Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-01-10
Mexico Again

CENATOR KING, Of Utah has introduced
~ in the Senate resolution calling on the
Department OF State for information con-
corning the claims of American citizens
against Mexico. The resolution inquiries par
ticularly as to what steps and measures are
being taken to prosecute such claims" Thus
II happens that Mexico, shut out by the world
war from place in the public's interest,
looms up again as problem of exasperat-
ing annoyance Estimates that have been
made place the total value of the claims,
covering damage to life and property, at
about S2o0,o0O,OoO, and though the Car
rama government named a commission to
investigate the subject, tho claimants. be-
cause OF the pronounced hostility OF the COM
mlssoncrs, decided il was useless to appear
As further complication, the Mexican
government proposes, by way OF constitu-
tonai reform, practically to contiScatc all
the British and American oil properties in
Mexico representing an Investment of $780,
100000. of which two-thirds is American
capital. The constitution Of 1917" Contains
the provision that lin the nation is vested
direct ownership of all petroleum and all
hEdrocarbons-solid,l liquid or gaseous nv
virtue of this ii is declared CarranZa pro-
poses TO take over by contiscation these
properties. producing annually more than
33,Ooo,000 barrels OF oil, the owners being
permitted 10 operate them only as essecs, at
the pleasure OF the Mexican government
american oil operators protest that their
properties were not obtained through conces-
sions, but by direct purchase or lease from
private owners. and were developed under
the Mexican mining laws of 1854
Similar cOntisCation is threatening mining
properties. water works and various large
commercial and industrial interests and
means OF speeding the process are provided
III sinister fashion by amendments to tn,
constitution TO the effect that such estab-
lishments shall not be closed down because
Of strikes under threat OF the government
taking over their operation Thus the way
Is left open for the agents OF the govern
lncnt 10 create discomfort among EMPLOYEES
and use ii as a lever to prod loose the private
owners
Needless TO say, the State Department has
filed general protest, and the fact that
congress is beginning to agitate the question
promises lively recrulescencc OF the whole
Mexican question. Advocates OF intervention
undoub'ediy Will seize upon the situation 10
try to force the Washington government TO
drastic extremes. and unless care is taken
the border once more will be aname with the
acts OF Mexican bandits seeking TO prof, by
me situation to inaugurate Il fresh era of
lawlcssncss
Fortunately there has been maintained
throughout our participation in the European
war very considerable force Of American
troops along the border. although for obvious
reasons net much was said about it, II NAV
ALSO heip the situation TO have the Mexicans
know rs they must know. the extent IN
which the United States car. go when il starts
10 night But most fortunate OF all is the
tact that there is at he head OF the Amer
lcan government a man who. though insisting
on proper treatment by Mexico. is not going
10 let hrcbrand jngoes force him into inter-
Nchlloh intervention will come ONLY ne .
l"St resort and If " comes il will be thorough
AS TO that, Carranza need have no doubt