Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-07-09
ONLY HUNGER TRUCE
TO SAVE MEXICANS
Hundreds Of Thousands of Lives
Can Be Spared by Armistice
Alone.
EATING NOTHING BUT FRUIT

WASHINGTON. July s.-Thous-
ands of Mexican noncombatants have
eaten nothing but native fruits for
months; where famine In not ravag-
ing. II is impending and only hun
ger truce between the warning fac
tiona can save the lives Of a multi
tude. according to a report to the
American Red Cross, dated July 2.
II follows: After six days Journey OF
about 500 miles through northern Mexico
including large portions of the states
Of Neuvo Leon. Tamaulipas. am COM
PEELED 10 state that famine conditions ex-
listing have been understated rather than
exaggerated.
Draws Ever Nearer.
ssWhere famine II not ravaging today,
there Il s. impending; where land Is not
already famine stricken. there starva-
ton draws ever nearer. Meager corn
crop In sight will not feed half the peo-
pie and a great amount Of It has been
or viii be taken by military authorities,
whose needs are only slightly less press
ina than those Of the civilian population.
stCareful, intelligent. Red Cross distri-
button under Consul General Hanna,
which I witnessed IN Monterey has filled
Thousands of stomachs and saved hum
dreds OF lives. but IN less accessible re-
sions OF this state, such as the territory
FOR fifty miles around Soto La Marina.
thousands have eaten nothing but wild
fruits for months past. Hopeful view
taken By some is to the effect that pre-
afttors - ast dua IN
agricultural or economic conditions, but
are caused by constant military opera
lions and consequent interruption OF
communication between the more pro-
ductivs and more populous sections OF
tho country.
Must Come from Outside.
eff this view proves well founded,
hunger truce between the factions might
save the hundreds OF thousands OF llves
now menaced. If hunger truce cannot
be arranged. food will have TO be
brought from outside. Perfect agree
ment among all Mexicans in this sec
zion are hoping that American authori-
ties Will find means TO stop criminal ex-
ploitation of foodstuffs from this famine
land while the country was skinned OF
the bulk OF it's products months ago.
Some provisions are still trickling over
the border into a land Of plenty"
Dispatches from Mexico City, received
by the State department tonight dated
July 4 and transmitted by courier to
Vera Cruz, announced that food riots In
the capital had been checked and a gem
erai Improvement in conditions had oc-
CURED. Shortage OF food was stu seri-
Gus, however. and the dispatches said q
feeling OF unrest which was likely TO lead
to chaos. prevailed.
Assault Renewed.
No mention was made of the military
situation. At the time the courier left.
General Pablo Gonzales. commanding the
attacking carranza forces. was waitins
for reinforcements. Messages from Vers
Cruz since have stated that the assault
upon the zapata garrison was renewed
Monday, July g.
Although the zapata forces are said
70 number about 5000 men. they are
short Of arms and ammunition. ana OFF,
Gals here viii not be surprised to hear
at any time that they have evacuated
or been driven from the city. General
Carranza has given assurances thai
every consideration win be shown for
eigners and other noncombatants by hi
army.