The sun., 1919-10-25
LANSING STIRRED BY
MEXICAN ABDUCTION
Will Want More Than Car
ranza's Excuses for Seizure
of U. s. Consul.
$15O,OOO RANSOM UNPAID
Complications Between Wash
ington and Mexico City
May Be Renewed.
Special Despatch 70 TIE SUI.


WARRINGTON, Oct. 24.-Complication
between President Carranza and the
United States Government may be re-
newed as a result of tine abduction of
William o. Jenkins American Consular
agent at Puebla, who is being held by
bandits for a ransom Of s15o,ooo Ameri-
can gold. ~
Secretary Lansing, who has already
made representations to Carranza, Is
not likely to permit the matter to be
disposed of by the usual Mexican Gov
ernment excuses There Ia a fear here
that this case may serve as a precedent
and cause other United States officials
to be considered as legitimate prey for
kidnappers, whether in the form of
bandits or Carranzistas acting with
bandits.
Mr.. Jenkins was abducted once before
and held for ransom, which was paid.
although the amount was insignificant
compared with the sum now asked. 1t
Is presumed that Mr.. Jenkinss abductors
knew that he was a man of means whose
friends would pay we'll for his safe re-
turn and that as an official representa-
tive of the United States Government
the large sum demanded would likely
be paid.
officials here are silent as to whether
the ransom will be paid. other Ameri-
cans have been held for ransom in
Mexico. but this Is the first instance
wherein a United States official he's
been abducted and held for substan-
tial sum. Admittedly the future atti-
tude Of Mexicans toward United States
diplomatic consular officers may depend
on the result of this case.
The abduction occurred about twenty
six miles from Mexico City and in an
area where Carranzista troops are pre-
sumed to exercise full control. There is
some intimation now that II the United
States Government or private American
citizens will advance the $4,000 ran
som President Carranza himself will
make reimbursement.
However. there is doubt as to whether
Carranza would part with any real
money. Instead. II is believed he would
give a claim on the Mexican Government
or some sort OF so-ca1led security. In
such circumstances the claim for $780,
900 would simply be listed with the
great bulk of other American claims
against Mexico. which may be paid II
something should happen to rescue Mex
leo from chaos and put her finances
on business basis.
Carranza has sent representatives to
Puebla, has started soldiers out and has
offered other aid in locating Jenkins,
but the tendency here Is to Judge the
Mexican President by results achieved
rather than by the customary protesta-
tions OF friendliness. If Carranza pays
the ransom in real money 1t is felt that
the act would be a better proof OF the
Mexican Governments desire to help than
has been afforded 10 date. Furthermore.
such action would meet the criticism
that the bandits and the Carranzista
followers are more or less in partner
ship in the abduction of United States
citizens.
Assistant Secretary of State Phillips
said to-day that Matthew f. Hanna,
| Third Secretary of the American En-
| bassy at Mexico City. had gone to
Puebla to assist In the investigation.
Meanwhile the State Department has in
formed Mr.. Jepkins's relatives on the
| west coast that everything possible
would be done to effect his release.