public buildings, well deserving of special mention, were erected, such as the custom-house at Mexico; the telegraph service was extended, and public education zealously developed by the government. The moral tone of the people was gradually becoming more elevated.[1] Owing to the excellent organization of the rural police, malefactors, formerly rendering the highways unsafe, were done away with, and crime notably decreased.
In order to meet the great expenditure called for by so many material improvements, Gonzalez devoted his attention particularly to the reorganization of the public treasury. During the first three years of his administration, the financial condition of the country was very much improved, with an increase of several millions of revenue. As to the point of order in the management of funds, the most perfect system was established; indeed, it was during Gonzalez' term that the treasury for the first time had a perfect system of accounting.
Notwithstanding all these improvements which the country received the benefit of under the government of Gonzalez, giving him a right to be enrolled among its most liberal rulers, his administration experienced a period of adversity, which was in its last year. The
- ↑ Memorias of Fomento y Guerra and Hacienda.
