The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram., 1919-11-27
mex REFUSE
TO RELEASE
". JENKINS
Officials Note Not Received,
But Unofficial Version Car
ried Through Press Notices
to Capital.
U, S, IS MARKING Time
BULLETIN
(By Associated press)

WASdlNGlON, NOV. Gt-1ue Sldte
department announced at 1 p. m. to-
day that the text of the note from
Mexico in reply to the American COM
Consular Agent Jenkins at Puebla had
mediately to Secretary Lansing at his
home.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 27-Mexico's
note refusing to comply with the state
departments recent demand for the
release of William o. jenkins, the
consular agent imprisoned at Puebla,
on a charge that he connived
with the bandits who kidnapped and
held him for ransom. had not been re-
ceived in Washington early today.
The only information officials had
that a reply had been sent was con-
tained in press dispatches last night.
The text Of the reply as carried in
these dispatches was read carefully.
but comment was withheld pending
receipt and consideration Of the Of
ficial copy. Although this was legal
holiday the state department officials
were at their offices early to await
receipt of the Mexican communicar
tion.
There was no indication however
as to when a cabinet meeting would
be called to consider the reply but
it was believed such a meeting would
follow almost immediate receipt of
the Carranza government statement.
In the meantime there was much spec
ulation in diplomatic circles as to the
further course of the controversy and
representatives of foreign govern.
vooptc tchoA tho cif,1o iny, uyitt> loov,
interest.
MEXICO CITY, Nov 27-Belief that
the relations of friendship between
Mexico and the United States "can.
not bs effected unfavora bly," by the
formers refusal to take steps looking
to the release of William O. Jenkins
United States consular agent, from
the penitentiary at Puebla, was ex
pressed in the note replying to the
American demand for Mr.. jenkins
liberty sent by, the Mexican govern.
Inent to the American embassy late
yesterday
After reviewing the case, the reply
pointed out the Judge at Puebla, who
ordered MT. Jenkins detention, had
;.c:et within his powers and that the
latter Rad waived his legal rights In
refusing to give bal1.
Only VIXEN justice is denied, the
note asserted, can one nation demand
the release of subject who is i'm
prisoned in another country. It is de
clared that the Mexican law does not
contemplate interference by the exc
cutive branch of the government ir
= operations of the judiciary and that
even in the United States, the govern
ment is powerless to act in case un
til state coults render decision.
Was No Surprise
Little surprise was caused By the
attitude assumed by the Mexican
government as statements by officials
during the last week have reflected
sentiment adverse to acceding to the
American demand.
Mr.. Jenkins was abducted on Oct
20 by band of outlaws under com
mand of Federico Cordova and helt
at the latter's hacienda in the noun
tains south of Puebi2 until a ransom
OF $150,00O in gold was paid. Thi.
sum was handed the bandits about ,
week later and Mr.. jenkins was re
leased. the payment being made b.
Senor Mestre, who has been MIR. Jen
kins' attorney. The Mexican govern
ment later refused to refund tn,
amount Of the ransom, a suggestion
that was made from Washington.
Soon after Mr.. jenkins release hi,
attorney was charged with being al
accessory Of his principals abduc
ton and later all CORES pondence IL
Mr.. jenkins possession was seizet
and he was placed under surveilianc,
on charge OF having conspired will
Cordova for the carrying out Of a
oil $ol
placed under constructive arrest. bu
was not actually incarcerated unit
Nov. 10. when he was confined IL
Puebla penitentiary by Judge befor
whom allegations were made tha
jenkins had made false statement
and had threatened poems who ver
prepared to testify that they had seel
Mr.. jenkins in company with Cordov
after the former had been release,
by the bandit chief
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