New-York tribune., 1908-04-06
SUSPICION IN MEXICO
irresponsible Newspaper Gossip
Arouses Groundless Fears.

washington, April 5.-whiIe the official relations
between the United States and Mexico were never
~ eofoiai than now, and while there is nothing
:" tue material interests desires of either re
puohc "hich conflicts IN the slightest degree with
those OF the other officials of the American State
department have become suddenly aware of tbe
eAisCehce and rapid growth OF public sentiment
IN Mexico OF distrust and suspicion of Americans
tory "
This condition is made more exasnerattnr br,
none the less harmful and embarrassing from the
iact that 1t is entirely groundess in fact and the
aiS uec4are. has for its basis nothing but r-
responsible newspaper gossip and criticism SUCH
Ior instance, as a urid description of Magdalena
Bay where the fleet has tust concluded target
piacuce' with hint thrown in THAI the location
ana natural surroundings are ideal for a naval
ieioeIVous ana target practice station and that
the place ought 10 be bought from Mexico Just
sucn comments as these. printed without the least
onclal inspiration sanction wholly risrepresent-
ing actual conditions, believed by American
ofnciaIs TO be entirely responsible for the dstrust
rapidly developing in Mexico
The officials also assert that Southern and West
ern papers also have INDUCED in what is regarded
mere as unnecessary criticism relating extra
dltion OF criminals, have ynihed labor troubles
In Mexico and made comments irritating in char
acter regarding the control of the Colorado River
as boundary stream.
The serious effect of this accumulation of ad-
verse comment has been brought home the
American administration in perfectly frank state
ments from the Mexican authorities. Added to the
accumulation. and perhaps the only thing which is
complained OF officially by Mexico, is the seeming
security and asylum afforded here to persons re-
garded in Mexico as conspirators and revolution
ary agitators. The representation is made that
such persons come to the United States and start
a propaganda against Mexico. print literature for
circulation there and undertake the preliminary
steps toward revolution. In this
plant the State Department has pointed out that
it was vigorous and successful in putting stop to
the operation of just plan recently attempt
ed in St Louis and that it is ready 10 repeat the
operation whenever similar situation may exist
Knowing the cordiality and sincerity of official
relations between the governments, the lack OF
desire for any portion of Mexican territory ant
the vigilance which being exercised against har-
boring Mexican prOpagandists American officials
feel the more keenly their lack of ability cope
with situation entirely out of official control but
none the less -chargeabIe the nation
Attention is called fact that the comment
which has been indulged in by the American press
has found its way into and heen repeated in Mex
leo, where the construction placed on it has been
serious and the feeling engendered decidedly hurt
ful If allowed to continue most disatrous re
suits predicted. officials cognizant of the situa
ton are entirely devoid any authority to remedy
the EVIL, and are endeavoring best they may to
counteract- the harmful effect of what has been
tnoughtlessly said through presentation Of it's
utter lack of responsibility.