The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-04-22

WASHINGTON. April 2i.--Thc record
Of the Wilson Administration in uphold
ing religious liberty in Mexico Is mar
rated at length In letter written by
Secretary OF State Bryan to the Rev.
Francis c. Kelley of Chicago, president
OF the Catholic Church Extension So
ciety.
Father Kelley has made reply to Sec
rotary Bryan asserting that there ran
be no settlement Of the Mexican troubles
until the principles of religious liberty
have full recognition from the Mexican
revoutionists In effect, Mr.. Bryan's
statement is an answer to some of the
charges recently made by Col. Roosevelt
against the Administration.
The Secretary forwarded to Father
Kelley copy of the message trans
mitted to villa and Carranza warning
them that public opinion demanded GER
tain standards OF conduct In the treat
ment of foreigners. This message CON
tanned this reference to religious liberty
Nothing will shock the civilized
world more than punitive or vindictive
actions toward priests or ministers OF
any church whether Catholic or Protes-
tant and the Government of the United
states ventures most respectfully but
most earnestly to caution the leaders
of the Mexican people on this delicate
and vital matter. The treatment al
ready said TO have been accorded priests
has had "A most unfortunate effect upon
opinion outside OF Mexico"
In concluding Secretary Bryan wrote
This Administration has felt II tn he
its duty TO urge upon the leaders or
Mexico. whenever an opportunity offers,
the principles and methods of actor
which must underle all real democracies.
These principles will in the same way
govern the Administration In handling
every question with Mexico, including
the final question Of the recognition OF
any Government thta may issue out OF
the present revolution and give promise
Of stability and justice.
THE Mexican leaders will certainly
know that. In order to command the
sympathles and moral support OF Amer
lea, Mexico must have. when her re-
construction comes. just land tenure. free
schools and true freedom OF conscience
and worship"
In reply Father Kelley said that the
construction Of religious liberty given in
Mexico in the last fifty years "is az far
from the construction our own country
gives to il az the moon Is from the
earth"
The Clergyman entered into n detailed
account Of the history OF tho religious
and economic features OF Mexican life.
He reminded Secretary Bryan that de-
spite representations made by this Gov
eminent outrages Were committed on
the Church in Xacatecas and Mexico city.
"a naCrant disregard Of the wishes
of the Government" wrote Father Kelley,
which. as YOU state. was friendly to the
IHaftsF sttft al N-fG fhn
manifest ingratltude which accompanied
II. give little confidence that any change
will he made IN the conduct OF any OF
the revolutionary leaders until the time
comes for them TO apply for forma,
recognition"
The war Department was advised to-
day that the shots fired at an American
army acroplauc AZ Brownsville. Tex,
Yesterday from Matamoras were the re-
SUI, Of orders issued by IAN irresponsible
Lieutenant" who said that he thought
the sirship belonged TO Villas forces.
Gen. Funston's report on the incident
was summarized by the Secretary of
War and made public as follows:
Yesterday afternoon about 80 the
aerop'ane was being flown with two
lieutenants in II. II did not cross the
Rio Graude and therefore was always
over United states territory and not AZ
any lllnt over htNltdu ttlFNOTN.
"a number OF shots were fired from
the direction Of Matamoros No one.
however is able 20 state whether they
/ were fred AZ the aeroplane or not. Those
in the aeroplane were unaware Of the
shots. the noise Of the engine prevent
ing them from hearing any noise OF
the bullets There were no shot marks
on the aoroplane.
The Colonel communicated with the
American Consul AZ Matamoros. who is
now investigating the matter The car
rauZista Consul Mr. CARA. went over
. from Brownsville to Natamoros and in
formed the Colonel on his return that
IN" shots were fired on the orders OF An
irresponsible Lieutenant who claimed
that he thought the aeroplane belonged
to the Nllistas.
Secretary of state Bryan announced
to-day that Leonard Worcester the
American who was arrested on "A charge
o. carry ing counterfeit money had been
released by the Villis'a authorities on
bond in the sum of $1,000.