Porfirio Diaz (1830-1915) Mexican General, politician. Diaz ruled Mexico with an iron fist for 35 years, from 1876 to 1911. His period of rule, referred to as the Porfiriato, was marked by great progress and modernization, and the Mexican economy boomed. The benefits were felt by very few, however, as millions of peons toiled endlessly and were treated poorly under his rule. 8 ¼” x 10 ¾” document, in Spanish, signed, Mexico, May 15, 1903. There is a large ink cancellation, touching the end of his signature.