obligations to the amount of about three million dollars, which had to be met at once.[1]
In strong contrast with Lerdo's stagnation policy, during the administration of Diaz frequent changes in his cabinet occurred. I have already called attention to his non-exclusive principle in regard to political appointments, and this was well illustrated in January 1880 by his nomination of General Berriozábal as minister of government.[2] On November 15th the members of Diaz' cabinet sent in their resignations, in order to leave the new president at liberty to form his own ministry. Gonzalez had already consulted Diaz with regard to his selection of ministers, and requested him to accept the portfolio of public works. The new cabinet, therefore, was thus composed: minister of foreign affairs, Ignacio Mariscal; of government, Cárlos Diez Gutierrez; of justice, Ezequiel Montes; of fomento, Porfirio Diaz; of war, Gerónimo Treviño; and of the treasury, Francisco Landero y Cos.[3]
Gonzalez' history, like that of the greater number of political men now figuring in Mexico, is highly romantic. Born in obscurity, he rose through every difficulty and danger to the highest office of the nation. Neither the death-potential bullet nor the assassin's hand could stop his onward career.[4] At Puebla he lost his right arm, and at Tecoac he was again severely wounded on the stump by a bullet, besides being struck on the thigh. His body bears the scars of a dozen wounds received in combats with the French or in civil war. On his left cheek a long gash has
- ↑ Memoria de Gonzalez.
- ↑ Berriozábal had been Iglesias' minister of war.
- ↑ Diario Ofic., Dec. 1, 1980; Diaz, Datos Biog., MS., 409. Diaz accepted the resignation of his ministers with the understanding that they should continue to exercise their functions until Dec. 1st, when the new ministry would enter office. Diario Ofic., Nov. 29, 1880. He resigned his portfolio May 20, 1881, and on the 27th of June following Gonzalez nominated Carlos Pacheco ministro de fomento. Id., July 1, 1981. At this time Diaz was elected governor of Oajaca. Id., June 28, 1881.
- ↑ Two attempts were made to assassinate him during his presidential canvass or immediately afterward. Diaz, Misc., no. 56.
