Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-03-23
Limant0ur Admits Mexico
Is Facing a Grave Crisis

MEXICO CITY, March 23.-Admitting
that Mexico is facing crisis even
greater than he had believed, Minister
of Finance Limantour yesterday said
the administration had no definite plan
for the solution of the problem con-
fronting the government 1t has no
alternative but to continue the mill
tary program upon which it had en-
tered. he said. Notwithstanding the
governments aggressive attitude, re-
forms which were intended to remedy
the alleged grievances were under con-
sideration. The most important Of
these reforms was that relative to the
revision of the electoral laws.
This is an outline of the situation
as presented by Mr.. Limantour to a
representative OF the Associated Press
following a meeting of the cabinet.
That a great change in the attitude
of the people toward the administra-
tion had taken place within the time
that Minister LimantOur was abroad
was significant admission made by
him. The administration, he said. was
conducting a searching investigation
TO determine the cause and find
remedy for the existing sentiment.
There was no disposition, on it's part
to oppose any wise reforms which
might be demanded by a reasonable
istration did not purpose to accede to
demands backed up by arguments Of
arms
Recognizes Two Glasses.
In a word, the administration recognized
two classes in the dissatisfied public-one
represented by the intelligent but nom
combatant element and the other by the
followers of Madero. For the latter the
administration had no terms other than
those formulated at the war department.
Such is the program announced by Mr..
Iimantour as the result Of conferences
with President Diaz and other members
Of the cabinet
Mr.. Iimantour frankly expressed sur
prise at the antagonism toward the ad-
ministration that he had discovered.
Just why this is so / cannot under
stand" said the minister. II am trying
to find out. That 1t is so cannot be de-
Med. j have talked with a great many
people since my return and l have dis
covered that there Is certain lack Of
accord between the people and the gov
eminent. I am tol dthat this spirit OF
opposition has grown largely since the
celebration OF the centennial / am told
that at that time there was a marked
display of loyalty: but I am frank to say
hat 1 do not find 1t today
Searching for Reason.
II do not know as yet how widespread
this sentiment Is, but will find out. I
am conducting a careful inquiry for this
purpose. More than that, I hope to dis
cover the reason for this change in order
that the remedy may be found"
Already the minister has discovered
that the fundamental demand Of the peo-
pie is that there be revision Of the
electoral laws. The minister admitted
that such a revision was essential IL the
growing discomfort was to be checked
He said that this doubtless would be one
OF the reforms to be enacted soon.
The exact character Of this measure
could not be outlined by the minister
who said that IL would involve a chanxe
in the constitution OF the republic and
would require the elaboration Of tnnu-
merable details
Any new electoral law would, in the
opinion OF the minister, have to be the
subject of most careful consideration and
syould need to be so framed as to elimi.
cate ilIiterate voters. Although this pro.
posed change in the electoral laws would
not be intended as any concession to the
rebels. II is the basic feature of their de-
mands. according to statements made re.
peatedly by Madero and his associates.
That any reconciliation could be effect.
ed with the rebels Senior Lfmantour re.
garde6 as improbable. Referring to bis
reported conferences In New York with