Arizona republican., 1918-06-06
MEXICAN CONSUL
 SOON PURGED IN CONTEMP CASE
Francisco Peredo in Open
 Letter Frankly States Why He Addressed Note
 in Defense of Mexicans

Francisco Peredo, Mexican consul. was purged of contempt by Judge Stanford yesterday after the court heard the Mexican's statement con- cerning the communication he ad- dressed to the jury in the case of G. L. Chisholm, charged with the mupder of Antonio Camoche, and had investigated the consuls activities among his peo- pie in this city. Consul Peredo de clared he welcomed the opportunity Of being brought into court in order that he might explain situation which was not uncommon in Mexico.
 He said that it was not against the law in his country to act as he had and assured the court that had he been familiar with the court customs he would not have attempted to reach the jury after it had begun it's delibera- tions. In answer to a direct question, he replied that his protest was not written with the idea of influencing the jury but to show his resentment against George Pusdy Bullard for the manner in which he spoke of Mexico and Mexicans in his defense of a man to whom the consul alluded as the as- sassin of Antonio Camoche.
 Pederos stated that such remarks were harmful in the work he was at tempting to do here. He said that he had been devoting his time to labor adjustment problems and in keeping down labor disturbances.
 While the consul speaks English the proceedings were carried on through an interpreter.
 Consul Peredo last evening issued the following frank, open letter:
 To the American and Mexican People
 of this Vicinity:
 As consul of the Republica of Mex ico at Phoenix. l desire to make frank and full statement with regard to articles which appeared in the press about contempt proceedings against me and about the proceedings them selves.
 Having heard late in the afternoon that MT. Bullard. defender for MT. Chisholm in the murder trial in Judge Stanford's court, had used very abusive language concerning the Mexican peo- pie and having suggested that more of them should have been Killed, large number of MeXicans came to me de- manding that something be done. Not having resided in the United States very long, l supposed that the jury was the proper place to protest against the language. l wrote a letter, signed it myself and asked the two Mexicans. Estrada and Rosales, to deliver it to any officer at the court house who would present it to the jury My ob- ject in doing so was to protest against the abuse of the Mexican people and the insult to my country. I did not blame anybody but the attorney who made the remarks and I did not do this with any purpose of influencing the | issues of the case on trial but merely for the purpose of protecting my own country and it's people.
 I intended no offense against tho court. As a consular officer of a friendly nation, it was my earnest de- sire to tell the court and public the whole story frankly, which I did. After this the proceedings were dismissed by Judge Stanford.
 Since coming to Arizona. it has been my continual purpose to bring about a better understanding between the Mexican people and the people of this country. I do not uphold Mexican when he is doing wrong and I con- stantly advise against any form of vio- lence or any misconduct on the part of | my people but l must strongly protest against the use of such language by any person as was used by Mr. Bull lard. It was aa unjustified and cow ardly attack upon the Mexican people | and could have no other result than tC create prejudice between the races which l deeply deplore. I have told l the Mexican people. however, that MT Bullard does not represent the senti- ment of the people of this country to- ward them but that the people here want them in the fields and in the mines and l want them to so conduct | themselves that their services and theil presence here will be appreciated. Lei us have peave between these two na tions which have so much in common and can be of such valuable assistanc, to each other.
 deeply appreciate the courtesy witt which l was treated by Judge Stanforc and the court officials, and I will try in every way within my power to assis the officials of this state and this coun. try in maintaining peace and order ans friendly relations with the Mexican people,
 Very respectfully,
 FRANCISCO PEREDO.
 Consul of the Republica of Mexico
 -O-