Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-04-21
Secretary Bryan Tells What
U. S. Administration Has
Done to Procure Protection.
MAKES LONG STATEMENT
OF MEASURES ADOPTED
Rev. Francis C. Kelley Replies,
Commenting on Conditions Under
Rule of Revolutionists.

A statement of what the admlnlstra-
tIon has done in Mexico in the way
of protecting religious liberty ana acls
Of conscience is made in a letter VIII
Ten by Secretary Bryan to Rev Francis
c. Kelley of Chicago, president OF the
Catholic Church Extension Society In
reply TO Secretary Bryans letter
Father kelley has written long mes
sage, in which he states that there
can be no settlement of the troubles
in Mexico until the principles of re-
ligious liberty, which have been so
great an element in the upbuildnS Of
this country. are recognized by the
Mexican revolutiouists.
Secretary Bryan's Statement.
The letter by Secretary Bryan is in
the economic and educational needs
of the MexiCans, laying stress on the
land problems. then says:
And above and beyond all. the full
flower of democracy. lies religious free
dom. the principle which the builders
of our own republic made the crown
of the whole structure. To this free
dom political liberty has seemed. at
many of the most important crises OF
v
servant. There can be no doubt in the
minds of Americans about these things.
THE administration has not felt at
liberty to play any part in the internal
affairs of Mexico except that of friend
and adviser. 1t realizes that. by reason
OF geogra phical proximity and many his
torcal circumstances known to all the
world. it is in some peculiar degree
charged with the duty of safeguarding,
so far as it may within the limits of in
$ory
rights of foreigners in Mexico. and it
has again and again made the strongest
possible representations with regard 10
such matters to those who have from time
in Mexico during the trouhlous months
through which that country has been
passing. At every turn of affairs there,
moreover, and upon every report OF
persecution. it has advised and warned
those who were exercising authority of
the fatal effect any disregard for the
lives or rights of those who represented
religion or any attack upon liberty OF
conscience or of worship would have upon
the opinion of the people of the United
States and Of the world"
Warns Carranza and Villa.
Secretary Bryan incorporated a copy
Of a message to Carranza and Villa,
warning them that the world demand
ed certain standards of conduct in the
treatment of foreigners. their lives and
property. and in the treatment of po-
iitical and military prisoners. This
portion of the letter also contained the
following warning from the State De-
partment, relating to religious liberty:
Third. the treatment of the Roman
Catholic Church and of those who rep
resent it. Nothing will shock the
civilized world more than punitive or
vindictive action toward priests or
ministers of any church. whether
Catholic or protestant: and the govern
ment of the United States ventures
most respectfully but most earnestly
to caution the leaders of the Mexican
people on this delicate and vital mat
ter. The treatment already said to
have been accorded priests has had a.
most unfortunate effect upon opinion
outside Of Mexico.
The message was later communicated
TO the Brazilian minister at Mexico
City, representing American affairs,
for delivery to Gen. Gutierrez. The
same representations were made to
Gen. Cara when he became provisional
president. Later the department
learned that $50 priests had been i'm
prisoned by Gen. Obregon for failure
10 produce half million pesos, and A
message was sent to the existing gov
eminent protesting against that
method of raising funds and demand
ing full protection for any American
and other priests foreign to Mexico.
Duty of Administration Defined.
In concluding Secretary Bryan wrote:
This administration is, of course, the
servant of the American people 1t
seeks to be governed by their convic-
tons and by the principles which have
governed their political life. 1t has felt
il to be its duty to urge upon the lead
eYe Of Mexico, whenever an opportunity
offered the principles and methods of
action which must underlIe all real
democracies as they have supported
ours These principles will. in the same
way govern the administration III han
ding every question that affects its
relations with Mexico. including the
final question of the recognition of any
government that may issue out of the
present revolution and give promise of
stability and justice. Ii cannot die
tate laws or forms OF government TO
Mexico; but 1t can, and will, bring to
bear upon Mexican affairs. wherever il
may legitimately do SO. the presence of
American opinion and American ex-
ample. The Mexican leaders will GER
the sympathy and moral support of
America Mexico must have, when her
reconstruction comes. just land ten
IRE free schools and true freedom of
conscience and worship. We know of
no other foundation stones upon which
TO build the economic and spiritual life
that makes political freedom a reality
and a blessing
Eafher Keliey's reply contained ~.