The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-07-08

ffice IN Washington, says that there
not one word of truth In the state
nent published by the press about ne
;otia.ions between Mexico and the
United States for the sale of Mag
lalena bay and lower California. The
nbject has never been mentioned by
he State Department to the Mexican
ambassador and. besides. there is not
me inch of Mexican territory that
sould be purchased at any price under
my con.l6.H'sion.'
C-sl How Travelling.
Secretary Land, when questioned
bout the statement, said Ambassador
creel is now travelling. not having been
n Washington Cor some time. There
had been no instructions from Mexico
City TO issue the statement. and Mr..
Landa added that he had not considered
L necessary to telegraph his government
about the newspaper reports in this
connection. the matter being too OBJ
giously impossible to justify more haste
than that OF mailing The newspaper re-
ports in ordinary course.
Constitution in the Way.
The constitution Of Mexico. Mr.. Landa
laid. would prevent alienation OF any
territory in the manner proposed: "Our
constitution is almost the same as that
II the United States.'' he added.
But would 1t not be possible to make
IN arrangement for leasing such h>-.-
Dor, as has been done in many other
.ases?' was asked. Mr.. Landa didn't
mink the constitution of his country
would permit this.
Further questioned. Mr.. Landa said:
when Mr.. Secretary Root made his
South American trip, he did not stop In
Mexico, and President Diaz later invited
Inn 10 pay visit to that country the
coming September. Mr. Root is going in
acceptance Of the invitation OF course
can't know what he may say TO Presi-
lent Diaz when he gets there"
Credence by Naval Officers.
Mr.. Landa was told that in certain
laval circles. usually well informed. the
'eport that this Government was anx-
ous to secure this harbor is given much
Tedence.
Mexico has permitted the American
var vessels 10 go there for target prac-
ice" said the secretary. land 1 under
stand the officers have reported that
here is perhaps not an equally desir-
able harbor in the world for such use.
5ut ltS use has been simply a courtesy
IN time OF peace In time OF war Mexico
would enforce the usual regulations OF
neutral at all harbors, including this
one"
Acting Secretary OF State Adee's de-
NAL included an admission that Mexico
has already conceded, as 10 AIagdalena
bay that the United States may per-
manently maintain a collier there De-
spite all the denials. there is high au-
thority for the belief that when Sec
rotary Root goes to Mexico City. the
question OF Magdalena bay viii be taken
up.
Method of Leasing.
The Mexican constitution. il Is pointed
put, might be reorganized at the behest
Of two such strenuous rulers as Presi-
dent Diaz and President Roosevelt. and.
moreover, method of leasing for
term Of years. as two or three European
countries nave done in Chinese terri
tory, is considered entirely feasible.
WhatF constitution or two between
friends such as Roosevelt and Diaz2'
paraphrased a public man who ex-
pressed the firm opinion that something
doing" as to Magdalena bay. and add
ID that Secretary's Roots acceptance of
The Diaz invitation, together with the
persistent stories in navy circles that
he bay Is likely to be taken over. seem
ID worthy OF rather more weight than
he somewhat technical denials that
have Issued