Book PUl Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/mexicoweeklytoprOOohal V vrU I K 1- , / U I4 (MT^U^^wu / i^r^^. ''^- - . "-« -^ ' ; tr<>v MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs c VOL. I.— No. 1 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 1913 FIVE CENTS We Are"Lobbyists ' —BUT NOT INSIDIOUS We aim to iufiuence the attitude and inform the intelligence of the American public on matters pertaining to the Latin republics. This country is united with these "other Americans" in bonds that are more than geographical and commercial. There is also a communitj' of interest and national ideals, in the increasing and difficult work of adapting the principles of democracy to constantly arising new condi- tions. Destiny has made us peculiarly close in our relations as neighbors. The opening of the Panama Canal, one of the most stupendous achievements in history, will, it is hoped, not only increase our trade relations with Latin- .■Xnierica. but it should inevitably bring to all the Americas a deeper and finer friendship and a reaHzation of the value of common helpful- ness and the peril of prejudicial misunderstand- ings, ghosts of an unenlightened past. If this conies true the Latin will lose his mistrust of the "Yankee," the North American will not assume a superior, patronizing air in dealing with people of a different culture and tempera- ment. The press of the United States will find that there is news of more vital importance and more representative of progress to the south of us than the stories of uprisings and revolutions, which have been featured so ex- clusively as to convey the impression that Latin-America is nothing save a hotbed of revolution. The newspapers of the other re- publics will furnish news more representative of civilization than the accounts of lynchings, strikes, clan fights and murdering gangsters from which the average reader forms his opin- ion of the people of the Xorth. We simply must know each other better, and there is no reason why we shouldn't in this age of education, investigation and swift communica- tion. Our closest neighbor, our next-door nation, Mexico, on whose border the United States hangs for a distance of more than two thousand miles, is at the present time in dire trouble. We believe that much of that trouble would have been avoidable if there had been a general understanding in this country of Me.xico's problems, motives and ideals, and an intelligent conception of the conditions which have unfortunately been the cause of nearly three years of internecine strife in that country. We can't help Mexico nor help our- selves in our vital relations with Mexico by assuming or maintaining an attitude of criti- cism, annoyance, or tutelage while she is work- ing out her problems. To influence a change in that attitude, to inform public opinion gen- erally on Mexico's position and point of view, is one of our purposes and in the light of recent events the most timely. In that sense we are lobbyists, lobbyists for Mexico, for all Latin-America and, we earn- estly believe, for the people of the United States. Shoulder to Shoulder — Elpasograms ^^ Cessation of Hostilities and Elections'^ r fx^>^ MEXICO Saturdcni. August 2S. 1913 Shoulder to Shoulder When it comes right down to cases it goes without saying that in any international crisis even,' red-blooded American citizen would stand back of any attitude the President might take, an\' move that he might make, and every American deserving of the name would be confident that the President was right accord- ing to his lights and his conscience. The President and his advisers might have made one or rnany mistakes in handling a situation, but the mistakes made, be the consequences whatsoever, it would not then be a matter for discussion or criticism, but for whole-hearted, patriotic action. But until such a crux arrives it is the right and it is the duty of every American citizen to inform himself on pending disputes, gathering his information from all sides, and to express his opinion candidl.v, for the force of public opinion is the strongest force in the country, the rock on which the nation is built. Justice toward another nation is not incon- sistent with loyalty to our own. Quite the contrary. No real loyalty would deliberately provoke or countenance injustice. Nobody with an atom of intelHgence believes for a moment that the Administration's attitude toward Mexico has reflected any but the most friendly and patriotic purposes. It is possible, however, that those purposes with the best intentions have been shaped along the wrong lines. It is possible that a mass of private and public misinformation has had considerable to do with determining those lines, and it is more than possible that actual injustice has liccn done to Mexico. It is a fact. If only the truth is brought out and the un- truths nailed before it is too late, the cries of tlie jingoes for war will be stilled and -the intrigues of self-seeking Mexican politicians and American financial interests to use the L'nitcd States as a weapon against the present Government of Mexico will be foiled. John Lind The only redeeming feature in the Mexican muddle is John Lind. It must have been accident, but there is no doubt that the selection of John Lind was a fortunate one. If his mission is what it has been represented by the press, he will fail, but it will not be his fault. John Lind has been splendidly received by the Mexicans, who have thus demonstrated that they are tnore civil- ized than those prejudiced or malicious per- sons in this country who assumed tli^t Lind would be murdered or badly treated. John Lind has besides captivated the good will and the friendship of all Mexicans who have shown their ability to distinguish the grain from the chaff. Whatever the results of John Lind's mission he will leave friends in Mexico and he will have earned the eternal gratitude of the Wasliington administration. The Madero Sobbists Sympathy for human suffering, a sympathy that is spontaneous and heartfelt, is charac- teristic of the American people. The public was naturally inclined to sympathize with the personal loss and bereavement of the imme- diate members of Francisco Madero's family when the news was flashed from Mexico of his fall and his death. Who would not feel sympathy for a wife bereft of her husband, children of their father, whatever the faults or the malfeasances of the man? His rise was dramatic, his career in power was pitiful, and his fall tragic. Quick to catch on to this friendly sympathy of the American people, the followers of the Madero fortunes at once began to use it for political purposes. A widow's grief and tears, the cries of orphans, were sordidh', cold- bloodedly exploited by the rebel juntas and their press agents. Through pathetic inter- views and lugubrious stories in the news- papers, the sacred grief of a family was ad- vertised broadcast week after week, month after month ad nauseam, until what was at first a real feeling was perverted irito an arti- ficial, maudlin sentiment by a squad of hired ''sob" writers. No occasion was lost by Cap- tain Hopkins and his clever colleagues to parade in the public press and magazines the black-veiled figure of Madero's widow, and it was even suggested by these precious poli- ticians that she appear and tell her story be- fore the Senate for the effect it would create. This sobbing publicity has gone too far, and there is evidence that the American public is not only sick of it but inclined to resent the abuse of their natural sympathy, given freeh- and fully. It is a curious fact, at the same time, that no such feeling of sympathy hai^ existed or does exist among the Mexicans themselves. For some reason they can remember only the hundred thousand lives already lost in the three years' continuous strife that had its be- ginning in the entry of the powerful Madero family into Mexican political life. They can hardly be expected to forget that the well- filled treasury and stable credit of the country under Diaz departed with the Maderos. Per- haps they think only of the score of young cadets of the Military School, all under age, and of as good families as the Maderos, who in the beginning of the famous ten days' fight were shot down by orders of Madero and his brother in the patio of tlte National Palace, tvilhout even the semblance of a trial. .Mso of General Ruiz, 72 years old, who was shot down also without trial, and forty other Mexicans of good fainilies summarily exe- cuted without trial. Perhaps their grief at the death of Madero has been somewhat as- suaged by the thought that they have thrown off the incubus of a family for whom the country was a plaything of ambition. At any rate, they are shedding no tears of maudlin .sen- timent. In fact, they are quite convinced lliat the Maderos got exactly what they gave. A Barbarous Suggestion The suggestion made by some public men in Washington, and so oft repeated by news- paper correspondents, that the Mexican rebels and bandits be allowed to buy arms and am- munition freely in the United States is not only barbarous but criminal and vicious. It is evident from all press reports, includ- ing even Elpasograms, that whatever injury has been suffered by Americans in Mexico has been at the hands of bandits calling them- selves rebels. Yet men like Senator Fall are advocating the free selling by this country of arms and ammunition to these bandits so that they can more efficiently use them against American citizens and more easil)' ■ destroy American property. The granting of permission to Mexican bandits to buy arms would brand this country as unworthy to call itself a civilized nation. Anyhow, it's superfluous. We affirm this because it is a well-known fact that with the connivance of Americans themselves — un- fortunately for the good name of Americans — rebels and bandits have succeeded in buy- ing nearly all the arms and ammunition they have wanted. We do not know if the gentlemen that are advocating such an astomiding plan are directly or indirectly interested with any manufacturer of arms or filibustering com- pany, but \ve do know that the carrying out of such a plan would convince all Latin- Americans — from the Rio Grande to Cape Horn — that their suspicions as to the real policy of the Lhiited States toward them- selves are well founded. Tlie idea which prevails in all. Latin- Amer- ican countries ' that the true meaning of the Monroe doctrine, "America for Americans." is "America for North Americans," and more particularlj' "for the United States." would receive irreparable confirmation by the granting on the part of this Government of such permission. For this would show the intention of this country to foster internecine strife in Mexico until I\Iexico should be so debilitated by a fratricidal war as to make it an easy task for this country to take posses- sion of the southern republic. Nothing that this government would say in justification of this barbaric policy could shake the convic- tion of all Latin-Americans in that respect. The sentiment of insecurity and mistrust in regard to the United States which, if not ap- parent everywhere, is certainly latent in all Latin America, would crystallize. The recent forming of a close alliance by the three strongest powers of South America, Argentina, Brazil and Chile — known as the A. B. C. Alliance — has almost escaped public observation in this country, and it is doubt- ful if its significance is understood by more than a few men. The alliance, brought about through the initiative of the present Ar- gentine Government and the able diplomatic maneuvering of the Foreign Offices at Buenos .'\yres and Rio Janeiro, at a time when the Satunhifi, Aitgud 23, 1013 MEXICO friendly relations between Argentines and Brazilians seemed to have been broken, is the most patent proof of the suspicions whicli the actions of the United States have aroused in the minds of Latin-Americans. And this in spite of the efforts made by the Pan- American Union and American business or- ganizations to promote better feeling and un- derstanding between Americans of the North and Americans of the South. For let there be no mistake, the A. B. C. Alliance— all official declarations to the contrary — is an alliance of defense against the aggressive — and what is thought by many prominent Latin-Americans — hypocritical policy of the United States. "CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AND ELECTIONS IN MEXICO" Blundering Good Senator Bacon, of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, begged for patience with President Wilson because "he is confronted with one of the gravest problems a President of the I'nited States has ever faced." Has not the "problem" arisen from the refusal of President Wilson to recognize the Provisional Government of Mexico? If he had recognized that government as all the other great powers of the world have, where would have been the opportunity for the vio- lent speeches in Congress and the irresponsible articles in the press demanding intervention ? The financial interests, the jingo press, the .'\merican landholders in Mexico and the seek- ers for concessions have seized on the in- activity and the reported antipathy of the Wil- son administration for Huerta as an oppor- tunity for jingo propaganda. The juntas of the so-called revolutionists have likewise jumped at the chance for a campaign of mis- statements to help and dignify their political intrigues. There is a grave situation. The President is reported determined that inter- vention shall be only a last resort. We trust he is sincere in this announcement, but when he refuses to take advantage of the first and most obvious resort to bring about peace, what are we to think? If it were not for his de- termined refusal to grant recognition to the Provisional Government there would probably be no grave situation, no chance for the jingoes to project their inflammatory utterances, no danger to be apprehended from the sensitive- ness, the suspicion and the aroused feeling of nationality in the Mexicans themselves. If there is a grave problem the Washington ad- ministration has made it for itself, is responsi- ble for it in a large measure, and if either war with Mexico or chaos in that unfortunate country should result it will be largely to blame, and in the light of history its mistake, its blunder, its truculent inactivity will stand out more clearly than its good intentions. Mexican Stocks Gain on] Bourse Special Cable Dcsp.idh to Ihc Sun. P.-KRi.s, Aug. 20. — Mexican securities re- covered on the Bourse to-day. Shares of the Banco Nacional gained 13. Central Railroad .^ and Peninsular 4. Mexico City Street Car Company shares lost H, According to an Associated Press despatch from Mexico City, the proposals of the Wash- ington Government which Provisional Presi- dent Huerta has rejected in toto were : First — Complete cessation of hostilities. Second— That President Huerta resign in favor of a President ad interim. Third— The fixing of an early date for the Presidential elections. Fourth— That General Huerta shoul'l not be a candidate for the Presidency. We camiot believe that the foregoing is cor- rect. The second and fourth proposals refer personally to General Huerta and wc shall consider but slijghtly. We doubt if there could be found any authority in international law to sustain the right of our or any other gov- ernment to meddle in the politics of a friendly nation whose sovereignty has been recognized by treaties with all civilized powers of the world. In other words, the proposals as stated amount to saying to the Huerta government this : "We do not like you, so to please us you must help us to bring about your own destruc- tion." .\s preposterous as this sounds, there would be a justification if the destruction of the Huerta government at this juncture would mean an immediate and permanent solution of the difficulties under which the Mexican nation has been suffering for the past three years. But it is inconceivable that any one con- versant even in the slightest degree with the present situation in Mexico could for a moment bcHere that the elimination of the Huerta government would dissipate as by magic the ills that affect Mexico. Even the Mexico City correspondents of the American newspapers have repeatedly de- clared of late that the best elements of the Mexican population look to the Huerta gov- ernment for the restoration of peace, this government having demonstrated not only its ability to do, but also its honesty of purpose. How can any one in all justice agree to a policy which proposes to go against the will of the Mexicans themselves? If, as in the case of our Civil War, two armies were fighting for supremacy, each backed by strong public opinion of two dis- tinct factions, each determined to enforce a definite principle on the other, then this pro- posal may have a leg to stand on, although it can never be admitted that this country has any right to interfere with the internal affairs of another nation, any more than it was admitted by this country at the time of the Civil War that England had a right to interfere in that struggle, although much suf- fering was caused to British interests and Brit- ish lives were lost. But this is not the case. There is in Mex- ico a Federal provisional government declared as such by the Mexican Congress and by the Mexican Supreme Court. It is exercising all the functions of government and has been recognized dc facto and dc jure by all the great powers of the world with the single ex- ception of the United States. This provisional government is engaged in putting down rebellion and brigandage, making remarkable progress in spite of the attitude of the United States. It has declared that as .soon as peace is re-established throughout the country presidential elections will be held. Congress, at the request of the Executive, has set October 26 as the date for holding these elections, hoping that by that time peace would be an accomplished fact. Even in the history of Mexico it is the first time in which a so-called rebellion is taking place against a provisional government that has called the people to elections. What is the explanation of this anomalous circum- stance? That there is no revolutionary movement on foot backed by public sentiment as was the Madero movement, but there are sporadic rebellions independent one from the other, and, above all, that the provisional govern- ment is not engaged in fighting a revolution but brigandage, which has been allowed tiy the previous administration to spread through- out the country. The leaders of the rebellions in the north are many and each claims to be the only original leader. Pesqueira, Maytorena, Obregon, Al- varado, Juan Dozal, Bauch Alcalde, all are leaders in Sonora and in the last few weeks they have been fighting among themselves. Obregon, at a recent meeting in Nogales, accused Pesqueira of having robbed the public funds, and even went to the extent of draw- ing his gun against his erstwhile companion. We do not wish to doubt the good inten- tions of the Washington administration and are convinced that its actions are not prompted by a desire to play into the hands of those interests that are seeking the continuance of trouble in Mexico in order to further their own selfish ends. We are convinced of this because the Washington administration is bas- ing its whole success on the fight which it has undertaken against special, predacious in- terests. But if the proposals above should prove to be correct then we should be forced to con- clude that a dangerous and inexplicable igno- rance exists in our official circles. The first and third proposals suggest the complete cessation of hostilities and the hold- ing of elections at an early date. These, which to the casual observer may sound plausible and feasible, must be analyzed. Carranza has proclaimed himself the leader of all "constitutionalists," but Pesqueira re- fu,ses to recognize him as such and declares that the Sonora rebels have nothing to do with Carranza. The rebels declare that there cannot be elections until they win and take possession of the machinery of government in Mexico City. Meanwhile, Villa in Chihuahua and Zapata in Morelos have declared little but MEXICO Saturday, August 23, 1913 have sacked and plundered much until scat- tered and beaten by one of the most brilliant military campaigns that Mexico has wit- nessed. What would be the result of an immediate cessation of hostilities on the part of the fed- eral government? That brigandage which is just being suppressed would at once upsurge again everywhere like a terrible Hydra, and anarchy would ensue. If the promise of an election should be sufficient to re-establish peace in Mexico, why have not all Mexicans deposed arms and made such an election pos- sible? Even if they were afraid that elec- tions would be administration-made they could at least have waited to revolt until that had been an accomplished fact. But no promise of an election will induce the Mexican bandits, or any other bandits, to give up their trade. Many of them do not even know what election means. As for the rebel leaders, they would only give up if each one individually were assured that he was going to manage the elections. No hostilities can cease while the respect for some authority has not been restored, and likewise, no elections can be held before then because there is no guarantee at present that tlic results of any elections would be accepted and that the people would abide by those results. In connection with the much published de- sire of the Washington administration that "fair elections" be held in Mexico, it is per- tinent to recall certain facts: Madero, after leading a practically bloodless revolution, be- came the candidate for the Presidency of Mexico. His elections were held while the machinery of government was in the hands of members of his family and close friends. He was the only candidate in the field, General Reyes having been previously eliminated by forcible methods. Madero received an actual total vote of 22,000 to 23,000 out of four mil- lion voters computed by the last census. His followers declared that he had been unan- imously elected. Yet at the time he ascended to the Presidency there were more armed men in the field than upon the resignation of Gen- eral Diaz. Madero had not been in power three months when he was confronted by a formidable rebellion in the north led by Orozco, and by rebellious movements in four- teen different states, and by brigandage over- running the whole country. He had not been in power six months be- fore the revolution led by Orozco had full possession of the whole State of Chihuahua, conducting an actual separate government, a condition much worse than the one now con- fronting the provisional government. Because at present the most important city in the State of Sonora, Guaymas, is in the hands of the Federals, and rebels in other States do not hold a single city of importance outside of Durango and have been repeatedly, de- feated and scattered in small bands. This does not mean that elections cannot be held in Mexico, but it does mean that they must be held only after complete peace has been restored and tliat a government must be installed strong enough to compel all Mexicans to abide by the results of those cleclions. Much of the difficulty confronting the administration arises from the financial en- tanglements into which Huerta has been led in his efforts to raise money. James Speyer, a supporter of President Wilson, who was made financial agent of the United States abroad a short time ago, is said to have advanced the money by which Huerta was able to pay his army and maintain himself soon after the over- throw of Madero. It is believed that the rate of interest on the Speyer loan was very large, as the security Huerta could give at the time was slender. Huerta obtained money later from French bankers, for which he pledged the entire customs revenue of Mexico. Part of this money was used to pay off the Speyer loan. Even if the President were inclined to recognize Huerta, either before or after an election, it would be disad- vantageous to this government by so doing to validate the Huerta pledges, which give the French bankers priority of claim on the customs revenues of Mexico and leave no apparent source of income from which the claims of American citizens, which aggregate many millions of dollars, could be paid. — Neiv York Tribune, August 19. We should like to know if it is absolutely necessary for a man to be totally ignorant of Mexican affairs to be appointed Washington correspondent of a big metropolitan news- paper. It is not the purpose of these comments to correct every false statement published by the newspapers of this country in regard to Latin America and especially to Mexico, be- cause we fully realize that the magnitude of such a task is beyond our forces, but we are interested in showing to our readers how history is written. . James Speyer — a supporter of President Wilson, says the Tribune, and this is of great interest to Mexicans — did not advance the money "by which Huerta has been able to pay his army," etc. He did, however, lend the money which enabled the Madero family to maintain itself in power for more than a year. The loans obtained by the Maderos from James Speyer were guaranteed by 67 per cent, of the customs revenues. The Huerta government negotiated a loan with French bankers and gave as guarantee the remaining 33 per cent, of the customs revenues. It is evident from this that there is no priority of claim for the French bankers, and that, therefore, there is no financial reason why President Wilson should not recognize tlie Ilucrta government. Mr. Lind is making no effort to sound the constitutionalists, with a view to in- ducing them to become a party to the negotiations for. a settlement of the dis- turbances such 3s must be reached before any regime can be firmly established. Tlie editorial writer of the JVashingtnn Post is very unkind to Mr. Lind. Whatever the instructions given to Mr. Lind by the Wash- in.gton administration, it cannot be' supposed that they include Mr. Lind's rimning after J\Ir. Vcnustiano Carranza through the deserts of Northern Mexico and into the moimtains of the Sierra Madre. Mr. Lind would hardly have had time to travel the increasing dis- tance of fifteen hundred miles or so which separate the Mexican capital from the fleeing Carranza. The surprising disclosure that Huerta is \yrtually hemmed in by the rebels and that Carranza has set up a provisional govern- ment at Durango apparently safe from molestation may fail to shake official con- fidence in Huerta's invincibility in a mili- tary sense, but the downfall of Diaz and Madero teaches a different lesson to the mind of the independent observer. — Wash- ington Post. Tills disclosure is surprising indeed and has undoubtedly been made by the Post alone, for no one has heard from Mr. Carranza since he was crushingly defeated at Torreon, where hi made his last stand after having been driven from his strongholds in Coahuila .across tlie desert. As to the mind of the "independent ob- server," it must be somewhat befogged when he speaks of the downfall of Diaz and Madero and their supposed invincibility in a military sense. Porfirio Diaz resigned from office be- fore any real fighting had takeii place and because he believed the Madero movement to have popular support. He refused in his old age to be responsible for a prolonged fratri- cidal struggle. ' ' ' . As to Madero, long before his fall he had alienated the loyalty of the army by his own acts in trying to corrupt the sirmy, and causing a general discontent in its ranks by the ap- pointment of revolutionary leaders to high places over the heads of officers who had graduated from the Military Academy and de- voted all their lives to military service. * * * It was declared to the Herald, to-day that should President Wilson's proc- lamation of last March prohibiting the .im- portation of munitions of war be withdrawn it undoubtedly would serve to immensely, improve credit. * * * — N. Y. Herald, August 20. Is the Mexico City correspondent of the Herald up to his old tricks as exemplified in- the "news" he sent some time ago that a receiver had been appointed for the National- Railways of Mexico? Or was the above a slip of the tongue of the editor who passed upon the story? For how can any one imagine- for a moment that the withdrawal of the Presi- dent's proclamation prohibiting the importa- tion of munitions of war into Mexico would "immensely improve credit?" When and where in the history of any nation has the recrudescence of civil war improved credit? The fact that upon the news of Federal victories Mexican securities advanced several points in Paris on August 18 is .sufficient argument against the preposterous stalenifnt made by the Herald correspondent. Saiurdni/, A v gust 23, 1913 M E X I c:o NAILING THEM— Continued Ihat I hicrta announce tliat lie will not he a candidate in the election which he promised shall be held Oct. 25. This would be equivalent to Huerta making the declaration that he was Provisional Presi- dent of Mexico only, just as the United States and Great Britain recognize him. lie has declared that he is the constitu- tional President and pointed to the action lit the General Assembly of Mexico in voting him President following the assas- sination of President Madero and Vice- President Suarez. It is hard to tell at first glance in what proportion malice and ignorance prompted the writing of the foregoing paragraph by tiie Washington correspondent of the A'«y York IVorld. Whatever was the proportion of such ingredients of this concoction, hoping that ignorance was the dominant factor, we shall call the attention of the writer to the fact that General Huerta never inade any other declaration than that of being Provi- sional President. Also that Great Britain rccogiu'zed him as such de facto and de jure, hxtt- the United States did not recognize him di' jure. General Iluerta is the constitutional Provi- sional President of Mexico because he was declared such by the Congress and the Supreme Court of that Republic, the only two b'idies that had the power of doing so. The World's correspondent repeats a mali- . i.ius lie which, unfortunately, has been spread tliroughout the United States and that is "that the Mexican Assembly voted him (Gen- eral Huerta) President foUoiving the assas- sination of Madero and Pino Suarez." , The resignations of Madero and Pino Suarez were presented to the Mexican Con- gress on the night of February the seven- teenth, and on that same night Huerta was constitutionally appointed Provisional Presi- dent of Mexico by that same Congress. The killing of Madero and Pino Suarez did not take, place until Sunday the twenty-second; that is, five days after Huerta had taken pos- session of office and Madero had become a private citizen. The press dispatches indicated that Senor Urrutia, a man of Indian extraction, who would succeed Provisional President Huer- ta iinder_the constitution if the latter should resign his office, was the source of this in- far ination. In view of that remark about Aureliano Urrutia being of Indian extraction, which seems to have been made in order to convey an idea of inferiority, it may be well to state thai Urrutia has been known for many years as the foremost Mexican surgeon. It has often been declared by American doctors that llrrutia would be a credit to any nation. He is at present the Minister of the Interior, and therefore he would not succeed Provi- sional President Huerta if the latter should resign his office, because under the Mexican Constitution the Minister of Foreign AfTairs, at present Mr. Federico Gamboa, would be the successor. .\nothcr peculiar twist was given the Mexican situation. It is this: British capitalists, headed by Lord Cow- dray, who is better known in Mexico as Sir Wectman Pearson, have obtained from President Huerta giant railroad conces- sions. The principal concession is for the construction of a railroad which will rival that of the American-owned concession and which operates across the Isthmus of Te- huantepec. The American company is known as the American-Hawaiian Steam- ship Company, and it has fleets of big steamers plying on the Atlantic and Pacific between ports in the United States and Salina Cruz on the Pacific and Puerto Mex- ico on the Atlantic coast of Mexico. — A'. Y. World, August 19. Here, again, we have a statement by the World's correspondent that is as far from the truth and as muddled as his previous declara- tions. The Huerta government could not give any concession to the Pearson Construction Com- . pany for the building of a new railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec because the rail- road which operates there now is not owned by an American company but is owned by the Mexican Government itself, the Pearson in- terests which built the railroad being partners in the enterprise. The American-Hawaiian Steamship Com- pany has a contract with the railroad for the transportation across the isthmus of the freight carried by its steamers plying on the .Atlantic and Pacific. As the Mexican Constitution prohibits the holding of a general election in a I)eriod of insurrection, to comply with President Wilson's desire for a free and fair election, something must be done to induce the Constitutionalists to consent to a' truce.— A'. Y. Times, Monday, August 18. We would advise the correspondent of the Times not to worry too inuch about this. Something is being done to induce the so- called constitutionalists to consent to a truce. The Government forces have' taken every stronghold of the rebels in northern Mexico, and their leader, Mr. Carranza, after failing in his supreme effort to take Torreon, is now fleeing toward the .American border while those rebels who have not surrendered or been killed have been broken up into small bands. The truce has already been declared. Straws Customs Receipts The Mexican Customs receipts for last month, July, amounted to 3,352,827 pesos, against 3.388,698 pesos for the same month last year, showing a decrease of only one per cent. This in spite of the fact that a few minor ports of entry, are held by the rebels in the north. There could be no more eloquent testi- monial of Mexico's great vitality than these figures, which constitute a strong denial of the assertion made in recent sensational re- ports that Mexico's trade has greatly suf- fered since the fall of the past administration. The Jewel of Inconsistency If President Wilson's object in refusing to recognize President Huerta is to discourage armed revolutions in Latin America, to incul- cate the idea of peaceful settlement of the in- ternal affairs of southern countries, no one can dispute the sincerity of his purpose or the beauty of his ideals. But there is another side of the matter to be considered, and a thorough grasp of the actual facts of this side will convince any reasonable mind that ideals as to what other peoples should do must at times give way before conditions as they really are. The Washington administration virtually says : "Our thought, our sincere object, our high purpose is that the Mexican nation, as well as all Latin-American countries, should cease armed strife and settle their internal difficulties at peaceful constitutional elections, and we will not recognize the government of any country which does not conform to our ideals."' But this is an untenable attitude when in practice it operates to defeat itself and forc- .stalls the very results it seeks to accomplish. Such is the case in Mexican affairs. The actual conditions are such that President Wil- son's highly ideal attitude has not only mate- rially thwarted the efforts of the only gov- ernment in Mexico to pacify a country that has been turbulent for several years, but it has actually lent strength to the revolutionary movements financed and fostered in the United States to overthrow the actual govern- ment of Mexico. "We will not recognize a revolutionary government, but we will en- courage new revolutions." That's what it conies to. They are going to have elections in Mexico just as soon as the country is pacified.- One man has loomed large as the nation's hope for peace, President Huerta. The responsible people of Mexico look to him as the man of force and ability to preserve the integrity and restore the tranquillity of Mexico. First the lawless banditry and brigandage that infest the country in the name of revolutions must be stamped out with an iron-shod heel. The majority of Mexicans who are opposing law and order are not doing so because they are actuated by the high ideals which so become the American President. "Loot and no work" is their motto. Fire and dynamite and black- mail are their methods. Now the point is this : By refusing on high- minded theory to recognize the Mexican Government President Wilson is actually giv- ing aid to the very forces he professes to hold in such abhorrence. Is it any wonder that the class of Mexicans who thoroughly under- stand their country and are striving to pull it out of the fire of disaster resent the theo- retical attitude of President Wilson? They are on the firing line. They are doing the fighting. They know the forces they must meet and how to meet them. And the friend- ship and moral support of their great neigh- bor, the United States, are denied them because a President must work out his theories. Is it not reasonable to misunderstand the man who when your house is burning, instead of run- ning to your assistance, runs to his library and pulls out a volume on "Fire Prevention" and reads it while your house is in flames? MEXICO Saiurday, August 23, 1913 GEN. VICTORIANO HUERTA Provisional President of Mexico WOBBLING AND BLOODSHED That the '^lexicans should know more about diplomatic etiquette than our defunct State Department is not strange, but that they should know more than the President is amazing, for he is supposed to know every- thing. He thought that he could find an easy job for a free-silver Bryan disciple by send- ing him on a battleship to mediate between President Huerta and the Mexican insurrec- tionists, and he is surprised and hurt because President Huerta calls his attention to the fact that an unaccredited envoy will be un- ilesirable and cannot be received. Suppose that Mr. Lind should persist in forcing him- self where he is not wanted and should be accidentally shot — such accidents happen in Mexico? Would that necessitate a declara- tion of war? Docs the President want a war to add some gilt to his shabby administra- tion? I cannot think so, because his refusal to recognize the accomplished fact of the Huerta presidency is based on his horror of bloodshed. In the course of his wide and deep studies has he ever happened upon any nation whose history is bloodless? Are there no blood stains upon the throne of England? Was the Republic of Prance baptized with milk and water? Why not refuse to recog- nize England and France and send them un- accredited Bryan heelers as Diplomatic Ad- visers? Why pick upon poor Mexico? Is it because Mexico is presumed to have no friends? This is another mistake, for Eng- land, France, .Germany and Japan are as much interested in Mexico as we are. What could we say should President Huerta retaliate by pointing to the blood stains of three assas- sinated Presidents in our White House? The Mexican folly of the Administration has gone too far. The President and Congress — which had been ignored in the tomfool transactions up to last Saturday — have two sane, safe, wise courses to pursue. One is the grand Democratic policy of repairing the Republican blunder by offering to reinstate Diaz, the legal President of Mexico, duly elected by the Mexican people and exiled by the corrupt ring in the State Department. The other is to promptly recognize President Huerta, chosen by Mexican law and usage, so thar he may obtain the f-inids required to pacify the country and establish a permanent govern- ment. The President's squeamishness about blriod should not prevent his adoption of one or the other of these courses. His wc)bl)!inK has already caused more bloodshetrange as it may seem, they cannot see the fun in this sending out from El Paso of the "hot stuff" that ne.xt morning is read in every nook and corner of the United States and in which they are always pictured as blood- thirsty villains attacking defenseless .American women. Likewise they do not ai)preciate the humor of the correspondents in other border towns, particularly Eagle Pass and Douglas, who with an admirable and never-failing en- ergy either through the .Associated Press or other news agencies, spread daily reports of countless atrocities, usually the product of their fertile brains. .•\nd we doubt whether it would be possible to instill into a whole nation this sense of humor which they now lack. Meanwhile they are helpless before the work that fans daily the flame of hostility of .\mericans against them. .\ despatch to the New York llerahl. d;ited El Paso. .August 17. informs the Herald of a supposed raid by Zapatistas in view of the Mexico Country Club near Mexico City. By what miraculous process did El Paso get news from Mexico City — two thousand miles soutli — before the Herald correspondent in that capi- tal ? The answer to this would be the ex- planation of two-thirds of the Mexican news pubHshed in this country. But then El Paso newspaper men are all well known for their wonderful feats of wireless, long-distance news gathering. In this they are only surpassed by the .Associated Press correspondents in Doug- las and Nogales. Another special El Pasograni to the Herald of August 19 announces that "General" Villa has broken camp at .Ascension and has moved to attack a troop train moving from Juarez to Chihuahua. This is the sixty-ninth time since June the fifteenth that Villa has broken camp at .As- cension — according to El Pasograms — and each time he has done it to attack something or somebody. Fifty-nine times it was to attack Juarez and the remainder to itop trains to or from the south. The remarkable part of this is that newspapers continue to publish the news of Villa's attacks in all seriousness and to add the prefix "General" to his name! Even Villa, whose fame as a brigand dates back to the early Diaz days, smiles when some one tells him that in our newspapers he is re- spectfully called General ! President Wilson's explanation of the Amer- ican point of view in regard to Mexico and the mission of John Lind to the capital of that country reached M. Pichon, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, two days ago. It does not call for an immediate reply. Mexican securities were firm on the Bourse to-day. Shares of the Banco Nacional rose 5 points. Central Railroad shares 4 and Mexican Tramway Company shares 10. — Special cable despatch to AVii' York Sun. Sn Lo.vt; .\s 11k Is There the Midiu.e Will Continue Letter published in Neti' )'ork Tribune, .August 19. To the Editor of The I'ribune. Sir: Senator Penrose's resolution calling on the President and the State Department for information as to the status of William Bay- ard Male in Mexico is timely — not only timely, but necessary — if there is to be a clearing up of the Mexican muddle. Many Americans have asked themselves long before this why Hale was sent to Mexico, what are his powers and why he was given a copy of the State Department secret code — a most important document, that should un- der no circumstances be placed in the hands of a man who has taken no oath of office, who has no official responsibility. Mexicans have marvelled at the sending of a man to their country who assumed a superior, patronizing air to a proud, sensitive people and on the first day of his arrival ex- pressed himself fully and concisely as to how Mex'co should be run. When the cat is let out of the bag it will be no surprise to many to learn that William Bayard Hale, the Presi- dent's personal representative, is the deus ex machina of the muddled Mexican situation, and that his biassed reports have caused the misunderstandings and strained relations be- tween two friendly governments. In order to believe this it is not necessary to recall the personal history of Hale's career in .Ardmore, Penn., some years ago, to which Senator* Penrose referred, nor the unfortunate incident of a later date, when "McClure's Magazine" published an alleged Hale inter- view with the Emperor of Germany. It is more vitally bearing on the present affair to recall 'that last year Hale wrote for "The World's Work" a series of articles in connection with Secretary Knox's visit to Central .American republics, in which articles he showed utter lack of sympathy with or understanding of the Latin-American races. These articles found their way to Central America and aroused considerable resentment there, undoing much that was the object of Senator Kno.x's visit. Was this the kind of man to send to Mexico to "check up" on the Mexican government and the able and ex- perienced Ambassador Wilson? Was the fact that Hale has written in the magazines ful- some biographies and appreciations of Presi- dent Wilson suflicient reason for intrustifig him with so much irresponsible power? He went down there with preconceived ideas, and it is quite obvious that he did not let any evi- dence against his preconceptions bother him in the least. Perhaps this is why the President retained him, even to the extent of making him con- fidential adviser of John Lind. The Presi- dent's preconceptions and theories on Mexico are precisely the same as William Bayard Hale's, and neither seems minded to change them in the light of evidence, international law or common sense. Perhaps John Lind may see a light and save the day. OLIVER HERBERT THOMAS. M E X I C^O Saturday, Aiigust 23, WIS ^'"^^ ^^«^^---%& • DR. AURELIANO URRUTIA Minister of the Interior PATRIOTISM AND POLITICS When tlic question is of incurring or avoid- ing war witli Mexico; when one sees the Administration rushing violently down . a steep place in the country of the Gadarenes, and headed for the Sea of Galilee, is it not the time for remonstrance and expostulation? If not, at what point should public opinion intervene? Mr. Henry Lane Wilson has been telling the President and the Foreign Committee of the Senate, and incidentally the country, of the settlement that he would recommend. His long service in Mexico and the protec- tion which he succeeded in procuring there for Americans and American interests throughout a very trying time made him a most valuable witness and counsellor, and at least entitled him to a respectful hearing, which he received from the Senate com- mittee, if he can scarcely be saicl to have re- ceived it from the President. In fact, the ini- ]iression which he made upon the Senate com- millec was so favorable and so connncnded to that body his plan of pacification by the recognition of the Government of Huerta that the President induced the Foreign Com- mittee of the House to withdraw the invita- tion it had given to the Ambassador to ap- pear before it. The natural inference was promptly drawn that the President feared that the Ambassador's plan of pacification would discredit his own private plan, and accordingly took steps to muzzle the formid- able witness. This has not exactly the air of taking the country into the confidence of the Administration. The President's private plan of pacification has not even yet been publicly promulgated. But it is known by ambiguous givings out to include a scheme of "mediation" among the contending factions with the consent of their leaders. If the Governor of Pennsylvania, at what seemed a critical time in the history of this municipality, had "tendered his good offices" to Mayor Gaynor, District Attorney Whitman, Commissioner Waldo, Lieutenant Becker and Big Jack Zclig in the elTurt td bring about a peaceful and amicable solutionj of which the first step should be the retire-; ment of the Mayor, that proposal would doubtless have commended itself to some ofj the parties concerned, .but hardly to the Mayor. The retirement of President Huerta, it is at least understood, is the ultimatum, of President Wilson. And this though a stronger case for the recognition of a dc facto government than exists for our recognition of the Government of Huerta has seldom been presented. He has been for months in the undisturbed and unchallenged control of the capital, of the army, of the ports and of all the machinery of government. His posi- tion is so strong that almost every power having relations with Mexico or interests in it has already recognized it, excepting only tlie United States, the recognition of which is more important to him by reason of its prox- imity than that of all the others togethgi:. With the recognition of the United States,, it; is plausibly alleged, he would find it feasible to negotiate loans that would give him the resources he needs to complete the pacification- of the disturbed districts. It is as much to our interest as to that of Mexico, that there should be some government there which we can hold accountable for disorders that en^ danger American persons or property, and which we can and must recognize for • tbgit purpose. The only obstacle that appefirs -Jg the recognition which the interests of this country and of Mexico alike demand is . -the unquestionable fact that Huerta is the .jjpij.e-i ficiary of assassination, and perhaps the. .Pr?si-; dent's personal suspicion that he was himself accessory to the assassination by which he profited. But these are not "the arguments of states and kingdoms." The question for us is merely whether the Government of Huerta is in fact the Government of Mexico, not how it came to be so, and it is no more ■ to be settled by the President's pergonal scruples about Huerta's "record" than, by the authenticity of doubts about his marriage. Cer- tificate, if he has them. , , ■. In these recent Presidential performances it is doubtful whether ignorance of human nature or of international usage is the more jconafticu.- ous. It was a fond imagination' that Huc^'ta would give up power before h.e;rwas;iif0reed to do so, still fonder that he would hurst into tears and abdicate when the President's personal scheme was proposed to him, enfoJted by the unintelligible eloquence of Mr. ..LiaiU It was perfectly within the President's. .rigkl; if, he distrusted his official reports from Mesfii- co, to supplement them by despatching per.sont al representatives to examine and repoct ® him upon the situation. John Hay .. pM);sued that course in the case of the Boxer rehij)JJQp in China in 1900 when he sent ovit Mr..RQc!';' hill to supplement the reports of the residenf IMinistcr. It is true that the resident Min' ister was one of the old-fashioned and i)ewj. fashioned political spoilsmen who had been appointed without the least question of hi? fitness for the place, and that Mr. ' Rp'ckhtf) was one of the qualified diplomatists whom Mr. Hay took such pains to attract and.'r.e: tain in our diplomatic service, and whom tlie present President and the present Secretary of State are taking equal pains to weed out. Solm-dan, AvunM 23, 1913 MEXICO PRESS COMMENTS Huerta Rejects Mediation ; G.cneral Hucita has done exactly what was tQ;he expected in rejecting the suggestion of the United States Government for mediation. The exact form in which this rejection conies to Washington is not as yet disclosed aiUlioritatively to the public. Late dispatches from Mexico City hint at an impression pre- vailing there that it was accompanied by something in the nature of a harsh demand fur recognition of the Huerta government within a specified time. We can only await llic details. Confirmation of any such step by Mexico, if is certain, would come hand in liand with an announcement by Mr. Wilson's .idniinistration of a policy for instant adop- tion that would leave no doubt as to where the United States stood. The errand of former Gov. Lind was a needless one, if the only plan he had to offer was tliat of mediation. The United States was infprmed before Lind sailed that media- tion would not be accepted. There was every reason to believe that Huerta meant what he said. Huerta has been making headway lately. Carranza, on the other hand, is rapidly losing ground. If he is not actually in flight, he is at least preparing for it. Somehow, either lJjr,qugU- domestic or foreign sources, Huerta is scraping money enough together to carry oil,, .the. war with aggressiveness. He has practically destroyed Zapata, and he has Car- ranza on the run. The Sonora rebels are con- fined to a comparatively small fu-ld, and with Carranza out of the way they could not long resist Huerta. * * * With every day's increase of strength on the part of Huerta, together with continued murder and robbery of Americans and other foreigners, the position of the United States grows more untenable. H Huerta should be- come strong enough to suppress brigandage as well as revolution, and would make the lives of Americans safe, the danger of inter- vention would be avoided, Init the necessity of recognizing Huerta would become ap- parent. H Huerta should fail to develop such strength, or if, having the strength, he should fail to protect foreigners, the necessity for in- tervention would be clear. Evidently the Washington administration, sooner or later, must face the alternative of recognition or intervention, just as Ambassador Wilson sug- gested. — JVashington Post, August 19. The Mexican Danger a Direct Result of a Muddling Policy The Mexican entanglement was perfectly sure to become worse and worse as the result of the administration's weak, faltering and muddling course. The present situation, with a story about an "ultimatum"- from General Huerta to President Wilson, is as hopelessly mixed as anything can be. It is also a very dangerous situation. Any bandit ur fool may at any moniciit light a train that leads to llie powder magazine. Of course, General Huerta is not in a posi- tion to deliver "ultimatums" to the United States Government. The only intelligent in- tention that could be attributed to him, if he has sent or ventures to send any kind of a coercive message to Washington, would be to make things worse in the hope tliat they might become better. But such a course must be infinitely dan- gerous to him as well as to the United States. If President Wilson and Mr. Bryan cannot or will not settle this mischievous controversy, American public sentiment should rise up, in good wholesome wrath, and compel iheni to do so. Rccogiiitiun of Hucrta's Government, at the time when that government was recognized by certain European powers, would have obvi- ated all this trouble. It w-ould have left the United States Government not a whit less free to exercise its proper influence in establishing peace and justice in Mexico on as permanent and equitable a basis as is attainable. It is a very bad symptom when so pro- nounced and consistent an advocate of peace on all occasions as Senator Burton is able to say that intervention in Mexico now ap- pears to be inevitable. We earnestly hope that Senator Burton is mistaken. But if interven- tion is forced, it w-ill be the legitimate result of the feeble policy that the Wilson administra- tion has pursued from the beginning. — Evening Mail, August 19. (Patriotism and Politics — Continued from Page 8.) The spoils Juggernaut has just now rolled at Constantinople over Mr. Rockhill, perhaps the most accomplished diplomatic officer in our service, with no more compunction than if he had been a Pittsburg Republican million- aire. Still, it was within the President's right to choose his own emissaries to Mexico, one of them the most ecstatic of his eulogists in the magazines, and to send them about the country equipped each with a copy of the State Department's secret cipher code, to tell him about the condition of Mexico. The Gov- ernment of Huerta could ignore these emissa- ries and permit them to go about as tourists. But after the President had rejected the ad- vice of our Ambassador to Mexico to recog- nize the Huerta Government, and removed the Ambassador for giving it, and had announced that his personal representative was going to Mexico in a man-of-war to propound a plan which, whatever else it included, included the retirement of Huerta, the Mexican Govern- ment could no longer ignore the incident. It took the perfectly correct and unexcep- tionable course of notifying our Government that unless Mr. Lind brought credentials in due form recognizing the actual Government of Mexico, lie would not be received by the executive head of that (iovcrnnient nor by any department of it, and that his presence would not be regarded as desirable. As if our course thus far had not been sufficiently irregular and tactless, the Secretary of State took upon himself to issue a reproof to the Mexican Government, declaring that it "should have waited" to hear what Mr. Lind was prepared to propose before declining to re- ceive him. Mr. Brj'an was, of course, far from foreseeing the infuriating effect on the Mexi- can mind that would be produced by the un- conscious insolence of his admonition, an ad- monition that not even he would dream of addressing to a nation that he regarded as the equal of his own. But the effect was produced all the same. Mexican politics also cease at the water's edge, as Mr. de la Barra has just been reminding us in language of which the studied moderation does not conceal his amaze- ment at our diplomatic procedures. Mexicans without regard to party are rallying to the support of a government which they regard as having vindicated the dignity of the nation. If the administration had been trying to strengthen the Government of Huerta it could not possibly have effected so much toward that end as it has done by this last phase of its effort to weaken that Government. The feeling of all Mexico is doubtless expressed by the Mexican journal which has declared that it was the assumption of Anglo-Saxon superiority in the mission of Mr. Lind and in the official explanations of that mission that "pained and shamed and angered" the people of Mexico. It is no wonder tliat the diplomatic body at the Mexican capital is reported to be de- riving amusement from our predicament. It must appear to that body that there is nobody in our State Department who knows how things are done internationally, and partic- ularly what is "not done." Americans know that not to be the case. To be sure, Mr. Bryan has got rid of all such persons as he could. But there is no better authority on international usage than the counsellor of the Department, whose counsel was evidently not sought upon this occasion. Mr. O'Shaugh- iicssy, the Charge d'Affaires at Mexico City, also presumably knows what is done in diplomatic usage, having been for ten years or more engaged in learning it. although it might be as much as his place is worth for him to advise his superiors that what they are doing is "not done." * * * Is it not the part of "patriotism" ratlicr tn facilitate the retreat of the Administration from a perfectly untenable and ridiculous position than to encourage its persistence in a project which imminently threatens to turn from a farce to a terrible tragedy? — Letter in Nezv York Sun, August 12. 10 MEXICO Saturday, Aufjust 23, WIS PRESS COMMENTS-..Continued. SENATORS DEMAND WILSON MODIFY HIS MEXICAN POLICY John Bassett Moore of the State Department Said to Hold American Position Untenable in International Law — Leaders Fear Political Effect if Americans Suffer in Mexico. Llv Herbert Corey in Nczv York Globe. Sunie of the bell Democrats of the House and Senate are getting mighty restive about President Wilson's Mexican policy. They say it may be gilt edged ethics. But it's poor politics. John Bassett Moore — that same Moore picked out by the President himself to do the heavy thinking for the Department of State — thinks that the President's policy may be Gali- leean. But it isn't good law. So that some of the statesmen — the very ones depended on by President Wilson to pull true and even in the congressional collar — have been knocking at his office door at' all hours lately. "Either take some decisive step to end this Mexican mess," they have warned him, "or look out for an area of high pressure. There's an inquiry gathering on the floor of the House — and if it comes it will come hard." Some of these Democrats are members of the House and Senate committees on foreign affairs. They admit they do not know much about the Mexican situation. No one ever told them. But they know a. lot about the situation in the 'Steenth district, back home. "An inquiry from the floor would show that the Department of State has at all times been informed of every vital fact in the situation," they say. "Not all the Democrats in the House and Senate follow President Wilson because tlicy love him. Some of them would break A Disturbing Factor H, as Dr. William Bayard Hale in an in- terview with the Mexican newspaper men de- clares, he has no mission private or public to the sister republic, it would appear to be time for him to withdraw his presence from the scene where he is a disturbing factor. His shadow looms up every once in a while and his common accrediting as private agent of President Wilson has not been a furtherance of the good-will of the two countries. So far as may be ascertained. Dr. Hale has been of no service to either country, and the attack made u])0n him by Senator Penrose hinted significantly at the undesirability of Dr. Hale. The Mexican press is now bent upon making his further stay in Mexico un- pleasant by playing up criticisms of him. If he has no mission there and is simply a traveling American he might keep himself more in the background and^not feature as the man with the car of Governor Lind. This knid of irresponsil)lc observalifin of Mexican affairs is not apt to be of intelligent service to anyone. — Baltimore American, August 19. with him tlie moment they felt their course would be supported by their people. And re- member that the tariff and currency bills may be great moral issues — but the murder of Americans is a greater moral issue — with a good deal of sentiment mixed in." One of these Democrats is said to have stated the situation plainly to Secretary Bryan. "It's about time that we forgot about the murder of Madero," said he. "He was a fine young rnan, but — strictly speaking — it wasn't any of our national business. It's time we got down to brass tacks, and recognize that it is up to us to protect Americans in Mexico, and not waste our time splitting moral hairs. It will be no defense at voting time to say : " 'We really couldn't recognize Huerta, you know. He was a perfectly horrid man. He had Madero killed.' " Because the other folks might take the John Bassett Moore side of the argument : "Perhaps Huerta did have Madero killed," is a rude way of phrasing his perfect diplo- matic thought. "But when Madero was killed he wasn't president of Mexico — and Huerta was, in law and in fact. And if we are going to refuse to protect our own folks from mur- der and robbery because the perfectly private citizen of another republic was killed early one morning "What an elegant way of insuring themselves against annoyance is thereby pointed out to the active politicians of the small black-and-tan republics south of the line." Moore did not revolt against the do-nothing plan of the President. He wasn't in sympathy with it from the start. He held that we were sticking our national nose into a pot that did not concern us when we undertook to refuse recognition to the administration of a sister republic because of some squeams about blood ■ on the doorstep. But he confined himself to stating the international law and revealing the diplomatic precedents to President Wilson and Secretary Bryan when they were called for. That Moore's job, anyhow. President Wil- son appointed him as special counsellor to the Department of Slate because, he is admittedly the chief authority on that sort of law and precedent in the United States. His publica- tions on such dry subjects have been translated into a score of languages, and about fill a shelf in New York's new library — which is considerable shelf. He was secretary tn the Paris commission, whicli cloanod up the Spanish war sinuilion, by .•ippninlmenl of President McKinley. "■you gentlemen can handle the politics of llie situation," he told the commissioners, "but when it is a matter of law, listen to Moore." Two or three other presidents have asked him to ride herd on our loose diplomacy, be- cause he is never carried away by anything liut cold facts and hard logic and brass- mounted precedent. Sentiment and emotion don't move him. He never budges from the law. In his private capacity he might drop a tear on Madero's grave, but as the State Department's counsellor he would move that it be ruled out as immaterial and irrelevant. When he was asked about Huerta's title he rendered an opinion and went away. He wasn't called back until after Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson had been called hither from Mexico City — landing on these shores with a can of oil in one hand and a match in the other. Henry Lane set fire to the straw stack at once. "Wilson," ruled Moore, dispassionately, "has broken the first eight rules of diplomatic serv- ice. But he's right about Huerta. Huerta is legally president of Mexico." So that no more advice was asked from Moore until John Lind had been named as a sort of wild fowl envoy to fly down to Mexico and utter certain warning honks near the palace. Lind had orders not to talk to any one in Mexico except newspaper corre- spondents. Huerta fully coincides in these orders. A conversation which may have oc- curred between Moore and Bryan is gleefully reported by those who hang around : "What," asked Mr. Bryan, "do yon think Mr. Lind can accomplish down there, Mr. Moore ?" "He," said Mr. Moore, briefly, "can get his picture in the papers." The Democrats who feel that the Wilson policy is not good politics have been greatly encouraged by the Moore belief that it is not good law. They are urging upon President Wilson that his objection to the Huerta title seems somewhat finicky, in view of the urgent need for some sort of action to put an end to a dangerous situation. They are to a man opposed to intervention — or almost to a man — and for the most part favor a recognition of Huerta. They are confident that Huerta can kill his own snakes as_ soon as he gets the chance. But they have made their position quite clear to the President. "Take what action you please,'' they have said, "only take some action, and end this trouble. Because if you do not there is certain to be an inquiry from the floor, that will be backed by Democrats." Read "MEXICO" Once a Week and Learn What's What Below the Rio Grande Saturday, August 23, 1913 MEXICO 11 GENERAL AURELIANO BLANQUET Minister of War Pacification of Mexico Bv M. CervaxVtes. Revolution and even brigandage would have stopped in Mexico if arms and munitions of war had not been so freely furnished in the United States against a government that has received recognition by the great powers of the world, even though the White House has not extended him official greetings, and this has caused the Mexican people to think that the United States must have some special interest in the continuation of the disorders in Mexico, which, day by day, are undermining all authority, sapping the very life blood of the country and arousing every sort of hatred, envy and evil ambition among the lawless ele- ments. I firmly believe that this '"special interest" must be centered entirely in governmental circles by pressure brought to bear in Washing- ton, and I likewise believe that it is, indeed, the result of "special interest" and not the desire of the American people at large, who are more desirous ot developing the relations of their country by the path of friendship ; but, unfortunately, there undoubtedly exists a small group of unscrupulous persons who use every means in their reach to agitate and fo- ment the rebellion in Mexico. It is well known that in 1910 Francisco Ma- dero had aid on this side of the Rio Grande to enable him to rise to be President of Mexico. ' He secured from the "powers behind the throne" at that time in Washington power, also in American territory arms in abundance, soldiers and even general officers, which he transported from this side of the border, and it was in this country that he established his principal revolutionary base. Aeroplane for the Rebels Smuggled in at Nogales with the help of a U. S. Marshall With the fall of Madero the "Madcrisls." converted into "Carranzisls."" appealed once more to the American interests who had sup- ported the Madero government. Venustiano Carranza's first step was to establish a base of operation in Eagle Pass and San .Antonio. Tex. Carranza and his party are making every effort in order to have their belligerent rights recognized by the American Government, and for that purpose they maintain numerous com- missions in Washington, and in the meanwhile it is reported that the Madero family is look- ing out for the financial end of the new po- litical unheaval in New York. In Sonora we have the clearest view of how matters stand. The Pesqueira party is dedi- cated to war, bloodshed and the destruction of property, and. like the Carranza movement, has established bases of operation on American territory, notably in New Orleans. El Paso. Tex., and Douglas, Tucson and Nogales in .Arizona. In these places the revolutionists have their juntas.and they buy arms and muni- tions of war, and carry them across the border to the Mexican side. The revolutionists come and go as they please, vx'ithout- interference by the authorities, because it is reported that the vigilance exercised is for various reasons quite inadequate. . A new modification of the Monroe Doctrine, as propounded by Mr. Roosevelt, declared that "chronic disorder" in any of the countries of this hemisphere would justify intervention by the United States, and the grave danger of this new doctrine is at once apparent, for who shall determine when a state of "chronic dis- order" exists? What if the "chronic disorder" be fomented from within the territory of the United States ? When a situation which might demand intervention according to the above doctrine is of such easy production, who shall blame the countries that lie to the south if they continue suspicious of their powerful neighbor of the north? Fortunately, the government of President Wilson is the most resolute antagonist of the Monroe Doctrine. On August 11, Venustiano Carranza and Julio Madero reached Durango with only about 150 men in a demoralized condition out of the seven thousand led by Carranza to the attack of Torreon. The two vanquished rebel leaders declared with a picturesque Spanish phrase. "Los Federales nos pegaron hasta debajo la lengua." — "The Federals beat us even under the tongue." Carranza has since left Durango and he is reported in the Sierra Madre heading either for Sonora or the United States. Haven't Heard From Masson Lately On August 11. Didier Masson, the aviator, and Joaquin Bauche .-Mcalde. while flying over Guayraas, were shot by the Federals and nothing has been heard of them since. 12 MEXICO Saiurday, August 23, 1913 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Oil on Troubled Waters-Pierce Frederick L'pham Adams makes his home in Kingston, ' X'. Y., where Mr. Henry Gay Pierce has his favorite country place. Mr. .-Vdams is a clever writer and is said to have had personal charge of the most important publicity campaigns waged by the Waters- Pierce Oil Company. His most remarkable work in this respect has been in connection with the now famous Me.xican oil war initiated and still waged by Henry Clay Pierce, first to retain and then to regain the monopoly of the oil industry in Mexico. Mr. Adams is one of the few men who could relate the true inside story of the in- cipiency and continuance of the Mexican turmoil, but it is not likely that he will. The Aguila Oil Company was organized about six years ago with British and Mexican capital under Mexican laws. It obtained con- cessions for the exploitation of oil fields in Mexico which in a few years have become the greatest fields in the world. The Waters-Pierce Oil Company, then a subsidiary of Standard Oil, for many years had wielded absolute control of the Mexican market, and when the Aguila Oil Companj% not content with being merely a producer, en- tered the field as a seller of oil and by-prod- ucts, it broke into what had come to be re- garded by the Waters-Pierce Company as its exclusive and perpetual property. Immediately the powerful resources of the Waters-Pierce and its parent company, the Standard, were brought into activity to squash the rival infant. The usual methods of price-cutting were employed and terrific pressure was brought to bear on the Diaz government and financial in- terests in Mexico to have the concessions to the Aguila Oil Company revoked, and to ob- tain on the other hand such facilities as would render it impossible for the British company to prosper or break the Pierce monopoly. The Diaz government stood firm against pressure and thereby hangs the tale of late Mexican revolutions. For a few years Mexico profited by a great reduction in the price of oil and gasoline, but it has since paid dearly for that temporary gain. Adams spent several "months in Mexico in 1909 directing the publicity campaign for the Waters-Pierce in this oil warfare. He made advertising contracts with ail of the leading newspapers and periodicals of the republic and many of the smaller publications. These contracts were unusually large. The Waters-Pierce had until this time advertised but sparingly, merely to cultivate the good- will of the press, and this no more than was absolutely necessary to lull opposition to their possession of the whole trough. Frederick U. Adams first tried to obtain from every publication the exclusive rights for advertising oil and gasoline. With few ex- ceptions the publications were unwilling to exclude from their columns other oil concerns. By the offer of good rates and large yearly contracts Adams succeeded, however, in stipu- lating that advertising of other oil companies should be published in display forfn only and reserved the exclusive right for the Waters- Pierce Oil Company to make use of reading notices and articles. For this privilege a spe- cial rate was agreed upon and willingly paid by the Waters-Pierce Oil Company. After that .Adams went to London and wrote a series of articles in the Standard concern- ing the struggle going on in Mexico, publishing also a pamphlet entitled "The Oil War in Mexico." Several of his articles on Mexico have been published in this country in the guise of con- tributions by an independent writer. The last one was pubHshed in the New York American of last Sunday (August 17) and it tells how "Mexico is a republic where graft is the only ruler"' and how "the few educated out of the ignorant millions keep the country in turmoil!" In what purports to be a sociological and political study of the Mexican population, Mr. Adams, who poses as an expert on Latin- American affairs, says first : "It is doubtful if one-half of the qualified voters of Mexico know or ever will know that Madero was elected. There are millions of Indians divided into probably one hundred tribes, speaking as many tongues and dialects, none of whom speak a word of Spanish, and none of whom are Mexicans save in name. These natives are Indians pure and simple, and they are no more concerned with the fate of Mexico and the plotting of its mer- cenary factions than were the aborigines of Xew England over the religious disputes be- tween its early white settlers. There are probably about one million male Mexicans of voting and fighting age who are fitted by education and position to participate in self- government. This is the responsible Mex- ican million, and it constitutes the class which nuist be induced or forced to exercise its re- sponsibility or to surrender it. The funda- mental defect with this responsible million is that most of its members either do not know the rules which prevail in a democracy, or decline to abide by them," .^nd then, almost in the same breath : ".\t last the people of Mexico had carried out an actual experiment in self-governments They knew Madero to be a humane man and a true lover of democracy. "They had actually elected, for the first time in the history of Mexico, the members of both houses of their congress, and had chosen by votes the governors and other elective of- ficers in the respective States. After all of the centuries of despotism it was announced to a delighted world that democracy had been born in Mexico." We leave the comments to the readers and only call their attention to the fact that while the Waters-Pierce Oil Company enjoyed un- hampered and absolute monopoly, Mexicans were no grafters in its opinion ! They only became so when they attempted to shake the yoke imposed by the American oil concern. But, really, that the Waters-Pierce Oil Com- pany should call Mexicans grafters ! ! ! If this did not entail such a tragedy for poor ^Mexico, it would be a side-splitting joke ; one that even the Mexicans themselves could not fail to appreciate. Undoubtedly it must have drawn a broad smile from the increasing number of those familiar with the intimate relations which have existed between the Madero family and the Pierce interests. The most peculiar phase of this incident, however, consists in the fact that the article was published by the New York American, owned by W. R. Hearst. Mr, Hearst more than any other man is re- sponsible for the public's knowledge of Standard Oil methods and has been styled by Mr. Henry Clay Pierce as "one of the great- est calamities that have affected the United States." Has Mr. Hearst changed his mind about Standard Oil, or has he become unknowingly a collaborator of Mr. Pierce's press agent? MEXICAN EVENTS Jesus yi. Rabago was appointed Subsecre- tary of the Interior August 12th. Mr. Rabago is a brilliant lawyer who made a great repu- tation as a clever journalist during the Ma- dero regime. He was the editor and pub- lisher of the Manana, which consistently op- posed the Madero administration. He ter- minated publication of this periodical the day after Madero's fall. On the same date two other lawyers of note, :Mir. Leopoldo Rebollar and Mr. J. Tamariz, the latter prominent in the Catholic party,' were appointed respectively Subsecre- tary of Foreign Relations and Subsecretary of Public Instruction. Not since the famous Centennial festivities in September, 1910, had Mexico City wit- nessed so brilliant an ofiicial function as the banquet given by President Huerta to the departing British Minister, Mr. Francis Stronge, on the night of August 16. Chapultepec Castle was reopened for the first time since the fall of Madero, and the most prominent men in political, financial and intellectual circles attended the banquet, which took on added significance in view of the refusal of the L^nited States to recognize dc jure the Huerta government and of the presence of Mr. Lind in Mexico City. President Huerta in significant terms toasted the departing Minister and his sover- eign, whose friendsliip for Mexico has been clearly demonstrated. The Brtish Minister responded with a toast to President Huerta, whose admirer he declared himself to be. