Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942), Thursday 10 February 1927, page 45


The "Boycott" in Mexico.

GOVERNORS IMPEACHED.

On December 9, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, more than 100,000 pilgrims gathered at the national shrine of Our Blessed Lady in Mexico. All classes were represented in this great assembly. The Government made an imposing display of military force, and spread alarmist reports

as to the pilgrimage being made the pretext for a riotous demonstration. But the day passed off in perfect order. At the moment, however, the American press, while taking frequent note of the news of the religious conflict, is more occupied with the growing tension between the American and the Mexican Governments, arising from alleged confiscations by the latter of the property of American subjects in Mexico, and the inteference of Mexican agents in the affairs of the little Republics of Central America. Non-Catholic Governors Impeached. It is significant of the disturbed conditions in Mexico that the Governors of three Mexican States have been impeached before the National Chamber of Deputies charged with failure to enforce the laws against religion. Under Mexican law, a Governor can be accused before the National Chamber of Deputies, and the Chamber can impeach him after investigation. The case is then tried by the Senate. The Governors concerned are Governor Constantine Llaca, of Queretaro; Governor Enrique Colunga, of Guanajuato; and Governor Claudio N. Tirado, of Puebla. Seven deputies of the State Legislature of Queretaro have been similarly charged. Not one of the three Governors is a Catholic, although all three States are intensely Catholic. Governor Llaca. Governor Llaca of Queretaro, one of the few Governors actually elected by the people, and the seven deputies are charged with violations of no fewer than 15 Articles of the Constitution of 1917. Among the specific charges is one of permitting two religious procession to be held in the town of Amealco in December, 1925. A special committee of the Chamber has been sent to Queretaro to investigate the charges. It was he who, in June, protested vigorously when Federal agents invaded the State and used Federal troops in an attempt to close the Catholic schools, disregarding the rights of the State. The Governor is a lawyer. Governor Colunga. Governor Colunga is charged with violations of nine Articles of the Constitution, several of which prescribe oppression of Catholics. Already a special committee of the Chamber has reported that he is guilty. The Chamber will now prosecute him before the Senate. Governor Colunga is a Protestant, and by profession a lawyer, but has never been regarded as a radical. Governor Tirado. Governor Tirado, of Puebla, is charged by several deputies, led by Alberto Martinez, with violating the Constitution, but the exact charges have not been revealed. A committee of the Chamber is now investigating them.