Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-03-27
WHO'S TO BOSS
TAMPICO? BIG
QUESTION NOW
Mexico's Wealth Producing
Area Part Time in
Bandits Hands.
CAPITAL IS HARD HIT

TAMPICO, March 27-Some day there
must be Showdown to establish jur-
isdiction over the oil fields. 1t seems
inevitable that eventually 1t must be de-
termined whether the great wealth pro-
ducing region of Tampico is TO be under
the unquestioned authority of the recog-
nized government of Mexico-the Carran-
"a gOyernment--or whether @ band Of
revolutionists, or bandits, or whatever
you choose to call them, shall continue
indefinitely TO defy the federal govern
nent and exercise certain measure of
control over the richest district of Mex
leo.
That control is not complete, but it
exists sufficiently so that rebel forces
today are enabled to exact a toll from
American and other foreign oil interests
that is generally estimated around
10000 a month. That figure is the most
reliable obtainable, although higher esti-
mates are frequently heard.
The Battle Of the OIL Fieldsl 1t has
a picturesque ring, but thus far it has
never been fought. Whether It ever will
be depends, largely, upon the moods of
three different elements that today form
the eternal political triangle of the Tam
pico oil region-Venustiano Carranza,
Manuel Pelaez and the foreign oil In
terests.
GENERAL" PELAEZ
ROMANTIC FIGURE.
Manuel Pelaez- General" Peiaez his
followers call hints today one Of the
most romantic figures Of Mexico. II not
the most scrupulous. Lists of Mexico's
rebel leaders always include Pelaez. The
effect Of the Pelaez movement as a po-
litical force against the federal govern.
ment probably Is exaggerated. But 1t IS
not likely that Pelaez worries greatly
over that feature. The fact remains that
this rebel chieftain, with a following
of soldiers and moral supporters" that
has been known to reach 5000 continues
90 roam about the oil district south of
Tampico, defying the Carranza govern
ment, living largely "off the land and
demanding his pound Of hesh--literaIly
It amounts 70 several pounds-from the
oil companies
Louis Cabrera, Mexican minister OF
hnanee, said recently he 'hoped the oil
companies would sec 1T to cooperate
With the central government and refrain
from supporting a rebel leader"
But the oil companies put It diTer-
emily.
CARRANZA CAN'T
HANDLE SITUATION.
According TO their version, they are
forced 70 pay Pelaex for protection; be
looks after the safety OF their interests.
they declare. with a degree Of efficiency
that Carranza can not achieve, 1t n
pointed out, moreover. that II tribute
were refused, Pelaez could not only
withdraw his "protectiOn," but would
be in q position TO do considerable dam
age on his own initiative.
That's very well, you have both sides
of the story. Then you ask:
"But IL Pelaex is such a nuisance,
from either point OF view, then why
doesn't CarranEa drive him out, subju-
gate him, put him to rout7"
There can't be many answers 20 that
query. Either II can't be done, or Car
rama believes there are other Jobs more
urgent, or the military men serving
Carrauza 10 the oil region haven't seen
AZ too carry out his orders
Pelaez's authority, just like the Ioca-
ton OF his troops, IS changing, shifting
He has no power, Of course, IN the city
Of Tamplco propers neither does no
appear 10 exercise any Jurisdiction in
the region north OF Tampico. In the
south his rule Is more or less extern.
sive.
Every now and then the CarranSa
troops march through the Pelaez terri
tory, chase his soldiers into the brush
and pass on, Then Pelaez turns up at
another Epot, or returns to the stme old
camp ground. It's much like the game
or chasing villa up north. PelAez. 1t Is
declared has the sympathy Of the peo-
pie in hts country and the Cnrranzistas,
being recruited from other parts Of the
republic. don't know the district wed,
enough to wage an effective campaign