Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1911-03-23
Minister Limantour Frankly
Admits That Conditions in
Mexico Are Far Worse Than
He Anticipated,
UTTER LACK OF LOYALTY
TOWARD ADMINISTRATION
Tells Legislature That Fight
Has Resolved ItSef Into Con-
test Between Organized
Freed and Interests Of People
JBy Morning Journal Special Leased wIrel

JBy Morning Journal speciai Leased wlrel
Mexico City, March 22.-Admitting
that Mexico is facing a crisis even
greater than he had believed, Minister
of Finance Iimantour today said the
administration had no definite plans
for the solution Of the problems con-
fronting it, 1t had no alternative but
to continue the military program up
on which it has entered
Notwithstanding the governments
aggressive attitude, reforms which are
Intended to remedy the alleged griev-
ancas complained of are under con-
sderatiOn The most important is
the revision of the electoral laws.
This is a concrete outline of the sit
uation as presented by Mr.. Limantour
to a representative of the Associated
Press today following meeting OF
the cabinet.
That a great change in the attitude
Of the people toward the administra-
ton has taken place within the time
that Minister Limantour has been
abroad was significant admission
made by him. The administration, he
said, was conducting a searching in
vestigation to determine the exact
cause and TO find remedy for the ex-
sting sentiment.
There is no disposition on its part
to oppose any wise reforms demanded
by a reasonable public. At the same
time the administration does not pro-
pose TO accede TO the demands back
ed up by arguments of arms.
In a word the administration rec
ognizos two classes in the dissatisfied
public--one represented by the In
teligent but non-combatant element
and the others by the followers Of
Madero.
For the latter the administration
has no terms other than those formu-
lated at the war department
Such Is the program announced by
Mr.. Lim9ntour as the result of con-
fercnces with the president and with
other members of the cabinet. Mr.
lAmantour frankly expressed sur
Prise at the antagonism toward the
administration.
Just why this is so, | cannot un-
derstand." said the minister. IL am
trying to find out have talked
with a great many people since my
return and | have discovered that
there is a certain lack of accord be-
tween thcm and the government
II am told that this s0irit has
grown largely since the celebration
of the centennial. / am told that
there was a marked display of loyalty,
hut am frank to say that | do not
Ind ii so today.
u do not know as yet how wide
spread is this sentiment, but | am
tryiag % find out ana win find out.
am conducting now a careful in
qilry for this purpose. More than
mat I hora to discover the reason
Tor this change in order that the REM
edy may he found
Already the minister has discovered
mat the fundamental demand of the
people is that there be revision Of
tne electoral laws. The minister ad-
mltted that such revision is essen
ual II the growing discomfort is to be
ohecked and said this doubtless would
oe one of the reforms to be enacted
soon
The exact character of this meas
ure could not be outlined by tn,
minister, who said il would involve
chanae in the constitution Of thN
republic and would necassltate elab-
oration OF nnumerablc details ANY
all Ia.t. l., Id.
must be the subject Of most careful
consideration and would need to be
SO framed as to eliminate the illiterato
voters.
Although this proposed change II
not Intended as any concession to thi
rebels, IL Is nevertheless the basis OF
Weir demands. according to state
ments made repeatedly by Madero
and his associates
That any reconciliation can be ef-
lected with the rebels Senor Liman-
iour considered improbable. Refer
ring to his reported conferences in
New York with Francisco Madero
.ather OF the rebel leader, he said he
had hoped through him to find some
means of bringing about cessation
oi hostilities. but said he learned
mat the father has no Influence over
the son.
one of the first acts of congress
'hich convenes April I, win be the
consideration of new approximation
W carrying on the war Whether
''s means an increase In the mill
'''v force Senior Llmantopr did not
s"N but It win be recalled that II has
""eady heen officially announced
,'at Mexicos war resources scarcely
nave been touched as yet, and that
on army of $4,000 men could be put
:" the field If necessary.
'cuching upon the reform relative
the division of the great estates
winch has already been largely dis
used. the minister said the method
% acquiring these has not been work.