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. I.- No. 2 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1913 FIVE CENTS Why is "Mexico"? The success of our first number and the many congratulations received from many quarters greatly encourage us to continue with added vigor in the publication of this review of Mexican affairs. We beg to reply to two of our readers who ask, ''Why is Mexico?" and "Do you not think that Mexico presents too strongly the side of the Mexican Government?" We decided on the publication of .Mexico because we became convinced that there ex- isted a lield for a weekly review that would devote its space to Mexican affairs, and espe- cially to commercial and social relations be- tween the people of Mexico and those of the United States. We are now concerning our- selves with the political relations because the Mexican question, as it is called, is at present in the foreground. Mexico is not interested in the discussion of personalities except when it finds it absolutely necessary in order to correct false impressions caused by the publication of distorted facts. We believe that shortly the Mexican question will be disposed of to the satisfaction of both the United States and Mexico and that upon the re-estabJishment of complete peace in the Southern Republic, the increase of com- merce and the strengthening of friendly rela- tions between the two countries will , be such as to make our venture a highly profitable one. To the second question we wish to reply frankly that in efifect our policy is decidedly in favor of the present Mexican Government and that we are anxious to present its case as we see it and to the best of our ability. We do not think it necessary to present the case of rebels and bandits because we believe that the;- have had a full hearing in the daily press, while we feel that no proper hearing has been given to that overwhelming majority of Mexicans who are anxious for peace and, irrespective of political creed, have rallied to the support of the present Mexican Provi- sional Government in spite of all the birth- faults which it may have. We firmly believe that a great injustice has been done to Mexico in the press of the United States. We firmly believe that a great injustice has been done to Mexico by the Washington ad- ministration. We aim to help the .American people to sense this injustice, and if we can even in a small degree attain our aim we shall have earned the support of both Mexicans and Americans. FRIENDLY THOUGHTS FRIENDLY WORDS We do not reproduce here the Presi- dential message on Mexico or the reply made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Gamboa to the proposals presented by Mr. Lind because we assume that our readers are by this time fully acquainted with both documents. We reproduce, however, Mr. Gamboa's answer to the supplementary suggestions made by Mr. Lind the same day on which President Wilson read his message ■ to Congress. This we do because it clearly emphasizes our contention that the policy of the Washington Administration toward Mexico is the result of ignorance of conditions, people and laws as they exist in Mexico. This, we believe, is the most charitable construction which can be put on that policy. The reply of Mr. Gamboa to the first proposal is forceful and convincing. It shows, besides, in our estimation, a dignity born of consciousness of right, an admir- able self-restraint in the face of a gratuitous and unprecedented action on the part of a friendly nation. It is one of the clearest and most courteous diplomatic notes ever written under such delicate circumstances. The remarks made by some newspapers that Mr. Gamboa's note was ironical in its tone because it repeated the words "Mr. Confidential Agent" and never used the name of Mr. John Lind, only serves to ac- centuate the lamentable ignorance which prevails in certain quarters. It is the usage in all diplomatic communications never to use the name of the person to whom com- munications are addressed, but only the title, and this occurs with marked frequency in all diplomatic notes. It is, besides, clear to any one having some knowledge of Spanish that the trans- lation of the note is not accurate and that certain terms and phrases have been rendered into English in such a way as to make them sound ironical, perhaps, when they are simply forceful and statements of facts. The President's message has been ap- proved by the majority of Congress and of the newspapers. This was to be ex- pected. For the same reason that even political and personal enemies of Provi- sional President Huerta have rallied behind him in this controversy with the United States, so even the political enemies of President Wilson have deemed it proper and patriotic to approve the President's message. We must express deep regret, however, that an appeal should have been made to the patriotism of the American people in order to force them to endorse a policy which has been based on prejudice and misinformation and which to the eyes of the world must appear as unwarranted and unjust. We wish to call the attention of our readers to the fact that most of the points con- tained in the President's message were forecasted several days ago and with marked insistence by the press of this country, accompanied usually by the state- ment that they had been revealed by some "high Government official." On the other hand, no inkling was given in Mexico by the Government of what the exchanged notes contained. The Mexican Government in this case gave an excellent proof of its self-restraint, even though it might have been to its political advantage to have given out by piecemeal and "un- officially" information as to the negotiations that were being carried on, as was done by the "high officials" in Washington in order to create favorable public opinion and have it crystallized by the reading of the Presi- dential message. As this publication has for a fundamental purpose the bringing about of a better common understanding between the Ameri- MEXICO Saturday, August 30, 1913 can and the Mexican people, we do not hesitate even in the face of this general approval to express our belief that the ma- jority of the American people while rallying loyally to the support of President Wil- son's policy and believing as we do that it has been dictated by the loftiest ideals, are not convinced that in practical effect such a policy is either just or expedient. We do not hesitate to express this be- lief, because we are anxious to convince the Mexican people that there are many Ameri- cans, a host more than they now believe, who ARE their friends. In discussion of the President's message we shall confine ourselves in this number to considerations of a few points, reserving a full analysis and discussion for follow- ing numbers. The President's message is consistent — as it must have been — with the attitude heretofore assumed by the Washington Ad- ministration. It reveals a sincere desire to help and undisputable good intentions. It is the most striking example of model thought coupled with a most unfortunate lack of knowledge and grasp of condi- tions evidently due to misinformation re- ceived through persons whose opinions were preconceived. Opinions and misin- formation which found peculiarly receptive minds, in which definite thoughts had been moulded by first impressions and be- liefs and, once moulded, could not be recast. The Mexican situation presents so many complex phases that no one can grasp it who has not made it an. object of care- ful and long study. The mere gossip heard at the capital is not sufficient and should not form the basis for an inter- national policy. The President's message says: ■'TIk- present circumstances of the re- public. 1 deeply regret to say, do not seem to promise even the foundations of such a Ijcace. We have waited many months, niontlis full of peril and anxiety, for the conditions there to improve, and they have nnt improved. They have grown worse. rather. "The territory in some sort controlled by the provisional authorities at Mexico City has grown smaller, not larger. The prospect of the pacification of the country, even by arms, has seemed to grow more rind more remote ; and its pacification by the authorities at tlie capital is evidently impossible by any other means than force. "Diflicultics more and more entangle those wlio claim to constitute the legitimate government of the republic. They have not made pood their claim in fact. Their suc- ' cesses in the field have proved only tem- porary. War and disorder, devastation anrl confusion seem to threaten to become thi >ettk'd fortune of the distracted country." What better proof than this that the whole attitude of the administration has been based on misinformation? .For is it not a fact that according to all reports, official and extra-official, conditions in Mexico HAVE greatly improved, especially from a military standpoint? This is convincingly demonstrated in the Gamboa note, but even if we should not wish to take into consideration that diplo- matic document, have not all dispatches received of late from Mexico confirmed it? Is it not to be deeply regretted, very deeply indeed, by all good Americans that such misinformation should have been em- bodied in a Presidential message? And is it not a fact that none of the assertions made in this message are supported by proof and definite statement of facts? We intend to prove with facts and to the full satisfaction of all our readers in our next issues that conditions in Mexico as they refer to the reestablishment of peace HAVE improved. Moreover, we affirm now, knowing that we cannot be contradicted, that if the United States had recognized the Pro- visional Government of Mexico and had enforced a strict observance of the neutral- ity laws conditions in Mexico would be far better than they are now. Also that no sufficient time or moral support has been given to the Mexican Government to ac- complish the task which it has set for itself. For we do not know of any country in which order has been restored in a few weeks or months after brigandage and rebellions had held sway for more than two years. All Europe was clamoring for peace and order in the United States and was crying out for a settlement at the time of our Civil War. But it took five years to de- cide that war and many years more to re- establish peace and order in the South. Ten years elapsed after the finish of the Civil War before the last vestige of ir- responsible banditry disappeared from our country. And the Washington Govern- ment then did not even dream of propos- ing an armistice to Jessie James. No country, no people has ever or will ever pass suddenly from a dictatorship into the full enjoyment of democracy. A country has, as a rule, the government which it deserves to have and is capable of having. The political evolution of a people even though it be favored by geo- graphical and ethnological conditions as in the case of the United States, is in all cases necessarily a slow one. France broke the yoke of autocracy, plunged into a de- bauch of so-called democracy and reeled back into Napoleonic despotism. Then slowly advanced again toward democracy. Greece of all ancient nations was the one that most rapidly changed from autocracy to democracy and it took Greece one hundred and forty years to do so. The United States to-day is still fight- ing for pure democracy, for free, honest plections, for a truly representative gov- ernment, and yet the United States has led the world in the application of democratic principles for more than a century. How, in the name of common sense, can Mexico be expected suddenly to emerge from a dictatorship and three years of .-narchy into a full-fledged smiling, happy, smoothly running democracy? How can Mexico be expected all at once to "set up a universally acknowledged political authority," when under Porfirio Dipz's peaceful rule there were Mexicans thet still lived in a tribal state and did not even know of the existence of a cen- tral government that had been in power for more than thirty years? Democratic Government in Mexico, as in all other countries in a greater degree, can be onl^? relative. In regard to the proposals mentioned in the message we have no comments to make in this number, but we wish to know if any of our readers can tell us of an in- stance in the history of any 'country in which the sovereignty of a friendly nation was more boldly attacked and so gratu- itous an affront offered to the head of another government. As to the earnest urging of all Americans to leave Mexico, we can only point out to the cry of protest which has been raised by all Americans living in Mexico. They will not leave the homes they have made and abandon the fruit of their toil. All they ask is that the support of this country be given to a government that is able to re- store order and has the honesty of purpose to do so. The reply of Mr. Gamboa to the sup- plementary suggestions of Mr. Lind is re- produced in another column. As we have said, it emphasizes the ignorance of Mexi- can affairs prevailing in the Wash- ington administration. The Mexican Con- stitution forbids a Provisional Presi- dent from being a candidate to suc- ceed himself, therefore the showing of personal animus against General Huerta in the American proposals was not only un- called for but tactless, to say the least. But then we are teaching the world a new kind of diplomacy. Of this note we transcribe the following paragraph: YoH add furthermore, Mr. Confidential Agent, that the President of the United States of America has authorized you to say that, if my Government "acts immeiii- ately and favorably upon the foregoing suggestions," that same President will ex- press to American bankers and their asso- ciates assurances that the Government of the United States of America will then look with favor upon the extension of an immediate loan sufficient in amount to meet the temporary requirements of the present Mexican administration. This, charitably called a "suggestion," was indignantly rejected by Mexico, of course, as susceptible of being construed by a self-respecting government as an attempt to bribe. Verily our stupendous tact must astonish the world! But what of this marked change in the President's policies in re- gard to American financial activities abroad as announced at the time in which the Chinese loan came under discussion and which policies forced the American bankers to withdraw from any participation in that loan? Read "MEXICO" Once a Week and Learn What's What Below the Rio Grande Saturday, A iigitsi 30, 1913 MEXICO LOYALTY OR JUSTICE, OR BOTH? We have read with' interest the Washing- ton report to the effect that members of Con- gress, irrespective of party or affiliations, have declared their intention of "standing by" President Wilson in his attitude toward Mex- ico. We have also observed that many of the newspapers have expressed editorially the same intention of supporting the Washington administration in its "Mexican policy." This even in those newspapers that in the past have held that a prompt recognition of the Mexican government would have been the best solution of the so-called Mexican problem. We find all this quite natural and easy to explain. When the Washington administra- tion, reahzing the false position in which it has placed itself in regard to Mexico, makes a national issue of a question which in other hands would have been simply a matter of negotiations between the State Department and the Mexican Foreign Office, it is to be expected that the people of the United States, whether they agree or not with the Presi- dent's policy, would rally to its support. When President Wilson, perceiving that his stand of non-recognition is untenalile in the face of international law and customs, makes an appeal for the loyalty of the American people, it is quite natural that a large portion of the people, whether they believe him right or wrong, should respond loyally to the ap- peal. Between the Mexican government right and the .American government wrong the Ameri- can people will select the latter, if an appeal is made to them on the grounds of national pride. This loyalty, admirable as it may be, does not constitute justice. The methods of the Wasliington administra- tinn to rjblain popular support may be good politics, but wi- doubt il iu the end they will give fruitful results. National pride and loyalty are admirable, bm national justice is still more admirable. Nil if the people of this country prefer ■ li>y.tlty In the Washington administration to iu>li(c tr> their neighbor, they should at least be honest almut it and divest themselves of llial cloak which they so proudly wear, the cloak of suiieiiority in dealing with other pci>plc. If the people of this country wish to put might before right, well and good, but then they should not say : "We are better than the people of European nations. We are dif- ferent. We are fpirer. We are more civil- ised !" They should throw the cloak to the winds and say: "We do not care whether we arc right or wrong, we are doing what we are doing because we have the power to do it, and that ends the whole question." From a political point of view it is interest- ing to look under the surface of this loyalty, especially as it refers to the support given President Wilson by the Republican members of Congress. The finqjle fact that a man like Senator Fall is an apparently enthusiastic supporter of President Wilson's policy in regard to the Mexican government should be sufficient to make President Wilson suspicious and to put him on his guard. It has been often repeated of late in political circles in Washington that the Republican sup- port was due to the belief among Republican representatives that President Wilson had put himself in a very embarrassing position and that no attempt would be made on their part to make him change his policy toward Mexico, as IMexico may prove just the right sort of a rope — and of the right length — that they have been hoping President Wilson would take hold of. This is good politics, too. However this may be, we must acknowledge that the Washington administration has dem- onstrated a past master's ability in playing the publicity game and we believe that it should congratulate itself on the immediate results, although in the long run truth will out. It having become evident that in order to save itself from foreign criticism and com- ment, the Washington administration was making an appeal to the patriotism of .Ameri- cans in general, the Washington correspond- ents of newspapers and news agencies have become in regard to the Mexican question the official mouthpieces of the government. We cannot help but believe that the delay of the President in taking the public into his confidence was largely due to his desire that the "news" and supposed facts should have sufficient time through the able work of the press to permeate the public mind so that at the right moment it should be receptive to his own ideas and suggestions. Unfortunately for the administration and in spite of the loyal support of the press, many facts have cropped out which at least in part destroy the effect of the publicity work so cleverly initiated. There are a .great many thinking Americans who will not allow blind patriotism to obfuscate their judgment. The principal points which, upon the in- formation received by "high Govermncnt offi- cials," according to its own statements, the press tried to impress on the people's mind have been : That the proposals made to the Mexican government were mediation or peace pro- posals, which, if accepted by the Mexican government, would insure an immediate re- establishment of order throughout the Mexi- can Republic. That the United States was trying to brin.g about an agreement between "the two fac- tions" in Mexico. That foreign powers, including those 'if Latin-America, and especially France and Japan, were backing the policy of the United States. That Provisional President Huerta in his answer to the American note had stated that the President of the United States was not supported in his policy of non-recognition by the majority of the people of the United States. That the note of the Mexican government was couched in flowery and' sneering terms, constituting an insult to the United States. Day after day, sometime changing in form but not in substance, these points have been repeated in most of the Washington messages published throughout the country, reinforced by even stronger headlines. "Peajce proposals rejected," "lluerta (de- fiant and sneering," "Europe backs the United States" are some the mildest titles th'at have come under our observation. Dissecting these statements we fail to find any evidence that they are borne out by any facts. And as after all a large number of .American newspapers are fair it has not been difficult to find in the same columns the rc- futal of the statements mentioned above. Can any one familiar with Mexican condi- tions as they exist to-day and as they have existed affirm that the proposals presented by John Lind to the Mexican government were peace proposals? The most that can be said for tlieni is that they were made with the INTENTION and HOPE on the part of President Wilson that they should bring about peace. But facts and the opinion not only of the majority of thinking Mexicans, but also of almost ALL Americans and other foreigners living in Mexico make it clear that such pro- posals were not peace proposals, but simply proposals for the elimination of General Huerta from the Mexican political field. Moreover, that the elimination of General lluerta at this juncture instead of having as an effect immediate peace would mean an- archy. We reproduce in another column an interview with Mr. Dobson, an American resi- dent of Mexico for twenty-two years, a man without political connections with any othei' parties and groups in Mexico. We could fill these cohuims and many more with similar opinions, but our space is limiferl an'd this I)articular statement serves to exemplify the opinion which prevails in Mexico. Yet in the face of this almost unanimous opinion. President Wilson, probably owing to a persona! dislike of a man whom he believes guilty of evil deeds, judgment of which after all pertains strictly and only to the Mexican themselves, has insisted on a policy of non- reco.gnition and elimination, and. of course, the administration has called them peace proposals. The second statement we have read for days: That the Washington administration will allow "both factions" to buy arms. That it will forbid the importation to "both fac- tions" from the L'nited States, etc. Both factions? Does not this statement form part of a preconceived plan to misrepre- sent conditions in Mexico? Can anyone truth- fully assert that there are two factions in Mexico fighting for power? MEXICO Saturday, Axigust SO, 1913 WE CONTEND That as far as the United States is con- cerned there is no Mexican trouble or problem except through the existence of lawless con- ditions in various sections of the republic and the failure of the United States to recog- nize the constitutional government of Mexico and so lend its aid to the efforts that govern- ment is making to stamp out such conditions. That President Wilson's attitude toward the present Mexican government has been based on mental and temperamental prejudices rather than on a straightforward, practical and effective understanding of conditions. That if maintained President Wilson's atti- tude will force this country into warfare with Mexico neither called for by conditions in that country nor desired by the American people. That President Wilson made up his mind as to Mexico before he knew all the facts, and has consistently held to his prejudgments irre- spective of facts. That President Wilson by his attitude is in effect fomenting rebellion in Mexico. That President Wilson, whether he knows it or not, is acting toward Mexico exactly as American oil and land interests want him to act. That President Wilson is interfering with the internal affairs and politics of a neigh- boring nation in a manner that is prejudicial to our friendly relations with the countries of Central and South America. That President Wilson has made up his mind that he will not recognize the present provisional government of Mexico and be- cause he does not like to back down from that position he is shaping his policy on a prejudice. That the people of the United States are more or less uninformed as to Mexican his- tory and present conditions and many of them will follow blindly the path of the President. That in calling upon this natural, unquestion- ing loyalty to support him President Wilson, as head of a powerful nation, is acting un- justly toward a weaker neighbor. That President Wilson has consistently given undue weight to private sources of in- formation that agreed with his poiift of view and as consistently ignored all sources of in- formation that might legitimately change it. That the attitude of the President, toward Mexico is fraught with grave possibilities for the people, the future and the destiny of the United States and should not be assumed or undertaken without an open, unbiased, un- prejudiced mind. That President Wilson's mind is prejudiced, for the simple reason that he has determined from the beginning of his administration not to recognize the present government of Mex- ico and has let it be understood without de- nial that he never will, no matter what changing circumstances might dictate or the best interests of his country demand or the peace of Mexico require. That President Wilson is keeping this whole Mexican question alive to the detriment of his own administration and of the United States, because in the beginning, without full knowl- edge, he took his stand and heaven nor hell can move him. LOYALTY OR JUSTICE, OR BOTH ?— Continued On one hand, there is a Mexican govern- ment, provisional, but a government, de- clared and recognized as such by the Mexican Congress and the Mexican Supreme Court, which, good or bad, has the support of all those Mexicans who wish to see peace promptly re-established in their country. And they constitute the majority of Mexicans. There is a government that has been recog- nized as such by all foreign powers except the United States. There is a government that is exercising all the functions of govern- ment, supported by the army and navy, and having possession of all the country with the exception of the State of Sonora, where, how- ever, it holds the principal city and port, Guaynias. There is a government that has demon- strated "its ability to safeguard foreign inter- ests and lives wherever its forces are in com- mand. On the other side there are many factions and hands. There are the Sonora rebels, lighting, they say, for State rights, whatever that may be. There are the Carranza rebels, fighting for "constitutionalism" and employing bandits like Villa and Ortega and Pereyra and Contreras, who pillage and loot. There arc Zapatistas, De la Oistas, and many other "istas," bands of marauders and brigands. Yet wc read of "both factions" and "cessa- tion of hostilities" and "early, fair elections," etc., etc. The third statement, emanating from Wash- ington, has been to the effect that foreign powers, including those of Latin-America, have backed the UnitcJ States and brought pressure to bear on General Ilucrta to accede to the American demands. To this it was added that France would not receive Mr. de la Barra as Mexican Minister. But here and there — sometimes in obscure corners it is true — we read a message from Paris stating that de la Barra will be re- ceived, that the French Foreign Office never thought of even addressing a note to the Mex- ican government, a denial of the French Min- ister in Mexico City to the same effect, a message from Berlin that the German govern- ment's relations with Mexico continue very friendly, and on August 27th, in the N. Y. Times, one of the best informed and fairest newspapers in this country, we read the fol- lowing: It was made plain prior to the confer- ence that the Government here had been led to hope that Mr. Lind's mission would be successful through the friendly senti- ments expressed to him by diplomatic representatives of foreign countries in Mexico City. But it has now been learned that no government had instructed its agent in the Mexican capital to bring pressure to bear upon President Huerta to concede the propositions made by the United States. At the White House the statement was made that all the informa- tion the Government possessed as to active efforts by Great Britain, France, Japan and other countries to bring Huerta to look favorably upon President Wilson's peace plan had been obtained from newspa- pers. Mr. Lind. it was said by officials, liad not given in his dispatches the name of any nation that had been showing this friendly attitude toward the United States. Finally in the (iamlioa reply wc read: Second, because certain European and American governments, with which Mex- ico cultivates the closest relations of inter- national amity, having in a most delicate, respectful way, highly gratifying to us, made one of their good offices to the end that Mexico should accord you a hearing. inasmuch as you were the bearer of a pri- vate mission from ■ the President of the United States. That Mexico should accord Mr. Lind a hearing — not that Mexico should accept the proposals of Mr. Wilson. A slight difference. The two assertions mentioned last we have seen repeated for several days in most of the messages from Washington— except in the New York Times — both purporting to cast a slur on President Huerta and on the Mexicans in general, aiming to carry the impression that they had no knowledge of how to deal diplo- matically with this country and trying to bring out the supposed superiority of Ameri- can diplomatic ways. We read all this until President Wilson reads his message to the Committees of Foreign Relations and then the next day we see the following: This reply, which was handed to Envoy Lind, js addressed to "Mr. Confidential Agent," and is characterized by those who saw it as one of the most admirable and finished State documents ever drawn. — A^. Y. American. At to-night's conference the President read to the committees not only the full text of his own message, but the" notes ex- changed between John Lind and Huerta. One of the connnitteemen said afterward the Huerta note, written by Foreign Min- ister Gamboa, was one of the finest State papers he ever had seen.— iV. Y. Sun. But the Gamboa reply published in all news- papers is the best refutal of the statement that Mexico was "sneering." The game of publicity has been well played from Washington, but we wish to ask of all fair-minded readers: Where does fairness come into this? Will the ultimate results be the ones sought by the Washington administration? Saturday, Avgust SO, 191S MEXICO AMERICAN OPINION IN MEXICO New York livcniitg Sun, Augu-'t Zi. With tvvonty-two years of practical business experience in Mexico adding weight to opin- ions that were manifestly free from bias. Alver R. Dobson, President of the American Book and Printing Company of Mexico City, ana- lyzed to-day for The Evening Sun a sequence of vital problems affecting the disturbed pres- ent and dubious future of the Mexican republic. Mr. Dobson"s. opinions had the double value of being free from the puzzled patriotism of those Americans who fail to understand the lack of protection from this Government to our interests in the republic to tlie south as well as froin the doubtful counsel of those who have mixed up in Mexican politics long enough to have an axe to grind. Some of Mr. Dobson's conclusions were startling. All of them were interesting. They covered conditions before and subsequent to the arrival of John Lind in Mexico City, Mr. Dobson having left there a week ago Wednes- day. He arrived in this city yesterday on the Ward liner Mexico. A brief resume of the points made in the interview follows : Predicts Reign of Anarchy. If the United States withholds recognition of the Huerta Government for six months longer that Government seems destined to fail through financial weakness, and a reign of anarchy will probably follow. William Bayard Hale, a diplomatic sleuth, is responsible both for the retirement of Ani- bassadnr Henry Lane Wilson and the failure of the Wilson .\dministration to recognize Huerta. Whatever the faults of President Huerta, he is 1000 per cent, .stronger than any other leader in sight. John Lind can do nothing to relieve the situation unless he is accredited to Mexico in an official capacity with an official title. The Americans in Mexico are, almost to a unit, behind the Huerta regime. Through the present chaos American indus- tries in Mexico are losing approximately $1,- 000,000 a week. Both among native Mexicans and the for- eign residents of the country, Henry Lane Wilson was the most popular Ambassador of any nation assigned to Mexico in the last two decades. Contrary to general opinion, the assumption of the Presidency by Gen. Victoriano Huerta was made constitutionally. A movement is on foot to expel William Bayard Hale from Mexican territory under .\rticle 33 of the Constitution, relating to the activities of "pernicious foreigners." Intervention D.^ngerous. American intervention will only throw upon the United States the very work which Presi- dent Huerta is now carrying on. On account of the slipshod method of this country in dealing with the situation the more intelligent people in Mexico feel American in- tervention to be almost a certainty, and they look forward to it as the only means of restoring business stability, the impression be- ing that it is probably too late now even if the Huerta regime were recognized, for stabil- ity to come out of chaos. Huerta will never voluntarily resign from the Presidency. "There is plenty of money in Mexico." said Mr. Dobson, "but it is tied up in the banks. The continued refusal of the United Slates to recognize Huerta has bred an uncertainty that has almost paralyzed business. The last two months have been the worst since the low ebb of the Madero regime. "The continued financial stability of Mexico is dependent on immediate recognition of Huerta by this country. Only two instalments of the French-British loan of 20,000.000 pounrcscnt circum- stances under the insj'inition of the most lively and disinterested friendship. We pro- pose, in all that we do or say by reason of this serious and intricate situation, not only to maintain the most scrupulous respect for the sovereignty and independence of Mexico, and we consider ourselves obligated to that respect by all the considerations of honor and right, but as well to give all- possible proofs that ive are ivorking only in the interests of Mexico and not for any person or group of persons zijho might have claims, relating to themselves or to their properties in this coun- try and who might consider themselves with a right to demand their settlement. What we intoid is to counsel Mexico for her own good and in the interest of her own peace and zvith no other object of any kind. The Goz'crnment of the United States zvould consider itself discredited, if it had in mind any selfish or ulterior motive, considering that the negotiations in hand concern the peace, zuelfare and prosperity of a zvlwle people. We are zoorking, not zcith selfish interest, but in accordance Ziiith the dictates of our friendship tozvard Mexico. Charges Inconsistencies. In spite of the fact that, at the beginning of the note which I now answer, you state that you lack instructions from the President of the United States of America, after the state- ment which I have reproduced above you state in the name of that same President that the method indicated in my note of the* 16th inst., in so far as it concerns the recognition of the present Government (which I may say in pas.sing is far more than a de facto government, as you have chosen to qualify it) or of any other future Government of Mexico — this you add — is something which only the United States of America may decide, which, iji the exercise of its sov- ereign rights in this respect, will not hesitate, especially in time of serious domestic troubles, to consummate in the manner which, in the judgment of the United States of America and not in that of Mexico, may be best for this latter. You add that the President of the United States of America sincerely and ardently be- lieves that my Government will sec in the suggestion of his excellency, Mr. Woodrow Wilson, the most feasiWe plan for serving our vital interests and for insuring the speedy re-establishment of our domestic tranquillity. Proposition Repeated. And always in the name of the President of the United States you submit to the con- sideration of my Government the three fol- lowing propositions: 1. That the election called for the 16th of October of the present year (the note sent to the foreign office by Mr. Lind stated October 26 and not 16) shall be held in accordance zvith the constitutional laws of Mexico. 2. That President Thierta, in the manner originally indicated by the President of the United States of America, give the assurance called for in paragrapli C of the original in- structions, a paragraph zvhich says literally "The consent of General Huerta to 'agree not to be a candidate in the coming election for President of the republic." 3. That the remaining propositions con- tained in your original instructions shall be taken up later, but speedily, and resolved as circumstances permit and in the spirit of their proposal. Aid from Bankers. You add, furthermore, Mr. Confidential Agent, that the President of the United States of America has authorized you to say that, if my Government "acts immediately and favor- ably upon the foregoing suggestions," that same President will express to American bankers and their associates assurances that the Government of the United States of Amer- ica will then look with favor upOn the ex- tension of an immediate loan sufficient in amount to meet the temporary requirements of the present Mexican administration. At the end of your note, Mr. Confidential Agent, you express the hope of your Govern- ment that my Government will judge it con- sistent with the best and highest interests of Mexico immediately to accept such proposi- tions, stating that they are submitted in the same spirit and to the same end as the original proposition, but in a more restricted form, to the end that my Government may act within its faculties without the co-operation or aid of any other outside factor. It appears at once, Mr. Confidential Agent, that in this case the proposal of his Excellency, Mr. Woodrow Wilson, is not to remove him- self an iota from the position originally as- sumed by him, for, notwithstanding the time consumed since the 16th, the date of my reply, to the 25th, in which you delivered to me your second note, which I am here answering, the essence and even the form of his original instructions are the same with the aggravat- ing feature well qualified by you as "more re- stricted." For my part it would have been sufftcient to answer this note in its totality by reproduc- ing the whole of my note of the 16th inst., as negative, as categorical, as I have the honor to reproduce it in this present note. But the president ad inlerini wishes to carry his forbearance to the last point, and to the cud that Mexican public opinion, which is so justly disturbed by the present tension in the diplomatic relations between the two coun- tries, and also to the end that the various for- eign governments which have offered their good offices in the most delicate possible manner — I am glad to repeat that this has been their attitude, and not less pleased to express grate- ful acknowledgment thereof — may be duly in- formed, has authorized me to reply to yon in the following terms : I will begin by taking notice of a highly significant fact. Between the night of the 14th instant, when I received the sheets con- taining your instruction — not directed to any one and calling the present administration "the persons who at the present time have authority or exercise influence in Mexico" — and yester- da3', some progress has been; made, in that now the constitutional president ad interim (see paragraph 2 of the new propositions) is called "President Huerta," and in the whole course of the note the personnel of his ad- ministration is referred to as the de facto government. But inasmuch as this or that qualification is of no importance, upon the ground that all the representations of your Government have not been initiated except with ourselves, which gives us, upon the supposition that we have not been dispossessed of it, a perfect political and moral responsibility to clear up the present divergence, I intentionally limit my- self solely to point out the facts. li your original proposals were not to be admitted, they are now, in the more re- stricted form in which they are reproduced, even more inadmissible, and one's attention is called to the fact that they are insistent upon, if it be noticed, that which the first proposals had already defined. Precisely because we comprehend the im- mense value which is possessed by the principle of severeignty which the Government of the United States so opportunely invokes in the question of our recognition or non-recognition, precisely for this reason we believed that it would never be proposed to us that we should forget our own sovereignty by permitting that a foreign Government should modify the line of conduct which we have to follow in our public and independent life. If even once we were to permit the counsels and advice (let us call them thus) of the United States of America, not only would we, as I say above, forego our sovereignty, but we would as well compromise for an indefinite future our destinies as a sovereign entity, and all the future elections for president would be submitted to the veto of any President of the United States of America. And such an enormity, Mr. Confidential Agent, no Government will ever attempt to perpetrate, and this I am sure of, unless some monstrous and almost impossible cataclysm should occur in the conscience of the Mexican people. Saturday, A ugusfSO'lOlS xM E X I C O COMBING THE NEWS ■7 Jo iiol think a stronger government ought to do anything which will imperil the sover- eignty of a weaker one." "1 never had such a warm reception as; tlie people of Mexico, particularly the ranchmen, the middle class and even the upper class, have shown me," Mr. Lind said. He paid a compliment to the courtesy and kindness of the Mexican people, and talked with his callers about American farming and its methods, which are new to tltis countrv. — Jolin Lind at Vera Cnic. "Strong Should Not Impose Upon Weak" Xcw York IVortd. The Hague, Holland, Aug. 22. — Congress- man James L. Slayden of Texas, a delegate to the International Peace Congress now in ses- sion here, discussing the Mexican situation, said to The World correspondent : "I am not sufficiently well advised of the current conditions in Mexico to express any view as to what policy President Wilson should adopt, but I am sincerely anxious that some plan should be adopted, which will be mutually s;Uisfactory to both governments. Whatever the President's disposition might be toward the other proposals he made it plain, it was said, that he stood firmly and would continue so to stand on his insistence that Huerta should resign and that he should not be a candidate for re-election. It has been the opinion of many Senators and Representatives in Congress that the negotiations would have had a better chance of success if these terms had not been included in the peace programme. A large number of Congress- men believe that the President made a mistake in giving greater weight to moral than to practical considerations in his effort to bring about a restoration of normal relations in Mexico. In their opinion the Lind mission would have gone for- ward with considerable hope of success had President Wilson accorded formal recognition to the Huerta Government. But the President, evidently believing that Huerta was responsible in a large measure, for tfie death of his predecessor, Francisco I. Madero, has declined to consider the so- called practical aspect of the matter, hold- ing that the United States Government would have cause to be ashamed should it recognize Huerta's right to the office of President of Mexico. — A^ Y. Times, Au- gust 27. In the foregoing lines is to be found the cause of all the Mexican trouble: the per- sonal beliefs, likes and dislikes of President Wilson, strengthened by the biased informa- tion received from his personal representative, tlic ex-reverend. Mexican Rates Restored Through Freight Now Accepted Under the Old Tariff The through frciglit rates between New York City and points in the Mexican in- terior will be restored this week by the resumption of the Railway Association of Mexico tariff 3-C, which was cancelled several weeks ago by the National Rail- ways of Mexico. The Ward Line will ac- cept shipments under the 3-C rate again, beginning with their steamer leaving here on Thursday for Tampico and Vera Cruz. Under this tariff the Ward Line accepts freight allowing the charges to be collected from the consignee. .'\ storm of protest came from shippers to Mexico when the i-C rate was can- celled about the middle of last month. Since* that time shipping to the points in the Mexican interior has been practically at a standstill. At that time the Mexican Government ordered the railroads to pub- lish rates in Spanish and to quote in Mex- ican currency per 1000 kilograms, irre- spective of the fluctuations in exchange. It was impossible for American lines, whose settlements must be made in gold, to undertake to maintain a uniform rate when the Mexican currency was gradually- depreciating. All rates were at once can- celled, which meant that goods for ship- ment to Mexico would be set down by the steamship line at the Mexican port if the freight was paid in advance. The liability of the steamship company would cease there and the vendee would be obliged to arrange for the transportation inland. — Nezv York Sun, August 26. "We entertained the belief, in view of the extraordinary interest which the President of the United States of America has shown in our internal affairs, that both he and his gov- ernment would be apprised of the precepts of our constitution in electoral matters. Un- fortunately, we are compelled to recognise that we were laboring under an error. "In effect, the amendment of Articles 78 and 109 of the constitution, pronuilgated Novem- ber 7, 1911, contain, among other provisions, the following, viz., that a cabinet minister act- ing as provisional President cannot be elected either President or Vice-President for an en- suing term. This precept, which I permit myself to transcribe for the information of the Government of the United States of Amer- ica, incapacitates the present constitutional ad interim President from figuring in the forthcoming elections, and if it had been taken into consideration by his excellency, President Wilson, before undertaking to im- pose on us the conditions in question, and which we cannot admit, the present state of affairs between us would have been obviated without detriment to our dignity or to the amour propre of the President of the United States, ill engaged in this groundless con- troversy. "Let it be understood that the ad interim constitutional President cannot be elected either President or Vice-President at the elec- tions already called for October 26, because he is forbidden by our own laws, which are the sole arbiters of our destinies, but never because of the indication, however friendly or disinterested, of the President of the United GAMBOA'S REPLY (Continued) States or of any other ruler, however power- ful or however weak, all being equally re- spectable in our estimation. "Allow me to say that, so far, at any rate, the President of the United States is the only person who has spoken of the candidature of the ad interim constitutional President at the forthcoming elections. Neither the solemn declarations of the said high functionary nor the smallest of his acts, all of which have been directed to bringing about complete pacification of the republic, which is the supreme national aspiration and which he is resolved to achieve at all costs, w.ir- rants the suspicion that such are his pur- poses or intentions. "It is matter of notoriety that there does not exist in the country a single newspaper, a single club, a single corporation or a single group of private persons that have launched such candidature on the tapis of discussion. What, then, is the ground for the gratuitous suspicion of the President of the United States and for his demand that the constitu- tional ad interim President, in view of such suspicion, shall contract obligations never im- posed up to the present on the Government of any sovereign nation ?" The question having been set forth, as I have had the honor of doing in this reply, his excellency, Mr. Wilson, will have to with- draw definitely from his present attitude at the risk that his motives, which I take pleasure in acknowledging, are, as he himself quotes them, friendly and disinterested, altruistic and without ulterior ends — at the risk, I repeat, that they may be wrongly and differently in- terpreted by all the other nations which look upon our present internal conllict with more or less interest. And although the President of the United States of America should take an altogether different stand from the universal viewpoint, which considers differently an administration under the conditions in which our own is at present (the best proof of my assertion is the unconditional recognition of the foremost Powers of the world, among which the United States of America occupies such a prominent and legitimately conquered rank), he will have to cease to call us a de facto Government, and will give us the title of ad interim constitu- tional Government, which is the only one to which we are rightly entitled. Refus.\l of Offer of Funds. Permit me, Mr. Confidential Agent, not to reply for the time being 'to the significant offer in which the Government of the United States of America insinuates that it will recom- mend to American bankers the immediate ex- tension of a loan which will permit us, among other things, to cover the innumerable urgent expenses required bj' the progressive pacifica- tion of the country ; for in the terras in which it is couched it appears more to be an at- tractive antecedent proposal to the end that, moved by petty interests, we should renounce a right which incontrovertibly upholds us at a period when the dignity of the nation is at stake, n I believe that there are not loans enough to induce those charged by the law to main- tain that dignity to permit it to be lessened. MEXICO Saturday, August SO, 1913 COMBING THE NEWS Freight Traffic Resumed. Special Cable Despatch to The Suit. London, Aug. 25. — The general Euro- pean agent of the National Railways of Mexico announces that the issuance of through bills of lading to interior destina- tions of Mexico via Vera Cruz and the Interoceanic Railway has been resumed. The above arguments in favor of returning stability and peace in Mexico are unanswerable. They show what the provisional government ha? accomplished in the short space of six months, despite the antagonistic attitude of Washington. Of course, Washington may de- ceive itself into thinking it is not antagonistic, but facts of unfriendliness speak louder than the well-modulated voice of fine-sounding platitudes. (By Telegraph to Tlic New York Tribune.) Mexico City, Aug. 23. — Washington's attitude continues to cause concern and per- plexity here, both among Mexicans and foreigners. The announcement in to-day's dispatches that the United States will continue to in- sist on the resignation of General Huerta, or a statement of his intention to resign, as well as on his elimination from the Presidential race, comes as a distinct dis- appointment to all who believe that Huerta is the one man capable now of restoring peace and putting the country on its feet again and giving it another chance to re- cover. The general conviction is tliat the re- placement of Huerta at the present time, so far from remedying the country's evils, would plunge it into ivorse disorders and render the situation desperate. In particu- lar it is held tliat any substitute for Huerta who might be regarded as owing his posi- tion to outside pressure or the dictation of the rebels would be viewed with intense animosity and would be quite incapable of controlling the situation. Mexican newspapers point out that move- ments against the government, except in Sonora and partly in Coahuila, represent lawlessness pure and siniple, which any ad- ministration would have to deal with, and assert that an overwhelming majority of. Mexicans and foreigners at the capital con- sider Huerta better fitted for this task than anybody else. El Imparcial, speaking of the dinner which the French Minister, Paul Lefaivre, will give on Monday night at the French Legation to Huerta and his Cabinet, says: "This banquet is considered significant, ow- ing to the proofs of extreme cordiality which France has lately given to our re- public." Mexico City, August 25. — Minister of Fi- nance Gorrostieta denied emphatically to-dav the rumor that the government was making use of the reserves of the Mexican Banks. He affirmed that on the contrary tlie govern- ment was taking steps to furtlicr guarantee these reserves. Signor Gorrostieta besides branded absolutely false and unfounded th" rumor published in the United States that the army had not been paid regularly. He stated that not only was the army fully paid up to date but would continue to be paid regularly and tliat not a single case of discontent or in- dication of disloyality had ibcan irepoi^tcd. Likewise he said that employees in nil branches of the government would continue to receive their usual salaries. LOBBYGRAMS Senator Fall bought a copy of Mexico in tlie New Willard on Tuesday and greatly en- joyed the reference to himself. In showing it to his friends he expressed especial de- light at the fact that at last there was one publication which rendered him justice, which, without bias, testified to his reputation for bravery, integrity and to the great love felt for him by the people of New Mexico. He expressed also the intention of addressing himself to the American people through the columns of Mexico, taking them into his confi- dence as to the exact reasons why he is the friend and apologist of every man in Mexico • who bears arms against the government. Mexico will welcome the Senator's explicit declarations in this respect. Arms Question up Again. The vexing question whether the LInited States should or should not raise its em- bargo against the sale of arms to the "con- stitutionalists" and other bands of revolu- tionisfs came to the front again to-day through the receipt by Senator Fall of a tel- egram of inquiry from the Shelton Payne Arms Company, at El Paso. This despatch said that the Shelton Payne Company had just shipped to federalists at Juarez 130 rifles and 97,000 rounds of ammunition, this being the initial shipment of an order for 1,000 rifles and one million rounds of ammunition, the shipment being authorized by a permit of the LTnited States govern- ment. The Shelton Payne Company asked Senator Fall if it could fill an order for five carloads of arms and ammunition which "constitutionalists" desire to pur- chase. — N. Y. Herald, August 25. Senator Fall, we understand, will soon ex- plain why the Shelton Payne Company, dealer in arms and ammunition, has sent him the foregoing telegram of inquiry. The explana- tion will contain a statement that Senator Fall has no direct or indirect participation in the profits of any company manufacturing arms and ammunition. Colonel E. M. Flouse, who has been called the Cardinal Richelieu of the Washington ad- ministration, is said to have been very in- dignant when upon his arrival in Boston sev- eral weeks ago, he was shown a clipping of the Boston American purporting to relate the true significance of his journey to Europe. Colonel House while in Europe was accom- panied by Mr. Hugh Wallace, at various times associated with the Rockefeller and Pierce in- terests, and the news item intimated that Colonel House's mission to Europe was to break up the negotiations carried on by the Mexican Government with European bankers for the obtaining of a loan. Mr. Hugh Wal- lace did not return with Coloiiel House and he is reported to be. still in Europe. It also re- ported that strong influence is being brought to bear on French and English bankers to the end that no further loans be made to Mexico. Official Washington is said to have been puzzled by reported unusual movements in the last few days in the offices of Senator Fall and Senator Penrose. It has been explained, however, by friends of these two Senators that they were arranging their personal affairs so as to be able to abandon at an early date their useful activities in the Senate and pro- ceed to the Mexican border to lead an invad- ing army into the Southern Republic. This, the friends explained, was due to the fact that Fall and Penrose wished to demonstrate their sincerity of purpose in advocating intervention and show to their constituents that they would be the first ones to give up their lives in order to protect American interests in Mexico,. Moreover, Senator Penrose was about to sever his connections with Standard Oil and Sena- tor Fall about to dispose of his Mexican mines so that no one could intimate that they were actuated by personal reasons, but were giving up their lives simply for love of the American people. It was stated on good authority that the greatest regret was felt in the Senate at the probable losing of Senator Fall. This re- gret was especially felt by members of the Foreign Relations Committee ' to whom the impartial and disinterested work of Senator Fall has been of great assistance. A great send-off^ will be tendered Senator Fall by the people of New Mexico — it is re- ported — before he goes to fight those wicked Mexicans and preparations will begin at once to give him an adequate reception on his re- turn — when, it is assured, he will carry the scalp of his arch enemy General Huerta. Senator Fall's friends state, however, that the people of New Mexico will have to change the reception into a funeral, as the Senator is determined to offer his life as a holocaust to the people whom he is so faithfully and consistently serving. Was He Killed? Special to Tlie IVashinglon Post. Denver, Colo., Aug. 20. — "I never expect to see my cousin alive again," says John Lind, cousin of President Wilson's personal envoy to Mexico. Lind is in Denver, stopping on his way to Los Angeles. "John Lind is a man of fearless character, and takes chances that no ordinary man wouUl take. I have heard of his taking early morn- ing walks in Mexico where Americans hesi- tate to go at midday. "I have not heard directly from my cousin since he went to Mexico, and I expect that he will be killed by Mexicans any moment. We arc of the same name, and as boys were companions. John Lind is a one-armed man, but even at that would not hesitate to go into any dangerous gathering of Mexicans or any one else and resent per.sonal attack at the risk of life." Satunlnji, A ugusl 30, 1913 MEXICO Nailing Them Coincident with the departure from Mexi- co City of Mr. Lind was the general exodus from the Mexican capital of Americans. The report received by the State Depart- ment was to the effect that the train bear- ing Mr. Lind to Vera Cruz was fdled with Americans who were leaving hurriedly for the United States.— N. Y. IVorlil. The best answer to this is contained in the following despatches : Mexico City. — The departure of Mr. Lind is the only subject of discussion aniong Americans here. The general opinion among them seems to be : "The American Government be hanged, we will not get out. We have our business obligations to attend to, our contracts to carry out and our prop- erties to protect. It cannot be possible that the American Congress will stand for such a proposition as this." — N. Y. Sun. Mexico City.^The leaving of Mr. Lind failed to cause the expected alarm in the American colony and none will leave on the steamship leaving Vera Cruz Thurs- day. The bail given by the American Club Saturday night showed an unexpectedly large nundier of American families here. A few of the business men have sent their wives and children out of Mexico, but from the present indications the colony is re- duced to the size at which it probably will remain until the situation becomes more acute. — N. Y. Herald. Paul Lefaivre, the French Minister, de- nies receiving a cable from the French Government instructing hitn to make rep- resentations to the Mexican Government upholding the attitude of the LInilcd States, lie .said he had received only the same instructions as other legations here got regarding the Mexican situation. Lefaivre was plainly exasperated at the publication of the aimouncement regard- ing the stand of the French Government. — ,V. Y. Sun, August 27. Instructions received by all legations in Mexico City were to the effect that the Min- isters should inform the Mexican Government that their respective governments would view with satisfaction the granting of a hearing to John Lind by the Mexican Govcrmneni, even though Mr. Lind carried no proper cre- dentials, and was simply a personal repre- sentative of the American President. These instructions did not refer to the Mexican Government's acceptance of the Lfnited States proposals. Reports of dissatisfaction aniong the Federal soldiers at the delay of the Huerta Government in paying them off have strengthened the belief that Huerta's position is growing weaker. According to these reports, two Federal garrisons near Vera Cruz have revolted. Soldiers are said to be growling in many sections of the republic. Huerta. it is said, has not now in his treasury enough money to [lay his army three weeks ahead. There has been absolutely no confirniatiim of this report. On the contrary the Federal Army continues loyal to a man. It is one of the many reports spread daily in order to give weight to President Wilson's declaration that "the conditions of the Southern Republic are growing worse." Merniosillo, Sonora, .Xugnst 25. — .X Fed- eral cavalry detachment which moved oiit of Guaymas yesterday attacked the Consti- tutionalist outpost to-day. It was repulsed in a sharp fight. The rebel commanders regard the attack as a feint to cover the real movement of h^deral troops out of Guaymas by sea and land to Mazatlan, the seaport city of Sina- loa. The rebels are strongly fortifying their positions around Mazatlan. The above Associated Press message is typical of all others sent out from the Sonora border. In the first place the rebels do not hold Mazatlan, which is in possession of the Federals and is far aw^ay south from the seal of disturbances. The I'Vdcrals have iiol ab;indoned Guaymas, bul have advanced in- stead toward llennosilln, after inllicliii« .i severe defeat upon the rel)els north of tint port. The London Times Says Edi- torially "The world will read with a ctrl.iin be- wilderment the President's statement that 'if Mexico can suggest any better way in which the United States can show its friendship we are more than willing to consider the sug- gestion.' Not only Mexico, but all the for- eign residents of Mexico and every Govern- ment whose nationals possess interests in that country have already pointed out a 'better way.' It is a simple and, we believe, an effective way, and it consists in America's following the ex- ample already set by other powers and recog- nizing Huerta. "As to America's insistence upon a general election as a means of regularizing the status of the Mexican President, Mr. Wilson can hardly be unaware that there has never yet been a -genuine poll of the people of Mexico, that elections there are automatically 'made' by the party or ruler in control, and that to hold one now with the idea of testing the real . sentiments of the people would be little less tlian a farce. Huerta vvnuM no rliuiljt be willing to go through with the farce if it were not for the American stipulation that he is not to play the principal role in it. Tli;it is a demand with which President Wilson can hardly expect him to comply. It is dil'ti- cult, indeed, to resist the suspicion that in thus emphasizing its purely personal objections to Huerta the L'nited States Government may be jeopardizing .its best chance of assisting the country of which, for the first time, at all events, he is the etfective ruler."' "We are glad to call i.urselws the friends of Mexico, and we shall, I hope, have many an occasion, in happier times as well as in these days of trouble and confusion, to show that our friendship is genuine and dis- interested, capable of sacrifice and every generous manifestation." — President Wil- son's message MEXICO'S REPLY. I can defend myself from my enemies, but God preserve me from my friends. The Present Government is the Constitutional Gov- ernment of Mexico There cannot be any legal grcjund for withholding recognition, for the lluert.i government is in every respect a constitu- tional government. Upon their arrest Madero and Pino Suarcz resigned from the offices of President and Vice-President respectively. Their resignations were ac- crpled by Congress sitting in extraor- (liu.iry session. By virtue of article 83 of the Mexican Constitution, Pedro Lascurain, Minister of Foreign Affairs automatically became President ad interim. In the ex- ercise of his executive power he inime- di.itely appointed Gen. Victoriano Huerta. Minister of the Interior, filling the vacancy left liy the resignation of Rafael Hernandez. Subsequently Pedro Lascurain formally re- signed his office and his resignation was accepted by Congress. Thus automatically and in accordance with the Constitution the executive power devolved upon Gen. Ilucrta, Minister of the Interior, as the oflicc of Minister of Foreign Relations had been left vacant. All this was in strict conipliance with the letter and spirit of the Mexican Constitution and with the common agreement of Lascurain, chief of the Madero Cabinet, the Chamber of Dep- uties, the Senate and the Supreme Court aided by the best legal talent of Mexico, all keen and conscientious in maintaining unbroken the constitutionality of the Mex- ican government. It may be contended by those denyin.g the constitutionality of the Huerta gov- ernment that the foregoing proceedings took place under revolutionary coercion. Of course, neither Porfirio Diaz nor Ma- dero resigned until forced by a successful revolution, but both their resignations were cr|ually eflFective and the succeeding gov- ernments equally constitutional. There was not the slightest question ;is to the constitutionality of dc la Rarra's government under similar circumstances. Moreover, Madero's resignation was taken to Congress by Lascurain, Madero's friend and chief of Cabinet, and was ac- cepted by a Congress in which the Mader- ists held the balance of power. Later, on April 1st last, at the formal opening of the ordinary session of Con- gress, this body with almost all of its members present, formally recognized the constitutionality of Huerta as provisional President. In other words, the legislative and judicial powers of the previous ad- ministration have declared the constitu- tionality of the present one. — Los Angeles Times, July 20. 10 MEXICO Saturday, Aiigust 30, 1913 PRESS COMMENTS The Mexican Danger The change in the attitude of President Wilson toward the Mexican problem is not encouraging. The promise of a message on the subject to Congress at this time, to be de- layed three or four days, indicates a desire to get an expression of public opinion, to shift, in some measure, the burden of responsibility which hitherto he has insisted upon bearing without help. The intimation that the forth- coming message will suggest a "show of force" by the United States in Mexico is, we hope, made without authority. Already the inter- national situation is so involved that only wis- dom and prudence in every succeeding action of our Government can avert trouble. A "show of force" in the sister republic at this time would have perilous results. Huerta's followers would then have the support of Zapatistas, Carranzistas, Vasquistas, of the Church Part3', and the remnant of the Cienti- ficos against any outside interference. The President's action in sending a personal envoy on a secret mission to Mexico has been generally approved, or at least not harshly condemned, because of the common belief that the President's information regarding the Mexican situation was more complete , and sounder than the people's; in short, that he knew what he was doing. Somewhat disturb- ing reports as to the plans of the mission have been ignored. But it seems that the reports were well founded. Mr. Lind has made pro- posals to the Mexican Executive which have been rejected, and the negotiations are pos- sibly at an end. It is obvious that in the present critical situation no proposal which could be thus rejected should have been made. The mission is a failure, and our relations with Mexico are more delicate than ever. In the circumstances a full report of the~ conditions in Mexico, as Mr. Lind sees them, seems to be called for. He is believed to be a man of clear vision and practical common .sense. If his report should indicate that the Government of Gen. Huerta is strongly sup- ported, that his control of affairs is reasonably firm, the duty of our Government is obvious. The niist.-ike that has been made should be rectified. Pride should not influence President Wilson longer to withhold recognition. The acknowledgment of his error would be more manly than to persist in a wrong course. If, on the other hand Mr. Lind could show that Huerta's power is waning, that fact should be made known to the American public. Inevitably the promised message to Con- gress recalls Mr. McKinley's message before the outbreak of the Spanish war, just as Mr. Lind's visit to Mexico is a reminder of tlie visit to Cuba of Senator Redficld Proctor of Vermont, whose report on his return was S3 enlightening to the Senate and the people. The two cases, however,' are not otherwise similar. No humane reason could justify our interference in Mexico as matters now stand, yet our present course is tending toward more or less interference, if not positive interven- tion. Whatever the President's intention may have been, and we have no doubt that he was assured that his efforts as a mediator were well advised, the action of our Government thus far has increased Mexican hostiUty to us. We must reckon in all our dealings with Latin America with the bad intluence of the ill-judged acts of previous Administrations. That our proffer of good offices should be subject to suspicion is inevitable. It is surely not our business to dictate to the Mexican peo- ple who should govern them, or to take sides against an established Government, whatever opinion we may entertain of the means of its establishment. The opponents of the Govern- ment at the Mexican capital are split up into many factions without community of interest. They have no coherence, and the sole object of some of them is plunder. Continued interference with Mexican affairs must tend to a rupture of all international re- lations, if not to war. If war is precipitated, the Administration will have a difficult, an impossible, task to justify itself before the peo- ple, and the political party it represents will need many years to live down the evil repute thus fastened upon it. It is a part of good statesmanship to recognize frankly its own errors, if errors have been committed, and rectify them in the most generous manner. — A>a' York Times. The Mexican Muddle If it is true, as indicated in some of the Washington dispatches, that the reason to be set forth by President Wilson, in his mes- sage which is to announce to Congress the failure of his mediation mission, for the con- tinued withholding of recognition from Huerta's Government will be the obvious fact that it is "dictatoral" and in the hands of few men, it seems that the gravity of the situation will be greatly increased. The sam^e argument might have been made against Madero's Government, which was hotly oj)- posed in various States and in the Federal Congress of Mexico from first to last. The same argument, also, might have been urged against the long successful Government of Porfirio Diaz by Presidents Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, Harrison, McKinley, Roosevelt, and Taft. ' . Mexico in the long run will have the kind of Government that best suits it. If it amounts to a dictatorship, that is Mexico's affair. We cannot govern Mexico. The only essential fact to be ascertained concerning Huerta's Government is whether it is a Government that can govern. Mr. Lind by this time ought to be able to enlighten the President on -this point. But we must infer that the Washing- ton correspondents who are anticipating the message are only guessing and that President Wil.son will have a stronger argument to ad- vance in support of his policy of non-recogni- tion than one which would apply equally well to other nations of the world whose Govern- ments we cheerfully recognize. — N. Y. Times. The Mexican Situation The defeat of the forces of Vcnustiano Carranza at Torreon seems to have been a decisive one for that body of the insurgents, and his retreat to Durango to join Thamas Urbina will surely cause the federals to fol- low his trail to that city, and to endeavor to drive his forces still farther west or destroy them. The battle at Rodriguez, about 100 miles south of Eagle Pass, resulted in another vic- tory for the federal troops, while the clearing of the Mexican Central line from Chihuahua to Juarez cannot fail to give important advan- tages to the federals of that section. The military operations for the past three weeks have been exceedingly favorable to the troops of the Huerta administration, and the insurgents have not scored a single notable 'victory since they drove back Ojeda's column into Guaymas about one month ago. The federal troops have been able to secure these advantages largely by reason of the diffi- culties experienced by their opponents in pro- curing arms, ammunition and military supplies from foreign countries. The Huerta administration holds every port of Mexico, and such supplies as reach the insurgents are brought across the United States boundary line into Mexico, a boundary line patrolled by United States troops to pre- vent such materials being sent into a country with which we still preserve friendly relations while not according recognition to its gov- ernment. The administration of the United States can- not well recognize Carranza under these con- ditions, nor Zapata, nor Urbina, nor Pesquiera, so it has made no mistake in endeavoring to open up negotiations with Huerta, as the head of a de facto government, negotiation looking to the restoration of such peaceful and orderly conditions in Mexico as that country enjoyed under President Diaz. It would seem that our duty to Mexico does not go so far as to permit us to say who shall be or shall not be president, nor does it call for an intervention as between the Mexican Government and those in insurrection against it, nor is it incumbent in any way upon the part of the Government of the United States to provide a constitution for Mexico; but our duty to our own citizens resident in Me.xico and those who have interests injured or en- dangered by the chaotic conditions existing there does require that this government shall give full protection to them in life, person and property. Huerta was elected provisional president by the Mexican Congress ; he is acknowledged as such by the courts of Me.xico, is obeyed as such by the federal army, supported as such by large numbers of the Mexican people, rec- ognized as such by several foreign nations, and seems to be in position to protect Ameri- can citizens to a fuller extent and through- out a greater area than any other of the Mexi- can leaders. Saturday, August SO, 1913 MEXICO 11 PRESS COMMENTS-Continued. If it is peace we desire in Mexico it can oiilv- be obtained by sustaining those in au- thority in that nation or by intervention which will enable the United States, through war, to arrive at peace. Peace will never come to Mexico so long as revolutionary armies, squads of insurrection- ists, bands of bandits, or insurgent sympa- thizers are able to obtain supplies of war ma- terials from other countries. Porfirio Diaz was overthrown by Madero through the latter's arming of his followers with foreign supplies. Orozco, Zapata and the other insurrection- ists against Madero kept up the strife through these means, and from the same sources. The antagonists of Huerta are dependent to-day upon military supplies from our country to continue the struggle. The administration of President Wilson will not be able to find more than two ways of maintaining peace in Mexico, one by a power- ful Mexican army under a vigorous and in- fluential president of Mexico, the other by the army of the United States, directed by the President of the United States. — il'aslii>igion Post. U. S. Morally Responsible In the United States a legend has been pop- ularized to the effect that the Mexican Revo- lutionists are restorers of law and order, champions of justice and martyrs of a blind and brutal system, maintained solely for the gratification of tjrants. This belief has been spread both by the sentimental and e.xagger- ated literature of revolutionists themselves and also by the false reports of those dishonorable spirits who see in a continued state of disorder in Mexico an opportunity to benefit them- selves. Perhaps it was owing to the wide accept- ance of this false idea that the Foreign Rela- tions Committee of the Senate received and heard a statement from the person of a revo- lutionary adventurer, Eduardo Hay, who, as a soldier of fortune in 1910, together with others of his ilk, was recruited on American territory by Francisco I. Madero, equipped on .American territory and carried to Mexico to effect an uprising against a country friendly to the United States — a country where both natives and foreigners were enjoying the tran- quillity afforded them by the peace and pro- gress of the government of General Porfirio Diaz. Mr. Penrose openly demanded recently m the Senate protection for the lives . and in- terests of some Americans in Mexico, and I would call attention to the fact that the neces- sity for this demand is due entirely to the pro- tection accorded on American soil to the so- oallcd "political refugees" who. in fact, have licen tools in the hands of certain American interests dedicated to encouraging revolution in Mexico since 1910. Which party in Mexico. Senator Penrose. has received from j'our compatriots every aid and comfort on both sides of the Rio Grande? On close inspection these men of the revolu- tion do not shine as heroes, but appear in their true character of ordinary bandits. Carranza, whose dream is to become a sort of oriental despot, makes all haste toward the border line whenever he sees afar the flash of the federal guns, but at the same time does not hesitate to permit his barbarous mob to sack unde- fended towns, and in their drunken revels to ravish the helpless women. On top of all Carranza and Maytorena secure funds on this side of the frontier at usury to carry out their plans and are allowed the use of the rays of the searchlights of the American cruisers to enable them to slay, from the cowardly se- curity of the darkness, the government soldiers who represent law and order. Can we believe that a revolution which re- spects neither property nor Hves, nor any kind of honor, really fights for the standard of the constitution ? How is it possible to expect that a re- bellion marked by blood and ignorance can ever give the Mexican tranquility under the serene rule of justice? If it is noble, Mr. Penrose, to demand pro- tection for the lives and interests of some of your countrymen in Mexico w'ould it not be still nobler to use your powerful influence in the Congress and through your gift of oratory seek to prevent the fomenting of revo- lutions along the frontier .of a friendly country? Tel! the Senate that it is neither just nor honorable nor humane to allow this mixed mob of American and Me.xican bandits who style themselves "constitutionaHsts" to secure arms and munitions in the United States with which to destroy the lives and property of your compatriots and other foreigners in Mexico, thus making the United States morally responsible in part for these outrages. — Letter in Baltimore American, August 25. Henry Lane Wilson Right When Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson came to Washington recently to report on condi- tions in Mexico his statements produced great surprise in this countrj'. This surprise will be heightened as time passes, and as his declarations are more fully appreciated it will be seen that this eminent diplomat has given an entirely truthful statement as to conditions, without any beating about the bush. Ambassador Wilson has said that the rev- olutionists have not secured complete control of any state in Mexico, and this is a proven fact. For example, it has been stated that the Maytorena party controls the State of Sonora ; nevertheless they have neither been able to take the important part of Guaymas nor over- power the loyal forces which have their head- quarters in that city, so that it is quite evident that ^laytorena does not control the whole state; and, furthermore, he cannot be sure how long he will be able to hold Hermosillo and other places of importance. In the other states of Mexico the rebels only hold the ground that they tread, and they must be constantly on the move to avoid the advance of the government forces, yet the American press continues to publish maps pur- porting to show that the rebels are in control of almost the entire republic, representing small isolated spots which they declare are the last strongholds of the government. The statements of Ainbassador Wilson bring out the situation in its true light and do justice to Mexico, in spite of the pernicious activities of those interests along the border who look with longing eyes on the mineral wealth of Northern Mexico; in spite of the tissue of lies propagated by agents of the Madero family; in spite of the peevish fum- ings of senators or of those partisan Ameri- can newspapers who would make the public believe that Ambassador Wilson is a solemn liar and influenced by the Mexican Govern- ment, when, in fact, he is an apostle and a martyr to the truth. — Letter in Baltiinorc American, August 23. Tut, tut I The President, in a moment of senseless anger, has apologized abjectly t") Great Britain for an offense that was not com- mitted. He reminds me of my dear friend, the late Girardus P. Hiltinan. of the Loto- Club, who used to get entangled in his lar guage and exclaim. "You tell him that if 1- doesn't apologize to me I'll apologize to him' Renter's Agency published the foolish story that the Powers of Europe had based thei- recognition of Huerta upon the speech of the American Ambassador. So soon as th'- canard reached W'ashington our AmbassaJ Wilson said that he did not believe that an such statement had been made by the Briti> Foreign Office, and that, if it were made, i' was untrue, as the speech referred to wa- written by the Spanish Ambassador and ap- proved by all the other diplomatic representn- tives in Mexico. Thereupon the President hastily cabled an apology to the British For- eign Minister, who had not the slightest idea what it iTieant, and he sternly rebuked Am- bassador Wilson by sending him a copy of the apologetic cablegram, which was equiva- lent to a tap on the wrist. All the chancel- leries of Europe and South America are nov roaring with laughter at our State Depart- ment, and this is not pleasant. The reason w-hy the President lost his professorial pose is that he has become aware that the true polic; of the United States is to recognize Huert; as Provisional President, and that the un- official, uncredentialed mission of Bryan's agent, Mr. Lind, is a mistake, ^^'hy not rec- tify the mistake at once? The only practical thing that Mr. Lind can recommend is the provisional recognition of Huerta, and this Ambassador Wilson has urged already. — TtKcn Tolyics. 