29 JUNE 1929, Page 3

Mexico When congratulation is due to all concerned, it would

be invidious to try to apportion merit. The peace between Church and State in Mexico is a matter for thankfulness for all Christian peoples, and not for praise of persons. But we may say that we suspect Mr. Dwight Morrow of having done great work as a peace-maker since the days when negotiations were begun in Washington during the Civil War. We should give more credit to him than to the late President Monroe. Ex-President Canes is said to have helped, which shows indeed a change of heart. President Portes Gil plainly wants really to re-establish order without any vindictive use of his victory against the " Cristeros " upon their surrender, or other active Catholics who are now offering thanksgivings for the answer to their prayers for the success of the nego- tiations. Those who violated the law by practising their religion during the last three years are being released from prison. The civil register of the priests is to remain, but the Bishops instead of the State will now nominate them for service, and the State will no longer claim to control the whole body of the Clergy. Religious instruc- tion will not be allowed in the State schools, but will be lawful in the churches. Both Church and State are backward according to our standards. We trust that both will make a new beginning, from which Mexico will rise to a higher level of both religion and civilization.