The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-03-01
MEXICO WILL WELCOME U. s.
Carranza Says His Country Desires Friendship of
 Americans.

Americans are now welcomed in Mexico, according to President Car ranza, in an interview with Q cores pondent of the Evening Post, which was published as a copyrighted des- patch in that newspaper recently.
 The interview dealt mainly with re- lations between the United States and Mexico, and with improved conditions in that country. It was prompted by reports in American papers that gave the impression that Americans are not liked nor wanted in Mexico. Gen. Carranza says that while business men, missionaries and tourists are doing what they can to inform the people of the country of good con- ditions, their testimony is outWeighed by what seems to be an organized hostile propaganda He wishes the | truth known, for his country needs American aid in solving her problems.
 As you travel he said to the cor respondent, you no doubt find a great difference between conditions now and two years ago. You see in the improved economic conditions less evidence of military rule, more { schools, and new life developing everywhere. Go to the theatres . they are full; to the moving picture
 shows-you hardly find a seat; look at our automobile service-you find 1t one of the finest anywhere. Prices are not exorbitant, schools are open and functtontng. Some of the best minds are giving themselves to solving the difficult educational problems. Trains are running on all lines. Crops are more universally 1 planted than for a, long time. ! '~These are things we would like the ] people of the United States to know
 We do not ask favors. we simply ask : that the truth, in simple fairness, be known.
 i Have you been to Tampico? That Is the centre, it seems to me, of most ! of the understanding between the United States and Mexico. We are
 trying to do everything in our power ! to give protection to Americans in that district, but find some of them unwilling to cooperate. Complaints have been made that bandits attack
 paymasters and, of course, we know
 that is true. The Government has
 given orders that no payroll be sent
 out without official escort. There
 have been cases, however, when es-
 sorts were not accepted, and bandits were notified when paymasters would pass, so that they might be assaulted and their money taken.
 ] we need all possible help from . every one interested in fair play and
 international friendship to solve the : delicate problems There is no real
 reason that I know of for the two i peoples not getting along together l The problems are great, but they are
 not insurmountab1e, if we work hon i estDy together for their solution" The correspondent presented to t Gen Carranza, the representatives of
 ten missionary boards now in Mexico
 attending the conference of Christian
 workers, to develop a programme for ] colleges, normal, agricultural and
 mechanical schools, social settle
 ments, hospitals and churches. When i they had explained their mission, i President Carranza said he always
 had believed in the aficacy of evan
 gelica1 work in Mexico, and was de- lighted with the educational pro-
 gramme, in the execution of which he
 promised the sympathy of the Gov ernUent and the help of the people. He recommended short courses in
 the agricultural schools, as likely to
 help the solution of the land problem,
 and he said 8 college in Mexico City, ] combining the best of American and . Mexican educational principles, would i contribute much to the friendship of { the two countries.
 He hoped the delegation on its re- turn" the correspo pondent says, would
 make clear that there is no prejudice or i'll feeling toward Americans, that the attitude Of the Mexican Govern ment and of the people is friendly, i that the country is developing slowly and sureIy.''
 The twenty delegates had gone by various routes to the capital. No un- toward incident attended their trav- el, and many encouraging evidences were found that the country was re- turning to normal conditions socially, ] economically and politically. While outlying districts are still greatly disturbed, the centres exhibit stable i conditions.
 Have you seen in your visits any i indications that Americans are treat ed differently from other people ?' President Carranza asked the cor respondent. "Or that they are perse- icuted or are not received with cor ] dtanty of Government officials and i the people generaly?'
 i The correspondent expressed his qualification with what he had seen, l and says in closing his despatch:
 While waiting to see President Carranza I was greatly impressed
 by the great throng around the pal ace today, as compared to. that of two years ago. Two years ago 1t was a very Bolshevfk company, most of the Generals wearing faded uniforms and queer costumes and the common
 soldiers wearing white trousers and sandals of Indian make. Today ! there is in evidence the best of the Diaz regime-a healthy combination | of old and new"
 President Carranza seemed to the correspondent to have worn off the | sternness of war days and to have | become mellowed and sympathetic with his responsibilities, looking more rested and carrying more flesh than
 in former years, although he spends practically all of his time at work in his office.
 AMERICANS WIN