File No. 812.00/2345.
[Extract.]
Mexico, September 4, 1911.
Sir: I have the honor to report to the Department that with the nomination of Pino Suárez, of Yucatan, for the vice presidency on the ticket headed by Mr. Madero, the Progressive Constitutional Party brought its work to an end late Saturday night. The clippings from the local papers which have been forwarded to the Department from time to time will have given the Department a good account as to what took place at the various sessions of the convention, which, however, should be remarked especially on account of its significance as the first untrammeled political convention ever held in this country and the inferences that may be drawn from that fact. The embassy could not, of course, be present at any of the sessions, but it learns from impartial and interested observers whose opinion is worthy of respect that the convention really was free and open and that an admirable temper was displayed. The delegates who were allowed to sit had to show, according to the rules adopted, that they represented at least 100 voters, and this rule was strictly adhered to. The various sessions, while turbulent at times, were well conducted and each plank of the party platform was fully discussed before being incorporated. * * * A unique feature of the proceedings was the separate vote upon the vice presidential nominee. * * *
The convention seems to prove the possibility of free political assemblies, and if the expectations it encourages are not illusive, Mexico may be said to have made a great step in advance.
I have, etc.,