Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-02-08
MCNICAN DEXEI.OI,MENT


one effect of our strained relations with
Germany will be to enable Pcrshing to
slip out of Mexico almost unoLscrvcd SO
lar as our own people arc concerned. AS
regards the Mexican situation as a whole |
Germany will be an effective counter
lrritant. This may be fortunate or I'M
fortunate for this nation, according as
further developments occur
1t transpres that Pershing has been
making ready for some time to retire,
Just as the Germans seem to have been
making ready for a considerable period
for the submarine warfare now begun.
! Pcrshing did not receive official orders
TO withdraw from Mexico, however, until
January p. IT is stated that when the
first provisional cavalry brigade broke
camp at Colonia Dublan on January 81.
1910 American soldiers i'm Mexico were
moving with clockliko precision toward
the border, 3g7 days after crossing the
boundary in pursuit Of villa
AS was expected Villa raids followed in
|
1T stated that because of rumors to the
effect that Villa forces were following
and occupying the camps loft by the
American forces as soon as they were
J evacuated cavalry patrols and airplanes
were used in numerous "Reminiscences.
The striking statement is made that no
less than 1000 Mexican refugees are &C
campaigning the American troops because
they fear to stay and face former living
conditions. The thought is suggested in
this connection that in the education of
the Mexcans by actual object lessons of
this sort to the merits OF American
government may yet be found the true
solution OF our Mexican problem.
In the meantime it is worth noting that
the McXicans themselves have num-
bor Of excellent ideas as to their own
government The constitutional assembly
which has been at work for the past two
months on II now organic law. have signed
the document embodying the result of
their labors The new constitution con-
sions include tho abolishing of the office
of vice-prcsidcnt. prohibition c' the re-
election Of a president, stringent and
radical labor laws, which provide for
an eighthour day, seven hours of night
work and six working days week; com
puSory arbitration, profit-sharng, free
employment bureaus, antitrust laws, 81
national department Of health with
plcnary powers, and compulsory military
instruction.
Many of the articles arc based on tho
theory of keeping Mexico for Mexicans.
Provisions in the constitution give Next
cans tho preference in obtaining en-
ploymcnt and acquiring lands and con
cessions.
Under the terms OF the new con.
stitution, foreigners must renouncc al
come to acquire title to real estate
insofar as foreign citizenship concerns
such property. The land laws are
stringent. They provide for TIE cutting
NIl OF IdTC' tSldl'S anu iHt I'NbiIl ~
communal and tribal lands.
The provisions regarding separation o
the church and State virtually mean the
taking over 10y the government of tn
entire property in Mexico of the Roman
Catholic Church, inasmuch religious
orders are prohibited from owning or ad
ministering real estate or mortgages. ant
all churches, as well as denominations
educational and charitable institution
pass into the hands Of the government
All clcrCymcu must be of Mexican birth
They are prohibited from teaching i
public schools. and arc permitted to Civ
instructions in only the higher grade
of private schools which will be unde
the supervision of the government, as al
churches will he,
Criminal procedure is reformed i
such way that court costs are abol
ished.
The succession of the presidency throug
absence or death is stringenty regulate
and placed in the hands of Congress.
Al natural resources IN htNl'' "i' w
clarcd to be the property Of the govern
mcnt
Before the congress was adjourned
was decided that tho question of the re
organization of the army should he dca
with by the next congress. y measur
providing that candidates for Eoverno
in certain disturbed states need not b
natives Of these states was defeated.
1t is evident from this thar the MeNica
government leaders are Su a l"rg wa
from American ideas AZ to a nuUho- {
things, Including separation Of churc
and state and religious liberation. The
have many other things to learn ST.
the fact that they have assembled an
tried To agree on some form 81 consut'
uonal gnycrrm'it is of itself encourai
iEe.
VERMONT AND POSTAL SAVINGS
AS might he cypc.;cd Vermont has II
largest average balance N he post
savings banks OF all New England ata,e