El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1917-02-26
CONSTITUTION
IS CARRANzi'S
New Fundamental Law Of
Mexico Contains Much
Advanced LEGISLATION


ico's new constitution now promui-
stated throughout the republic follows
along broad lines outlined by the first
chief. Gen Nenustiano Carranza. and
submitted by him for consideration at
the opening of the constitutional con-
gress at Queretaro. Gen. Carranza's
project in turn followed the broad
lines OF the Juarez constitution of 1857.
changing it with the object of max
ing it thoroughly applicable to mod
ern conditions.
Two articles deal largely with the
rights OF foreigners in Mexico Ar
ticie SO. as finally passed. remains the
same as it was in the Juarez constitu-
ton of 1857 This article declares that
all foreigners possess the rights to the
individual guarantees granted to all
within the republic but the executive
OF the union shall have the exclusive
right to compel TO leave the national
territory Immediately and without
prior judgment. any foreigner whose
presence shall be adjudged trouble
some Foreigners may not be permit
ted to mix in any manner in the pO-
iitical affairs OF the country.
The other articles dealing with the
rights of foreigners provide that only
NeXicans by birth or naturalization
and Mexican companies have the right
to acquire possession Of lands or wa
tiers or 10 obtain concessions to exploit
mines. water rights or cOmbustibles
but the state may concede the same
right 20 foreigners who appear before
the secretary Of foreign relations and
agree TO be considered q 5 Mexicans IN
respect TO the titles involved and agree
the protection OF their governments
under penalty. if they violate this
promise. of losing the titles which they
have acquired, which pass to the ma
ton.
May Not Acquire Border Land.
Foreigners may not acquire direct
possession OF lands or waters within
100 kilOmeters from the land borders
of Mexico nor within so kilometers of
the sea coast
In the official schools primary edu-
cation will be without cost Citizens
are obligated to have their sons or
children under their control under Is
attend school for elemental and mill
tary instruction All Mexicans must
enlist and serve in the national guard
(Which elects its own officers) in con-
formity with the organic law to de-
1end- the independence. territory. SOW
ereignty. rights and interests of Mex
leo and the tranquility Of the interior
order
strict government regulation Of the
church is provided for in the new
All ministers Of what
ever cult must BIT Mexicans by birth.
This regulation will cause removal
from their pastorates Of about 25O0
Spanish priests. There are few Amer
lean ministers in Mexico. at the pres
ent time probably less than ten.
Marriage a Civil Contract.
Marriage is to be regarded as a civil 2
contract The simple promise to as
sumo the obligations is sufficient to !
constitute marriage Ministers in pub I
lie reunion or formal private meeting |
or in the acts of the cult or in religious !
shall not criticize the fun I
ru1 1lv - hn ~Tr~ ha
thorities in particular or the govern |
ment in general They shall not have /
the right TO vote or to BIT voted for /
nor the right TO associate themselves
IN political affairs
Labor Laws Are Advanced.
e. The labor laws provided by the new |
are among the most ad- 1
RANGED MEASURES contained in the doc |
Iment An eight hour day and 4 six |
lay week are provided. Night work 4
nay not exceed seven hours and night 1
work and dangerous unhealthy employ /
nent is prohibited 10 women and chill l
iren under 16. Commercial establish /
nents may not work their employees /
lfter 10 D. m. Children from Il to |
L6 have a six hour day and children \
inder IL may not be employed Women
ray not be required to do hard physi-
al labor for three months before child
birth. and may not labor for one month 1
ifter that time but for this month they
hall receive full pay. retain their jobs
They also must be given two extra rest !
periods of half hour each during the
lursing period The minimum salary
# each region will be fixed on a basis
which will provide each man with the
necessities Of life. his education and
lonest amuSements considering him as I
he head of a family. In all farming I
manufacturing and mining
the employees have the right
o participate in the profits. The per Z
entage of such participation will he
ixed by a commission in each munich
ality which will act under the cen
raj commission of Cancellation estab-
ished in each state. For the same
abor there shall be no distinction in
alary made by reason Of sex or ma
iOnality. Double time must be paid
or over time which shall not exceed
hree hours a day nor continue for
Women and children under Is may not
FORK overtime
Farming. mining and Industrial com
anies outside of towns are obligated
o provide proper and healthy houses
Or their employees for which they may
barge not more than one-half per
ent monthly of the assessed tax value
( the same They also must estab-
sh schools. hospitals and other insti-
utions necessary TO the community
When the community exceeds 200 the
Employers also must provide a market l
lace and municipal buildings and rec
cation grounds within which the sale
f intoxicants and gambling is pro-
Ibited. Employers are held respon-
ible for injuries received in perform
ng labor and for professional diseases
nd must pay indemnity for same &C
ording TO the laws. Employers must
rovide for the health of employees and
dept all necessary measures to guard
gainst accidents Both workmen and
Employees may combine in associations
0 protect their respective interests. (
he laws recognize both the right to
trike and to close down.