Foster to To the Citizen-, February 19, 1877

No. 218. Mr. Foster to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have received under date of the 15th a note, of which I inclose a copy and translation, from the minister of foreign affairs of General Diaz’s government, in which he brings to my notice that General Diaz, having successfully terminated his campaign, has reassumed the exercise of the provisional presidency of the republic; that the public peace is now restored in all parts of the Mexican territory; and that within a short time the constitutional order will be re-established, the functionaries elected by the people entering upon their respective duties.

On the 16th, the minister of foreign affairs sent me a circular, of which I inclose a copy and translation, issued by the minister of government, which, in announcing to the authorities of the States the resumption of executive power by General Diaz, sets forth the policy which will govern his administration in three important particulars. The circular states (1st) that the constitutional order will be at once restored and respected in its complete force, in so far as it. is possible, in the absence of the legislative and judicial branches of the government; and that Congress and the supreme court will be organized in the shortest possible time, in accordance with the will of the people expressed in the elections.

The circular states (2d) that the plan of Tuxtepec and the present administration established upon its principles shall not be a reactionary or retrograde government; that the revolution has been and is liberal and progressive, and will sustain with good faith and vigor the doctrines of the national party, written and sanctioned in the existing constitution and the laws of reform; and that it will lend no support or encouragement to reactionary movements against the principles of reform, which have been secured through so many years of struggle.

And, finally, the circular expresses the desire of the Provisional President to call into his administration the members of the national liberal party, without distinction of circles or banners, to have the benefit of the experience and services of all Mexican citizens who sincerely respect and obey the constitution and its amendments, and that an exclusive party spirit shall not influence his conduct.

The declarations of this circular are highly important, in view of the fact that it has been understood that two opposite influences have been at work, seeking to mold the policy of General Diaz in directions antagonistic to these principles. One circle has sought to induce him to disregard the constitutional order, and to continue the military or dictatorial government indefinitely. Another party has urged that he should make a combination with the old conservative or church party, and annul or disregard the laws of reform, and the other liberal and progressive provisions of the constitution.

In my last dispatch I informed you of the abandonment of the Mexican territory, both by Mr. Lerdo and Mr. Iglesias, so that there is now no rival claimant to General Diaz in the republic, and virtually the whole country has submitted to his authority. The only opposition known to exist is by Governor Alvarez, with a small part of the State of Guerrero, and our consul at Acapulco informs me that Alvarez is ready to surrender his authority to General Diaz, and is only resisting the opposing governor.

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I have, &c.,