In a ceremony headed by President Leonel Fern?ndez and featuring full military honors, the remains of President Francisco Gregorio Billini y Aristy were added to the National Pantheon yesterday alongside other national leaders and heroes. The remains of the 19th century writer, teacher and President were exhumed last Monday from a private family tomb at a Santo Domingo cemetery. Cardinal Nicol?s de Jes?s L?pez Rodr?guez used the occasion to call upon Dominican politicians to stop bickering and start dialoguing and working together for the national good. He drew parallels to the turbulent times of Billini, and said he saw the same "uncontrolled passions," "political immaturity," "lack of respect for institutions and laws" and vindictiveness that Billini faced. "This is not the way to make a nation, nor to construct the Dominica Republic dreamed of by Duarte."
