Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-24
BY CASTOR NERvAL.

Authority on Latin American Affairs.
n ExICO once more is suffering
M the effects of that reyolu.
V tionary fever" which fol
4 L many years has been tlr mair
obstacle to her progress anc
prosperity Again, political passion and
the ardent ambition of her people have
brought civil war upon the republic
Hardly had Mexico escaped from the
conflicts provoked by the assassination
of President-elect Obregon. than new
serious uprising envelopes the republic
in a state Of internal disorder. AS has
been the case on several occasions in
the past, Mexico is today adding an
other eventful chapter to her revolu-
tionary history.
Unfortunately, this is coming to pass
ut a time when relative peace and
tranquility more or less permanent en-
aoyed by Mexico during the past months
seemed to augur the termination of
revolutionary movements and an era
of settled conditions and prosperity.
The manner in which a general
crisis was averted as a result of Obre-
CONS assassination nearly year ago
and the energetic policies adopted by
the government to preserve internal
peace at such a critical moment made
the close observers of Mexican affairs
rejoice at the thought that the tragic
days OF internal strifes were at an end.
False" Optimism Shattered.
It appeared as though the southern
republic was beginning to realize the
disastrous results of this intense drama
OF continuous revclts. It seemed that
Mexico was about to join the ranks of
stable and strong nations of the world
to which she really belongs.
False optimism! The big sister" of
The Latin American republics again is
suffering the same internal malady
which has been impoverishing her
economic life for the last quarter of a
century The rest of the world is fol-
lowing with interest the violent scenes
of this new chapter of the great Mexi-
can tragedy.
This time, as in previous occasions,
the revolution is headed by a group OF
ambitious revolutionary leaders, whose
only objective Is the control of the
central power To attain this end, they
are taking advantage of existing con-
ditions and unique circumstances
availing themselves, for instance, of
the present religious controversy and
of disagreements long pending between
the church and the state to gain in
siuence of Catholic elements to the
cause Of the revolution. And although
the Catholics have refrained until now
from direct participation in the move
ment. at least they see with favor the
opening of the churches to the public
IN the cities occupied by insurgent
forces, and this action no doubt will
gain not only the moral but the ma
terial support of the millions Of
Catholics living in Mexico.
Take Advantage of Strife.
They likewise take advantage of the
divisions and personal rivalries which
the death of Obregon caused among his
own adherents, and proclaim themselves
the avengers" of the famous Sonora
chieftafn. They accuse President Portes
Gil and ex-President Gales of being
traitors to the Obregonista cause and
hoIo them responsible for the precarious
condition of the country.
However, these avengers of Gen.
Obregon advocate In their revolutionary
plan the annulment of existing laws
against the church and that the re-
election of President to a second term
be prohibited-two principles laid down
by Obregon.
Mexican revolutions lack as much of
1dealism as they are filled with contra
olctlons and alterations
the present revolutionary movement
mas been well organized by influential
Leaders OF the Obregon party. Men of
long experience in similar political adj
ventures have combined a definite and
efficient course not followed in previous
reoellious attempts for which they soon
were abated. VIVA
The secrecy with which all necessary
preparations were being made since
January last and the simultaneity of
the uprislngs In Sonora and Vera Cruz
goes to prove that the plan was well
arranged. For this reason great serious
ness must be attributed to the Mexican
situation. as the government is facing
one OF The strongest and best organized
revolutions heretofore.
Obregon's Break Plays Part.
Its origin may be traced according
to information emanating from Mexico
70 a break between the Oregon and
Gales adherents. Although Obrecon is
peyond all possible participation. still
nus name Is carried on like a battle crv.
ne was true leader and as such left
many ADMIRERS and friends, who upon
ms oeath have become fanatics of his
memory. His assassination caused a
profound feeling among his most init
mate friends, who already saw him in
power and giving them high public
Offices.
When Obregon was brought to his
death his adherents openly accused
Morones. the labor leader, as being re-
sponsible for the regrettable incident.
They based their accusation in the well
known rivalry between the two political
men then existing, notwithstanding their
past alliance and good friendship which
had brought them together.
Morones was accused of having been
the instigator, 1.-THE brains hhind" the
assassination. Later the Obregonistas
reproached President Gales for keeping
Morones IN office, even after he had re-
signed his post in the cabinet and left
the city of Mexico. This action no
doubt gave rise TO their enmity for
Gales and to their plan for rebellion.
Adherents of Same Party at War.
SO 1t happens that Portes Gil and
Gales, former lieutenants of Obregon,
are now combating revolution manly
composed OF Obregon followers. Not
only is this a war between the sons of
the same country, but also between the
adherentS OF the same party. OF course,
later, factions OF the opposing party
Joined the uprising because they saw
in the movement great hope for their
ambition of power
The Mexican situation is being fol-
lowed with much concern by the United
States. The fact that change In gov
eminent might affect the vast inter-
ests and the diplomatic relations of
both nations is sufficient cause for this
country to feel somewhat alarmed and
uneasy respecting the present course OF
events south of the Rio Grande.