F 1234 .H24 Copy 1 MEXICO AND OBREGON by CHESTER W. HANSEN A STATEMENT OF FACT WITH REGARD TO EXISTING CONDITIONS IN MEXICO AND POLICY OF THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION OCTOBER, 1921 ^ L^ < Copyright, 1921, by CHESTER W. HANSEN By TTansfer INTRODUCTION The following article is written with the hope of the author that the facts therein contained will contribute, in a small measure at least, to clarify the pitiful lack of understanding which seems so prevalent among the people of the United States as to Mexico and all things Mex- ican — caused largely by inspired anti-Mexican propaganda and sensational journalism delib- erately intended to make for dissension betw^een tw^o peoples whose relationship should be that of brothers. He believes, in common w^ith hundreds of other Americans w^ho have had the opportunity to observe at first hand, that the present Mex- ican Administration is fully able to cope with the situation south of the Rio Grande, and that their accomplishments to date justify, yes, make it the imperative duty of, our country to accept their proffered hand of friendship. CHESTER W. HANSEN. MEXICO AND OBREGON ONE year and five months ago, May, 1 920, I the present administration came into power in Mexico. General Obregon, though always considered the moving spirit of the new government, refused to assume the role of Executive until requested to do so by the people at their duly called and regulated elec- tion. Adolpho de la Huerta, therefore, after being formally elected by Congress, took the oath as provisional president and functioned in that capacity until the inauguration of Obregon in December, 1 920, after his election by an overw^helming majority on September 8, 1 920. At this election military force w^as entirely absent and not one single instance of disorder at the polls w^as reported. General Obregon re- ceived more than 1 ,000,000 votes. Considering the population of Mexico (16,000,000), one person in every 1 6 cast a ballot for him. Ex- President Wilson in 1912 received slightly over six million popular votes, or slightly less than one for each 1 8 of population. MEXICO AND OBREGON This comparison conclusively shows that his election expressed the will of all of the people, and w^as not the mock affair w^hich so many agencies w^ould have us believe. The United States elections of 1 9 1 6 and 1 920 can hardly be used for comparative purposes because of women's suffrage, vsrhich is not applicable to Mexico. President Obregon laid down a specific course to be pursued. These policies speak for themselves, and the w^isdom and justice of them cannot, nor have they ever been questioned. Their execution and the sincerity of the promul- gators have been questioned. Therefore, I sub- mit a few extracts of policy, together with accomplishments to date, so that the reader may himself judge the spirit prompting the actions of the administration and their sincerity of purpose. Permit me to quote from a statement by Pres- ident Obregon of June 26, 1921, to the New York World: **The States of Texas, Arizona and Califor- nia, acting independently and without the [61 MEXICO AND OBREGON slightest inspiration, have made official re- quests upon Washington for resumption of formal relations that will permit proper and complete expressions of friendship between Mexico and the United States. The action of these States, so intimately in contact with my country, tells its own story of peace and order along the Border at the moment of w^riting." NOTE. — Since above was written, the States of Michigan, Illinois and Oklahoma, as well as the Chambers of Commerce of the dti^ of St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Francbco and others have without inspiration done likewise. This action was taken after thorough personal investigation and first-hand observation by their representative m^nbers on various trade trips through Mexico. "Today there is not a single armed force in the field against the Federal authority." NOTE. — ^This condition has continuously prevailed to date. Even the ever rebellious Yaqui Indian, who has been in a state of steady revolt since the time of the Spanish Conquest, throughout the rule of the Great Juarez and the Iron Diaz, has laid down hb weapons of war and turned, contented, to peaceful constructive pursuits. "Reconciliation is our fixed policy. We mean to end every hate as far as possible and heal every division." "One of the first things that the revolution did was to call in every history that taught the youth of our country to hate the United States and Spain." [7] MEXICO AND OBREGON NOTE. — Though handicapped by lack of funds, hundreds of schools, with volunteer corps of instructors, have been estab- lished and maintained throughout even the remotest sections of the Republic as a nucleus of the Elducational System to come. Arrangements are practically complete for interchange of scholarships with American Universities and interchange of pro- fessors as well. This interchange of students and professors can not help but form a solid foundation for continued friendship, based upon actual knowledge secured through continued res- idence and study in the respective countries. President Obregon has already made liberal financial contribution for the furthering of this cause through the Mexican-American Scholarship Foundation. **The truest test of peace and order, how- ever, is to be found in our army figures. On June 1 0, 1 920, the army estabUshment of Mexico numbered 23,767 officers and 105,- 066 men. Today (June 26, 1 92 1 ) the army numbers 16,784 officers and 77,289 men, an annual saving of $36,500,000. This is not the end by any means.'