El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1913-12-10
Carranza Justifies Executions

ing that would inevitably rebound to
the disadvantage Of yourself and the
COnstitutiOnalist cause in Mexico so
far as it is related to the citizenship
Of the United States"
Carranza's reply, in part, follows:
81 am pleased 10 acknowledge the
receipt Of your interesting letter Of the
18th instant, written relative to the
occupation of the city Of Juarez by
the Constitutionalist forces, under the
Immediate command Of general Villa.
and to assure you Of my gratitude for
the high regard for me personally
which you expressed therein. While
recognizing, with pleasure and in the
spirit of frank friendship which actu-
ated your letter, your personal sympa-
thy and that of the people Of the United
States with the struggle in furtherance
Of civilization and justice which we
are carrying on, / cannot the less de-
plore the fact that, with an imperfect
understanding Of the peculiar charac-
ter of Mexican problems, there IS
likelihood in certain cases, and not
placing a wrong construction on some
of our acts.
.'CriminaI Aets.'
This is due, in. all probability, to
the fact that the criminal acts with
" hitch this struggle was begun and the
cruel measures employed to maintain
it are forgotten. When Mexico had
realized the supreme democratic pre-
sentatives and had reason to expect, in
the midst of peace and tranquility, the
periodical change OF public officials
only by an expression Of popular will,
most corrupt minority Of the defeated
factions, after attempting to overthrow
for all time our political Institutions,
by means OF violence alone, have des-
trOyed the lives, the rights and inter-
ests Of our fellow citizens; have carried
out bloody executions without regard
n OF
tiOnalists who fell wounded while
fighting with their weapons FOR the
liberty Of the people, and the deputies
and senators who have defended with
their power Of speech our democratic
institutions; have torn away from their
homes peaceful men. and even boys, to
compel them to take arms against US
or have filled them with terror by de-
vastating entire cities. Destructive
acts Of this character have made It
apparent that the cause which I rep
resent has constituted not only a pOlit-
zeal reform revolution, but also has the
character OF a proceeding OF calm and
severe justice which Furnishes the cul-
pable and safeguards the Mexican
family.
Carranza Determined.
4 have determined, within the spirit
OF our constitution and without any
feeling Of passion, but deliberately and
with circumspection to pursue these
ends until gradually the exercise of
clemency and magnanimity can be at
tanned in satisfaction Of an imperative
demand Of justice and the urgent nee
essity Of securing peace and in &C
cOrdance with the future welfare of
the nation. / have determined to en-
force vigorously and in accordance
with the proclamation which was duly
issued on May IA, 1913. the law Of Jua-
rez, OF January %, 1867, which defines
and Furnishes delinQuencies inimical 70
the public peace.
With strict difference to the law
provided. the HUertaists officers were
tried and executed in the city of Jua-
rez- and among them were some who
had been captured at TOrreon by this
ing them, agreed that they should be
enlisted IN our forces, among which
they endeavored thereafter but uusuc-
cessfully, to create a detection of the
men whom entrusted to their COM
mand, finally deserving to reengage in
crime.
Not Like other Wars.
TT Is true that the established prfn-
ciples observed in international wars
pardon or immunity from bodily harm.
but in civil struggles the most civil
Lied nations IN all ages have employed
more rigorous and bloody means even }
nan We have been compelled TO adopt:
and with reference to the executions
Of the officers in the city of Juarez, 1
mere should be perceived not any need |
less cruelty was visited upon prisoners I
)I war, but merely such punishment as /
to offenders against the public peace /
and safety"
MEXICAN GUNBOAP OVERHEULs