The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-07-22
dire PLIGHT Of
MEXICO IS TOLD
Gen. Devol Writes Military
Chiefs Run Things with
High Hand.
FOOD IS SENT AWAY
President Wilson Expected to Take
Up Affairs of Republic. Following
Dispatch of German Note.

1t is understood that upon the
dispatch of the German note Presi-
dent Wilson again will turn his at
tention to affairs in Mexico. The
Presidents proclamation of June .. in
which he enjoined the factions TO
compose their differences. or the
United States would be compelled
within very short time" to take
steps to right affairs in Mexico has
had little or no effect.
A report on conditions in Mexico
just made to the Secretary of War
by Gen. Devol, who visited the repub-
lie to survey the situation with a view
to affOrding relief to the civil popula-
ton through the shipmNlt of Red
Cross supplies, has made a profound
Impression on the authorities. Gen.
Devors report shows that Mexico is in
desperate plight, and that there is
little or no hope for alienation of the
sufferings of the people as long as the
present military operations continue.
1t is understood that portions of Gen.
Devors report withheld from publIca-
tion are of sensational character.
The parts made public indicate that
the military chieftains are running
things with a high hand in Mexico.
and that they are levyinG tribute at
will.
Conditions are undoubtedly most
acute in sections of the country that
are constantly being occupied and re-
occupied by Contending forces" wrote
Gen. Devol. This applies in great force
to Mexico City and the surrounding
country to San Luis Potosi, the country
in the vicinity of Saltillo. Monclova, and
Paredon.
Food Is Sent Away.
Gen. Devol reported that large Quanti-
ties of food had been sent out of Next
co and the assumption is that these ship
ments were made in order that the fac
tions might obtain gold. Gen. DevOl in
formed the Secretary OF War that both
Gen. Hernandez and Gen. Villa prohibited
the purchase of food supplies in Mexico.
The reason given" wrote Gen. Devol,
was that the food in Mexico is required
to feed the Mexican soldiers. The real
reason. in my opinion. is that there is
a military export tax. or. in other words.
charge on all expectations amounting
on the northern border to 500 to $500
for each car that crosses the border.
This money is paid direct to the mill
tary leaders. There are still large guam
titles of food supplies assembled in vari-
Gus parts of Mexico and held by the
military authorities and not permitted
to reach the people
While in Mexico Gen. Devol conferred
with many natives, all of whom testi-
fled to athe sufferinGs of the people as
whole. Summing up his observations,
Gen. Devol wrote:
"At the present time there may not be
any actual cases of starvation in Mexico.
The Mexican people can live on little or
nothing, and when driven to it can sub
sist for some time on cactus and other
plants. There is in nearly every part of
Mexico restitution and constant misery.
People outside of the military factions
subsist only by sufferance, and only
when permitted to do so by the military
leaders. All commercial supplies and in
dustries are exploited for the benefit OF
the military. Owing to the political and
physical conditions in Mexico there ap-
pears to be no future for adequate relief.
even If the American people would con-
tribute for this purpose. This, however.
they have done only to a very limited
extent to this date
Await Result of Battle.
officials await with keen interest the
result of the prospective battle outside
of Mexico City. A statement was issued
by the Carranza agency yesterday, in
Wnlch II was announced tnat Ten. GOn-
zales had only temporarily abandoned
Mexico City; that he had left everything
in good order there. and that as soon as
he had crushed the enemy at Pachuca
he would return to the capital.
Occupation of Naco, in the state of
Sonora, Mexico. by Carranza troops, in
violation of an agreement entered
into by the factions at the instance of
the United States declaring Naco to be
neutral territory, may involve the first
chief in difficulties with the Wash
ington government. AS result
of the invasion of Naco. which is just
across the border from Naco. Ariz..
Gen. Villa, through his agency in
has requested Secretary
of State Lansing to prohibit the i'm
portation of arms and other munitions
to Mexico at that point.
Secretary Lansing Notified.
Secretary Lansing yesterday was
formally advised by Secretary Garri-
son of Carranza's violation of Naco's
neutrality. Secretary Lansing will
make representations to Carranza on
the subject at once. officials here take
it for granted that the first chief will
offer apologies. vacate the town, and
make reparation. II he should fail to
do that it is admitted serious stu
alton would at once develop.
01E;o.~I - G,