* NOTE. — Since the above was written the army has been still fur- ther reduced, and announcement made of continued further reductions. "Instead of carrying the paper money issues as a continuing internal obligation, with all of the disastrous results w^hich that w^ould have meant, w^e abolished the issuance of currency, retired the issues in circulation quickly and on as just a basis as possible and placed business on a gold basis * * * our internal debt has been saved from a new bur- [8] MEXICO AND OBREGON den and we are in a better position to take care of our external obligations.'* NOTE. — ^Today, the entire commerce of Mexico, both internal and external, is conducted on a gold basis — nothing but metal medium is in circulation. Billions of dollars* worth of currency — of many bsues and doubtful value — ^were retired in favor of a gold standard. **It is not possible to turn in a day to the in- stant and satisfactory settlement of com- plicated problems and unknown claims throughout the revolution. However, we stated repeatedly that Mexico would not re- pudiate any just obligations. We have al- ways paid our debts. We always will pay our debts. We have seen a loan of $20,000,- 000 received in 1824, changed magically into a debt of more than $ 1 00,000,000. We have seen Maximillian sign an obligation for $40,000,000 in return for a loan of $20,000,- 000. We have seen Miramon, the counter revolutionist, sign a note for $1 5,000,000 in return for a loan of $750,000. Yet not once, even under these outrageous burdens, have we ever advanced the idea of repudiation. Throughout the revolution, we stated re- peatedly that Mexico would meet every just obligation without evasion. It is a promise that will be kept to the letter. Even now we are planning the machinery that will settle all claims in accordance with the principle laid down by international law. Nor should it be forgotten, that as late as six months [91 MEXICO AND OBREGON ago, we urged our creditors to send a com- mittee to Mexico for conferences in the in- terest of fair and honest settlements. Strangely enough, acceptance of the frank invitation has been prevented by various governmental pressure, and to date Mexico has not been able to secure these face to face meetings that are her desire.*' NOTE. — ^Mr. Thomas W. Lamont, a representative of the Inter- national Committee of Bankers on Mexico, b now in that country, in response to a further invitation from the Mexican Government. To date no action has been taken by our Government in regard to participation in conferences invited by Obregon to discuss ways and means of arriving at equitable adjustment of claims. It can be readily conceived that Americans fleeing Mexico at the instance and persuasion of our Government, who later filed claims with our State Department for damages caused by confiscation, etc., during the revolution, would place their damages at a max- imum, and such claims are certainly subject to adjustment. * 'Foreign capital will be invited and given every justice * * *. Every private right acquired prior to May 1st, 1917, w^hen the new constitution ^/vas adopted, will be ac- cepted and fully protected. The famous Article 27, one section of which declares the nation's ownership of subsoil rights in petro- leum, will never be given retroactive effect, nor has it ever been given retroactive effect. •!• •!• "I* » *'Here are the figures for exportation of Mexican oil year by year since 1917: 110] MEXICO AND OBREGON 1917 42,545,852 Bbls. 1918 51,768,110 ** 1919 77,703,289 '* 1920 151,058,257 ** 1921 (Jan. to May inclusive).. 76,493,564 ** 1 92 1 probable production.. 190,000,000 " **Does this steady increase indicate that the Mexican Government has been placing any obstacles in the w^ay of development?" NOTE. — ^August 30th the Supreme Court of the United States of Mexico rendered a decision to the effect that Article 27 could not be construed retroactively. **As for recent tax increases, the necessity should be clear to all. Every country in the w^orld has had to increase their taxes in order to meet increased expenses. In addition, Mexico is facing delinquent obligations that must be met. The increase in petroleum, for instance, is for specific application to our for- eign debt. To this purpose and this purpose alone, the entire proceeds of the tax will be devoted. I stated this clearly in the decree that established the tax and there will be no departure from it. To call the tax, confisca- tion, as the oil group is doing, is absurd * * * for even while earning enormous dividends, out of the oil taken from Mexican wells, it is still unwilling for Mexico to re- ceive even an appreciable share of its natural [11] MEXICO AND OBREGON wealth, as an aid in meeting the just de- mands