New-York tribune., 1920-08-23
Ransom Likely
OF 6 Americans
Held I'm Mexico

Continued from paes one)
and difficult enveloping movement. and
the escape of Zamora probably will be
cut off at Puerto Vallejo. Hence, he
viii be unable to adopt his usual tao
tics OF dispensing his men when they
are too closely pressed.
Huerta Expects Note
Despite a number of DEVELOPMENTS of
the last week tending to aggravate the
situation confidence in the de la Hureta
government remains mistaken, so far
as the capital is concerned. The cap
ture OF the foreigners has caused little
comment and serious international de-
veiopments are not expected.
The government anticipates there
Will be representations from Washing-
ton relative to the captured Americans,
but 1t has been pointed out before that
the government is doing everything
possible, and that President de la
Huerta has promised to do everything
within the power of the government
that can be done; wherefore, represen-
tations will be useless.
Friends of w. B. Johnstone, the cap
tured Briton, do not fear for his safety,
saying he has been in Mexico for many
years and probably will be able to take
care of himself. He has known Ia
mora for several years. Johnstone's
ranch, in the country over which the
bandit operated throughout the Car
rama regime, was unmolested during
many visits Of rebels to his place,
which added to his confidence that he
would remain unharmed.
The new incident, coming at time
when the petroleum controversy is in
"a n,,i+ col CO. r
some circles that de la Huerta is about
to face the most troublesome moments
Of his administration But indications
in diplomatic circles were that neither
question is likely to receive serious
attention in Washington or London
while conditions in Europe are as un-
certain as at present.
Congress- Gets Together
Political developments Of the week
are tending to line up the several fac
tlons in Congress, but have given little
indication what the political com
pleXlon of the Congress will be. Sew
eral minor factions obviously are hold
ing aloof, awaiting develop opments be- be-
fore joining forces with any major
group. Scores of individuals are drift
ing almlessly from one caucus to an
other, unable to decide to join any one
party. One of the most striking fea-
lures has been the absence of natural
leaders and total lack of party dis
cipline.
The Socialists hitherto have been
organized, but considerable jealousy is
evidenced regarding who will be the
spokesman of the party. 1t is gencr-
ally admitted that Deputy Soto y Cana
IS the natural leader and bound to
come 10 the front when the group goes
INTO action. All the other grouns lack
dominating personality who will he
able to whip and hold members in line
making necessary endless controversy
ana compromise in the selection of
tickets Tor presiding officers and ovon
for floor leader. 'e''
The labor situation in Vera Cruz on-
parontly Is on the way to a settlement
although agitation still exists and NAV
develop serious characteristics at ary
Vlme. president de la Huerta is nre.
pared to take hand, if necessary. hnt
the state authorities have heretoforc
been able to maintain order e'0l o'e
General P. Elias Gales. Minis+or of
War, is determined not to allow tho m
nlll,ary to be involved in labor
troubles so long as these are merely
ooiOroVersles between capital and labor
ana has issued strict orders to ali Of,
GERS that drastic disciplinary action
would be Forthcoming should thew takn
orders. ''0"' 'peclllc
General Gales said that he natu
raily sympathized with the laborers. as
ne nlmself came up from the mass"
ana Knew from personal knowledpe tho
condltlons under which labor is srrrg-
Cling. He said however. that his otS
clal action would be guided by strict
Justlce and existing laws and not bv
personal sympathy.
Campaign Grows Hot
President de la Huerta has an
nounced Il desire to take tr;n 70
northern Mexico following the Presi-
uen'ial election. This is without no.
A'lcai importance, but is known to be
merely a personal wish of the Presi-
ueh1 TO revisit as head of the nation
the places where he started his carear
as bank clerk.
Both candidates for the Presidency
are pushing their campaigns. Robles
tnis week Is covering the ground over
winch General Obregon passed last
week. General Obregon intends to re-
sumo his campaign in the southern
states following brief interruption.
due to the request of General Gales
that he come to Mexico Citv to
stralghten out certain problems in the
War Department which arose while he
commanded the army, and which in
volved Serrano. Assistant Secretary Of
War, in serious accusations. These ac-
cusations turned out to be purely po
litlcal maneuvcr of defeated op
ponent of Serrano for his seat in the
Chamber of Deputies.
Settlement OF the controversy with
Spain over the viseing of passports has
been reached through the intercession