The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-04-03

WASHINGTON. April 2.-Observers Of
the Mexican problem see in MIR. Brysn's
attempt to bring the naturalization Of
Mexico city and the railroad from the
capital TO the port OF Vera Cruz a great
opportunity for the Administration to
get firm hold on the situation.
1t is admitted. however. that the
present plan on which the State De-
partment il proceeding will have to be
altered materially II anything is to be
accomplished.
Mr.. Bryan Is trying to get neutraliza-
authorities, who hold Vera Cruz and
part OF the railroad IN Mexico city. and
the villa -Zapats men. who hold the cap
ital and part OF the line TO Vera Cruz
The prediction is made that little
OF consequence can be hoped for from
this endesyor unless the agreement shall
provide that the forces of the United
States or nrces under Americans shall
maintain the neutrality and security Of
the railroad line.
The weakness OF the present plan, IL
IL said. IL that even IL accepted by both
parties there liz no certainty that IL will
he respected Thus far there has been
offered no definite plan by which II
may be guaranteed that Vie railroad will
be kept open for ingress or egress of
foreigners at Mexico city. and those
most experienced with the Mexican
problem assert that this is the fatal
weakness.
No Reliance on Promises.
They declare that II is impossible to
rely on promises of the factions that
the road shall be kept open at all times
unless arrangement is made for an ade-
auate guard TO he present at the i'm
p,r,ant points along the lines at all
times.
The United States might well come
forward with the proposal In behalf OF
all foreigners that not only should the
road be neutrallzed. hut tho United
states Government should become the
guatantor OF its neutrality and Its
opera ton.
II liz pointed out by those suggesting
this procedure that no naturalization
ever succeeded without q force to guar
antee II, and that " the Mexican fac
tons agree to the principle of neutrali-
zation they could have no logical OBJ
lection to the United States guarantee
ing IL.
In China all the Powers have Joined
together to guard the road from the
port OF Tientsin and keep open the line
+ for foreigners wishing to enter or leave
China.
with the United States holding this
railway II is believed successive steps
could b. taken without, resort to warfare
tHa ,al AGO. Inn
I OF Mexico. There Is no doubt here that
| the initial step would he received with
I rejoicing by the Mexican people in
Mexico city and along the line OF the
road and that subsequent action. which
this might well lead up to. would he
recognized as of real beneft to the coun.
/ try ~ we'll as to the interests OF for
! eigners.
British Chnrae's Suggestion.
The suggestion regarding the Vera
( Cruz- Mexico Railway reached the STATE
| Department first. through suggestion
| from Charge Hoh,er of the British leEs
/ ton. In Mexico city TO the embassy here
He urged that steps bectaken to secur,
! the maintenance OF the railway regard
less of which faction might control II "
whole or in part
This suggestion never was formal.
presented to the state Department. a
the British Government IL making M
| proposals to the United states In regarc
to Mexico, but 1t did not fail to reach thu
Departments attention.
Thus far the vills-Zapats men hav'
acceded I'm principle to the NATURALIZATION
plan, both for the railway and the city
Carrsnza has not vet given any answer
TO the American suggestion II In be
lieved that difficulty will he encountere,
IN getting his agreement. "a
In well informed quarters here it't