Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/471

Rh left its cicatrice. When he became a candidate for the presidency, bis opponents said that he was a Spaniard, and therefore ineligible. The opposition press raised the cry, and the credulous masses believed it. It was necessary to bring his origin to light, and his baptismal certificate was published. It appears that he was christened in Matamoros on the 18th of June, 1833, as a legitimate son of Fernando Gonzalez and Eusebia Flores, both native-born Mexicans. The names given him at the baptismal font were José Manuel del Refugio. He was born in that city, and spent his early years in the Moquete rancho, situated five leagues from the town. Upon attaining manhood, he became the chief clerk of a mixed store and bakery in Matamoros, kept by an uncle-in-law of his, named Campuzano. At the age of nineteen he enlisted as a soldier, and from that day his military career was never interrupted. In a few years, and solely by his courage and meritorious services, he attained the highest rank in the army. His record shows that every promotion awarded him was due to a brave deed or to a wound received on the battle-field.

Gonzalez is of low stature and stalwart build. His complexion is somewhat ruddy, and shows the effects of exposure during his long military life. He wears a heavy black mustache; his beard is partially gray; his hair abundant and inclined to curl.

Gonzalez assumed the presidential office at the very time that the government was experiencing the financial difficulties above alluded to; and although the country was at peace, and his efforts were mainly directed to an administrative organization, the task was an arduous one. In regard to international policy, there were only two questions pending, but they were of the highest import, and difficult ones to solve. One of them was that arising from troubles on the frontier of the United States; the other was the boundary dispute with Guatemala.

After the separation of Central America from the