12 MEXICO Saturday, August SO, 191 S "MEXICO" Published every Saturday- by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS.- We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE IS BROAD ST., NEW YORK Maligning Dr. Tupper From Los Angeles comes the news that Henry Allen Tupper, D. D., at a banquet given in his honor by General Jesus Carranza, brother of Venustiano Carranza, declared that he was convinced that the United States should allow the Carranzistas to obtain "all needed arms." Dr. Tupper is special peace delegate of the International Peace Forum with headquarters in New York ! And he pleads for arms for the rebels of North Mexico ! ! There must have been something more pot- ent than grape juice passed around at the banquet board to have brought so astounding a statement from the peaceful doctor. Arms for the bandit bands of beleaguered rebels that they may continue their slaughter of the in- nocent, their rapine, pillage and blackmail ! Surely the doctor is misquoted. Arms for the lawless elements whose motto is "Loot and No Work!" And the Reverend Tupper is a delegate of peace ! No more barbarous suggestion could pos- sibly be made by the worst enemy of Mexico. It is an encouragement of all the unbridled and licentious passions of the roving bands of outlaws whose ignorance and restlessness have made them the tools of ambitious and corrupt pohticians. Perhaps Dr. Tupper will next suggest to Germany that it would be desirable to furnish arms and ammunition to the I. W. W. in the United States. There would be nothing more wild, barbarous or irresponsible in the latter suggestion than in the first. Let us in charity hope that Dr. Tupper has been maligned by his rebel hosts. Selfish Americans Mexico City. — Further expressions of protest against the mediation plan sub- mitted by the United States Government are frequently heard among Americans here.— A^ Y. Sun, August 27. But of course Americans in Mexico think of their selfish interests only, have no high purposes and are ignorant of Mexican condi- tions. Fortunately for them knowledge will be supplied to them by the shining lights of the W;t ^bine-ton Adiiiini>-tration. What Do We Get? Of course, it is not considered good form nowadays to consider the administration's policies from the standpoint of practicality. If the theories behind them are rhetorically convincing it is not expected that any further proof of value is necessary or desirable. Nev- ertheless many sensible people who manage somehow to retain a practical point of view have been sordidly selfish enough to ask them- selves what possible good can accrue to the United States from a continuation of our truculent opposition to the present Mexican government. If the purpose of the United States were to promote further difficulties in Mexico with the idea of making intervention inevitable and assuring to this country more territory, then our attitude would be readily understandable. But we profess not to have the slightest in- tention to do any such thing. If the United States wants to meddle in Mexican politics with the object of putting in power there a party or group that would assure privileges and concessions to Ameri- can interests, that attitude also would be un- derstood at least. But a Democratic adminis- tration wouldn't dare countenance such a program and the people of the country would have none of it. If our idea is merely to show Mexico how strong and powerful we are, that is simply puerile, dangerous and pernicious and gets us nowhere. If we aim simply to teach all Latin-Ameri- can countries a lesson in democracy we are doing so at the expense of prestige, friendship and commercial relations. What are we to get out of this whole Mexi- can muddle ? Nothing, save unnecessary trouble and tension, international misunder- standings, a reputation for meddling and bull- dozing in Latin-American countries and the ever-present possibility of being forced by our own actions into a war we do not want. Root "I am entirely in accord with President Wilson," said Senator Root, "in his policy of non-intervention in Mexico. As to the proposition that has been put forward by some that the United States should per- mit the free exportation of arms and ammunition into Mexico for the use of both sides in the present civil strife, I am opposed to any such thing. I am against making the United States a basis of opera- tions in a civil war in any of our neigh- boring countries. "It began when Madero accomplished the overthrow of Diaz. Madero was an idealist, a theorist, and a dreamer and tried to ap- ply principles in the governing of Mexico for which the Mexican people were not ready or prepared." — Interview in the New York Times, .'\ugust 24. Senator Root has done more than any other, living .\mcrican, with the exception, perhaps, of John Barrett, to bring closer the people of the United States and those of Latin-America and to create a common understanding. Senator Root is one of the few men in this country that have a thorough knowledge of Latin- .•\merican aflfairs and of the Latin-American people. Fairness John Lind goes to Mexico and the jingo press publishes "inside information" that Lind will be murdered, that Lind will be attacked by the Mexican mob, that Lind will be treated without consideration, that he has gone in the midst of savages, etc., etc. Even his cousin in an interview says: "John Lind has only one arm, but he is a brave man. He knew he was taking his life into his hands going to Mexico, but he went unflinchingly." John Lind is received with courtesy, is treated royally by all classes of Mexicans. He finds that he is much safer in Mexico than he would be in New York. Then we read in that same press: "Huerta has weak- ened. The Mexicans are afraid of us. The mere presence of John Lind has overawed them," etc., etc. John Lind at the eleventh hour made addi- tional proposals to the Mexican government, which asked twenty-four hours to answer. John Lind and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gamboa jointly asked President Wilson to postpone the reading of his message, to give the government sufficient time to frame its answer. These are the facts. But we read here: "Huerta asks for one day's grace. The tottering Mexican government adopts maiiana tactics," etc. And yet we love to tell the whole world a = often as it will listen to us that we are the fairest people on earth. Under No Circumstances! No matter what the context of the news despatches from Washington, no matter how hopeful or optimistic they may seem, some- where in them you will find the statement daily repeated, that the administration will not under any circumstances recognize the pro- visional government of Mexico. Not under any circumstances! If it is wise? Never. Wisdom is the argument of fools. If it is politic? "No, sir, our business is not to be politic; it's to carry out our program," If it's the best thing for Mexico? "What do we care about Mexico? We must preserve a single-track mind." If it's the best thing for the United States? "What? We are the United States." The average citizen doesn't care much whether President Wilson recognizes Huerta or not as long as the even course of business is not impeded with Mexican Crises, Mexican Ultimatums and War with Mexico. Not so with President Wilson. He cares. If he gives in now, if he changes his attitude every- body will k-now that he made a mistake from the start. And a man who makes one vital mistake may make another. Who then would have faith that he has not been mis- taken about the currency and the tariff and the trusts, about Sulzer in the State of New York and Mitchel for the mayoralty, Bryan as Secretary of State, Mc.'Vdoo and Mc- Reynolds? President Wilson will not make a mistake. He will not. Therefore he can't. But A SILVER LINING HALE LEAVES MEXICO MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. I.-No. 3 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1913 FIVE CENTS THE SHAME OF FLIGHT It is difficult for any red-blooded citizen to consider calmly the import of the Administra- tion's "advice" that all Americans in Mexico leave that cotmtry, particularly when the motives that dictated that "advice" are fully understood. Part of the press of this country may have deemed it proper to show its loyalty to the Government by approving its course in this respect, but it is hardly conceivable that it should fail to realize the loyalty which it owes also to the thousands' of American citi- zens who live in Mexico. -And it is absolutely inconceivable that it should fail to realize the disastrous conse- quences which will be suffered by those heed- ing the advice of the Administration. These consequences can hardly be overestimated. First, Americans leaving Mexico of their own volition will not have any right, ac- cording to international law, to claim damages for the losses which they will suffer by the simple fact of their absence. .\ wage-earner, an employee or the owner of a business or of a ranch cannot claim from any Mexican Government, present or future, indemnity for the losses which he will suffer by abandoning his employment or his property for causes entirely foreign to the will of that Government. Second, the Government of the United States has declared its determination to con- sider the Government of ^lexico as a faction and to interpret the neutrality laws as apply- ing equally to the Mexican Government and to the rebels. This is tantamount to extending a tacit recognition of belligerency to the rebels. In this case it cannot hold the Mexican Govern- ment responsible for any damage which the property of American citizens might suffer after their departure from Mexico. In fact, it is doubtful, according to international law, if after such a declaration it could legally enforce the payment of claims whether .\mcr- icans remain in Mexico or not. Yet this Mexican Government controls nine-tenths of Mexico and is extending rapidly its authority, bidding fair to obtain full con- trol within a short time. To this the Washington .Administration may retort that it is doing its utmost to prevent Appoint John Lind Ambassador Continue Friendly Negotiations Enforce Neutrality Laws Demand Protection for American Lives and Property Here is a positive program, a practical policy, one that will commend itself to every fair-minded American. It is a policy that will get results. It will not signify any retreat from the Washington Administration's friendly efforts to bring about peace and better conditions in Mexico. It will mean simply that the Administration wants to place itself in a position where it can without unnecessary tension and misunderstanding further those efforts. In a position where it can demand the fullest protection for American lives and property in Mexico and press the just claims of American citizens for settlement. It will silence the cries of the jingoes for armed intervention by removing the slightest necessity for it. It will squelch the intrigues of self-seeking Mexican politicians and American financial interests who foment disorder in Mexico and supply across the border the weapons and ammunition for the bandits. THIS IS A BIG MANLY AMERICAN POLICY. IS IT GOING TO BE THE PRESIDENT'S? this obtaining of the full control by the Huerta Government and that its "advice" to -American citizens to leave Mexico is the lever with which it expects to overturn the hated Huerta. Thus the meaning of the mysterious w-ords in the President's message : ***** The rejection of our friendship makes them new and will inevitably bring its own alterations in the whole aspect of affairs. The actual situation of the authorities at Jlexico City will presently be revealed. The steady pressure of moral force will before many days break the barrier* of . pride and prejudice down. is now made clear. The Washington .-Vdministration, baffled by a firm and logical rejection of its impossible proposals, in order to carry its point and make the Mexican Government yield, decided upon forcing an exodus of Americans from Mexico. As it is not to be supposed by any one con- versant with Mexican condftions that Presi- dent Wilson's proposals if accepted would have brought about peace and order in Mexi- co, it must be concluded that the proposals were merely intended to eliminate President Huerta from the political field. .Americans must fling to the winds the fruit of many years of labor. They must abandon their property. With their wives and chil- dren they must rush out of the country and become unwilling refugees. "Why," they ask, "when we are contented here, why must we become paupers? Is there going to be a war, invasion, interven- tion ?" MEXICO Saturday, September 6, 1913 "No, we are firm against intervention, but we do not Hlvs" and that Huerta "waded to power through treachery and blood," and that "all the world knows what the actual process was." There is one little bit of the world writing this letter who has read every word that has come out of Mexico on the subject, who knows jiothing of the kind, and who does not yet know that "the shelling of the national palace and the as- sassination of Madero" were in any possible way due to the acts or the volition of Presi- dent Fluerta. — Letter in New York Evening Post, August 29. Dollar Diplomacy One of the first manifestations of the Wil- son Administration's foreign policy was the withdrawal of Government support of Amer- ican participation in the proposed sextuple RECOGNITION OR WAR— Continued close their eyes. It is not a theory but an actual fact which demands a solution — and a rapid solution. "I am in personal correspondence with President Huerta and I realize his position. I have just concluded a conference with form- er President Diaz in Paris. Here is what he said : " 'I will return to Mexico only should peace be restored or should the United States in- tervene.' "That is the attitude of all Mexicans. They may fight among themselves, but should any other nation step in they would present a solid front. The Mexican is proud. He does not fear death. They in Mexico do not de- ceive themselves. They know that the United States is powerful enough to conquer them. Still that docs not matter to them. They will fight to the last man to keep their inde- pendence. Mexico Behind Huerta. "Americans do not understand the situation in Mexico. The same can be said of the Administration. The Mexican people as a whole arc behind Huerta. Those who arc opposing him are only bandits. I received a letter yesterday from a personal friend in one of the disturbed states. He described vividly the atrocities perpetrated by the out- laws. He told of citizens being killed for their refusal to submit to exorbitant demands for money. "I am in a position to show absolutely when the proper time comes the exact nature of those who are heading the present revolu- tion in Mexico. I will show that the leaders of the rebels, instead of being actuated by lofty humanitarian motives, are corrupt and avaricious and fighting merely for personal aggrandizement. I have papers to prove that Madero during his lifetime paid large sums of money to leaders of the present revolu- tion, and that they have violated one after another every armistice they have formed. Septemeee is D.\y of Peril. "Before long wc shall see a great deal of trouble in Mexico which many have not ex- pected. The order to withdraw from Mexico is taken by the Mexicans as an indication that America is contemplating war. On Septem- ber IS Mexico celebrates her Independence Day. It is on that day that I fear there will be a move to attack Americans. The move will not be made by the Federalists, but by the rebels, who will try to place the blame on Huerta. "The United States has made demands of Mexico which no nation could consider. Neither the United States nor any other na- tion has the right to dictate to the Mexicans whom they should or should not have for their President. That is a question for them alone to settle. "The United States in its eflfort to solve the problem should give the Mexican Govern- ment this ultimatum : " 'We will recognize you provided that, on October 16, you will hold your national elec- tion and then elect a President fairly. Un- less you' abide by that election we will with- draw our recognition.' "In that way, and in that way only, can the United States preserve her dignity, give Mexicans a fair chance to solve their present trouble, prevent war and act the role of a dis- interested friend. To make such a proposal to Mexico would mean that Mexico would grasp the opportunity to show to the people of the United States and to the world that it is trying to end its present discord. It would mean that the people could elect their own President and that the nation, backed morally by the recognition of the United States, could put down the present reign of terror caused by the bandits and I am able to say authoritatively that the necessary re- sources are available. Need America's Aid. "So far Mexico has been hampered. It could subdue the rebels within sixty days, in my belief, provided the United States gave its moral backing. "President Wilson fails to understand that the revolt now going on is merely the work of bandits. The conditions in Mexico, the geography of the country, enable a few men to hold ofl a thousand. "Unless the United States takes this stand it will mean anarchy, chaos and war. "The United States is great enough to ad- mit it has made a mistake. A small nation cannot do that and preserve its dignity, but we can. I hope we will." Salurday, September 6, 1913 MEXICO 11 PUBLIC OPINION-Continued loan to China. The President had no use for "dollar diplomacy" as exemplified in this loan, which was to be secured by revenues derived from antiquated and, in some in- stances, burdensome taxes. He announced on March 19: The representatives of the bankers through whom the Administration was approached declared that they would con- tinue to seek their share of the loan only if expressly requested to do so by the Government. The Administration has de- clined to make such request because it did not approve of the conditions of the loan or the implications of responsibility on its own part, which it was plainly told would be involved in the request. The responsibility on its part which would be implied in requesting the bankers to un- dertake the loan might conceivably go to lengths in some unhappy contingency of forcible interference in the financial and even the political affairs of that great Oriental state. The responsibility of our Government implied in the encourage- ment of a loan thus secured is plain enough and is obnoxious to the principles upon which the Government of our peo- ple rests. In one of Mr. John Lind's notes to the Mexican Government appears this passage, which Senor Gamboa diplomatically hints is in the nature of a bribe : The President of the United States of America further authorizes me to say that if the de facto Government of Mexico at once acts favorably upon the foregoing suggestions, then in that event the Presi- dent will express to American bankers and their associates assurances that the Government of the United States of America will look with favor upon the extension of an immediate loan sufficient in amount to meet the temporary require- ments of the de facto Government of Mexico. Of course, this wasn't intended as a bribe. But isn't it "dollar diplomacy"? — Washing- ton Post, August 30. The Censorship To the Editor : Judging from the newspaper reports it would appear that President Wilson has had some very poor advisers, and the re- sult is the present muddle in Mexico. The first mistake our President made was in not recognizing Huerta at the time that he was recognized by the various foreign govern- ments. That recognition would have given him force in his own country, enabled him to finance his operations, and by this time the so-called rebellion in Mexico would have been quelled. I do not see by what right we exercise a censorship over the morals of other countries. To my knowledge it has not been done by any other nation in international difficulties, and our attempt to bring it into play now has proved disastrous. Another mistake I am afraid our President has made is, if the press quotes him cor- rectly, exacting from Huerta the promise that he would not be a candidate for President in the coming elections. I fail to see what right any government or any individual has to make a demand of that character, and Huerta very justly declined to acquiesce. This request places President Wilson in rather an embar- rassing position. The very making of the re- quest itself will popularize Huerta among his own people, and will make him all the more determined to become a candidate. He will probably be elected, and then what will Mr. Wilson do? He will be compelled to recog- nize Huerta, whether he wishes to do so or not. If there is any reason that justifies our President in making what appears to be a most unjust demand on Huerta the American people are not aware of it. The situation at the present time is a very strained one, and, from the Mexican point of view, full of dramatic possibilities. I venture to make the prediction that Huerta will within a very short time resign' in favor of the younger Diaz and will appoint General Tre- vino or General Blanquet his Minister of War and bide his time tmtil October, become a candidate for election, and by thus martyriz- ing himself he will make himself the idol of the Mexican people. All this would have been avoided if Mr. Wilson had in the begin- ning recognized Huerta. — Letter in Baltimore AnicrJcati. August 30. Huerta's Strength Huerta's strength lies in four things : first, his personality, which is that of a strong man, seeking an end by direct methods ; second, the support of the Catholic party, which is the only party in Mexico with organization and dependable membership — it is very strong, but it is not in the majority, and for that and for no other reason its members are supporting Huerta, waiting for a chance to slip in some marv closer to their reactionary ideas ; third, the support of the Haciendados, or large landowners, who seek in Huerta the only man who stands between them and spoliation ; last but not least, Blanquet. Blanquet, now Minister of War, is one of the old Diaz type, absolutely fearless and absolutely merciless. — "An American Resident"' in Tl\e Outlook, August 30. The Wilson Style The address on the Huerta affair in its ex- pression is worthy of a sweet girl graduate. In its structure it reveals a mind which has never solved the final processes of orderly thought. The habitual use of the adjective "very" ; the long array of sentences and para- graphs which say almost nothing and reveal only a bewildered mind, afford a pitiable contrast to the points made by Senor Gamboa in reply to the absurd demands of "Mr. Con- fidential Agent" Lind. — Letter in New York Sun. September 1. "Given the moral support of the United States Government, General Huerta can put down the so-called revolutions in Mexico and ultimately restore the republic to such a state of pacification as existed when Porfirio Diaz was in his prime as ruler," declared F. W. Page, an American, owner of mining interests in Jalisco and other states, with headquarters at Guadalajara, who is at the Occidental. Mr. Page has spent the best part of fifteen years in Mexico, mingling much with the lower classes as well as the upper classes of Mex- icans. "I realize that whatever views I may have will not avail against the policy of the admin- istration," continued Mr. Page, "but I am nevertheless convinced that no man without long residence irt Mexico can hope to under- stand conditions in that country. Neither the President nor his advisers can acquire a cor- rect view of the situation by sending agents there. The Mexicans do not dislike Amer- icans personally, but as a nation we are despised and mistrusted. It is all very well to deny a government recognition on the ground that the government was acquired by brutal force and assassination. We are not dealing with the same conditions in Mexico nor the same kind of people that exist in the United States. No one can deny that Porfirio Diaz governed Mexico well and wrought a wonder- ful change from the condition when he took the reins of government until a few years be- fore he left the republic. Diaz came to the head of the Mexican nation much in the same manner as Huerta did. He forced his way by arms into the captal, was elected president, and maintained his rule with the sword. This government did not recognize Diaz, as I re- member, when he was provisional president, nor for some time after he had been elected. "Huerta, in my opinion, can restore order in Mexico if given a chance, and he can main- tain that order, but he will have to pursue the same iron methods that Diaz used. ".American lives and property can be assured of greater protection with Huerta at the head of the government than they could under any other man, for whatever may be said about the manner of his accession, the truth is that Huerta to-day is far the strongest figure in Mexico. We are advised — Americans are ad- vised to leave Mexico. Years ago the United States Minister to Mexico, in one of his of- ficial documents, stated in unmistakable terms that Mexico offered greater opportunities for small and large American investors than could be had here in the United States. Many Americans went there, acquired and built up properties that are valuable, all they possess. "If the United States could by benevolent occupation restore peace, it would be a better way, perhaps, than any other, but such an un- dertaking would involve an army of 400,000 men, the expenditure of many millions, and fifteen years of campaigning, and then it could be done only by educating the masses in Mex- ico." — Interview in IVashington Post. 12 MEXICO Saturday, September 6, 191S "MEXICO" Published everj- Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin -American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE IS BROAD ST., NEW YORK Appoint Lind Ambassador The appointment of an American Ambas- sador to Mexico with instructions to cooperate elTectively with the Mexican Government in protecting American life and property and in bringing to justice the marauders who are responsible for any loss of either is the simplest solution of the Mexican problem as far as this country is concerned. This act would restore the friendly relations between the two countries and would certainly put this country in the best position to enforce its just claims. As it is now we have no diplomatic standing in Mexico except by the courtesy of the Mexican Government, and we have gone out of our way to antagonize that government by contemptuously referring to it as a faction claiming to exercise power. By all the unwritten laws of civilization we cannot enter into relations with the rebel bands and bandits who are pillaging, looting and blackmailing any more than we could with the outlaws and road agents of Wild West days. We insist that the Government of Mexico bring about peace and prevent destruction of property, and in the next breath we refuse to recognize that government as the constitu- tional government of Mexico, although the Mexican Congress and Supreme Court have declared it is and a vast majority of the people are agreed that it is. It's a preposterous, ridic- ulous attitude and cannot possibly be main- tained. The appointment of an American Ambas- sador, we repeat, is the simplest, most natural and reasonable way of not only showing our friendship for Mexico, but at the same time putting our country in a position from which it would have some right to make "demands." Henry Lane Wilson. Reginald Del Valle. William Bayard Hale. John Lind. Next ? What's the matter with John Lind as duly accredited Ambassador? They like his manli- ness down there, despite the impossible pro- posals he was ordered to present. Why brand John Lind with failure in the Mexican negotia- tions when by appointing him as Ambassador the Washington administration could assure his complete success? It's unjust to a man like John Lind not to give him a real chance. It's not just to Mexico and, above all, it is not just to the legitimate interests of the United States Government and people. The Failure of Hale It has been reported from ]\Iexico City that when the ex-Reverend William Bayard Hale entered the arena of Mexican politics he an- nounced that he had three noble and unselfish purposes : To have Ambassador Wilson removed. To prevent recognition of President Huerta. To forestall American intervention. The first part of his ambitious program he has carried out, although when all the truth is known we believe that American public opinion will react so strongly in Ambassador Wilson's favor that other and even greater nelds for usefulness will be found for him in the service 'of his country, that seems to need so obviously men of his experience and caliber. The second purpose of Hale's self-assumed program he has succeeded in so- far, but we cannot rid ourselves of the optimistic feeling that soon, very soon, the enlightened opinion of the world, the inherent sense of right and justice in the American people, the exposure of the narrowness, danger and perniciousness of the Hale point of view will prevail, and that the folly of forming an international policy on the say-so of a man whose only claim to distinction is that he can write the English language with more or less fluency will be so apparent that even the Washington administration will admit it. As to forestalling intervention, we leave it to our readers to judge whether the following of his advice has been conducive to anything but a continuation of misunderstandings and a hair-trigger tension in the relations between the United States and Mexico, in which peril- ous tension lurks all the possibilities of an in- tervention that has not been warranted and which is not wanted by the American people. If the necessity arises for armed interven- tion, with all that it means to our present and future, no single individual will be more re- sponsible for its appalling consequences, its cost in blood and treasure, than the ex- reverend doctor. We conclude, therefore, that William Bayard Hale, D.D., has failed ignominiously. Too Bad It Couldn't Be Mexico was to be "singularly isolated." On the fiat of the United States it was to be cut off from civilization, a pariah among the na- tions. Darkness would descend upon the land, the people would huddle in groups and talk with bated breath of the woe that was theirs, of the cataclysm of moral force that had be- numbed their minds and struck terror into their hearts. All who were not of their race would flee the country as from a plague. The wheels of industry would not turn and com- merce with the world would cease. There would be no strength in human ties ; human intercourse would be stricken dumb. There would be no marriages or giving in marriage, children would not know their parents, parents would hate their children. A pall of gloom would envelop the hills and spread its ebony wings over the valleys. Creation and evolu- tion would be forces of life no longer. Life itself would die and then in the void a well- modulated voice would intone : ''Let there be light." A new creation ! A new world 1 A new god of creation — Woodrow Wilson. Dignified Retreat One of our readers has written us a letter from which we quote the following : ''Your arguments in favor of L'nited States recognition of the .Mexican Govern- ment are convincing. I must confess that they have converted me to your way of thinking. But for the life of me I can't see how President Wilson and Secretary Bryan can take any other course than their present one without acknowledging to the world that they have made a grave blunder in dealing with the situation in Mexico. It seems to me that such an acknowledgment would be humiliating to them and to the United States and would seriously compromise the Democratic ad- ministration. Don't }'0U think it is in- cumbent upon the Mexican Government, and especially President Huerta, to give the Washington Administration a chance to show its friendship for Mexico and at the same time retire gracefully with dig- nity from its present, embarrassing posi- tion?" In reply to this letter, which we think rep- resents the thought of many Americans,, we can only say that, in our opinion, no indi- vidual, no nation, ever lost in reputation or dignity by honestly and openly acknowledg- ing a mistake. Further, that most of the wars that have retarded the progress of mankind have been, when not wars of con- quest or territorial aggrandizement, the re- sult of just such mistakes and misunderstand- ings persisted in. President Wilson in his message announced his friendship for Mexico and the Mexican people and asked Mexico to point out to him any future way in which he could manifest his friendship. If all factions in Mexico, with the exception of the lawless elements and the disgruntled politicians of the Madero regime, are united as they are to uphold the constitutional ad interim Gov- ernment of President Huerta, certainly they have indicated to Washington the way in which he can best show his disinterested friendship for their country. Seiior Gamboa has said that if President Wilson will re- ceive the Mexican Ambassador in Washing- ton all misunderstandings will cease, bygones will be bygones, and a new era of close and abiding friendship between the United States and Mexico will ensue, to the moral and material benefit of both. The United "States is bigger and more powerful by far than its southern neighbor, and certainly it is the part of strength and power to act with jus- tice, and by an act of justive its power and dignity are increased rather than hurt. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. 1.— No. 4 NEW YORK. SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 13. 1913 FIVE CENTS Is Mexico Financially Blockaded? Is Control of National Railways to be Wrested from Mexican Government? What Mexico Could Say Mr. James Creelman, whose startling arti- cle on the financial situation in Mexico we reproduce in this number, is undoubtedly the best authority in this country on Mexi- can affairs. For this reason his statements at this time are of decided importance. We must say frankly that we are loath to believe that the President of the United States in order to succeed in his unwar- ranted attempt to eliminate at this juncture the Provisional President of Mexico should have resorted to any such means as those mentioned by Mr. Creelman. The process of "putting on the screws," in the employment of which our Trusts in their commercial and political pursuits are past masters, is precisely the Big Business method so often and so emphatically de- nounced by President Wilson and his ad- ministration. It is unconscionable to suppose that the friendship for Mexico expressed in such glowing terms by President Wilson should be revealed in an attempt to shut off from that country all sources of financial supply. Especially when this blockade would not re- sult in the establishment of peace, but in prolonged troubles for Mexico. What sentiment could prompt the Presi- dent of the United States to adopt such a course? Certainly not the desire to see order and general happiness return to the southern Republic. Could it be then the mere desire of GAINING A POINT, in the elimination of General Huerta, owing to personal dislike and personal prejudice which seem to have been injected into a question where they should have found no place? We hardly think so. IF IT SHOULD BE TRUE, HOW- EVER, THAT PRESIDENT WILSON HAS COMPLETELY SURROUNDED THE HUERTA GOVERNMENT WITH A FINANCIAL BLOCKADE, THEN WE SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO BE- LIEVE ALSO THE STATEMENTS MADE FROM TIME TO TIME IN WELL-INFORMED CIRCLES THAT THE MEXICAN TURMOIL HAS BEEN LARGELY DUE TO THE DESIRE OF CERTAIN INTERESTS TO REGAIN THE CONTROL OF THE NATIONAL RAILWAYS OF MEXICO. Also that these interests HAVE FOUND IN PRES- IDENT WILSON THEIR STAUNCH- EST ALLY, although we shall refuse to believe that President Wilson's support is knowingly and intentionally given. It has been frequently stated that there exists a financial conspiracy to wrest from the Mexican Government the control of the National Railways of Mexico. To this end, it has been alleged, the rebellions in Mexico have been encouraged and financed. As a consequence of rebellions and ra-n- pant brigandage and banditry the railways of Mexico have greatly suffered and their earnings have decreased in a corresponding proportion. The Mexican Government owns the control of the National Railways and has guaranteed the payment of interest on all the bonded debt of the Company, in case the Company should be unable to meet these fixed charges. It has been stated that while on the one hand the earnings of the National Railways of Mexico were decreasing and the Com- pany consequently becoming unable to meet the payment of fixed charges, on the other, EFFORTS WERE BEING MADE TO PREVENT THE MEXICAN GOV- ERNMENT FROM RECEIVING OUT- SIDE FINANCIAL HELP. In case the Company should be unable to pay the interest on its bonded debt and the Government should be unable to make good the guarantee of payment of the interest, THE BONDHOLDERS, it is alleged, WOULD ASK FOR A RECEIVER, WIPE OUT THE SHAREHOLDERS AND SEIZE THE WHOLE PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL RAILWAYS OF MEXICO. In this way, if the plan ascribed by Mr. Creelman to President Wilson SHOULD BE TRUE, it WOULD FIT IN NICELY with the plan which it has been alleged is being carried out by those interests that are determined to obtain the propc } of the National Railway: without paying too much for it. WHETHER OR NOT ALL THIS IS TRUE WILL BE REVEALED AFTER THE MEETING OF BONDHOLDERS OF THE NATIONAL RAILWAYS OF MEXICO, WHICH IS TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN A FEW DAYS IN NEW YORK CITY. We do not believe in the possibility of such plans as exposed by Mr. Creelman, al- though he seems to know what he is writ- ing about, or in the alleged plans in regard to the National Railways of Mexico. But if they should be proved to exist and should be carried out to completion the only course open to Mexico would be that indicated by Mr. Creelman. MEXICO Saturday, September ij, igi^ MEXICO COULD SAY TO THE WORLD: "We have done our best to maintain our credit intact and faithfully to respect all our financial obligations now as in the past. -EUROPEAN BANKERS, KNOWING THE STABILITY OF OUR CREDIT AND THE EXTENT OF OUR RE- SOURCES ARE READY TO GIVE US ALL THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT WE NEED TO RE-ESTABLISH PEACE AND DEVELOP OUR RESOURCES. "The President of the United States re- fuses to recognize our Constitutional Gov- ernment. MOREOVER, TO DEMON- STRATE THAT HE HAS THE POWER TO ENFORCE HIS WILL UPON US, he has brought to bear his potent influence on the bankers of Europe to surround us with a financial blockade. "WE PROTEST AT THIS UNFAIR TREATMENT, BUT WE ARE COM- PELLED TO DECLARE A MORATO- RIUM ON THE PAYMENT OF INTER- EST ON OUR NATIONAL DEBT. WE SHALL KEEP THE MONEY AT HOME, use it in the work which we have determined to carry on to a finish — that of restoring order and reopening all the sources of fruitful production. IT MAY TAKE US ONE, TWO OR THREE YEARS TO DO THIS. When this is done we shall begin again payment of interest on our national debt, compounding the amounts due for non-payment of interest during the time of suspension. MEXICO IN PEACE CAN EASILY ASSUME A MUCH LARG- ER NATIONAL DEBT THAN IT HAS NOW, as in proportion to territory, popula- tion and resources, it has one of the small- est national debts in the world. "As to the National Railways of Mexico, the Government finds it indispensable to requisition them and take full possession, holding them for such a length of time as it will deem convenient. This is a measure of national and public necessity. "THIS IS NOT OF OUR OWN VOLI- TION. We are forced to it by the unjusti- fied determination of the United States not to recognize a government which our own Congress and Supreme Court have declared to be the Constitutional Government of Mexico. "We are sorry, but now our creditors shall have to bide their time." If the alleged plans to shut off all finan- cial help and to wrest the control of the National Railways of Mexico existed and were carried out, Mexico could say all this to the world with clear conscience and clean hands. And the world would recognize the justice of Mexico's stand. But of course no necessity will arise for such a declaration on the part of Mexico. lu $1,500,000, will fall due. The payment of the interest on these bonds is guaranteed by the Mexican Government, and as the railways cannot pay the amount about to fall due on account of the losses suffered during the present revolt, the Government has assumed responsibility. The Govern- ment also has undertaken to pay $495,000 interest falling due on the same date on consolidated bonds of the railways which were not surrendered at the time of the amalgamation. This statement is made on the authority of a high official of the National Bank of Mexico, who said that the payments will be made from funds standing to the credit of the Government in nine local banks, out of the loan, of which a part was floated in Paris and which will probably be raised to $7,500,000. The payments will be made through New York, London, Amsterdam and Berlin. The majority of the stockhold- ers are English and French. The Govern- ment, it is stated, has taken this step in order to retain control of the railways and forestall any foreclosure proceedings by the bondholders. Bond Interest to Be Paid Special Cable Dcspatclv^o New York Snn. Mexico City, September 10. — On October 1st interest on the guaranteed bonds of the National Railways of Mexico, amounting Those Savage Mexicans Mexico City, September 10. — In order to in- sure tbe protection of foreigners during tbe In- dependence Day celebration on September 16 tbe Goyernment has sent the following telegram to the Governors of all States : ''By special or- der of the President of the Hepublic I beg you to dictate immediately tbe most appropriate and energetic measures in order to avoid dis- orders during the approaching patriotic fiestas. Especially is it desii-ed that nothing occur af» fecting persons or the interests of foreigners residing in the State which you govern. Tbe President is likewise desirous that solemn com- memoration of our independence be marked by discretion and good sense on the part of the people and that the latter comprehend patriot- ically tbe convenience of accentuating in these moments our culture and our respect for sub- jects of friendly nations and entertain tuward them tbe fraternal attitude which is demanded by reason and justice that always govern tbe acts of Mexicans and government of this Re- public. In transmitting to you this order 1 re- peat my recommendation that the greatest care and vigilance bo exercised in fulflUing the in- struction and I shall be grateful if you notify me telegraphically of receipt of this message. "Urrutia, Mhiistcr Interior." .•\n Associated Press despatch to morn- ing newspapers of the eleventh asserts that the foregoing recommendation was made Ijy Minister Urrutia: "Because of representations by tlie Amer- ican Charge d',A.ffaires, Nelson O'Shaugh- ncssy, to the Mexican Foreign Office, as a preventive measure and in line with the recent warning from Washington that the Mexican authorities would be held respon- sible for any injury done to Americans." Of course from now on everything that the Mexican Government does which is in keeping with the law, civilized customs, courtesy, etc., will be done "because of rep- resentations or warnings" by the American representative in Mexico! How old are we, anyway? Christian Science Diplomacy The secret is out. The Administration's policy toward Mexico is to "hold a good thought," refuse to admit material facts. "Mind" — the Administration's mind — "is all." There is no matter, or if there is, it doesn't matter. Here is Iiow this newfangled diplomacy works out : The Administration "holds the thought" that European governments are supporting its course in regard to Mexico. Foreign chan- celleries and the foreign press emphatically, even indignanth% deny this. The Adminis- tration insists it has the backing of Europe and that ends it. The Administration "holds the thought" that John Lind's mission is a success. Lind drops two of his impossible proposals, is flouted diplomatically on the other two, and goes about sightseeing in Mexico. The Ad- ministration insists witli huge satisfaction that John Lind's mission is a success. The Administration "holds the thought" that its proposals are "peace proposals." The United States is not at war with Mexico. Furthermore, nobody understanding Mexican conditions believes for a moment that they are either practicable or conducive to the es- tablishment of peace. Yet the Administration insists they are "peace" proposals. The Administration "holds the thought" that all Americans must get out of Mexico. The American residents protest vigorously and assert tliat there is no necessity, and fur- ther that they won't. The Administration in- sists that they should, but tliat they may take their time about it. The Administration "holds the thought" that President Huerta will eliminate himself. The Mexican nation retorts that the status of President Huerta is a matter for Mexicans to decide. The Administration insists that President Huerta will retire. The Administration "holds the thought" that Senor Gamboa and Secretary O'Shaugh- nessy have received and conve3-ed assurances from Huerta that he will not be a candidate for President in the future. Senor Gamboa and Secretary O'Shaughnessy deny that any such assurances were given or conveyed. The Administration insists that President Huerta promised not to be a candidate. The Administration "holds the thought" that the present government of Mexico is not constitutional. The Mexican Congress and Supreme Court, who alone have the authority, have declared it constitutional. The Admin- istration insists. The Administration "holds the thought" that the present government of Mexico will not long survive his M. A. M. The govern- ment, according to all reports, is growing stronger every day. Still the Administration insists. The Administration "holds the thought" • that the Mexican Government cannot get money. Eighty thousand soldiers are paid regularly, and the bankers of Mexico promise all the money needed. Still the Administra- tion insists. .\nd so on and so on. Mrs. Eddy still lives and is incarnated in tlie Washington Administration. Saturday, September r ;, /g/j MEXICO In the Other Fellow's Boots The United States Situation (Mr. Goad,!. By FRANK GOODSENS prAiticaiy -o^rai ar,d ccof.omicai conditlcr.s of the Gr n-.ucalih. — Edim Netr. ) The Unitcil States situation at the time of tliis writing, September 11th, is at a standstill. It is generally understood that the President ol the Great Northern Commonwealth will not yield an inch in his policy of non-recognition of the United States Government. No state- ment has beeen given out at the Purple House or at the Foreign Otlice disclosing the actual reasons for the Great Northern President's policy. His intimate friends declare, however, that it is based on "moral grounds," and they are convinced that he is pursuing a course the moral eftect of which will be to end immedi- ately and for all time the political and social troubles of the United States. 1 have made a thorough and extensive in- vestigation in both countries and 1 am now in a position to give the actual facts to the people of the United States. In the first place, I wish to state as emphat- ically as I can that the President of the Great Northern Commonwealth is not prompted in his polic3' by any ulterior motive or by con- nivance with the predaceous interests of the Great Northern Commonwealth that have fos- tered and fomented trouble in the United States. The President's attitude is based principally on ignorance as to conditions in the United States, personal dislike for President Wilson, and prejudice in regard to the manner in which he came into power. This dislike and prejudice are the result of information received through the Great North- ern press and through personal representa- tives, chief among whom is his own biogra- pher, a clever magazine writer. This man, an ex-clergyman, whose personal exploits are not such as to make him the proper judge of the morality of other people, has been in Washington for several months, and it is a well-known fact that he went there with preconceived ideas and actuated by a holy horror for other people's failings. It is, besides, a matter of general knowledge that while in Washington his associates were mainly personal enemies of President Wilson or representatives of those Great Northern in- terests that are opposed to President Wilson because of his unswerving refusal to be their tool. I know that the reports of this personal in- vestigator conflict with those of the Great Northern Ambassador to the United States and with those of the majority of consuls antt citizens of the Great Northern Commonwealth in the United States. But the Great Northern President believes that the Ambassador has been too friendly with the Wilson administra- tion, and he prefers to receive his information from unofficial sources and along lines with which he is prepared to agree. -A. great deal has been published in the Great Northern press about the situation in the United States, and many experts on American affairs have sprung up over night and given their opinions as to the causes of United States troubles. Of course, only the bad points of the situation have Ijeen brought out, and lit- tle if anything has been said about the con- structive work done by the Wilson adminis- tration and its purposes. The press of the Great Northern Common- wealtli, while claiming to be the most inde- pendent in the world and the fairest of all, is ever ready to publish all that may work to our discredit, without pointing out the fact that many United States national faults find their counterpart in the Commonwealth even though under a duTerent form. I must state, however, that there are a few Great Noithern newspapers that are trying to give the United States a square deal and that occasionally publish the truth about us. Un- frrtunately, these newspapers are few and ihc others are not always to blame, because they must rely on information received from biased sources and ignorant or corrupt correspond- ents. The private reports received by the Great Northern President and the majority of arti- cles published in the Great Northern press about the United States may be summed up as follows : President Wilson does not answer person- ally to the ideals of the Great Northern people and institutions. President Wilson was nominated by a con- vention of which the delegates did not repre- sent the people of the United States, but only the bosses of the different States. His nomi- nation was brought about by a clever trick of the Democratic leader, now his Secretary of State, who at the last moment forsook the Clark faction and forced Wilson's name on the ticket. The greatest support in the election was given him. by boss-owned, corrupt organiza- tions, among which the Great Northern press mentions especially Tammany of New York, and those organizations controlling some of the Southern States, in vi'hich the negro vote is in eiTect null and void. The Democratic campaign was conducted by means of contributions received largely from the Wall Street cientificos, and it is claimed that therefore the Wilson administration rep- resents in eitecc a restoration of the reaction- ary regime. President Wilson assumed the Presidency in spite of the fact that the vote he received was that of a minority, he having received only six million votes out of a total of four- teen million. That President Wilson, although pledged to guard .the constitutional forms, is in practical effect a dictator, who has assumed the func- tions of the legislative power. It is affirmed that he has shut ofT free debate in Congress by secret caucus methods, and the wielding of the heavy Club of Patronage over the heads of Senators and Congressmen. That he brooks no interference and that the disappearance of several statesmen from public life is expected to follow his iron-shod methods. Besides that, conditions throughout the United States are getting worse, and to sub- stantiate this the press frequently publishes elaborate stories of lynchings. Western hold- ups, deeds of terror-spreading gunmen. Also a number of articles depict in the blackest hues the evils of child labor, peonage in some Southern States and in the Philip- pines, prison contract labor, and the miserable conditions of underpaid mill hands and of the starvii.g thousands in the large cities. They state in the same breath that govern- ment officials and political bosses in the United States arc waxing fat, and that the United States national resources are all really owned by a few multi-millionaires. Our political conditions are described as the worst in the world, and it is stated that the Wall Street cientificos have a firm grip on the political machinery of the whole country. A great deal of sentiment has been created by the publication of these stories, to the ex- tent that many of the citizens of the Great Northern Commonwealth are beginning to think that perhaps it is their duty to invade the United States and right every wrong that exists here. The spoils system especially has horrified the Great Northern people. They cannot un- derstand how pul)lic orhces, the diplomatic service, etc., are made the dumping ground of political hacks. All this has convinced many Great North- erners that the government of the United States and its various State governments are governments of tlie grafters by the bosses for the corporations. Of course, this seems outrageous to the Great Northerners, who have a government of . ■(■ people, for the people, by the people. The Great Northern President in sending his envoy to Washington with the requests that have now become world-famous, really felt that he was doing a great favor to the United States by demanding: That President Wilson eliminate himself from the political field. That an election be held by the people, a fair election \vi;iiout the participation of boss- cor.f rolled organizations. That a candidate be selected acceptable to the Republican, Progressive and Democratic factions. That a government be set up w'hich will be representative of the great majority of the people of the United States. Of couise, President Wilson refused to ac cept the proposals of the Great Northern gov- ernment; first, because he could not brook interference from an outside government in MEXICO Saturday, September /?, /^/J matters which pertain purely to internal poli- tic5, and further because he and every one in the United States who is familiar with condi- tions know that his elimination from the polit- ical field would not mean the solution of United States pi-oblems. It has been pointed out to the Great North- ern President that the principles of his gov- ernment may not be applicable to the United States, where the people have had less oppor- tunity for political and social education. That it will take time before the people will be able to govern themselves according to the rules of pure democracy. That President Wil- son is undoubtedly the strongest man in sight, and that he is doing his best to bring about the reforms which in time will mean the com- plete happiness of the people. That such blessings as the Great Northern- ers enjoy, namely: nomination by primaries, elections by direct vote, elimination of cam- paign contributions, mdependence of the leg- islative and judicial powers, appointments by meiit, national ownership of all natural re- sources, common carriers and public utilities, co-operative ownership of all industrial and commercial enterprises, cannot be brought about in the United States in a day or a year. But the Great Northern President does not understand this, and remains immovable. "I cannot recognize such an immoral gov- ernment — they must have early and fair elec- tions and the condition — sine qua non — is the elimination of President Wilson." To carry out his point even in the face of world-wide criticism he is determined to use all means, even that of bringing tremendous financial pressure to bear on our government. The Great Northern President desires that it should be understood that once he takes a stand for a thing he does not seek a com- promise, neither will he agree to any com- promise. He is stubborn. He is extremely in- telligent and learned about affairs in his own country but ignorant of other people's charac- teristics and lacks sympathy with other races. He wants to impose his own will on the peo- ple of the United States and wants them, to adopt immediately the methods of the Great Northern people even though we may not l)e prepared yet for those methods or we may prefer other ways. The American people and the American leaders have a right to work out their own salvation. They wish to be given a fair chance. The whole world recognizes this right. It is true that meanwhile owing to the cir- cumstances inherent to a period of readust- ment Great Northern interests and all other foreign interests in the United States are suf- fering enormous losses but that does not give the Great Northern Government the right to interfere in our internal affairs and to offer an affront to our Government. It is now quite clear that if the Great North- ern Government had from the beginning ex- tended proper recognition to ours the solution of our troubles w^ould lie much nearer than it is now. Unfortunately the Grvernment to investigate existing conditions in Mexico. Dr. Tupper was met with flare and blare by the rebel chief and his committee and was escorted in an automobile across the Inter- national Bridge. On the other side the doctor was met and given an ovation by the rebel garrison. Later he was feted and banqueted l)y the "elite" of the rebels. There was an extraordinary requisition on the imported stock of Senor Trueba, the Spanish commis- sion and wine merchant. Senor Don Enrique Tuppe after the pleas- ures of the banquet, rashly assured his gen- erous host and his fellow guests that he wa.-i in favor of tlie unrestricted shipment of arms and ammunition to the rebels, and would ad- vocate such on his return to Washington. Now this was very, very early in Don Enrique's sojourn in Mexico, before he had investigated other than the stock of Senor Truejja. "Where is Don Venustiano Carranza? I must see and speak with him." So urged the learned doctor. Thereupon there was much commo- tion, for the rebels knew not the whereabouts of their illustrious leader, but not to disap- point el Senor Don Henry Tupper, on the spur of the moment they stated that Don Venus was at Hermanes. The impatience of the doctor was so extreme that a special train was at once made up to convey him to the presence of the rebel king. Now, this special train consisted of an engine, two Pullman cars and three third-class day coaches. \\ lien Doctor Tupper's special train left Piedras Negras the two Pullmans were occu- pied by the doctor, the committee and the military escort, and the three third-class coaches were filled with a motley crew of women, children and aged men, all of them liilariously happy at the prospect of a free ride and adequate remuneration. At Nava, a small town twenty-five miles from Piedras Negras, a little committee of citizens waited to greet the doctor. The committee accompan^'ing the reverend gentleman forthwith invited the Nava com- mittee to enter the Pullman to greet the guest of honor. Suddenly cries rent the air: "Armas y parque !" The committee, apparently sur- prised, rushed forth bearing the excited inves- tigator and there on' the platform was a host of men, women and children who had ap- peared as though suddenly belched from the ground. When they saw Doctor Tupper their entlnisiasm reached its climax, and they stood with arms outstretched toward him and begged piteously for arms and ammunition. "Doctor Don Presidentc Americano, armas y parque !" they yelled. The doctor was moved lo tears, and it was with difiiculty that he could be induced to re- enter the Pullman in time to permit the poor, unfortunate petitioners to be herded back into the three third-class coaches of Doctor Tup- per's special train. The poor populace at Nava crying "Vivas" for Carranza and beg- ging for arms zvcrc travelling with Doctor Tapper. .\t Allende, ten miles south, tlie doctor was again greeted in the train by a committee of citizens or that town, and while occupied with them again came the cry from the platform — a bitter cry of distress: "Armas y parque!" Again he rushed forth and again he was greeted as at Nava : "Viva Carranza! Muera Huerta! Give us arms and ammunition !" At Blanco, a bit farther soutli, a flag sta- tion in the midst of a barren plain, again he was greeted with the same woeful plea, only each time it gathered in volume as the claque got really interested in their game and the credulity of their victim. At Sabinas there was a repetition of the scene, and at Barroteran, and finally at Her- manas he permitted the same crowd to hood- wink him. \\'hen he arrived at Hermanas he was in- formed that Don Venustiano Carranza was not there, and that as much as they regretted it he could not be disturbed just then, being occupied with the storming of Torreon at that moment. Of course every one except the doctor knew that Don Venus had not been at Hermanas, and tliat he was not at Torreon, but was in hiding in tlie mountains of Du- rango. All there was to do was to return to Pied- ras Negras without having investigated Don Venustiano. Another banquet was tendered him, and then he went to Eagle Pass and hied himself to the First National Bank, which is known to be the rebel bank, and spent two long hours therein. His investigation now terminated to his satisfaction, he returned to San Antonio, giving out the story that men, women, children, and even the babies in arms had begged him for arms and ammunition in these words: "Our chief is marching on Mexico City ! Give us arms ! Give us am- munition ! Long live Carranza ! Death to Huerta !" The doctor seemingly had forgotten that he was a "peace" delegate and had become an enthusiastic rebel. We presume that liy now he has rendered his report to the Peace Forum, and that he is advocating the raising of the embargo on arms for the rebels. Is the joke on Doctor Tupper or the rebels ?■ MEXICO Saturday, September /?, igij SAUCE FOR THE GOOSE iit an armistice is Washington. The headquarters of the opposi- tion to Huerta are in this city, and it is un- derstood that from here the sinews of war are lU'ovided for this opposition. For practical results the triangular negoti- ations of President Wilson, General Iluerta and General Carranza would be best held here. The New York Times ascribes the above to a "high government official." We have known before that the headquarters of the opposition to Huerta are in Washington, but we didn't believe that "high government officials" were quite ready to admit it. The most tremendous thing in the Mexi- can situation now is impending national bankruptcy. In the silent, Init nevertheless terrific, ef- fort of President Wilson to compel Presi- dent Huerta to yield to his demands the .Kmerican government is using its inlluence throughout the world to prevent the Mex- ican government from borrowing money. Confronted with a staggering necessity for the prompt restoration of peace, with its revenues falling greatly below its en- forced expenditures, the Huerta adminis- tration will, probably within a month, be compelled to consider the advisability of declaring a moratorium, suspending the payment of all or most of the national fi- nancial obligations of Mexico, so tliat the available public revenues can be used to prosecute the war against rebellion and brigandage. It w^as a similar suspension of payments on the vast foreign debt of Mexico that caused armed European intervention in the time of President Juarez and the bloody usurpation of the Emperor Maximilian. Under the mi.ghty and remorseless pres- sure brought, to bear by President Wilson the financial situation of Mexico has sud- denly become tragic. It cannot last many weeks. Not only has Mr. Wilson shut off all supplies of arms, ammunition and other military necessities from the United States, but he has established a siege of money and credit through which he expects to starve Huerta into surrender. Already the question of declaring a tem- porary national bankruptcy is being seri- ously discussed by men who have almost given up hope that the Wilson-Bryan pol- icy of demanding the retirement and self- disqualification of President Huerta will lie modified in time to avert such a disas- ter. At a time when President Huerta claims to be rapidly subduing Zapata's forces, and to have driven Carranza's bands out into the northern desert, his government is be- ing paralyzed by the destruction of his fi- nancial credit cverywdiere through tlie in- fluence of the United States. Tliis is the meaning of the threat in Mr. W'ilson's message to Congress, tliat in a few days or vireeks the real situation in Mexico City would be revealed. Mr. Wilson has the Huerta government in an extraordinary position of financial helplessness. The loan authorized by the Mexican Congress to reorganize the army and re- store order amounted to $100,000,000 gold. $80,000,000 of the loan would be considered as issued, the remaining $20,000,000 to be unissued for the time being. Of the amount issued the liankers took $30,000,000. About $25,000,000 of this was used merely to retire obligations issued by the Madero administration, and only the $5,000,000 left was available for the support of the Huerta government. The agreement provided that the con- tracting banks should have an option on the untaken $50,000,000 of the authorized loan, one-half of the option to be exercised within six months from last June and the other half to be exercised si.x months there- after. The Mexican government solemnly bound itself not to issue any part of these bonds except on the expiration of the op- tion, and it further bound itself not to is- sue at any time during two years from last June any other foreign obligations or any other bonds payable in gold. Now the banks refuse to take any of the bonds under the option until the United States recognizes Huerta, and the Mexican government can not raise another foreign loan or issue gold bonds until the expira- tion of two years. Bound hau'l and foot by tliis agreement, to violate which would be instantly to an- nihilate Mexican national credit, the Huerta government negotiated a loan from Eng- lish and French bankers of about $15,000,- 000 in gold, redeemable in Mexican cur- rency in Mexico City and New York. Until a few days a.go President Huerta expected to tide over the national crisis witli this money. But he has just been informed that the French and English bankers have with- drawn in deference to official pressure ex- erted on the ground that to refuse to furnish any more money to the Mexican govern- ment would force President Huerta to yield to the demands of President Wilson and promote peace without bloodshed. It is annouiiced that the strong official intlucnce used in England and France to smash this $15,000,000 loan, the last hope of the Huerta administration, was intended as a direct co-operation with President Wilson's effort utterly to crush Huerta. .•\nd if that were not enough, about two weeks ago the Spanish arms and ammuni- tion factories, which have always supplied war munitions to Mexico on credit, form- ally notified the Huerta government that not another shipment would be made unless payinents were made in cash, and in ad- vance. In other words, President Wilson has completely surrounded the Mexican gov- ernment by a financial blockade and has wiped out its credit. It is this dramatic situation that has brought about the consideration of a mora- torium, putting an end to any further pay- 8 MEXICO Saturday, September ij, igi^ ment of Mexico's financial obligations un- til peace is restored. This may be President Huerta's alterna- tive to a surrender to President Wilson. The tremendous consequences of such a national act can be realized when it is re- membered that Mexico's debt has increased from about $150,000,000 gold in 1861 to about $500,000,000, which includes all finan- cial guarantees. President Wilson has not disclosed to the American people the evidence upon which, against the example of every other great nation, he has refused to extend to the Mexican government the formal recog- nition necessary to save it from chaos and self-declared bankruptcy. Nor has President Wilson given the name of a single one of the multitude of Americans living in Mexico who has ad- vised him that President Huerta's title to office is not absolutely legal according to the Mexican constitution and laws. In this critical time it is not generally understood that under Mexican law the election called for October 26th will be null and void unless all Mexico is then at peace, and it is said on high authority that the Mexican Congress is likely in a few days to cancel the date of the election. Every one familiar with Mexico knows what a farce Mexican elections are at best. Since President Wilson has chosen to risk his whole policy and the ultimate ques- tion of war or peace on the holding of an election from which President Huerta is to be excludoJ, I have taken the trouble to get the figures in the election of Presi- dent Madero and Vice-President Suarez. As this election was held in a time of general Mexican peace, and has always been regarded as the nearest possible ap- proach to the free and full expression of the will of the Mexican people, these fig- ures are of utmost importance as showing the utter fraud of the pretense of demo- cratic institutions in that country. There are more than 15,000,000 inhabi- tants in A'lexico. All male Mexicans who have reached the age of eighteen years have the right to vote. The ofiicial report of the committee ap- pointed by the Mexican Chamber of Depu- ties in Xoveniber, 1911, declared that the total popular vote which elected Madero president was 19,997, while the total vote that made Suarez vice-president was 10.245. This in a population of 15,000,000! And a minority report of the committee asserted that many of the votes cast were obtained fraudulently and by military pres- sure, and urged that a new election should be held. The Mexican government announced, without revealing the figures reported by the committee of Congress, that Madero had received the largest vote ever cast for a Mexican president. NAILING THEM! No credence whatsoever is placed by Coustltu- tionalists here iu the Me.\ico City report that General Venustiauo Carranza ha.s agreed to be a candidate for the Presidency. 0r. Francisco ISscudero, confidential agent of General Carran- za, said ; "You may be sure that in so far as it relates to any agreement General Carranza is repre- sented to have made through an unnamed rep- resentative at Mexico City and in so far as it relates to any effort he has made to Induce Sonora Constitutionalists to agree to abide by the proposed election, there is no truth in that report." — Washington Dispatch to the Tiem York Herald. Guglielmo Marconi has installed an ex- tra-powerful wireless station in Washing- ton for the exclusive use of the rebel jun- ta. He has also supplied Don Venustiano Carranza with a portable instrument, a new Marconi invention, the nature of which has not yet been disclosed to the world. By means of this instrument Carranza is able to maintain constant communication with his representatives in Washington and apprise them of all his movements and plans. Thus the Washington junta is in a po- sition to inf'jrm the Herald's correspond- ent — and any other correspondent who is willing to be informed — almost hourly of all that Carranza is doing and thinking. The only drawback to the use of the wireless instrument which Don Venustiano Carranza is carrying, is that the instrument will work only at a very high elevation. This is the real cause — hitherto unre- vealed — that forced Don Venustiano Car- ranza to abandon the plains around Tor- reon and ascend the mountains of the Sier- ra Madre to the west. What has added to the interest in the meet- ing of the Mexican Congress, too, is that all the constitutional members — that is, members in sympathy v/ith the constitutional movement in the Northern Mexican States — will be denied admission to the Congress. Their places will be filled by substitutes, which is provided un- der the Mexican constitution. — .V. Y. World, September 10. Rather clever the little twist in this para- graph foisted upon the Washington corre- spondent of the World by the Washington rebel junta. It gives the impression that the Mexican Executive in order to have the sup- port of a majority in Congress will eliminate the "Constitutionalist" members. As a matter of fact, the Executive could not deny admission to Congress to any member thereof. But the places left vacant by those members who have joined the Maderist juntas in the United States will be automatically filled by their substitutes, who, according to the Mexican law, were elected at the same time the Congressmen themselves were elected. SUBSCRIBE TO "MEXICO" Some Washington ofBcials commented tor the first time on Provisional President Huerta's declaration that if the .Vmerlcan Government were reluctant to give the refugees first-class transportation, he would gladly do so. These officials, instead of resenting the statement, re- garded it as an act of generosity and remarked that they hoped Senor Huerta's beneficence would 1)0 extended to repay Americans and other foreigners for the great losses their in- vestments had .sustained through the chaotic conditions resulting from Huerta's irregular as- sumption of governmental power. This item appeared in recent Washington despatches to all the leading papers of the country. The "sting" of this White House- inspired statement is in the last three lines. Everybody knows that the "chaotic conditions" iu Mexico existed for more than two years liefore Huerta's "assumption of power," that he was in no wise responsible for theiii^ that his purpose has been and is to put an end to these conditions, and that the Washington Ad- ministration's personally antagonistic attitude has encouraged the continuance of lawlessness iu Mexico. Matters have reached a poor pass when the .'