le will have any involvement in the choice for leaders. Emiliano Zapata, however, made no effort in his proposal to designate a position of power to himself or anyone else, stating that representatives will designate an interim President once the revolution is achieved. Through these statements, Madero seemed anxious to take control of the government, while Zapata focused on serving the needs and rights of all the Mexican people. In maintaining an illusion of democracy, Madero stated in his Plan that the new government would collect loans (forced and voluntary) to pay the debt caused by the revolution, and that these loans would be carefully documented and repaid. Just as Diaz had done in his dictatorship, Madero took from the poor in order to pay for the actions of an elite group, all while upholding the image that he was carrying out his plan with the Mexican people in mind. His Plan stated, The most severe penalties will be applied to the soldiers who sack a town or who kill defenseless prisoners. This statement was one of few that demonstrate concern for the defenseless peasants. Madero addressed the taking of the indigenous peoples land by declaring that the land shall be returned to its former owners, and if this is not possible, they will receive indemnity from those who stole their property. Unlike Zapatas proposal which detailed his plot to return all fields, timber, and water which the landlords, cientificos, or bosses have usurped to those who have the corresponding titles, this vague statement is the only mention of stolen land in the Plan of San Luis Potosi. In fact, while he was president, Madero refused to carry out his land reforms claiming that it would impede the modernization of agriculture. As a result, Zapatas plan stated that not only will land be returned, but also the possessions of the opposing elite will be nationalized and used for indemnizations of war, pensions for widows and orphans of the victim...
