Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 July 1916 — Mexican History. [ARTICLE]

Mexican History.

Something of the vicissitudes of the life Of Mexico may be gained ram a brief glance at a chronology of important events in the country of a hundred revolutions. After the subjugation of the Aztecs by the Spaniards, Spain attempted to rule she eountrv bv enslaving the natives and inducing colonists to marry native women in order that a new race with European blood in it might be established. Various plans of government were tried, and finally the country was named New Spain and made a vice-royalty, 64 viceroys rilling over it between 1535 and 1821. Spain’s purpose in retailing the country was chiefly to exploit it without regard for the future or the na fives. This policy continued fc many years, but the natives were in practically a continuous state of rebellion. In 1808 Napoleon shattered the military power of Spain and incidently deprived it of the source of its power over the natives of Mexico. The natives then had to decide whether they would follow the usurper, Joseph Bonaparte, the revolutionary junta or the captive king. But a taste for freedom cheated a desire for more, and in 1810, under the priest, Don Miguel Hidalgo, the creoles rose against what was left of the power above them. Thereafter the principal events were as follows: 1811. Hidalgo was defeated, captured ana executed. 1813. His successor, another priest, Morelos, proclaimed the independence of Mexico. 1815. Morelos executed. 1821. After six years of revolution there was a compromise between Iturbide, a creole general against the revolutionists, and Guerrero, the leader of the revolution, and an independent limited monarchy was decided on. The monopolists refused to abide by the terms. The viceroy sent a force against Iturbide. The viceroy was deposed and another was sent who made peace with Iturbide, recognizing Mexican independence. This viceroy died and the repudiated his agreement.

1822. First Mexican congress met. Santa Anna proclaimed the republic. Iturbide sent a force against him. Iturbide proclaimed a monarchy, with himself emporer. 1 823. Iturbide betrayed and deported. He w r as induced to return and was then shot. 1824. Constitution modeled on that of the United States adopted. 1828. After four years of revolution, Guerrero emerged victorious. 1828-33, Spain defeated in an at-

tempt to recapture the country. Guerrero deposed by Bustamante, he I by Pedraza, he by Farias and he by Santa Anna. 1 834. Santa Anna became dictator. 1836. Constitution of the “seven laws’’ adopted, establishing a cengovernment. Secession of Texas. ■ ■ 1 837. Bustamante made president. s 1837-41. Revolutions throughout the country finally settled by Santa Anna, who issued a proclamation abolishing the “seven laws.” He was made provisional president and Bustamante was expelled. 1 843. Santa Anna retired in favor of Nicholas Bravo, who set up a new constitution. 1844. Santa Anna led a mutiny which resulted in his capture and imprisonment. 1 846-47. War with the United States. 1 848. Santa Anna left the country. 1853. Santa Anna recalled tp settle a revolution. Made president for life with title of ‘most serene high-

ness.” 1854. Revolt of Alvarez and Comonfort, in which Porfirio Diaz participated against the government. 1855. New ministry drove Santa Anna from the capital. 1857. The new constitution, which still holds, adopted. Comonfort became dictator and was deposed by Jaurez. 1859. Jaurez recognized by the United States. 1861-67. Mexico in the hands of the French. 1871. Jaurez elected president for the second time and Diaz headed a rebellion. 1872. Jaurez died. De Tejada succeeded to presidency. 1876. Rebellion in which Diaz joined. De Tejada driven out. 187 7. Diaz became provisional president. 1-880. Diaz succeeded by Gonzalez. 1 884. Diazagain elected. 1 888. Constitution amended so that the president could succeed himself and Diaz served nominally as president, but really as dictator until 1910. 1910. Madero uprising. 1911. Diaz resigned under pressure. Madero elected president. Reyes uprising. 1912. Revolt led by Felix,Diaz. 1913. Reyes and Diaz, who had been released from prison, - led another rebellion. Huerta< deserted Madero. Madero killed. Huerta elected provisional president and

recognized by Spain, Great Britain* and France, but not by the United States. Rise of the Constitutionalists against Huerta. 1914. Rise of Villa and Carranza. Continuous rebellion against the dictatorship of Huerta. Huerta refused to salute the American flag: United States marines landed at Vera Cruz. Huerta retired to Spain. Three presidents in as many months. Since then Carranza has failed to put down the rebellion, although he has been recognized as provisional president by the United States, and at present Mexico is torn betweeen its own rebellion and the demand of the United States that it settle flown to peace and work.—4-Indianapolis News.