\dministration must defend itself by misstatements like the above. Washington. — Ihe admission of the authori- ties at Mexico City that Northern rebels have made important gains during the last ten days was not unexpected 'nere. Reports received at the Department of State from American con- sular officials in that territory as well as the reports received at Constitutionalist headquar- ti'rs here indicate that the period of waiting that has followed the receipt of the second note from Mr. Oamboa has been seized upon by Constitutionalist military leaders as a psychic moment tor activity. • While the federal troops hold most of the larger cities in the Northern States the rest of this territory is practically iu the hands of General Carranza and his lieu- ti'uants. It is understood that the recent conferences between the Constituti6nalist leaders have been for the purpose of formulating some civil or- ganization throughout the territorj' under their control, to supplement the military organization, of which General Carranza is the aclvnowledged head. — .Y. i'. Herald, September Id. The team work of the Herald and of the Maderist junta is a;dmirable ! The authorities at Mexico City have not ad- mitted that the rebels have made important gains during the last ten days, because by the force of events they were obliged to admit that the Federals have made most important gains. In fact, General Ojeda has driven from Ortiz all the massed Sonora rebels, thus going beyond the dangerous point (which had baf- fled the Federals during many months) on the line of advance to Hermosillo. And tlie Federals have also taken the most strategic point in the very heart of the State of Coahuila — Cuatro Cienegas, the last stronghold of the Carrancistas. Thus the union of the Carrancistas who took refuge in the State of Durango with those who re- mained at Ciudad Porfirio Diaz has been ren- dered impossible. It means that even if Ve- nustiano Carranza is still alive — and there seems to be great doubt about this — his brotli- er Jesus will have to forego the pleasure of seeing him for a long time. Saturday, September /?, 791/^? MEXICO What Potter Thinks If Washington will not recognize the Hucrta government in Mexico the latter will do its licst to get along without such recognition in the opinion of James Brown Potter,, who has just come up from Mexico City. Mr. Potter (Iocs not think Huerta has any idea of follow- ing the "suggestions" of President Wilson, transmitted to him hy John Lind. Mr. Potter, who is at the head of one of the biggest agricultural enterprises in Mexico, his company operating enormous plantations, has spent a good part of each year in that country since 1895. He pronounces the order of the State Department for Americans to hurry out of Mexico "ridiculous," and characterizes the negotiations that have been proceeding as in- spired by "grace-juice diplomacy." He said lie regarded John Lind as a nice, sincere gen- tleman. "But," added Mr. Potter, "he doesn't know the people to whom he was sent, he doesn't know their language, and the mission on which he was sent is one of the most peculiar — to say the least — of any an American diplomatic agent was ever charged with. Briefly, its only purpose, so far as I can see it, is to attempt to drive the keystone out of an arch of govern- mental structure ; the result of which would be to send the whole thing down in ruins. Huerta is to-day the keystone of the arch in Mexico, and he is the best and only keystone that those who know Mexico feel could maintain a gov- ernment at present. "There are only two possible ways of ruling Mexico. You must govern the country more or less forcibly from within, or forcibly from without. It is a police job, and such a thing as a democratic government, one of the people liy the people, is impracticable. "In Torreon there is a strong feeling among all classes of Mexicans against Americans, because of the non-recognition of Huerta by the American Government. The feeling there has become so strong that the Dcfcnsa Social professes to believe that the rebels outside are being assisted by Americans within the town, and some of the higher Federal officers are said to share this belief. "Foods went up tremendously in price dur- ing the fortnight. Meat, which had been hov- ering about 80 cents per kilo (2 1-5 pounds) reached $2. Ice jumped up to 15 centavos a pound, sugar reached 35 centavos a pound and lard brought $2.50 a pound. "In my opinion, if recognition is withheld by tlie United States, the Huerta government will go right along anyhow, making out the best it can. It is the only thing possible in Mexico now. Huerta is the only man who can hold things together and restore order in the pres- ent crisis. As for Washington's issuing orders for Americans in Mexico to drop their busi- ness and come on home it is absurd." — New York Times. COMBING THE NEWS Rebels Driven Out of Ortiz Special to the World. Di.usilas, Ariz., September 8. — .\ftcr two day's li.'iwy fighting the rebels, Col. Alvarado com- iiianding, were driven by the Federals uikIit (M-ns. Pedro Ojeda and Medina Barron from nil the main positions about Ortiz. The I'"od- I'lals' heaviest loss was in artillerymen, who were picked off by Indian sharpshooters. The rebel loss was heavy, but they have refused to give the number of their dead and wounded. They are now holding minor positions north of Ortiz, only 100 miles south of Hermosillo. The main army is retreating north in good order with their supplies. Ortiz was a most strat- egic point, and its capture gives the Federals easy access to Northern .Sonora. The Constitutionalists say the retreat was due to the inability of (Sen. Obrogon to bo at the front and direct the movements. He is now in a hospital at Merraosillo suffering from a second sunstroke. The Federals are rebuild- ing the railroad and will make Ortiz a base for supplies. The success of the Federals at Ortiz will result in the failure of the rebel movement in Socora and the breaking up of the rebel army and the guerrilla bands. Gov. Jose Maytorena has annulled all the municipal elections recently held throughout the State of Sonora, appointing military authorities. He has given orders to the retreating forces to destroy every vestige of the Southern Pacific Itailroad of Mexico south of the capital to de- lay thu advance of the Federals. The Limit of Humiliation It is now also apparent that Mr. O'Sbaugh- nessy was not aware of the view which the Washington Administration sought to dissem- inate with regard to the exchanges between the two Governments, otherwise he would never have made his statement in Mexico City deny- ing the truth of the despatch from Washington. — Yeic York Sun, September .S. We must conclude from this that the pur- pose of the Administration is not to dissem- inate the tnilh about its exchanges with Mex- ico, but simply its views. Reminds us of the old difference between truth and logic. One can be terribly logical and not at all truthful. By Mexican Cable to the Herald. Jlexieo City, Mexico, via Galveston, Texas, Wrdiicsday. — That Venustiano Carranza will be n caiiilidate at the October elections for Presi- dent, it given full guaranties by the adminis- tration and will abide by the result whether he wins or loses was the statement made to-night by a representative of the northern rebels who is here to see General Huerta, but who desires that his name be withheld. He states that General Carranza's trip to Sonora was for the purpose of persuading So- nora rebels to agree to this arrangement. From the foregoing it would seem that even rebel leaders have recognized the Mexican Government as the Constitutional Government of Mexico. If it were not the Constitutional Government it could not call the people of Mexico to elections. Yet we still refuse to recognize that gov- ernment. The .Mcxicitn Herald, voicing the sentiments of the majority of Americans here, says editori- ally : ••We regret to appear to be disrespectful to- ward our home Government, but the latest Con- sular instructions from the State Department at Washington, reversing the unwarranted and ill- considered exodus order of ten days ago. seem to us to be the very limit of humiliation for Americans in Mexico. Upon what kind of in- formation was the first sv.-eeping peremptory order for Americans to get out of Mexico at once iiased? If the result did not justify panic, how is Washington now assured that there is no hurry! "If the State Department does not rely upon reports of experienced and competent diplomatic and Consular representatives in JMexico, why. in heaven's name, doesn't it send others to represent it here in whom it has confidence'; For months American interests in Jlexico have been prejudic-^d by the attitude of their Govern- ment in Washington, and now the vacillating attitude of the State Department is making a laughing stock of Americans here and nf the nation throughout the world." Americans here refuse to comment upon tlie revised order except in such language as is un- printable. They are discouraged and unable to understand what the plans of the Vnited States may be and what is to be expected. Business is practically at a standstill. Many who re- fused to leave previously are now preparing to p.bandon their interests and depart, as they see no hope of their Government doing any- thing to bettor affairs for them. Mexicans gen- erally are good naturedly derisive. High army officials here emphatically deoy the report that they are plotting against Presi- dent Huerta and that he is moving them about to prevent concerted action against him. There have been no rumors here of any such plots, and the only movement of high army officials bas been due to well-outlined plans of the War Department, which have not been made public for obvious reasons. — .V. 1'. Times, September 9. J. P. Morgan says : "We certainly shall not lend money to Mexico while the present policy of our government continues in force." See the connection. Busy Explaining Administratiidi autb'iritii-s were busy to-day explaining the conflict between the President's message, whicli advised all .Americans urgently to leave Mexico "at once," with his subsequent Instructions to Consul-General Shanklin at Mex- ico City to advise Americans to take their time. There was bad "team woriv" in the explana- tions. One ofiicial said that the President orig- inally intended that his message should apply only to "zones of danger." Another ofiicial said that the President's message "bad produced a congestion on railways and steamers and that the new instructions to Consul-General Shank- lin were necessary to stop that congestion." A flood of light was thrown on the reluctance of .\mericans to leave Mexico on the invitation of the President to-day. It came out, notwith- standing previous statements, that this Govern- ment will not reimburse refugees from Mexico for losses for abandoned leases, furniture and household goods in general. If an American who occupies a house under lease ^eares Mexico he may have his transportation paid for him by this Government, but be will be liable to the Mexican landlord for the lease. — .V. Y. .Imer- iean, September 10. Those hundred or so .-\mericans who left Vera Cruz for the United States must have been of Taftian size to have caused such a congestion ! And yet we have been told that living in Mexico is at present unbearable ! 10 MEXICO Saturday, September /?, igi^ PUBLIC OPINION The Mystery of Mr. Wilson's Mexican Policy. The utter failure of President Wilson's attempt to relieve, by sentimental moral in- tervention, the dangerous situation brought about by his refusal to recognize the legal government of Mexico was fully antici- pated by all who understand past and pres- ent conditions. In assuming the personal right to decide, in defiance of the Mexican law and the Mexican Congress, that Huerta shall neither serve as president nor be a candi- date for the presidency, and iii deliberately choosing a course opposite to that of all other great nations, Mr. Wilson has brought the government of the United States to an unfortunate appearance of muddled in- capacity in foreign aflfairs. One of the most extraordinary things about the President's attitude is the mys- terious secrecy of his conduct in a mat- ter about which the whole country has the right to be informed. Mr. Wilson has openly treated the American ambassador to Mexico with con- tempt, and has ignored his official reports. He has allowed the suppression of consu- lar reports showing that the so-called "constitutional" forces with which the Huerta government is contending are largely made up of bandits given over to the almost indiscriminate pillage of towns and persons. Mr. Wilson has not revealed the name of one of the multitude of reputable and informed American citizens living in Mexi- co who has advised him that President Huerta's official title is not as legal as his own. He has not allowed the people to know the evidence on which he has chosen to ignore the detailed official statements of the representatives of the United States throughout Mexico. He has concealed his reasons for relying for information upon purely personal rep- resentatives unfamiliar with the great and complex Mexican problem. Can it be possible that the President of the United States has been led into the present unfortunate and embarrassing po- sition through pridt of personal opinion? The State Department, under Mr. Bryan, is in an obvious condition of demoraliza- tion and helplessness. That is plain to be seen. But the country has a right to look to President Wilson for a frank disclosure of the information furnished to him by pri- vate emissaries, since he has apparently turned bis back on officials-reports. Is Mexico to be forced into a declaration of national bankruptcy? If so, what does Mr. Wilson expect to accomplish by par.a- Ij'zing the only apparent means of restor- ing order in that distracted country? \Vhy is our national government urging Americans to fiee from Mexico when the provisional government is openly and strenuously exerting itself to protect life and property, and why are the facts re- ported b}' our consuls carefully locked up in the secret archives of the State Depart- ment? What does it all mean? Mr. Wilson says that he wants peace. How can he liope to avert a continuation of war hy pursuing his present mysterious and futile policy of drifting?N. Y. Eve. Mail. Strong Man Only Hope of Mexico "Mexico as a nation will be nothingmore than a land of disorder and banditti un- less they find a man as good as Porfirio Diaz to become its President." This was the summing up of the Mexican situation, as expressed last night by George Lewis, a mining engineer, of Boston, who arrived here on the Ward liner Morro Cas- tle from Vera Cruz. Mr. Lewis, who man- aged a silver and lead mine in Cerralvo for two wealthy Spaniards, left Mexico because business was dead. The bandits, under the direction of General Carranza, he said, cleaned out the district where his mines lay and he was forced to quit. "These bandits, or so-called Constitution- alists," he said, "have swooped down upon villages and mining^ camps and plundered right and left. They robbed one peaceful family near us, and threatened to kill everj- one in the district if there was any outcry. They have burned bridges, torn up railroad tracks and wrecked the country so that no business of any sort could be carried on. The country is actually paralyzed. Inter- vention by the United States would not do a particle of good. Nothing is fair and sqtiare in Mexico, and there will be noth- ing fair and square in the election. The nation needs a man like old Porfirio Diaz. Such a man at the head of the nation might restore order and do some good." Tying His Hands Isn't there somebody close to President Wil- son who cares enough for him as a man, and supports him as President, who can and will point out to him the dangerous situation in which he has been placed by his Mexican policy? Evidently he has received "advice" heretofore, Init who will say that it was from any real friend? Europe is laughing- at our President ; Japan is smiling politely but none the less gleefully; the powerful countries of South America, Argentine and Brazil, whose ambition is to become even greater than the United Stales, are making capital out of our predicament ; England is playing a shrewd game with the Panama Canal tolls question in mind, and the powers that be in Mexico have been so flagrantly antagonized and in- sulted that we can hardly blame them for resentment. This seems to be a gloomy picture of our international relations, but isn't it literally true? It is a strange anomaly that our President, a thorough gentleman at heart, a model of polite cordiality in his relations with his fellow man, has seemingly given to the world an entirely different impression. I voted for him on the strength of my belief in his single- ness and honesty of purpose in carrying out the necessary reforms to which the Demo- cratic party has committed itself. And be- fore his Administration is fairly under way he becomes involved in the crudest way in foreign misunderstandings and goes out of his way to incite them, as witness the Nic- aragua protectorate proposition and th'; un- warranted meddling in Mexican politics. What is back of all this? Is our President being "used" ? Are those interests who saw in him an honest enemy tying his hands by pushing him into foreign troubles he is not capable of handling? Let somebody please suggest to him the advisability, the necessity, of appointing as Secretary of State a man of experience who knows and can handle foreign affairs, even though to do so it becomes nec- essary to create a new cabinet office for Bryan, for instance, Secretary of Ideals and Lectures. And first of all let President Wilson come straight out in this Mexican matter, admit he has made a mistake, recognize the present capable Mexican Government, retire from Mexican politics and again take up his work of tariff' and currency reform for which he was elected, — Letter in N. Y. Evening Post. French View of Situation Paris, September 8. — The Temps tliis morn- ing, in its leading article reviewing the Mexi- can situation, concludes : "The simplest way out of the perplexities into which the United States has been thrown by a false diplomatic move would be to con- fine herself to an attitude of expectant neu- trality', at least until the presidential election in October. The manifested wishes of the Mexican nation, if freely and regularly e.x- pressed, will then indicate to the United States a line of conduct better defined than is pos- sible by the attitude of suspicious opposition which American diplomacy is adopting at the present time toward General Huerta. "It would be best to recognize the provi- sional Huerta government while waiting, as the European Powers have done, and in ac- cordance with the expressed wishes of all the foreign colonies in Mexico. The least un- trustworthy opinion in Mexico is that Huerta is capable of re-es'tablishing peace, and that work of pacification is making undeniable progress despite the countless difficulties. The attitude of the United States, in which the revolutionists find encouragement, is certainlj- not the smallest of these. Saturday, September /j, /rning the non-candidacy of Pro- \isional President Huerta prove his mission to have been successful, he naturally desires to remain long enough to enjoy the full fruition of his labors.— v. Y. ilntthl. September 10. Well, now! What are the "fruitions" of Mr. Lind's laliors? f 1.(1(1 FOR SIX .MOXTH.S. . . $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this orilcr ;uHi mail it to-dav.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Kiieldsed find •$ for subscription to ".MEXICO," to be sent to 12 MEXICO Saturday, September ij, igij "MEXICO'' Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISfflNG SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $200 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive niedif.m going to the best class of bv.yers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE IS Broad Street, New York The Power of Money We ask our readers to study carefully the well-informed article by James Creelman reproduced from the New York Evening Mail on another page of this issue of Mex- ico. Those who have been puzzled by the seemingly weak and wobbly, when not merely stubborn, Mexican policy of the Ad- ministration, may find in this article a rea- son for the bland optimism that permeates the White House. The Administration has gone into the banking business. We all know the power of money, but it has remained for a Democratic President, absolutely uncontrolled by financial inter- ests, an enemy of special privilege, to call upon the Money Power to help him carry out a meddling and muddling interference in Mexico. We all know, too, that money's greatest power is in the accretion of power, that it does not lend itself to sentiments nor blindly follow chimeras. It is pertinent to ask what "Aloney" expects from thf Washington Administration in return for its bolstering up of the arbitrary, domineer- ing Mexican policy? It would be delightfully naive to say "Xothing." But experience teaches a dif- ferent lesson. Experience may also teach President Wilson that when "Money" gets its grip on a Washington Administration it is slow to relax and hard to throw off. The pound of flesh will be demanded. So this is how we are going to force our "ideals of democracy" on our weaker neigh bors Verily tlic ways of idealists arc be- yond comprehension. We object to Madero's overthrow Ijy force. .And we aim to overthrow Iiis suc- cessor by the greatest force in the world^ — "Money." It is well in this connection to rcnienibcr the dignified, patriotic words of Senor Gamboa's note rejecting the Admin- istration's extraordinary offer to recom- mend a loan by our bankers to Mexico if Huerta would kindly eliminate himself. These words perhaps were prophetic: "Permit me, Mr. Confidential Agent, not lo reply for the time being to the significant oiter in which tlie Government of the United States of America insinuates that it will recommend to American bankers the im- mediate extension of a loan which will per- init us, among other things, to cover the in- numerable urgent expenses required by the progressive pacification of the country; for in the terms in which it is couched it ap- pears more to be an attractive antecedent proposal to the end that, moved by petty interests, we should renounce a right whicli incontrovertibly upholds us at a period when the dignity of the nation is at stake. "I believe that there are not loans enough to induce those charged by the law to main- tain that dignity to permit it to be less- ened." American Responsibility Inveighing against the deplorable conditions in Mexico is the favorite sport of certain jingoes, and not all of them Texans. The pictures they draw of conditions in our neigh- boring republic are hopelessly horrible. While it is true that these conditions have been greatly exaggerated for a variety of purposes, it is equally true that many of our most blatant "patriots" have themselves been largely responsible for the three years of truly deplorable disorder and civil strife below the Rio Grande. The suffering caused to Ameri- can lives and property has been in a great measure due to the pernicious and meddling- activities of Americans themselves. It would be folly to assert that the United States or jts citizens are the cause of Mexican troubles, but it is incontrovertible that the re- bellious tendencies of unscrupulous and am- bitious Mexican leaders and the ignorance and restlessness of their followers have been used to further the selfish interests and schemes of certain Americans. On this account we should in justice at least modify our attitude of self-satisfied horror and intolerance in con- sidering Mexican affairs. We should not be hypocritical in dealing with Mexico. We should look the situatioji straight in the face. American interests backed morally and financially the Madero revolution, which plunged Mexico into its present state after thirty years of peace, prosperity and develop- ment under Porfirio Diaz. .American manufacturers of arms and am- munition have supplied the sinews of war for the rebels and bandits who are now pillaging and looting, and finding their nefarious busi- ness more profitable than honest toil. American filibusters and smugglers along tlic Mexican border have reaped a golden harvest by violating the neutrality laws of the United States, and find in tlie continuation of trouble in Mexico the market they desire. American Tc.xans and even a Texas gov- ernor have found it profitable to harbor and encourage rebellions against the constituted authority of Mexico. Irrcsponsil)le American adventurers have gone into Mexico and fouglit for any faction or band that promised sufficient monetary rewards. The peace of Mexico requires that a strong central government put down this condition of lawlessness, in which financial interests and citizens of the United States have played so conspicuous a part. The peace of Mexico re- quires it. Civilization demands it. And yet the President of the United States refuses our moral support to the only government in Mex- ico, the one power with any chance of coping with the situation, and by this attitude greatly encourages every rebel chief and bandit leader who sees in a continuance of strife his chance for loot and power. Let us deplore Mexican conditions if we will, but let us realize at the same time that we are not entirely without blame for them. This is putting it very mildly, for in truth they are more largely of our making than it would be pleasant to admit. But let us not be hypocrites. A New Game We are all familiar with the old gaiue of "cutting oft' the nose to spite the face." There is a new one called "cutting off the nose to sax'c the face." It is a simple game, easily learned and is likely to win a great measure of popularity, since official Washington has marked it with approval. Diplomatic circles in the capital are not so keen about it but in time they, too, are expected to take it up en- thusiastically. You play it somewhat like this : First you make up your mind about something you don't know anything about. Then you sleep on it — if your opponent in the game will let you. Isn't it simple? But that's only the fundamen- tal principle of the game. As it works out it is full of all kinds of surprising possibilities. Your opponent of course knows you have made up your mind about something you don't know anything about. His purpose then is to show how your mind works. You do not want anybody to know how your mind works, so j'ou keep mum. Then it is the business of" your opponent to inform you about the thing you don't know anything about. But you must coldly and sternly resist any such attempt. The most forceful move at this point for you to make is to gather around you all the people you know who know noth- ing of the matter on which you have made up your mind. Have them all talk at once. This will effectually prevent any information or knowledge seeping into your head. If your opponent brings to his assistance authorities on the subject dismiss them curtly and treat them with supreme contempt. And so on. You see the infinite possiliilities of the game. It may be kept up for months at a time. Of course in tlie end it will appear that you made up your mind about something you know nothing about but meanwhile you have saved your face by cutting off the nose of knowledge. Read "MEXICO" Once a Week and Learn What's What Below the Rio Grande MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. 1. — No. 5 NEW YORK. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. 1913 FIVE CENTS President Huerta's Message Its Significance Tlic frioiully and temperate tone of the message read by President Huerta at the opening of the ordinary session of the Mexi- can Congress will undoubtedly be acknowl- edged by all fair-minded Americans. The fact that in his message President Hu- erta expressed the hope "to see quickly solved the differences which day by day keep in sus- pense the friendship which of old united and for an indefinite future should unite us to our powerful civilized neighbor" will be highly gratifying to all friends of Mexico, and for- tunately they are a host in this country. After inviting his fellow countrymen to ac- cept unreservedly the results of the forthcom- ing electoral contest. President Huerta went on : "The moment is a solemn one. and there- fore I urge on the honorable metribers of Con- gress to do patriotic w'ork by impressing on their constituents the conviction that rebellion is incapable of bringing about the progress of nations, and that only by the orderly exercise of the rights of citizenship can a fit adminis- trative personnel be selected and our political institutions elevated." President Huerta's reference to the relations with the United States was brief and devoid of sensational features. "Never, perhaps," he said, "has an executive appeared before Con- gress, in the fulfilment of his constitutional obligation of giving periodically an account of his acts under circumstances more momentous than the present ones. The fratricidal strug- gle that has been draining the nation's blood is, fortunately, if such a word can be used in connection with a contest between brothers, on the point of terminating, thanks to the un- remitting efforts of the glorious Federal army, on which no sufficient amount of praise can be bestowed. "But in addition to that struggle the tense- ness of our relations with the government of tlic United States of America, although, for- tunately, not with the American people, has focussed universal attention upon us and has subjected us to not a few undeserved embar- rassments and has retarded the complete and definite pacification of the Republic. "Inasmuch as this is a matter of a delicate nature, and as the standing committee of Con- gress and the entire nation have been informed as to the state of negotiations, which have not .so far been interrupted, I have only to say that the Government has well grounded hopes that an early solution will be found for the difference which just now holds in suspense the relations of good and long standing friend- ship, destined, we liupe, to bind us for the in- definite future with our powerful and civilized neighbor." General Huerta justly points out in his mes- sage that "there exists a tenseness in the re- lations of Mexico with the Government of the United States although luckily not with the people of the United States." There is no quarrel between the people of the United States and the people of Mexico. This has been most eloquently demonstrated by the friendly attitude of the people of Mex- ico towards all Americans in Mexico before and during their national holidays and by Americans themselves who, despite the alarm- ing suggestion from Washington, remained in Mexico trusting themselves to the hospitality of Mexicans. Those jingo elements who are trying to read in General Huerta's message an attempt to put all the blame for the situation on Presi- dent Wilson, by distinguishing between the Government and the people of the United States, are doing so intentionally and without the foundation of fact. The Mexican Government undoubtedly knows that if President Wilson chooses to make a national issue of the Mexican question it is a foregone conclusion tnat he will have the support of the people even though they may be convinced that the issue is wrong. It is a fact, however, that there is no na- tional feeling in tliis country against either the Mexican people or the Mexican Govern- ment. The sporadic outbursts of a few jingo politicians who seek the furtherance of their personal ambition and profit in the provoca- tion of trouble with our neighbors are by no means an indication of the popular sentiment. The truth is that the average American citi- zen who has no direct relations with Mexico is indifferent to the so-called "Mexican situa- tion," that those Americans who have commer- cial or social relations with Mexico are anx- ious to see the re-establishment of friendly intercourse with the southern Republic. It is because these Americans who are fa- miliar with Mexican affairs believe that the policy adopted by the Washington Adminis- tration is fraught with the most serious con- sequences for the two countries that they are trying to bring about a change in the attitude of the United States Government toward Mexico. They believe that the policy adopted by the Washington Administration is based on mis- leading information and personal prejudice and that as a consequence a great wrong has been done to Mexico. Whatever the personal reason and moral grounds on which recognition of the Huerta Government has been refused there is no uoubt that such a refusal has worked and is work- ing untold hardships on all Mexicans — except- ing, of course, the few thousand bandits — and all foreigners residing in Mexico. , It could hardly be expected that such a course could be found just and friendly no matter how much of an appeal the Washing- ton Administration should make to the patriot- ism of the American people. MEXICO Saturday, September 20, issly uiisinforineil. — St. T.ouis CUihe-Demncrat. Tlic latter statement pur|)orts to l)e a de- nial of that part of tlic first which refers to population and uliicli was evidently in- spired by tlie usual "high Government of- ficials." The relicl junta did not deem con- venient to deny the part referring to territory as they were the .gainers hy tlie errins to be growing small. — New York 'J'imrs, Si'|i- tembor 10. The New York Times has treated Mexican afifairs with exceptional and gratifying fair- ness despite the fact that it is a strong sup- porter of President Wilson. It is therefore in a kindly spirit that we lake exception to the foregoing remarks. In the first place, we do not think Mexico differs from this country in the matter of the retirement of Cabinet oTIicers. We understand that in the United States also usually when a Cabinet officer retires it is because the Exec- utive has no further use for him. Cleveland appointed twenty-two Cabinet officers during his administration and we do not think that all who retired did so against the President's urgent wishes that they should stick. The same can be said, we think, of Cabinet members who retired in succeeding adminis- trations up to and including that of Mr. Taft. Second, we believe it is quite unfair for the TiDU'S to say : "The list of prominent Mexi- cans still persona grata with Huerta seems to be growing small." The retirement of men like Mondragon, Reyes and Urrutia is greatly to be regretted because they are undoubtedly prominent and good Mexicans. I'lUt the Tillies must know that Mexico has not such a dearth of men who can fill their places. There are plenty of men in Mexico — more or less well known in the United States — who can give a good account of themselves as members of Huerta's official family. .\nd perhaps it is not a bad idea, that of Huerta, to give an opportunity to "new blood." I Special Despatch to the New York Herald.) Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, Thursday. — General Jesus Carranza Is highly indignant at the report from Mexico City to the effect that the Constitutionalists have an agent there ne- gotiating for peace with Huerta, and who has Iiniiiiised that the Constitutionalists would abide liy the result of the October election no matter wliat it might be. He said : ■We have no agent whatever authorized to deal in any manner with the Huerta Goveru- meut. If there is any one in Mexico City rep- resenting himself in au.y such way Huerta sluiuld hang him. We have had and will have no dealings of any kind with Huerta and his associates. We will make no terms or agree- ment with him on any matter. We are in the field to fight him to the end. Only the arbitra- ment of arms can settle our dispute with him. lie is a usurjier and an assassin, and we have pl.'il^i il inu- lives to drive him out of the coun- try," Now, that is very unkind of Don Jesus. The agent whom he wants hanged had de- clared he was a representative of Venustiano Carranza, who is now traveling in Sonora, about 1,500 miles from Piedras Negras. Unless Don Jesus also has beijn provided with one of the wireless outfits used by his lirother Venustiano and the rebel junta in Washington, how can lie know Iiis l)rother's intentions? It is one thing tosupport the Administration's peculiar theories and policies regarding Mexico. But ask yourself whether you would go to war for them. That's the test. Saturday, September 20, /p/J MEXICO Who's Going to Pay? Wiishi.iKt.pii. I>. I'.. Sei't.-iiihri- 1. ■;.--! 11 aiitith lias been carefull.y compiled and posted to view under the City Hall to prevent fraud. The same system has been adopted in all the States through- out the Itepublic. .\lso several thousand copies of the recently amended election law by Congress have lieen distributed to educate the voters to their rights of citizenship. Minister of Goberna- clon I'rrutia stated last night to the press that President Huerta is determined to have a fair and square election, so that there can be no doubt of t'.ie legality of the results. The election of officers of the Chamber of Depu- ties for the ensuing term will take place to-mor- row afternoon at a preliminary meeting to be hidd in the National Congress. There is a prevailing sentiment to do away with all factional differences among parties and to work for the common good of the country. A committee composed of the leading business men of Mexico and directors of the Stock Kx- cbange called on President Iluerta yesterda.v, ac- companied by Manuel Garza Aldape. Minister of Fomento, and stated that in the name of the members of their institution and those of the branches in twenty of the leading cities of the Itepublic they offered him their united support, lie thanked them for their kind offer and stated that their support and that of the manufacturers' and the farmers' league combined, wliich had re- cently been offefed to him, is a powerful influence in assisting to pacify the country. — Los .\ngeles Progress Against Rebels Govermiiont i-.-poits indicate tliat luadway has been made agai.ist the reliels. It is announced that General Aubert and Colonel Guasque, with their men and artillery, are moving westward in military trains, preceded by work trains, reiiairing the railroads. They have an abundance of pro- visions, munitions and hosiiital supplies. Federals under Alberto Guajardo are reported to have arrived in Monclova from New I-aredo. after having been victorious over six different bands of Carranza adherents. Government officials consider tliat the backbone of the revolution in Coahuila has been broken. Concepcion del Oro, in Zacatecas, where some .\mericans have been marooned for several months, is about to be relieved by General Pena. who is proceeding southward from Saltillo. .\guasca- lientes, which has lieen reported threatened by the rebels, is said to be sufficiently garrisoned to in- sure its safety. Topolobanipo, a seaport of Sina- loa. is reported to have been retaken by the Fed- erals, assisted by the gunboat Tampico. — New- York Wnrl'I, September 1.^. Mexican Reception in Paris Special Cal.ile Dispatch to the X. V. Sim. Paris, September 16. — The Mexican Lega- tion gave a reception to-day in honor of the Mexican Independence Day. The rooms were crowded with members of the Mexican colony and Frenchmen interested in Mexico. There was a luncheon at wdiich Francisco de la Barra, the special Mexican envoy, made a brief speech in reply to a toast to the pros- perity and early pacification of Mexico. .■\mong the guests were General Mondragon, Mexican ex-Minister of War ; Carlos Landaes Escandon, the Marquis de Perigny and several French bankers. 10 MEXICO Saturday, September 20, IQIJ The Business Point of View. We have just received a bundle of mail from all over Mexico, by way of Laredo, which means that the line from Mexico City to Laredo is open and in the hands of the Federals. While the papers reported that the rel)e!s were in possession of San Luis Potosi and Monterey, between Laredo and Alexico City, our salesmen w-ent through the whole territory taking orders for our Mexican liranch and did not write a word aliout being disturbed by rebels, and our business con- tinues. We have not recalled any of our employees or salesmen. We sell goods and are paid for them, but, of course, in Mexican money, and since Mr. Wilson is interested in embarrass- ing the financial condition of Mexico, we, like everybody else doing business in Mexico, will not be able to receive payments from Mexico. Mr. AVilson will serve out his term and we suppose soon be forgotten, but not in Mexico. He and America will be the best hated man and country in Mexico for many years to come, and every influence will be used to turn in any other direction any business which in other times would surely have come to the United States. General Huerta has his enemies, but we hear from our agents in different parts of Mexico, that he is well liked and admired in the great- est part of Mexico. If he is forced to step down and out we are of the opinion that it will be difficult to hnd an equally strong and severe character able to face a situation such as exists at present in Mexico. George Lueders & Co. New York City, September 10, 1913. — Letter Published in New York Herald. The Political Side Col. Cecil Lyon, of Texas, former Repul> lican national committeeman and now the head of the Progressive party in that State, is back from a long tour of Africa and Asia. "It looks as if the Democrats are wrecking themselves without any assistance from the other parties," said Col. Lyon. "All we shall have to do is to wail and win. "The Administration docs not appear to be handling the Mexican situation very success- fully. It has made nothing but mistakes. I winder how Huerta could stop lighting with half a dozen different rebel leaders in different parts of Mexico stirring up troubles all the lime? How can Americans leave Mexico? One of them said to me the olher day that the .\dministralion must think him crazy if it ex- pected him to put up the sluilters on his bank, lock his front door, and run away. Tlie vacil- lating policy of rcquesting''our people to leave Mexico, and then advising them to wait, is not the policy of experienced statesmanship." — Washington I'cst, September 13. Should Recognize Huerta Col. Edward R. Dunn, mining engineer, of Nome, Alaska, formerly of Texas,- and a close friend of the Postmaster General, was visiting friends in Washington yesterday. Col, Dunn called upon the Postmaster General. In his earlier days Col. Dunn spent much lime in Mexico, and his views on the situation in that Republic are interesting. "It has been two years since I was in Mex- ico, l)ut in all I have spent a good part of 33 years in that country." said Col. Dunn, at tlic Shoreham. "I think the Administration is making a mistake in the manner in which it is handling Mexican affairs. If this nation had recognized Huerta Mexico would be at peace now. I cannot see the reason for insisting upon the resignation of Huerta. If Huerta resigned he would surely follow Madero. He would not live 48 hours. The only safe way for Huerta to resign would be to go to Vera Cruz, get on board a vessel, and send his resignation ashore. Then he might get away. Huerta cannot stop lighting. There are so many revolutions in the country that without money and without the moral support of the LInited States he has got to keep going." — Washington Post, Septemlier 13. Utterly In the Wrong Asserting that the National Government was utterly in the wrong in its attitude on the Mexican question, Ellsworth J. Wiggins, for three years American consul at Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, a native of this city, paid his respects yesterday to Secretary Bryan and President Wilson. Ex-Consul Wiggins was born and reared here, is a friend of John Wanamakcr, and is now president of llic Young Men's Christian Association at Monte- rey. He has lived in Mexico for years, and knows the situation there thoroughly. He is emphatic in the opinion that non-in- tervention is an absolute necessity. He be- lieves that Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson was in the right in espousing the cause of President Huerta, and verifies cable reports that Americans resident in Mexico are solidly in favor of the discredited American repre- sentative. Mr. Wiggins donlils that a general election will be called, and asserts that elections in Mexico are inclined to be farcical — that nc matter who casts the votes and for wdiom they are cast, it is the man whom the powers that be want, who is declared elected. He added thai if Huerta thought that peace ruled in his land, .-in election would be held; otherwise not, and Ibat Huerta was the sole judge of v?liat constituted peace. Incidentally Mr. Wiggins said thai .Vmeri- cans in Mexico were in no danger whatever, nor were tlicir belongings, and that as yet the Mexicans were friendly to individual Ameri- cans. Of course, he admitted there was an exodus of Americans, but he ascribcci this la panic which had seized some of tlic women, or homesickness, with President Wilson's call to emigrate as an excuse to get home. — Philadel- phia Public Ledger, September 14. Mediation a Failure Tlie American proposals for mediation in Mexico have failed, according to the practi- cal admissions of the Administration. The Mexican situation is spoken of in official circles as a quicksand, upon which can be built no hope of a happy solution in conformity with the desires of the United States. Reasons for the failure of American diplo- macy in the Mexican mediation propositions are being discussed in diplomatic circles, espe- cially among the Latin-American representa- tives. The overtures, it is hinted, were marked by an utter absence of understanding of the Mexican psychology, and also with seeming disregard of the peculiarity of Latin-Ameri- can sentiment toward the United States. — Washington Star, September 13th. The Real Rebels A list of rebel and bandit chiefs in San Luis Potosi and border States, compiled from reliable sources, shows a total of forty-three at the head of bands ranging from thirty to 600 men each. Data gathered from ranch own- ers, refugees, Federal officers, lailroad men and residents of the towns raided show an aggregate of 5,600 men under arms against the Government. The largest group', numbering 600 and com- manded by Raoul Madero, brother of the late President, is near Herra:duria, 100 miles to the northwest. Other bands, of 400 or SCO each, under Ernesto Santoscoy, Alberto Torres and Jose Cabo, are operating in the north, east and south of the State. The remainder are widely scattered over San Luis Potosi and the neighboring States of Nuevo Leon, Tamauli- pas, Queretaro and Zacatecas. Two of the most daring rebel leaders — Candido Navarro and Pedro Santos — have re- cently lieen killed, but the others are striving for the notoriety wdiich these achieved. More tlian twenty-two towns have been raided in the last few months, most of which are in posses- sion of the rebels or are visited at will. The rebel methods have been those of guer- rillas from the outset. They never mass their forces nor seek to encounter an opposing force, except where the advantage is over- whelmingly in their favor. The three larger groups ha\e six machine guns, but the .smaller ones are not always well equipped, even with rifles, and are usually short of ammunition. A year ago it was estimated that there were less than two hundred bandits in this State. — New York World, September ISth. Saturday, September 20, 1913 MEXICO 11 PUBLIC OPINION (CONTINUED NAILING THEM! President Huerta's Message Encouraging in its pacific tone, the mes- sage of President Huerta, delivered yester- day on the occasion of the anniversary of Mexican independence, holds out little en- couragement for hope of his eventual com- pliance with the programme laid down by our own Government. Huerta refrains equally from concession to American wishes and from expressions of opposition that could in any way block the road to subse- uent yielding or compromise. While he avoids all expression injurious to the United States, his observations continue to voice the Mexican Government's dissatisfaction with our course and its concern as to pos- sible American encroachments upon its sovereignty. One evident effect of the message, coupled with the national patriotic display that marked the day of its delivery, may be expected in the strengthening of Huerta sympathies among the reflecting and respec- table part of the Mexican population. Rev- olutions are not usually started by the law- abiding and substantial element, either in Mexico or elsewhere, and there must be a great section of the population south of the Rio Grande which remains indifferent to the passage of governments, and cares nor- mally only for security and order. If Hu- erta can call out the national sentiments of this element he will win to himself a sup- port much more valuable than that of any faction or section in the thick of the politico-military turmoil. It may be regrettable that Huerta should not have seized the occasion to give assur- ances against the possibility of his own can- didacy, but it will hardly be surprising, in view of his firm and open refusal to grant any such assurances to our own Govern- ment. In calling attention to the forth- coming expiration of the leave granted to our war vessels to lie in Mexican waters, Huerta is apparently manoeuvring so as to put us at a disadvantage by placing us in the light of unwarranted trespassers within Mexican bounds. If our ships remain there, as possibly in the interest of American cit- izens they must do, we will be forced either to accept the courtesy of a prolongation of their leave to remain, and that from a gov- ernment which we do not choose to recog- nize, or else we will be put in the false posi- tion of overriding Mexican territorial rights at our free will and fancy. Though the prospect of being thus over- reached by Mexican diplomacy may give some food for thought to our President and his advisers in State matters, it is safe to say that Mexico intends no threat or hostile purpose by Huerta's warship hint, for none at the present moment can be less anxious for war with this country than is the Huerta Government. — Ww York Evening Sun, September 17. American Refugees Safe 100 Reported Seized by Mexicans Reach Saltillo I.aruilo, Texas, S(;i)toiiibi'r ].'i.— .\iii.Tioiii ref- ugees from Torreon, Mo.fico, for wliose safet.v fears liavo been expressed during their over- land Journey to Saltillo, reached the latter place in safety to-day, according to official advices received at Mexican Federal headquarters at Nuevo I^aredo to-night. .\mcricans in Mexico luivc ali.'^Dkitcly no consideration fpr the press of their country. ( )ne hundred of them arrived safely at Sal- tillo, en route from Torreon, and reported that all hail gone well with them since they leit the hitter city. Thus they spoiled a good second-day story on their capture and suffer- ings, which was to follow the first-page story published on Monday. However, we under- stand the Mexico City correspondents who furnished the first story of the refugees' cap- ture were congratulated liy their respective newspapers, as Sunday is usually a dull day lor news and the Monday advertising is rather liKht. .\ list of reliel and liandit chiefs in San I.uis I'otusi ami burdi'V States, compiled from reliable sources, shows a total of fort.v-threc at the head of bands ranging from thirty to 600 men each. Data gathered from ranch owners, refugees. Fed- eral officers, railroad men and residents of the towns raided show an aggregate of ri,(iiHi men under arms against the (Jovcrnment. Tile largest group, numbering GOO and com- manded by Raoui Madero, brother of the late President, is near Ilerraduria, 100 miles to the northwest. Other bands, of 400 or 500 each, under Ernesto Santoseoy. Allierto Torres and .lose C'abo. are operating in the north, east and south of the State. The remainder are widely scattered over San Luis Potosi and the neigh- boring States of Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas. Quere- taro and Zacateeas. — New York WnrW, Septem- ber 1.5. Figuring that in Sonora there are aliout a dozen more leaders, we have in the North of Mexico the 57 varieties which President Wil- son, instead of pickled, wishes to see taken in- to the confidence of the central Government. An armistice must be arranged, which the 57 varieties will solemnly agree to respect ! The Washington correspondents seem to have forgotten of late the Administration's recommendation that they should always refer to tlie ■■/;.■.) f,ii-ll,inx." Exclusive Stuff Washington. Septemlier Ki. —Sanitary condi- tions in the city of Torreon, recently captured by the Mexiea:i rebels, have produced a grave situation, according to advices to the State De- partment to-dav. There is a lack of antitoxins and serums and other medical sui)plles with which to check disease epidemics raging in that city. (.'en. Bravo, in cliarge of the forces hold- ing the city, is trying to get the much needed supplies by reestablishing railway connection with -Mexico t'ity. — New York ^'M«, September l.-.th. Here is where tlie three hundred Washing- ton correspondents have a perfectly good ground for lodging a complaint against the State Department for unfair discrimination. Why should the State Department give the Sun's correspondent the exclusive piece of news that Torreon had been recently captured Iiy the rebels? And that General Bravo is no longer a Federal general but the coinmander of the rebel forces holding the city, although lie is "trying to get the much needed supplies by re-establishing railway connection with. Mexico City." Why should the Sun have this exclusive story from the State Department when all other newspapers had been given to under- stand that Torreon had never been captured liy tlie rebels : that Bravo was a Federal gen- eral and sanitary conditions in Torreon were not as l)ad as first reported several days ago. Why? No Insinuation — Fact The insinunii..ii tbnt I'rrsid.nt Wilson's pol- icy has not the suiiport of the people of the United States is Interpreted as an attempt to discredit the I'residcnt as much as possible in the eyes of the Mexican people.— X.-w York tie.\ico hope t" retain any of the sympathy tliat has been mani- fested in this country toward their cause they should lose no time in repudiating the bands of rebel marauders guilty of the recent killing ot Americans in Durango and the Tepic territory. Constitutionalist leaders have oeen asserting that there is a complete working agreement lie- tween the various elements in revolt against the Government at Mexico City, and have classed all rebels as patriots. Either they have laid claim to too much or responsibility for murders com- mitted by rebels and banditti must be laid at their door. They cannot eat their c:iki> and have it, too. — New York Heruhl, September 19. Really it begins to look as though the es- teemed Herald has paused for at least a spell to take stock of its Mexican news. Not for ages has the Herald questioned either the serv- ice or the accuracy of the "dope" foisted on its correspondents by the rebel juntas in Wash- ington and the border towns. Whatever they said went. But it's bad business for any paper to he so lenient toward misrepresenta- tion, for in the end the truth will out. It i? delightfully naive of the editor, learning with pained surprise, that the damage to Ameri- cans in Mexico has been at the hands of rebel bands, to ask the "Constitutionalist leaders to repudiate" those marauders. It would be easy to repudiate them for press purposes l^ut rather dangerous for Carranza and the others to repudiate them to their face. Fiasco In Lower California Only twelve men were engaged iu the recent "revolution" in Lower California, according to General Hugh L. Scott, commanding the United States Cavalry border patrol. General Scott re- turned from investigating "the revolution," which caused uneasiness near Calexico as to the safety ot the Imperial Valley's irrigation sys- tem. He says that an adventurer of the name of Esparza with eleven men crossed the line and burned a railroad bridge, expecting to at- tract recruits, but they tailed and disbanded. — Boston Transcript, Sept. IG. "No Fault Found" Philadelphia Inquirer: "X'o fault can lie found with either the terms or the tone of the message addressed by Provisional Pre,sidenc Huerta to the Mexican Congress." "Restraint" Washington Star: "It must be said for Huerta that he has addressed himself to the subject of American relations with consider- able restraint and discretion." Tliere arc some features of the Mexican situation that never see the light of day. \\'hile the Wilson Administration is busying itself with doing nothing down in the neigh- l)oring Republic except annoy the existing Ad- ministration there, and thereby indirectly en- couraging rebellion and anarchy, why does no newspaper tell the truth about the origin of the deplorable situation? It is the habit of the newspapers and of the politicians to speak of Huerta as having waded through slaughter to power. Huerta is de- scriljed as an assassin. He is accused of the killing of Madero. Therefore, his Adminis- tration must not be recognized. Why is Madero never referred to as an assassin? Why is all the sympathy always with Madero and never with Huerta? Assume the following to be the facts — and they are easily susceptible of investigation and verification — and then what is the logic of the situation? Francisco Madero was a visionary and a fa- natic. He upset the rule of Diaz by promising to an ignorant electorate a great deal of some- thing for nothing, much on the principle of tlie old rallying cry of certain carpet bag re- constructionists in this country half a century ago, who promised to every negro forty acres and a mule of the confiscated property of the citizens of the South. The one promise was just as futile as the other. Neither was pos- sible of accomplishment. In this country the attempt to execute the promise was for- tunatel}- never made. In Mexico Madero was elected, and of course he could not deliver the goods. Naturally, tliere was dissatisfaction, and worse. When .Ambassador Wilson came Ijack from Mexico he said he did not care to answer Senora Madero's accusations against him on the ground that she was a woman. But why should not the truth behind that remark be ferreted out, since it involves a whole nation's welfare — perhaps the welfare of two nations? The point behind that remark was the fact that Senora Madero was responsible for her husband's death as well as for his downfall. This was accomplished through the fact thai Senora Madero is a spiritualistic medium and the President believed in her. Nothing was done of importance except through the in- fluence of "controls," as dictated by her in her trances. For instance, when one of Gen- eral Huerta's aids was sent north to subdue an insurrection a "control" was invoked, and it turned out to be George Washington ; so Washington was enlisted in the Mexican army victoriously to lead the campaign. President Huerta himself had two "controls" — Napoleon Bonaparte and Benito Juarez, the old Aztec President of Mexico, who executed Maxi- milian. Not only that, but President Madero sent to Switzerland and secured the services of a celebrated spiritualistic medium to come to Mexico, and installed him at Government expense as head of a department of spiritual- ism in the Universitv of Mexico. -After .Amljassador \\'ilson had brought aljout a truce in the terrible bombardmeui across the city between the forces of Madero in the palace and Diaz in the citadel, the army sent a delegation to Madero to suggest that he resign. This delegation consisted of three — one each from the infantry, cavalry and ar- tillery — headed liy Colonel RiveroU, a lifelong friend of Madero. The petition represented that the soldiers were without food, had not been paid, were mutinous and would not longer fight. Many accounts agree that when - Colonel Riveroll presented the petition in the palace in the Presidential office and suggested the word re- sign Madero drew a revolver from his pocket and shot his lifetime friend through the head. His own life was saved only through the pliysical interposition of his own generals, Huerta and Blanquet, who placed him undei arrest and demanded his resignation. At the behest of Ambassador Wilson free transport out of the country was promised for Madero, but Senora Madero telegraphed to the Governor of Vera Cruzz asking if her husband would be recognized as President of Mexico when he arrived in that jurisdiction. The answer w-as that such recognition would be accorded. Then followed Madero's death, whether at the hands of friends of the mur- dered Riveroll or as an extra-constitutional "accident," excused by national exigencies, his- tory has not yet recorded. What, then, of the attitude of the Govern- ment of the United States? Huerta was elected President in legal form by the Con- gress of Mexico. He is admittedly the strong- est man in Mexico and best able to cope with the situation. He was not recognized by the United States, and thereby his hands were tied and further insurrection was encouraged ; and now he has no money and cannot much longer carry on the Government. What then? Chaos followed by armed intervention on the pan of the United States and a bloody struggle of many years at great sacrifice of life and prop- erty and civilization. Two reasons suggest themselves as an ex- planation of this situation. I''irst — Some year or two ago the Latin- American Republics assemliled in a love feast promoted by John Barrett, and solemnly signed an agreement to abolish revolutions and follow constitutional methods of govern- ment. It is now suggested that since Mexico has broken that agreement she should be made an example of before the world by being en- couraged to fight herself to death in inter- necine warfare to teach coming generations the folly of such strife. Upholders of this hypothesis admit that recognition of the Hu- erta Government by the United States might have postponed such a struggle to the death, but are not sure that it would have avertea it forever. Therefore, better have it over now. Much on the same principle as to say tliat if a man is suffering from tuberculosis and is seeminglv sure to die the doctors should 8 MEXICO Saturday, September 2j, /^.^^~i ^~ SjK^--^ssa!5^ea%gi;wwi^avsss5w As He Appears ELECTIONS IN MEXICO Tlie experts on Mexican politics who by a strange turn of fate are at present most numerous in Washington, and whose fertile brains are daily fecundated by the rays of knowledge emanating from the incandescent junta, have written elaborate essays on the present electoral situation in Mexico. Many of them, after mature deliberation, long pon- dering and close examination of evidence, liave come to the conclusion that the nomin- ation of Federico Gamboa by the Catholic Party will complicate the international situ- tion and will create considerable opposition even in the "Huerta ranks" — whatever that means. Xo illuminating explanation has been forth- coming for these assertions, but they are made, nevertheless, and are testimony to the Mexican political perspicacity of the Wash- ington experts. Perhaps we may be permitted to say that in our hiuiible opinion Gamboa was selected by the Catholic Party as a compromise can- didate who — because of his well-known Lib- eral ideas — would be acceptable to the Lib- erals themselves and therefore to a majority of the voters. Mr. Gamboa has never been identified with the Catholics of Mexico, and those who know him of old know that even some of his writings have at times been strongly criticised by the radical Catholic element. MEXICO Saturday, October 4, 191 3 ELECTIONS IN MEXICO— Continued It is evident that the Cathohc Party, al- though at times intolerant in the past, is making a patriotic effort to co-operate with tiie best elements in Mexico to bring about a pacilic solution of the political difficulties presented by the Presidential succession. In this connection it is well to note the broad and modern spirit which evidently animates the two most prominent candidates so far in the held. For several months the organization supporting Felix Diaz has been establishing political clubs and conducting a campaign for his election. Mr. Gamboa im- mediately following his nomination has es- talilished headquarters in Mexico Citv and plunging into the work of orgamzaiTon, has laid plans for a "spellbinding" campaign, Besides the campaign of oratory planned by l)Oth candidates arrangements have been made with the moving picture theatres, nu- merous throughout the whole Republic, for the presentation on screens of the candidates' platforms on which they seek the support of the people. General Felix Diaz, in an interview given in Paris, has expressed his satisfaction at the nomination of Federico Gamboa and has sent to the latter a most cordial telegram congratulating him on the nomination, add- ing : "I am especially glad that you were nominated because our country needs such men as yourself to rule her destinies." Mr. Gamboa replied at once reciprocating the sentiments of General Diaz, adding : "To- day as yesterday, winner or loser, I am as always your friend and admirer," Surely these are the acts of civilized men who are anxious to assist their country — in the greatest possible measure — toward the goal of democracy. Contrast the acts and attitudes of these men with those of the self-styled Constitu- tionalists : "We shall not participate in the elect'ons," they cry, "we shall consider any one elected as a traitor to the country an_d shall kill him under the law of 1862. Like- wise under the same lavif" — which, by the way, is no longer on the statute books of Mexico — "we shall kill General Huerta and every person who has in any way partici- pated in or recognized his Government and every person who shall participate in or recognize any future Government except our own." Of course this wholesale extermination is conditional upon the capturing of the per- sons thus implicated and their seizing the reins of Government. Lovable chaps — these exponents of the Constitution — and a lovely Constitutional spectacle they .would offer to the eyes of the world if they should succeed in regain- ing power. However, it looks as if the work! will be spared any such show, tven though these "Constitutionalists" have the sympathy of some American newspapers and of some American public men. Unfortunately it is »t)t difficult to caiiti- vate the sympathy of the average American citizen who is ignorant of Mexican condi- tions, and of the personality of these patri- ots. It is suflicient for them to send a few agents to the United States, who find no ditticulty in gettnig tiie e\er-reudy ear uf the press and to spread broadcast the assertion that they are hghting for freedom, for de- mocracy, for the people, hghting to obtain the realization of the people's ideals, "so long and unjustly repressed," as President Wilson said in liis message to Congress! As the men who have styled theniselves Constitutionalists and claim to be the apos- tles of democracy are the same men who were responsible for the "election" of Fran- cisco Madero and for his Administration it may not be amiss to recall the facts of that "election," The Elections of Francisco Madero Francisco 1, Aladcru, upon reaching Mex- ico City on June 7, 1911, after Porfirio Diaz had gone into exile, declared that in leading the revolution he had been prompted solely by the purpose to free his country from a hated regime and not by personal ambition. He even went so far as to say to some of his intimate friends that he would not enter the race for the presidency at the elections that were to take place on the following" Oc- tober, All that was left for him to complete his task, he said, was to muster out all revo- lutionary forces — as he had promised to do — and then retire to private life on his ranch in Coahuila, Madero's previous political conduct and subsequent events stand out clearly in the light of history to prove that Francisco Madero was not only insincere in his declara- tion, but that he was also either a common, self-seeking politician, or an easy tool in the hands of scheming relatives and friends, or both. When Madero first entered openly the po- litical struggle before the elections of 1910, he did so under the auspices of the Anti- Re-election Party, which, through his efforts, had been organized to bring aliout a change in the system of government. The .\nti-Re- election platform had been adopted, not be- cause it had been deemed necessary to the establishment of a more democratic govern- ment, but because there was a conviction that under a continuance of Diaz in the Presidential chair no political improvement was possible. Madero was the candidate of the Anti-Re-election Party for President, with Dr. Vasquez Gomez as his running, mate. Madero was free to conduct his political campaign throughout Mexico despite the fact that the Diaz regime was considered despotic. This is well known in this country but there is a very significant fact in this connection little known even in Mexico. A few days before the elections Madero had an inter- view with General Diaz in which he offered to withdraw from the Presidential race if General Diaz would agree to withdraw Ra- mon Corral's name as candidate for the Vice- Presidency and sulistitute his — Madero's — • name. Now. this meant that Madero was willing to cast aside his own supporters and the |)latform of the party wliich had nominated him in order to be Vice-President of Mexico. .■\n eminent Mexican writer and student of Mexican affairs, Dr. Lara Pardo, in his book, "From Porlirio Diaz to Francisco Madero," savs : "If Madero had then been struggling for love of principles and liberty, for democ- racy and civilization, in that interview he should have proposed another agreement, much more feasible and valuable. He would have said to General Diaz : 'We do not aspire to the Presidency, we uphold the principle of non-re-election as an ideal more or less possible of realization and as a speedy means to obtain a change of regime, but we shall moderate our pretensions if some lib- erty is granted to us, if a participation in public affairs shall be given to the people even though in a small measure. In other words, we shall give up our campaign for the Presidency in exchange for some political freedom and an even minor representation in Congress.' " Dr. Lara Pardo thinks wisely that General Diaz would have accepted and that it would have been the beginning of a healthful evolu- tion. But Madero was personally ambitious to the extent of being willing to become a part of the Diaz system — as he would have been compelled to be as Vice-President — and to abandon his party, as he did later. It would be outside the scope of this ar- ticle to describe countless incidents between that famous interview and the beginning of the revolution which would indicate the pre- ponderance of personal ambition in Madero's scheme of action. - As we have said before, Madero had prom- ised to muster out all revolutionary troops, and as he was the power behind the pro- visional Government of De la Barra, he in- duced the latter to ask Congress for an ap- propriation of twelve millions to pay off and muster out these troops. The twelve millions were spent instead by Madero in strengthening the organization of his revolutionary forces, which he sent every- whe.re to take the place of garrisons com- posed of men from the regular army. This, in the face of opposition from the best ele- ments of the population, who feared with reason that the revolutionary forces wouUl be dangerous sources of disorder. At that time brigandage had not taken root and the men that had taken up arms could have been sent back home to their work. Later it became impossible to do so because these men had found that it was much easier to earn a living by forming part of any revolutionary force than bj^ working in the fields or in the factories. This was the vital mistake of Madero and it is obvious now that it was resi)onsil)le for all the pres- ent disorder in Mexico as well as for Ma- dero's dowulall, lie connnitled suicide by Ibis one mistake. Saturday, October 7, z^/? MEXICO 257 UNBIASED MEN REPORT To the National Association of Manufacturers // the Mexican Government eonld seeiire the necessary financial assistance, the in- ternal troubles zvould quickly disappear and business H'ould rcsutnc its normal, piosper- ous condition. The failure of the Admin- istration to secure recognition from the United States has delayed the strengthening of credit and put a premium upon disorder." The above is the consensus of opinicm among the great proportion of correspond- I'lits of the National Association of Manufac- tiinrs wh.i an- cstaMishLcl ihr.iuyhniit .\Kx- ici). TIk-sc correspondents are prominent hankint; houses, lawj'ers, merchants and agents of American and European manu- facturers. Realizing the importance of arriving at and acurate knowledge of conditions in Mexico for the guidance of American man- ufacturers and exporters, the N. A. Af., which has a staff of some 1.800 commercial C'Tn-spi ■nilents tlin 'Uyln ail tlic wiirlil. rr- ceiUly addressed an inquiry to 257 of its representatives in Mexico. The importance of this investigation will 1)e understood when it is known that the United States is Mexico's best customer — taking three- quarters of her exports and sending to Mex- ico over one-half of what she imports. The investigation was thorough. It cov- ers all of the Mexican States except two that are comparatively unimportant. The Continued on next page THE ELECTION OF FRANCISCO MADERO— Continued Wliy did Madern refuse to muster out his ■ i\vn troops and why did he put them in con- trol of all important places in the Republic if not to insure his own election in October? The proof of this is contained in a letter wliich he addressed to Congress, dated Sep- tember 14, in which he declared that if Con- gress postponed the date of elections, which had been set for October 1, the people — meaning himself — would rise up in arms again. The opinion was almost general then that no fair elections could be held on Oc- tober 1, as the country was in a state of tur- moil far worse than it had been at any time during the revolution preceding the resigna- tion of Diaz. Madero's threat, and the knowledge that it could be carried out because of the revolu- tionary troops which were then in arms in greater number than ever, had effect on Con- gress and the date of elections was not clianged. Meanwhile, on the eleventh of June, Gen- eral Bernardo Reyes had reached Mexico City from Havana. He was received enthu- siastically by the bitsiness, financial and in- dustrial elements of the City of Mexico. He issued a statement declaring that he accepted the principles of the revolutionary party : real suffrage and non-re-election, and that he would co-operate with the provisional Government and with the revolutionary party in the work of reconstruction which he sup- posed would begin immediately. On June 20, Madero and General Reyes held a con- ference at which Madero offered to General Reyes the portfolio of Minister of War ef- fective upon his — Madero's — election to tlie Presidency. On the next day Francisco Madero de- clared the .Anti-Re-election Party dissolved, the party which had nominated him the pre- vious year, and announced that his friends would form a new party to be known as the "Progressive Constitutional Party." The .