The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-06-05
THE MEXICAN SITUATION.

THE MEXICAN SITUATION.
The Mexican problem continues to
press for solution. Business men who
recently participated in a trade excur-
sion into Mexico are not inclined to
favor the immediate Investment Of
capital in that country. Banking ia
cilities were found to be unsound;
| transportation was suffering severely
from the lack of rolling stock. and
manufacturing, smelling and mining
industries were operating on part
| time. A visit was made to Tampico.
where the situation in the oil fields
was shown to be uncettled.
The excursionists were everywhere
given a courteous and cordial recep-
ton. The crops seemed to be good
and it was reported to members of
the party that they were better than
they had been for several years past
These statements are taken from a
report made to the National Associa-
ton for the Protection of American
| Rights in Mexico by a member of this
trade excursion who writes that the
conditions in Mexico are still far from
| normal. but sufficient improvement
has been noted during the last few
months to warrant an effort toward
establishing more active commercial
relations"
The majority of the excursionists,
however. are not inclined to favor the
immediate investment of capital in
Mexico. They believe a better plan is
! to cultivate, closer social relations with
the Mexicans, study their needs and
customs and lay the foundation for
the business which they feel certain
will come from Mexico. The report
says:
II believe one of two things will
happen in Mexico within the next year
| or two. Either the Mexican people
Will stabilize conditions sufficiently to
! give adequate protection to foreign
| capital and industries or it will be
done for them. The reason is obvi-
! Gus. Mexico has much that the world
needs and needs, badly. It is, there
| fore, reasonable to suppose that the
world will obtain these necessities.
| "Carranza is unpopular with prac-
| tfcally all classes except those who
have. been able to profit from the
| spoils of office. 1t seems to be the
| general impression that he will make
| no effort to continue to hold the pres
| idency, altho his statement that he
would not do so has been questioned.
| Public sentiment towards the
United States has undergone notice
able change since the signing of the
armistice. The MeXicans realize now
that they misjudged this country and
have a most wholesome respect for
| our fighting ability. German influ-
ence has slumped materially and not
in years has the sentiment, particular
ly among the important commercial
interests, been so favorable to better
business relations with the United
States.
General conditions were found to
| be better than expected. Few evil
| denceS of acute suffering or want were
seen. Manufacturing, mining and
smelling industries were found oper-
| ating on part time.
| THE situation al Tampico continues
unsettled. Interests there are subject
to high and unjust taxes and the gov
eminent is condemned for not pro-
| viding adequate protection for bandit
| activities. At the same time the ma
| jority of the American concerns there
also severely criticise their own gov
eminent for allowing such state of
| affairs to continue without taking ac-
ton to help them. Robberies and
bandit outrages in this region are fire.
| quent. as shown by press reports.
Il do not see how Mexico can be
put on a stable basis unless the United
States or some world power intervene,
at least to the extent of establishing
| some sort of a protectorate. Mexico
| is without question a country of Won
derful resources but the present gen
Grafton will never develop them. I'm
migration must be encouraged by the
enactment Of sound laws protecting
the lives and interests of foreigners in
the country. I believe that this would
result in the establishment of stable
conditions and bring about the devel-
opment of the resources of the coun-
try"