The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-12-27

uuence of the large number OF political
executions which are reported to have
taken place in this city since the entry
of the villa and Zapata forces. pro-
vlsionai President Gutierrez has been
compelled to issue the following cir
cuar to the Generals commanding the
military forces:
There has come to my knowledge
information. which has caused me much
pain and regret. to the effect that many
persons belonging to the best classes
of this city have been stricken with
alarm because OF the continued dis
appearance OF many individuals, who
have been kidnapped during the night
time for various purposes.
I'm many instances the actuating
cause has been to hold the victims for
the collection of various sums OF money
as ransom. while in others the sole
purpose seems to have been to take
the persons kidnapped to lonely spots,
where they have been ASA ssinated in
the darkness. SO prevalent has this
become that even inmates Of the pal
ace have become frightened.
when ] accepted the highly honor
able. and for mo the unmerted. post
Of provisional President OF the Republic
of Mexico / did 30 in the full belief
that all my companions in arms as well
as my fellow partisans generally would
cooperate with me in my efforts to
establish strong, honest and just
government.
wants No Subterfuxes.
while It was not my intention TO be
complacent toward the enemies OF the re-
public. il was my earnest desire al least
to act on the best code OF morals and
within the law and without resor TO any
dcceits or subterfuges whatsoever. When
one acts justly there does not exist any
necessity to hide in the dark In order
to mete out punishments to those whose
acts merit the condemnation Of the law.
Even where il seems sure that punish
ment Is merited. there must be due trial
accompanied by all the formallties dictated
by the law. Tomorrow or later We our
selves may be called bandits. kdnappers
or assassins and cannot lind any defence
for ourselves unless the acts which We
have committed are based upon the legal
requirements OF the republic In each case.
Upon our administrative behavior
depends the recognition OF this Govern
ment by foreign Powers. and it is certain
that when this Is obtained the financial
condition OF the country will improve
notably. Only in this way can We demon
strate that We are a civilized people and
that our Government Is able at all times
to protect every individual OF society.
The monumental principles OF morals
and justice teach US that the right TO mete
out punishment rests only with the au-
thorites through the courts Of justice
whose proceedings should be strictly public
and carried on by due process OF law.
This right to punish should never be left
10 private persons. military leaders OF
armed groups, however numerous the
latter may be. for besides dscrediting
themselves by taking the law into their
own hands they discredit the Government,
also. and upon this will depend the safety
OF the future.
Asks Aid OF Generals.
I'm view of all OF this I expect that
| you generals will he a unit in your
/ patriotism and honesty and will in every
way assist the Government by prevent
| ing your subalterns from continuing to
commit such deeds as make this circular
necessary.
IL warn you that with all the extensive
powers In my possession | am resolved
to protect all the lnhabitant Of the re
public without distinguishing between
classes or persons or even among enc