The Washington times., 1911-05-27
WASHINGTON TIMES BUREAU.

ALEXANDRIA, VA, MAY 27.
Annexation to the United States Is.
In my opinion, the only possible means
of relief Of the present tense Mexican
situation" said Willard P. Graves, a
mine operator in the southern republic,
who is visiting his relatives here.
There exist a perfectly miserable
state of affairs in the government, and
doubt II the problem can ever other
wise be solved than by this country
taking over its affairs.
Petty grating has been prevalent
for years, from the highest officials
down, and the present revolution is
in a way the result Of indignation OF
the lower classes against this state OF
affairs. A man may not even slaughter
his own beef or kill his own chickens
without paying tribute to the govern
ment, and elections, as they are con-
Quoted, are a veritable farce.
When hostinties opened last No
vember the government exercised a
strict censorship over the newspapers
and telegraphs, and little light on the
true situation was allowed to reach
the public. This accounts for the con-
ficttng and contradictory reports which
were spread in the United States in the
early part of the conflict. This con-
dition has been relieved. I believe that
the reports now being received are,
upon the whole, reliable.
Il wish to state, however, that the
reports as to the treatment received
by Americans in Mexico are very un-
true, as it has been my experience
that all the law-abiding citizens OF this
country are treated with the greatest
respect and consideration"
Asked as to the probable result of
Diaz's resignation, Mr.. Graves stated
that it is difficult to estimate at the
ditions as to the improvement OF Mexico
would be the result.
Robert E. Gronau, newly elected chief
of the fire department, entered upon
his duties yesterday. While his appoint
ment was not to take effect until June
l, Acting Mayor Marbury thought best
to designate him to act in the mean
time. relieving Mark l.. Price, jr., who
has served as the acting chief since the
sudden death Of Chief George w. Pet
tey. six weeks ago, while responding to
an alarm.
Mr.. Gronau will receive an annual
salary of $780, with an allowance of s25t
for the maintenance of his horse and
cart, which is the property of the city.
The choice Of Mr.. Gronau for this pc-
sition has been highly complimented,
as his years of experience in fire fight
ing have marked his as probably the
most efficient for the position in the
city.
The term Of the Alexandria free kim
dergarten closed yesterday with appro-
pirate exercises in which the forty-eight
pupils participated. The exercises were
held in Lee School building, and the
program consisted of class and solo
singing. instrumental music and reci-
tatfons, following which refreshments
consisting of ice cream and cakes were
served.
Miss Hester Grady, aged fifty-nine,
died at her residence, 72S Franklin
street, late yesterday afternoon. Miss
Grady was born in Westmoreland coun-
ty, Va, and was the daughter of Joshua
and Sarah Grady. Arrangements for
the funeral have not yet been made.
A concert and reading for the benefit
of the famous Grace Church choir will
be held In the Elks' auditorium Tues
day evening, June 6. w. o. Atherholt
the well-known Washington tenor, will
sing several solos, and Miss Maydard
will read several selections. Others par
ticipating will be Miss Desio. violinlste
and Mrs. Wools, Mrs. Hulfish, and Mrs
Carpenter.
Louis Monroe, a well-known Alexan-
drta young man, is confined at Alex.