of the holders of our foreign obliga- tions. It is these dividends that give the best ansv/er to the cry of confiscatory taxation. The net profits of the Mexican Petroleum Company in 1 920, after depreciation and taxes, were $9,773,898. (This on a capital- ization of $48,000,000.) Its interlocked as- sociate, the Pan American Petroleum & Transport Company, declared net profits of $12,987,757, in 1920, after deducting in- terest charges, taxes and contingencies. The British American Petroleum Company, another rich subsidiary formed in order to avoid the scandal of lumped earnings, showed a profit of $5,000,000 in 1 920. It w^ill thus be seen that the Doheny group pumped close to $28,000,000 in net profits out of the soil of Mexico in the single year of 1920." NOTE. — During August, 1921, the American group of oil pro- ducers of Mexico, represented by W. C. Teagle, President of the Standard Oil Company; E. L. Doheny, President Mexican Petro- leum Company; H. F. Sinclair, President Sinclair Oil Company; J. W. Van Dyke, President Atlantic Refining Company, and Amos L. Beatty, President Texas Company, attended a series of conferences with officials of the Mexican Government, the result of which was the announcement by the American Committee that a satisfactory taxation agreement had been reached, and they began the exportation of oil the day following. The text of this agreement has not as yet been made public. A few days later, the Mexican Petroleum Company declared its regular quarterly dividend (12% annually) which throughout the entire [12] MEXICO AND OBREGON period of the taxation controversy had been neither postponed nor reduced. It would be exceedingly difficult for anyone to elaborate on the above. The policies speak for themselves and the accomplishments to date sustain them sufficiently to compel the con- fidence of the w^orld in the assurance that they will be carried out to their fullest limit. I do, however, wish to call the attention of the reader to a few facts w^hich reflect the suc- cess of the policies of the present administration during the short period in which they have been in pow^er. The Government of Mexico took over the rail- roads during time of stress in much the same manner that the United States took over our railways during the recent w^ar. These are being rapidly returned to their owners, but only as they are restored to their normal state. As to the w^isdom of this policy w^e need look no fur- ther than the chaotic condition in v^hich w^e find our railroads today, and the hundreds of mil- lions of dollars of claims against our Govern- ment because of the conditions surrounding their return to private ownership. One railway [13] MEXICO AND OBREGON in Mexico has already been returned, the Mex- ican Railway, a British property extending from Vera Cruz to Mexico City. This was possible because of its small mileage and the fact that it has suffered least. The Southern Pacific Rail- road, wth its large mileage, w^as never taken over by the Government. Every cent of rail- road revenue is being devoted to reconstruction in a vigorous attempt to restore them to their normal condition. In the past few^ months $5,000,000 of the Government's own funds have been spent for rolling stock and the day is near at hand w^hen the national lines can be re- turned to their ow^ners in such shape as to make damage claims fairly simple of ascertainment and adjustment. When consideration is given to the fact that Mexico has a far greater railroad mileage per capita than either the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France or Italy, the task which confronted them in the rehabilitation of these lines can more easily be realized. The follow^ing figures prepared by the United States Department of Commerce show^ the [14] MEXICO AND OBREGON actual railroad mileage of these countries, for each 10,000 inhabitants: United States 2.5 Germany 5.8 Italy 3.2 France 8.5 United Kingdom 5.1 Mexico 10.2 Land taxation is being readjusted on a basis which will make the holders of vast acreage bear their just proportion of taxes, and w^ill in itself compel these holders to either subdivide and dispose of, or develop, their holdings. Land banks have been established, and a plan of rural credits is in the process of formation. Coloniza- tion schemes are under w^ay and great irrigation projects are being w^orked out. It is the hope of the administration to, in a short time, double the arable acreage of the nation. The Mexican is at heart an agriculturist. Encouragement and as- sistance is all that is necessary to make for tre- mendously increased agricultural development. The attitude of the Mexican citizen towards the American is one of friendship, spectacular propaganda to the contrary notw^ithstanding. A few months ago the author communicated vsrith 115] MEXICO AND OBREGON several hundred leading American business men, in every section of the United States, who had recently visited Mexico. He requested their opinions. Of the hundreds of replies received, not one expressed anything but the strongest feeling that the present administration should be recognized without delay, and w^ere pleas- ingly surprised at the sincere demonstration of friendship