Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 168, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 July 1914 — FORMER GOVERNOR OF VERA CRUZ ON MEXICAN SITUATION [ARTICLE]

FORMER GOVERNOR OF VERA CRUZ ON MEXICAN SITUATION

Was Executive of State for Eight- ~ vCIi ICaidi - ——- MENTIONED FOR PRESIDENT Declares Mexico No More Difficult to Govern Than Any Other Nation— Decries Publicity Given Movements of Villa and Zapata. Vera Cruz.—Don Teodore Debesa is Vera Cruz 3 great man. He was governor of the state for 18 years, he is rich, cultured, and to him repair the doubtful for advice on business and on politics particularly on politics, though the dignified ex-governor will tell you that he has retired from politics and has only an onlooker’s interest in the events. His retirement from politics was coincident with the resignation of Porfirio Diaz of the presidency. More than once when the distracted country has been putting its favorite conundrum, “Who can hold down the lid when Huerta drops out?" there has been a mention of the grave old-time governor, under whose dominion Vera Cruz remained staid, prosperous and at peace though all the rest of the country struggled and revolted and rioted—but DonTeodorowill tell you that this Is idle talk —that he aspire? to no such lofty post in the settlement of his country’s difficulties. Content to Hope for Peace. , He is content to hope for peace, to do what he can to bring about peace—and for the rest he is satisfied among his books and pictures—and he has some pictures worthy of anybody’s attention. There is a Murillo on the walls of the home—so unprepossessing externally, so beautiful within—that might well be in one of the great museums, and a Watteau that is unmatched this side of the big water, and others fit for their company, but — as he says—you ought to see his real collection in his real home in capital of the state, now the camp of the biggest federal force this side ofMexico City. In another country this big eaglebeaked ex-governor could not have escaped being the “sage of Cinco de Mayor street.” Like others of his class he has held himself aloof from the Americans since the occupation, but his home attracts all that is going on in the way of Mexican activity. “What do you see ahead for Mexico?” was the first question put to him after the formalities had been exhausted. “Peace,” he replied. “What else is there for anybody to look forward to?” “And how is that peace to be brought about?” ■

Own People to Settle Troubles. “By the efforts of the best of her own people. Mexico is no more difficult to govern than any other nation. We have our turbulent classes, and we have more than our share of people who have no education, but the ideals of Mexicans who are thoughtful enough to have ideals are those of every civilized race on earth. We are. unfortunate in that a man of egotism has seized the headship of the government; the people' cannot rest under such a ruler—neither will they be any more content under some soldier of fortune who seizes his power. Such a situation has confronted many nations and it has always been settled in the same way—when it has been settled without scandalizing the world. The time will bring forward the man—a man whose principles are honesty and justice, who is firm enough to suppress the factions whose interests He in exploitation, but who proceeds without thought of personal vengeance or personal interest —who Is competent to deal with the situation. “And do you know such a man?" Hits at Villa and Zapata.

“There are many; you journalists have given the world the idea that there are none but adventurers and grafters among us; just as you—and I include the journalists of my own country—have builded such men as Villa and Zapata into world figures, by your exaggerations—by your multiplying the number of their followers tenfold and endowing them with picturesque characteristics they do not possess. Even among the factionaMsts there are men of sufficient intelligence, principle and patriotism to restore peace in Mexico, given the opportunity.” “And who, in your judgment. Is the best man to succeed Huerta?” “I do not care to attempt to name any particular man. The mediators •will doubtless arrive at a satisfactory solution, including an acceptable successor to Huerta. I suppose they went with plenary powers to accomplish such a mission?’ “Then you think Mexico is capable of being pacified without intervention?" , / Decries intervention. “Intervention! What call has your nation to intervene in the affairs of mine? A pacification bf Conquest has no place in the mind of a modern nation" “Hasn’t a nation a right and a duty to protect its own citlxens from mur-

der and exploitation ? Mexico has not been able to protect Americans.” “There have been comparatively few such outrages. In a country where revolution is rife there will always be some affliction of foreigners by bandits. Even in peace time you have had your own anti-Italian and anti-Japan-ese riots. As to the more recent hardships suffered by Americans, the arresting and imprisoning of correspondents and others, please bear in mind that your troops have landed on our soil, that you hold our principal port Suppose the autonomy of 'the United States was threatened by a great power that seized and held the port of New York, would, the subjects of such a power be very popular with you? Invasion’s Effect on Mexicans. “The general in command just beyond your outposts illustrated the effect on Mexicans of the invasion. General Garcia Pena had nothing in common with Huerta’s administration; he declined to take part in the civil war; he would not fight for Huerta against the rebels and he would not fight with the rebels against his country, but when a foreign foe landed on our shores, like an honest soldier he placed his sword at his country’s disposal and welcomed an assignment where he would be the first to confront the invader—and that Is the attitude of every Mexican officer, even among those classed as Huerta’s enemies.” “You have seen the American soldiers and marines; what is your opinion of their conduct since they have been in possession of the port?” Troops Nat “Tow-Headed Angels.” “They are soldiers —doubtless excellent soldiers; their conduct has been average”—“regular" was the expression the governor employed. “After the fighting was over, when their officers had them under control and the lust of battle was past, they were exemplary, but your soldiers arenottowheaded angels. During the two days of the fl ring there were excesses. Some of my friends suffered intrusion, there was some looting and some unnecessary shooting; there always is on such occasions. It Is not a subject for criticism, but it looks different from the side of the Invaded and that of the Invaders.” “Suppose you were to succeed Hu-

erta, how would you go about pacifying the country?” "There Is only one tray, by exact justice; the suppression of violence, and the elimination of those who Insist on violence.” “And how would you deal with such chiefs as Villa and Zapata, if they failed to agree to your plans of reconstruction?” - - Justice Not Vengeance. “They could be dealt with; the world Is wide and men who would not keep peace In Mexico might >be accommodated elsewhere. There is a difference between justice and vengeance. Whoever is chosen must forget the past lltlcal part they played, but there must be no weakness in dealing with those who persist In'defying the new government Some doubtless would try the old fashion of revolt when they did not get what they thought they could command, but the fate of those would deter others. All the best men and the strongest men in the country desire peace; they will not support unworthy politicians, but there will be no lack of patriotic support of an administration devoted solely to the country’s welfare. Before such a united sentiment rebellion will crumble.” ' Land Question a Dream. “A dream. Divide the land amoqg our Indians and they will not hold it a week. In a very short time the shrewd land speculators or the old owners would buy it from them for a meal or a drink and the whole problem would have to be gone over again. Until we have educated these people to the responsibility of. holding property it is impossible to make such a distribution as the theorists suggest. Only education can make of Mexico a community of small land owners. You ask me about plans of regenerating this country; the statesmen and the soldiers can only make a beginning ; it is the schools that will finally solve all Mexican problems—and we require no American assistance to accomplish that destiny, thank you.” That is the way it looks to a Mexican gentleman who, according to his enemies, won neither his 18 years of peaceful administration nor his million dollars by milk and water methods.