The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-10-08
TINE FOR PLAIN.
TALK TO MEXICO
Department Of Commerce Defines At
titudc Of United States In Oil
Controversy.
POSITIVE STAND TAKEN.
Ills Country VIII Not Acqnicsce in
Any Procedure Which is In Enect
Arbitrary Confscation OF Property.

Washington. Oct THE United
States government evidently has de-
-.ssed tha. the time has arrived for
pain talk concerning Mexico's at
tempted contiscation of American
owned oil fields in that country.
The department of commerce with
the knowledge and sanction of the
state department. today made public
a clear and concise official resume OF
the existing situation. The docu-
ment is unique in that 1t sounds more
like ii strongly worded paper from
the state department. containing. as
II docs, complete REPUTATION OF
Mexico's defense of its strong-arm
procedure and a plain and unmistak-
able definition of this governments
position.
The underlying purpose Of the pub
location of the facts at this time is to
lay before the American public the
exact state of affairs arising from
Mexieo's avowed intention of chang
ing more than 5000, 100000 worth Of
American-ewned oil properties into b
form of leased concessions subject TO
rentals and royalties to the Mexican
government, preparatory TO any
further steps by the United States
which future developments may de-
m2nd.
The point is emphasized that the
Mexican oil field in which millions OF
American capital liz invested has in
abundance the supply of oil which
the United States at this moment
urgently needs for war purposes.
Moreover. II Is made plain that this
government In being compelled 10
turn to Mexico in the present emer-
gency, cannot, and will not. acquiesce
in any procedure aimed to deprive
American citizens of their property
and vested rights
Notice Is III effect served upon
Mexico that the decision of the Mexl-
can courts upon the suits now in pro-
gress is being awaited by this govern
ment with the deepest interest The
statement of the department refers to
the COURTS action as Signal factor
In the situation and in the opening
paragraph emphasizes this oountry's
vital interest In the matter as ma
ton as follows:
Our navy. our marine, our army
and the various industries which are
SO essential to- the prosecution OF the
war. all demand oil and Mexico IS an
important source of oil supply. II is
with particular concern, therefore.
that the American people are watch
ing for any development In regard TO
the status of oil properties in that
country
Figures are adduced showing the
world product ton of petroleum for
1917. with the United States, Russia
ana Mexico heading the lis. In the
order named as the three main
sources of supply.
The department OF commerce calls
attention 10 article xiv of the new
constitution. which declares that no
law shall he given retroactive effect
To the prejudice Of any person" and
adds:
That petroleum properties were
legally recognized In 1884. 1892 and
500 Is IA mere matter Of legislative
history. however II may be AT variance
with the recent plan of 'nationaliza-
ton"
The statement cites numerous laws
and regulations which. il is contend
ed. establish the retroactive effect Of
the latest oil DEGREES and proves
their unconstitutionaiity even under
Mexican law.
Attention ts called to the protest
OF Ambassador Fletcher oF April T.
1918. In addition to the protests of
England. Holland and France. and
for the first time the following Ian.
guage of the note on that occasion Is
made public,
The United States cannot ac-
ouiesce In any procedure ostensihiy
or nominally in the form Of taxation
or the exercise of eminent domain.
hu, really resulting IN confiscation of
private property and arbitrary de-
privation of vested rights"
In conclusion the document saws:
The liberal supplies which the
United States has granted, to Mexico.
together with Ambassador Fletcher's
note OF April 2. constitute our side Of
the present case"
buy Liberty Rond~-
detective Ser geant John WHY was
summoned Sunday night by a woman
residing near Eleventh and Marshall
streets. who told the officer that she
was unable to have roomer suffer
ing with the Spanish maiady removed
70 hospital on account Of ''gasless"
sunday Willy impressed his own car
INTO service and the man was taken
10 Grace hospital for medical atten-
ton.
Miss Maude Willy, assistant super
fntendent of Virginia hospital and a
sister OF Detective Sergeant Willy is
III with influenza, as is Stuart r kel-
lam. son of Detective Sergeant Louis
kellam, at the naval base hospital nj
Pine Beach.