Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-08-02
CHURCH REQUESTS
TRUCE IN MEXICO
TO ALLOW BALLOT
4
EpiScopate Says 1t Is Willing
to Halt Dispute if PIebi-
SCite Is Ordered.
PARADE OF LAB0RlTES
REVIEWED BY GALES
Government Employees Opposing
Regulations Dismissed-Boy-
colt Is Not Felt.
BY the Associated Press.

by Lne associated fTeSs.
MEXICO CITY, August 2.-An an
nouncement that the Catholic Epis-
copate is willing to enter upon
truce with the Mexican government
until the Mexican people are able to
express themselves by plebiscite on
the religious controversy, and the
discovery of a plot to assassinate
President Gales. were the outstand-
ing features of Mexico's first priest
less Sunday.
Notwithstanding the great parade
of the religional confederation Of
labor, which required two hours to
pass a given point, the day was as
peaceful a one as the capital ever has
known.
While the marchers passed the
palace, where President Gales, sur
rounded by his ministers. stood way
ing his handkerchief in answer to
the cheering. members of the faith
full kneeling in prayer in various
churches, beseeching an amelioration
of the situation brought about by
the government putting into force
its new religious regulations.
Some Churches Closed.
All the Catholic Churches, without
priests on the altars, were open for
prayer and meditation, except the
great cathedral and several of the
downtown places of worship. past
which the parade made its way.
The doors of these were closed in
the fear that some untoward event
might occur.
Dispatches from all parts of the re-
public indicate that tranquility pre-
vailed Sunday everywhere Although
there was tense feeling at some
places, no actual trouble developed.
The government had made strong mil
itary preparations in advance prompt.
ly to suppress disorder.
The expression of willingness to
arrange a truce with the government.
was made exclusively to the Asso-
ciated Press by the episcopate. II
was suggested that it should run for
a reasonable length OF time TO give
the people a chance to vote on the sit.
uation growing out OF the religious
controversy. Meanwhile the episco-
pate would have the new religious
regulations and the "anti-religious
prosecutions" suspended.
Willing to Offer Solution.
"On its part" says the statement,
.the episcopate is willing to give
public liberties and at the same time
not be unbecoming to the govern
ment.'
The statement. declares that some
Latin American diplomatists and some
high government officials, have offered
their good Offices to mediate.
The episcopate," it continues, de
spite it's slight hopes for q successful
outcome of this offer. has sincerely ac-
xSkI.
yet. However, we are confident, and
we desire that President Gales may
not be absolutely deaf to the voice of
the people.
"The present religious conflict is
needless duel.
"It is a rIiinous duel from an eco
nornic point of view, as the blockade
gives promise Of being effective"
Bull Fight Crowd Normal.
In the capital the bull fight drew
its usual crowd of spectators, as also
was the case with the moving picture
and other theaters. Restaurants and
cafes had their normal patronage.
The economic boycott of the League
for Defense of Religious Liberty, has
taken effect at various places, but its
extent has not yet become apparent.
The government has commenced dis
n1issal of employees who are not sup.
porting it's religious policy. Two de-
partmental heads at the city hall were
discharged because of their announced
opposition to 1t.
Special dispatches from Guadalajara
say one woman and one policeman
were killed and nine Catholics wound
ed in clashes following the suspension
of services at the Church of San Juan
de Dios Saturday night.
Paper Denounces Church.
Restauracion, periodical issued by
Church, commonly known as the
Echismatic Church. which does not
recognize the Pope, prints an edi-
Aorial criticising the attitude of the
Roman Catholic Church in opposing
Enforcement of the religious clauses of
The constitution.
It declares that the Roman Catholic
Church "once more has unnecessarily
hgitated the poor and ignorant people,
and, according to what is said, has re-
Heived from them the trifling sum of
Mexico for combinations and other
priestly ceremonials, performed in
such quantities since the present agi-
fation began"
Alvarez Discovered Plot
The police announced that the plot
Against the life of Gales was discov-
ered through an investigation con.
ducted by Gen. Alvarez, head of the
presidential staff. A secret service
operative, under orders from Gen. Al
varez, got himself accepted as one of
the plotters, and in this way he met
Sonora Clemencia Baquedano. wife of
a soap manufacturer, who with her
16-year-old daughter Is among those
arrested. The police say Senior Ba.'
quedano is also implicated, and they
are searching for him.
No information has been given out
as to the time or method the plotters
intended to use.
The first person to be arrested was
Senorlta LemuS. She was apprehend-
ed in the city hall, facing on the same
plaza as the presidential palace. She
requested some one in the Office to
call a certain telephone number to
say she, was arrested. The police
found it was the Baquedano residence,
where the secret service operative said
he had attended meetings of the con-
spirators and where he testified he
had once heard Sonora Baquedano
Continued -0n Page 5, Column A.