New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1920-10-15
MEXICO GETTING
BETTER STEADILY
GOOD REPORTS ON CONDITIONS
THERE ARE RECEIVED FROM
GOVERNMENT AGENTS..
ALL FACTIONS PEACEFUL NOW
many American Capitalists Are Cross
Ing the Border, Looking for Chances
to lnvest-FinanciaI Aid Needed to
Rebuild Railways.
BY JAMES p.

BY JAMES P. HoRNADAY.
agents in Mexico report that condition!
throughout that country are steadil.
improving. The country, according Il
these agents, is clearer Of revolution
lists than at any time within the lasI
nine years. None of the agents at
tempt to prophesy as to the future, but
all agree that remarkable progress to
ward the Sterilization Of affairs
throughout Mexico has been made
within recent months.
The surrender of General Villa was
the first important step toward the
new conditions, it seems. With villa
and his band promising to support the
government, other revolutionist
ceased their activities. According tO
reports, Provisional President de la
Huerta has satisfied the various ele'
ments In the country to an unusual
degree, and General Obregon, the pres
ident-elect, is looked upon as a strong
man.
These optimistic reports from across
the border will not, however, influence
this government to be in a hurry about
recognizing the new Mexican govern
ment. The question of recognition may
not be taken up at all by the present ad
ininistration. Plainly, the disposition
IL to await developments, watch the
progress toward better conditions In
the n%eighboring country, and pass the
question of recognition to the new ad-
ministration, which will come in on
the fourth of next March.
Many Americans Going There.
Americans are now going into Mex
leo in large numbers. Among them
are many men of large financial means,
who go to investigate with the view to
risking investments in the country's
natural resources. The new regime In
Mexico City, according to the advices
received here, is doing all within Its
power to make Americans feel at home
In the country. Americans who have
recently returned from Mexico City
say that for the first time in years
MeXicans appear eager to fraternize
with the Americans. These travellers
say that representatives Of all the
Mexican factions are now in the Mexi-
can capital, including Carranzistas.
Zapatistas, Felicitas, Obregonistas and
various other "istas"; and apparently
they have buried the Ratchet.
The official reports to this govern
ment show that the Mexican army is
l,eing rapidly reduced. Some 5000 col
Cnels and generals were discharged a
short time ago and sent out to earn
their own living. A new and smaller
federal army is being organized, and
the old federal soldiers are being called
in to compose 1t. The system Of pay
ing the army has been changed. The
money is no longer sent out to the
general in the field to do what he
I~leases with it the army is being paid
in gold and through duly appointed
and bonded paymasters.
The new regime is letting the United
states authorities know that Ii Is eX-
ceedingly anxious To obtain from this
country financial help toward rebuild
ing the railroads. During the years of
revolutions most Of the railroad sys-
tens suffered serious damage. In
some sections of the country the rail-
roads were absolutely destroyed.
american capitalists are being invited
u consider the question of rebuilding
these railroads. There have been init
nations from various sources, so 1t is
rsserted that It will be the policy of the
rev government to afford Americans
who assist in rebuilding railroads an
opportunity to tap the natural re-
sources of the country on favorable
terms. 1t is pointed out that this was
he policy pursued by President Diaz,
yho brought Mexico TO such an excel
lent state of development during his
incumbency of the presidency.
No formal application for an Ameri-
an loan has yet been received from
he new government. The authorities
,ere have heard from time TO time
that a large loan will be sought In
America. II is assumed here that II
he matter is taken up at all, 1t Will be
aiken up through New York bankers.
Archives Building Planned.
The United States is probably the
most careless government on earth so
ar as its official records are con-
cerned. A great fire here at the ma
.lonal capital might-probably would
destroy practically all these records.
Of course the government would still
live, but such a loss would cause end
less embarrassment.
But a better day Is dawning. An
archives building is TO be provided.
Congress at last session made proyi-
sion for it. Announcement has just
been made that the government has
obtained options on two full blocks
fronting the Mall, two blocks from the
treasury.
The new building will contain about
100000 square feet and will house all
government records. At the beginning
the building will not present a very
beautiful appearance, because it has
been decided to leave the outside dec
orations and finish until the price of