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458 any intelligent and shrewd man to acquire wealth in enterprises of recognized utility to the country, as was done by many others, some of whom were not at all friendly to the president. It was also reported that he was steeped in vice, when it is a well-known fact that Gonzalez is one of the few political men of Mexico who have never failed to maintain the respectability of their position.

The seed of slander against the president having been sown, it was not long in growing, and every financial measure adopted by the government, both to do away with the existing difficulties, and to pave the way for the next administration, which was to assume power in a few months, was construed by the public — ill advised by the enemies of Gonzalez — as a scheme to acquire large pecuniary means, to be divided between the president and his favorites. The main causes of disturbance were two; namely, the modifications introduced in the stamp law, and the convention entered into for the payment of the sums due the British bondholders. The nickel question, which had been a source of speculation on the part of a few money-grabbers, and with which the government had had no concern whatever, gave rise to a petty popular commotion in the city of Mexico.

In March 1884, with the view of augmenting the public revenue, and providing resources for the next administration, orders were given to carry into effect a law decreed by the national congress, under which a number of articles were added to the list of those subject to the payment of stamp dues. The merchants became highly indignant; and in order to deceive and excite the populace, they spread the report that the stamp-tax was intended to enrich the president; the fact being that Gonzalez would have no hand in its collection, but left it to his successor, A few commercial houses of the city of Mexico were closed two or three days; but the firm attitude of the government prevailed, and after making a few light