Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Chavero, Alfredo

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CHAVERO, Alfredo (chah-vay'-ro), Mexican archæologist. He has made many interesting investigations relative to Mexican antiquities, and written “Historia Antigua de Mexico,” also several works on Aztec archæology, especially on old monuments. While making excavations in the pyramids of Cholula, he discovered some idols that are now in the National museum of Mexico. He has been a member of congress since 1869, and has also supported Presidents Juarez, Lerdo, González, and Diaz in succession, notwithstanding their different policies. On 25 June, 1879, the government of Diaz ordered the execution of nine citizens of Vera Cruz who were suspected of conspiracy. This act was severely criticised, and great indignation was shown against Mier y Terán, who had executed the order, and against Diaz. Chavero then was grand master of a masonic lodge, and expelled Mier y Terán from the brotherhood, and suspended Gen. Diaz from his masonic rights. This action gave Chavero great popularity. In congress Chavero also made a strong speech against Mier and Diaz, but afterward became one of his adherents. Chavero was elected senator in 1886, and is professor of the mining-school and law-school of Mexico. He is the author of the dramas "La Reina Xochitl" and "La tempestad de un beso," "Quetzalcoatl" "Los amores de Alarcón," "La hermana de los Ávilas," "El mundo de ahora," and others. His books relative to Father Sahagun and to the Sun-Stone are often referred to, and well known to antiquaries.