The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-07-27
BOTH PARTIES APPLAUD
American Youth Kidnapped
{ Near Mexico City, in Car
rama Territory,
PRESIDENT is DISTURBED
Washington Thinks He May
Be Moved by Public Feel
ing to Take Action.

Specf0t Deepotch 70 IHb oVNs
WASHINGTON, July 26.-Coincident
with the news of another outrage
against Americans In Mexico In terri
tory dominated by First Chief Car
rama, came Indications to-day that
the United States Government is at
last beginning to realize that a firmer
policy must govern its Mexican rela-
ticns. President Wilson and Secre-
fary OF State Lansing have discussed
the problem since the latter's return
and although the President strongly
favors continuing methods Of concilia-
ton toward Carranza. he is known to
be disturbed over the agitation in the
United States and prefers to take the
Initiative il necessary rather than
have Congress with the backing of
the American people force him to de-
mand more adequate protection for
American lives and property.
In the House to-day Representative
Hudspeth (Tex.I. Democrat. urged the
withdrawal of recognition Of the Car
rsnza Government by the United
States and the military occupation of
: Mexico by forces of this country un-
til a stable and trustworthy Govern
mcnt has been established. The tenn
per of the House was revealed when
both Republicans and Democrats ap-
plauded Mr. Hudspeth's proposal.
Mr.. Lansing announced to-day that
Philip Thompson. the sixteen-year -old
son of John West Thompson, an
American citizen, had been kidnapped
by bandits thirty miles from Mexico
city. This is presumably in the heart
Of Carranzista territory and the So
called bandits are or should be under
Carranza's control. Immediately upon
receipt OF the news the White House
was notified and Mr.. Lansing made
urgent representations to the Mexican
Government.
Fletcher In Dissatisfied.
Soon after this announcement 1t de-
American Ambassador to Mexico city,
who has been assisting the State De-
pa-tment here for several months. had
sent letter TO the Mexican Congress
urging greater protection for American
citizens. The letter was in reply to one
received by Mr.. Fletcher thanking him
for the fairness OF his testimony before
the American Congress regarding con-
ditions in Mexico. The tone of Mr..
Fletcher's reply indicated that he is by
no means satisfied with the protection
which Americans are getting in Mexico
Mr.. Fletcher is known to be ono OF
the officials here who takes little stock
in the soft pedal policies In dealing with
Carranza- He is understood to believe
that \ firm attitude on the part Of the
American Government would help mat.
ters generally and incidentally help Car.
rama and the Mexican people by stamp
ing out the Mexican methods of attempt
Ing to win local popularity by fostering
friction with the United States.
1t is raid that Mr.. Fletcher is a firn
believer In the policy of attempting Il
help Mexico out of her present troubles
and that he believes Carranza shoult
realize and appreciate this American
desire to be Neipful. But at the sam,
4.
iieve that the United States should In
sist upon adequate protection to American
life and property in Mexico, even thougl
the pursuit Of such policy might mate
rally embarrass Carranza.
The Mexican Embassy made public
statement to-day defending Carranza'i
course and attempting to show that tn,
whole Of Mexico was rapidly beini
brought to a state of order. The pres
ha Mt hxx
embassy as encouraging criticism O
Carranza in order to prevent stabiliza
ton Of the country.
Urges House to Act,
In his Address in the House urging tn
occupation of Mexico Representative
Hudspeth began:
"Why should we stop to investigate
You Republicans who are In the majority
have been reading the press accounts o
what has been happening In Mexico fol
the last several years. You know tn,
situation. II you want to protect Ameri
can Yves in Mexico pass the Emerson
resolution. But / am afraid you ar
trying 70 make political capital for tn,
next campaign and are not trying Z,
sprotect American lives and property"
The Emerson resolution provides tha
the Secretary. OF War be authorized an,
directed to send troops into Mexico I,
protect American lives and property o:
American citizens and to keep them ther,
until there is established a stable gov
ernment which can and will afford pro
lection to Americans
"Oh. they say. that means war. tel
you IL does not mean war. The Mexi
cans have not forgotten Scott, Sam Hous
ton and the Alamo"
Declaring that many Mexicans kiilet
ON the American side OF the border wor,
Carranza uniforms. Mr.. Hudsreth sait
the time has come when the Unitet
. states should say 10 carranza; "Yoi
have not measured up to expectations
tions YOU must get out" He character
izsd carfsas. IS nothing but a bil