tow^ard the Americans and at w^hat they saw. Extracts from a number of the let- ters are attached. Our exports to Mexico have increased from $41,066,775 in 1915 to $131,455,101 in 1919, $143,786,000 in 1920, and the first seven months of 1921 show exports of $155,699,499, an increase of 61% over the same period in 1920. With one exception Mexico wsis the only country to whom our exports increased during that period — our total exports showing a de- crease of 42%. Significant of this is the fact that no complaints arising out of our Mexican commerce during that period have been filed with the State Department, while those arising out of trade with other Latin-American coun- tries were considerable. [16] MEXICO AND OBREGON The national debt of Mexico per capita is by far the lowest of any major country in the "world. Note the following comparison: England $ 824.78 Italy 396.60 France 1,1 14.26 Germany 797.57 Canada 290.00 United States 235.96 Mexico 24.34 NOTE. — ^Above figures taken from Report of International Financial Conference, called by League of Nations at Brussels, July, 1921. Of further importance is the fact that all of Mex- ico's loans were incurred during a period when low interest rates prevailed. Her interest per capita per annum, therefore, pre- sents even a more striking comparison than the above. Attached are statements by Samuel M. Vau- clain, President, Baldwin Locomotive Works; and Elmer Dover, financier of Tacoma, Wash- ington, and former Secretary of the National Republican Committee. These men are leaders in their lines of endeavor in this country. Their judgment and ability to analyze a situation, as w^ell as their Americanism and honesty of pur- pose, is most certainly unquestioned. These men have very recently been in Mexico — ^have seen the existing conditions and unbiasly studied [17] MEXICO AND OBREGON them. Their opinions must be given worthy consideration. President Obregon and his administration stand squarely on the policies they have estab- lished and ask us to judge their ability to carry them out and their sincerity of purpose, by their administration to date. Mexico asks no quarter, but is keenly sensi- tive of the good which can only spring from w^hole-hearted cooperation wth this country, and, rising phoenix-like from out the ashes of ten years of chaos and revolution, extends to us the hand of friendship. Shall v^e accept her offer so sincerely made, or shall w^e compel her to look across the seas for the friendship which should so rightly come from us — her big brother — w^hose aims and aspirations are identical? [181 MEXICO AND OBREGON Statement of SAMUEL M. VAUCLAIN To WASHINGTON TIMES Under date August 26, 1921 The United States should recognize President Obregon as chief executive of Mexico, accord- ing to Samuel M. Vauclain, president of the BaldTArin Locomotive Works. Mr. Vauclain has traveled extensively in Mexico, and is thor- oughly conversant with the problems and situa- tions existing in the various parts of that country. **I feel that President Obregon is an excellent man," said Mr. Vauclain yesterday. **Mexico as a country is in excellent condi- tion. The government is good, and the Pres- ident seems to have the situation w^ell in hand. He has a most excellent character, fine address, is modest, yet forceful. He is anxious to do his best for Mexico, and has a deep sense of respect- ful admiration for the United States. **I "was so well impressed w^ith him and his subordinates, including the railroad officials, [191 MEXICO AND OBREGON that I have no hesitation in doing business with them just as I would with firms in the United States. **Their railroads are in good condition, the roadbeds excellent, in fact, better than many roads in the United States. They are at work all the time improving their roads. I think it would be a great thing for this country if the State Department w^ould consistently recognize Obregon, and I have no doubt that an early de- termination of this question v/ill be had. **1 think President Obregon is inclined to meet the view^s of our Government as far as pos- sible. No doubt in the near future a satisfac- tory understanding wrill be arrived at permit- ting his recognition. "Of course, this is not any of my business. I am president of a locomotive works, w^hile Mr. Hughes is head of the State Department. He know^s best w^hat to do, as he seems to be built that way. *'The credit of Mexican railways is O. K. w^ith me — I don't know^ how it is w^ith others in this country.'' [20] MEXICO AND OBREGON Statement by ELMER DOVER Financier of Tacoma, Washington and Former Secretary Republican National Committee **I have made several trips through Mexico within the present year. "My observations convince me the Obregon Government is doing all w^ithin its power to re- habilitate their country and that their efforts are not only sincere, but are producing the desired results. *'I know President Obregon personally. ^14e is a man of great force and absolute honesty. His attitude of friendship tow^ards the United States is prompted only by sincerity. "The enormity of the task of rehabilitation is not questioned, but with recognition and moral support of our Government 1 feel very sure