\nti-Re-election Party refused to be dis- solved and a few friends of Madero- organ- ized themselves as the executive committee of the Progressive Constitutional Party. Headed by Gustavo Madero, brother of the leader, these men went about their task with cunning and ability. Among them figured the same men who are to-day among the leaders of the self-styled Constitutionalists- Juan Sanchez .Ascona. Eusebio Calzado. Man- uel Urquido and others. They eliminated from their ranks all ele- ments they could not easilv control, even though tliey had been the most useful ele- ments in making the revolution successful, such men as Dr. Vasquez Gomez. They held a convention, the delegates com- prisin,g many of the revolutionary leaders, and at this convention, against the will even of the majority of revolutionary sympath- izers, they forced the nomination for Vice- President of Pino Suarez, a hitherto un- known school teacher from Yucatan. Meanwhile, General Reyes had been urged to enter the race and, having declared his intention of doing so, obtained a statement from Francisco Madero that the latter would welcome the appearance of any other can- didate. There again we have a patent proof of Madero's insincerity, for no sooner had the Reyes party been organized under the name of the Republican Party than its adherents everywhere were objects of persecution. Local authorities appointed by Madero tliroughout the Republic opposed even forc- ibly the organization of clubs and their cam- paigning for the election of General Reyes. In Mexico City, where Reyes made his head- quarters, he was prevented even from mak- ing speeches in public. A band of a thousand or so of poor peons was organized by the Progressive Constitutional committee, sup- plied with large quanties of "pulque," their favorite beverage, and with a little money. Almost daily this band would parade the streets, and stone the houses of men known to be opposed to Madero. On September 3 they prevented a public demonstration in favor of General Reyes who, upon appearing to ad- dress the crowd and urge good behavior, was stoned and wounded. On September the eleventh the Reyista Party issued a statement announcin.g that lie- cause of persecution which prevented the necessary working for the electoral campai.gn the Reyes adherents would take no part in the coming elections. This, of course, was what the Progressive committee liad worked to liring about. Meanwhile, it had been proposed by mem- bers of Congress that in accordance with the declarations made many times by Madero the electoral law should be changed before his election. The old electoral law, providing for indirect vote and not being based on pro- liortional representation, made it impossible to have fair elections and gave the absolute control of the machinery of election to the authorities in power. Madero and his fol- lowers ever since the time of his first cam- paign under the auspices of the Anti-Re-elec- tion Party had liitterly assailed this law and demanded a more equitable one. He was now a candidate, however, and had absolute control of the machinery. So he vigorously protested against any change in the electoral law, threatening Congress again if it should dare even to consider the proposed reforms. This old electoral law was finally repealed and a new and equitable one insuring the freedom of the ballot en- acted only a few months ago under tlie Huerta Government. Persecutions against all men opposed lo Madero and to the executive committee of the Progressive Constitutional Party became so rampant that many persons had to leave the Country. Alinig under the circum- stances? AS IT REALLY IS A PARALLEL WITH A PURPOSE Lind's "Headquarters" Vera Cruz. Sopt. 28. — Tbat General Huorta and his organization will support Frederico Camboa, candidate of the Catholic party for the I'residenc.v. is the report brought from the cap- ital to-da.v to the headquarters of John I.ind. President Wil.son's representative. — -\. P. dis- patch, September 29. So General Huerta has an organization and John l^ind has "headquarters" ! We should like to know where Mr. Lind's branch offices are situated and wdiat his organiza- tion — he must have one since he has "head- uarters" — purposes to do. There are two ideas that stick in the craw of s(jme well-intentioned but misinformed persons in their consideration of Mexican affairs. It has been dinned into their ears so long that the present Mexican Government came into power as a result of treachery and assassination and that those who are fighting against the Government are actuated by high ideals of democracy that it would be remarkable if these ideas had not taken a certain hold on the popular imagination. "Error runs swiftly down the hill and truth climbs slowly," an Oriental proverb, explains why these conceptions have been accepted so readily in certain quarters. To show what the real situation has been and is, it may lie informing to draw an imaginary parallel with conditions in the United States. Let us say that the Republican Party has been in power for a quarter of a century. The country has prospered, the dignity of the nation has been maintained, and the national credit is firmly established. As a consequence of a long stretch of power, however, certain abuses have crept into the conduct of governmental affairs. Big busi- ness lias Iieen granted special privileges, despotic methods have grown up in Con- gress, the rights of labor have not been fully respected, the distribution of wealth has not been on an equitable basis. Socialism and syndicalism have grow'n apace. Strikes and acts of violence have indicated popular unrest. \i this psychological moment an imprac- tical dreamer, immensely wealthy, backed by a powerful family, preaches a crusade to the people of the country. Playing on the ignor- ance of the masses, with all the tricks of the detnagogue, he demands the forcible overthrow of the existing Government, promises that if he is put in power he will divide the wealth of the country among them, there will be no more injustice or poverty, the strong will be leveled and the weak raised. In other words, a social mil- lenium is to come, not to be worked for, not to be striven for as all great reforms are, but to come as a result of an armed up- rising and his own fiat. The people swallow the bait, the impos- sible, impractical promises of the demagogue are acclaimed hysterically as every one's due. Workers throw down their implements of industry and take iqi the implements of war. The dreamer is hailed as a savior. After a generation of peace the passions of war are aroused. The owners of property are looked ujion as common enemies, the authority of the .State is despised. The Republican .Administration, gauging Correctly the force of the flaming passions of the deluded mob and unwilling to per- petuate itself at the expense of terrible fratricidal strife, resigns. The demagogue becomes President. He is a great agitator but with no practical ex- perience or ability in handling public affairs. Moreover, he is surrounded by relatives and followers who do not share his theories but have pushed him to the front for their own advantage, to procure the seats of power and to plunder the country. On the one hand the dreamer finds it impossible to fullill his glowing promises of a millenium, or per- haps he has forgotten them in a childish satisfaction wdth his triumph. .\t any rate, he does nothing to satisfy the expectations of the aroused masses. On the other hand, his relatives and hangers-on deplete the national treasury, damage the national credit. Business is paralyzed. The men taken from their employment and promised wealth without work refuse to return to the plow- share, the mine, or the loom. Instead they take to brigandage, terrorizing, destroying property, looting, living on the country. The agitator is amazed at the result of his own folly, but he does not blame himself for the conditions that exist. He blames the people themselves, says they are not fit for democratic government, he grows bitter, tries his hand at despotism, storms, rages, in- sult.s — but to no avail. He has sow-n a w-ind and is reaping a whirlwind. The country is tobogganing toward perdition. Capable, responsible, patriotic men advise him, argue with him, but his scheming false friends and relatives control his actions and encourage the pitiful efiforts of a weak and by this time really demented man to main- tain himself and them in power at any cost. -\t last there comes armed revolt in the Capital itself. Nothing less can make the President see that if the country is to be saved from utter anarchy he must go. He calls on the .\riny. which he has treated with contempt and insulted on every possible oc- casion, to defend him. The head of the .\rmy, a soldier first, last, and always, obeys the summons. Then follows a bloody, pro- longed battle in the streets of the Capital. There seems to be no end of the conflict. Property is destroyed needlessly, hundreds of non-combatants are shot down, foreign nations with interests in the country are threatening to intervene, the Senate in a body asks for the resignation of the Presi- dent as the only hope of ending the strife and saving the nation. But the President is now talking and act- ing as one possessed. He demands that his soldiers blow up the city with dynamite be- fore he will yield. He shoots down a mes- senger who is sent to him by leaders of the .Army. The members of Congress and re- sponsible citizens appeal to the general com- manding the .Army, in the name of humanity and patriotism, to arrest the President and put an end to the hopeless conflict before foreign troops are landed. The old soldier MEXICO Saturday^ October _/, igi^ agrees, arrests the President, makes a truce with the leader of the revolt, demands and gets the President's resignation, which is accepted by Congress, is constitutionally named Provisional President as the strongest and most able man to restore normal con- ditions to the country. The ex-President is killed several days later, whether murdered l)y friends of those he had wantonly ordered killed in his demented frenzy or as a result of an attempt of his followers to free him, is not determined. Xow, if all these things had happened right here in the United States, which, thank God, they never can, would our conclusion be that it was a struggle between those actuated by high ideals of democracy and the forces of treachery and assassination? Would our sympathy be for the dispossessed clique, which had worked on the ignorance and cupidity of the masses and the weakness and incompetence of an agitator President to bring a nation to the verge of ruin to further their personal ambitions? Would our sympathy not be given rather to the men whose courage, capacity and patriotism were called upon to save their country, only to be maligned, misrepresented and falsely accused before the world? "Error runs swiftly down the hill, but truth climbs slowlv." Smuggling Works' Way United States Senatoi- Jobn D. Works, speak- ing at exercises dedicating a site lor a statue to commemorate Cabrillo, discover ot San Diego Bay, came out unmistakably tor intervention iu Mexico. In part he said : ■■We are responsible in no small part for con- ditions in tlie Eepublic of Mexico. We cannot avoid or shirk that responsibility. It Is the business of our Government to protect Its citi- zens at home or abroad. "We have settled difficulties in other coun- tries, why not in Mexico? We have sent our bluecoats ashore to protect our interests in other lands, why not in Mexico? How long can we sit by idle and allow our citizens to be forced to flee for their lives and to come back into this country without means of gaining a livelihood?" The California Senator admits that we are responsible in no small part for conditions in Mexico and concludes therefore that we should intervene to put an end to those con- ditions. But intervention means war and Senator Works knows it. It is just such fallaciousness and hypocrisy as contained in his remarks that make the Latin-Americans lose confidence in our good faith. To Receive De laBarra I'residont Pulncare Will See Mexican Envoy on October 4. Special Cable Despatch to the Xew Tork &im. Paris, September 'ITi. — Seuor Francisco de la Barra, Mexican Ambassador to France, has been invited to present his letters ot credence to President Polncare on October 4. Remember how, a short time ago, the Washington "high officials" intimated that Dc la Barra would be given the cold shoul- der by the French President. Despite the fact that France had recognized the interim Government of Mexico and had agreed to receive De la Barra as Ambassador long before he left for France. El Paso, Texas, September 21. — Smuggling " munitions of war across the border to the Mexicans is being indulged in from Browns- ville to the Pacific Ocean, and the smugglers are meeting with more or less success. Oc- casionally, American troops patrolling the line intercept those seeking to replenish the supplies of the Federals or Rebels, such as in the case of the band at Carrizo Springs, Init thousands upon thousands of rounds of ammunition are being taken into the Re- public of Mexico daily. The seizures of ammunition and guns arc comparativeh' small. The smugglers taken prisoners are very few. The - United States Government, which recognizes no Government in the Republic of Mexico, refuses to sanction the shipment of munitions of war across the border, either to the Federal forces or to the revolters. The revolution continues, just the same, and if one is to judge by the number of killed and wounded in battles, the combatants have more ammunition now than ever before. Every day or two the American troops strung out along the border seize supplies of ammunition and guns intended for Mexico, but the estimate of the amount which is safely carried across the river each, week is very high. Here in. El Paso the dry river bed makes it easy for border runners, and thousands of rounds of cartridges are smuggled across in driblets ever}' week. One of the methods pursued here is to have large quantities of ammunition deliv- ered at the home of some unsuspected Mexi- can family and wrapped in small bundles ; both men and women take it across the line. Until recently the customary way of smug- gling was the loading of the war munitions into automobiles, and with Americans driv- ing, go down the valley to a convenient place, where they would turn ofT to the river liank and cross under cover of darkness. Local ammunition dealers are receiving large quantities of cartridges and rifles and apparently little effort is necessary on their part to dispose of their stock ; the one trou- ble being to keep it replenished. Several days ago orders were issued by the author- ities in Washington to place all ammunition and guns seized by the officials and troops of the army here at Fort Bliss, the customs officials having objected to the storing of explosives in the Federal Building. Upon receipt of the orders the ofiicials commenced the movement of the large sup- ply of ammunition which was stored in the Federal Building, when they found that much of it had been stolen since being ulaccd there. When two heavy boxes of ammuni lion were opened, instead of finding car- tridges there were a half dozen bricks in each box, the ammunition having been re- moved. Each box was supposed to have contained 1,000 rounds, while a seized trunk of ammunition was found to be short 2,400 rounds. — Houston Post. A New Era for Mexico To the man of vision and luresight recent developments in Mexico have presaged a speedy return to complete peace and the be- ginning of a nev/ era of commercial and industrial progress. The recent report of trade' conditions has shown that, despite in- ternal strife and political clashes, the country is possessed of an amazing vitality and seem- ingly limitless resources. The Mexican peo- ple have learned a bitter and costly lesson from the three years of conflict and disorder that were ushered in by the Madero revolu- tion. Their leaders also have learned that certain needed economical reforms must be inaugurated if the future peace of the coun- try is to be assured. These reforms could never come by revo- lution but they will come by natural evo- lution. It is not too much to expect that the tragic experiences of the Mexican nation in the last few years may really prove a bless- ing in opening the eyes of the people to the advantages of peace and order and inform- ing the world of the greatness as well as the problems of the Mexican Nation. Obstructionists The so-called Constitutionalists have shown their real calibre and have come out in their true colors by refusing to participate in- the forthcoming elections or to abide by their results. First it was Huerta they didn't like, then. Felix Diaz, next Gamboa and now the}- say that nobody will satisfy them as Presi- dent of Mexico except — e.xcept — why. of course, one of their little group of Maderist malcontents. It has been unfortunate for Mexico that this group has fooled the Washington Ad- ministration as long as it has, with its cun- ningly concocted rigmarole of thwarted democratic ideals, and autocratic usurpation, its bloodcurdling Ties. They would swear away the reputation of every man in Mexico as long as the Washington Administration was receptive. But they have cried "Wolf" so often that naturally little or no attention can be paid to them much longer and their present puerile obstructionist tactics will not avail against the logical course of events. Yes, it begins to look as if Mexico were rid of that Maderist crowd of troublemakers for all time. The Last Legs of the Rebellion (icneral Ilucrta, through the Foreign Oflice, has sent to the legations and embassies' the following : "The revolution is practically suppre^ed. Mili- tary operations, properly speaking, will not ha\e further importance. All that Is lacking, which the Government is proceeding to do, is to locate suf- ficient troops in such a way as to control the northern States which arc in rebellion. The elec- tion will take' place, because the Government so promised to the nation on April 1. The Govern- ment is resolved to give guarantees to all candi- dates. Already there are two tickets • for Presi- dent and Vice-President, Diaz and Uequena and Gamboa and Rascon, and there is some talk of Calero and Flores Magon," Subscribe to "Mexico" Saturday, October 7, /p/ ? MEXICO THE NEW AGRARIAN LAW As Explained by Its Framer, Ex-Minister of Finance Esquivel Obregon III llu-ir efforts to mislead American pub- lic opinion, Maderist juntas and press agents Iiave obtained the co-operation of that por- tion of the press which through patriotic or other motives has endeavored to justify President Wilson's attitude toward the Mexi can Government. For well-nigh eight months it has been dinned into our ears that the Huerta Government is that of a military dictator sustained in power by bayonets, un- mindful of the people's needs. That the mainspring of the new Maderist revolution lieaded by Carranza — and a few others — is a determination on the part of worthy patriots to give the people of Mexico an op- portunity for realizing their just aspirations which have long been repressed. That the Huerta Government represents special privi- lege and, even in the message delivered to Congress by President Wilson, that there is no probability of the restoration of peace in the distracted Republic except by force of arms. The impression sought to be conveyed is that no effort is being made by the Huerta Government to satisfy the legitimate needs of the people,- among which is that of ob- taining a lair distribution of land. In view of all this misrepresentation, with which our readers are undoubtedly familiar, it is pertinent to give here an explanation of the bill for the subdivision of land recommended by the Mexican Executive. The bill was framed by Mr. Torribio Esquivel Obregon, lately Minister of Finance, and presented to the Mexican Congress witli an earnest request by President Huerta him- self that it be given prompt consideration. After reviewing some of the causes of the first revolution and referring to those men whose activities had been curtailed by some unwise economical policies of the Diaz Gov- ernment, Mr. Esquivel Obregon says : "These men. looking for support, went then among the masses, aroused the indif- ference of the working men, offering them liberty and justice, without realizing how these words would be understood, and promised, besides, a distribution of land and an increase of wages. "It was not, then, the lower class tlial made the revolution. Now as always, and in Mexico as in all other parts of the world, tlie lower class is an inert mass moved by the agitators. "Neither the agitators nor the people were animated by a desire for justice or eager- ness for the triumph of human rights. In fact, upon the success of the revolution, the former sought opportunities in the field of liusiness, while the most sanguinary and hideous injustices predominated wherever the people were not under the control of au- thority. "Many of the men who are revolutionists would be unable to keep in their possession a piece of land given them to cultivate, be- cause to keep it they must have a deep senti- ment of attachment to the soil, and the moral stamina to enable them to work perse- vcringly and to obtain the necessary credit to work their land. "How^ever, there is no doubt that the revo- lution is a perverted manifestation of energies which properly applied could be converted into factors of national welfare, and it is therefore necessary to guide them into the right channels. "It is necessary to assist all those without means to cope successfully with conditions. As they have neither money nor individual credit — and this can hardly be established with the present banking system — it is indis- pensable that the public credit should come to the assistance of all those who wish to co-operate with perseverance in the most important national development: that of subdivision of land, of improving methods of cultivation and of colonization. "This is the object of the projected law wliich I presented to Congress. The work- ings of this law and its effects can be briefly explained as follows : "Whoever wishes to acquire a certain ranch or farm with the intent to subdivide it, will first come to an understanding with its owner in regard to the price and will then apply to the Government to obtain in bonds the sum corresponding to the price of the property. The Government will pro- ceed to the valuation of the ranch and if the report from the experts appointed for the purpose and from other commercial sources is favorable, the Government will deliver to the original owner tlie purchase price in bonds — payable in twenty-five years and bearing interest at five per cent. This with the condition that the buyer pay first to the Government in cash ten per cent, of the value of these bonds to form a special fund for small rural credits. "Tlie buyer will acquire clear title to the property, but this will be mortgaged to the Government as guarantee, together with the ten per cent, in cash, that the division of the property will be duly made and that both the face value of the bonds and the interest will be duly paid. "The buyer will subdivide the property ac- cording to the rules established by law. Tlie mortgage held by the Government will lie divided in as many parts as those in wdiich the land will be divided, and each subsequent buyer or colonist will be indebted to the Gi'vernment for that proportional part of the original cost corresponding to his land, while the difference between the original cost and the price at which the colonist buys the lot, will be represented by a second mortgage held by the first buyer. Tlie time for pay- ment on each lot will be the same as deter- mined for the payment of the bonds, twenty- five years, and the interest payable to the Government at five per cent, a year. "The fund created with the ten per cent, guarantee that all buyers or "fractioning companies" must pay to the Government will be used to extend to the colonists necessary credit and assistance, according to a special law that will be promulgated and that will take special care to exclude all political influence from tlie management of such fund. "This system will produce the following results : "It will give the present landowner the opportunity to dispose of his agricultural property in exchange for bonds bearing livi per cent, interest. "The Government will not suffer any loss, since the value of the bonds as well as the interest on same will be guaranteed by first mortgage on the property and by the ten |)er cent, in cash. "If any probability of loss must be ad- mitted, this would be very small and it is a risk which the Government should accept without hesitation for the general welfare of the country and because the increase in agri- cultural production — as a consequence of the subdivision of land — would largely compen- sate the Government for any eventual loss. "The buyer, or 'fractioning company,' will have ample encouragement because, buying at a comparatively low price large extensions of land, it can sell it with great profit at the increased price of small tracts, without losing while the operation is in force the income from the ten per cent, paid to the Government. This because on one hand he would receive the dividends derived from the use of the special fund for small rural credits, and, on the other, he could im- mediately negotiate the certificates which he would receive upon making the said pay- ment and at the end of twenty-five years he — or his representatives — could collect the said amount. "Tlie colonist would obtain land at very favorable terms, as he would have twenty- five years in which to pay its cost in instal- ments and would have to pay only five per cent, interest, an extremely low rate, almost unknown in our country. In this way there will be created a great incentive for all enterprising men who wish to devote themselves to a profitable business. Each one will devote his energies to the most practical solution of the subdivision of land instead of concocting schemes of political regeneration that are undermining our wealth and our character. "As it is not possible that everywhere in our territory where there is good land and abundant water, there will be found Mexi- cans who will be willing to buy land, the 'fractioning companies' will endeavor to use the best means for the establishment of foreign colonization. This until now has not been successful owing to the fact that colonizing companies have sought only the MEXICO Saturday, October 4, igij Slowly, but with a certainty that indicates tlie light is breaking in on them, the Wash- ington legislators are approactiing the view that the Mexican Government should be recognized. Indeed, many of them have held this view since the historic Gamboa message. Xow there is a general feeling that the light should be turned on the whole proposition from the beginning to its present stage. The Administration Senators and Repre- sentatives — of the latter there are few, it may be said — hold to the Administration view that the whole diplomatic conduct in tlie situation has been exactly correct in detail. They include in their approval Wil- liam Bayard Hale, and Lind. Senator "Billy" Hughes, and his colleague. Senator "Jim" Martine, the two New Jersey Repre- sentatives, shout it from the housetops of the city and announce it in the streets — and other places. The Administration cannot err! Even if it did, say they, the error is on the right side — north of the Rio Grande. The seeming finality of the Hughes- Martine cocktail of opinion — from New Jersey — carries little weight beyond the avoirdupois of the two sturdy and rotund proteges of President Wilson — for their seats in the Senate were made possible through the Wilson influence as Governor of New Jersey. That fact, of course, had no part in the shaping of the Hughes-Martine opinion. Singular ! Two lusty mouthpieces. Senator John Sharp Williams, one of the aljlest men in the Senate mentally, but sadly liandicapped by physical ailments, opposes the Hughes-Martine view. He took some of the cocksureness out of Senator Hughes a few days ago Ijy a statement made with all the Williams vigor of tone. "I think," he said, "the attitude of the Ad- ministration is the most remarkable diplo- matic incident in my twenty years in Con- gress. I have yet to hear a definite explana- tion to account for it. It looks as if we are innocent of diplomatic usage. Plain moralists, birch rod in hand, poised to trounce those whom we think violate our code of ethics. I have no delicate scruples as to stating my position and I will say now that when the question of Mexico comes be- fore us in the Senate I will express my opinion of this diplomatic affair." Representative Herman A. Metz, of Brook- lyn Borough, New York City, has positive ideas on the subject of Mexico. He dis- cussed it earnestly with Representatives Foley, Goldfogle and Griffin, of New York, and several others, recently in Washington. Said Metz ; "What are we running, a gov- ernment or a Sunday-school? I am sick and tied of all this tomfoolery. Where are we getting to, anyhow? Have we set up in the business of creating a moral code for the rest of the world, and having made it to our own satisfaction are we going to crowd it down the throats of other nations by force of arms? Looks like a case of the Bible in one hand and an ax in the other. If I had anything to do with it the country THE NEW AGRARIAN LAW— Continued payment from the Government of so much per head on the colonists they have imported. But if these same companies were seeking reliable buyers for their lands they would exercise spcial care in the selection of use- ful agricultural workers. "The Government will not be compelled to seek foreign loans or contract any in- debtedness that will weigh on the tax-payers, and, instead of immobilizing circulating capital with the purchase of lands, the rural property will be mobiliccd and there will be created in considerable quantity the circula- tion of negotiable securities with a guaran- teed and fixed value. ".Ml economical difficulties are to be found in the obstruction to the circulation of wealth and the economical problem is a problem of circulation of wealth. This being so, the solution given to the agrarian prob- lem by the law presented by me to Con- gress is scientific in the best-accepted mean- ing of the word, increasiiig as it does the circulation of wealth. It puts in movement what to-day seem fatally immovable and, besides, instead of seeking the solution of the thousands of problems with thousands of details for each locality comprised in the agrarian question of our country with a rigid law purporting to regulate every- thing, it invites and stimulates individual initiative. It also furnishes this initiative with ample means to solve individual ca^es, adapting itself to the inlinitc requirements of varying conditions. "The projected law presented to the Mexi- can Congress contained- the following re- marks and provisions : "1st. If, as is probal)le, the real cause of the revolution is economic, the conditions by which it has been engendered arc derived at the same time from two opposite directions. On the one hand, from the landowners on account of their inability to pay the enor- mous indebtedness which weighs on their land. Indebtedness which in the majority of cases bears an interest higher than the average profit derived from the land under the system of management of "latifundiae." In these conditions the landowner is anxious to sell his property, but on account of lack of money on the part of that class which wishes to buy, he cannot sell it. "On the other hand, in the middle and lower classes there are many who can no longer satisfy the necessities of life with the daily wage which cannot be increased because the land does not produce suffi- ciently in the hands of its present owners. These men are an.xious to buy land but cannot do it for lack of money. "Both classes are desperately struggling, possessing interests which in appearance are opposite but which in reality are the same. What is lacking is an intermediary able to conciliate them. "This law purports to create this inter- mediary. "2d. The financial elements used for the acquisition of lands must have no other limit than the possibility itself to acquire the lands to be subdivided and there must be no necessity to resort — at least directly — to foreign credit subject to fluctuations and delays. "3d. There must be avoided as much as possible the necessity for the Government to increase with new expenditures the service of its indebtedness, so that the condition of the taxpayers will not be aggravated. "4th. The interest weighing on land prop- erties must vary between 5 and 6 per cent., and not exceed this limit. "Sth. Acquired rights must be respected scrupulously and in all cases the conditions mentioned before must be taken in considera- tion in order to proceed with equity and by means of contracts, because it cannot be expected that peace can be the result of injustice or violence. "6th. If it is desired that the subdivision of property be put in eiTect speedily, wisely and according to the requirements of each locality, it is indispensable to create every- where inducements for individual interest and initiative, which is the most potent social force than can be brought into play. "7th. The acquisition of land by indi- viduals who are not interested in agricultural development must be avoided. Their only aim would be — having purchased a tract of land — to resell it as quickly as possible and spend its price \vith detriment to their own morals and with no advantage to the public wealth. "Sth. If land only should be furnished, and not the possibility of ol^taining honestly the means to cultivate it, the work would be incomplete, and tlie law must provide also for this necessity. "The national credit would lie the inter- mediary between the large landholder who wishes to dispose of his property and the man who, with his family, wishes to acquire a tract of land to cultivate it. This by means of the Government's guarantee of the bonds issued by the "fractioning com- panies" or by the Government itself, to cover the cost of the properties. "These bonds would be guaranteed by tlie first mortgage and by the Government itself, so that they would always figure among the best of Mexican securities." Saturday, October /, /<^/J MEXICO LOBBYGRAMS Continued would Iiavo 1)fi-n rid of this Mexican ein- Iiarrassmtnt montlis ago. What have we to do witli the kilhng of the Maderos? What iiave we to do with Huerta? Mexico is Mexico, and that is all there is to it. Let's recognize the Government and get through vvitli tliis tiresome Inisiness." PROGRESS IN MEXICO 'Die United States Commissioner of Elec- tions in Mexico is wondering whether he will he ahle to cope with the situation on election day. Being a New 'S'orker, he has had considerahle experience in contested elections. It is understood he was a Hearst worker in the Mayoralty election of 1905, and was one of the several hundred Hearst men heaten up in that struggle. On that occasion he barely saved himself and two others from death at the hands of the Tam- many guerillas. If he can prevent murder in Mexico at the elections he will consider he lias earned Uncle Sam's promise to pay some time in the future. Viva the Commis- sioner ! "Uncle Joe" Cannon was in Washington the other day looking over his old seat in llie House, to which he expects, in the whirligig of jiolitics, to lie returned by his Constituents in Illinois next year. "Uncle Joe" discussed the political issues of the day in the old-time Cannon-like style. Tarifl, currency and platforms as viewed by the -Administration, called for Cannon sarcasm. He was asked about Mexico. '"T tliink I hear the school bell tolling," said the former Speaker of the House, with twinkling eyes. Drawing out his watch he exclaimed, "Goodness ! It's luncheon time. Mexico! Well, out in Danville, when I was a boy, if two lads got into a scrap we usually' let them have it out till one or the other quit. The schoolmaster sometimes interfered, and sometimes he got a drubbing. "I fear those good old times are past. The schoolmaster now carries an army with him. Let us make over the whole world, restrict everybody's drinking to diluted grape juice and sterilize the blood of the human race and thus rid it of the fighting germ." Loi>kin,g at his watch again, the former Speaker said : "Shucks ! I almost forgot I have a special engagement with the school- master," and he walked awav chuckling at his joke. Inside Information Constitutionalist representativo.s lu'ic. wlipn shown this statement to-day, said it is merol.v a part of an attempt on the part ot Iliicrta to sliow that he is maliiug great progress, with the purpose of lending an air of legality to any elections which may he held. They said that a reaction from this activity will come in a few days. Reports sent here hy American consuls show the falsity of the claim that the backhone of the revolution has been broken, they said. — Washington .S'(oi', Here is some news. It was not known before that the "Constitutionalists" in Wash- in.gton had access to the consular reports re- ceived by the State Department. The Mexican Government has presented to Congress a bill for the establishment of a committee of some of the most noted business men and lawyers of Mexico to pass upon the claims presented by foreigners for damages suffered during the revolution. Sev- eral meetings had previously been held in the Department of Foreign Relations for the purpose of determining ways and means of reaching a prompt solution, foreign dijilo- mats having been invited by the Government to participate at these meetings. The committee's decisions on the validity and value of claims will l)e based on general jirinciples of equity, shorn of super- fluous judicial formulas and will be ren- dered within a determined period of time, it being understood that its decisions will not establish judicial precedent. The Government has decided upon this speedy and unusual course of adjusting all claims to give patent proof of its friendly attitude to all for- eigners who co-operate with it in tlic de- velopment of the country. Mexico has entered into an agreement with Great Britain allowing the navigation of merchant vessels in the Bay of Chatumal and on the Hondo River. The total income of Mexican consulates during the fiscal year 1912-1913 was $988,- 626.76, with a total expenditure of $541,055.25. leaving a balance in favor of the National treasury of $-147,571.41, Mexican currency, an increase over the previous year of $86,- 172.40, Mexican currency. The prompt and radical measures taken by the Mexican Government to suppress the yellow fever in Campeche on July last were most effective as only seven cases were recorded. A bill has been presented to Congress by the Minister of Justice creating a pension fund for retired magistrates. Another will be presented at this session creating a com- mission composed of members of the .Su- preme Court and of the bar to reform tlie system of Federal Courts in order to in- sure the absolute independence of the ju- diciary. Other bills will be presented by the Min- ister of Justice aiming to reform the organ- ization of justices of the peace and to estab- lish junior courts. Of the rudimentary schools for the edu- cation of the poor the establishment of which was approved by Congress at the last session, two hundred are already in op- eration with an attendance of ten thousand pupils. The distribution of free meals to poor school children has lieen thoroughly re- organized in the Federal District. There are now nineteen such places of distrilnition furjiishing daily 10,813 meals to pupils of 179 schools. The establishment of a minimum wage, ob- tained through the good offices of the De- partment of Labor at a convention of man- ufacturers and working men. lias proven beneficial to tlic development of industry. New cotton mills have been started and several factories that had closed have reopened. The Department of Labor has successfully arbitrated in the settlement of several strikes. The Government has established a special statistical office to compile data on laboi throughout the Republic in order to reform the laws affecting human labor. It has also iintiated tlie establishment of Chambers ot Labor, two of them being already in opera- tion in two different States. These Cham- l)ers of Labor will be under the supervision of a central organization known as tlu .\cadcniy of Social Reforms. The Department of Interior is about to prestnt a bill providing for the building of workingmen's homes at a low cost on easy terms, and for the exemption of these houses from any legal attachment. Also for a life insurance arrangement by which the ownership will be vested in the family of the workingman in case of his death. A delegate was appointed to the conven- tion of the International Association of La- bor and another is now- in the United States studying laws and customs for the protec- tion of chilli labor. Mexico was represented at the Statistical Congress, which met in \'ienna in .Septem- ber, and will be represented at the Inter- national Convention for the Prevention of Strikes, to be held in Ghent. The dredging of the Panuco River has been going on for some time and several oil companies have obtained from the Gov- ernment concessions for private docks on this river. The work of improving the port of Guaymas had been started recently and is progressing. The Mexican Congress has under consider- ation contracts for the repair and improve- ment in the works of the harlior of \'era Cruz and for the construction of a dry- dock in the same harbor. Also contracts for the enlargement of the port of Manzanillo and for the establishment of modern water and sewerage systems in the City of Man- zanillo, San Pedrito and Cuyutlan. During tlie last fiscal year the length of Mexican railroads was increased 111 kilo- meters and contracts have been awarded for the construction of several minor branch lines, besides a very important contract to a Belgian company for the construction of five thousand kilometers of railroads. Mexico has at present 2,769 postoffices, which handled in the last fiscal year 101,000,- 920,217 pieces of mail. The Mexican regular army is at present composed of 182 generals, 1,081 chiefs of bat- tallions, 5,537 ofiicers and 84,985 privates, a total of 91,785 men. Under the Department of the Interior there are, besides, 10,000 rural policemen, 4,00;) city policemen and 16,200 regional State mi- litia, making a total of 30,200 men. MEXICO Saturday, October _/, igij Sob Statesmanship Sob statc-sinansliip over the dispiiK-d man- ner of the death of Madero has nearly run its course and has lieen superseded by a conjec- ture that maybe he got aliout what was com- ing to him. Under General Portirio Diaz, Mexico was prosperous, and American life and property were safe. That the rule of the old soldier was inevitably drastic and sometimes bor- dered on the tyrannical may not be denied, but he knew his countrymen and knew that Anglo-Saxon methods of control could not be pursued successfully with them. The mur- derers and bandits taken in the act were not accorded the privileges of a preliminary ex- amination, and an indictment, and a demurrer to the indictment, and a motion to strike out, and a change of venue, and a continuance, and peremptory challenges, and ol)jection to evidence, and a motion for a new trial and an appeal. They were simply stood up against an adobe wall and shot with the purpose of do- vng substantial justice. There is now no sympathy for the Madero family in Mexico, and no disposition to place any member of it in power. Mexico remem- bers the 100,000 lives lost in the three years' strife that commenced when the powerful Ma- dero family entered Mexican political life. They call to mind the depletion of the Na- tional Treasury and the prostration of Na- tional credit which occurred under A'ladero's rule. They recollect the score of young cadets of the military school, all under age, and of good families, who in the beginning of the ten days' fight which preceded the overthrow of Madero, were, liy orders of Madero and his brother, shot down in the patio of the Na- tional Palace without even the semblance of a trial. They do not forget that forty Mexi- cans of good families were by Madero's or- ders summarily executed without trial ; and while they may not approve of the process by which Madero himself was rendered unable to perpetrate further atrocities, they remark that "He who takes the sword shall perish hy the sword," and shed no tears for the fate of I'rancisco I. Madero. It was reserved for President Wilson to grow maudlin over the fate of Madero, to ac- cept without investigation and without proof the statement of the rich Madero family that President. Hucrla was personally responsible for a sudden and unwarranted removal of Madero, and jumped to the conclusion that it was his duty to ignore or defy the law of nations and to refuse that recognition of Huerta as provisional President which was Ijromptly accorded by Great I'ritain, and (icr- many, and France, and Austria-Hungary, and I'.clgium, and Dcnmark,^^nd Spain, and Hol- land, and Italy, and Portugal, and Russia, and Switzerland, and ("hina. and Japan, and Tur- key, and several South .\mcr!can nations. President Wilson, with no other authority than that derivotl from his unwarranted im- perturbalilc, egotistical confidence in his own greatness and wisdom and virtue, not only defied the law of nations Ijy refusing recog- nition of the dc facto Government of a neigh- boring and friendly nation, but he added to it the unparalleled impertinence of dictating that Huerta should not be a candidate for election to the Presidency of Mexico, and he crowned his folly Ijy directing all Americans in Mex- ico to run away, and promised that the United States would lielp them to run away — second- class. The dignified patience with which President Huerta has received these insults, and the sarcastic generosity with which he has of- fered to pay for fleeing Americans the dif- ference between a steerage and a cabin pas- sage are further illustrated l)y his alile and manly message on Tuesday last to the Mexi- can Congress. In that message he regretted that the action of President Wilson had caused the Mexican nation to suffer unmerited affliction, and had retarded the pacification of the country. He did the American people the credit of believ- ing that the action of their President did not meet with their approval. The splendid reception accorded to Presi- dent Huerta on the celebration of Mexican Independence in the City; of Mexico, on Tues- day last, offers abundant evidence that he possesses the confidence and esteem of his countrymen, and gives rise to the hope that the bandits who have so long desolated out sister Republic will be conquered in good time, and a rule of peace and order and pros- perity will result. The Times greatly regrets that its sense oi justice and fair play has required it to criti- cise the Mexican policy or rather impolicy of President Wilson. If and whenever the ex- igency shall arise, it will say with all patriotic Americans : "My country, right or wrong." But it does not believe that Woodrow Wilson is the entire country. There are others — one hundred million others. — Los .Angeles Times. An Imperialistic Policy The Lr.-ndon Sju\ tutor has disco\crcd that the Wilson Administration has adopted liodily the foreign policy of the Republicans and continued the imperialistic policy of Roosevelt. This is a fact tliat I have been endeavoring to hammer into the heads of Congressmen who were elected as a protest against the imperialistic policy. What's in a name? A dictator in the White House may be called I'ull Moose or Professor Wilson : tile effects upon the rights and liberfies of the people are the same. Forei.gn observers see us in bulk and note tlie tendencies to which w-e are blind. The Democratic Parly did not elect Woodrow Wilson to imitate Tlieodorc Roosevelt. His instructions from tlie voters u'cre to bring the Government back (o constituliiinal methods and in lie a President, not an Emperor. Has he con- formed to those instructions in domestic or foreign affairs? .\ Congress crouched under the lash all through the Summer and our strained relations with all the other Re- publics on this hemisphere, with Great Piritain and with Germany are answers to this question. Dear John Bull : — We can spare the Pro- fessor a few days to settle that Ulster trou- ble, if you wish. His success in China, Japan and Mexico shows his practical e.xpertness. Vours, with best wishes. The Military Court of Mexico, after a thorough investigation, which has occupied six months, decides that "the death of Madero was not brought about by a punish- able crime." This is good enough for Mexico and Europe, but not for our White House. Professor Wilson knows much bet- ter than any military court. Why, the de- cision actually acquits President Huerta and proves that "my policy" has been directed against a perfectly innocent man ! This will not do at all. The Military Court is all wrong. Three more cheers for the infal- lible Wilson! President Huerta was precisely riglit when lie discriminated between the American peo- ple and Professor Wilson. Our people are satisfied with the Huerta Administration, and the overwhelming proof of this is contained in our own official reports, which show that we have done more business with Mexican customers and producers than during any previous year. The increased volume of trade, in spite of all the obstacles wjiich the obstinacy of President Wilson has interposed. is marvelous. — Town Topics. U. S. Attitude in Mexico Assailed as An Insult The attitude of the United States toward Mexico was criticized yesterday l:)y Dwight Furness, for twenty-five years a resident of Mexico City, in an address before the Cur- rent Events Class of the First Congregational Church of Evanston. "President Huerta came into office legally, and is the rightful President," he declared. "The attitude of this country toward his Administration is a direct insult to the whole Mexican nation. "The rumor that Madero was murdered to make way for the Huerta .\dministration is absolutely false." Mr. Furness also praised the conduct of .Vmbassador Henry Lane Wilson during the disorder which came at the time when Madero was fighting tn retain the Presi- dency. He added : "The Hucrla Government is recognized by live-sixlbs of the population of Mexico as tile lawful Government, and the only ones who are opposed to him are the Iiandit chiefs, whose sole object is plunder, and who liave committed every crime in the calendar." — Chicago hitcr-Occaii. Saturday, October _/, i(^i J MEXICO 11 PUBLIC OPINION -Continued or tlic Aiiifi'k'iiu refugi'i'S iiirlvin,s; to-day on tiM-ir \\;\\ to till' I'liitwl Stiites a nunihcr formerly wiTi' well to do. Tlioy are now ijouniloss. Jlost ot till? toreiKDiM-s also liiivp left the State of Du- r;iii;;o. accordinj; to tlie refugees, who say that till' rebels rol) Mexicans and foreigners indiscriin- inatcly. Some ranehes were looted so often that absolutely nothing portable remains. There has been a great deal of talk about "rec- ognition." The dictionary meaning of the word is : Formal acknowledgment that one knows or accepts something, as, the reco.gnition of one State by another" ; hut it is said that in diplomacy the term has a wider meaning, and it is assi'rted that in the present ca.se there lias been "recog- nition." It is a lilth' bar.l to understand, except in an academic way. exactly what is the practical dif- fei-ence between a de facto government and a de jure government, so long as the do facto govern- iiii-nt is in actual possession and exercise of the functions of government. The iJoint is made tliat, though denying "recog- nition" to the Iluerta (iovermuent in Mexico, the present Administration at Washington ha.s. as a luatter of fact, given "recognition" to Iluerta, in its official correspondence, in the maintenance of the Embassy, in the conferences of the I'n'si- ■ leiifs confidential agent. Air. Lind, with Iluerta ill his official residence and in other wa.vs. 'I'he only anthority in Mexico with wliic'.i the Iriited States has been in communication is the Iluerta Government. That in itself is very sig- It is admitted by the authorities li.Te that Iluerta controls the most iJoi)ulous and progres- sive part of Mexico, and that within his zone lie exi-rcises practicall.v undisputed authority. Tlie territory lying outside his sphere of influence is larger in extent, hut it is undeveloped and has not counted for very much in the building up of Mi'xico except in the way of being attractive lor tile exploitation of outside promoters and fiu- revolution. This territory is lield liy the revolutionists, with whom the (lovcrnmeut at Washington has nt't been in diplomatic communication, and to whom It has refused recognition as belligerents. It is said that the Constitutionalists will not take part in the October elections and will not recognize the results of these elections : but will continue in Ibeir present course, and that will make anorher embarrassing situation for both .\uiericans and Mexicans. — Philadelphia I'uhlh- Porfirio Diaz .\ftcr tliirty \c;ir,s of almost aiitocriitic rule, Porl'irio Diaz went into exile in order that his {ellovv-countrymcn might experiment • witli a supposed government of the people liy the people. In his absence the Mexican drifted the rocks. 1913 AMERICAN 1914 CANE=SUGAR BUREAU MUNSEY BUILDING WASHINGTON, D. C. \Vc invite correspondence from all who are professionally interested in the cane-sugar industry.— Wm. L. Bass, Mgr. The c-\pcrimenl was a hopeless failure from the heginning, not only because the strength of Francisco Madero, who could tear down ))Ut not build, was pitifully unequal to the prodigious tasU, liut also iiccause the only idea of freedom possessed by so many Mexicans is to get wdiat they want when they want it, regardless of la\V or the rights of others. Under the provisional rule of an old soldier, who was one of the trusted lieutenants of President Diaz, a semblance of order has been established in the rcpulilic. The continued verbal activity of the Bom- bastes Furioso of the north, wdio threatens to kill without trial any Mexican who dares to vote for a President without his per- mission, proves nothing more to the con- tr.'iry than the persistent exag.geration of tlie internal trouliles by .Americans who have wickedly aimed to create a senti- ment in this country in favor of interven- tion. -\n election under the forms of law is to be held in Mexico next month, and Gen. Diaz has been invited to return to his native land in an advisory capacity. He has entered upon his eighty-fourth year, but he is still the ablest, wisest, and most influential of living Mexicans. There are indications innumerable that a great majority of thou,ghtful and law-abiding Mexican citizens now fee! that tlieir country would be much better off if he had never been forced to resign. Many needed reforms, such as the institution of equitable land taxes, could have been secured under his rule. Nothing for the good of Mexico has lieen accom- plished in his absence. Whoever may l)e elected President in October, the Mexican outlook will be brighter with aged Don Porfirio back in his old home. — New ^'ork Times. September 29. Coming Out of Mexico I'or tb. have lieen coming out of Mexico as fast as they could make their arrangements to reach some point of embarkation. They have come from the Mexican ports on United States transports, on other sailing vessels, and have crowded the rail- ways where such transportation was possible. In some instances the desire has been .so great to get out of the country that long trips have been made overland, as in the case of the refugees from Tor- reon. who were reported captured by ronstitution- alists, but who finally showed up at Saltlllo. in the State of Coahuila. unhurt. .\sk these refugees why they cauK' out ot Mex- ico and nine cnit of ten of them will declare it was on account of tlie vague mystery embodied in the warning of President Wilson. The majority of these people resided in sections remote from any active communication with the outside world, on account of the destruction of the railway traf- fic of the Ucpublic. Tliey have had no mail or telegraph facilities and were ignorant of wiiat was transpiring in the outside world and when the warning to come out of Mexico was given them by consular representatives of the Tnlted States they hastened to comply, because they wi'ri' led to believe tliat something was about to happen. These refugees from the Interior of Mexico will also tell you that they were treated with the ut most consideration by both ot the warring fac tions in Mexico — that they were under no appre- hension of danger under existing conditions, and that as a matter of fact they only consented to leave the country and all their personal belong ings because they were led to apprehend that some- thing was about to happen in the direction of eventualities between the United States and Jlex ico that might render their remaining in that country dangerous. They acted upon this as sumption and have come out of .Mexico, and they are much surprised upon their arrival in tlie United States to find that there is apparently nothing in the develoinnents to warraiit appre Iiension of any trouble between the country ol their nativity and the country of their adoption. They have found the Wilson warning nothing more in reality than the repetition of the Taft in- junction for every American in Mexico to make a run for the border as an evidence of -\nierican good will for Mexico. Naturally, there is more or less resentment exiiressed, and some of the language employed is not at all complimentary to the Wasliington Administration. — El Paso Times. Perfectly Safe It appeared from a ssage i-i-eeivecl Iiere by the Methodist Einscopal Church I'.oard of F.ireign Missions from Dr. ,Tohn W. Butler, Superinteiidenl of its mi.ssion in Mexico Cit.v, that .Vmerieaii missionaries of all denominations were reluctant to leave Mexico. Acting im this information, the Methodist Episcopal Church Board of I'oreign Missions and the I'resbyterian Board of Foreign .Missions have instructed their missionaries in Mexico to use their own discretion. C. .1. King, who came in from Mexico last even ing via Eagle I'ass. said : "(Juite a number of .Vinericans have been frightened out of Mexico and will return to find everything they possess<'d gone. They mistook for |n-eparations for inter- vention this (iovernmeut's plea, for hidplessiiess to protect them, when they would have been per- fectly safi- in r.iiiaiiiing in .Mexico." — El I'aso il!y Mexican Cable to the New York lliiiihl.t -Mexico City, Mexico, via Galveston. Texas. Sun- day. September 2.S. — Iteports received at the War Department to-night are to the effect that the rebels in Chihuahua have been routed with a heavy loss of life and are now in full retreat toward the border. The fiKhtin.g lastid two da.v.s. (Jeiieral Iluerta has an arm.v exceeding ninety thousand men, which is daily being campnigned into greater efficiency. $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. .. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out tiiis order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to ".MEXICO,- to be sent to 12 MEXICO Saturday, October ^, igij "MEXICO'' Published every Saturdax b\ UNIVERSAL PUBLISfflNG SERVICE ManaeiriB Ediloi, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $200 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of bi-.yers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE IS Broad Street. New York No Muzzling "Mexico," a weekly publication interpreting the sentiment and opinion of Americans interested in fostering friendly and mutually advantageous relations between the United States and Mexico, has. freely criticized President Wilson's Mexican policy. As editor of "Mexico," I wish respectfully to reply to some of Ihe' statements made by Secretary of the Navy Daniels, speaking be- fore the Indiana members of the Associated Press. He deplored the fact that many American newspapers have seen lit to criticize, even frankly and honestly, the stand taken by President Wilson toward Mexico. Such criticism of Administration policies should, he thought, be restricted to internal matters and should stop "at the water's edge." The world should know, he contended, that any stand taken by the President in a matter of foreign relations is supported unquestion- ingly by an undivided people, who, if neces- sary, would execute it by force of arms. He intimated that the press or individuals giv- ing any different impression to the world were disloyal and impatriotic. As to the press-muzzling purpose of the Secretary's speech, I shall remark only that it is the first attempt of any Administration to restrict the cherished freedom of the press. The attempt will, of course, not suc- ceed and will meet with the condemnation it deserves. As to the Adininistration's evi- dent resentment of criticism, I suggest : That frank and honest criticism of any stand taken by the President of the United .States which involves the destiny of one hundred million people is necessary for the safe conduct of popular government and should be welcomed l)y a broad-gauged- and well-intentioned .Xdminist ration. That a national sense of justice demanlayer, who struts and frets his hmu- upon X\\r stage, and then is heard no uiori'." [AILING LISTS of any business Ml the wiir i). Be wise Mr. Business Man, and Circularize fviiv ni.ui er fiiii with w hum )ou cjn do business through the mails. We haie evr.y- body's nan.u and addri-s in the world, cbssihcd acco diog o business, tjade or profession. Send for rates MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intellidenf Discusstao ai i/l^jOiXitk ACIalBft Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. 1.— NO. 8. NEW YORK, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11. 1913. FIVE CENTS MEXICO and the OIL INTERESTS September 30. (Special to the N. Y. "Eve. Sun.") Deputy Qucrido Moheno introduced a bill to-day providing lor a Government con- tract for auv ther foreign loan of 50,000,UO() pounds to be expendeU in purchasing and nationalizing all petroleum properties in the republic. Not only Moheno but many men m all parties are convinced that Por- lirio Uiaz was overthrown by the Standard Oil interests because he had refused to con- cede pipe line and railway rights and fran- chises whicii would have meant an abso- lute monopoly ot Mexican petroleum prop- criies by the Rockefeller corporation. Tl;e majority of wcil informed Mexicans still believe that Madcro had the promise of Standard Oil aid in the revolution which carried him into power, and that his fail- ure to "deliver" before his assassination is at the bottom of the United States' refusal to recognize the Huerta administration. The Moheno bill provides that all dis- coveries of petroleum and hydrogen carbon mineral compounds shall in the future belong to the Government, even though they might be located on the properties of ■private individuals. It sets forth further- more that the development of petroleum and kindred products shall be a public util- ity, and that to this end the Government shall take over all existing petroleum prop- erties and such other lands as may be nec- essary to gain a monopoly of the business and control the output. The President of the Republic is empowered to develop and exploit oil lands directly through contract or by rental to private companies. He must give an accounting of his transac- tions in this respect to Congress every six months, however. The proceeds of the proposed loan are to be devoted to paying for such property as the Government may see fit to "condemn" under the provisions of the act. The properties thus af?ected shall stand as security for the loan. The life of the loan is not to exceed fifty years and the rate of interest is fixed at a maximum of 5 per cent. ( By Mexican Cable to "The Herald.") Mexico City, Mexico, via Galveston Tex., Tuesday. — Deputy Querido Moheno, speak- ing at last night's session of the chamber in support of his bill proposing the estab- lishment of government control over the petroleum industry of Mexico, declared that the revolutionary troubles could be traced to the war between the oil interests of the country. He added that the indus- try is one of the greatest in Mexico, and with government control a sure source of income could be provided, enabling Mexico to keep a standing army of such propor- tions in the field that the United States SENOR FEDEKICO C.WIBOA (iN MIDDLE) AND GROUP OF PROMINENT MEXICANS. would see the necessity of keeping hands oflE in Mexico, and that missions such as John Lind's would be conspicuous by their al)sence. Before commenting on the assertions contained in the above dispatches we wish to call the attention of our readers to the fact that none of fifty or more leading newspapers from all parts of the United States which we have examined published this news. The New York "Evening Sun" published the extensive telegram in one of the after- noon editions and killed it in the last edi- tion. The morning "Sun" did not print a word about it. Of the New York morning newspapers the "Herald" was the only one that carried the news, in a special from Mexico City, and none of those that receive the Associated Press service had anything about it. They did publish a lot of rub- bisli about a girl arrested as a spy in Juarez and many other El Pasograms, but nothing of the bill presented to Congress by Que- rido Moheno. to-day the Minister of For- eign Relations. Yet this bill is intended to make a .government monopoly of an indus- try in which many Americans are largely interested and which both in Mexico and in this country is believed to have had a de- cisive influence on the events which have shaken Mexico during the last three years. Why this silence of the Associated Press correspondent in Mexjco City and of the .'\merican newspapers in regard to an im- portant news item in which reference and allusions are made to large American oil companies? j The correspondent of the "Evening Sun" states that the majority of well-informed Mexicans believe Madero had the support of Standard Oil in the revolution which carried him into power and that his failure to "deliver" before his death is at the bot- tom of the refusal of the United States to recognize Huerta. This belief is shared to a certain extent by many persons in the United States. Reference has been made from time to time in a few newspapers of this country to the supposed participation of Standard Oil in the Mexican turmoil. A few days ago several papers carried a story from Washington stating that Huer- ta's representatives in Washington had re- ceived an extract of an interview published in "El Pais," of Mexico City, referring to this same subject. According to the story a rich landowner of the State of Jalisco upon his return from San Antonio had de- clared that the manager of the Standard Oil for the Southwestern district had told him revolutions would continue in Me.xico until his company succeeded in acquiring full control of the oil wells in Mexico. That Standard Oil had protected the Ma- derist movement and opposed that of Reyes for this reason and that Standard Oil would lend the Huerta Government tvvo hundred million pesos if it could obtain the concessions it w-anted. That they would, besides, pay Hyi cents tax per bar- rel instead of the 5 cents tax which is now being paid by the British interests and guarantee recognition by the United States, as the Company controls the United States Senate. (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, October 11, 1913 Oil Interests (continued) Finally that Standard Oil would not rest until Mexico had a president who would -do exactly what S. O. wished. This interview — published in "El Pais" — strengthened the belief of Mexicans in gen- eral that in effect Standard Oil was closely connected with their troubles. No evidence has ever been produced to prove that oil interests have supported rev- olutions in Mexico, for the simple reason that such proof would be unobtainable even though such moral and material support has been given. In matters of such import- ance no tracks are left. Well-informed people are of the opinion that those in Mexico and in the United States are in error who believe that Stan- dard Oil has fomented the Mexican revo- lution. This error is due to the fact, they say, of a general confusion as to the iden- tity 'of the Standard Oil Company and of the Waters-Pierce Company. While it is true that the Waters-Pierce Oil Company was still a subsidiary of the Standard at the time the Madero revolution was started, the Mexican business of the subsidiary company was absolutely under the control of the Pierce interests. The estrangement of the Pierce and the Rockefeller interests was known to these well-informed persons long before it be- came public and culminated in a suit which was finallj- settled out of court by an agree- ment that the Pierce interests would buy all stock owned by the Rockefeller inter- ests in the Waters-Pierce Company. The Waters-Pierce has been since reor- ganized under the name of the Pierce Oil Corporation, in which the Rothschilds are supposed to be heavily interested, and which has become one of the most formid- able rivals of the Standard Oil. In support of this contention that the Rockefeller and the Pierce interests were not in accord even as far back as five years ago these persons state that at that time a man. in the confidence of 26 Broadway was sent to Mexico ostensibly to help in the management of the Waters-Pierce business but in reality to report the result of his observations to the home office. That when Mr. H. Clay Pierce found out the man's true mission he asked him to leave. The agent left Mexico City, but returned within a few days, stayed in the house of a friend and continued his work of investi- gation. Later he went from Mexico City to the Tampico oil fields under an assumed name. The confusion of the two companies in the public mind has stood the Pierce inter- ests in good stead, these persons allege, as if lias permitted the Waters-Pierce Com- pany to keep in the background, and it has never taken the trouble to set the public right. Against the Pierce interests there has never been forthcoming any more evidence than against the Standard Oil in regard to supposed support of Mexican revolutions. But the well-informed persons point to the fact that there is enough circumstantial evi- dence to show that the Pierce interests have been vitally interested in the political changes in Mexico. First oi all, they say, the Pierce inter- ests enjoyed a practical monopoly of the oil trade in Mexico until the Diaz Govern- ment granted concessions to the British oil interests headed by Lord Cowdrey to develop the oil industry and enter the com- mercial field. The Pierce interests also controlled the Mexican Central Railroad. The merger of Mexican railways , under government con- trol and llie granting of concessions to the British interests were prompted by the de- sire of the Diaz Government to prevent an absolute nion -■poiy of Mexican petro- leum properties i)y the Pierce interests. Efforts were made by the Pierce inter- ests to have the concessions revoked but with no avail. Thereupon the so-called oil war ensued, causing large financial losses to the inter- ests involved. During the Madero movement Gustavo Madero, brother of the leader, spent much of his time in Washington, where he be- came intimate with Shcrby Hopkins, a well- known attorney, who later b-efore the Senate committee of investigation acknowledged his connection with the Pierce interests. Mr. Hopkins was the legal adviser of the Maderist junta and upon the final success, of the revolution received $50,000 for his services. Shortly after Madero entered Mexico City as the victorious leader of the revolution Mr. Hopkins went ■ to Mexico City and engineered a publicity campaign in favor of the Pierce interests and against the Aguila Oil Company. As he testified later, he went there "to make it hot for the British oil interests." About the same time Gustavo Madero and a few friends organized an oil company with a million pesos capital. It was cur- rent opinion in Mexico at that time that special concessions would be given by the government to the new company, destroy- ing the effects of those granted to the Aguila Oil Company, and that these conces- sions would be transferred later by Gus- tavo Madero to the Pierce interests. No attempt was ever made to hide the close friendship between the Madero fam- ily and the Pierce family which, it is said, continues very intimate to this day. The general manager of the Pierce in- terests in Mexico, Mr. Galbraith, was on an e-xcellent footing with the Madero Gov- ernment and he was offered by Ernesto Madero the presidency of the National Railways. Mr. Galbraith was very anxious to accept the position, but after a consulta tion in St. Louis with Mr. Pierce he refused it. It was said at the time that the offer had been made to calm for a while at least the impatience of the Pierce interests to have what they called the blue-sky conces- sions to the British interests revoked or at least equal ones granted to them. This was in accordance with promises made by the Maderos in Washington in exchange for support received, it was said, but the Maderos did not dare keep their promises immediately upon their ascension to power and wanted to delay the matter until pub- lic attention could be diverted from it. Upon the fall of Madero certain secret investigations were begun in Mexico City to ascertain what participation the oil in- terests had in the Madero revolution. Of- ficials of the Pierce Company have many friends, even among Mexicans, well in- formed of government movements. About the twenty-fifth of March one of the Pierce officials received an unsigned and typewrit- ten note from one of these friends notify- ing him of these secret investigations. It read: "An investigation is being made of the participation in the Maderist revolution of the Washington attorney." Mr. Sherby Hopkins, the Washington attorney, is said to be still in very friend- ly relations with the Pierce interests. He is also a prominent figure in the Bellevue Hotel, where the present rebel junta head- ed by the brother-in-law of tlie late Fran- cisco Madero meets daily. Dr. William Bayard Hale while in Mex- ico City counted among his intimates Mr. Galbraith, the general managei^ of the Pierce interests, and other men closely con- nected with these interests. A few hours after Dr. W. B. Hale arrived in Washing- ton from Mexico City he received a visit of his old friend Mr. Sherby Hopkins, with whom he was in consultation for several hours. i All of which is very interesting, but proves little. So far. The Right Spirit. (Special Cable Despatch to the New York "Sun.") London, Oct. 6. — The Madrid correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" sends a despatch saying that Gen. Felix Diaz in an interview given aboard the steamer "Corcovado" at Santander said; "I am returning to Mexico simply because I wish to comply with the constitutional precept that candi- dates for the Presidency must be present on election day. If I am elected President my programme will be amply liberal. I shall devote myself chiefly to social questions. If Sefior Gamboa is elected I shall place myself immediately at his service with a view to aiding if necessary in the pacification of the country and its progress. I would accept any post offered to me. "I do not believe in the possibility of armed in- tervention on the part of the United States. It would provoke a war which would be ruinous to both nations and the consequences of a struggle are incalculable." One Way. Panfilo Natera, the rebel chief who a few months ago raided Zacatecas and held it a few days against the advance of the Fed- erals, has surrendered unconditionally to the Government. His surrender was brought about by his fiancee, who refused to marry him unless he became loyal to the. Government. Panfilo Natera threw down his arms and recommended all his follow- ers to do the same. He is now a happ> bridegroom. It is said that the Mexican Government is seeking a hundred or sc. good-looking and patriotic girls to send to the hundred or so other rebel and bandit leaders. Ask J. G. B. Lord Northcliff, just before his departure from New York, declared that he had no intention of entering the newspaper field in New York because — he said — it is impos- sible to direct a newspaper by cable. How little Lord Northcliff knows of American journalism! Mr. James Gordon Bennett has been di- recting the New York "Herald" by cable for many years and no better e.xamjjle could be had X)f a successful newspaper with a consistent cable policy. Why, even the future war with Mexico is being mapped out and managed by cable! A Turncoat. It is not known whether or not the Carrancistas and other rebels are supporting the move of the Maderista Deputies but the Carrancistas and the Maderistas form now practically the same political party. It is said, however, that many prominent Maderistas, including several relatives of the late President Madero and of his Cabinet Ministers, re- gard Carranza as unworthy of serious consideration, being chiefly an ambitious turncoat seeking personal advantage at the country's expense. — New York "Herald." Tabasco. State Department advices from Monterey dated .September 26 say that order now prevails in the State of Tabasco, but there are rumors that the rebels in the southern part of the state are only waiting for reinforcements from the State of Cam- pcche to resume fighting. — Washington "Star." It is quite interesting to note that infor- mation about Tabasco in the extreme South of Mexico comes from the Consul at Mon- terrey in the extreme North. That Consul at Monterrey must have some special means of communication with a State 3,000 miles South. Saturday, October 11, 1913 MEXICO Reception of De La Barra Paris, (Jet. 4. — J'rcsidcnt I'oincare's ofii- cial reception at 3.30 o'clock this afternoon of Francisco L. de la Barra at the Elysee Palace as Minister Plenipotentiary of Mex- ico to the French Republic was carried out according to the prescribed ceremonial of the protocol and was exceedingly cor- dial on both sides. The Mexican Minister was conveyed in a state carriage, escorted by a squadron of cuirassiets, to the palace, where a guard of honor presented arms in the courtyard while Seiior de la Barra, in full uniform and wearing the insignia of grand officer of the Legion of Honor, hand- ed to President Poincare the letter of re- call of his predecessor and also his own letter of credentials. The new minister in a brief speech al- luded to the economical interests and the common aspirations toward the same ideal of justice and liberty that united the two republics and said: "I bring to the French people the cordial greeting of a brother people, a people that has just undergone a period of severe or- deal, such as occurs in the history of all nations. There can be no doubt that my country will emerge from its painful crisis stronger than ever. Our past history, the progress achieved by my government in its vv'ork of pacification, the extraordinary economic vitality of Mexico and the pa- triotism of its children are sure guaran- tees of this happy result." After an eloquent tribute to the French Republic and nation the minister added: "I have the honor of wearing upon my breast the insignia of the order with which France rewards at home the services of her glorious sons and distinguishes abroad her devoted friends. This title alone au- thorizes me to offer to your excellency the warm expressions of my wishes for your personal welfare and for the material and moral progress of France." President Poincare replied in cordial and suitable terms. At the Foreign Office the situation in Mexico is considered more satisfactory than at any time during the last year. Mexican funds show strength and firm- ness after the recent bear attacks on the Bourse and are receiving better support from the public than hitherto. — New York "Tribune." Elections and Other Things Persecution of Priests The rebels are persecuting the Catholic clergy- men. Yesterday the rebels placed in the planchas (vertical dungeons barely admitting a human being and causing excruciating agony) three Catholic clergymen. Their names are Garibay, Portela-and Soto, and are said to be guilty of no offense. Law- yer Miguel A. R. Lopez came forward to defend them but the rebels threatened to place him in the planchas if he did not immediately withdraw as their attorney. The rebels demand $.3,(X)0 for each priest before releasing them. A delegation of women called upon Rebel Governor Maytorena in- terceding for the priests. After keeping them waiting for two hours, Maytorena dismissed the women with the statement that he would study the question. The rebel Governor is receiving much criticism for his conduct. — Los Angeles "Times." Extracts from a special article in the AVtc York Times of Sunday, October 5. The writer signs himself "An American Resident of Mexico." Whoever he is, it is obvious in every line that he knows Mexico and whereof he writes. He is inaccurate in stating that the census of 1910 has not yet been compiled. The population according to that census is 15,151,888. Otherwise the article is remarkably well-informed. The Mexican Presidential election is set for Oct. 26, which date was fixed last spring by Gen. Huerta. And what does a general election mean in Mexico? It means that votes are cast by fifteen- one-hundredths of one per cent, of the pop- ulation. Such is Mexican democracy. This proportion of votes to population ruled in the last election (1911) hailed as a triumph of democratic ideals after the so-called autocracy of Diaz, which election resulted in the accession of Francisco Madero to the Presidenc}'. ^r President Madero characterized this elec- tion as "the only fair election ever held in Mexico." Let us analyze this election. Let us bring this vote out from the official records of Congress. The total vote cast in the entire Republic of Mexico for President in 1911 was 20,148, of which Madero received 19,993. For Vice President Pino Suarez received 10,205 out of a total vote cast of 19,406. The^ total population of Mexico in 1911, exclusive of foreigners, was 13,600,000. Thus the total vote cast for the Presidency was .148 of one per cent, of the total population. These elections were practically the Diaz elections over again. Madero dictated the names of about all the Governors of the States of the republic, and even of the Vice- President, Suarez. It may be said in per- fect truth that Madero, for all his book on democracy, followed along the same trail that Gen. Diaz made to maintain himself in office. The press censorship he instituted, the shutting down of one of the principal news- papers of the capital, even without recourse to law, the imprisonment of many leading citizens of the capital on the slightest evi- dence that they were against the Govern- ment — verily the Diaz Government to us old-timers looked mild in comparison. What is the matter with Mexico? Some of us who lived many years in the country under the peaceful but iron rule of Gen. Diaz, and a few of us who crossed the line even when Gen. Gonzalez was President in the early eighties, can perhaps answer this question a little better than the average reporter who tours Mexico, studies the people out of a car window, and writes a history of Mexico and the Mexican peo- ple on the return trip. The returns from the census taken three years ago (1910) have not even been com- piled, so busy has been the Government with revolutions. However, the census of 1900 gives the population of Mexico as 13.