The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1908-04-06
RAPID GROWTH
Of SUSPICION
Mexico Beginning to Believe
Uncle Sam Has Designs on
Her Territory.
SLIGHT BASIS FOR BELIEF
NEVERTHELESS THE SITUATION
MS BECOMING EMBARRASSING.

" Washington, April 5.--Whiie the Off
fial relations between the United
States and 20 were never more
cordial than now, and while there is
nothing in the material interests or
desires of either republic which con-
flicts in the slightest degree with the
others. officials of the American state
department have become suddenly
aware of the existence and rapid
growth of a public sentiment in Mex
ico of distrust and suspicion of Amer
leans and American intentions regard
ing Mexican territory.
This condition is made more eXasper-
atlng. but none the less harmful and
embarra ssing, from the fact that it is
entirely grOundless in fact, and, the
officials declare, has for its basis moth
ing but irresponsible newspaper gossip
and criticism. Such. for instance, as a
lurid description of Magdalena bay,
where the fleet has just concluded tar
get practice, with a hint thrown in
that theI ocaton and natural surround
ings are ideal for a naval rendezvous
and target practice station, and that
the place ought to be bought rom
fiexico. Just such comments as these.
printed without the least official in
SEPARATION or sanction, wholly misrepre-
senting actual conditions. are believed
by American officials to be entirely re-
sponsible for the distrust rapidly de-
Veloping in Mexico.
Criticism of the Press.
The officials also assert that south
ern and western papers have also in
obliged in what is regarded here as I'M
necessary criticism relating to the eX-
tradition of criminals, and have magni-
fled labor troubles in Mexico and made
comments irritating i'm character re-
garding the control of the Colorado riv-
er as a boundary stream.
The serious effect of this accumula-
ton of adverse comment has been
brought home TO the American admin
istration in perfectly frank statements
from the Mexican authorities. Added
10 the accumulation, and, perhaps the
only thing which is complained of Of
ficislly by Mexico, is the seeming Sc
curity and asylum afforded here TO
persons regarded in Mexico as con-
spirators and revolutionary agitators.
The representation is made that such
persons come to the United States and
inaugurate a propaganda against Mex
leo, print literature for circulation there
and undertake the preliminary steps to-
ward revolution. In answer TO this conf
Aplaint, the state department has pointed
y ut that 1t was vigorous and success
full in putting a stop 10 the operation
of just such "a plan recently attempted
in ST. Louis, and that it is ready to re-
peat the operation whenever a similar
situation may exist.
Beyond Official Control.
Regarding the cordiality and sincerity
of official relations between the two
governments; the lack of desire for any
portion of Mexican territory and the
vigilance which is being exercised in
harboring Mexican propagandists,
American officials feel the more keenly
their lack of ability to cope with q sit
uation entirely out of official control,
but none the less chargeable to the ma
ton.
Attention is called TO the fact that
ecomment which has been INDUCED in
5y the American press has found its
way into and been revealed in Mexico,
where the construction placed on il has
been serious and the feeling engendered
mainly hurtful. If allowed TO continue
most disastrous results are predicted.
Officials cognizant OF the situation are
entirely devoid of any authority to rem
edy the evil and are endeavOring as
best they may to counterfeit the harm
full effect of what has been thought
lessly said through presentation OF
IFS hitter lack of responsibility.