The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-08-27
NEWS. REVIEW OF
CURRENT EVENTS
MEXICAN Catholics Ask .
Truce and Reform of
the Constitution.
BY EDWARD w. PlckARD

BY EDWARD w. PIcKARD
ATEXIO3N Catholics are now seek
4VA ing a compromise Of their con-
troversy with the government. The
episcopal committee, made up Of arch
bishops and bishops, last week pre-
scented to President Gales petition
for suspension Of the religious laws
pending constitutional reform 80 that
worship, education and charity may
from now on enjoy due guarantees"
The committee denies that the
priests were rebellious in suspending
public worship in the churches, and
says they have given proof Of their
respect for the law as far as their
consciences permit. The petition con-
tinues: 1--WE answer the charge Of
not having petitioned for reform Of
the constitution by stating that the
governors, for one reason or another,
did not enforce the Objectionable
clauses, SO we are not called upon to
demand a repeal Of the clauses, which
were a dead letter. Similar action
with regard to the constitution of 1917
we considered less called for since
President Carranza himself qualified
them (the religious clauses) as unjust
and uncalled for and proposed the re-
form Of certain articles that are con-
trary to liberties claimed by the Mex
lean Catholic people.
1Apa
of events known. Nor did General
Obregon urge compliance with the OBJ
jectionable laws. So we had no rea-
son to object.
snow, animated by a most sincere
patriotism, DESTROYS of true and last
ing peace, we ask you to use your In
tluence to reform said articles, effec-
lively, and also the penal prescrip-
tons lately sanctioned.
"As q basis for this reform, we re-
quest full independence OF church and
state, so that the constitution and
organic laws and regulations be faith
fully interpreted; that the state die
tate no laws prescribing any religious
or legislative matters, as, for example,
the fixing Of the number Of priests,
or imposing conditions on the exer-
else Of the ministry, etc.
"This is the true conception of civil
law as observed among people faith
fully respecting the independence Of
spiritual and temporal power. Accord
ingly, we ask the following liberties,
to which we are entitled as Christians
and citizens Of q cultured nation and
as men: Liberty of conscience, of
thought, Of worship, of instruction, of
association. of press-all without oner-
Gus restrictions destroying the sub
stance Of the constitutional princi-
PIES"
Though the Catholic authorities
have repeatedly asserted that they
do not countenance any revolutionary
attempts, the government agents say
they have uncovered extensive plans
for rebellion. and scores Of arrests
were made. The one actual attempt
at revolution so far was scotched by
agents Of the Department of Justice
Of the United States when they nabbed
Gen. Enrique Estrada and more than
$50 Of his followers near San Diego,
Calf. on charges of violating the
neutrality laws. The band of insur-
reetos had an armored truck, ma
chine guns. rides and lots Of ammu-
milton and was on its way to cross
the border.
Secretary Of State Kellogg. calling
on the President at White Pine camp,
told him Of his discussion with the
leaders OF the Knights Of Columbus
who had presented that orders de-
mand for Intervention in the Next
can dispute. Afr. Coolidge and Mr..
kellogg were In complete agreement
that no grounds exist for such inter-
vention or for any variation of the
adminlstratiOn's policy Of dealing
with the Gales government.
There has been but one specific
complaint Of Infringement Of American
property rights In the church en-
hrogiio. and not any complaints of
bodily injuries 20 American citizens.
The administration. II appears. has
not felt warranted In interceding 10
prevenl the expulsion Of American