The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-02-06
BACK The RIGHTS
Fletcher Says American Inter-
ests in Mexico Are Safe.
Gives Optimistic View OF the
Situation Across Border.

yvasbi,e+ou Feb american
rights in Mexico will be amply safe
Guarded bv the Mexican government,
sccordfng to Ambassador Henry z
E,ia+cher who is here from Mexico
CITY for conferences with state depart
rnent officials with an opuI1istlc We"
of the situation in the southern
dav the feeling there toward TINS
country had become more friendly
since the recall OF the German minis
Ter the notorious Won EckhaFdt, anu
the consequent cessation OF anti
American propaganda President Car
ranza in the last two years he said
had accomplished a great work n pre-
pairing for Development and recon
structton and in re-organtzI1g the
uubIic service, and had made such
Roadway in his respect that the var
feIIs bandit leaders now were without
real influence and were operating IN
small bands. He was emphatic IN me
statement that Carranza was the real
power in Mexico.
Adjust the L. 5. Interests
OF paramount Importance, the am
bassador said was the possibility mat
fhA troubles of oil interests. including
American soon would be adjusted he
said I'D 20 this time no decree had
been enforced and no taxes collected
under the new constitution Vestlns d.
ing petroleum, in the nation The oil
interests have objected vigorously TO
these DEGREES and the United States
government has made certain repre-
sensations
President Carranza appointed 8
committee Of his cabinet to confer
with the oil men. Mr. Fletcher ex-
planned. and the position OF the Amer
lean companies was made enureIy
clear President CarranZa submitted
-Trze1.rr "a
which expired before the matter could
be taken up. It now is generally IN
derstOOd that the president Will cal q
special session of congress in April or
May to consider among other things,
petroleum legislat ton and the oil COM
panies have been asked to appear and
present their case. The ambassador
expressed the opinion that ultimately
law would be passed recognizing the
rights of American citizens acquired
under the law Of Mexico in good faith
and at the same time be in harmony
with the sovereign rights of Mexico
in respect to taxation and regulation
of industry.
Few Ares Struggled
Relative to the smuggling Of arms
and ammunition across the border,
the auba ssador said this was on a
verv limited scale" and that the Mex
lean government realized the United
States was doing its utmost to sup
press smuggling He also said that
he did not believe Mexico had any
intention of presenting itself before
the peace conference at Paris and
that. on the other hand, Mexico was
decidedly opposed to any foreign med
ding in the adjustment of her in
ternal affairs The foreign debt of
Mexico upon which no interest has
been paid since 1918. and the general
public debt Of the country now are
being considered by the government
and steps are contemplated looking
to a refund. Mr.. Fletcher said a rep
resentative might be sent TO the
United States. in the near future to
study the possibilities Of making some
financial az justment-
The reorganization of the Mexican
army is yet too recent. according &c
Mr.. Fletcher. TO pass Judgment upon
its effect. The railroads OF the couD-
try are gradually being placed upon
the footing before the revolution and
Mr.. Fletcher emphasized the executive
ability Of President Carranza, which
was enabling him to overcome the
numerous obstacles in his way in at
lacking fthe great task he confronted
when he came into power