that the present administration is equal to it." [211 EXTRACTS FROM STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN BUSINESS MEN EXTRACTS FROM STATEMENTS OF AMERICAN BUSINESS MEN R. H. Baumbach, Manager, Eugene Dietzgen Co., New Orleans "There is no doubt in my mind but what conditions at pres- ent are much better than they have been for many years, and that no stone should be left unturned to bring us in closer rela- tions with our neighboring country, which will surely be to our mutual advantage." £. J. Krause, President and Treasurer, The Willis Coal & Mining Co., St. Louis, Mo. "I am strongly of the opinion that our Government should recognize Mexico and should lend them a helping hand and treat the Mexican people as an independent nation, capable of self government, and do everything to promote a better feeling between the two nations." Harvey W. Page, President, Eastern Engineering Co., Boston, Mass., and Tampico, Mexico "It goes without saying after living four years in the Republic of Mexico, that I am greatly interested in its welfare. I wish I w^ere able to assist every American in the United States to un- derstand what our relations and responsiblities are to that coun- try, as it is of great vital interest from a standpoint of commercial affairs and also from the standpoint of from 15 to 20 million Mexicans and our own population. "The writer's opinion is that the United States is not receiv- ing (the general public, I mean) facts, but are receiving opinions, which many times are unfair to both parties and both countries. "Answering one of your questions, 'Do you think the present Mexican government have accomplished what w^ould be ex- pected?' It is my personal belief that the present Obregon [25] MEXICO AND OBREGON Government has done wonderfully well, considering the many serious handicaps that they have had to encounter, and should receive every reasonable encouragement from us that can be given them. * * * It is my opinion that we are causing more trouble in the Republic of Mexico than they could possibly cause themselves/' W. M. Lampton, President Magnolia Bank, Magnolia, Miss. "An impression exists in Mexico that the American capitalist who goes to that country has only an ulterior motive, as a mere exploiter. In some measure this may be true. Under the pres- ent administration, all this, it seems to me, could be easily cor- rected. Sensational papers — both in this country and Mexico — are in a large measure responsible for this condition. Their activities should be suppressed." Frank Wiggins, Secretary, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce "I feel quite sure that our party, generally speeiking, felt convinced that the future in Mexico depended upon a stable government and that Obregon is the best man to institute this. * * * Steady progress is being made. "One of the things we discovered was that Mexicans have learned to distrust Americans because of the few who have ex- ploited them and misrepresented their own country. Because of the horrid stories of the past ten years, the average American has come to believe Mexico is a land of thieves and cut-throats. We believe it will take an extended period of fair dealing with the Mexicans to win their confidence." H. D. McKinnon, Vice-President and Treasurer, The Braun Cor- poration, Chemicals, Los Angeles, Calif. "I am very anxious to see pleasant and cordial relations be- tween Mexico and this country, knowing full well that both countries would benefit therefrom. I will be glad to cooperate with you fully — in trying to make for both pleasant relations between the two countries and so counteract some of the sensa- tional journalism that has a tendency to keep the two countries apart." [261 MEXICO AND OBREGON Extract from Resolution Passed by Board of Directors, San Fran- cisco Chamber of Commerce; Athol McBean, President "Therefore, be it resolved, That the board of directors of San Francisco Chamber of Commerce favors at the earliest mo- ment compatible with the Government's foreign diplomatic pol- icy, consideration by the Government of the United States of America of the question of extending recognition to the present Government of the Republic of Mexico." Maynard McFie, President Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce "Our country has been misled by the impressions that have been given of Mexico for the past ten years. We have heard only the bad side. We should make it our business to learn something of the good side. "Our own country developed broader ideals and better un- derstanding through its civil strife and was united for the best interests of all. We had first a Washington and then a Lincoln. If Obregon lives up to promise, he will be the Lincoln of Mex- ico and will proceed with a reconstruction program that will immortalize his administration." Extract from Resolution Passed by St. Louis Chamber of Commerce "The present Chief Executive has apparently won the sup- port of most elements — at least he has eliminated a great amount of the distrust and suspicion that finally became so detrimental in other administrations. It is realized that any government es- tablished has a colossal task in bringing about peaceful pursuits