New Britain herald., 1922-12-16
ODREGONS RULE IN
 MEXICO SURVEYED
Country Is More Peaceful But Far
 From Being Quiet

iium Dviu6 XuiVt
 Mexico City, Dec. 16.--A militar, situation that is decidedly better. ar economic situation that Is without doubt worse, and m international sit
 nation that is in status quo. These arc the terms used by impartial ob' servers here to describe conditions ir Mexico aa they were on December l when President Obregon completed the second year of his administration
 Combined optimism and pessimism are expressed by persons who. during the past 24 months. have watched General Alvaro Obregon, the revolu- tionary successor of President Car ranza, unfold his program of national reconstruction which, according to him and his adherents. is to lift Mex leo from turbulence and rebellion to place of dignity and credit among the nations of the world
 More at Peace.
 It cannot be denied that Mexico to- day is more at peace than at any time during the past decade. Rebel leaders of importance have either faced the firing squad or have died in battle. General Francisco Mur- guia. the most pretentious rebel. was executed last October following his capture at Tepehuanes,, Durango. by federal forces. His death was close ly followed by that of General Juan Carrasco. who for many months had terrorized the west coast, principally in the state of Sinaloa. The climina- ton of these two revolutionists had a salutary effect upon lesser rebel chiefs who. according to war office statements, have made requests for amnesty in large numbers. Each case is being decided upon its individual merits.
 Not Wholly at Peace.
 Mexico as yet is not wholly at peace Every state harbors its dis gruntled elements which at times adopt harassing tactics, sacking Nl- lages. blowing up trains and pillaging l1aciendas. Mario Ferrer heads con- siderable forces in Oaxaca; Miguel Aleman and others are heard from frequently in Vera Cruz; Puebla, Jal- isco, Hidalgo,- Michoacan and Guer- rero each has its well known mal- contents. The northern tier of states, Tamaulipas, Coahuila and Chihuahua, also reports outbreaks, but these are said by federal authorities to, be in- spired by rebels operating from the United States side of the interna- tional boundary. Among those cited IS the chief conspirators are Candido Aguilar, Pablo Gonzales, Esteban Can- tn and Manuel Pelaez. All these men, however. from time to time during the past few months have disclaimed any intention to start trouble in Mex ico.
 The army has been reduced to ap- proximately 50,000 men, and the war office budget for 1923 shows ma terial reduction from that for 1922. Trains are running everywhere and new highways are being opened. These facts are pointed to by friends of President Obregon as substantial proof of the assertion that the era of nationwide peace is near at hand.
 Economics Not Good.
 Economically, Mexico is in not as good condition as it was a year ago. The absence of United States recog- milton has withheld the anticipated in Aux of foreign capital. and business is at virtual standstill. Money is tight and banks are loaning only on gilt-edged security. '"The general economic situation in Mexico has shown no improvement during the month of October, and conditions are somewhat worse.' says report to the United States department of com merce by John P. Bushnell, acting trade commissioner in Mexico, cover ing the current month. This situa- tion Is due to the gradual decrease in the purchasing power of the popula- ton and the low state of general Up to the end of Octo- ber the national congress had failed to pass any legislation which would have a remedial effect on existing economic conditions. This with the enactment of certain labor laws by some of the states, is causing some The agrarian policy of the administration continues to be en- forced Summed up, there is a gen- eral lack of confidence in commercial circles that is reflected in decreased sales and production.
 Optimistic Note.
 The most optimistic note in the economic situation arises from the agreement reached last June in New Y ork between Secretary de la Huer- Ia and representatives of Mexico's for eign creditors. The treasury depart ment says that the 12,000,000 pesos necessary for the initial interest pay ment due next January 3, is now on deposit and that the remainder Of the 33,000,000 pesos to be paid next year will be available on the pre- scribed dates. If Mexico meets these promptly, financial circles admit that business stability will be greatly increased.
 The past year has seen no forward step taken toward recognition of Mexico by the United States, Great Britain or France. In fact, the dead lock which has existed ever since Sec retary Hughes made his famous de- mand that American rights in Mexico | be secured by treaty, has merely been | President Obregon and he foreign office have reiterated that 10 sign such treaty would stulitify national honor. Secretary Hughes is nsistent that proper guarantees for fife and property be given, and there ire no indications that either side