Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-07-06
Catholics Urged to Take Part
in Mexican Affairs.
MANDATE OF ARCHBISHOP
Speculation Aroused Regarding Ef'
feet of the Edict.
INFLUENCE IN POLITICAL FIELD
Foundation of $4,000, 900 Structure
Slowly Sinking in. Mexico City.
Public Land Partition.
MEXICO CITY. June %. 1o1

MEXICO CITY, June %. 1912.
An edict issued by the Archbishop OF
Mexico. Ri. Rev. DR.. Jose Mora del Rio,
exhorting all Catholics to unite and to
take an active part in the political at
fairs of the nation, is causing much spec
ulation and not little uneasiness in po-
litical circles as to just what part the
national Catholic party will play In fu-
ture elections. Throughout the month OF
June. in obedience to the mandate Of the
archbishop, the clergy has 'exhorted the
faithful to offer their prayers that the
electors may walk in paths OF righteous
ness" and has counseled the people to
ENTER the fight with a true Christian
spirit
The exhortation was called forth by the
approaching election of senators and dep
uties. In addition to the efforts OF the
priesthood, the edict has been posted on
the doors of all churches and in conspic-
uous places throughout the capital.
Quotes the Cardinal.
The archbishop quoted Cardinal Genari
in urging his people to unite as follows:
In cases where the worthy people are
divided in their choice of candidates, We
must confess that it is a serious evil,
which is to be lamented and done away
with at all costs. Wherefore, we exhort
you in the name of the Almighty, that
You do not remain divided, but grouped
together. Associate yourselves and unite
in order that, as in the first days Of the
church, you may form one heart, one soul.
with a uniformity of ideas and a unity Of
purpose in the fight. Fighting thus, with
closed ranks and with due attention to
your leader, you will fulfill the mission of
Christ and will obtain with greater ease
the triumph.
The national Catholic party was a con-
spicuous factor in the presidential cleo
ton. In their national convention they
supported the candidacy of Madero for
the presidency, and named Francisco l..
de la Barra for vice president. Although
non-Catholics profess to see In this &C
tivity ON the part Of the head of the
church a tendency toward making the
church all powerful, as in the days be-
fore the enactment Of the laws OF re-
form under President Juarez. they
recognize a fortunate circumstance in the
well known Hberality of the archbishop.
This spirit of fberality found expression
in the edict, wherein voters were adj
vised to select upright and honorable men
without prejudice against those who were
not of their own faith.
Theater Foundation Sinking.
The half completed 100000 national
theater is sinking. After nearly year
OF quiet about the magnificent marble
structure small army Of men Is at
work extending the foundation in an eff
fort to check the subsistence. Nearly 400
tons of cement has been used within the
month in reinforcing the foundation at
the southwest corner, which appears to
be the weakest point and which has sunk
nearly foot.
ms nj IN ho inf ~
is practically abandoned With the ex-
ception of the curtain, proscenium arch
and the auditorium dome the scheme Of
decoration is still undecided. Samples
of flooring. columns and decorative effects
are being tried from time to time.
The curtain. bearing an exquisite view
OF Popocatepetl and Ixtaccfhuatl is COM
plete and in place. 1t Is done in glass
mosaic and is the work Of New York
house, in whose studio 1t was viewed and
approved by many famous art critics. The
auditorium dome is costly and beautiful
example of art glass work. The pros
cenium arch. of mosaic, made in Buda-
pest, IS being reassembled and will soon
be ready to be put in place.
The stage has been equipped with the
most improved machinery for moving the
curtains and scenery. The theater has
GOO square meters OF floor space The ex-
terror is finished with the exception Of the
dome and several bronze statues which
remain to be placed.
Wireless for Presidents Home.
The ancient palace Of the Montezumas
on the heights OF Chapultepec. now the
home of the president and his family, 10
soon to be provided with the very mod
ern wireless telegraph equipment. An
other station is to be established in Tor
reon. Both stations will be equipped with
high power appliances. and will be In
charge of the department of war. Thus
President Madero will be able to keep IN
constant touch with the commanders in
the field regardless of interruption Of the
land service. The equipment for the sta
tons has already been ordered.
Lands Available for Partition.
The acreage available for partition
among the inhabitants of the republic, in
accordance with one Of the provisions of
Madero's ''P!an OF San Luis Potosi," has
been computed by commissioners appoint
ed for the purpose, at 51,s7O.OOO acres
i21,O00,O00 hectares). These lands are dis
tributed throughout the various states
and territories, Quintana Roo. Sonora and
Chihuahua offering the largest quotas. In
Quintana Roo there were found to be
available $3.50 hectares, in Sonora. $3.50
hectares, and in Chihuahua. 3,1O3 hec-
tares Campeche follows with 1000
Topic with 1,344 and the Isthmus OF
Tehuantepec, 1.I00 hectares. Plans for
the partition of these national lands anc
placing them at the disposal of individ-
uals are being studied by the department
vided by the commission appear formid
able, il is TO be remembered that great