MEXICO’S NEW PRESIDENT

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1929, Page 8

MEXICO’S NEW PRESIDENT

Aoung mul vigorous. of medium height, dear, dark complexion, typical °f inhabitants ol tbe coast, clcar-cycd, a dignified and courteous manner, a strong, hut kindly, face—such is Emilio Portes Oil, Mexico’s new President. It is to be feared that his aspect will disappoint the morbid expectations ol foreigners familiar with the classic type ol ]ndo-lberio tyrant. And how long will lie satisfy the Mexican conservatives, many of whom want Mexico ruled by iron-fisted men who inherit the ferocious jaws of the gorilla, and whose gaze is as hostile and ruthless as a tiger’s ?

His conversation is easy and agreeable, for he assumes no theatrical attitude or solemn “ pose ” : he does not engage in repeated pauses, nor in prolonger muteness, which fatigue and confuse the interviewer. Tie speaks simply njul clearly, as we are accustomed to hear the people talk with whom we are every day. i’ortes Gil was not the typical, nationally popular man when he rose to power, llis lack of great popularity, however, was no obstacle, (for he was elected according to law, the olection of Provisional President belonging exclusively to Congress. During the first month’s working ol’ I lie new Government, important events have taken place which begin to show clearly the personality of the new President. One of the first and most expressive orders of Portes Gi! has been that of granting ample liberty of expression to the Press, which, during t.!:c Government of (,'alles, was muzzled. As a result of this measure, several papers have published in their columns vigorous and continuous attacks on General Calles, and no editor lfas been persecuted in any way. The educational programme of Portes Gil, with regard to our great social masses, especially the Indians, is different from the antiquated system used hitherto in Mexico. This is dim to the fact that he does not merely want to teach the A.8.C., and rudimentary and almost useless theoretical subjects, but desires to create a spiritual understanding, and especially to promote the growth of a national consciousness among those forsaken pariahs, as well as a true material betterment of their miserable standard of living.

Parallel with this emancipation of the spirit, a modern, constructive, material education will he imparted The uncensurnble private life of the new President, acknowledged by the most honest elements, was the decisive factor in the social hygiene campaign, which lie undertook in Tanmuhitas, and which stressed especially the extermination of gambling and the abuse of alcohol. In various towns the sale of alcohol was definitely prohibited, and only tile sale ol beer was permitted.

Portes Gil was.not nationally popular when lie ascended the Presidency, hut lie has rapidly won wide popularity, and confidence among the people.