Page:Mexico's dilemma.djvu/79

Rh was ordered to evacuate. When he turned the residence over to representatives of the Limantour estate, who were to rent it to the Consul General, the palatial home itself was in as good condition as it was when built, although all the expensive furnishings had disappeared.

While I was at the capital a forestry expert who had been sent to Europe years ago by Diaz to study the scientific care and planting of trees and shrubs returned to Mexico City. President Carranza sent for him and asked him to head the Forestry Department of the present government.

These are instances which indicate a new policy on behalf of the Carranza Government. Government officials, including members of the Chamber of Deputies, assured me that the government intended to return all confiscated property as soon as this became possible.

The Carranza Government is to-day operating the tramways of Mexico City and all the national railroads, even the English road from the capital to Vera Cruz.

Several years ago there were many street car systems in Mexico City, all in miserable condition. Belgian, English and French investors saw the possibility of consolidating these lines and the Mexican Tramways Company was organised. The same investors to-day own the large power plant located about one hundred miles from the capital at Necaxa. In peace time this station provided all the electric power and light for