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8 Even at Tampico every oil refinery has this spring been closed down for a greater or less number of days, interfering with oil supplies now so necessary in the world's progress through war.

It is difficult to place the blame as between I.W.W. agitators drawing pay from German agents and petty Mexico authorities, some of whom do and some of whom do not recognize any national authority.

Washington and Mexico City do not want these disturbances reported; nor do the business interests dependent upon American credit, and whatever protection may be afforded Mexico, invite publicity concerning Mexican disturbances.

Ask any director or official of a foreign enterprise in Mexico concerning the situation and he will give evidence only behind locked doors or with the understanding that his statements are confidential and his company is not to be mentioned. He knows that he is managing the property of others in a country where there is to-day no constitution and no law; but he dare not say so publicly, for there are several alleged constitutions in Mexico, many alleged laws, and very many decrees, and there is to-day the power to suspend every constitution, law and decree.