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48 two great political parties nor a free-for-all contest between a number of groups. There was no political organization such as is characteristic in Anglo-Saxon countries and in continental Europe.

The election of June, 1904, illustrated the smooth working of republican government of the type the Diaz administrations created. Election boards were chosen in strict accordance with the letter of the law and polling places were specified. In the campaign period there were "spontaneous demonstrations of the masses" announced by government papers. Small crowds gathered at political speeches to enjoy the music that was furnished and to be thrilled by oratorical appeals to general principles. On election day there was little real public interest evident. When the votes, which in most districts were few, were counted, the candidates who had been announced as having the support of the government were found elected. They had had little opposition, indeed they generally had no opponents.

The election over, the work of the various electoral colleges proceeded with all due ceremony. The following summary is based on the official proceedings of one such body as published in the official Gazette of the State:

At the first meeting, the jefe politico, or governor, of the district presided, until the meeting, composed of sixty-odd electors, had chosen its officers, after which he withdrew and the meeting adjourned for the day. At the second meeting, the "credentials" of the members elected. . . were all