The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-23
A NEW MEXICAN POLICY.


The appointment of Henry Fletcher
to the office of under secretary of
state seems to point to a definite and
intelligent Mexican policy on the part
of the new administration. He knows
Mexico and the Mexicans.
AS another evidence of the attitude
of the new administration toward
Mexico. it is reported that Senator
Fall is to have a place in the cabinet
Fall has been down there and made a
study of the situation; besides he
comes from one of the border states.
His views regarding the Mexican ques-
ton already are pretty well under
stood.
Much was expected of Obregon but
already it is said that he has been a
disappointment not only to the United
States but to his own people as well.
Gen. Alvaro obregon was inaugu
rated president of Mexico. December
1, 1920. He had been elected by what
passes in Mexico as a large plurality.
He is a one-armed veteran of the rev.
dictionary wars and is. or was, a pop
ular idol. His promises on both do
mestic and foreign policies were fair,
conservative and impressively ex-
pressed. Their fulfilment would in
sure domestic peace and justice and
restore to foreign residents End to for
eign capital the rights and property
OF which they had been unjustly de-
Aprived under his revolutionary pred
ecessors. 1t il certain that no man
since Benito Juarez had succeeded to
the presidency of Mexico with SO gem
eral support and with so universal
confidence as General Obregon. Even
the sceptical hoped that he was the
strong man who was to regenerate
Mexico from within, and under whose
rule it would again become a land of
peace. plenty and contentment.
In few short weeks, says writer
in Lesiie's, the mirage had been dis
PEELED. Obregon has shown no sign
of strength. His popularity with his
people is fading; the confidence that
his foreign friends had in him has
ebbed; his promises are unfulfilled;
his policy is that of inaction; his ac-
complishments are practically nothing
beyond the establishment OF a surface
peace by the most dangerous OF meth
DDS.
He has not disarmed the numerous
bands of bandits The oonfiscatory
policy toward foreign investments has
not been changed. The radical con-
stitution of oueretaro is still unre-
formed. Property violently confis-
Gated without q shadow of justice is
still held by the government.
The transportation facilities are not
being restored beyond some superb
senger service. The moving of freight
in Mexico is today more difficult than
during the active revolution and the
physical condition of the railroads is
growing worse.
The radical element in politics has
not been checked. De la Huerta, for
nfer provisional president, known
turnout Mexico as one of the heads of
the Bolsheviki organization, is minis
ter of finance. and General Gales.
often termed "the Lenine of Mexico"
is minister of gobernacion.
Political stability has not been re-
stored. Honest local elections have
not been guaranteed. In the state of
Vera Cruz two governors and two leg
islatures, elected by rival factions, are
attempting to function. In the state
OF Tamaulipas three governors and
three legislatures exist side by side.
In Mexico City. the national capital,
two city councils are legislating on To-
cal matters, each claiming to be duly
elected.
promise that exiled citizens of good
character would be invited to return
to their homes and to take part in the
government have not been redeemed.
Thousands of the best men of Mexico
are still refugees in foreign lands, and
those who have ventured to return
home dare not show any interest IN
politics.
The army is not being reduced, as
is shown by the military budget for
1921, amounting to 131. 100000 pesos
out of a total estimated revenue of
2ss.o0o, 900 pesos.
With this immense revenue no an
terest is being paid on government
bonds.
Herbert Hoover, speaking on the
81 M 0nA ono orgs MIA tion of the For