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Show FOOD IS SCARCE. John R. Silliman, special representative represent-ative of the state department in Mexico., has been ordered to take up his abode at Vera Cruz, whero Carrauza holds full sway. The diplomats of foreign countries coun-tries remain iu Mexico City, and it is not unlikely they will leave the country coun-try if compelled to get out of the capital, cap-ital, their action iu the premises being discretionary. The water supply of Mexico Mex-ico City is still cut and as the sewers are not being properly flushed an epidemic epi-demic would seem to be only a question of time. Matters are again approaching a climax cli-max at the capital'. 'Flour is hot to be had at any price and when a small supply of corn was brought in the other day thousands thronged the place where it T-as sold. There is still a good supply sup-ply of coffee, sugar and fruit, but with the staff of life lacking it will not be long before gaunt famine will stalk through the streets of Mexico City. The country at large is not much better off than the capital in respect of food. Four years of continuous warfare has prevented the sowing and harvesting of crops in a large section of the country and armies have commandeered all the grain and cattle in the districts where they have been operating. The Mormon colouics have been left bare of cattle and horses and all the necessities of life, having bcVn raided time and acrain, not only by the soldiers of the various contending factions, but by unorganized bands of bandits as well. There is much distress all over the northern part of Mexico on account of the scarcity of food, the situation in the state of Sonora being particularlv onerous. Of course the sufferings of tho civilians do not couut'with the leaders lead-ers of the various elements now striving for the mastery, but sooifer or later there will be no food for the soldiers and the "'armies'' ill pass out of existence. ex-istence. Undoubtedly this country could hasten tho return of peace in Mexico bv placing an embargo on foodstuffs, but this may not be necessary, as the Euro pean belligerents are willing to pay much higher pricey. - Collap-e may soon come down there. |