The Washington herald., 1915-10-21
much OBLIGED
SAYS CARRANzA
News of Formal Recognition
Draws Brief Comment from
First. Chief.
PROMISES FULL LIBERTY
Denies Catholics Have Been Perse-
cuted-Wilson Declares Arms
Embargo.
PROMISES FULL LIBERTY
BY ARTHUR CONSTANTINE.

Gomez Palacio. Durango, Mexico, Oct.
70. via Eagle Pass, Tex. Oct aU-Pre-
cisely at o'clock tonight First Chief
Don Venustiano Carranzs was informed
officially by the United States that he
had been formally recognized rs the
ruler of Mexico. The news was con-
veyed to him in the parlor of the Hotel
Salvador by John W. Belt, special repre-
sentative of the State Department.
Csrranza was just going out for a
drive when Belt hurried into the room
with Secretary I.ansing's message In his
hand. Belt rushed up TO CarranZa, his
face all smiles. held out his hand and
said:
Il have an important communication to
make 10 you. Gen. Carranza."
Harranza paused eNpectantly. while his
staff formed a group around the two
men. all eager to hear the communica-
tion. Then Belt read Secretary Lansing s
instructions TO him to notify Carranza
immediately that President Wilson has
recoenized him as the chief executive OF
the de Gacto government Of Mexico,
When he had finished. Young Belt held
ont his hand and said:
please accept my cordial fluctuations
and good wishes for the success OF your
government and for the peace and pros
perity of your country.
"Muchas Gracias.''
"Nuchas Eracias'' Cmany thanks). was
Carranza's only reply, as he smiled and
shook hands.
Just before this ceremony took place
the first chief. as he still insists on be-
ing called. gave to the correspondent OF
The Herald the first authorized inter-
view he has given since the question OF
La1 md p
alton by the pan-American powers. In
this he outlined his plans for the pactn-
cation of Mexico and the reconstruction
of a stable government.
Shall you be a candidate for the
presidency was the first question ask
ed him.
4 do not know" he replied. Il
might accept the presidency If ] were
called or. There is no reason why the
FIRST chief cannot become a candidate.
| have never been president: l have only
been governor OF the province of Goa
hula and the first chief of the Con-
stitutionalist army in charge Of the
executive power of the union. There is
no law that prohibits me from being a
candidate. Any one can be candi-
date"
Commenting on the fact that he was
merely being recognized as the head of
the de facto government in Mexico. Car
rama said:
Il do not wish 10 be recognized as
President of the Republic, because so
many men in recent months assumed
that title without warrant and because
my present role is first chief OF the
lose the character which I have had.
The title of first chief is only for the
interior, but 10 the world at large ]
suppose I shall be known as the acting
executive of the Mexican republic.
While there is still fighting going on
in the North and South, shall not try
to call general elections. The first steps
that will be taken will be TO call for the
election of municipal authorities This
will be done in order that there may
he elected legal authorities for the sup
ervision of the elections of congressional
deputies.
Other Elections to Follow.
These deputies will be called together
only TO approve the decrease and re-
forms that have already been promula-
gated by the Constitutional government
After these elections other elections will
follow. for example those of the gov
ernors of the various states OF The Re-
public"
And how long do you imagine the re-
construction period will last?" ! asked. |
replied.
1t will now be possible to give all |
classes guarantees to life and property, |
and this government will, OF course. as
sumo responsibility just as other coun- |
tries do" said Mr.. Carranza. In return |
for guarantees to foreigners. this govern |
ment will expect foreigners TO do their |
part by minding their own business. at |
tending to their own work and not mix |
=.
At this point Private Secretary Urgarte |
brought 10 the first chief q telegram from |
Confidential Agent Arredondo in Wash |
ington informing CsrranEa that the |
Catholic leaders in the United States I
were saying in the morning papers that |
his recognition was an insult to Catho- |
lios and charging him with responsibility |
for asssssinations and the sacreligious |