Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-11-27
RELEASE OF AMERICAN Hello
IN JAIL CALLED INVASION
BY STATE OF COURT RIGHTS
Nothing for u. s. to Break
Relations Over, Car
ranza Says.


Ell Paso, Texas, Nov. ~. -. The
note of the Mexican government
states that 1t will be impossible to
accede to the request Of the Amer
ican state department for the re-
lease Of Consular Agent Jenkins.
Not Official.
Washington, Nov. c7.-Mexico's
note refusing to comply with the
state departments recent demand
for the release of William o. Jenk-
ins. the American consular agent
imprisoned at Puebla on a charge
that he connived with the bandits
who kidnapped and held him for
ransom, had not been received In
Washington early today. The only
information officials had that q re-
ply had been sent was contained IN
press dispatches last night.
Deprecates Hasty Action.
Mexico City, Nov. 27.-(By the
Associated Press. s.)-belief that the
relations Of friendship between
Mexico and the United States can
not be affected unfavorably" by the
formers refusal to take steps look
ing forward to the release Of VIII
liam jenkins, United States COL
sular agent from the penitentiary
at Puebla, was expressed In the
note replying to the American de-
mand for Mr.. jenkins liberty, sent
by the Mexican government to the
American embassy late yesterday.
With Judicial Powers.
After reviewing the case the re-
ply pointed out the judge ut Pu-
ebla who ordered Mr.. Jenkins' de-
tention, had acted within his pow
ers and that the latter had waived
his legal rights In refusing to give
bail. Only when Justice is denied,
the note asserted, can one nation b
made to release q subject who y
imprisoned in another country. 1t
is declared that the Mexican law
does not contemplate interference
by the executive branch OF the gov
ernment in operations Of the judi
ciary and that, even in the United
States, the government Is power
les to act in a case until state
courts render decision.
Little surprise was caused by the
attitude assumed by the Mexican
government, as statements by ON
cials during the last week have re-
flected sentiment adverse to &C.
ceding to the American demands.
Refuses Refund.
Mr.. Jenkins was abducted ON
Oct. %, by a band Of outlaws un-
der command of Federico Cordova.
and held at the latter's hacienda In
the mountains south OF Puebla un-
til a ransom of $150, 900 in gold was
paid. This sum was handed the
bandits about a week later and Mr..
Jenkins was released, the payment
being made by Senior Mestre, who
has been Mr.. jenkins attorney.
The Mexican government later n
fused to refund the amount Of the
ransom, . suggestion that M
made from Washington.
Charges As Accessory. - =
Soon after Mr.. Jenkins release,
his attorney was charged with be-
/ ing an accessory of his principals
abduction and later all CORES
pondence in Mr.. jenkins posses
sion was seized and he was placed
under surveillance on q charge oi
having conspired with Cordova f0i
carrying out an alleged false ab.
duction. He was placed undel
c0hstructive arrest but was mot &C:
tually incarcerated until Now ~
when he was confined in Pueblo
penitentiary by a judge before
whom allegations were made thai
Jenkins had made false statements
and had threatened poems who
Iwere prepaed to testify that they
fhad seen Mr.. Jenkins in company
with Cordova after the former had
been released by the bandit chief.