- 611,712. In dividing this heterogeneous population into classes it can be said that the upper class comprises less than 5 per cent, of the population. The second class 15 per cent. The third class 80 per cent. Of the total population of Mexico, it can be said that over 75 per cent, are illiterate, and do not care which political party is in power, or who is President, so long as they are left alone to pursue their vocations in peace. The Mexican Indian is a peaceful man, and where trouble has occurred it has been largely on account of the robbery of his lands. A glaring instance of this can be seen in the State of Sonora, where un- principled men robbed the lands of the Yaquis, driving a brave and thrifty race of Indians to be bandits. They only fought for their "tierra." The average Southern Mexican Indian is innately polite. He can often teach man- ners to our white people of the North, while he can neither read nor write. They are extremely simple, but will learn if you are patient and be kind to them, and they will show gratitude where most of the middle class will not. Of the first class, comprising not over 5 per cent, of the population, it may be said that 90 per cent, want nothing to do with politics. They are largely the people of "blue" blood, and comprise the wealthy class — owners of the large haciendas, banks and factories. In times of peace they win. in revolutions they lose. There can be no true democracy where a inajority of the population of any country are as illiterate and unruly as in Mexico. It cannot be denied that Gen. Diaz is the greatest man Mexico has ever produced, and one of the world's greatest nation- builders; he realized this better than any one. He maintained himself in office for thirty-two years, twenty-eight of which were consecutive, by the strong arm and the machete. Diaz was a dictator, but he was a wise one and knew his people, and his country for the first time in a century began to advance and have credit among the nations of the world. What Gen. Diaz did for Mexico is too well known to repeat here. What Mexico did for Gen. Diaz was to banish him to for- eign lands where even Kings and Queens are doing homage to one of the greatest living rulers. Gen. Diaz's downfall was due to the men that surrounded him; he was old and had passed the fourscore years usually allotted to men for their activities. Mexico will some day dedicate her great- est monument to Diaz. The present revolution in Mexico has no principle or right back of it, and there is no union of forces or head to its Govern- ment. Every chief, with his forces, is an (Continued on next page) MEXICO Satiirdav. October 11, 1013 General McCoskry Butt harshly criti- cized the Administration's Mexican policy in a statement to the "Tribune" a few days ago. The general wants war, and therefore the Government's attitude to- ward Mexico has turned him — a life-long Democrat — into a Republican. Now. that is too bad! But.... who is Butt? It Would Seem So Ver.-i Cruz despatches tell of the return to Jle.xico of large numbers of Americans. Does this mean that conditions in our troubled sister Republic are not as bad as they have been pictured? — New York "Herald" Editorial. Once in a while the "Herald" opens its Venetian blinds to a little raj' of light — and forthwith bangs them shut again. Is the light hurtful to "Herald" eyes? (By special wire to -the El Paso "Times.") Marathon, Te.x., September 24. — ^J. E. Landrum, justice of the peace and notary public of Brewster County, and postmaster at Boquillas, Tex., is said to have joined the rebel army in Mexico as a surgeon, leaving his affairs in the United States in a very tangled condition. When Postoflice Inspector W. W. Marshall, of Austin, a passenger on the weekly mail hack from Marathon, reached the postofSce at Boquillas last week, he found that Postmaster Landrum had de- parted for Mexico on urgent business some six hours before his arrival. Upon inspecting the office, he found the books, which showed a balance due the Government of something over $l,i!CiO, a few stamps, and $5.25 in cash. The rest of the cash was missing. The call of the Constitution must' have been too strong for Landrum. But he is not the only one who has had to heed the call from A'lexico. li it is true that he has joined the rebel army he is now among his peers. Many are among them whose book^ upon being inspected have shown a balance due to the Government (in most cases the Mexican Government) or to some private corporation, and whose cash drawers con- tained, alas, only a few stamps. But what is a balance between a despotu Government and a lover of the Constitu- tion? (Special Cable Despatch to the New York "Sun.".) Paris, Sept. 29. — The budget committee of the French Parliament has made a recommendation that French bankers abstain from lending money to Mexico. The nail is in the following dispatch to the Boston "Transcript": Paris, Sept. 24. — The French Government, it is understood, to-day indicated to the leading French bankers that it will not consent to any foreign loans being issued, on the Paris market, or ad- mitted to the Bourse, until after the French Gov- ernment has effected its own loan to meet mili- tary requirements. This decision applies also to the Balkan States, whose agents have recently been very active in aranging loans in Paris, while Mexico, too, is included. Hale's Antennae "Rev. William Bayard Hale's elforls to estab- lish wireless communication between Mexico City and the American warships in Vera Cruz harbor came to a sudden stop," says Robert Silberberg, who returned to El Paso the other day from a four months' stay in the Mexican national capital. "Dr. Hale quietly engaged a few mechanics and had wireless antennae erected on the top of the Iturbide hotel, right in the center of the city. Communication with Admiral Fletcher was carried on for a few days, but one evening a squad of soldiers from the palace garrison commandeered the plant and quickly demolished it. No message was sent to Dr. Hale and the doctor, naturally, did no talking. A second attempt to set up aerial connection from the roof of the Y. M. C. A. build- ing was not interfered with until the oufit was in working order. Then it met tlie same treatment by the Federals. Dr. Hale thereupon took the hint and resumed tiling his official despatches to Washington at the Government telegraph office on Cinco de Mayo street. Dr. Hale is now in Wash- ington.— Houston "Post." Aerial connections from the Y. M. C. A. building- were not set i.p l)y the ex-Rever- end Hale. The wireless operator in this case was Ferris, the Mexico City correspondent of the Munsey newspapers. He was in league with Hale, but his apparatus did not work. The doctor, by the way, had many others in league with him. And to think that liis reports, according to general belief, served to shape the .Ad- ministration's Mexican policy. Elections and Other Things — (Continued) independent unit, operating solely for loot and the destruction of property. It has be- come a business. Let us look at some of these principal chiefs and their work. The most prominent is probably Car- ranza, former Governor of the State of Coahuila. During the latter months of his administration Francisco Madero mistrust- ed the Federal Army. He conceived the idea of creating a kind of State militia in some of the States where he could rely on the Governors to do his bidding. He be- gan by sending money to Carranza to be- gin this organization in the State of Coa- huila, of which Saltillo is the capital. Car- ranza's bank account grew, but there was no State militia formed. Finally Carranza was pressed hard by Madero for an expla nation, and in January Carranza was pre- paring quietly in Saltillo to start a rev- olution against Madero, his chief, to cover up his defalcation of Government money. On Feb. 18 the Madero Government fell, and Carranza immediately afterward with- drew his Government money from the banks,* together with some ;ir)0,000 pesos belonging to the State of Coahuila,. gath- ered the police force of Saltillo and nu- merous others of the lower class about him, formed a band of one thousand men, with all the arms they ci>uld secure, and with- drew to the City of Monclova, in the same State, cutting the railroads behind him. Saltillo, a city of thirty thousand inhabi- tants, was left without a government or • 3,200,000 pesos. guard. Within twenty-four hours a bandit named Cos, who is still a leader, with twen- ty men, entered Saltillo and held up the banks and merchants for over 100,000 pesos in assessments, while the people looked on in abject fear. This seems incredible, but these facts were told to the writer by both leading Mexican and American residents of Saltillo shortly afterward. We old-timers in Mexico, who have trav- eled all over the country without even a weapon under the peaceful reign of Gen. Diaz; we who know the national hymn of Mexico as well as we know the "Star- Spangled Banner"; we who know that there are as good people in Mexico as in the United States, as well as some bad ones; we who are good loyal American citizens; we who have spent years following various lines of business and professions in Mexico and have many friends among the natives; wc who know Mexico and its people and have interests in the Republic, we do not want intervention, because wc believe they have the strongest man in the country ai the head of the Government. All he needs to-day is the moral support of the. United States, and recognition, so lie may obtain his loan, and the situation will soon be cleared up. He has to-day 60,000 men in the field. The military situatiori in Mexico is far better than it was ninety days ago. All the Mexican Government needs to-day is money to pay its loyal troops, and her troubles will soon be over. Does the United States Government want to see the downfall of the Huerta Govern- ment in Mexico? If the Huerta Govern- ment falls intervention must follow; that will mean occupation and finally annexa- tion of a part of Mexican territory. This will require 200,000 men, millions of money, and many lives. Former Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson was right when he said ninety-eight per cent, of the leading Americans in Mexico wanted the Govern- ment of Gen. Huerta recognized. The situation to us in Mexico looks like either recognition or intervention. There does not seem to be any middle ground. The propositions of our Special Ambassa- dor, Mr. Lind, are not only not feasible but very obnoxious to Mexico as a nation. The non-recognition of the Huerta G-ov- ernment gives great encouragement to ev- ery bandit chief. Should Gen, Huerta, with his very able cabinet and scant resources, finally dominate the situation, there will be no thanks coming to the United States for its present attitude. Mexico needs the friendship of the United States urgently in the form of recognition of her present Gov- ernment. This recognition has already been given her by all the leading nations of the earth. Why shouldn't we give it and save nur prestige before it is too late? Intervention? None of us want it. MI we foreigners want is for the Mexicans to slop fighting among themselves and go 'o work. Wc want peace. Saturday, October 11, lUlO MEXICO Colquitt in Panama I Special Lurrespoiidcncc.) I'aiiama City, October 1. — This city is in the grip of a mad joy, the overflow of which pervades the 'Canal Zone and the whole Republic of Panama. "Eats-'em- alivc-all-iii-one-piece" Colquitt is here on a visit. The Great Protector has arrived. Upon his arrival at Colon, Colquitt tele- yraphed to Austin: "Veni, vidi, vici." And he has. A petition is being circulated, sis;- natures to which are being affixed with contagious enthusiasm, to retain Colquitt here and make him a permanent fixture of this part of the world. A man on the inside, however, states tha' the joy of the people here will soon Ije changed into grief, as he knows positively that the Governor of Texas will not accept tlic invitation. He will at some other time — ^says this friend — but at present he could not bear to cause infinite sorrow to the people of Texas, who would never recovei from the irretrievable loss of Colquitt. Be- sides, the Governor must return to keep up the good work of forcing President Wil- son's hand to intervene in Me.xico. In fact. I may as well tell 3-011 — b\it strictly confidentially — that there is a pow- erful motive for Colquitt's visit here. He wanted to study the topography of the big ditch so that upon his next visit — and he will not come by sea then — he will know wliere to stop. You see, Colquitt is going to lead the Light Brigade into Mexico and he fears that the impetus of his southward rush will carry liim all the way down to Cape Horn, if he should not know the Canal when he comes to it. He does not intend to go any further south — at least, not immediately — upon his conquest of Mexico and Central America. You may safely say to the people of Texas that for a while the.y will be spared the grief of losing Colquitt, although they may as well prepare themselves for that tragedy in the near future. Colquitt is a determined man and despite President Wil- son's policy of non-intervention, he may yet take things into his own hands and cross into Mexico to save his countrymen clamoring for his help. OUR BANDIT FRIENDS OR AT LEAST WASHINGTON'S. Tupper By the way, what has become of tlie Reverend Doctor Tupper, the worthy offi- cial of the Peace Forum, who when last heard from was on his way to Washing- ton to petition the President in behalf of the rebels? The Doctor (oh, these Reverend Doc- tors!) had been royally entertained at Piedras Negras and had become con- vinced that the cause of peace could best Ije served by allowing the rebels and ban- dits to have the arms they wanted. The disinterested Doctor had promised Carranza that he would use his great in- fluence with the President to get a per- mit for the importation of arms and so stated in an interview at Houston, Texas. Since then he has not been heard from. Another peace advocate gone wrong! Robbery, arson, vandalism, blackmail, looting, counterfeiting — so reads the daily account of the doings of the so-called "Con- stitutionalists." Can any one with reason believe that these bands of outlaws, cut- throats and thieves are, as President Wilson seems to have thought, noble patriots fight ing for the principles of pure democracy! Is there any crime under the sun that these men have not committed? Is there any other way of dealing with criminals of this stamp except by putting the fear of the strong arm of the law into their hearts? These are the kind of men with whom President Wilson asked the Mexican Gov- ernment to enter into a solemn armistice, as if it were possible for a civilized Gov- ernment to conceive of any such thing. To stop the depredations of these men, to put an end to their terrorizing, is the task the present Government of Mexico has set foi itself, a big task when it is taken into con- sideration that under the last Administra- tion these bandits roamed and marauded unchecked, grew in numbers, and found tht life profitable and to their liking. What They Are Doing Crimes Against Catholics Nogalcs (.Vriz.j, Sept. M. — (E.xclusive Dispatch.) The rebels are jubilant over their treatment of the Catholic priests and sisters. In addition to the imprisonment in the pianchas of priests, among whom arc the Cura Viviano Soto and the Vicar Martin Portela in charge of the bishopric, a Catholic daily published in the offices of El Estandarte in Hermosillo, has been closed by the rebel authorities. Another Catholic publication. El Hogar Catolico, is threatened with the saine lot. El Eco dc la Guerra, rebel daily of Hermosillo, bit- terly attacks the Catholics and clergy, and El Paso del Norte, another rebel mouth- piece, urges Carranza to relieve the Catho- lic clergy in Mexico of everything they possess. It is reported that strained rela- tions exist between Carranza and Obregon growing out of the incarceration of the. clergymen. The latter felt that Carranza should ac- cede to the petition of the women of Her- mosillo to show clemency to the priests, but the rebel head was obdurate; where- upon the rebel general threatened to ask for his discharge. The protest against putting priests in dungeons in Hermosillo was simply an ap- peal to the manliness of the revolutionists The whole population is indignant at the severe penalty imposed on the priests, which puts them on the same footin.g as criminals. — Los Angeles "Times." Plunder. George Lewi.s, a mining engineer, of osto arrived here on the Ward liner Morro Castle from Vera Cruz. The bandits, under the direction of General Carranza, he said, cleaned out the district where his mines lay and he was forced to quit. "These bandits, or so-called Constitutionalists," he said, "have swooped down upon villages and mining camps and plundered right and left. They robbed one peaceful family near us, and threatened to kill every one in the district if there was any outcry. They have burned bridges, torn up rail- road tracks and wrecked the country so that no business of any sort could be carried on." — New York "Tribune." Fake Money. Douglas, Ariz., September 23. — The Sonora cur- rency — resembling green cigarette coupons — has been counterfeited promiscuously, according to re- ports which reach the border. The insurgent cur- rency bears no signatures and is said to be imi- tated easily.— El Paso "Herald." Government Business. Special Agent C. E. Lewis, of the Treasury De- partment, assisted by L. O. Howell, of the Custom House, Tuesday seized a five-carat diamond ring, valued at $S0O, and a diamond set bracelet worth $1,200, and placed Jose Diaz Lopez under arrest on the charge of defrauding the Customs Depart- ment of the United States. Lopez admitted bring- ing the jewelry to El Paso and of having at- tempted to dispose of it. It is thought that the jewelry had been taken as loot from a wealthy rancher or business man in Hermosillo, and that it had been sent here to be converted into cash, Lopez admitted having been commissioned by the Sonora State Govern- ment for this purpose. — El Paso "Herald." A Harrassed Medico. El Paso, Tex., September 24.— Dr. E, C. Shack- elford has arrived here from Santa Rosalia, Chi- huahua, Mexico, fleeing from Pancho Villa, the rebel leader, who gave him twenty-four hours to get out or be killed. Dr. Shackelford is a native of Frankfort, Ky., and has been living in Santa Rosalia six years. He says when Villa and his rebel band entered the town September 15 Villa sent for him, told him he was tired of "you American filibusters," and declared he would shoot them all if they did not get out. "Villa took all my books and accounts, and told me he would collect my money," the doctor added. "He also forfeited my house and furnishings to the rebels, and placed two guards over me to see that I did not depart with any money or property. I left at 10 o'clock in the morning of the 16th. t had to walk out, carrying a suit case, which is all T saved. "I hired an old mule at a ranch and finally reached the Texas line. My family was forced to flee from Santa Rosalia in May last. They are now in Chihuahua. All the Mexican men of promi- nence in Santa Rosalia have bad to flee from ",hc rebels, and when I left there Tuesday Villa had thrown all the prominent Mexican women in town into jail and had searched every home for money. "Villa told me he was going to kill the Ameri- can officials of the Conchas Dam Company, near Santa Rosalia." — Washington "Star." Land Grabbing. Snoora rebels are dividing the lands of the "Cientificos" among the poor "Constitutionalists." General Lucio Blanco has started with the "El Borrego" ranch of Felix Diaz, located near Mata- moras. The persons receiving the lands are re- quired to cultivate them. Major Francisco Jose Mugica, Blanco's chief of staff, and Ing. Manuel Urquidi, sub-secretary of public works under Francisco Madero, are assisting in the division of the lands. Poisoning the Water. Every man known to possess a weapon has been summoned to Peyotes to assist in the defense, and large quantites of arsenic and cyanide of potash have been sent down to prevent the Federals from obtaining water. It is reported that thirty-five soldiers, who drank water at Barroteran, died on the field be- fore medical aid could be summoned from the hospital provision. — Lqs Angeles "Times.** MEXICO Saturday, October H, 1913 LOBBYQRAMS Huerta's Secret Agent Washington, October 10.— It became known to-day that a special lepresentativc of President Huerta has been in Washing- ton for some time. He has escaped detec- tion until now, being an American news- paper man and political writer. Even though he showed occasionally some inter- est in Mexican affairs, it was thought thai he was gathering material for magazmt articles relating perhaps to what is known as the Mexican problem. It has finally been disclosed, however, that he has been commissioned liy the Mexican President to make a careful investigation of the methods of the Washington Administration and keep a faithful record of events, especially as: they refer to the relation between the Ex- ecutive and Congress. His observations and expert comments are said to be embodied in lengthy reports which he forwards almost daily to the Mex- ican capital. Although when questioned the Aniencan newspaper man denied that he was in any way connected with the Mexican Presidenr, an intimate friend of his stated to-day that he believed the reports which have linked his friend with the Mexican Executive are true. It seems, according to this friend, thai some time ago severe criticism was made in Mexico City of President Huerta's dis- position to respect the absolute indepen- dence of Mexican Congressmen. Huerta's advisers had earnestly counseled that in view of the situation in Mexico it was nec- essary for him to show a firmer hand, even to the extent of dictatorially forcing the Mexican scions to do his bidding. Realizing the wisdom of his friends' ad- vice, and lacking somewhat in political ex- perience. President Huerta had cast about seeking the best example to follow. Con- sequently he had commissioned the Amer- ican expert political writer to make a thor- ough study of President Wilson's methods, the Mexican press having frequently re- produced articles from American news- papers illustrating Mr. Wilson's masterful, dictatorial methods. The informant added that in view of tht apparent present disaccord between tlic Mexican Executive and Congress he fell sure that the reports forwarded by the for- mer's agent in Washington would prove ex- tiemely instructive to Huerta. The splen- did example of political "discipline" to bt had in Washington, where the members of Con.gress are as putty in the Executive's hands, cannot fail to prove enlightening. With the report of October the third the afent enclosed a cartoon from tlie New York "Evening Sun," by McCutcheon, showing President Wilson as a ringmaster in the political circus, with one hand hold- ing a bag labeled "Jol)s" and the other cracking a whip as he drives the Democrat- ic donkey around the ring and Congress through the paper hoops of tariff and cur- rency. It is a bit disconcerting in this cartoon, however, to find one of the spec- tators skeptical of the performance. He h saying: "Just you wait! That donkey will lieliavc as long as the sugar lasts and then look out!" brought $500,000 from Washington and has been appointed Secretary of the Treasury.. — News note. This item was printed in the New York "American" of last Monday. The Wash- ington correspondent l)elieved it was news. Coming from the Carranza junta in Wash- ington, through its chief director, Cap- tain Sherby Hopkins, it must be fact. Its one fact is that Carranza has taken refuge in Hermosillo in his flight before the stead- ily advancing victorious columns of the Federal army. He now calls Hermosillo his capital and announces he has a great army to back up his claim to governmental dignity. But it was not a strong enough an- nouncement to convince even the financial interests which have promoted the disor- ders in Mexico. So Don Sherby Hopkins added the purchase of a navy with .1)500,000 "brought from Washington by Escudero, who has been appointed Secretary of the Treasury." Thus having made it look like real news, Don Sherby remarked: "The Carranza government can get all the money it wants." In Washington? It would add to the enlightenment of the American peo- ple on this great question of Mexico to tell how it comes that monev for the revolu- tionists is collected in Washongton. Another item in the story: The "fiscal agent" in Washington told the newspaper correspondent that it is proposed "to buy an armed vessel from some foreign gov- ernment, but not from the United States." With this armed vessel it is proposed to seize the customs houses on the West coast and appropriate the receipts for the Car- ranza treasury. But — "they can get all the money they want," says Don Sherby. All the Money They Want WashiiiRt..ii, I). C, rjcl. .",.— (k-ncral Car- ranza lias reared his capital at Hcniiosillo, Sonora, and has funds to buy a navy and push the war. Francisco Escudero has "Nerve" Charges were made to-day by the Constitutional- ists here that Mexico is being depleted of money by foreign capitalists, who are taking advantage of the present condition of affairs to get as much out of Mexico as possible. They said that unless a change of administration comes soon Mexico will soon be made bankrupt. — Washington "Star." It may be said for the men who have made the above charges that at least they do not lack "nerve." The Washington rebel junta is headed by Perez Romero, brother-in-law of the late Francisco Madera, and comprises several men who took an active part in the Ma- dero Government. The squandering — to use the gentlest expression possible — of puldic funds during the Madero regime is unparalleled even in Mexican history. Nearly one hundred millions besides the usual revenues were "spent" in a little more than a year. Almost every depart- ment of the administration was in a chaotic condition and the country was plunged into a worse state of anarchy than it had ever known. The rebellion against Madero was brought about mainly on account of the disastrous "mismanagement" of the now .so-called const! tut ionalist.s. The Huerta Covcrnincnt in eight months after finding the public treasury de- pleted and the public credit gone, has re- organized! g.lmost entirely the public ad- ministration, making remarkable progress in the re-establishment of peace and in- creasing the Army from 25,000 to 90,000 men. This it has done with an expendi- ture of only about a million a month, or eight million pesos in all, besides the usual budget, and in spite of all difficulties with which it has had to contend. The con- trast is evident, but whatever else may be said of the Washington constitutional dip- lomats you may be sure they do not lack nerve. Still Traveling Those "constitutional" patriots are just natural born travelers. First it was Venus- tiano Carranza journeying from Piedras Ne- gras to Hermosillo by way of Torreon, Du- rango and Sinaloa, unmolested, as his junta stated in Washington. The only object of this little trip, it was announced, was to "inspect his armies." Now it seems "Gen- eral" Villa has undertaken a tour of inspec- tion, starting at Santa Rosalia, and Jesus Carranza with his General Staff and mem- bers of the War College are starting out from Piedras Negras. After a triumphal march through the States of. Coahuila and Durango they will inspect "unmolested" the various armies and join the "Chief" in Sonora. Of course this is strictly according to a plan of mobilization previously conceived and now faithfully being carried out. The "evacuation" of Piedras Negras and Santa Rosalia was simply due to the fact that the War College of the Liberators had found these places of little strate.gic importance. This does not mean, of course, that the up- holders of the Constitution do not still hold sway over the Northern States of Mexico. Oh, no! They control every- thing in sight. The appearance of a few Federal troops at Santa Rosalia and at Piedras Negras is a mere coincidence which only tends to prove how careful and scien- tific was the mobilization plan of the pat- riots. One fact which has been carefully kept secret by the Constitutional War College and its diplomatic representatives in Washington is that the present movements of the Liberators are part of an "enve- loping" plan by which they will attack from the rear the careless Federals that have been lured into an advancin.g movement to the north. Clever, clever ticktacks. Ammunition smuggling continues brisk along the entire patrol line above and below El Paso. Re- ports from the residents say that an ammunition smuggling party is operating near the island by the foundry almost every night and that quanti- ties of ammunition are being taken across, along the border. — El Paso "Herald." Tile entire visible supply of ammunition and fillies here have been shipped to Peyotcs. The Con- siilulionalists received no less than 100,000 rounds of cartridges late yesterday afternoon, but no ink- ling of the real origin of this has been made public. — San Antonio "Express." Smuggling goes merrily on — Washing- ton authorities please notice. Saturday, October 11, 1913 MEXICO Lest We Forget John Lind is still sojourning in Vera Cruz. William Bayard Hale is taking a vaca- tion in the Vale of Oblivion. Ambassador Wilson is still muzzled, but not for long. * * * The Carranzists are cooped up in Sonora. * * * President Wilson's mysterious prediction of dire calamity for Huerta "before many days" was words, words, words. Huerta promised peace and peace is near. There used to be a troublesome bandit leader named Zapata. * * * American "refugees" are still looking to the State Department for return tickets to Mexico. The junta keeps up its constitooting, but the toot is ever thinner. What has become of Fall? * * ♦ There was no reply to Gamboa's sec- ond note. None possible. * * * The Administration is only occasionally maudlin over Madero now. * * * "Those having authority in Mexico City" control the border from Sonora to Matamoros. Huerta hasn't been "tottering" for quite some time. Oh, Munsey! And Colquitt, the Conqueror! President Wilson's financial blockade and moral isolation were dreams, idle dreams. Resurrection (Special Despatch to St. Louis "Globe-Democrat.") El I'aso, Tex., September 29.— S. C. Hulse, gen- eral manager of the Northern Power Company at r.a Boquilla, Mexico, arrived at the border to-day, after being reported killed by the rebels. Hulse is a son-in-law of Lieut-Gov. Reynolds of Pennsyl- vania, who was active in having the Government make an examination of Hulse's case at the time he was reported to be in danger. Another resurrection! Poor Senator Penrose! Why didn't Hulse stay killed? The Senator cotild have made a few more tliundcring speeches and covered himself with glory. .-Ml these resurrections show a lament- able lack of consideration and respect for certain Senators on the part of .Americans in Mexico. Something ought to be done aliout this. Perhaps Senators Fall and Sheppard will see to it. WHAT A WOMAN THINKS Tin- foilo'.'iiuj letter leas H'ritten by Miss Agnes P. Kelly to her brother, John J. Kelly, St. Louis, general agent of the St.ite Mutual Life Assurance Company of Wor- cester, Mass., and Published in the St. Louis "Globe-Democrat." Miss Kelly has been living in the City of Mexico about seven years : My Dear Brother: I have your kind letter of the a:iil iilto . which only reached nie to-day. 1 note what you say in regard to the political situation here, which, as far as Americans arc con- cerned, principally, has been greatly inten- sified owing to the order of President Wil- son that all Americans should leave the Re- public at once * * *. Then the great question with those whr did not go at first summons, "yours truly" among the number — as we all said last year that we would wait until we were noti- fied by the United States Government to leave, and then we did not want to go — the inconsistency of human nature — what best to do. Did the United States Govern- ment really mean intervention? Armed, for we have had here the other already, and one would say she wruld urc^, while another you would meet would tell you that regard- less of the United States stepping in or not, he or she would remain. » * * You, of ciiursc, know that .Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson was recalled. He was the best informed on the Mexican situation, having been in the country many years and was well acquainted with the Mexican character. He favored the support of the Huerta Government, the present govern- ment of Mexico, while, at the same time, lie also supported legal elections; that is. for the present he believed that the pres ent government should be recognized by the United States as Huerta is the strongest man to-day in the repu1)lic, and has done more in the short time he has been in office than any of his predecessors, save the old gentleman, Porfirio Diaz; but Henry Lane Wilson was a Republican, and we all here feel that it was due to that that President Wilson gives no credit to anything he stat- ed, which was simply weakness on the part of President Wilson, and he foolishly sent Mr. Lind here, who knew nothing of the language or the character of the people, and expected him to familiarize himself in a couple of weeks with the situation from an unbiased standpoint. President Wilson gau.ges the Mexican people on the same standard as he would the .'\merican; but he must not forget that while we have a highly cultured and educated class of Mexicans, we have the ignorant in the ma- jority. * * * Huerta to-day has so.ono soldiers, and has sent his soldiers out not to loot and steal as does the northern rebel, but to protect the lives of the people from the maraud- ing bandits. Huerta, of course, has as much right to the presidential chair as did Madero. Madero went through the coun- trv campaigninsr some years before pooi old President Diaz was forced to resign, the man who made Mexico what it is to- day. President Diaz favored foreign capi- tal, and instead of Mexico City being a lit- tle village without electric light, or any kind of light at night, some thirty years a.go, no one left her home or his home af- ter dark without carrying a lantern, no wa- ter mains, no street cars, it to-day is one of the loveliest cities on this continent. Madero furnished the worst bandit. Zapata, with arms and ammunition, and sent his men out to take Ciudad Juarez and any other city they could, and pushed liis cause, as he termed it, liberty and democracy, un- til he simply roused the low classes to a spirit of rel)ellion, and then when he found himself in the presidential chair, he discov- ered he could not keep the promises he made, and the country has gone from bad to worse. * * * To imagine that an ar- mistice could be entered into with such fe- rocious leaders is absurd, and this all the better proves that poor President Wilson was not in touch with the situation. These men, who but a couple of years ago, were but common laborers, even if they knew how to work, are now living like princes, and it is ridiculous to think that they would enter into any agreement that would wrest from them their spoils and oblige them t.i return to hard labor. Mr. Giesecke, who is of one of the larg- est rubber concerns in the State of Coa- huila, in the City of Saltillo. surprised me with a letter written by him from Vera Cruz last week, saying that his being there and fearing I was here, and, owing to the alarming accounts he heard concerning po- litical conditions here, he advised me tr. leave at once, ending his letter by telling me that should 1 need any funds not to hesitate to call on him. I immediately wired him back, thanking him for his kino letter and offer, and that I would take his advice and leave. But. as he stated in his letter that he thought business would force him to visit Mexico City, he would see me. which he did on Thursday last. He him- self went to Washington and saw Bryan personally, and told him of the e.xact situ- ation, and, though his company has lost over $2,000,000 since last March, and the last report on June l.")th that tliere were 3.700 rebels on their rubber ranch, he states that at Washington a rebel leader who brings any story there is listened to more favorably than the man whose entire plant has been destroyed. * * * The Latins are exceedingly courteous, and notwithstanding all that has passed between the two .governments, not a sound has licen heard here in the streets from a Mexican reljcl a.gainst an American. On the contrary, the foreigner is treated with more decorum here to-day that in his na- tive country. Undoubtedly much of this now fricndl}- spirit that exists — and well for the American here — is due to Ambassa- dor Henry Lane Wilson, who was favorable to Huerta. seeing that he was the man for the situation. President Huerta is as much entitled to be president, and far more de- serving of recognition, than ever Madero was. * * * I hardly think the Catholic party will win out. as one of them admitted that while they far outstripped the "Felicitas" in the number of their organized clubs — over 57,- 000 throughout the republic — the latter had the advantage over them as Felix Diaz was very popular. * * * The Huerta Government is doing all in its power to crush these fiends, but with- out money, what can Huerta do. and il W'ilson recognized his government, it could then get all the money it needed to in- crease its army and squelch those ravaging demons that are swarming the country. We all feel here that if Wilson had recognized Huerta the thousands that have left their homes — abandoned their only means of support — .gave up all they worked for foi years, would not have suffered all they did, and will, in future. It was a blessed thing that the Madero Government was overthrown. Affectionately yours, AGNES. MEXICO Saturday, October 11, 1913 A NEW ERA PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY IN MEXICO. Mc-xico City boasts of the greatest water- works in the world. Thej' have just been completed after thirteen years of incessant labor and an expenditure liy the Mexican Government of about eight million dollars The \vater is drawn by centrifugal pumps from four wells constructed near the Xochi- milco Lake. These pumps at present e.\ tract 2(5"). 1)00 gallons per second but have "t capacity of one-fourth more. The}' furnish a minimum of 263 gallons per day per inhabitant. The works have been so built that this same minimum can be furnished each inhabitant when the city's population reaches 1,250,000. The water is first pumped to four enor- mous tanks or reservoirs elevated 165 feet about the city, with a capacity of 1,118,- 300,000 gallons. The Mexico City water-works have been declared the best in the world by John R. Freeman, the well-know'n hydraulic engi- neer of New York, and Colonel Goethals, in charge of Panama Canal construction. Daniel Bellet. an eminent French engineer, in his work "Latest Inventions" cites the Mexico City water-works as a model of their kind. The chief engineer of the works is Seiioi Marroquin y Rivera, a noted Mexican grad- uate of the Mexico City School of Engi- neers. A concession for the use of one hundred and thirty-seven gallons per second of the water of the Rio de los Muertos, in che State of Nuevo Leon, was granted on Sep- tember 6th to Mr. Benino Garcia Lozano. The use of the water is granted specifically for the generation of electric power anJ light. M. S. Weil has applied for a concession to establish four fine-glass and crystal fac- tories in the Republic of Mexico, with a proposed capital of $530,000. More Eloquent Proofs of Mexico's Prosperity. Custom House receipts during the month of August have been as follows: Imoorts $3,35-1,984.91 Additional duty 33-1,138.97 Exports 296,238.75 Port charges 142,684.8'! Total receipts .$4,128,947.50 In these fi,gures are not included the re- ceipts of the Custom Houses at Guaymas and Santa Rosalia. Below are the receipts of the various Custom Houses in the order of importance: Vera Cruz $2,099,398.1'; Tampico 725,198.59 Mexico City :j70,749.42 i'rogreso 328,273.83 Ciudad Juarez 118,305.79 Laredo 117,013.77 These receipts for .■\ugust, 1913, against those for August, 1912, show an increase of $397,202.69, or more than ten per cent. For the increase of equipment of the reg- ular army contracts have been made for' the purchase of the following: Twenty-eight batteries of Chumond-Mon- dragon cannons, with 100.000 rounds ol shells; 10 batteries of inountain pieces; 48,- (lOO Mauser rifles; 150.(nTo Mausers of a dif- ferent model, with 110.000,000 rounds of ammunition; 500,000 rf)un(ls fjf Winchester ammunition, calilire .-14; 500000 rounds ol Remington ammunition; 80,000 Marten- Hale hand grenades; 25,000 cavalry sabres; 30 Colt machine guns, with 4,000,000 rounds of ammunition; 400 Hotchkiss machine guns; 500 sets of American harness for the use of the artillery corps; 177 armored au- tomobiles with mounted machine guns; 5u automobiles of various makes; trucks for the service of store houses and ammunition factories; 10 aeroplanes for the aviation corps. A contract has also been awarded to an Italian ship-builder for two military trans- ports of 3,500 tons each, with four cannont of 75 mms. each. In the first six months of 1913 the Mexi- can Government sold to private parties 114.817 acres of National lands. The surveying of National lands is pro- gressing rapidly in the States of San Luis Potosi, Michoacan, Vera Cruz, Tabasco and Chiapas, the Territory of Lower California and the Federal District, with the assist- ance of the local Governments. Upon the completion of the surveying the lands will be sold or leased in small tracts. At the present time the Government has ready for occupancy 36,795 acres of National lands, which will be awarded in small tracts in accord with the Government's policy to encourage the establishment of small farms. Following this same policy the Govern- ment will award to small farmers 46,683 acres of the best land in the State of More- los, which it has acquired from private owners. In the new contracts for the leasing of National lands the Government will not grant great extensions to any single lessee, as was done formerly. In the State of Vera Cruz 9,760 acres of National lands have been subdivided for the establishment of an agricultural colony. A contract has been entered into by the Government for the establishment of another colony in the State of Tabasco on 61,750 acres of National lands with the stipulation that the land revert to the Gov- ernment if the concessionary company should make use of the land for specula- tion and not for the settlement of colonists, as agreed upon. According to figures obtained by the De- partment of Promotion, the total area proper for the growing of forests in the Republic of Mexico is 247,000,000 acres. The area covered at present by timber is of about 25,000,000 acres, but the Depart- inent of Promotion is making successful ef- forts to increase this area. In the Federal District alone 748,057 trees were planted in the last year, while during the same period 61,754 trees were planted in the diflferent States of the Republic. The Government has at present in its nurseries 3,629,360 trees and is encouraging private initiative for the conservation and improve- ment of forestry. The railroad traffic between Sallillo and Torreon has been re-established and the whole railroad situation has been greatly improved. The Mexican Government has received llie proceeds from a loan of 15,000,000 pesos made by several Mexico City banks. At the stockholders' meeting of the Na- tional Railways of Mexico, October 2, it was announced that the Government had paid the interest, a.ggregating $1,500,000, on the general mortgage Ijonds. Negotiations arc being carried on in London Ijy Senator MacManus for a large loan to the Mexican Government by Eng- lish bankers. SCHOOLBOYS IN MEXICO CITY RECEUTNG MILIT-ARY TRAINING. Peace Progress. Military operations against the rebels, which have been been conducted steadily and successfully, culminated last week in several decisive Federal victories. The main forces of rebels under Villa and other leaders in the State of Chihuahua were severely defeated at Santa Rosalia and the remnants of the scattered rebels forced to take refuge in the State of Du- rango. The whole force under Jesus Car- ranza and Pablo Gonzales in the State of Coahuila was repeatedly defeated by the Federal column commanded by General Maas, who swept the northeastern part of the State, recapturing one by one all the points held by the rebels up to Ciudad Porfirio Diaz. Thus the backbone of the rebellion in Coahuila and in Chihuahua was broken and the whole northern border came again un- der the control of the Government with the exception of the Sonora line and the single point of Matamoras, at the extreme southeast. Federals in several columns are now ad- vancing against Matamoros, which is ex- pected to fall into their hands within a few days. Durango and the northwestern part of Zacatecas are now the last strongholds of the rebel bands, besides the Fuerte district in Sinaloa, and Sonora. Federal columns under the command of General Rasgado have been sent to Sinaloa and General Trucy Auliert will enter Durango. Railroad traffic Ijctween Torreon and Monterrey has been reestablished and trains are now running daily aiid regularly on the direct route between Mexico City and~ Laredo and between Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua. Communication between Torreon and Chihuahua will soon be re- opened, as well as between Torreon and Zacatecas. The work of repairing the rail- roads li'etwecn these points is advancing rapidly. Saturday. Oclolu MEXICO El Pasograms E\ I'aso (Tex.), Oct. 1.— (E.'cclusive Dis- patch.) .A.. Gonzalds, describing himself as a special financial agent of the Sonora rev- olution, almost starved to death at Co- lumbus. N. M., yesterday, while trying to exchange .$^6,000 Sonora State currency foi one standard size hand-picked ham sand- wich. Gonzales crossed the line at some point near Columbus with the liat money in his overalls, and attempted to pass it for the makings of a square meal. The restaurant keeper in Columbus said he would be glad to accommodate him. but his wife had put dow'U all the carpets and needed no padding for the pantry shelves. Finally the Mexican appealed to the United States soldiers of the Thirteenth Cavalry, and he was given a feed after the money had been taken from him by the command- ing ofHccr. — Los Angeles "Times." THROUGH BRITISH EYES Extracts from an article by SYDNEY BROOKS in the October "North Ameri- can Review." (Special to the New York -Herald.") Hermosillo, Mexico, Saturday. — Early to-day the Constitutionalist force, consisting of about two thousand men, with four cannon, attacked Her- mosrllo. The town was defended by about an equal force of Federals. Fighting lasted all day. The result is not yet known. .\n(i we thought Hermosillo was in the hands of the rebels and w'as the Carranza headquarters! We learn something new every day from the New York "Herald." (Special Despatch to the New York ''Herald.*') Hermosilla, Sonora, Mexico, Thursday. — The Constitutionalists' diplomatic agent in Paris, Mig- uel Diaz Lombardo, cabled to General Carranza that President Huerta has instructed his agent to "obtain an immediate loan of $20,000,000 from French banks on any conditions ; case absolutely necessary. Cable funds within a week or all French vessels in Mexican waters will be sunk." General Carranza replied : — "Publish in French press that no loan made to so-called Huerta gov- ernment will be recognized by the Constitutional government." The competition between the New York "Herald's" special correspondent in Her- mosillo and the El Paso fellows is daily becoming more exciting. In fact, Her- mosillo is now out-elpasoing El Paso. That probable sinking of French vessels in Mexican waters is — Probable, did we say? Inevitable! Since Carranza saj^s he will not recognize any loan and therefore, of course, the French bankers will not lend the money. Well, the Mcrritt Wrecking Company i? on the job (unpaid advertisement). (Special Despatch to the New York "Herald.") Hermosillo, Mexico, Monday. — Eight hundred Federals, in an armored train, sortied yesterday from Guaymas, but were driven back by the Con- stitutionalists, who advanced from their position at Maytorcna and occupied Batamotal, twelve miles from Guaymas. Because of the Federal forces at Losmochis last week. General Ojeda has been relieved and or- dered to Mexico City. General Blanquet succeeds The "Herald" has a good rebel victory story almost every day. Their general ac- curacy can be gauged by the above state- ment regarding General Blanquet's suc- ceeding General Ojeda. General Blanquet was reappointed Min- ister of War on October 6. * • • But an American President has two greater incentives to circumspection in his dealings with the southern Republic than this. He cannot but be acutely aware that a war between Mexico and the United States would intlame all Spanish-American sentiment against the latter country and would undo whatever has been accomplished by Mr. Root and Mr. Knox and the Pan-American Union in winning the good will of the Central and South American Governments. South America in general, and the Republics that arc dotted round the shores of the Caribbean in particular, perfectly well realize that they have more to fear from the United States than from any European country. They remember Pan- ama and the American treatment of Cuba and San Domingo. They have studied the Nicaragua Treaty that Mr. Bryan sprang upon the Senate last July, and they detect in its provisions a formula for the expansion of American authority that may easily lend itself to repetition. They observe that the habit of interfering in Central American affairs for the purpose of enforcing what Mr. Roosevelt used to call a standard of "decency" is growing more and more popular at Washington, and that large numbers of Americans are becoming accustomed to regarding their country as the natural policeman and official receiver of the neighboring Republics ; and they would one and all consider intervention in Mexico as a direct and definite menace to them- selves. The other and yet stronger argument in favor of a strict' neutrality is that the United States is ill- prepared, politically and materially, for the alterna- tive. To seize and hold the three or four strategic points in Mexico might be a comparatively simple matter, but to dominate the coiuitry- and to wage the inevitable guerilla warfare that would ensue would require at least 250,000 men and probably th ree or four years of time. It would be by far the biggest and most hazardous undertaking on which the United States has embarked since the Civil War. That at least is certain, but the extent of the commitments that would be incurred after the pacification of the country had been effected is beyond computation. They might easily involve a permanent occupation of Mexican territory and full responsibility for its government. No sensible American, I take it, wishes to put his hand into a hornet's nest like that, or would regard it as any- thing but a national disaster if the United States were to become involved in such endless and com- plex liabilities. * * * That is a prospect of such tremendous import and would entail, were it to be realized, so great a dis- sipation of the national wealth and energy and so far-spreading and intricate a series of political and constitutional problems that to prevent its realiza- tion at almost any cost is the first duty of Ameri- can statesmanship. * * * President Taft met the situation — I quote his own words — by a policy of "patient non-intervention, steadfast recognition of constituted authority in the neighboring nation, and the exertion of every effort to care for American interests." * * * In President Taft's version of his policy, quoted above, I have made prominent the words "steadfast recognition of constituted authority in the neigh- boring nation." The President, it will be seen, made it the second plank in his platform, putting it imme- diately after non-intervention and immediately in front of the protection of American interests. The point is of particular interest because it is pre- cisely here that Mr. Wilson has departed from h'-< predecessor's policy, and it is precisely because hft has departed from it that the present tension exists. General Huerta stepped into the Mexican Presidency a week or so before Mr. Wilson entered the White House. There at once came up the qucsi'on whether the United States should accord recognition to the new ruler as the "constituted authority." Had Mr. Taft remained in power the question would have be Mexico to-day would be c Hi speedily settled and le way to tranquility. strong common sense would have prevented him from inquiring too closely or pedantically into the title of a President of a Spanish-American State in a lime of revolution. So long as the new head of the State gave proof of resolution and capacity — and General Huerta has given proof of both qual- ities — Mr. Taft would have treated with him, even though he was unable to produce a certificate of his election from the receiving officer, and even though charity itself could not pretend that he was anything more than a successful military adven- turer. As for my second assumption, that an early recognition of General Huerta would by now have brought Mexico within sight of peace and security, the whole course of events in the past half-year appears to justify it. As Mexico's immediate and most powerful neighbor, with a stake in the coun- try greatly •" excess of that of any other nation, America's attitude toward the Republic necessarily means more, and carries with it greater implications and significance than the attitude of all other Govern- ments put together. * * ♦ Whatever the defects of the General's title to his office — I believe as a matter of fact that a court would decide it to be perfectly valid according to Mexican law — the fact remains that he has for six months defended it successfully and by methods that seem equally removed from the indecisiveness of Madero and the high-handedness of Diaz. That is a fact which, in the opinion of British onlookers, ought to count. That it has not counted with the authorities at Washington is ascribed by some ob- servers to the influence of commercial and financial interests, and by others — and they, in my judgment, are nearer the mark — to a certain squeamishness of conscience which prevents the American Executive from having any direct dealings with a ruler of General Huerta's reputedly unpleasant record. * * * diplomacy, in short, appears in British eyes to have landed itself in a mesh of rather puerile inconsistencies. It will not itself intervene nor allow any other Power to do so; it will not recognize General Huerta; it disputes alike his authority and his power to restore order; at the same time it announces its intention of holding him severely to account in the event of injury to American lives or property; it draws a picture of a country unable to fulfil its international obligations and plunging deeper and deeper into the morass of civil war, and proposes a general election as a suitable remedy; it fixes on the one man who has shown himself com- petent to cope with local conditions and insists that he must retire from the forthcoming contest ; it de- mands the immediate cessation of hostilities, but offers no inducement, financial or political, by way of loan or of diplomatic support, to this desirable end, and apparently expects all the bands of brigands in Mexico to compose their differences and abandon their agreeably exciting mode of life at the mere request of the United States; and finally it winds up by warning all Americans in Mexico, who have lived through three years of revolution and ought by this time to be pretty good judges of the local situation, to leave the country as speedily as may be, promising them the assistance of the American Government in their flight. The net result of this extraordinary array of recommendations has been to inflame Mexican resentment to a pitch that makes the possibilities of intervention no longer remote. In his message to Congress, President Wilson stated that "if Mexico can suggest any better way in which the United States can show its friendship we are more than willing to consider the suggestion." In the opinion of the outside world "the better way" has long ago been indicated. It consists in recog- nizing General Huerta without any further reserva- tions. * * * MEXICO Saturday, October 11, 1913 PUBLIC OPINION President Wilson's Voice Secretar)- Daniels in his Indianapolis speech on Wednesday demanded of the journalists of the country "the quick- ening of all ennobling sentiments until the ethical principle is firmly established in American journalism that the voice of the nation's head once expressed on a foreign question is the voice of the united country." The doctrine of "lese majeste," which Secretary Daniels hopes to see accepted bj the press in the United States, may prevail in European empires and kingdoms, al- though it is seldom actually invoked even there. It will certainly never be accepted by "The Times." If, through the egotism and blunders of President Wilson, a war should be precipi- tated between this country and any foreign power, "The Times" would cordially and loyally support the President in his war measures. But in doing this it would not therefore indorse his mistake or crj' hosan- na to his egotism. ■'The voice of the nation's head" — as Sec- retarj' Daniels designates the utterances ol President Wilson — on the Mexican ques- tion was — 1. That President Huerta murdered ex- President Madero. 2. That because of such murder Presi- dent Wilson would not recognize Huerta as provisional President of Mexico, al- though he had been elected by the Me.xi- can Congress, recognized by the Mexican Supreme Court, was in control of the armv and navy and all the civil departments ana had been recognized by practically all the governments of Europe and Asia. 3. That President Wilson demanded that President Huerta should resign his Presi- dency and pledge himself not to be a can- didate for election by the Mexican people. The first of these assumptions of Presi- dent Wilson — that Huerta murdered Made- ro — was warranted probably as a suspicion, but was not clearly established by the evi- dence, and later testimony and the verdict of a court of inquiry leave it in doubt whether Madero was not accidentally killed by his own adherents, who were trying to aid him to escape. The second assumption is utterly unwar- ranted, even if the first one were correct. Under the law of nations as expounded by all European and American writers on in- ternational law President Huerta was en- titled to recognition as provisional Presi- dent, no matter how he obtained the place, and "the voice of the nation's head," dif- fering from all the voices of all the na- tions of the world, was an ill-considered, not to say an upstart and egotistical, voice. The third assumption of President Wil- son, that he has a right not only to ordei the resignation of Huerta, but to forbid his future candidacy for office in Mexico, is so utterly without warrant from any point of view, so ridiculously absurd, that for Secretary Daniels to claim that Mr. Wil- son's voice in this respect is the "voice of a united country" is as if one were to as-, sert that the bray of a misguided donkey is tlie roar of a mighty lion. Secretary Daniels complains "that the at- titude of some of the newspapers of the United States and occasioual expressions by well-known Americans might have given the impression that the people were divid- ed in their opinion on this subject of the recognition of the Huerta regime." Secretary Daniels draws an illogical con- clusion from an erroneous premise. The .American people are not "divided in opin- ion" with respect to the unwisdom of Pres- ident Wilson's action and the inconsiderate- ness of President Wilson's utterances. Thej' arc united in the opinion that Presi- dent Wilson was wrong — utterly wrong — in both. They are further of the opinion that his action and utterances have ob- structed the restoration of peace and or- derly government in the Mexican republic and have added to the dangers and difficul- ties of Americans therein. The remedy oi President Wilson for these evils — that Americans should run away from Mexico assisted by the United States, second-class — does not increase the disposition of Americans to believe that "the voice ol the nation's head is the voice of the united country." "The Times" is forced to the conclusion that the voice of President Wilson on either foreign or domestic questions is not the voice of the nation, but the voice of an arrogant, obstinate, self-opinionated peda- gogue, who has carried his schoolmaster habits into the White House. He may es- cape criticism from those "Who bend the pregnant hinges of the knee That thrift may follow fawning." He will not escape it from "The Times." — Los .'Xngeles Times. A Diplomatic Diamond It is amazing the United States should have said to Mexico that she must do this and must not do that. But for the idea of overlordship in all the affairs of all the Governments and countries in this West- ern Hemisphere, as expressed by Hannis Taylor in his work on international law, the position that has been taken by the American Government in the Mexican troubles would be the subject of world- wide merriment. It is no laughing matter, however, as the European Powers prob- ably regard it. American overlordship means that America is taking a good many chances. It is a brave thing for America to do; but is it a wise thing? It must be confessed, however, that there was never anj'thing evactly like the diplo- macy of the United States in this Mexican matter. It is most remarkable that the United States should interfere with the purely domestic afTairs of a friendly nation to the extent of saying that any particular person shall not be a candidate for the chief magistracy of that country and that an election in that country shall be held under the supervision of this country. It is, in effect, a declaration that Mex- ico is, in the exercise of one of the high- est attributes of sovereignty — the right to govern itself in its own way under its own rules — a dependency of the United States. Had Mr. Wilson made the point very clearly that he was carrying out and ex- tending the Monroe Doctrine as defined by Grovcr Cleveland, there could havie been no misunderstanding of his diplomacy in this case. If hq is not doing that, there is no ground for his course. — J. C. H. in the Phila. "Ledger." It is quite conceivable that, had the United States assumed any other attitude than it did, Huerta never would have found himself in a situation so singularly auspicious to the conception of such a mes- sage. That very animus of the Wilson ad- ministration which was supposed to mili- tate against his power and influence only went far enough to prove the greatest ele- ment of his strength. — Houston "Chron- icle." The Church Speaks The Rev. W. Ellsworth Lawson of the Congregational Church at Foxboro, Mass., who was for twelve years in ministerial work in Mexico City, is frankly for rec- ognition of Huerta. Speaking recently to his congregation he said: "It seems to be that America faces two propositions only: First, the recognition, without conditions, of Huerta, a provision- al President; second, American interven- tion and occupation. All the rest is, in my opinion, sheer sentimentalism. The fine talk of a 'free and open Presidential election' is, whether Huerta be a candidate or not, the funniest of all the solemn pal- aver that has come from the Government and the press for many months." Concerning intervention Mr. Lawson says: "I have talked with several army men on that dreadful proposition (interven- tion), and I have yet to find one who would really welcome it. It would be, as an officer remarked to me sixteen months ago, 'a dirty job, compared with which the Cuban war was a Sunday school picnic' "Shall the United States, then, recognize Huerta? It seems to me the only alter- native. Though one knows not these days what an hour may bring forth, I do not believe that Huerta and those who stand behind him have the slightest intention of weakening. He is the one strong man who has been thrown to the top by the great political earthquake." Latin-American Troubles The "South American Supplement" ol the London "Times" of August 26 pub- lishes an article on "Revolutions in Latin America," in which the author remarks on the absence of "any serious attempt to study their causes, origin, meaning and objects," and proceeds to attempt to fill that need. He thinks that the very ubiquity of such troubles must presuppose a com- mon cause whicli it "should be possible to ascertain as a proliminar}' step to thcii remedy." Proceeding, the author traces the rcpuli- lican origin of all of these countries "ex- cept Brazil, which remained a monarchy until 188!);" he thinks that the constitutions adopted have been in the main "misfits," and that therein lies the main cause of un- rest. "This statement will probably profound- ly shock many very worthy Latin-.A.meri- cans, but its proof lies in the history of all Saturday, October 11, 1913 MEXICO the Rcpiil)lics for the last century, a his- tory bristling with civil wars, revolutions, military mutinies, transient dictatorships, frequent lapses from Constitutional rule, and other evidences of an unstable political life. The Presidents, the good ones as of- ten as the bad, chafe under the restrictions imposed upon them, and few have escaped the accusation of violating the Constitu- tion in spirit or in letter; the legislators make little or no attempt to defend and enforce Constitutional principles; the peo- ple and the political parties, civilians and soldiers, are constantly restive, and fail to find satisfactory outlets for their aspira- tions or remedies for their grievances by constitutional methods." South Americans cannot be supposed to be naturally unruly, for after all, save in Central .America, they are mostly trans- planted Europeans, and * * * there i» nothing in their blood, inherited ideas oi traditions, to render them more ungovern- able than their European cousins to-day. The fault, then, must lie with the rules under which they live politically; it is not that the Constitutions are bad, nor the people at fault; it is, "merely that they are unsuited to each other." The democratic and representative meth- ods suitable to English and Americans art not the right thing — and as a natural re- sult the tendency is "in the direction of a more autocratic form of government." Representative government has not been a success, but on the other hand "it may be urged that representative government cannot be said to have broken down, since it has never been properly tried. That is to some extent true, but the greater truth is that the principles upon which it is based are not yet properly understood, either by the people themselves or by theii governors, despite their professions of dem- ocratic ideas. This may be seen very plain- ly at the elections, though the point is one requiring fuller elaboration than can be given to it here. A South American elec- tion, even at its best, is only a struggle foi partisan predominance, and in no case a method of consulting the wishes of the people upon any point of public policy. "The political, economical, educational religious, and other problems that agitate the constituencies in the democracies ot Europe and the United States, though they equally e.xist in South America, are not referred to the people in any form, and the candidate who appealed for electoral sup- port on the strength of his \ iews on thest problems would be regarded as a candidate not for Parliamentary honors so much as for the lunatic asylum. Thus, though an election may afford some indication of rel- ative party strength — and that only very imperfectly — it aflfords no indication at all of public opinion." 1913 AMERICAN I9I4 CANE=SUGAR BUREAU MUNSEY BUILDING WASHINGTON. O. C. We invite correspondence from all who are professionally interested in the cane-sugar industry.— Wra. L. Bass, Mgr. PUBLIC OPINION-Continued Latin pcoplus. the- aulhor proceeds, have neither the liabit nor the tradition of sub- mitting their problems to the popular voice and it is this tact that makes their diver- gence from tlie theoretical represenlativt government modeled on that of the United States so great. "Experience has shown that in this part of the world it is a frankly autocratic gov- ernment which generally gives the best re- sults, provided the men at the head of af- fairs are fairly honest, intelligent, and pat- riotic." Military rulers were the inevitable result of the circumstances under which these countries first came into being, the writei of the article thinks; even in times of peace he was the safest leader, and all the gov- ernments still have a military and not a "popular" basis. "How powerless a South American gov- ernment can be when its own armed forces are turned against it has been illustrated by recent events in Brazil and Paraguay." This system has become so well estab- lished that "the South American people would hardly understand any other form of government." and any attempt at change puts the country "out of gear."- — ^*'Pan- American Magazine." Other Points of View "The administration at Washington was not war- ranted in assuming the role of dictator in enforcing the requirements of the Mexican constitution and might well have satisfied itself with assuming that the de facto President of that nation would recog- nize and obey its constitutional law." — Philadelphia ■'Bulletin." "Statements such as made by Senator Sherman are ill-advised, ignorant and useless. There are thousands of Americans now in Mexico who know the absurdity of his statement that "no American with a home in Mexico is safe." He declares that 1,()0<) American lives have been sacrificed and $20,- {KX),0()0 of American property ruined or destroyed. There is nothing to support this; the claims are so large it is obvious he is woefully 'off* in his guess- ing. It would be interesting to know from what source the Senator procured his 'figures.' " — San Antonio "Express." "It is generally believed in Mexico," says E. B. Harrison of the Parral district, "that the recognition of the Huerta government at Washington and the en- forcement of the neutrality laws would result in the restoration of peace in Mexico before Christmas. There is a feeling among the wealthy Mexicans of northern Mexico that the people of El Paso are not inclined to help toward restoring peace and order in Mexico. Indeed, one of the wealthiest men in the Jiminez district told me that if the business men of El Paso would try they could do a great deal toward bringing the Washington government to a better understanding of conditions in Mexico and the importance of asking a more definite stand to bring about peace." — EI Paso "Times." Branding the conditions under which American men and women are being shipped from Mexico to the United States under orders of the State Depart- ment as shameful and inhuman, J. T. Willett, Ameri- can resident of the Southern Republic for half a century, declares that he voices the sentiment of 50,000 other American "refugees" when he asks, "Now that we are here what are you going to do with, and for us?" Willett declares that the policy of the State De- partment, "which none of the American residents of Mexico seems to understand," is causing American producers to lose millions of dollars. He declares that while Americans are prohibited from carrying out their contracts to furnish the Mexicans with food and clothing by the policy of the State Department, the producers of England, Germany, France, and other foreign countries are reaping a harvest. "I would be guilty of high treason, I am told, if I fulfilled contracts for potatoes and other food- stuffs, involving $385,000, with a people who have not planted a crop for three years," said Willett last night. "Yet in the port of Vera Cruz one can see scores of heavily laden foreign vessels literally taking the trade away from the Americans right under their noses, "We are told to leave Mexico. We arrive here as prodigals, and what happens? Surely there is no killing of the fatted calf for the prodigal's return. Instead the wolf seems to draw closer to the door. "It is a shame to see the way in which respect- able and decently bred American women have to sleep on cots during the journey home from Mexico in the dirty quarters of certain vessels. Their com- panions for the most part are a lower order of col- ored natives, Chinamen, and rough foreigners. "When I arrived in New York, after hearing that my $385,000 contracts were not worth the paper they were written on, I received $5 for my expenses to San Antonio. My case is only one of thousands of similar cases. I have made the journey home and have no more hardships to endure, but I speak with the hope of probably remedying conditions for those who are to come to the States from Mexico later." Willett declares that the Administration's policy toward Huerta will make him accept the Presidency of Mexico. "Suppose a Japanese fleet should enter one of our harbors and tell the people of the United States that Mr. Wilson would have to resign," said Wil- lett. "Why, every American with red blood in his veins would jump right up and declare that Wilson was their man, and he would remain despite conse- quences. That's how the Mexicans feel. It seems assured that Huerta will continue to handle the reins in Mexico indefinitely. He is daily becoming more and more an idol in the hearts of Mexicans. — Washington "Herald." MAILING LISTS of any bnsiuess in the world. Be wise, Mr. Business Man, and Circularize every man or firm with whom you can do business through the mails. We have everybody's name and ad- dress in the world, classified according to business, trade or profession. Send for rates UNITED STATES MAILING LISTS COMPANY 1206 Broadway, New York U.OO FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. /Cut nut this order and mail it t<»-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturdav, October 11. 1913 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE M.n:,v,n- K.l.t..:. Tln.nKo ()'H:ill..rai. 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going tJ tlie l)est class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates tn UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York Roosevelt in Latin America Theodore Roosevelt is on his way to visit the three most powerful, advanced and pro gressive Republics of South America — .-Argentine. Chile and Brazil — where in a series of lectures he will make known his views on democracy. Even to so remarkably 'well-informed a man as Roosevelt much that he will see ii, these South American countries will be a revelation. He will gather first-hand evi- dence of wonderful material and political progress. Whether Theodore Roosevelt is destineo to be President of the United States again or not, he will assuredly continue to wield great influence in the political life of this country. The personal contact of such a man with the South American people and their mutual acquaintance will undoubtedly greatly benefit our relations with the coun- tries below the Canal. It was during Roosevelt's Administration that Elihu Root, then Secretary of State paid an extended visit to all the nations of Latin .-America. Root's presence in those countries and the first-hand knowledge he acquired of their people did much to dissi- pate a certain feeling of antagonism to the United States, and consequently to improve our friendly and commercial relations with them. Some of the feeling of antagonism has been reawakened by the extremes to which "dollar democracy" was carried un- der the Taft Administration, and especially by the attitude of the present Administra- tion toward Latin-,-\merican countries. While Roosevelt is supposed to be the personification of the "big stick," Latin- Americans will like him for his frankness and ready understanding of other people's characteristics. Whatever they may tltink of Roosevelt's international policies, ^-Latin-Americans feci that at least the)' know where they stam*! with him. They will not hear from him soft, melli- fluous expressions of friendship in direct contradiction to his actions. Roosevelt is a widely travelled man and whatever his faults, he is not narrow-mind- ed nor hyjiocritical. He is human. To a man like Roosevelt as President of the United States brandishing the "big stick," Latin-Americans could oppose theii strength. To hypocritical declarations of friendship and covert, high-handed methods they could oppose only silent hatred, which would be reflected in all their social and commercial relations with this country. Roosevelt will inake many friends in Latin-America. Help the Blunderers Whether the forthcoming elections in Mexico provide the Washington Adminis- tration with an opportunity to retire with more or less grace from its anomalous po- sition, or whether certain exigencies re- quire the continuance of the ad interim organization, the fact will alwaj'S remain and in the light of history will be clear that the failure of Washington to recognize the Mexican Provisional Government was a monumental blunder and the greatest single factor strengthening the arm of re- bellion. The extraordinary military success of the Federals within six or seven months' time, postponed as it was by financial embarrass- ments, is an earnest of what the Govern- ment could have accomplished with the money the Madero faction took from tlie National treasury. What it could more readily have done with the moral support of L'nited States recognition. What it can and will do if given half a chance. Peace in Mexico could have been a settled fact to-day were it not for the .