The Greeneville daily sun. (Greeneville, Tenn.) 1918-1920, 1919-12-30
Carranza Holds
Roads to u. S,
Rv RANDI II. TuRNER

BY RALPH H. TURNER
UNITED Press Staff Correspondent
LAREDO, Tex. (By Mail. Trade
figures and present business condi-
tons, according to Americ.sas in Lar
edo, argue that in at least one dis
trict of Mexico Carranza is in con-
troll.
They refer to the territory along
the Mexican National Railway line
which operates between Laredo and
Mexico City. Shipments going south
from here do not meet the slightest
difficulty, the merchants here declare.
Bandits and disorders, they say, are
practically non-existing along the
line to the Mexican capital.
The customs collector here substan-
tiates the impression, gained by an
investigator, that American trade
with Mexico through this district IL
in a prosperous condition.
The United States is buying from
Mexico today products that range
from gold and silver bullion to pecans
and parrots. To satisfy the demands
Of American bird fanciers 1904 part
rots, ready for instruction in any
vernacular, were shipped through this
port in three months ending Septem.
Der 80. Hides, fibre, cattle and rugs
are other imports American mer-
chants are buying today in large
quantities.
Someone back in the States
started a series of cart" exhibits a
few months ago, with Mexican pot
terry as the chief object Of art. The
result, today is that Mexican pottery
is on the boom. There was a basket
shortage in the United States. An
appeal to Mexico followed. Now two
or three cars of baskets pass through
here weekly, bound for the Ameri-
can consumer.
Chief among the American exports
to the country con the other side'
are hardware, agricultural machin-
cry and lumber. The Mexican gov.
eminent to promote modern culture
of the soil, has placed several orders
for tractors. These orders have gone
to American manufacturers.
Figures may be boresome, but they
speak forcefully of American trade
with Mexico. In the fiscal year which
ended last June merchandise with 9
value of $22,S3S,393 was shipped
through her across the Rio Grande
This amount represents II per cent
Of the total exports handled through
the 23d customs district, which com.
promises Laredo, Eagle Pass, Browns
Vile, Del Rio and few minor points,
In July and August this year, the
exports through Laredo totaled 49,.
399,373, an increase Of 8.S per cent
over the corresponding months Of
1918.
But while these shipments are go.
ing into Mexico, unhindered, it Is
pointed out that Laredo's growth in
Mexican commerce is partly due tc
the unsettled conditions in Chihuahua
Goods which normally would hav]
been sent south from FL Paso are now
directed through this point.
| And while American merchants are
shipping a volume of goods to Next
co, they are demanding, as a rule
cash payments. In the old days
credits were extended. &c. o. D." is
one mark left by the turmoil Of revo.
luton.
Another difficulty encountered to-
day is that of rolling stock. Ameri-
can and Mexican cars do not cross
the border with the freedom of the
past. American cars are not allowed
to move into Mexico unless a bono
is given by the shipper. The bond is
required whether the cars are merely
crossing the Rio Grande for transfer
of load, or whether they are in
tended for passage into the interior
of Mexico. The Mexican national
lines, because of their shortage Of
equipment, do not permit their cars
to go north on American roads.
BEYOND RESTRAINT