Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1920-12-09
MExICo's OUTLOOK
is VERY GOOD
Methodist Bishop, After Trip
Through Country, Says Prospect
of Peace is Good.

Bishop Wilbur p. Thirkfield, first
resident bishop of the Methodist
Episcopal church in Mexico, who
recently returned from that country,
declares, on a visit to Iowa, that
Mexico, first in neighbOrhood, must
be made first in brotherhood" to the
people of the United States. The
bishop travelled extensively through
out Mexica during the last few
months.
Never at any time during the
past ten years" he said, have con-
ditions been as stable or the outlook
for peace and progress been so
hopeful. The country is whole
heartedly behind the new president,
General Obregon, to be inaugurateI
in December, and the Provisional
President de la Huerta has a strong
hold on all classes.
"The aspect of peace in Mexico
today is in striking contrast to the
bristling guns and disturbances
evinced in my visit Of two years
ago. Then every train was guarded
by soldiers. During the last two
months I have Travelled extensively
through six states Of Mexico and did
not find a soldier on guard on any
train.
There is no organized opposition
to the present government and no
man is in sight, around whom any
opposition can center. Just as not
iceable and gratifying is the friendly
feeling toward the United States.
"This feeling prevails on both
sides of the border, and was mani
tested in striking manner in the
recent visit of President-elect Obr-
gon at Ell Paso.
"The border states have changed
entirely their attitude toward inter
vention. The governors and the
press are solid for peaceful co-opera-
ton with Mexico. For the first time
in ten years train has crossed the
International bridge. Also for the
first time in ten years officers of
the Mexican and United States army
are exchanging courtesies across the
border.
1.-THE election held during the
summer at which General Obregon
was elected president was extremely
quiet. I could not help noticing its
contrast to the primary election held
in Chicago at about the same time,
at which one man was killed and
many were severely injured and at
tackled. Had such violence taken
place in Mexico there is little ques-
ton but that It would have been
widely heralded as an evidence OF
anarchy.
Much was made of the bolshevist
manifesto which was read from the
front porch of the Palace by revolu-
tionists, who got into the building
through a ruse and waved the red
flag and made incendiary speeches,
particularly attacking the newspap-
ers. The whole manifesto failed to
make any impression. Yet had such
an outrage as the recent bomb ex-
plosion in Wall street occurred in
Mexico there is no doubht but that 1t
would have been followed by an out
cry against the weakness and the in
efficiency of the government.
! at had an interview for an hour
with President-elect Obregon," he
sympathy with the program for
! Methodist work which l discussed
with him. General Oregon is mod
est, mild-mannered and entirely
! frank. He wears no uniform, as II
to emphasize the civil character OF
the government for which he stands
I "Under the present government
the pulpits and platforms are now
open to all Protestant ministers and
many of the priests exiled under
Carranza are returning. Education
is the great need of Mexico today,
and 1t is very encouraging that the
government realizes It,"