Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-08-29


instances the aid was not in the form OF
money, but the department secured spe-
cial rates or accommodations which the
individuals themselves could not have Sc
cured, and thus enabled them to help
themselves to get away. While the State
Department estimates that there were
about $1,000 Americans in Mexico two or
three years ago. Ambassador Wilson
placed the number as high as $4,000.
About 10000 Still There.
Today there are hardly more than TO-,
600. 1t is said. the rapidity with which
they have been leaving of late being
evidenced by the fact that the depart
ment estimates there were 10000 Ameri-
cans in Mexico no longer than three
weeks ago Many Of them have been
amply able financially to take care of
themselves, and have gone to Europe or
to Cuba. not having come to the United
States In helping American refugees
from Mexico, the American Red Cross
has spent about $4,000 while last year
the trips which the army transport
Buford made down the west coast to
Mazatlan, Manzanillo, Topolobampo and
other ports. cost the War Department
The State Department has received a
detailed report from the American con-
sular agent at Torreon relative to the
peculiarly trying times in that vicinity
during the recent battles between Next
can federalS and inSurrectionary forces.
The report is dated August s, and re-
cites numerous instances of American
citizens having been arrested or fined on
doubtful charges. and in each case the
American consular agent was able to
have them released almost Immediately
by means Of official representations made
by him on his own initiative.
The American consular agent speaks
in the highest terms of the British vice
consul at Gomez Palacio, r. A. Cunard
Cummins. who worked in perfect har-
mony with the American consular agent,
and on several occasions risked his life
In his efforts to assist British subjects
and American citizens.
Mr.. Cummins and Mr.. Carothers made
daily rounds of the British and American
residences in Torreon during the ten days
of the fighting, and also to the JAIL and
both of those gentlemen harbored large
numbers of refugees in their homes. AL
though Mr.. Cummins was not able to
visit his consulate, which is located at
Gomez Palacio, he was able to perform
practically all OF his functions from Tor
reon.
The American consular agent provided
refuge in his own residence for about
thirty Chinese, who feared a repetition
of the massacre of a few years ago. Mr..
Carothers reports that work on repairing
the railroad south has been progressing,
and it is believed that the line will soon
be open, thus permitting the exodus OF
large number of American citizens. Mr..
Carothers Is supplied with ample funds
for the relief of such, Of these Americans
as may require assistance in reaching
the United States. 1t is reported that
foodstuffs of all kinds have become much
more expensive than before the battles.
Serums Sent to Torreon.
OF
ported to the State Department today
that a supply of serums and medicine
has arrived from San Antonio, Tex. and
is being taken by William Frederick to
Torreon, to be used in stamping out the
epidemic of smallpox and typhoid which
is ravaging that city. Another supply
has been received from Capt Oliver OF
the battleship New Hampshire and is be-
ing taken to Torreon by automobile, in
charge of George Richardson and Ernest
Boehringer.
Consul Holland. at Saltillo. reports that
direct telegraphic communication with
Mexico City has been resumed.
telegram from Rear Admiral
Fletcher. commander of the second di-
Mexico. yesterday. says that the Louisi-
ana grounded in Vera Cruz harbor, but
was fioated without damage. No details
of the grounding were given. out Rear
Admiral Fletcher says he has ordered
a court of inquiry to determine the
cause of the grounding.
Will Aid Foreigners.
While the Monroe doctrine does not
specify duty on the part OF the United
States to exercise police powers in the
western hemisphere in behalf of for
eigners generally, President Wilson let
it be known today that this country, as
the nearest neighbor to the southern
republic, would render every assistance
possible to distressed foreigners there.
1t is expected here that the govern
mentS of the world would continue
| through their diplomatic representatives
to insist on protection to their interests,
| but should any emergency arise con-
sus of the United States VIII afford
foreigners the same assistance given to
Americans.