The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1919-09-02
MEX!CAN
CONGRESS
OPENED
President Ca1ranza Says Re-
public Will Maintain Her
Sovereignty Un-
harmed.
TO ESTABLISH ORDER
Four Gases of International Conflict
Including Conditions Along
the American
Border.

IUnited Press Leased Wire Service!
| MEXICO CITY, Sept 1-Mexlco VIA
| maintain her sovereignty, unharmed
and absolutely cannot accept any nm
/ ftations on the liberty of Mexican clti-
zens," President Carranza declared To-
(! night In his message before the open
ing session of congress.
1 Carranza warned diplomatic repre-
sentatives stationed in Mexico to eau
tion their nationals against occasions
Z of conflict" The Mexican govern
ment, he said, was making every ef-
! fort to establish order In the country
I and pointed to conditions which he de-
clared marked an appreciable lmr-nve-
iment. The president affirmed Mex
ico's intention of fulfilling her oDiisa-
, tions to foreign countries.
| "The law recognizes damages
caused to foreigners" Carranza SAID,
"and the government will indemnify
such"
Carranza cited four cases of inter-
national conflict:
/ Conditions along the American besN
der damage to foreign property IN
Mexico. injury to foreigners on Mexl-
can soil. and conditions which had re-
suited from revolutionary legislation
Speaking of attacks on foreigners
and the damage to foreign property,
Carranza said
at is impossible for any govern
ment. especially following a revolu-
ton. to prevent in all portions or us
territory offenses against Foreigners
The efficacy with which the govern
ment has punished persons guilty ~
offenses against foreigners is more
significant respecting Mexico than the
United States can understand on nc-
count of the inequality of conditions
under which the people Of one country
commit offenses against the citizens of
another country.
"The responsibility of Mexico be
fore other countries has been guarded
with the energy and prudence de-
manded by international conditions.
The work of the indemnificatfon COM
mission is progressing and law mas
been introduced providing reparatlon
for damages caused by highwaymen
when not caused by the lmprudence
of the persons injured,
The fourth cause of confffct, tne
president added, implied limitation on
national sovereignty.
"The government endeavors to res
meet and consolidate existent rlshts,
but it absolutely cannot accept any
limitation on the liberty of Mexican
citizens. who control their own power
necessities. A conciliatory spirit ana
a determination for harmony compatl-
HE with the law will be exerted VI
order TO conquer the difficulties which
arise but we shall maintain our SOW
ereignty unharmed."
Referring to Mexico's foreign rela-
ton. financial and political, Carranza
said:
"Mexico will cover her obligations,
both private and foreign. Doubts that
have arisen in this matter are due. TO
false interpretations of the conduct OF
the government, which is incapable OF
disayowine its legitimate obligations.
Delays in payment are due TO motives
insuperable at present"
Special attention, Carranza added,
wac being paid to petroleum legisla-
tion but Mexican rights must be pro-
tected in this connection, he SAID. me
report of the secretary on foreign
relations dealt in detail with the pc.
troleum situation and other matters OF
internaJlOnai import, SopeSi'iiy "a
ton of life and property OF American
citizens
Citing examples of progress which
ba said Mexico had made. Carranza
declared that two years ago the ma
t;on,s financial deficit was thirty-ffye
n,illion pesos. that it had decreased
last year to 100000 and that this
year the receipts would cover the ma
tional expenses. Mexico would soon
he in a position to resume payment OF
her debts, Carranza added.
lowing to the activity of the army,