and uninterrupted commercial intercourse aften ten years of turmoil, but, from what we observed, the present official, of all his ten predecessors since Diaz, comes nearer than any of them to embodying the qualifications for this difficult leadership to peace and happiness. "President Obregon's efforts so far look toward a unity of most of the factions, he seems democratic, and in all his actions pro-American — remembering in this, however, that he has the sovereignty of a nation to maintain. [271 MEXICO AND OBREGON Report of Committee of Los Angeles Chamber of Commorce After Vbit to Mexico "Mexico has had ten presidents within this period. It is therefore Httle wonder that there should have been questioning and doubt as to the new regime. President Obregon, however, appears to be the man of the hour in Mexico. He has won the support of all elements, inspiring hope and optimism in the future, where there has been suspicion and distrust. "For the first time in nine years the country is wholly at peace and has been since the overthrow of President Carranza. Every railway of the Republic is operating without armored cars or armed guards/' Ritchie L. Dunn, President, American Bbcuit Company, San Francisco, Calif. "Your letter of the 8th containing a very concise and clear statement of conditions as they exist today in Mexico, with rela- tion to the understanding or lack of understanding between the peoples of the two republics, has been read with a great deal of satisfaction, and I hasten to say that upon further suggestion I will be only too glad to lend my personal aid in the manner to be suggested. "Thanking you for your courteous letter, I am." M. Schmidt, Schmidt Lithograph Company, San Francisco, Calif. "Of course, the approaching of the American and Mexican peoples, and an understanding between them, is not only de- sirable, but a necessity. Frankly speaking, I believe the absence of this friendly feeling is more the fault of ours, who right down in our hearts are considering ourselves superior to the Mexicans in most every respect. But are we justified in doing so? It may sound strange to American ears when I repeat as my own expe- rience the statement made to me by large numbers of newly made friends, over there, who were familiar with both countries, that personal safety was far greater in Mexico than in our own country. * * * [281 MEXICO AND OBREGON "What impressed me further was that In spite of the almost toted destruction of manufacturing and agricultural enterprises by ten years of revolution, they never see any money except cop- per, silver, and gold — no paper promises. * * * "It would lead me too far to describe results of my numerous interviews with Mexican business men — particularly the German element. Their strong influence in Mexican affairs is perhaps best illustrated by their three very extensive and modern up-to- date German clubs — comprising large buildings containing first- class restaurants, libraries, theatrical stages, bowling alleys, bil- liards, dance halls, etc. Compare this to the one Mexico City's Amierican Club consisting of a rented few rooms, and then think that w^e are their next door neighbor. Strangers almost instead of close friends. "Mexico is known to be a country rich in minerals and other natural assets, including cheap labor, and is awaiting, now that revolutions have stopped, the hands of capital and enterprise. Who shall be the leader? If we do not stop sneering and agitat- ing, Europeans will reap that rich harvest offered to, but de- clined by, us." Louis Housmann, New Orleans, La. "I believe the people there are in a receptive mood to have amicably adjusted friendly relations with other countries, and believe the present Mexican Government will be successful in establishing better conditions there and with other countries." Jerome R. George, Worcester, Mass. "I have been in Mexico but once and then only for a few weeks. I do not feel that I know a great deal about the country or the people, but I am quite free to confess that when I was there last March I was greatly surprised and pleased with what I saw — particularly the Mexican people. "On every hand I saw evidence of a sincere desire on the part of the Mexican people to establish business and personal re- lations with the people of the United States. I found the Mex- ican people of all classes courteous to strangers and considerate [29] MEXICO AND OBREGON of each other. Neither in the city nor in the country did I see any conduct on the part of the Mexicans that could be criticized by 3ny one. It seemed to me that in their customs and manners they could teach us a good deal here in the States. "I consider Mexico City one of the finest cities I have ever seen. The city streets were well paved and well kept. There seemed to be approximately as many automobiles there as in any of the cities of the States. "I find that comparatively few Americans have visited Mex- ico and that as a consequence the people in the northern part of the United States know much less about Mexico than they know about the various countries of Europe and Asia. "I have been following conditions in Mexico as well as pos- sible, and I have a rather strong impression that Obregon