The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-12-29
TRIAL FOR COOK
TO Be DEMANDED
Congressional Action May
Follow Further Delay
BY Mexico.

Unless the State Department IS able
20 show that Il has received assur-
ances from the Mexican government
that James A. Cook. the American con-
ductor. will he given speedy trial,
IL IS probable that tho whole question
Of the treatment accorded American cit
liens in Mexico win be aired on the
floor Of the House. In fact, fl is entirely
possible that a resolution OF inquiry
will be introduced.
Representative Hinshaw OF Nebraska,
who has interested himself in Cook 8
behalf, announced today that he was
becoming weary of system which re-
suits IN keeping a man IN jail for four
months without the right 10 bail and
that unless the matter is speedily ad-
iusted he would take occasion to pub
licly express his views on the subject
and possibly TO urge Congressional &C
Criticisms Promised.
There IS good reason to believe that
David r. Thompson. who recently re-
signed as United States minister to
Mexico. viii come I'm for a goOUy share
Of adverse criticism unless Cooks case
is speedily adjusted. 1t is pointed out
that Mr.. Thompson interested himself
IN Cooks behalf only when instructed
20 do so by the State Department. His
Indifference to the case, viii be
charged, was due to his well-known
antip9tby to labor organizations.
The order OF Railway Conductors,
which has been endeavorinE to obtain
Cooks release. is so confident that MI
Thompson deliberately declined to so to
Cook 6 assistance until instructed to do
so. that II will be prepared to show that
ne has no sympathy with men who join
labor unions. To subStaLuate their
charges they are prepared 10 show that
a n
aRer of the Missouri River railroad ne
made IL a nOn-uniOn corporation from
top to bottom. and declared that he
would have nothing to do with labor
organizations or union men.
Reasons Given.
It is this attitude Of mind, in the
opinion Of those who are impatient with
the manner in which the Cook case
has been handled. which may account
for the failure Of the American en-
basgy TO interest itself IN the case until
the matter was pressed from Washing
me State Department has on file
scores Of complaints from American
citizens resident in Mexico who de-
clare that they are not ACCORDED the
same treatment as subjects OF England
and Germany. In many instances com
plant is made by business men who
have large interests IN Mexico. and who
are constantly SuDleClCQ 10 Ill EOIA Il u
inconvenience. At least one American
OF considerable means IS known to
have taken an English partner and
transacted his business as an English
corporation in order 70 be free from
the annoyance which appears 10 be the
lot Of Americans.
Il is stated on the best, Of authority
that the Cook case Is not at all IN
common, and that Il is the rule rather
than the exception to detain Americans
in prison for many months without
bringing them 10 trial. and in some in
stances compelling them 10 perform
labor which IS injurious 20 health.
Wants To Know.
Il don't know how generally this Ill
treatment Of Americans is practiced IN
Mexico said AIr. Hinshaw today. hut
I am extremely anxious 10 find out
have had my attention called TO the
case Of an American who was made
prematurely old by the cruel treatment
OF the Mexican officials. / have been
informed that as prisoner this Ameri-
can was compelled to work in a salt
mine. with salt water up 10 his Shout
ders- Working under such conditions
ruined the man physically, and made
him an old man with white hair I'm
very short time II such conditions as
that prevail in Mexico, then IL Is time
this Government took steps TO protect
its citizens.
80 far as the Cook case IS concerned.
] believe there has been too much de-
lay already. and J shall insist that the
man either be given q speedy trial or
that he be released on bail until such
time as the Mexican authorities are
ready 10 try him II is ridiculous 90
Insist that a man charged with the
comparatively Uniunp0rtant crime which
has been lodged against Cook shall
be refused bail as though be were a
murderer or guilty OF treason