-Vdministration's academic, arbitrary attitude. When we realize that this means that hundreds of human lives, millions in money, and other millions in property would have been saved does it not seem a startling, inconsistent, irresponsible, self-contradictory thing for the Administration to say that it is a friend of Mexico and the Mexican people? Is it not conceivable that some moral re- sponsibility may rest in Washington for those hundreds who have been killed? For the last few years the situation in Mexico has not been a picnic. Neither has it been a pink-tea nor a Sunday school out- ing. It has been a stern reality of brigan- dage and bloodshed, which has had to be and must still be met, not with inconse- quential theories, but with physical power. Perhaps the intelligent leaders of the Provisional Government may find some way short of national humiliation or hurt to help the Washington blunderers out. Patriotism may demand it. There are some people who will never admit they have made a mistake. This kind of perscSn rare- ly reaches the heights of power, but if ac- cidentally he does, Heaven help llie weak- er virlim of his mistake. Read "MEXICO" Once a week and Learn What's What Below the Rio Grande Things to Think About President Wilson has made it clear to the world that neither his Administration nor the people of the United States have any desire or intCnuion to intervene in Me.\- ico by force of arms. That some news- papers and jingo statesmen have open.y or by implication advocated such a course has had no weight with the great majority of the people. There is a certain specious appeal in the idea that when American lives and property are in jeopardy American soldiers should protect them. But when this military pro- tection involves war with another nation, a war that would cost the lives of thousands of Americans and untold millions of dol- lars, it is time to pause and consider, espe- cially when there is no evidence that the dangers to Americans in Mexico have been any greater than would be the dangers to foreigners in this country in case of civil strife. Also when it is taken into consid- eration that the Administration has refused to lend its moral support and closed tlie sources of financial support to the consti- tuted authorities of Mexico, check- ing and interfering with their plans to re- store peaceful conditions and encouraging the elements who prolong the troubles of the country. Public Opinion In this issue of AIEXICO more space IS devoted than heretofore to articles and items that might be classified under the general head of "Public Opinion." From all points of view, from all kinds of peo- ple who know the conditions in Mexico, have come spontaneous expressions of opin- ion in the public press and in magazines. With remarkable unanimitj' they confirm what we have contended all along — that the attitude taken b}' the Washington Adminis- tration was based on a thorough misunder- standing and misinterpretation of Mexican affairs and that its only influence has been toward the continuance and encouragement of disorder in Mexico. We could fill a publication three times as voluminous as MEXICO every week with such statements from .-\mericans in Mexico and from un- biased students of Mexico and Mexican conditions. In presenting the case of Mexico as it really is, this publication is not advancing any individual opinion that is not the opin- ion of virtually every American in Mexico and the universal opinion of all well-in- formed, unbiased persons interested in Mex- ican affairs. "Huerta Tottering," "Huerta Hemmed In," "Huerta at the End of His Rope," "The Fall of a Tyrant," "Oh, Mexico!" and so on we read for six months in the Mun- sey papers. And now they are ominously silent on the subject. What is the matter with the Munsey newspapers? Getting dis- couraged? Or perhaps the prophetic imagination has run dry? MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. 1.— NO. 9 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1913 FIVE CENTS UNITED STATES COURTING WAR Viewed ill lire light of past historical events the present status of relations be- tween tlie United States and Mexico must be regarded as foreshadowing war. Ever since the first appearance of MEX- ICO we have been showing that the situ- ation as created by the polici' of our Ad- ministration was fraught with great dan- gers. That non-recognition of the Huerta Government, meddling in the politics of Mexico with the consequent encourage- ment to the lawless elements of that Re- public, were bringing about such conditions as would draw this country into a war which the people do not want and which could not be justified in the eyes of the world. Before us and with us hundreds of men familiar with Mexican affairs have voiced these views. We have now arrived at the breaking- point and responsibilities must be fixed. It is with gravest concern that the people of this country arc viewing the present situa- tion, because there exists a profound con- viction that the danger could have been honorably and justly avoided. The truth is that the Administration has been courting war while professing a pol- icy of peace. That this has been done unintentionally and in good faith is generally believed, but it must be admitted that the Administra- tion has refused to take into considera- tion any evidence which would have proved its course wrong and has rejected the ad- vice of men who knew. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Ameri- cans who have lived in Mexico and know its people and conditions have either per- sonally or in writing made representations to the State Department advising recogni- tion of the Huerta Government as the only step that could assist in the re-establish- ment of peace in Mexico and eventually make possible tlie elections of new magis- trates representing the popular will as much as popular will can be expressed in Mexico. Not one of those men received a satis- factory hearing. They were considered un- scrupulous persons v.ho had no thought for high moral principles, but only for their own selfish interests. Demands were m.ade upon the Huerta Government which no government in the world, bad or good, could have accepted. They constituted the most flagrant inter ference in the internal affairs of another country and an unwarranted affront to the man who was at the head of the govern- ment of that conntry. The newspapers supporting the .Adminis- tration have emptied their vocabulary of insults on the Mexican Government and have encouraged the forces of rebellion anil brigandage. Neither tact nor consideration for the feelings of Mexicans nor again even the most elementary proprieties which are usu- all)- observed by civilized peoples in deal- ing with other nations, have been observed even by high officials of the .Administra- tion. Fmagine, for instance, Webster or Bu- chanan or Hay or Root or any of the statesmen — of whom fortunately for our country there has been no dearth in the past — making the following declarations as reported by the "Evening Sun" of Sep- Icniber r34: "GET RID OF HUERTA." Senator Bacon Says That is the Object of Our Policy. Washington, Sept. 34.— The frank an- nouncement that to get rid of President Huerta is the chief object of the policy of the United States in the Mexican situation was made to-day by Senator Bacon of Georgia. The Senator's statement was made following a conference with Secre- tary of State Bryan. "Conditions in Mexico seem to be im- proving," said Senator Bacon. "At any rate it looks as if we would get get rid of Huerta, and that's the chief thing." Whatever the opinion of the Administra- tion in regard to the legality of the Huerta iContinuefl on next page* If upon the firing on Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, and during eight months there- after the Southern members of the Ameri- can Congress had remained in Washington. If they had been the beneficiaries of a spe- cial privilege by which they were immune from arrest and could not be tried by or- dinary courts of justice. If under the pro- tection of this privilege they conspired against the Lincoln Administration, keep- ing in constant communication with the Confederates and putting every obstacle in Lincoln's way. If the Southern Congress- men from the seceding States had done all this, what would have been their fate? Would they have been arrested and tried? Or would they have been allowed to pursue their work of treason? If it had been found that the American Congress at that time held in its very heart the undermining element which was mak- ing for destruction of the Union, would not Lincoln have been justified in adopting such measures as were necessary to de- stroy the canker? If he had, would England then have been justified in intervening or meddling and dictating to Lincoln what he should do? Now, think this over for a moment. Be- cause it will bring home to you the exact situation in Mexico City to-day. MEXICO Saturdav, October 18, 1913 Government this has been acknuwledged as the Constitutional Provisional Government ■ of Mexico by the great majority of Mexi- cans. Therefore the affronts piled on tlial Government have been resented by th.isc- who have supported it. There has been hardly a foreigner in Mexico who has not asserted of late that if the Huerta Govern- ment had been recognized peace would now reign in Mexico. There is not one foreigner in Mexico, whether in sympathy or not with the Government, who will not admit that no revolutions would long ex- ist in Mexico if it were not for the moral and material help which they receive from the American side of the Rio Grande. Moral and material help has been open- ly given to rebels and bandits and their cause has been espoused even by members of the United States Senate. The Governor of Arizona has made a special trip to the border to shake hands with Carranza, one of the rebel leaders. Is it not natural that in view of all this Mexicans are becoming convinced that this country has sinister designs upon their in- dependent life and territory? They — and with them all foreigners who know Mex- ico — cannot believe that such support is given to rebels and bandits because of a desire on the part of this country to en- courage democracy in Mexico. Rebel leaders of to-day were the government offi- cials of yesterday and as such they gave ample proof of their self-seeking ambitions and of their ability to make a travesty of democracy. General Huerta had set upon his govern- ment the task of restoring peace in Mex- ico. Had hoped to receive at least the moral support of this country in doing so. Had called to elections for October 2(5. All of his actions have been subjected to suspicion by the Washington Adminis- tration. The step taken by Secretary Bryan in sending instructions to the American Charge d'Affaires directing him to inform the Huerta Government th'at the United States would view with great displeasure the befalling of any injury to the arrested deputies constituted another gratuitous af- front to that Government. A dispatch to the New York "Sun" of October 14 stated that such action had been recommended by Mr. Lind but had been disapproved by John Bassett Moore, Acting Secretary of State, earlier in the day. The dispatch added: "The fact that Mr. Bryan, returning from a week's vaca- tion and necessarily having only meagre reports on what had happened, should have overruled the acting secretary with- out consulting him caused a good deal of comment here to-day." The declaration of President Wilson that he cannot consider the coming Mexican elections as legal in,-view of the Mexican Congress' having been dissolved and that he w'ill not recognize the President then elected has greatly added to the gravity of the situation. COURTING WAR-( Continued) The appruachin.u date in which permis- sion for American warships to remain in Mexican waters will expire may be the date for serious complications if the ."Vd- ministration determines to keep the war- ships there. Mexico is a signer to the Hague Conference and may appeal to that tribunal to settle the dispute which may then arise, but the temper of the Mexican people must be reckoned with. Every step that the Administration has taken in regard to Mexico has been one to goad President Huerta mto doing what he had not intended to do. A situation has been brought about that has compelled him to take the reins into his own hands or let Mexico perish in the throes of an- archy. One of our friends, prominent in Wash- ington political circles, has illustrated the Administration attitude with a well-fitting story. He said that the Administration reminded him of a certain woman who val- ued very highly an artistic pitcher which liad been presented to her. One day her husband was descending the stairs in their house carrying the precious pitcher. He slipped and fell. To save the pitcher he held it over his head and was deprived of tlie use of the hand to save himself from the fall. He struck his back and was suffering ex- cruciating pains when from the top of the stairs where his wife had hastened upon hearing the noise of the fall came her angry voice: "Did I not tell you to be careful of that pitcher? What have you done? Did yi>u break it?" Not a word about his being hurt. The husliand straightened up as well as he could and sputtered: "No, I didn't break it, damn it — but now I will!" Whereupon he dashed the pitcher upon the floor be- low. Secretary Bryan in a recent article on peace published in the "Independent" says that history will show us that trivial causes have been responsible for some of our bit- terest wars. How can he be blind to the dangers lurk- ing in the present situation brought about by his own policy? Ignorance of Mexican conditions and Mexican character is the most charitable interpretation which can be put on the Ad- ministration's atitude toward Mexico. But it was just such ignorance that finally determined the war of 1848. Lock- hardt Rives, in his admirable book just pub- lished, "The United States and Mexico," interprets the policy of the Polk adminis- tration as due to ignorance. Referring to the demands made upon the Mexican Gov- erj-.mcnt shortly before the war broke out antl just; after the Oregon question had l)ccn .settled with England, he says: "That this display of force provoked the Mexicans, and induced them to fight rallicr than to bargain, proves nothing as to the intentions of the American cabinet. It shows, perhaps, toothing n^oj-f \\Mn their ignorance of Mexican nature. John Bull might be looked straight in tiie eye, and spoken to firmly and boldly to some advan- tage; but John .Bull had a good deal to lose, while Mexico had nothing except her dignity. But she valued dignity above money or land. 'The Mexican,' said Henry Addington, who was Under-Secretary in the British Foreign Office, and knew the Spanish character well, 'the Mexican is like a mule — if you spur him too much he will back off the precipice .with you'; and Polk and his advisers had yet a good deal to learn both of mules and men." These words fit the present situation per- fectly. It must l)e remarked, however, that Pres- ident Polk's policy was frankly and avow- edly one of expansion to the Pacific Coast. That it was probably his intention of ac- quiring the Western territory by purchase and not by a war of conquest. That viewed in the light of practical events some jus- tification ma3' perhaps be found for the war of 1848 in the fact that the territory then acquired was occupied by a far larger num- ber of Americans than Mexicans. But President Wilson and Secretary Bryan have declared themselves in favor of peace, have made it clear that the United States is not seeking acquisition of new territory and have protested their great friendship for the Mexican people. Secretary Bryan has gone to the extent of saying at the banquet of the Pan-Ameri- can Society a few months ago that there will not be war during the Wilson Adminis- tration. However, we repeat, he has been courting war. Only a man completely lilind to the real situation could deny this. And Secretary Brj'an at least could not even plead ignorance of the Latin-American characteristics, .for he has traveled exten- sively in all Latin-America and he has come into personal contact with many Latin-Americans. Friends of the Administration state that it is justified in the course it has taken be- cause it does not consider that the Huerta Government has the support of the people. Here is where the most dangerous mistake is made. As another mistake is made when It is asserted that the majority of Mexicaub would welcome American intervention. It is sufficient to look back only a few years in Mexican history to the time of the French intervention in Mexico to under- stand the import of these mistakes. The support enjoyed by Benito Juarez at that time was limited to a few Liberals and the masses were, in fact, against him bi- cause he had against him the Catholic Party, then the most numerous. Before and during the period of interven- , tion the French authorities issued numer- I ous proclamations declaring that their pres- f ence in Mexico was solely for the purpose I of helping the establishment of a strong ! government acceptable to the people. Also (Continued on next page) Saturday. October IS. 1!113 MEXICO COURTING WAR— (Continued) that they were not scckins territorial ag- grandizement and would withdraw as soon as the government was established. Benito Juarez headed the armed resist- ance against the French and the people flocked to his ranks. In thi;; connection, the "Imparcial" of Mexico City said editorially some time ago: "The truth is that President Wilson has sliown himself to be as weak politically as he is psychologically in dealing with na- lional sentiments. "Facing a foreign demand, anj- people will rally to the support of their govern- niLiil. This is in the heart of every people of the earth, and explains why a govern- ment or party becomes converted into a national cause when menaced by destruc- tion or overthrow from beyond the boun- daries of the homeland. The banner of Juarez spread until it covered the whole territory when a European monarch at- tempted to pull down the hands that sus- tained it, and from that moment it ceased to be the banner of a party, becoming, in- stead, that of a nation. "But the president ui the I'nitcd States is not familiar with these solidarities of peoples; he has no precise knowledge of international relations, and is not aware that he cannot touch the highest personal- ity of a state without touching also each unit of wdiich that state is composed. The distinction which he makes between the Mexican government and Mexicans is humiliating. That is the reason why ac- ceptance was impossible. Before the men- ace of a violation of our sovereignty, the government of Mexico is Mexico; we are all Mexicans. "How could this sentiment have escaped the men at Washington? Why is it that they did not understand that the greatest support they could have given this gov- ernment, which they would not recognize, was to turn to its assistance those who, heretofore, have been its most vehement and active opponents, but who, neverthe- less, have not lost the desire to pass for good Mexicans?" We do not want war witli Mexico. But to him with eyes to see it is more than a i)ossi1)ility that we shall be forced into one liy a peace-loving .Administration. Labor Bureau's Work A yeneral strike ni tlie Dos Estrellas Mine, one of the most productive in the world and largely owned by French capi- tal, was prevented through the efforts of tile Labor Bureau which forms part of the I)cl>artment of Promotion, Industry and Colonization. The Chief of the Bureau arranged a con- ference with the representatives of the miners and of the owners and served as intermediary in the negotiations which re- sulted in a peaceful solution. Thus the Labor Bureau, the activities of which have greatly increased under the Huerta Government, has once more dem- onstrated its great usefulness. THE DISSOLUTION OF CONGRESS That Mexico has not been aroused from border to border and from ocean to ocean by the dissolution of its Congress, but has on the contrary remained calm and expressed general approval of the E.xecutive's aci:ion has been due to the fact that the dissolution had long been expected. Not only had it been announced as probable in press dispatches of a few weeks ago but in fact it had been advocated for several months both in the Mexican press and by many Mexicans who had a clear insight into the political situa- tion of their country. As early as last May "El Pais," in inde- pendent Mexico City newspaper, publish- ed a series of editorials criticizing the Gov- ernment for its leniency toward a number of Congressmen who, while drawing their pay as members of the Chamber of Deputiej, were either actively engaged in fomenting the rebellion in different parts of the country or were conspiring in Mexico City itself. The Government even then possessed actual proof that not a few of the Congressmen belonging to the group called "Renovationist," composed of Maderists, were in secret com- munication with different bandit and reb;! leaders and were engineering plots against the Government. The desire of General Huerta to preserve all Constitutional forms and the hope that the patriotism of a majority of Congressmen v.ould induce them to help the Executive in t^le pacification of the country induced him to disregard the warning of the press. The privilege which the Mexican Constitu- tion grants to members of Congress, render- ing them immune from arrest, was used and al)used by many of the Congressmen to follow with impunity their rebellious pur- suits. Encouraged by the evident animus of the Washington Administration against General Huerta, the Maderist Congressmen went so far as openly to accuse General Huerta of being a murderer. The disappearance from Mexico City of one of their members, Bordes Mangel, was inade by them the subject of violent recriminations against President Huer- ta, whom they accused of being responsible for Bordes Mangel's death. General Huerta paid no attention to these accusa- tions and Bordes Mangel appeared again at the opening of Congress. He had kept in hiding for several days so that the report would go to the United States that he had been assassinated and thus help in influencing public 'opinion here against the Huerta Government at a time when the representatives of the rebels in Washington were making efforts to fur- ther enlist the support of the Administra- tion and especially of certain Senators. It was part of a prearranged plan which in a measure achieved the desired result, as the Bordes Mangel incident gave the opportunity to the "disinterested" friends of the rebels in Washington to push their campaign to ob- tain open recognition of the rebels' bellig- erancy and attract more sympathy to what they call the rebel "cause." Not even the menace of foreign complica- tions and the fact of interference in the in terior politics of Mexico by the United States Government were suflicient to make the Maderist Congressmen desist from their policy of obstruction to all acts of the Ex- ecutive. E'or more than three weeks after the open- ing of Congress, on September 16th, the Mad- erist members made impossible the transac- tion of any business and spent their time ii useless discussions, all of the Executive de- mands for various authorizations necessai-v to the continuance of the campaign against the rebels being sidetracked. It became evident to all observers that an agreement between Congress and the Execu- tive was impossible and that if complete political anarchy was to be prevented the dissolution of Congress was an imperative and immediate necessity. The very life of the nation and the entity of the Government were threatened by con- spiracy and rebellion in the heart of the Legislative power. President Huerta took the only course open to him. He dissolved Congress and arrested the conspirators. Not 110, as with the usual exaggeration the Associated Press reported, but 78 of them. In dissolving the existing Congress Presi- dent Huerta called general elections for Oc:- tober the twenty-sixth. The fact that the dissolved Congress was composed of men largely appointed by th.; Madero Administration was sufficient reason to justify the assertion not only of the Gov- ernment, but also of many Mexicans that those Congressmen did not represent the pop- ular will. It nuist be considered here that the dissolv- ing of Congress is neither new in Mexican hi.story nor in that of European powers where the parliamentary system is in vogue. In fact, it is a frequent occurrence in England, France, Italy, Spain and Germany. It is true that Mexico has a Constitution which, being similar to that of the United States, does not contemplate the dissolving of Congress in the way contemplated in European constitutions, but there has been a strong movement in Mexico to adopt the parliamentary system as more adapted to the traditions, customs, and character of the people. Men familiar with Mexican aflfairs and wnh present Mexican conditions both in and out (Continued on next page) MEXICO .Saturday. Oclnbcr IS, 191.1 THE DISSOLUTION OF CONGRESS > Continued ot Mexico have niarvcled at the fact that President Hiicrta dit! not dissolve Congress seven months ago. In fact, the great ma- jority of these men found ground for criti- cism of General Huerta's policy in his for- Jicarancc toward those UK-mbcrs of Con- gress who, protected bj- the privilege they enjoyed, were using it to undermine the Government of wliich tliey were supposed to form part. Excitement over the dissolution of the Alexican Congress and the arrest of some Mexican deputies exists wholly and solely in this country. In Me.xico little attention has been paid to an event which in the opinion of many v.as inevitable. People there arc still go- ing about their business as usual. What is the cause of this howl raised in the news- papers which have been ardent advocates and supporters of President Wilson's pol- icy in regard to Mexico? What is the cause of the displeasure and chagrin ex- pressed by the "high officials" of the Ad- ministration at President Huerta's action? The cause is purely psychological and can be readily explained in all its interest- ing aspects. Taxing its "ability" and energies to the utmost, the Washington Administration for many months has bent all its efforts to ob- tain one result: the removal of General Huerta — the object of its odium and ani- mus — from the Mexican political field. The aim of the Administration has ])een more or less cleverly disguised under the cloak of a desire to see peace reestablished in Mexico. By dexterous press-agenting — in which the Administration excels, and in compar- ison with which even the Rooseveltian feats pale into i.gnominous insignificance — the im- pression was given broadcast through the United States that the Administration pol- icy was directed toward the establishment of order and the protection of American citizens in Mexico. Later, through the blundering declara- tions of some officials — especially those of a tactless Chairman of the Foreign Rela- tions Committee of the Senate, the spokes- man of the Administration — it became a matter of general conviction tliat the sole aim of the Administration was "to get rid of Huerta." It mattered not if a large portion of the lirtss of this country pointed out that the elimination of Huerta would not mean peace, but anarchy. It mattered not if hundreds of Americans who have lived in Mexico for many years and know Mexican conditions should either in person or by letter endeavor to change the Administra- tion's attitude, presenting evidence that General Huerta is the one strong man cast on top of the situatioji by tlie upheaval of tiic last three years. It mattered not if from all quarters there came assertions -supported by evidence and demonstrated liy facts that General Huerta possessed llie qualities necessary to the pacification of Mexico. It mattered not if requests were made that General Huerta be given a fair chance from this country to accomplish the task which he had set for himself and to which the most responsible elements of the Mexican population had called him. The Administration had determined that Huerta should disappear from the politi- cal map of Mexico. It sent John Lind to make proposals which no self-respecting Government could either accept or take into consideration. It would be an insult to the men at the head of the United States Government to suppose for a moment that they ever be- lieved that their proposals would be ac- cepted. Why were they made? No an- swer can be given to this except that they were made with the intention that they should not be accepted. In tlie same way it is impossible at this moment to know the true reason why the Administration has determined upon the elimination of the man who stands out as the only man who, since the fall of Porfirio Diaz, has demon- strated the ability and the honesty of pur- pose necessary to re-establish peace in Mexico. Perhaps events in tlie near fu- ture will give tlie clew to explain this an- tagonism. Friends of the Administration have de- belief that once Huerta was eliminated the dove of peace would alight on Popocatepetl and, as if by magic, spread its wings over the Republic. Also to the conviction that General Huerta was the murderer of Madero and that his personal habits are distasteful to President Wilson and to Secretary Bryan. Huerta drinks, they say. For shame! It has been of no avail to remind the abstem- ious Secretary that General Grant also drank, and that when accused of this be- fore Lincoln the latter declared that he would have given a great deal to know what brand the .general used. No, nothing has availed. The .Adminis- tration's sympathies, as voiced from day to day by all the Washington correspondents who get their information first-hand, have been with the gentle, honest, law-abiding, blood-abhoring and constitution-fondling rel)els. The Administration determined that Huerta should perish. It brought to bear its bu.gaboo moral force, namely: Exodus of Americans from Mexico and a financial blockade, the "high ofificials" and the supporters of the Admin- istration 'crying Hosanna! But Huerta did not weaken. On the contrary, he con- tinued to make remarkable advances to- ward the reorganization of the country in spile of lack of financial help from outside and all the obstacles thrown in his way 1^3' Washington. . Tlie campaign against bandits and rebels continued successful with only one temporary setback — the fall of Torreon — largely discounted, however, by the Government occupation of all im- portant cities in the northeastern part of Coahuila, including the rebel "capital," Pie- dras Negras. The fall of Torreon was seized upon b^' some newspapers as occasion to point out with glee that the Administration policy was having the desired effect. Suddenly the news came that General Huerta had dissolved Congress and jailed some of the deputies who had been con- spiring against the Government. A cry of holy horror went up at Washington and it was echoed in every corner of the United States where there happens to be an Ad- ministration-loving newspaper. "The Mexican Constitution has Ijeen staljbed," etc., etc. Why such a cry of horror? Because General Huerta has given one more proof of being the strong man of Mexico. In other words, because the Administration and its supporters are terribly disappointed in their fondest hopes that General Huerta would lie so weakened b}' the "moral" force brought to l^'ear as to make inevit- able his immediate riddance. (Special Despatch to the New York "Herald.") Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, Monday. — General Car- ranza received to-day through the American Consul, Mr. Simpich, a lengthy message from Secretary Bryan dealing with several vital questions. The first item was a communication from the American Consul at Mazatlan, which place is still in the hands of the rebels, asking on behalf of American and foreign business men representing $10,000,0(.10 in property that a war vessel be sent there at once to ])revent looting should constitutionalists capture the place. The second was in the matter of allowing for- eigners to arm themselves for protection of prop- erty. The third dealt 'with the question of the alleged forcing of foreigners to accept State currency and the fourth was a request that in all cases where the property of foreigners was taken as an act of war receipts be given therefor. The fifth item dealt with the seizure by Rafael Bueina, claiming to be a constitutionalist leader operating in Sinaloa, of $1,000 in bullion belonging to the Panuco Mining Company, a Spanish concern ; also $S,000 collected by force from tlie Rosaria Mining Company, an American corporation. Mr. Bryan's communication closed by saying that from General Carranza's published statements he did not believe such proceedings were authorized or supported by the constitutionalists. Why. of course not. Mr. Bryan would believe anytliing the "constitutionalists" would tell him so long as it was couched in tlic flowery periods so dear to his heart. AMERICANS RETURNING Mexico City, September :!(». — The gene- ral mana.ger of the National Railways of Alexico stated to-day that many Americans are returnin.g daily to Mexico l)y way of Laredo, confident that the situation will stion be greatly improved. Some of these .Americans are business men who are com- ing to make inveslments. The number of .Americans arriving i;; much larger than the number of those leav- ing. .All berths of the sleeping-cars arriv- in.a at Laredo, bound southward, in the last three days were occupied and the great majority of the passengers were .Ameri- cans. Saturday, October 18, 1913 MEXICO The Game As Played. To understaiul llic al)solutc necessity confronting the Mexican Executive of dis- solving a Congress in which the Maderist deputies held the balance of power, it is necessary to understand clearly the lat- ler's plan in regard to the elections to be lu-ld on October 26. This plan, cunningly conceived, if car- ried through would have proven of far graver consequences than the mere con- spiring of the Maderist deputies and than their active efforts to keep the rebel lead- ers constantly informed of the Govern- ment's intended movements and plans. It was the purpose of the Maderist dep- uties either to prevent the holding of elec- tions or, if not able to do so, to have the elections declared null and void. To the first end they had already presented a bill postponing the elections indefinitely on the ground that a great part of the na- tional territiiry was under rebel control. Their aim in presenting this bill was two- fold. First, their assertion if accepted by Congress as true would strengthen the claim of the rebels' representatives in Washington that the Republic of Mexico was in its greater part in the hands of the so-called constitutionalists. This would liavc lieen -if invaluable assistance to the reljcls in their constant welcome and w-ell- accep'ed representations to the ^\'aslling- ton .Administration. Second, if the elections had been post- poned or held and then declared void, General Huerta would have remained in power. This, which on first consideration would seem the last thing the rebels should desire was in fact exactly what they want- ed. For the rebel representatives would then have accused General Huerta of hav- ipg unduly influenced Congress in order to retain the reins of government in his hands. Besides having the assurance of the Washington Administration that Gen- eral Huerta would not be recognized, the rebels hoped that continued non-recognition would bring about such a state of affairs as to enable one of their leaders to ascend to power, while if elections were held they feared that whoever would be elected would be recognized by the United States, preventing their own group from seizing the reins of government. The cunning purpose of the Maderist deputies was quickly detected by General Huerta and frustrated in the only manner ill which it could be frustrated. NEWSPAPER HYPOCRISY With Particular Reference to the New York "World." FOUR AMERICANS KILLED BY REBELS. El Paso, Oct. 14. — Among the American re- fugees arriving in Juarez to-day was F. B. Ellis, a mining engineer of Cripple Creek, Col. Mr. Ellis had his right arm in a sling as a result of l>eing shot by Mexican rebels or bandits. His brother, Joseph, was killed by the bandits and he declares that three other Americans were killed at the same time.— N. Y. "Sun," October 1.5. These are the gentle friends to whom certain newspapers look for the proper up- holding of the Constitution! We have often wondered in our perusal of editorial columns, whether it was abso- lutely necessary to be the unconcerned possessor of the crassest and most asinine ignorance about Mexican history, Mexican politics, Mexican characteristics and pres- ent, actual Mexican conditions to qualify as a writer on Mexican affairs. Being newspaper men ourselves, we have tried to find an excuse for the ignorance which apparently prevails in reference to Mexico, realizing that the so-called Mexi- can question is only one of the many jn wliich the editorial writer is called to com- ment from day to day. We could not, however, understand the carelessness of certain editors in dealing with a situation fraught with the greatest dangers. In some cases we could only ascribe the apparent carelessness to the very nature of modern newspaper methods and to the loyalty of these editors to the Washington Administration. However, we have advisedly used the word apparent in reference to this ignor- ance and carelessness. Because regarding a number of news- papers which have been defending the pol- icy of the Washington Administration we have been forced to conclude that it is not ignorance or carelessness that prevails, but a malicious interit to pervert the truth and a criminal hypocrisy covering a more or less hidden purpose and second thought. Here we must specify, but as it would be impossible to consider one by one the newspapers of the group that have defend- ed the .Administration's course regardless of the truth and justice, we shall men- tion their prototype: the New York "World," incidentally the New York "Tri- bune" and the New York "Evening Post." While the editorial writers of these newspapers are not expected to be experts on Mexican affairs, their utter ignorance is not admissible, as they are unquestion- ably men of a certain culture, as evinced in their treatment of other subjects. Seldom has there been a more patent evidence of malicious intent than in the ac- rimonious campai.gn conducted by the "World" against Mexico and everybody connected with Mexican affairs who is not in accord with President Wilson's attitude toward Mexico. Never has there been more patent evi- dence of hypocrisy than in tlie "World's" expressions of policy. While it has re- peatedly asserted its opposition to armed intervention and its disinterested friend- ship for the Mexican people, the "World" has consistently supported every move- ment of the -Administration that has made war with Mexico a possibility. Moreover, it has encouraged every measure which could possibly prevent the re-establishment of peace in the southern Republic. The "World's" odium toward the Huerta Government — and it would have been the same for any other government — purports to reflect its readers' sentiment, but in fact it reflects only that of the Adminis- tration. Since the dissolution of Congress bj President Huerta the "World's" odium has been revealed still more clearly in a series of editorials born of an impotent rage at the evident strength shown by the Mexi- can Executive. Its venomous, hypocritical expressions of horror at what the "World" terms the "stabbing of the Mexican Constitution" bear a striking resemblance to those of some "high officials" of the Washington Administration. Why such a sudden holy horror, since the "World" has been proclaiming for well-nigh nine months that Huerta was a military dictator? The hypocrisy of the "World" is equalled by its cowardice, because to call a man an assassin without proving the accusa- tion and with the immunity enjoyed be- cause of a safe distance is the work of a coward. Tlie libelous and venomous campaign conducted by the "World" against all those who dared disagree with the President's policy had its incipiency in the attacks against Ambassador Wilson and culminat- ed in the phillipic against those Americans who committed the crime of lese majeste in criticising the Administration's attitude toward Mexico. The "World" is playing the role of bravo to the Administration in a way that will make some of the newspapers of Guate- mala and Venezuela — the particular friends of the "World" — green with envy. Tlie "World" is driven to white-heat rage because the Constitution of Mexico has been stabbed. Why does not the "World" tremble with righteous indigna- tion at the premeditated murder of Vene- zuela's Constitution? It is not long since President Gomez after a manufactured re- bellion proclaimed hiinself dictator of Ven- ezuela, assuming all powers. Congress no longer exists in Venezuela and no elec- tions have been called, while in Mexico a new Congress will have been elected with- in two weeks. If the "World" is actuated in its stand by principle only, why not exude the same Iioly horror at the stabbing of the Vene- zuelan Constitution and vent its ire against the Venezuela dictator? Why not incite President Wilson to withdraw recognition from Gomez, the mil- itary dictator of Venezuela? Is it because the vast financial interests of the "World" are closely connected with those American capitalists — whom the (Continued on next page) MEXICO Satiirdav. October IS, 1913 CONFESSIONS OF A BORDER TOWN REPORTER One of the News Factory for Three Years I was a manufacturer of Mexican news, among- others. Why we of all men should so easily have let ourselves be corrupted in telling of the internal troubles in Mex- ico is a mysterj' to me. There was not one among us who had not been trained in the bitter school of the newspaper office. It was at the frequent cost of rides in side-door Pullmans that we had learned that an adjective, except It be in the society or dramatic columns, is abhorred in a newspaper office. Experience had also taught us that to tell the truth was the best policy and that a reporter's worth was not so much in his ability to make prettily turned phrases as in his legs and the faculty of seeing a story's true value and writing it in pro- portionate space. We were a cosmopolitan lot, having come from the very ends of the earth, as were the people of the Southwest to whom our news was served with their cereal and soup. It was the realization that we were writing to a class as intelligent as ourselves, at least, that lifted our papers above the pettiness and provincialism of the ordinary small-town paper. I suppose the indiscretions and truth- juggling tactics which crept into our work with the coming of the Mexican revolu- tion were due to our adaptability to swift- ly changing conditions. Some of us did get sick of the whole aflfair and sought work elsewhere, but many remained. To say the least, we enjoyed the experience immensely. Mexico somehow is a mystery to the average reader. He will believe any tale told him about it and because of his ig- norance and gullibility, I suppose some of the most improbable things put over stuck. At first we were truthful in telling about Mexico, but newspaper owners, learning the circulation building value of "war news," made it our task to supply the reader generously. When it was finally suggested to us by American interests in Mexico and supporters of the advertising columns that we cease enlarging on mole- hills, we did so and the revolution which seemed to be nurtured by us, stopped. There is no wonder that border newspa- pers have often been accused of bringing about the present state of affairs. For a long time certain American newspapers or their representatives \vould not he allowed in Mexico. After affairs in Mexico had become of national importance, it was the coming of the big leaguers — the New York newspa- permen and the Associated Press corre- spondents — that helped us in our down- ward path. Everything was strange and new to them. They e.xaggerated the im- portance of any yarn and they could see a story in the commonest brawl. I sup- pose they occasionally did write news, but when there was none they painted word pictures in such glowing terms that the fate of nations seemed to hang on their very contents. They also taught us that it wasn't necessary to cover a story in the primitive manner of legs and eyes. The telephone was much easier and better. We had really believed that when the big men came to the border, they- would go into the interior and investigate for them- selves, but their training showed them that the importance of the affair had been great- ly exaggerated. They contented them- selves with accepting the stories fur- nished them by the leaders of the con- tending forces. (Continued on ne.xt page.) NEWSPAPER HYPOCRISY— (Continued) "World" professes to abhor — who are backing Gomez and own and control prac- tically the whole country? In regard to Mexico there can be doubt no longer as to the "World's" affiliations. They have been clearly indicated by its ill-disguised attacks against the enemies of those oil interests that have declared war upon any Mexican Government that re- fuses to do their bidding. The "World" was careless and showed iv; true colors when it stated on October 14 that "the Constitutionalist forces ought not to be long in reaching the capital. They are the true liberators of Congress and they ought to be the sole avengers of the crimes that have disgraced the age." The "World" knows too well that the only course opened to the Mexican Execu- tive to save the country from anarchy was ■o dissolve a rebellious Congress that was fomenling it. But the "World" is bent upon setting up a Mexican Government that will be a willing tool in the hands of the "World's" friends. If any doubt had been left in our mind as to the "World's" motives it would have been completely dispelled a few days ago when we leceived the visit of a "World" reporter, who had been commissioned by the editor to investigate "who was back of" MEXICO. In the opinion of the editor, because this publication had de- fended the Mexican 'Government it must be backed by that Government. It became then clear to us that the "World" could understand the defense of a cause only in exchange for money or its equivalent. For decency's sake the "World" should at least suppress from its editorial page the words which were written by a great publisher, Joseph Pulitzer, on May 10, 1883. This publisher, perhaps the greatest of his time, is no more. No reader is al- lowed to forget this even for a day. Ev- ery pa3'e of the "World" is a daily re- minder of his irretrievable loss. As to the sanctimonious hypocrisy of the "Evening Post," it is perhaps even more despicable than that of the "World" because revealed in more mellifluous words. The "Evening Post" is dealing with shadows — and knows it — when it dis- courses at length upon the coming Mexi- can elections, the strength of the different parties, the democratic sentiment of what the "Post" calls the large Maderist ele- ment. The "Post" calls the dissolution of the Mexican Congress a justification of President Wilson's policy of non-recogni- tion while the "Post" cannot fail to real- ize that the responsibility for the latest events in Mexico must be laid at the feet of the Washington Administration. For the "Post" — and with the "Post" other newspapers that have expressed the same view — must know that the encour- agement given by the attitude of the Washington Administration to rebels and bandits has made it necessary for the Mex- ican Government to apply a radical rem- edy to a radical ill. The "I'usl" nuust know it because there has not been an .Xmcri- can familiar with Mexican affairs that has not voiced this truism ever since the fall of Madero. And when we say Americans familiar with Mexican affairs we say thou- sands of them who have appealed in vain to the Washington Administration, who have presented irrefutable proofs of their contention and offered the benefit of their knowledge born of experience. Much has been published by the "Post" against Mr. Hearst and his newspapers on account of their jingo attitude on the Mex- ican question. But the Hearst newspapers at least are not hypocritical. Mr. Hearst's imperialis- tic tendencies are weW known. But he does not try to hide them under the cloak of sincere friendship, love of democracy in another country, and so on. He favors in- tervention because he believes in force in every phase of human activity. We do not agree with Mr. Hearst's attitude toward Mexico. We believe that he has not count- ed the cost of intervention and we believe that he is wrong when he values force more than right. But we admire and respect his frankness. We regret the methods of the Hearst newspapers in exaggerating the news re- garding Mexico, but in the Hearst news- papers there is no sanctimonious hypocrisy as in the "Evening Post" or feigned "right- eous indignation" as in the "World," and certainly Mr. Hearst cannot be accused of being in league witli predatory wealth, however wrong his policy may be in re- gard to Mexico. Mr. Hearst- may lu wrong, but he is honest. Not so with llu- "World" and the "Post." Isn't it about time that we should stop mentioning the "sincere friendship for Mexico"? Let us at least be frank. Sntiirday, October is, 1913 MEXICO CONFESSIONS OF A BORDER TOWN REPORTER (Continued) W'itli liljcral leasling and carefully chos- en wine and cigars, the Mexican general or cai)Uiin, as the case might be, could always bt depended upon to yield a pretty good yarn. I suppose many an expense account was spent in automobiles and in Mexican roulette and bull fights. Bj' carefully com- paring notes in the evening, there would be nci great lack of uniformity in their copy when telegraphed to their papers. It was these stories that brought tlie armed forces of the United States to the border to protect .American interests there. When the big papers withdrew their men from the border because of no imme- diate promise of armed intervention, it left the border newspapermen in control of the war factory. With the new dignity of "war correspondents," discretion and train- ing were cast aside. If New York news- p;ipermen were artists, we were geniuses. We had begun authoring, at least as far as Mexico was concerned. In a short time reporters became edi- lors and cubs rose to the full dignity of their profession. I was a reporter when sent to Douglas, .-Xrizona, "to do the war." I suppose I was a very useful man to my city editor. He demanded every scrap that might come from across the border. The importance of this was very early em- phasized to rae. The fate of nations was at stake! He was also the official repre- sentative of the -Associated Press at that place and was handsomely paid for all he "put over." He could "plant" anything be- cause, it was understood, the Associated Press editor had in part to thank mj' su- perior for his job. In my time four battles, such as they were, actually took place on or near enough to the international line for Amer- icans to witness them. We all knew thej' were coming and treated the occasions as gala affairs. Business was suspended and vantage points sold at a premium. That no one really feared for his life can be testified by thousands of Americans who were so eager to get snap-shots and sou- venirs that the negro cavalry guarding the line could scarcely keep them from rush- ing in among the contestants. There was incessant cannonading and raining of shrapnel for hours, but after the battle some thirty men were killed on both sides at the cost of nearly one thousand bullets each, .\lthough no American near the fir- ing-line was injured, stray bullets and ex- ploding shells killed and injured five Amer- icans far from the scenes of activity. That night in reporting the battle for the benefit of the reading public at large, our news instincts told us to dwell on the killing and injuring of the five Aniericans. which we did at $10.00 per column. Los -AiiKclcs and San Francisco papers issued "extra's" r.n that battle and some had even brought out "actual scenes" of the aflfray from their "morgues." To one familiar with the technical side of a newspaper this is not new, for he will readily understand how it is done. Any good battle picture will do. Mutilate the cut so that the lay reader will not recognize whether they arc Chinamen or Mexicans fighting, and you have a perfectly good war picture tTiat will do credit to any battle. Our exchanges for days afterward car- ried front-page- accounts of that battle. Editorially, sanctum editors denounced "the irresponsible guerillas of our neigh- boring country," and called upon the Pres- ident and Congress to send the armed forces of the United States across the border to "once and for all stop this shed- ding of innocent .American blood." -At the battle of Naco, of this year, wlun a stray bullet chanced to strike an Ameri- can sherifif who was on the wrong side of tiie line, newspapers demanded "all the facts" and very justly and with a decent degree of editorial bombast, again de- manded intervention. That the importance of the Mexican af- fair is grossly e.xaggerated is known by all who are or have been intimately con- nected with conditions. It must be a mys- lery to those who have depended on their knowledge from newspaper dispatches, why the United States has not intervened in Mexico; but a sifting of all the written material will reveal at a glance one of the chief reasons. Though there has been an iota of truth in much that has been printed, there is that much and no more. For reports of most of the conflicts, the newspaper correspon- dent depends entire!}' on the information given him by the agents of the contending forces. These are naturally colored to suit a purpose and only too often has a reporter been given entirely dififerent ac- counts of the same engagement by the agents of the dififerent parties. He had to choose, use it and do some good press- agenting for the side in whose graces he wished to be on the following day, or not to use it and take chances of being "scooped." Often he used neither account but compromised by sending out one of his own. With a little juggling of fibres, ex- cellent copy could be made of "reports" and they could even be sold at good prices to the news syndicates and the big news- papers. W^ith the exaggerated importanct of anything that happened beyond the bor- der and the demands of avaricious city edi- tors, is it any wonder that the hounded reporter occasionally manufactured a yarn all his own? -After three years our work finally dete- riorated into a mere farce. It was not long before we had to com- pete with the corner saloon in compelling public attention. The saloonists also had "exclusive bulletins." which were as avidly read as our own, but somehow the fake was evident on their surface. Nothing was too improbable and the mere killing of 1,000 men required onlj' the time in mak- ing the figures. I think we fooled ourselves in believing that the public regarded us seriously, but it was a great circulation builder and Western newspapers at five cents a copy help pay salaries. I remember the time L — perpetrated the first decisive victory for the constitu- tionalists. It was the battle of Santa Ro- salia. Judging by former experiences with Mexican battles, the army could not pos- sibly have carried enough ammunition to kill the 1,200 men and injure some 2,000 more as claimed in the story, yet when it appeared in the evening papers that very day they sold faster than the press could turn them out. On the following day even the Mexican dailies carried the story. Dispatches from Mexico City promptly came out claiming the victory for the federals. Later the constitutionalists confirmed L's original report. L, on being closely questioned, ad- mitted that It was but a piete of his imag- ination. An American sometime later claiming to have been in the vicinity of the "battle" on that very day said thkt not more than fifty were killed, possibly one hundred. He did not know who the vic- tors were. So astounding were the figures, that the Associated Press representative iii sending out his messages, toned them down to two hundred killed, three hundred wounded. After tossing a coin he decided to award the victory to the insurgents. Unfortunate was the day for him, how- ever, when he was "scooped" on the de- struction of the battleship Guerra in the harbor of Guaymas, followed by the mas- sacre of Americans. Of course -the battle- ship is still at Guajmias and still whoU and not an American was injured, but it resulted in the receipt of the following telegram: "Quit faking or resign. Oppo- sition scoops you two hours- How al)OHt it?" I believe the A. P. man was honest with himself that once. He resigned. I suppose he thought he couldn't stop fak- ing. The United Press had exclusive use oi that story and even pictured the death struggles of the drowning seamen. Though we worked on the idea that the public were fools, in so far as the Mexi- can situation was concerned, we at least benefited the insurgents' cause. I admit that all the border newspapers were par- tial toward them. They occasionally ac- credited them with a "victory" which greatly enhanced the cause, won them new recruits and helped to justify their de- mands for money from the large vested interests of Sonora. Newspapers in gen- eral espoused their cause by printing half- page cartoons of a voluptuous ihaiden gaz- ing sorrowfully on an assortment of arms and legs representing the dismembered parts of her Mexican countrymen. ~ Under- neath in heavy-faced letters would lie printed "How Long. O Mexico? CJh. How Long?" -Americans in Mexico howled at our an- tics just as they did two years previous- ly. They declared that wc were in league with the rebels, inciting attacks upon the government, driving the workers from the mines and shops and causing their ruina- tion, which we no doubt did. MEXICO Saturday, October 18, 1913 "THE FIERCE LOGIC OF EVENTS" The fierce logic of events saj-s the New York "World" editorially, has justified President Wilson for having withheld rec- ognition of the Huerta Government. The '■fierce logic of events" has been as fol- lows : The government of Porfirio Diaz was the best that Mexico had ever had. Under it the country enjoyed tranquility and pros- perity. There remained and developed certain political and local abuses of power, soms of them inherent and ineradicable in the nature of the people, others that could have been remedied bj' evolution. American capital was welcomed by Por- firio Diaz for' the development of the com- merce and industry of Mexico, but just as the people of the United States have re- volted against the dominance of the great Trusts,, so did Porfirio Diaz seek to save his country from American monopolies, especially of railways and oil. .\ wealth}' and hair-brained agitator, Francisco Madero, went about the coun- try, arousing the cupidity and passions of the ignorant peons by promising them a millenium if he were elected President. He received the political, moral and financial support of the United States cap- italists who had been thwarted by Por- firio Diaz. He raised the standard of armed rebel- lion and called the people from the fields, the mines and the workshops and allied with him the worst bandits and brigands. Porfirio Diaz, seeing the handwriting on the wall and fearing that a protracted civil strife would result in United States inter- vention and the end of Mexican nationality patriotically resigned and became an exile. Madero and his relatives and followers, inheriting a full treasury and a splendid national credit, swilled like pigs at a trough, depleted one and destroyed the other in less than a year — and forgot their promises to the people. The spirit of rebellion and lawlessness dormant so long under Porfirio Diaz, once aroused, found an outlet in a reign of ter- ror and brigandage throughout Mexico. Madero did not guage and could not check the forces of anarchy he had brought into life. Meanwhile his relatives and camp followers looted the treasury. Weak, incompetent, demented, Madero was urged by those who were profiting un- der him to hold onto power at all costs, though it was plain to every one else that the country was doomed to destruction iMiless something were done at once to save it. Under Felix Diaz gild General Reyes part of the Army revolted and the streets of the capital were turned into streams of blood. General Huerta as head of the loyal soldiers defended the President who had on manj' occasions flouted and humiliated tlie .\rn13' and its leaders. The Senate, the diplomatic corps of for- eign nations, all who were not crazed and hysterical hangers-on of a crazed and hys- terical weakling, appealed to General Huerta to put an end to the carnage, to save the country and forestall American intervention. General Huerta at their behest arrested Madero, procured his resignation and him- self was declared Provisional President by Congress, according to Constitutional pro- visions. Madero and his Vice-President, Pino Suarez. were subsequently killed on their way from the National Palace to the Peni- tentiary. Provisional President Huerta was not the beneficiary of this crime, be- cause he was already President and Ma- dero and Suarez were private citizens. Neither has there been a shred of evidence to support the suspicion that President Huerta was directly or indirectly respon- sible for the killing. The Provisional President announced his plan and purpose to restore peace to the country and turn over the government to a duly elected successor. All the great Powers of the world rec- ognized the Provisional Government. The Madero family and adherents flocked to the United States and immediately started in Washington and in the ."Vmeri- can newspapers a campaign to prevent United States recognition. The Ambassador of the United States to Mexico believed that the only solution of the Mexican chaos was the support of the Provisional Government in its efforts to bring about peace and restore normal con- ditions. Lacking that, rebellion would fol- low rebellion, brigandage would be un- checked, anarchy would ensue. General Huerta's government found an empty treasury. The coimtry's resources would justify the loan that was necessary to prosecute the campaign against the state of disorder that had its inception with and its growth under the Madero regime, but United States recognition was considered necessarj' by bankers to insure the stabil- ity of the new government against any new rebellion that might be started from the United States. With little or no understanding of Mex- ican conditions and the problems with which the Mexican Government was con- fronted, the Washington Administration obviously influenced by the campaign of misrepresentations carried on by the Ma- dero family and its American financial connections, withheld its recognition of the Provisional Government. .'\s soon as this attitude of the .'\dminis- tration was well understood the leaders of the rebels and bandits in Mexico concluded that the United States Government was in sympathy with them or at least that the Huerta Government would be unable fur- ther to check them. In an e.xchange of- diplomatic notes the Mexican Government showed how thor- oughly its position and purposes were mis- understood by the Washington Adminis- tration, but the only result was that Wash- ington, instead of lending its moral sup- port, decided to stand by and watch every movement with suspicion and judge every act with prejudice aforethought. The embarrassment to the efforts of the Provisional Government caused by the at- tude of the Washington authorities was so inimical that it was seized upon, not only as encouragement to their further depre- dations by the rebel and bandit leaders, but as an opportunity for conspiracy against the government by the Maderist deputies in Congress, working hand in glove with the Maderists in the United States. General Huerta. facing treason in Con- gress, took the only step that the President of Mexico — or the President of the United •States, for that matter — could have taken under such circumstances. He arrested the conspiring deputies as traitors. Reports from Washington, following this proceeding, are that the Administration's policy of non-recognition has been justified, when that very policy was even more re- sponsible for the conditions in Mexico to- day than all the American filibustering, fo- menting of rebellion and all the financial support from the United States that have helped to reduce Mexico from its stand- ing as a country of peace and prosperity to a distracted, unhappy land. Now the "World's" "fierce logic of events" comes to this: President Wilson's refusal to recognize the Provisional Gov- ernment of Mexico was justified, forsooth, because as a result of that refusal President Huerta has been given the most monu- mental task that any President has had to face to bring peace to his countrj'. There may be some logic in the events but there isn't an iota of it in the policy of President Wilson or the perfervid efforts of the "World" to defend his rebel-inspir- ing course. By some members of the Administration the hope and belief have been expressed that foreign Governments will even go so far as to withdraw their recognition of the Huerta Government, accorded in most in- stances many months ago. At the State Department, however, it was held that this hardly is likely to happen, as recognition universally is regarded in international law as "absolute and irrevocable," according to the words used by Counsellor John Bas- sett Moore in his work on international law. The only exception, it is said, is when recognition is accompanied by a set of prescribed conditions. The recognition given to Mexico by other Governments was unqualified and unconditional. — New York "Sun." SiUurdav. October 18, 1913 MEXICO Lobbygrams Washington, D. C, October 14. — The truth is out concei'ning that $500,000 of American capital dumped into the yawning coffers of the rebel junta in Sonora last week. And the truth is out in Washington, too. The junta here got the money from a representative of the Waters-Pierce Oil Company. That is the story going around. It is significant that when the receipt of the $500,000 was duly chronicled in the .Vmerican newspapers friendly to the enem- ies of the established Government in Mex- ico, it was Captain Hopkins who confirmed the contribution of the Waters-Pierce Oil Company, adding: "And there will be plen- ty more to prosecute the war in Mexico." As we told last week, Francisco Escu- dero carried the Waters-Pierce contribu- tion to Hermosillo, where Carranza, the rebel leader, has set up his "capital." Escu- dcro's reward was his app.jintment as Min- ister of Finance, with instructions to guard that $500,000 until it was used up in "buy- ing a navy" for the rebel government. The ambitii-ius navy pri^i^ram cuntem- plated the purchase of "an armed vessel" to prey upon the custom houses and com- mandeer — not steal — the receipts from cus- tom levies. Whetlier Captain Hopkins is to 1)6 Admiral of the Carranza fleet Wash- ington has not yet heard. As the big man in the Washington junta of the rebels, Don Sherby Hopkins is held high in the esteem of the Mexican rebel leaders and no honor is considered really commensurate with his distinguished services. "Highballito" Romero may be one of the Admiral's staff. He has been slated for recognition and his faithfulness to the Washington junta is to be rewarded. He is too good a Maderis; a and Carrancista to refuse to obey the call to serve the rebel fleet and drink "Vivas" to everything rebel- lious, but confusion to the peacemakers and the upljuilders of Mexico. How much longer will American financial interests be permitted to contribute funds to keep the turmoil going in Mexico in the hope of bringing about intervention by the United States? NAILING THEM! That the United States will not intervene by force of arms in Mexico is a settled proposition. In Congress the sentiment is overwhelmingly in favor of a settlement of the distressing situation brought about by the Administration's attitude. Prominent Senators and Members of the House are frank in their discussion of Mexico and her troubles. They know more of the facts in the case than they did several months ago. In the light of the facts borne in on the Senators and Representa- tives the feeling that the established gov- ernment should be recognized grows stronger from week to week. This is especially true as to the members of the House, the majority of whom wish to see peace restored in Me.xico without delay, the first step toward that end being recognition of the established government by the Washington Administration. The question of affronting the Administration is the serious obstacle to their taking an open stand as to the policy toward Mexico. The Plot. Mexico City, October 14. — One of the liberated deputies said lo-day that he had been approached several times and asked to take part in the plot, l)ut that he and twenty-nine others had refused to join. He said he knew that deputies had been in constant communication with revolution- ists and had their plans all made to over- throw the Huerta government when ar- rested. — N. Y. "American." Explanations. I'resident Wilson is not permitting himself to be misled concerning the actualities of the Mex- ican situation. lie recognizes that there is no hope of a compromise that would meet the ap- proval of all factions; he is not dealing in iridescent dreams. — New York "Herald." President Wilson has at all times made plain that the Administration policy is not one of per- sonality, save only in its firm determination not to recognize General Huerta. His objection to General Huerta, however, can hardly be regarded as one of personality, since it has been based not on the man but on the method by which he seized control of the Mexican Government. — New York "Herald." While no change in orders has been sent to Consuls about Americans leaving Mexico, the dis- position of President Wilson always has been to leave the question entirely to the discretion of the Americans in Mexico, while urging those in the troubled zones to depart and offering them pecuniary assistance. — New York "World." The foregoing show how easy it is to receive the wrong impression by a careless reading of newspapers and the failure to read between the lines of the -Administration's instructions and state- ments of policy. The general impression was that Presi- dent Wilson had believed in a compromise that would meet with the approval of all factions (Vide Instruction B. to Lind). That his objection to General Huerta was one of personality. That Americans in Mexico were ordered to leave at once — • Now the "Herald" and the "World" point out the general mistake. Loj'al apologists! Th( Inconsistent. establishment of a virtual dictatorship by Huerta through the use of military force is inter- preted as likely to have the most far reaching con- sequences to the Huerta regime. It also was held as a vindication of the attitude of the Washington administration that military assumption of power should not be recognized. — Chicago "Tribune" So military assumption of power should never be recognized. How about our rec- ognition of China, admittedly a military dictatorship disguised as a republic. The President of China was recently elected by the Congressional deputies gently prodded 1)y the presence of the Provisional Presi- dent's armed detectives. Still Popular. Mexico City. — The stand taken by the United States was the subject of another protest by stu- dents and Huert^ sympathizers in the capital to- jiight. A fiery meeting in the Alameda was dis- persed by mounted gendarmes, but the students later reassembled in the unfinished National Thea- tre, where the troops dispersed them a second time.— New York "Sun." Yet we read that President Huerta's actions are destroying his popularity. An Artistic Touch. According to the revolutionary agents here, Huerta's army is on the verge of rebellion. Not one of his Generals except his brother-in-law. Gen. Maas, it is asserted, is loyal to the Huerta cause. — Washington "Herald." There are 183 generals in the Mexican Federal Army and 91,000 men. All of these generals, except General Maas, according to the junta, are disloyal. What a terrible situation! To think that a reputable news- paper would publish such truck and circu- late so obvious a lie. It may be noted in passing that General Maas is in no v/ay related to General Huerta. The artistic junta added that "brother-in-law" touch to suggest a reason for the lone general's loyalty- How charitable! Where Did He Get It? Where Huerta has procured his money so far is a matter of wonder in Washington. — New York "Tribune." In the first place, it's none of Washing- ton's btisiness. In the second place there's something ghoulish in Washington's dis- appointment that Huerta has made the l-.eadway he has against all the obstacles the Washington -Vdministration has put in his way. Going! Another im])ortant feature of the situation is the extent to which President Wilson intends to go in his insistence that Huerta shall refrain from bar- barous tactics. His warning that no harm should come to the Deputies is by far the longest step toward actual interference in Mexico's affairs that the President has taken. Plenty of warnings have been sent to the American Embassy that American citizens must be protected, but this is tlie first time anything has been said about treatment to be accorded to Mexicans. — New York "Tribune." The extent to which President Wilson will go in meddling in Mexico's affairs is only exceeded by his colossal inability tf> comprehend them. Distress Signals. Washington, Oct. 13- — Germany's decision to dis- patch a warship to Mexican waters attracted wide attention here to-night. President Wilson had re- ceived no intimation of Germany's intention. Other European Governments have had vessels cruising off the Mexican coasts during critical periods- Official Washington regards Germany's action as indicating a repudiation of her recognition of Huerta. Latest advices are that Great Britain is prepared to repudiate her recognition of Huerta if he fails to hold a constitutional election on October 20- Washington authorities believe the sending of a German vessel immediately after the arrest of the members of the Chamber of Deputies may have a sobering effect on Huerta and prevent his going to further extremes.- — New York "American." The distress signals wigwagged from Washington in the hope of enlisting the support of foreign nations in its bungling Mexican policy are really pathetic. No wonder in our conduct of foreign affairs we are the laughing-stock of European Chan- celleries. MEXICO Saturdav, October 18, 191.^ PUBLIC OPINION Mexican Methods and Ours. Tlicre is no new revelation of character in \'ictoriano Huerta's arliitrary action in sending troops into the Mexican House for the arrest and imprisonment of the major- ity of its members. This is no new reve- lation either of personal character or na- tional character. Such an act is not un- precedented in Mexican historj- nor can it be said to be uncontemplated in Me.xican organic law. A misunderstanding of the vital temperamental differences between the Anglo-Saxon and the Latin-American is responsible for the impatience with which many Americans regard phases oi Mexican politics which are indispensable to and inseparable from it. Differences be- tween the pure Teuton and the pure Latin are not fundamental. Civilization has been progressive in each stock, carrying both beyond archaic and anarchic methods in government, while maintaining some sharp distinctions in customs. The vital differ- ence between Latin America and Gothic America can not be traced to the root stocks. It springs out of widely differing conditions in life. Gothic races transplant- ed to North America have not amalgamat- ed with the native stock of the continent. Latin races transplanted to the central and south portions of the continent amalgamat- ed from the first, with the result that the primitive passions of the aborigines who have at all times been in a vast majority, have maintained themselves, and have stubbornly resisted the genius in govern- ment of the .\ryan race. In some of the countries of South America that genius has at last prevailed, very largely through the traditional policy of the United States in leaving them free to work out their own destinies and in protecting them against loss of their liberties to stronger powers. The Monroe doctrine is already justified b}- results in a number of South American republics. There is reason to hope that ii will yet be so justified in Mexico. The high-handedness of Huerta is cer- tain to be followed b}- renewal of the out- - cry that the president is vindicated in his refusal to recognize the Huerta Govern- ment. But that is beside the question. Recognition of Huerta ceased to be a part of the Me.xican question for us after our jjersistence in refusal had continued until the concurrent action of the ambassador- ial representatives in the City of Mexico. .■\fl(-r that, as we insisted at the time, it would be much more difficult for the Unit- ed States than it had been before then, to reverse its policy of nonrecognition. The administration has made no mistake in fail- ing to recognize a provisional government ii! Mexico after being diplomatically ad- vised by European powers that recognition might come to be the only alternative of intervention. The mistake was not made in rcfusin.g to abandon, under foreign prcs- .'