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These stories, typical of those which passed through the minds of Archbishop Drossaerts and his audience, were said to be exaggerated. For one who believes them it is surely reasonable to wonder at the "ominous silence of the American press and pulpit." The reasons for this silence, aside from incredulity, are many. Less because they think that it would endanger U. S. relations with Mexico, less because talk about Catholics would endanger Catholic Al. Smith's political fortunes, than because they think their readers or listeners are weary of grim fancy tales about barbaric savageries, editors and pulpit-holders keep quiet about religious persecution of Mexico. Abroad, where Mexican absurdities have the attraction of the exotic, newssheets have given the Church v. State affair more advertising. The London Daily Express recently delegated a correspondent to investigate the situation and subsequently published an editorial saying:
"President Calles and his Administration have incurred the censure of the civilized world for indulging in cruelties and persecutions unjustified by the requirements of government."