Page:Face to Face With the Mexicans.djvu/370

364 In looking over her political career, we see that since 1821 Mexico has had above fifty rulers, the majority of whom have been generals or in some way connected with the army; while the church, with its 'chief functionaries, has played an important part. This was a natural condition, in view of the instability of all governmental relations, and these military rulers have been generally men of ability, although but few were permitted to hold the reins of power to the end of their respective terms.

Congress is held in the Theatre Iturbide. It would be difficult to find a more dignified and distinguished body of men. In their debates and arguments they maintain a polished, courtly manner, while their language is classic, fluent, and eloquent. There is no lounging, nor lolling, nor placing of feet in rectangular positions, but each one deports himself in a becoming and graceful manner. In this body there are above two hundred members, ranging from young men of twenty-five years to venerable, gray-haired states-men.

The Senate is a still more august body, being in great measure composed of men with a lifelong experience in public affairs. There are about sixty members, and their sessions are held in the National Palace.

It was truly gratifying to see the galleries filled with men from the humbler walks of life, who, from their intense interest and attention, were evidently digesting every word that was spoken by these silver-tongued orators.

General Porfirio Diaz, for the second time president of the republic, is a native of Oaxaca, and received his education at one of the leading institutions of that State. Without special military instruction, but following an evident inclination, at an early age he joined the army as sub-lieutenant. He was always on the liberal side, and took part in the revolution of Ayutla. As a colonel he fought bravely against the French, and was captured by them, but made his escape from his prison in Puebla. For victories over the French and imperial armies, he was successively promoted to brigadier and