Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/458

430 invasion he was conspicuous for his opposition to the establishment of a monarchy, and his brilliant achievements raised him to the foremost rank of military leaders. His administrative ability was signally shown in the successive positions which he occupied as chief of a district, governor of a state, and virtually civil, military, and financial ruler of the territory to the south of the linea del Oriente. Accomplished, and in personal intercourse agreeable, Diaz displays in his conversation decision and military abruptness. With dignity of deportment, he unites a manner marked by simplicity. His will is indomitable. When the rebellion against Lerdo broke out, Diaz was generally disliked by foreigners, who feared the revolutionary projects of a military leader. They would have preferred the unprogressive but quiet administration of Lerdo to the disturbance of a revolution which entailed risk to their private interests. But these feelings in time died out under his firm and progressive policy.

Although, owing to the exigencies of his position, Diaz surrounded himself at first by his particular partisans, he soon began to display a more inclusive policy, and in time the prominent men of all parties were drawn within the circle of his supporters. Neither civil nor military positions were closed to Inglesistas, Juaristas, or Lerdistas; and though the latter long held aloof and refused to accept his government, before the completion of his term he had won them over and opened a way for their entrance into political life during the time of his successor.

Some opposition was, nevertheless, offered to his government. General Alvarez, governor of Guerrero, rose against Jimenez, the military governor sent by Diaz, and the state was more or less disturbed during the first half of 1877, Jimenez being finally driven out of it. In July, however, an arrangement was made between Álvarez and General Cuellar, by which the