The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-04-18
If rebellion existed in its own terri
WIN Observe the Law.

Will OUSefVe Tie Law.
THE government of the United
States may be assured that it is the
firm determination of the Mexican
government to observe and to cause
to be observed the principles of in
ternational law and the laws of the
country, which latter are in full con-
formity with the former with respect
to American citizens or other foreign
ers, who may be made prisoners
among the rebel forces; and, although
| there does exist sufficient data to
suppose that the chiefs of the govern
ment forces have declared that they
would execute Summarily Americans
who may be taken prisoners and who
might be fighting on the side of the
rebel forces orders have been sent to
military chiefs that if it should hap
pen that foreign subjects should be
taken prisoners, these should be
treated in conformity with the laws
of the republic and of international
practice.
THE government and the people of
Mexico lament that the peace had
been disturbed in any part of the
republic and are making incessant
and strenuous efforts to re-establish
it. This the government expects to
accomplish by means of a concentra-
ton of the elements of war and
through the aid of the clearly defined
opinion of a great majority of the
Mexican people which, as your excel
lency and other foreigners who re-
side among us should know, is en-
phatically seconded by the present
government of the republic.
Far from evading responsibilities
which may be contracted by illegal
acts against the lives and property of
foreigners, the government accepts
beforehand such responsibilities, while
these by their nature should be a
charge upon the government; but it
refuses and will always refuse to ac-
cept responsibilities of other charac-
ter which any may attempt to impose
on it outside of these principles. My
government recognizes with true sat
iSfactiOn that the government of the
United States would never attempt to
impose this latter character of re-
spOnsibilities, for that is guaranteed
by the high culture and the spirit of
justice of the people and the govern
ment of your eXcellency and by the
constant proofs of great friendship
which in the present circumstances
they have given to this country.
False Reports Sent Out.
ut is to be regretted that some
Mexicans have spread unfounded ru-
mors of injury to property and inter-
ests of foreigners. However, with re-
spect to this, the fault is not confined
to Mexico but is common to all coun-
tries whose press makes it a point to
publish sensational and even false
news.
THE authorities of the republic
limits of its law, to punish those who
cause the damages to which your ex-
cellency alludes.
MY government has taken notice of
the communication TO the rebel, Oroz-
co, by order of your eXcellency's gov
eminent and through the conduct of
Consul Letcher in Chihuahua not
without lamenting the fact that it has
been obliged by circumstances to fol-
low this course, as expressed in the
comm unication since the person is
guilty of fragrant violation of the laws
of the country. having risen in arms
against the legitimate government and
is only responsible before Mexican
courts.
THE Mexican government and peo-
pie cannot be responsible. therefore,
for the acts of this rebel chief, along
the lines laid down in the communica-
ton which was sent to him by order
of your excellency's government.
my government also dep1ores that
the tenor of the instructions to Con-
sui Letcher in Chihuahua were given
to the public in the same official note
which 1 have the honor to answer.
81 take this opportunity to reiterate
to your excellency the assurances of
my most high considerat ton