GONZALEZ, g6n-safles, MANUEL ( 1833-93). A Mexican soldier, President of the Republic from 1880 to 1884, born near Matamoras, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He entered the army at the age of nine teen, was associated with Father Javenta's guer rillas in 1843, and ten years later attained prom inence as reactionary leader under Marcelino Cobos. In the succeeding civil wars he bore a con spicuous part, winning a reputation for dauntless bravery and shrewd military leadership. He re ceived numerous wounds in action, one of which resulted in the loss of an arm. Under Juarez he fought brilliantly during the French invasion, was promoted brigadier-general for bravery in 1867, and after the fall of the City of Mexico was appointed by Juarez Governor of the Government palace. In 1871 he was arrested on a charge of complicity in the stealing of the gold and silver plate that had belonged to Maximilian, but in the revolution of the same year escaped and joined Diaz. He took part in the third rebellion of
Diaz in 1876, distinguished himself in the decisive battle of Tecoac, and in 1878 was appointed by Diaz Secretary of War. In 1880 he resigned his portfolio to become a candidate for the Presi dency, to which office he was elected. His admin istration was marked by financial mismanage ment and disaster. His attempt to compromise the English debt, and his decree suppressing the liberty of the press, aroused such opposition that he resigned in 1884, in favor of Diaz. A resolu tion of impeachment for misappropriation of funds was introduced in the National Congress, but was not pressed, and he afterwards success fully administered the affairs of the State of Guanajuato, of which Diaz appointed him Gov ernor.