The Cordova daily times., 1921-09-29

MEXICO CITY, Sept, 20. - Econo- mists in Mexico are finding that ex periments in protection call for as much caution as experiments in chem, istry
 The latest experiment to fail was protection of the flour mills. The gov erument has now decided to remove the new import duty on flour, begin ming October 1,
 Millers, among whom are many in fluential men in Mexico, a few months ago appealed to the govern ment for relief saying that because of the high price of wheat in Mexico they were unable to operate their mills at a profit and compete with the cheaper flour shipped here from for eign mills
 Accordingly, decree was issued re- quiring importers to pay duty on shipments of flour. This proved satis- factory to millers and wheat grow CTS, but was not so pleasing to bakers and consumers, especially as MexiCos crop shortage threatens high food prices this fall and winter. COnviC- tion that Mexico will ueed foreign flour-and from the bargain counter this winter, 1t is said. has caused the decision to remove the import duty
 Many other steps have been taken to prevent if possible, distress dur, ing the coming winter and to stimu- late industry. On of these was the reduction of the export duty on hene- quin from six to two cents. This was in the hope of improving conditions where there is at present great de. precision, due to stagnant industry and the agitation of radicals
 FACE OIL CRISIS
 But the government has refused to reduce the export tax on metals, and this has caused surprise. as hundreds of silver mines. which made efforts 10 resume operation during the past year, have been closing down because of alleged inability to meet expenses and pay the present taxes.
 When the refusal of the govern ment was announced at the office of secretary of the treasury de la Huer- ta, il was explained that both Ger. many and Russia were preparing to coin vast amounts of silver currency and that this gave assurance of an advance in the price of the metal
 If the advanc in silver comes and is large enough to stimulate active production on a large scale it will be a great relief to Mexico. as thousands of miners are reported to be in idle, ness in the mining states.
 Still another advance is needed, and that is in oil. The present suspension of industry in the oil fields in the vicinity of Tampico has had a far reaching effect and will be felt more poignantly as winter approaches.
 Practical suspension of oil exporta- tion has deprived the Mexican gov. ernment of an important source of revenue, and this revenue is badly needed. With the income from the oil fields. the Mexican government has been able to do much to relieve con- ditions in many sections by carrying on public work And it will be hard 10 continue this work without the re- turns from the oil fields and at the same time meet other expenses.
 Tampico and it's surrounding terri tory have also given employment to thousands who have been unable to get work in their own sections Of Mexico, and if these thousands must scatter through the country it will increase local problems. which are already serious enough in many places In addition to this, Mexico is not far removed from its days of revolution that it need not feel un- . easy about having a large element that is idle, discontented and needy.
 AMERICANS HANDICAPPED
 When oil companies first suspend ed shipments the cry was raised that it was unwarranted action by Amerl- can oil producers to force terms from