The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-05-30
MEXICO NOW TOO
UNSETTLED FOR
ANY INVESTMENT
American Visitors Say That
Republic Is Improving, But
Not Yet Ready for Foreign
Aid in Form of Loans.

NEW YORK, May 80. (Spl9-Busi-
ness men who recently participated in
a trade excursion into Mexico are not
inclined TO favor the immediate invest
ment OF capital in that country. Bank
ing facilities were found to be un
sound transportation was suffering
severely from the lack Of rolling stock,
and manufacturing, smelling and min-
ing industries were operating on part
time. A visit was made to Tampico.
where the situation in the oil fields
was shown to be unsettled,
The eXcursionists were everywhere
given a courteous and. cordial recep-
ton, The crops seemed to be good
and 1t was reported to the party that
they were better than they had been
for several years past.
These statements are taken from a
report made 10 the National associa-
.tion for the protection of American
rights in Mexico by a member OF this
trade excursion who writes that "the
conditions in Mexico are still far from
normal, but sufficient Improvement has
been noted during the last few months
to warrant an effort toward establish
ing more active commercial relations"
"The majority Of the e~xcursionists,
however, are not satisfied with the
state of that country. They believe
a better plan is to cultivate closer So
ciai relations with the Mexicans, study
their needs and customs and lay the
foundation for the business which they
feel certain will come from Mexico.
To Help Themselves.
II believe one of two things will
happen in Mexico within the next year
or two" says the report. Either the
Mexican people win stabilize conditions
sufficiently to give adequate protection
to foreign capital and Industries or it
will be done for them. The reason Is
obvious. Mexico has much that the
world needs and needs badly. 1t Is,
therefore, reasonable to suppose that
the world will secure these necessities.
"Carranza is unpopular with prac-
tically all classes except those VINO
have been able TO profit from the spoils
Of office. 1t seems to be the general
impression that he will make no effort
to continue to hold the presidency, al.
though his statement that he would
not do so has been questioned.
Public sentiment toward the United
States has undergone noticeable change
since the signing OF the armistiee. The
Mexicans realize new that they mis-
| judged this country and have a most
wholesome respect for our fighting
ability. German influence has slumped
materially and not in years has the
sentiment, particularly among the I'M
| portant commercial interests, been so
favorable to better business relations
with the United States.
General conditions were found to
he better than expected Few evidences
Of acute suffering or wan We're seen.
Manufacturing. mining and smelling in
dustries were found operating on part
time.
Second in Importance to the r~estora>
ton OF order throughout Mexico, is
rolling stock for the railroads. The
rails and roadbeds over which we were
escorted were in good condition, con-
sidering the years of revolution through
which the country has passed, but most
Of the rolling stock has been confls-
Gated. There can be no great volume
of business In the republic until this
shortage is remedied.
MANY banks throughout the republic
have been forced to close, the gov
eminent seizing all the money, The
establishment OF sound government in
stitutions is essential. 1t is equally
important, many business leaders, as
serted, that American financial con
Germs establish branch banks In Next
co, thus making longtime credits pos
sible and facilitating the transactions
Of business between the two count
tries.