JIMENEZ, Jesus (he-may'-neth), Central American statesman, born in San Joss de Costa Rica about 1820. He received his education in his native city, and began his political career in early life. being a minister under President Morn.. In 1863 he was chosen president of Costa Rica. During his administration he pursued a conciliatory policy, and founded the College of San Isidro in Cartago. He was succeeded, in 1866, by Dr. Jose Maria Castro, who left the presidency at the end of 1868, and the country was in danger of a revolution. Jimenez was then called by a great majority of the people to assume the executive office, with power to call a constituent assembly. He accordingly placed himself at the head of affairs, and convoked the assembly, to meet on 1 January, summoning the people also to choose the next president, together with senators and representatives for the coming constitutional term, beginning 1 May, 1869. The new constitution was framed on 18 February, and promulgated in April, 1869, and Jimenez was elected president. Afterward, when congress refused to pass a railroad bill, Jimenez abruptly resigned his office, and left the capital; but his resignation was not accepted, and he was induced to return. Subsequently, on account of prevailing party violence, congress decreed a suspension of the constitution, but on 27 April, 1870, a revolution began, the president was seized, and for a day kept a prisoner. Bruno Carranza was then proclaimed provisional president, and assumed the duties on the 28th, the ex-president and his minister being detained to answer charges that would be preferred against them. Jimenez was allowed to reside in Cartage under surveillance, but fearing for his life, as he alleged, escaped. On 10 October, 1871, the dictator Guardia gave amnesty to Jimenez, and, returning to his country, the latter devoted himself to the promotion of improvements in public education, without taking an active part in polities.