is ca- pable of maintaining law and order. This is something that is not too well done in many parts of the United States. * * * "I see no reason whatever why full political and commercial relations cannot be re-established. The United States should be strong enough to protect the interests of its citizens in Mexico and reasonable enough not to defend any citizen who willfully violates the laws or hospitality of another country." R. J. Morrell, Treasurer, Rivers Brothers Co., Wholesale Produce, Los Angeles, Calif. "In answer to your letter of July 2 1st, will say that all of our dealings with the Mexican people have been very satisfactory, and we feel that most of the trouble comes up on account of not understanding how to deal with them. * * * "We think there is a great field in Mexico and if the different Americans go at the business in the proper way, think they will have no trouble whatsoever. "When the writer made a trip down there, they treated the party royally and could not do enough for us, showing that they were anxious for our trade. * * * Most every one that the writer met informed him that they w^ere anxious for Americans to come in there and settle and also wanted to do all business possible with them." 130] MEXICO AND OBREGON J. W. Souther, San Francisco, Calif. "Addressed to Hon. Samuel M. Shortridge, U. S. Senator from California" "I take the Hberty of addressing you relative to the Mexican situation, feehng that an unbiased opinion from one who has visited that country twice since the first of this year and who has first hand knowledge of conditions there would be of assistance to you in your deliberations upon this vital question. "I have no interests in Mexico whatsoever, therefore my pur- pose in addressing you is not a mercenary one, but simply a desire to correct, if possible, erroneous reports promulgated by unreliable publications and by those whose personal interests would benefit by such reports. "I have interviewed bankers, business men, foreign consuls emd others and their universal opinion is that if President Obre- gon received the proper and just support of our country, Mexico will experience a revival of business and consequent prosperity, which naturally will reflect to this country, only felt during the regime of Porfirio Diaz, in fact, to quote two very prominent business men ad verbatim: 'We consider the present President a second Diaz.' "I have met the General casually and feel that he is absolutely sincere in his desire to uplift his people and cement friendly rela- tions with this country. It was a most agreeable surprise to me upon m.y first visit to Mexico to find an utter lack of disrespect to the American, and I can truthfully state from the time we, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce excursion, crossed the bor- der at New Laredo, Mexico, and during our stay in that country, not one of the party suffered any discourtesy w^hatsoever; on the contrary, we were treated with the utmost respect and con- sideration. "I experienced similar treatment upon my recent visit to Mexico City, from whence I have just returned, and I may add I expect to return there the latter part of this month with nothing in view other than to await developments and investments pro- vided equitable relations are established between the two repub- lics, which undoubtedly would inure to the mutual benefit of both countries." 131] \ "■M uc CONGRESS MEXICO AND O 015 833 458 6 Charles P. Vogel, Secretary, The Third (Regular) Divisioi Society, The Mame Division, Milwaukee Branch, Wisconsin "I think Obregon is headed in the right direction, and if soni< of our American interests do not try to force him to show hi hand prematurely, which would cause too many factions to bi turned against him before he was strong enough to handle then all, he will set up a government in the southern republic whicl can be relied upon." Alan P. Gilmour, Asociacion Intemacional de California (Latin American Trade Bureau), Los Angeles, Calif. ***** Our Bureau is doing what it can to counteract th pernicious propaganda that is endeavoring to thwart recognitioi of the present stable and friendly administration in Mexico City We hope that your and our efforts will eventually meet w^itl success, and that the powerful mercenary interests that are nov endeavoring to promote strife and cause intervention will be sig nally defeated." Robert L. Morris, Jr., President, Austin Machinery Corporatioi- of Louisiana, Inc., New Orleans, La. **I have traveled all over Mexico and know conditions thert very well. I do not hesitate to say that the press in this countr do Mexico a rank injustice and create a false impression of tha country among our people and our Government officials. * * •• '*! know President Obregon personally and regard him as • great and just man, a thorough patriot, acting for the best in terests of all concerned and is accomplishing wonderful result- considering the heavy handicaps before him. "I am going to Mexico tomorrow and will travel from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to the Rio Grande and will feel just as safe there as I would in this country." [32] LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 833 458 6