Who's Who in Philately: Benito Juarez

Juarez was born in the State o Oaxaca, Mexico, on March 21, 1806. His parents were Indians. Attaining some prominence in his native land, he assumed the office of President of Mexico in 1858 upon the overthrow of the Liberal government of the country in that year by the clericals. He located his capital at Vera Cruz, where his government was recognized by the United States in 1859.

In January, 1861, he entered Mexico City and was duly elected President for a period of four Years. In December, 1861, the Spanish, French and English armies occupied Vera Cruz and made war on Juarez. He was gradually forced to retreat northward and entered the United States in exile. Mexico was administered by the French and Maxmilian of Austria was crowned Emperor of Mexico.

Maxmilian was dethroned and shot by order of a court martial in 1867 and Juarez again entered Mexico City and was again elected President of the Republic for a period of four years.

His administration was proving to be of great importance to the struggling Republic and he was fast rehabilitating the country when he sickened and died in Mexico City, on July 18, 1872.

The name of Juarez in Mexico is spoken with reverence still and he is one of the greatest characters in the history of the country and probably attained greater fame in the "White man's ways" than any Indian who ever lived.

The city of Juarex in the northern part of the State of Chihuahua and near the American border is named in his memory and the Mexican people have in many ways showed reverence for his greatness.

Mrs. Nagalakshmi Tadakaluri, Philatelist.

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