The Times correspondent, writing from Mexico City on November 18th,
sends a very instructive article on the state of affairs in the capital. He gives a vivid picture of the state of nervous tension of Mexicans and foreigners alike. The wildest rumours gain currency, to be forgotten in the rush of newer lies, which are seldom deliberately invented, but are the outcome of exaggeration and misunderstanding. A sinister impression is abroad that the Federal officers are not trying to suppress the revolution, and that civil war drags on because it is profitable. The root evil in Mexico is official corruption: no ignominy attaches to it, because no official is expected to be anything but corrupt. As the Americans are unpopular in Mexico, the correspon- dent is driven to the conclusion that the only way to cleanse financial methods is for Mr. Wilson to invite the co-operation of the European Powers on the lines of the administration of Egypt. We may add that on Friday morning it was stated that the important coastal town of Tampico was being attacked by the rebels. The English and German residents had taken refuge on board ships in the harbour under the protection of their respective men-of-war.
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