New-York tribune., 1919-05-07
In Mexico

The temperance of Villa in the news,
with this irrepressible bandit able to
muster an organized force strong enough
to capture Parral and to threaten Tor
reon and Chihuahua, directs attention
once more to Mexico Carranzas propa-
ganda agents paint rosy pictures, but
things seem to be going from bad to
worse. Mexico is threatened with an
other convulsion. If it occurs "watchful
waiting draws to close; this time
something must be done.
The National Democratic platform of
1912 said:
"The constitutional rights of citizens
should protect them on our borders and
go with them throughout the world and
every American citizen residing or having
property in any foreign country is en-
titled to and must be given the full pro-
lection of the United States government
both for himself and his property"
The pledge was repudiated Mr.. Bryan,
when Secretary of State, speaking of
Americans in Mexico, said "They had
no right to demand protection for their
property" The Administrations policy
has not materially changed since this ut
terance. More Americans have been
murdered in Mexico than on the Lusi
tania.
How extensive are American invest
ments, with Americans operating them?
Marion Letcher, American Consul at
Chihuahua, compiled statement show
ing the total wealth of Mexico in
his time was $2,437, PAL, ,422, of which
Americans owned $1,057,77O, 900; Eng
lish, 1921, 100000; French, $143,446, 900;
other foreigners, $118,535, $3.50; Mexicans.
$792,1S7,242. Foreign capital, principally
American, translated into labor. machin-
cry and great works, built railroads and
factories, opened mines and oil wells,
supplied utilities and developed coffee and
sugar plantations. Under the stimulus
wages doubled, schools were opened, and
with the passing of anarchy the Mexican
people became prosperous.
On what terms did Americans 90 in?
The conditions more carefully safeguard
ed Mexico than the United States ap-
piled in her own development The con-
cessions with all their works reverted to
Mexico. At specified periods railway
maximum tariffs were established bv
contract, readjustable downward (never
upward) every five years Mails were
carried free and dividends above 6 per
cent were to go to the Mexican treasury
hrIr 3Nxaya NI,o
named directors. On her side Mexico
only agreed not to confscate investments.
What has Mexico done--not bandit
Mexico, but Carranza Mexico? 1t disre-
garded its pledges. Section VII of the
new constitution provides that property
may be taken con such conditions as the
respective governments shall approve"
The owner is "bound to receive bonds of
special issue" in such amounts as are
rendered. Not only public utilities, but
factories, wholesale and retail shops-in
fact, anything can be seized by the ex-
ecutive by this printing press method.
What is the basis Of the government?
Its constitution was, in effect, decreed,
as was the constitution of Bolshevist
Russia. In the election since nominally
held but per cent of the population
participated. The government is carried
on. by junta which maintains merce-
nary army and crushes the quiet Indian
poems, who are 80 per cent of Mexico.
What is the effect on the masses? Last
fall In Mexico City, if one witness may
be believed, he saw in one walk more
than 5000 human creatures huddled in
doorways TO escape the wind. Garbage
piles are combed for food, men and wom-
en- doing the work formerly done by
beggars. A hacienda owner wanted to
hire 200 and 1000 applied. In the Fed