■ure, a policj' previously determined on by the United Stales in discharging the obli- gations of its continental primacy, to the Mexican people, under the Monroe doc- trine. However mistaken the original re- fusal may have been, a sudden change, re- sponsive to European suggestion, would have been a graver error in continental P'dicy. The mistake was made in our dabbling in purely Me.xican politics, done to placate European opinion, through the extraordinary ambassadorship of Mr. John Lind, whose foreordained failure has made our diplomacj' ridiculous and has impaired the prestige of the Monroe doctrine, al- ways liitherlo maintained v.-ith diiinity and impressiveness. Mr. Lind is said to have reported to the president that the Mexican election set for October 28 can be nothing but a farce. When was a Mexican election anything else? The election of Madero was as far- cical as any of the others, in its failure to elicit a degree of support at the polls to stamp the majority candidate as tlie pop- ular choice. The danger in Mexico is again so threatening that we should at once cease dabbling in the politics of that coun- try and direct our efforts toward the pro- tection of Americans resident there. Can- non and barricades again appearing in the streets of the capital remind us poignantly that, when they last appeared, the United States was represented there by an ambas- sador of skill and influence whose patriotic work has been rewarded with contumely. We are now without ambassadorial repre- sentation at that capital and must await events with an anxiety which it would be but bluster to conceal. — St. Louis Globe- Democrat. The Lesson of Torreon. Late dispatches confirm the report of the massacres in Torreon, that ill-fated city in the rich laguna district of Mexico, where the Maderistas shot to death, three years ago, a large number of defenseless Chinese; where the followers of Orozco, in his rebellion against Madero, killed and maimed many more, and where one of the supposed patriot leaders arrayed against Gen. Huerta has now murdered the Federal commander and his staff and I7S residents of pure Spanish blood. The Mexicans of unmixed Spanish blood have not all sup- ported the Provisional Government very actively, but thej' favor law and order and are opposed to the methods of the banditti who constitute the only formidable factor in the present rebellion. Torreon is a modern city and the seat of many indus- tries. It has suffered in the recent civil wars more than any other Mexican city of large population. Lately it has been cut off from communication with the civilized world. The obvious lesson of Torreon is that the opponents of the Government in the Mexican capital are not the kind of men in whose support any foreign Government should intercede. The charge against Gen. Huerta is that his Government is founded on assassination. While there has never been a word to say in extenuation of the foul murder of Madero and Pino-Suarez. unprejudiced observers of the course of events have felt from the first that the charges against Huerta have lacked proof. The Government of Madero had fallen be- fore the Provisional Government was set up. The dispatches from Torreon, how- ever, show that the rebels of the north of Mexico are as murderous as their precious compatriots in the south and indicate that the republic cannot have peace untU- all are disarmed and punished. — New York "Times." Read "MEXICO" Once a week and Learn What's What Below the Rio Grande Mexico As It Is. The truth is that Mexico's greatest misfortune is that she has adopted a constitution unsuited to her needs and to the genius and character of her people. The instrument in question dates from the year 1S57, ■ when feeling ran high between Clericals and Liberals. The latter, having for the time the upper hand, and admiring the greatness of the United States, but lacking a philosophical insight into the causes of that greatness patterned the new Mex- ican Constitution very largely on the Constitution of the United States, overlooking the fact that the Mexican people, of whom eighty per cent, are still illiterate, could not be expected to make an intel- ligent use of a political system devised for the most advanced and enlightened of modern democracies. General Porfirio Diaz undoubtedly realized the inadaptibility to Mexico's needs of the Constitution of 1857. But not even he, with all the immense authority which he at one time wielded, ever ven- tured to propose a radical reform of that Constitu- tion, so as to do away with the Federal system and establish in its stead a strong centralized govern- ment, with a restricted suffrage. And he did not venture on this step, because he knew that to the Liberals of Mexico the Constitution of 1S57 has ever been a fetish, and that to attempt to modify it radically, even though avowedly it remained largely a dead letter, would be to precipitate a civil war. De facto. General Diaz did establish a strong cen- tralized government, and, as for popular suffrage, he practically nullified it. But where the facts and theories of government are in chronic conflict, there can be no enduring political peace. A clamor will be raised from time to time for the strict enforce- ment of the Constitution, and reproaches will be launched against the government for its non-observ- ance. Such, in effect, was the outcry that gave force to the movement headed by Senor Madero. The history of Senor Madero's brief adminis- tration is a signal confutation of the illusion that the character of a people and the broad facts which make the governments of the earth what they are can be changed by a sudden upheaval such as an armed revolution. If Senor Madero was candid, he must, soon after his inauguration, have formed a just- er appreciation of the difficulties against which Por- firio Diaz had to contend and have been disposed to view with greater tolerance the shortcomings of the Diaz administration. The elevation to power of a legally elected President, far from putting an end to the revolution, seemed to throw the country into worse disorder. In his eagerness to overthrow the Diaz regime, Sefior Madero had accepted the co-operation of very promiscuous elements. And the results were what might have been expected. Some of the revolutionary leaders, little better than freebooters, were not willing, once their atavic appetitie for a life of adventure had been whetted, to return to peaceful avocations, simply because Sefior Madero, having attained his object, wanted them to. But seldom has a sorrier travesty of democracy been witnessed. ^ General Felix Diaz, though the nephew of Presi- dent Porfirio Diaz, was not in sympathy with the latter's administration. He was always, during the Diaz administration, regarded as an opposition factor; in various ways he encouraged the "anti- porfirista" sentiment; and it is, perhaps, not too much to say that he contributed indirectly to the downfall of his distinguished uncle. The financial problem, indeed, is one of ' the most delicate features of the situation. That one of the chief merits of the Diaz regime was the excellence of its financial administration, not even its enemies venture to deny. The finances of the country were handled with consummate skill by Diaz's Finance Minister, Senor Jose Yves Li- mantour, and even when Diaz resigned, after six Saturday, October 18, 1913 MEXICO moiKlib of revolution, ihc credit of Mexico was al- most unimpaired on the Eureopean bourses ami there was still a surplus in the treasury of over G2,(XKJ,000 pesos. But the edifice reared by the genius and probity of Limantour is now in ruins. Additional taxation can be resorted to only within comparatively narrow limits, unless new and danger- ous discontents are to be provoked. Obviously, then, Mexico's only expedient for the time being is to borrow. She has, in effect, adjusted with Paris bankers a loan of £16,000,000. But of this sum only £6,- 000,000 was underwritten outright, Ihc balance being subject to options, and it seems there is some doubt whether the syndicate will take up these options. Their hesitancy is due in part to the continuance of disturbed conditions in Mexico, in part to American non-recognition, in part to the stringency of the European money-markets, but chiefly, it seems, to the desire of the French government that no for- eign issue shall stand in the way of the war-loan which France herself is about to launch. Furthermore, only a small part of the £0,000,000 which Mexico received was available for the govern- ment's current needs. Liabilities of £4,000,000 to New York bankers had to be met and other floating indebtedness to be discharged. Thus, the government of General Huerta, in its efforts to restore peace, is greatly hampered by absolute shortness of funds. Such, in brief, is the lamentable situation to which this country, so prosperous and respected under the Diaz administration, has been reduced by three years of revolution. The relations of the United Slates to this situa- tion may be summed up under the heads of inter- vention and recognition. Peaceful intervention or mediation is unaccept- able, it seems, to both sides. And armed intervention is too huge an enterprise to be entered on lightly or indeed except in the last resort when every other means shall have been exhausted and no other honorable course is left open It is not a question how soon an American army of invasion, as in 1847, could reach the capital. If the United States inter- vene in Mexico, they will become responsible for her to the civilized world for an indefinite period. And Americans in Mexico, who know how heavy that responsibility would be, and how thankless the task, are the first to deprecate a policy of armed intervention on the part of their government, so long as, consistently with safety and honor, it can be avoided. There is nothing for it, then, if the idea of inler- vention be discarded, but to give Mexico time to work out her vexed internal problems and fight out her internal quarrels. This, of course, entails in- convenience on the United States, and losses to American citizens having interests in Mexico. But for a large proportion of the latter ultimate com- pensation can be obtained, and the former must be borne as the less of two evils. I speak, of course, on the assumption that disorder in Mexico will not become chronic, and that she will not be so unwise as deliberately to give to the United States provo- 1913 AMERICAN 1914 CANE=SUGAR BUREAU MUNSEY BUILDING WASHINGTON, D. C. We invite correspondence from all who are professionally interested in the cane-sugar industry.— Win. L. Bass, Mgr. PUBLIC OPINION -Continued ■.■.aioti .such as no self-respecting nation could toler- Mut, at the same time, it is manifestly unreason- able to apply Anglo-Saxon standards to conditions in Mexico. As well might one judge by the stand- ards of modern England the deposition and murder of Richard li by Henry of Bolinbroke or the assassi- nation of Prince Edward by the Yorkist chiefs on the field of Tewkesbury. The United States, which, on becoming independent, inherited all the political con- quests achieved by the English race through cen- turies of bloodshed and turmoil, is perhaps prone to judge rather unsympathelically these Latin-American rei'ublics, which, when they became independent, had had no experience in self-government and which inherited vicious and corrupt ideas of administration, as well as political, politico-religious, economic, eth- ical and social problems of the most perplexing and intricate character. In considering the question of recognition it is fair lo remember that constitutional forms were at least o!)served in the transfer of power to the present executive. And the administration of General Huerta is all that at present stands between Mexico and anarchy. If it were overthrown, the condition of this country would become simply hopeless. Presidential elections have been set for October •J(» next, but it may well happen that the country will not have been sufficiently pacified, by that time, lor valid elections to be held, and then the provisional term of General Huerta will have to be prolonged. Foreign residents, including Americans, know that elections held in the present disturbed conditions of the country would not only be an empty form, but also, far from allaying disorder, would fan it into a fiercer blaze of hatred and contention. General Huerla's task in any case will be of the most arduous kind, and inasmuch as on its successful accomplishment the well-being of a neighboring na- tion, still in the formative period and laboring under many difficulties, is at stake, it would seem to many unprejudiced observers in Mexico, a friendly act on the part of the United States to the Mexican people to give to the Huerta government, in the form of recognition, the moral support which it needs in the work before it. Huerta is winning more and more every day the confidence of the business community and the masses of the people. With the latter, in particular, he is steadily growing in favor. He is a man of the peo- jile, accessible to the people; he understands the people and the people understand him. Moreover, he is demonstrating many of the qualities needed in the man who is to rule Mexico. The ease with which he has temporarily eliminated, one by one, the mem- bers of the "felicista" faction recalls the methods of Porfirio Diaz in his most masterful days. Feliz Diaz has been sent on a special diplomatic mission to Japan, General Mondragon, the real leader of the "felicista" uprising, who for a time was Huerta's War Minister, was compelled to resign and was sent on a government commission to Europe. And so on, with some of the minor lights of the group. Thus, what would in the opinion of many, in the present circumstances, be a disturbing factor, has licen removed. It is almost a truism lo say that it is more import- ant that the President of Mexico should have the (|ualitications necessary to enable him to govern the Mexicans than that, in other respects, he should measure up to Anglo-Saxon standards. I am not defending either the military uprising of February last or the coup d'etat by which it was brought to an end. On the contrary, in principle, 1 thing that both are severely to be condemned. But I look at things as they are at present and from the standpoint of Mexican conditions, and it seems to me the situation is simply this: Huerta or anarchy. Such being the case, it seems to follow that the I'nited States should recognize the Huerta regime, not for the sake of Huci-ta but for the sake of Mexico and the Mexican people, who, as everyone knowing them must concede, are worthy of better destinies than have hitherto been theirs. —Louis C. Simonds in "Atlantic Monthly." The 1848 Situation. The situations at the start are not just alike, how- ever. The rcvoUltionary movement in Northern Mexico is almost entirely an affair of the Mexicans. The Texas revolution was altogether an affair of peo- ple from the United States who hail settled in Texas. But the hand of manifest destiny will shape conclu- sions finally in the present Mexican turmoil, just as in the turmoil which terminated in 1848. The pres- ent situation — that of a military despotism, sur- rounded by enemies and with a revolution beating almost at the capital gates — cannot last long. But the problem of bringing about peace, order and pros- perity will not be solved simply by eliminating Huerta. — Baltimore "American." THE MARCON CUSHIONED ARCH SPRING SUPPORT. The illustration is of a wonderful device that will bnng comfort and relief to the thousands of people who have "foot trouble." To those suffering from fallen arches, flat feet, varicose veins, weak arch, etc., the Marcon Cushioned Arch Spring Support is an absolute necessity. It is the scientific product of experts, who have devoted years to the invention of a corrective of "foot tr ' Send us a postal card at once for a detailed descrip- tion of the Marcon Cushioned Arch Spring Support. It means immediate relief for weakness. Add The Marcon Mfg. Co., Inc., Brooklyn. N. Y. MAILING LISTS of any bnsiuess in the world. Be wise, Mr. Business Man, and Circularize every man or firm vvitli wliom ynu can do business through the mails. We liave everybody's name and ad- dress ill tlic world, classified according to business, trade or profession. Send for rates UNITED STATES MAILING USTS COMPANY 1206 Broadway, New York M.iio FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order anil mail it to-day.") UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturday. Oiiobcr IS, 1913 "MEXICO" Published fvery Saturday \>\ UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: W'e offer a distinctive medium going tj the best class of buyers in the United Stales and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York Lest we Forget Where's Huerta getting his money? Thought Washington decreed he shouldn't have any. If Huerta were overthrown by revolution or a coup d'etat, would President Wilson reccgnize the beneficiary? If not, are we going to keep on refus- ing to recognize every Mexican govern- ment until the Mexican electorate is edu- cated up to American standards? We've been educating the Filipinos fif- teen years but they are not citizens yet. Also the Porto Ricans. Henry Lane Wilson's muzzle has been removed automatically. He could tell a few interesting things if he would. Maybe he will. Foreign merriment has partly given way to concern — as to the lengths to which Washington's blunder may be carried. Those men who profess to be shocked by Huerta's "high-handed" methods swal- low the Sulzer impeachment whole. * -+ * Also the secret caucus. Not to mention the "Big Stick" of Pat- ronage. The Administration is just dying to say "I told you so!" A childish satisfaction. Oughtn't to be so much of a satisfaction considering that hurtdreds of human lives must contribute to make it possible. To speak of "moral force" and use finan- cial weapons is not hypocritical. Who's Dictator Now ? will' is the real diclatur — ihc man of action whose strong hand stands between his country and anarchy or the man of theories who seeks to impose his personal will on an alien people? \\"ho is the real dictator — the man whose [lassinn for result.-;, for the pacification of liis country, demands drastic measures or the alien man whose passion for theories leads him to equally drastic measures that interfere With the work of pacification. Who is the real dictator — the man who, knowing his country, its sickness, and how it can be cured, cuts with a surgeon's knife at the root of the disease or the foreign medicine man who insists that his incanta- tion of words is the only cure. \\'ho is the real dictator — the man who upholds the dignity and nationality of his native land or the man of another nation who would trail them in the dust that his "policj'" may be justified. Who is the real dictator — the ruler of a nation who understands its history, tradi- tions. Constitution and laws, and their ap- plication to the situation he faces, who acts accordingly, or the ruler of a neighboring nation who does not understand but pre- sumes to dictate how the past of the other country shall be interpreted and its future shaped. Who is the real dictator — the man in Mexico or the man in Washington? Think it over. that if he knew of one other man on whom all these political intriguants could unite for the benefit of the country he would gladly resign and turn the reins of power over to him. The fact is, as he said, that there would be as many contenders for his position as there are parties and groups in the Chamber. And that would mean an- archy. When the average American or the aver- age American newspaper discusses Ameri- can affairs it is usually in terms of our own conditions and institutions. This is not just, any more so than it would be for Europeans to judge our political progress merely on the fact that we do not permit the Filipinos any share in our government, and conclude we are not a democratic peo- ple. Our attitude toward the Huerta gov- ernment is one of suspicion and goading. And yet there are only three possibilities in Mexico at the present time: Huerta, an- archy, intervention — and intervention means war. With such evidences of desperation on the part of the usurper, the Constitutionalist forces ought not to be long in reaching the capital. They are the true liberators of Congress and they ought to be the sole avengers of the crimes that have dis- graced the age. — New York "World" Editorial. The "World" is shrieking for vengeance. Somehow it seems to us that there is more restraint shown by President Huerta in his actions than by some of his Ameri- can newspaper critics in their yowlings. Painfully Shocked If the Southern Congressmen before the Civil War had remained or been permitted to remain in Congress after the Secession, and had taken advantage of their position to conspire actively and openly against the Federal Government while drawing their pay from that Government, would they not liavc been arrested and held for treason? Considering the temper of those times and the aroused passions of North and South, it would not have been very surprising if they had even been summarily executed. .\nd yet we profess to be painfully shocked because President Huerta has jailed the Madcrist members of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies conspiring against the central government and the peace of the country. He wouldn't be much of a man if he had not taken the action he did. In fact, if he has made any mist;d, 191:', THE COST OF MEDDLING OIL IN WASHINGTON. Ri-a.l (his carefully. It is fruiii ti .\'t Viuic ■'World" of October 31; There are times when comparisons are anything but odious, and this is one of them. An invasion of Me.xico by the United States would repeat the e.xperience Great Britain had with the Boers in 1899- 1902. Why this should be so can be summed up briefly and with effect. Firstly, the terrain in which the United States .\rmy would operate is even more difficult than that which tried the wits of the best British officers; secondly, the Mexicans are as much attached to their soil as were the Boers; thirdly, the United States mili- tary establishment is in no position at pres- ent to cope easily with the resistance a united Me.xico would ofTer. A fourth consideration does not better the picture, and this is that the natural resources of Me.xico are decidedly greater than those of the erstwhile Boer republics. Lastly, the South African Dutch were able to put only 35,000 men in the field, while Me.xico would have no difficulty placing 200,000 men under arms. Conceding that the Mex- icans could not approach the fighting qual- ities of the Boers, we may, nevertheless, grant that this force would be the equal of at least 75,000 burghers. The statement that Great Britain had in the field during the war with the Boers no less than 325,000 men, and employed at one time as many as 275.000 in concerted efforts to overcome the burghers, should prove enlightening here, as should also the fact that the cost of the campaign to Great Britain was over a billion dollars. In Boer War and Knows Mexico. The writer begs forbearance with the remark that he participated in the late Boer War, is fairly familiar with the topography along the line of operation that would be followed in Mexico, knows the principal features of the plan of action decided upon some time ago by the United States Gen- eral StafT, and has had opportunity to study at least one essential of military opera- tions on the part of Mexico. Three years ago everybody would have laughed at the statement that it would take 250,000 men to invade Mexico effectively. It was the habit then to assume that a com- pany of Te.xas rangers could cross the Rio (jrande and subdue the entire republic just as fast as their mounts could cover it. The Mex- ican army was then known as a most un- soldierly aggregate of "hombres" who had discarded the rags of the penitentiary for the cheap cotton trousers, gaudy tunics, and headpieces of the army. In a way this im- pression is yet held, though the continu- ous insurrections and revolutions of the last two years have modified it in at least one important respect. It is admitted to- day that the Me-xic'an can fight when he has a mind to do this. But something is likely to be overlooked here. The inces- sant turmoil has made soldiers out of Mex- icans who formerly were not soldiers. In the states of Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Tam- aulipas. Chihuahua, and elsewhere, there has come into an existence fighting material that is highly respected by all who know it — "los fuergos auxiliares," a sort of mounted police, under state supervision, that would be heard from most disagree- ably in case of intervention. The men forming this contingent are proljably superior to anything the repub- lic has in its military-establishment. The first demonstration of this was given when though recruited from the rural population in the insurrection districts, they refused to adhere to any but the de facto Govern- iiient. Like the regular army, this institu- tion recognizes nothing but "el gobicrno." What individual happens to be President does not matter. The "auxiliaries" of Nuevo Leon hunted Gen. Reyes until he thought it well to surrender, in spite of the fact that this old rebel had hoped to win them over to his side, as, according to all precedents south of the Rio Grande, he had good rea- son to hope. Every Native Loves Country. A word must be said here for the remain- ing human elements tliat would take up arms. Even the most prejiidiced must ad- mit that the Mexican, no matter what his station in life, is warmly attached to his aggregate — his "republica." So great is this love of country that only the supply of arms could limit the number that would go into the field in case of an invasion. Since this is estimated at over a million stands of rifles, there would be no dearth in that di- rection. In a united !NTexico, moreover, there would be no lack -. 1 ammunition for a long time. The republic not alone has acquired large stores of artillery and small- arms ammunition, but it has also the me- chanical equipment to manufacture these in case an inevitable blockade should make the importation of them impossible. The Mexican army would confine its ef- forts to the most trying sort of warfare — guerilla, a sort of military operation to which their kinsmen in Spain gave the name and with which the Mexicans them- selves are fully acquainted. To an army organized like that of the United States this is very disastrous until such time as the necessary modifications are made. Great Britain, to meet similar conditions in South Africa, had to convert her infantry into mounted infantry, the desideratum being- greater mobility. But the change involved was a slow and trying one, and led to the great protraction of the campaign. The United States would have to meet the same problem before it could hope for success. But the British infantryinan at least knew how to handle his rifle. The American militiaman and volunteer would have to be taught even that. — From an article by (jeorge ."Mbert .Shreiner in N. Y. "Evening- Post." DREAMING. President Wilson's theory that Mexico is to be brought out of her congenital barbarism and under the rule of the true and the beautiful in the sphere of politics by a process of moral suasion is even more than might have been expected from his tempera- ment and habits of looking at things. But thorns do not yield grapes nor thistles figs — not yet awhile. In the so-called republic of Mexico there are somewhere l>ctwcen eighteen and twenty millions of people, every man among them under the terms of the constitution possessed of full political rights. Of this host some live millions are Indians — mere savages — who do not even speak the Spanish language. All the rest, with the exception of perhaps two millions, are peons. And of the approximately two million who represent Spanish or mixed blood only about one-half can read and write. Now these being the conditions it is idle, even childish, to look for anything approaching con- stitutional government. The expectation on the jjart of the President is utoi}ian. He is merely dreaming, and the dreams he dreams are bound to pass through the ivory gate. There is but one way to pacify Mexico, and that is the way of the strong hand. To look for this consummation through any process of suasion is about as practicable as to seek for wealth at Ihc end of the rainbow. All this has been said over and over many times. It is the common knowl- edge of all who have any acquaintance with condi- tions in Mexico. Yet there are forever (hose— in- cluding our well-meaning President — who seem never iible to understa-d it. — San Francisco "Argonaut.'* The Administration here has information which leads to the belief that Lord Cowdray, better known as Sir Weetman Pearson, is responsible for the lat- est attitude of Britain and the action of Sir Lionel Garden. Lord Cowdray is regarded as one of the foremost financiers in the world, and has vast hold- ings individually and through corporations in Mexico. Much of the stock of his corporations is held by British subjects. He is interested in the Mexican National Railways, the Tehuantepec Railroad, and oil and mineral concessions. He was about to lose some of the latter concessions, when Francisco Ma- dero, late President of Mexico, was assassinated. Sir I^ionel Garden has long been known, accord- ing to the information held by American Govern- ment officials, as "Gowdray's man." Lord Cow- dray, since the American Government threw its moral support to Madero in the revolution against Porfirio Diaz, has done everything, possible to stim- ulate an anti-American feeling in Mexico. He was charged with contributing to the Oroczo-Salazar rev- olution in 1911. This revolution was directed against Madero. Lord Gowdray's campaign contributions to the Liberal party in England are notorious, according to advices here, and he is in high favor with the pres- ent British Government, especially with the British Foreign Office. Sir Lionel Garden was appointed Minister to Mexico at the solicitation of Lord Cow- dray, it is openly asserted. Sir Lionel was the only member of the foreign delegation which met in conference who did not agree that the situation was acute, and that it would be wise to suggest to their home governments that the United States be informed of the conditions in Mexico as they wei-e viewed by these representatives. All the members of the conference except Sir Lionel were of the opinion that the United States should intervene in Mexico. Mr. O'Shaughnessy informed the State Department that the manner in which Sir ■ Lionel Garden presented his credentials while not strictly anti-American was most displeasing, and not conducive to pleasant relations between the American t^hargc and Gen. Huerta. Nov.-, wouldn't you say that this vv'as in- spired? Would it surprise you, gentle reader, to learn that it was carefully pre- pared by a notorious Washington attor- ney representing- 'one of the large Ameri- can oil companies, say, for instance, the Pierce Oil Corporation? It would not? Of course not. Neither would it surprise us. It sounds like him. .And, by the way, don't you envy the "VN'orld" for having a pipe line tapping the centre of the oil question? THE RIGHTS OF A NEIGHBOR. (Mexico City Despatch to N. V. -Herald.") * * * So far as can be learned, however, no su'ch optimism is entertained in the inner Govern- ment circles here. High Government officials, according to persons claiming to have inside connections, no longer ex- pect even moral assistance from Washington, liolding that such moral support really is going to the rebels, and merely hope that Mexico will be permitted to work out her own salvation. That is all that Mexico has asked of the Government of the United States: That she be allowed to work out her own salva- tion, that the Washington .-Xdministration should not lend its moral support to rebels and bandits. That Federal autliMiities mi llie bordei enforce the neutrality laws. That iti dealing with the Mexican situa- tion, the Washington .•Xdmiiiistration re- spect the sovereignty of a friendly nation, and the rights of a neighbnr. \ot inuoh le ask — but— Siitiirdav. October 25, 1913 MEXICO Nailing: Them PIQUED BY ENGLAND'S ATTITUDE. (Ireat Britain's attitude of regarding the recent hap- penings in Mexico as matters of domestic concern that do not call for any new policy on the part of foreign Governments has not been received with favor here, although officials have been extremely careful to avoid any comment that would seem like a reflection upon the British Government. In the opinion of some, and perhaps most, of the officials in Washington, foreign Governments should do nothing that would in any manner embarass the United States ; and it is said that the virtual support given to President Huerta by Great Britain's attitude is a manifestation of a dis- position not entirely considerate. — Kew ^'ork "Times." "Not entirely considerate." Oh, dear, have we reached a point where in our hand- ling of foreign affairs we must be patted on the l:)ack l)y other nations to be reassured in our own attitude? The reason the Adminis- tration is so anxious to get foreign approval of its course in Mexico is because it knows deep down in its Democratic heart that it is wrong. But admit it? Never! There is some reason to believe that the sympa- thies and also the hopes of the Administration now lie with the constitutionalists or revolutionists con- trolling several of the northern and middle States. Statements made to-day in official quarters indicated that the Administration would welcome some action by the revolutionists, which would give a new turn to the present unsatisfactory situation. This is construed as meaning that the overthrow of the Huerta Government by violence and the tri- umph of the rebel leaders would be regarded as a soUition which ihe United States might be able to accept until its original plan of satisfactory elections may be carried out. It has already demonstrated that it will not accept elections held under existing circum- stances in Mexico City through the domination of Huerta and the subjection of the Congress. — New York "Sun." So Washington would welcome the vio- lent overthrow of the Huerta Government, though its professed abhorrence for that (iovernment is based on its revolutionary inception. Strange to what extremes of inconsistency and hypocrisy personal preju- dice and a meddling disposition will carry men of friendly words and unfriendly hearts. As far as this Government is concerned the vol- untary elimination of Huerta will not be regarded as improving the situation, unless American participation in the adjustment is permitted in a satisfactory way. There is only a faint hope that if Huerta actually quits office the new Administration, although com- posed of Huerta partisans, may decide 'that it can get along without his direction and proceed to take measures which will mark his downfall from power. However, this is the merest surmise and a case of the wish being father to the thought. — Philadelphia "Public Ledger." The wish has been father to the thought in Washington all along. Some very ideal- istic gentlemen of the Administration are reported — of course unjustly — as retiring every night with the kindly wish that the Mexican despatches in the morning will tell of the assassination of President Huerta. Discussing the Madero regime, Mr. Wilson said that eighty-four Americans had been killed in Mex- ico, and not one murderer had been punished, and that six months prior to the overthrow of Madero the entire country wanted it, yet "the death of the two Maderos seems to have agitated the United States Government more than the murder of the Americans." — Xew York Evening "Post." There is increasing evidence, however, that outside the White House and Secretary Bryan's private office the maudlin sentiment over the death of the Maderos is nil. Th^ day of the sob stuff has passed. DOWN WITH EVERYBODY! THAT'S CARRANZA'S IDEA. CARRANZA'S STATEMENT. (Sptcial Ucspalcli to the X. V. "HeralJ."; Hermosillo, Mexico, Monday. — General Carranza to-day made this statement: — "I have several times made a declaration to tiie press of my resolution to continue the fight against the so-called government of Huerta, because I am fully convinced that we cannot establish peace if we should try to .solve the actual situation by any other means than force, and until we eliminate Huerta and have control over any other party of intriguing civilians who try to put themselves forward. "If such a party should api»ear the constitutional- ists would treat it witli equal or greater rigor than the Huerta party." CARRANZA'S "PLATFORM" OR PLAN DE GUADALUPE. First — We repudiate General Victo[iano Huerta as President of the Republic. Second — We repudiate also the legislative and ju- dicial powers of the federation. Third — W'e repudiate the governments of the States, which thirty days hence shall recognize the federal authorities, which form the present adminis- tration. Fourth — For the organization of the military forces necessary to make compliance with our pur- poses we name as first chief of the forces, which shall be called "constitutionalists," Don Venustiano Car- ranza, Governor of the State of Coahuila. Fifth — On the occupation by the constitutionalist forces of the City of Mexico the executive power shall be taken charge of by Don Venustiano Car- ranza, first chief of the forces, or whoever may be substituted in command. Sixth — The President ad interim of the republic shall convoke general elections as soon as peace shall have been established, delivering the power to the person who shall be elected. Seventh — The person acting as first chief of Ihe constitutionalist forces will assume charge as pro- visional Ciovernor of such States as have recognized Huerta and shall convoke local elections, after which the persons elected shall assume their duties. In view of tlu- frequently iterated press reports of the last two weeks that the Ad- ministration is seriously considering the e.xpediency of establishing cordial relations with the "constitutionalists," it is worth while to analyze the foregoing statement and platform. These have been made and proclaimed by Venustiano Carranza, who affirms he is the chief of the "constitution- alists," one of the many rebel groups exist- ing at present in Me.xico. It is sufficient to point out that from Carranza's statement it is clear that the "constitutionalists" will not recognize the right of any one individual or party to strive even peacefully for power, that the "constitutionalists" are struggling to attain power by force of arms to the exclusion of any other group or party, whether civilian or military. The Carranza platform states that he re- pudiates the legislative and judicial powers of the federation as well as all the State governments and that he will assume the executive as well as the other powers upon the occupation of the City of Mexico. Thus Mr. Carranza and followers in their atteinpt to gain power go much further than President Huerta has gone, for they repudiate the judicial power as well as the legislative power, which means that they would not only dissolve Congress l)Ut als. > dismiss all the judges of the Republic and assume their functions. Now, the supporters of the Administra- tion in Washington have often asserted that the objection to President Huerta is not a personal one. That if there is any ol)jection to him personally it is due to the belief that he was at least morally re- sponsible for the murder of two men. That it is based on the manner in which he is said by the Administration to have gone into power by force. That the latest reason for objection to him is his assump- tion of dictatorial powers. Yet we understand from reports which the correspondents assert reflect the inten- tions of the .'Administration that it intends to throw its influence to the "constitutional- ist" faction and recognize it as a bellig- erent. Therefore to their leader who has given orders to shoot on sight all Gov- ernment supporters, who has revived the inhumane law of 1862 which sanctions the wholesale murdering of all prisoners with- out trial. Who has sanctioned the horrors of Durango and Torreon. Wliose "plan of Gaudalupe" contemplates his assuming dic- tatorial powers far more drastic than tliose of President Huerta. Will the Administration recognize and lend its moral support to a government based on proven murder and rapine when it has refused recognition to a constitu- tional government merely on the supposi- tion of responsibility in a murder? Will it lend its moral support to and recognize a successor to General Huerta who would go in by force only? This leader is the chief of a faction that has adopted the name of "constitutional- ist" and claims to be fighting for the rights and freedom of the people, for democracy! .\nd this faction finds supporters even in the United States Senate! Oh, that somebody would "take a fall" out of Senator Fall before snow-fall, this fall; 'twould be the greatest wind-fall that could befall the country, and would save it from at least one pit-fall. Poor Senator Fall! That's all. The Mexican question looks too large to be handled successfully between Chautau- qua lectures. — St. Louis "Globe-Democrat." Pointed messages may harass Senor Huerta, but they don't solve a complex problem. — St. Louis "Globe-Democrat." MEXICAN RAILWAYS FIRMER. London — Home rails, although inactive, were inclined to higher values. Mining shares advanced with copper stocks espe- cially strong. Mexican Railway Company, Ltd., issues were firmer, but foreigners were generally weak. — New York "Evening Sun," October 20. MEXICO Saturday, October 25, 1913 FIRSr=HAND INFORMATION The Opinion of All Americans Who Know Mexico. That any attempt to hold a "full and free" election in Mexico such as demanded by President Wilson would be a farce, while to succeed in holding one would be a "crime against humanity," is the contention of leading American residents of Mexico set forth in a memorial addressed to Presi- dent Wilson and Congress. -A. "full and free" election would result in peon domination. Peon domination, these memorialists insist, would fasten upon Mex- ico all the horrors of negro rule in the Southern States during the "carpet bag" reconstruction regime multiplied a thou- sandfold. American intervention can have but one meaning, they say, and this is American invasion. Any man elected by the peon vote would have to be kept in office by American arms — he would be cliosen by force and supported by force just as com- pletely as was Porfirio Diaz or Victoriano Huerta. And the results, so far as Mexico is concerned, would be to make bad mat- ters infinitely worse. Copies of this memorial, signed by Major Cassius E. Gillette, formerly an officer of the Engineer Corps of the United States Army and now a consulting engineer, with headquarters in Mexico City, and twenty other Americans, most of them men of long residence in Mexico, have been received in Washington. It was erroneously asserted in some despatches from Mexico City that the memorial was addressed to Provisional President Huerta. It is addressed to Presi- dent Wilson and the members of Congress of the United States. "We believe the administration is en- tirely sincere. It is simply misinforrned, and trying to apply a sound principle which, unfortunately is wholly inapplicable, to Mexico now. The remedy would be infin- itely worse than the disease," these Ameri- cans assert. "If there could be literally a 'full and free' election in Mexico to-morrow there is not a shadow of doubt that Gaona, the leading bull-fighter, would be over- whelmingly elected President, just as 'Jack' Johnson, the negro prizefighter, would be overwhelmingly elected Governor of Miss- issippi under similar conditions. "Nothing is so easy to start as a rebellion in Mexico. The peon comes from a warlike ancestry, to whom the shedding of human blood was a routine part of his religious life, and in a 'rebellion' he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. He can loot to his heart's content from lone haciendas or small villages, live a free life on horse- back and drink and eat without working, carry off women and steal clothing, horses and equipment without difficulty. If pressed by the government forces his "troops" scatter to the mountains in prac- tical safety. There are plenty of leaders for such bands of 'bandit-rebels,' men of intel- ligence and nerve, of the Quantrell or Jesse James, Chris Evans, 'bad-man' type. Under a strong government able and ready to throw heavy forces at once around a soli- tary outbreak banditism does not thrive, but under a weak government, like that of Madero, it spreads like wildfire." This is the i-lenicnt thai would be placed in power in any "full and free" election. "Why should the United States try to force upon Mexico a 'full and-free' election, with all the horrors of peon government?" these .-\mericans ask. And continuing, they say: "The Southern negro was duly enfran- chised by the national government. The Southern people have deliberately disfran- chised him, and President Wilson does not raise a hand for a 'full and free' election there. He knows he would ruin the South. We can only assume that he does not want to ruin Mexico, and that his appearing to do so is because he does not understand that peon domination would be far worse than one time slave domination in the South. The latter would mean only State control; here it would be both State and nation. "After fifty years of blood chaos in an attempt to make a stable republican gov- ernment out of a population three-fourths peon the intelligent people of Me.xico under the Diaz regime tacitly consented to dis- franchisement to save themselves from peon domination, essentially the same as the citizens of the District of Columbia consented to disfranchisement to save our capital city from negro domination, the difference being that the people of Mexico kept up a form of voting while Washington people don't vote at all, even in their own civic affairs. "President Wilson takes the self-disfran- chisement of Washington as a matter of course. Why should he object to it in Mex- ico? "Under conditions existing in Mexico a man who would start a rebellion among the peons is a thousand times more a knave or a fool than one who smokes cigarettes in a powder factory. Yet this is exactly what Madero did, offering the peons a vote and free distribution of land. "Suppose some wealthy white man in Ala- bama had started in arming the negroes a few years after the war, offering each a pure democracy and 'forty acres and a mule' if they would make him Governor, how long would the intelligent whites de- lay in stringing him up to the nearest tele- graph pole, especially if the negroes there outnumbered the whites three to one? "And if, supposing conditions were such that he succeeded, he sat supine in his gubernatorial chair, while the black co- horts kept on robbing farm houses, wreck- ing trains and paralyzing business, and when people went to him with demands for some action, he blithely chattered: 'Well, if you have not got peace you have liberty, haven't you?' — how long would the Vigi- lance Committee of Southern gentlemen postpone his lynching? "This is an exact parallel to conditions here, due to the Madero misguided or crim- inal performance. "And would the President of the United States decline to recognize the situation and help stop the rapine and robbery be- cause the succeeding Governor of Alabama was suspected of having belonged to the lynching committee, and in any event, had obtained his office 'by force?' Would he demand an armistice and a "full and free' election?" That the present revolution is a continu- ation of that started by Madero is one of the proudest assertions of those who are supporting it. These Americans agree that it is. "Madero," tliey say, "unlocked the cage and released the tigers that he was helpless to tame or to recapture. They are in the field now. Practically every one that Ma- dero started against Diaz stayed right on in rebellion through his two years in of- fice, with only a slight change in their '])a- triotic' shibboleths, and dozens of new bands have taken to the warpath during and since his administration. "Madero laid the torch that has rekin- dled the conflagration it took fifty years to extinguish, and the present policy of our government seems to be to withdraw all friendly assistance to help put out the flames because they do not approve of the way General Huerta became fire marshal nor his alleged treatment of the incendiary. The Huerta troops are welcomed every- where as representing law and order; the constitutionalists, the self-styled 'patriots,' are abhorred and feared by decent people all over Mexico. The people are every- where arming against them." What will European Powers do to look after the interests of their people in Mex- ico? This is the view taken by the Ameri- cans who have submitted their views to President Wilson: "The previous fifty year period of war and waste was tolerated by the United States and Europe because their interests here were trifling; now they are measured by hundreds of millions of capital and hun- dreds of thousands of lives. European countries surely will not stand by indefi- nitely and see their people's properties de- stroyed and their lives jeopardized, and they will seize the opportunity of encroach- ment upon the country. Then the United States must either abandon its boldly and justly proclaimed right to try the experi- ment of popular government on this conti- nent unhampered and uncontaminated by aggression of European monarchial systems or else commit the crime of an armed inva- sion of Mexico. "It seems to us that should such invasion occur and the administration later were ac- cused, no matter how unjustly, of having taken this action in the interest of cor- porate or financial influence, and of having so manoeuvred as to make it appear that intervention had been forced upon it, we cannot conceive of any defence that could be made. We cannot conceive of any ac- tion that has been taken, or any action that has been avoided, that would not have been so taken or so avoided had the in- tention been to be forced into an invasion. "We use the word 'invasion' advisedly, because there can be no such thing as 'in- tervention' between an established govern- ment and dozens of bands of bandits mas- querading as rebels and pretending alle- giance to a fake patriot operating a thou- sand miles away and of whose personality and principles they know nothing and care less. "If any American undertook to 'inter- vene' or 'mediate' with any one of the doz- ens of bands of rebels the chances are that he would be entirely unable to find them at all, unless he went unguarded, and then if he did find one of the bands he would be lucky if he could 'mediate' with enough success to come out with his shirt or his shoes. "The struggle really is between civiliza- tion and savagery, with the United States, unfortunately, now ranged on the side of savagery." The attitude of some oflicials in regard- ing as of no value the views of Americans having interests in Mexico and knowing most about the country is criticized. "We understand," say the memorialists, "that the Secretary of State discredits all information and advice from persons inter- ested in Mexico, like ourselves, saying all we think of is 'what we have lost and ex- pect to lose.' Is that the right point of view for the Foreign Affairs Department to take? Is it not one of the functions to take the proper cognizance of American losses in foreign countries? "We believe that control of the coun- try by the United States would alone vast- ly increase our material welfare; but Mex- ico owns this country, and to take it just because we are big enough would not only leave our country with a problem not its own, but would be utterly repugnant to the principles that have given us our stand- ing among nations." Saturday, October 25, 1913 MEXICO Lest We Forget Our own Indians are not granted the rights of citizenship. We have been edu- cating them for thirty-five years. Do we want to take under our govern- mental wing the millions of Mexican Indians and train them for citizenship? Strange how Huerta hangs onto the Presidency, when the big interests and their newspapers have told him to resign. The cat is out! Huerta's exit from Mex- ico by the "underground route," that is the grave, is wished by the big interests. And what does Washington wish for him? * * * And for Mexico and her people? Huerta has resigned. Huerta has not resigned. * * * Huerta is preparing to flee. « * * Huerta will not flee. » ♦ • How long will Washington continue to inspire this sort of thing? + * * Who can tell who is not on the "inside"? * * * Good Heavens! Three years, four months and ten days more!! Poor Mexico! Poor US! * * * Because of the horror which is pro-, fessed to be felt at the death of one guilty man, the killing of thousands of innocent ones — some of them Americans — is encour- aged. * * * Gomez is still absolute ruler of Vene- zuela. No message has been sent to him stating that the results of the next elec- tions will not be accepted by the Washing- ton Administration. * * * Perhaps there will be no elections. » * * What? And we still keep a Minister there? And our indignation at any one who stabs the Constitution in Latin America? And our love of freedom in other coun- tries? * * * Also the Asphalt Trust is very largely interested in Venezuela. Trusts? Why, we hate them in Wash- ington. * * * And our marines are still in Nicaragua propping a government opposed by two- thirds of the people. "God made us neighbors. Let justice make us friends." Fine! Say that again. LOBBYQRAMS Both President Wilson and Secretary Bryan "are turning over in their minds," says a Washington despatch in the Denver "Times." The phrase looks queer but there must have been some accident befall tlie type which resulted in the loss of the explanatory part of the sentence. Certain newspaper correspondents in Washington, however, have been doing that wonderful stunt attributed by a typographical inadver- tence to President Wilson and Secretary Bryan. These correspondents are, for lack of real information, seeking to make it ap- pear that the Administration is thinking out a plan for "more aggressive" treat- ment of the Mexican situation. Spirit of Senator Fall! What can they mean? Fall himself could ask for nothing more than invasion of Mexico and the dreadful cost in lives and money it would entail to protect his interests and those of his friends. But why newspapers in New York, Washington and elsewhere, not allied with the border States newspapers should per- sistently "turn over in their minds" at the behest of Senator Fall and others who seek to force a war can only be surmised. Sen- ators and members of the House of Rep- resentatives who might throw real light on the local view of the Mexican situation are not quoted in these newspapers. Neither is there printed any news from these sources which would tend to show the feel- ing of a majority of Senators and Repre- sentatives is turning against the Mexican policy (?) of the Administration. Are the newspapers riding for a Fall? Reading the statements in the news and editorial columns, the National legislators are puzzled to know where the informa- tion comes from. They themselves have tried in vain to get reliable information and are now sitting back watching the course of events. The fact has been told in this column that the important Senators and Representatives, outside of the few who want intervention, are chafing under the secret methods of the Administration in dealing with the situation south of the Rio Grande. It is suggested they might welcome the presence of a lobby which would give them the real information. But the Administration abhors lobbies of all kinds, good or bad — and maintains its pol- icy of silence toward the lawmakers. Not that the lawmakers wish to have the scene of action moved from the White House to Capitol Hill, but that if the situation "grows more tense" and "more serious" and "relations with Mexico are broken oft," as certain newspapers keep saying, the leg- islators want to be officially informed. Senator Hamilton Lewis — perhaps his admirers may be puzzled that the James has b'een dropped, but he himself has done it — is bristling for intervention. But "Jim Ham" does not want any fighting. He has no desire for war. He wants United States troops massed in Mexico so as to frighten the combatants into making peace. "I think we ought to stop the trouble down in Mexicoy" said Senator Lewis, fondling his pink whiskers. "It has gone on too long and we are big enough to go down there and, by show of force, put an end to the disturbances. I do not say wc should make war, but we should by moral suasion induce all the contending elements to unite in the interest of the peace ana prosperity of this country as well as Mex- ico. I think there will be a peaceable set- tlement of the trouble very shortly and tliat there is not the least danger of war with the neighboring republic." That move would make the .Administra- tion policy look truly rural. WHAT THE PAPERS PREDICTED. That Huerta would resign. * * * That he would be assassinated. * * * That the Mexican Army would revolt against Huerta. * * * That another ten days' fight would take place in the City of Mexico. That Huerta did not have money to pay the Army and the Government employees. * * * That Huerta was at the end of his rope. That the whole of Mexico would rise against the Huerta Government because of the dissolving of Congress. » * * That the arrested deputies would be killed. * * * That Felix Diaz would be assassinated. * * * That the Judges of the Supreme Court had resigned. * * * That England would appiove and follow the policy of the United States. * • * That the European diplomats in Mexico had met for the purpose of asking Ameri- can intervention. * * * That they had asked for warships to be sent to Mexican ports. * * * That they had asked for marines to guard their legations. WHAT HAS HAPPENED? THINK IT OVER. Subscribe to "MEXICO" MEXICO Satiirdav, October 35, 1913 VICE VERSA A Dream. Tlie Potomac flowed imid(l'l> past the shadow of the White House. President Wilson was gazing out over the lawn and his ej-es rested musingly on the green hills of Virginia beyond the river. He was thinking how much more pleasant it was to view those green hills and let fancy run licit than to hear the strident voices of the horde of office-seekers and kickers against his policies gathered without the Execu- tive Chamber. It was unusually tranquil within the Chamber. For the moment there was no bothering news on the Mexican situation and the Senators and Representatives were behaving well under suasion of the birchen rod. Suddenly a troubled look came into the tace of the Executive. He recalled that there had come to him that day, disquiet- ing rumora of an uprising against his rule somewhere in Wisconsin. He recalled, too, that Senator La Follette had been talKiiig of setting up his own government. Would he have the hardihood to pain and shock the President so? Tut, tut! Like- wise Fie! Just as he was settling down to the en- joyment of the green hills of Virginia 'cross the sward — Pop! His muse was scattered as Secretary Tumulty burst in with a report that General La Follettte (they all become generals when they turn rebels) had taken the field with Generals Ollie James, Farr and Vardaman. The re- port ran to the effect that the rebels had stL up a government in Wisconsin; had captured all the important cities and were on a triumphal march to Washington. The Mexican correspondents were already shooting to their newspapers alarming stories about Me.xican intervention and there was great indignation throughout the land. Several Mexican papers took up the cudgels for the insurrectos. The news was startling, to be sure. Sec- retary Tumulty was dreadfully excited. Xaturally. So was the President. Also naturally. He w'as angry, too. His lips trembled and his hand shook as he read the message. Recovering himself readily, he gave his orders rapidly. In calm tones he commanded the Secretary: "Call the Secretary of State at once — if he is not out on the circuit," he added as an afterthought. The hotfooted summons sped across to the State, War and Navy Building. No, the Secretary of State was not on the cir- cuit. He was on the jump, though, in a jifify. The rear end of his coat stood out straight and the usual armful of documents looked like a white streak on a sombre background as the Secretary of State sped like a cyclone to obey the sutnmons. He bumped into the President's Secretary and the Secret Service men as he whirled into the Secretary's office. Bang! went the door. Everybody looked startled. How could the insurgents have reached Wash- ington so soon? Foolish! The President and Secretary of State went into conference which Was interrupt- ed in a few minutes by another despatch in code telling of the wrecking of railroads by the rebels. Rumors of sympathy with the rebels and financial aid from Mexico were contained in the.dispatch. The Pres- ident was thoughtfuT and very obviously agitated. '"What shall we do, Chief?" trembled the Secretary of State. The President frowned long and directed that the Secretary of War and his chief aides be sent for. They arrived. Then a council of war. Plans were laid to crush the rebellion at once. Information came that there were secret sympathizers with the rebels hatcliing conspiracy at the other end of Pennsylvania avenue, on Capitol Hill. They refused to vote for the President's currency reform bill and a committee was holding up the tariff measure. Funds were low and secret influences — Me.xico being' under suspicion — were work- ing to prevent the negotiation of a large loan. Things did look squally. In a few days the Mexican Minister gave notice his government had summoned him home for a conference. He departed for Me.xico City amid great excitement. The Mexican President sent a message through the Charge d'.\ffaires that order must be re- stored and the intimation that the E.xecu- tive of Mexico, while having a very kindly feeling for Americans, could not tolerate their President. There was a long conference over this message and the decision was that its tone was positively insolent and could not be tolerated. A reply was sent to the Amer- ican Charge in Mexico City couched in friendly terms but putting it pretty plain- ly that if Mexico would attend to her own business Washington would take care of affairs in the United States. Messages were interchanged for several days and in one of them the Secretary of State told the Mexican President that the demand for new elections and the retire- ment of the American President were ques- tions which would be decided by the au- thorities in Washington and the people of the United States. That terminated the negotiations and the newspapers along the Mexican border published wild stories con- cocted for profit by the correspondents. These papers and reports found their way into Washington and were the subject of grave consideration in the councils. "It is these unfriendly reports in the Me.xican newspapers that are keeping us back in meeting this situation," said the Secretary of the Navy. "Yes, and some of our own papers print them," said the Secretary of War. "Suppress them," thundered the Presi- dent, "and imprison the owners and edi- tors." Soldiers were sent forthwith to carry out the order. There was little activity on the part of the rebels, Init the Mexican newspapers were exaggerating drunken brawls into massacres of Mexicans, and raids by ho- boes following the rebel army into des- perate battles. Washington, being fully aware of the actual conditions, was beset and harried. The false reports were sift- ing over to Europe, wdiere the secret in- fluences had, to an extent, availed to block negotiations with the bankers of London, Paris and Berlin, The Me.xican bankers al- ready had refused to participate in the loan, .\11 this time the rumors of plot and trea- son right in the Capital had been heard. The President, worried by the aggression from the outside, forebore inviting added hostility from abroad, and deferred action. So flagrant were the conspirators that ac- tion at last became a necessity. In a Cab- inet conference, at which the list of con- spirators was considered, orders were is- sued for the arrest of 84 members of Con- gress. They were surrounded and the pa- pers and documents in tlicir desks seized, proving their treason. But the rebels were making no progress. The Federal arms were victorious everywhere. Yet the untruthful reports were circulat- ed more furiously than ever in Mexico and other countries. The arrest of the Meni- bers of Congress was denounced by Mexi- can newspaper editorial writers who, know- ing nothing of the conditions, accepted the untruthful reports and made them the basis of inflammatory comments. The .American President decided to ignore tli,e Mexican Charge and also a confidential agent who had been sent to Washington with a special invitation to the President to step aside for his successor. Americans generally shared the indignation of the President and his Cabinet. His refusal to abdicate started the Mexican newspapers shrieking again. They howled and de- manded the President be done away with. Justifiable indignation rent the soul of the "President. The people held their feelings in check. Never had the country needed sympathy and friendly aid more. Things were surely sombre. The President started suddenly as his Secretar}' bustled into the room with some documents. Without noticing the Secre- tary, his eyes wandered to the green hills of Virginia, now darkening, but whose sum- mits were still tipped by the sun. Mechanically the President asked his Secretary: "Any news on Mexico?" "No, Mr. President, It is still drifting," was the answer. "Very well. I think I must have dozed." The boot was not on the other leg, as he had dreamed. FAKE AND FACT. Not since the palmy days of the Cuban "liberation" has such a harvest been reaped by the story faker as in the last two weeks. He has called down his fervent bless- ings on Mexico and on Washington alike. The newspapers fairly "devoured" every- thing that he put on the wire. His fiery brains exploded. His imagina- tion soared. He ran the gamut up and down and back again to his heart's con- tent. Assassinations, treasons, escapes, mutinies, arrests, plots and counterplots, clima.xes, denouements, tragedy, drama, comedy — all — he' manipulated feverishly, unhindered, unchecked. He plunged into an orgy of fakinjg and now lies panting, dazzled; somewhat ex- hausted, but ready to absorb new strength and start all over again. The correspondent that sent over that story that General Herta was auctioneering the candidates for the Presidency carried the day. Too bad he missed the real story! .\nd yet because it contains more truth, it might seem to him less interesting. .-\ Carranza follower has let the cat out of the bag in San .Antonio. Some of the "constitutionalist" leaders are bargaining with Charles P. Taft and John Hays Ham- mond — this Carranzista afiirms — for the sale of a large part of Northern Me.xico. He affirms that the support given the Car- ranzistas by the San .Antonio "Light," by its publisher, Mr. Beach, and by his friend. Senator Morris Sheppard, of Te.xas, is due to the fact that Charles Taft is the "back- er" of the San .A.ntonio "Light." If this is true a ready explanation may be found for many past events which until now have remained somewhat in the dark. This particular Carranzista, upon learn- ing that his leaders were bargaining for the sale of part of his country, became disgust- ed and abandoned them. He is ready to support his assertions with evidence. We wonder why the New York "World" has not garri?d this story! Satttrday, October MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION WHERE WILL IT COME OUT? There must be a good d«al of curiosity as to where President Wilson's method of liaiidling Mexico is coming out. General Huerta's assumption of dictatorial powers has changed the Mexican situation. This change lias been gladly seized upon by President Wilson's friends as evidence that he has lieen well informed and has taken the right course from the l)eginning. It may be, however, that our refusal to recog- nize Huerta strengthened the opposition 1(1 him in the Mexican national assembly, and so raised ihe direct question which he has now undertaken to solve by declaring himself dictator. If our government had promptlj' recognized the provisional Mexi- can government, as all the other import- ant governments of the world did, no one can be sure that the provisional govern- ment would not have pulled through within constitutional lines, as such lines are under- stood in Mexico. But, whether our atti- tude helped to bring about this change or not, there is no doubt that General Huerta as dictator is different from General Huerta as the Provisional President. President Wilson lias n^et this change by sending his personal opinion of it to General Huerta. Xhe first lesson that a capable diplomat learns is that he must have no personal opinions, but our new Washington diplomacy is pretty much all personal. President Wilson has instructed Mr. O'Shaughnessy, who is acting as our .Embassador at Mexico Citj'. to say to Gen- eral Huerta that he (Wilson) "is shocked at the lawlessness of the methods employed by General Huerta. and as a sincere friend of Mexico is deeply distressed at the situa- tion which has arisen." This may or may not please Huerta; but at any rate he will learn from it what Dr. Wilson thinks of him. He will not learn from it, however, the worst ihat Dr. Wilson thinks of him; for these instructions to Mr. O'Shaugh- nessy explain further, that he (Wilson) finds it impossil)le to regard otherwise than as an act of l)ad faith towards the United States Huer.a's course in dissolving the Congress and arresting the deputies." For the head of one independent state to charge tlie head of anotlier independent state, even if the latter is only the acting head, with "lawlessness" and "bad faith," is an entire- ly new kind of diplomacy. Indeed, many will fail to find this kind of language diplo- matic at all. It appears to proceed from the necessarily autocratic schoolroom rather than from the responsible offices of state. "Johnny," says the lord of the ferule, "you have been a very bad boy; you are always bad. Now go and stand in the corner with your face to the wall until I say that you may go home." This is the spirit which is directing and shaping our relations to Mex- ico. If thi.^ country had assumed a definite respoiis liility for the conduct of political affairs in Mexico, and if this country were prepared and intended to enforce that re- sponsibility, such an autocratic tone, how- ever unusual and unpleasant, could be un- derstood. In the current phase, it would mean business. It woald l)e the iron hand of power without the velvet glove, of a friendly manner. It would not be diplo- macy even in that case, for all diplomats keep the velvet glove on, no matter how strong iheir position may be, under the rule that states are fairly permanent fix- tures on the map. that when they are neighboring states they cannot get away from each other, and that to plant seeds of continuous ill feeling between them by coarse language is to thw-art the real pur- pose for which international relations are maintained. But President Wilson appar- ently has no idea of placing this country in a posiiion of definite responsibility for Mexican behavior. (Jn the contrary, his words indicate that he means to place us in a position of definite irresponsibility. For his instructions to Mr. O'Shaughnessy proceed in this wise: — "It (this act of bad faith in dissolving the Congress and arresting the deputies) is not only a violation of constitutional guar- antees but destroys all possibility of a free and fair election. "The President believes that an election held at this time and under the condi- tions as now existing would have none of the sanctity with which law surrounds the ballot, and that the result therefore could not be regarded as representing the will of the people. "The President would not feel justified in accepting the results of such an election or in recognizing the President so chosen." The meaning of this official declaration — assuming that President Wilson is able to carry out in cold blood what he says in passion — is that Mexico cannot be received by this country under the normal relations of a friendly state until the Huerta govern- ment and the government that comes after it are both out of the way. Really, you know, this does not appear to be getting on a little bit. It not only shuts the door to-day, as to which most people are agreed as a fact that cannot be changed, but it shuts the door for an uncertain and prolonged to-morrow. The United Siates will remain on the map, and Mexico will remain on the map, and they will continue to be close neigh- bors. As close neighbors, each witli its own characteristics in temperature and soil and lines of production, the order of nature has made them in a sense supplementary to each other. We can produce things that the Mexicans need — including trained men and capital — and Mexico can produce things that we are glad to buy. These commercial exchanges amounted in the fiscal year of 1912 — not a peaceful year in Mexico — to $1x8,000,000. That is not a tremendous sum, but, reduced to the day's work, it does rep- resent a considerable amount of profitable labor on both sides. But the Mexicans have their own peculiar way of ruling them- selves or being ruled, just as we have; and. fortunatel}' for us, we are much better sat- isfied with our way than with their w-ay. One method of improving their way would be to let our friendly association with them in the natural lines of friendly dealings teach them by example. .Another metliod is to say that we will have nothing to do with them until their government and other public methods suit us. We can under- stand how the method of trade and friend- ly relations would w-ork out; but how is the other me, hod to work out. and wlieii? President Wilson's new rule in the manage- ment of our relations with Mexico may be as just and holy and beautiful as you please; but we should like to know when Mexico is likely to be capable of applying it, and whether standing her in the corner is likely to shorten the time. — Hartford "Courant." WATTERSON SAYS: in the course of a statement to the New York "Herald" last week, Colonel Henry Watterson said: "Easy is sometimes wiser than hard," said the Colonel. "Perhaps we had better have joined the other Powers in promptly recog- nizing Huerta's Presidency. How he get there was no concern of ours. The Porti- .guese murders were as heinous as the Mex- ican murders, yet we recognized the new regime in Lisbon without delay. "Since we have interposed moral consid- erations wholly foreign to international re- lations we are at the mercy of events. "There's nothing here committing the United States to police territory or collect debts of Latin-Americans, yet if we should .go it alone in a policy of Mexican inter- vention we should not only embark upon an endless and costly war, with nothing at the close of it to reimburse us, but we should put fuel to the flame of anti-Yankee prejudice already seething in Central and South America. "Yet for thirty odd years we have been trying to lay the ghost of the Monroe Doc- trine in the minds of our southerly neigh- l)ors. We established the Pan-American L'liion, we set up a Bureau at Washington and built a palace to house it. Mr. Root travelled all the way to Buenos Ayres, Chiii and Brazil to disabuse the minds of those countries touching our intentions and as- sure them of our disinterested friendship. " 'We consider,' said Mr. Root, with the approval of his countrymen, 'that tlie inde- pendence and equal rights of the smallest and weakest member of the family of na- tions deserve as much respect as those cf .great empires. We pretend to no right, privilege or power that we do not freely concede to each one of the American re- publics.' "This was to meet and if possible to di.~- pel the ever-growing suspicion of the Unite 1 States, which was discrediting our relations and destroying our commerce. "Yet by one sweeping act of intervention in Mexico, having already dismembere 1 Colombia of Panama, we should do away with all that has lieen done to reach a bet- ter understanding and again raise hniorc. the eyes of the Latins the old, odious, black flag bearing the hated words 'Monroe Doc- trine,' that would simply confirm their fears and enrage them further, to our loss and the gain of our trade rivals." MEXICO AND A GENERAL BALLOT. The sympathetic person who is in- clined to unthinking approval of the de- mand in .\merican government circles fcr a "popular" election in Mexico which shad express "the will of the whole people," will do w'ell to sit alone awhile and cogitate on the actualities as they e.xist below the Rio Grande before he joins in any mad outcry of censure which may follow announce- ment of the result of the balloting on Oc- tober 36. He may be assisted to a reasonable view <>i the situation by recollecting that the peon who makes up T5 to 80 per cent, of the population of Mexico knows nothing and cares nothing about governmental problems. In such matters he is no more tlian a savage individualist asking only to be let alone to till his ground, and grate- ful if the local magistrate refrains from ex- tortion. (Continued on Page 10.) MEXICO Saliirdav, October 25, lOlH PUBLIC OPINION -Continued It would be as reasonable for the United Stales to confer the vote on the sava.ne outlaw Moros as it is to demand that these peons be given their untrammeled will on election day. It would be quite as reason- able to demand that boys and girls of eight and ten years be suddenly given sufifrage in the United States as it is to expect that the great mass of the Mexican Indians and crossbreeds be driven to the polls to select a president for their country. The Mexican peon wouldn't know what lo do when he .got there and, unlike tlic .American cliild. he probably couldn't be taught. For many 3-ears there can Ije no such thing as a national election by the people of Mexico, and it is the veriest flubdub to demand or e.^peet it. England and her people passed through a good many centuries of development be- fore the degree of freedom guaranteed by the great charter blossomed into genuine representative government, and we have no jiight to expect anything difJerent in Mex- ico. — Detroit '"Free Press." HUERTA A DICTATOR. •According to advices from the city of Mexico, President Huerta has practically declared himself dic.ator, as in dissolving Congress he announced the suspension of the immunities granted congressmen, as well as the fact that he would by proclama- tion, from time to time, put into effect such laws as the situation demanded. It is also announced that the note of the United States Government warning Huerta that it would look with displeasure on any mal- treatment of the imprisoned deputies is regarded as impertinent by the powers that be in Mexico and that a rather tart reply may be expected at Washington. President Huerta has evidently copied the methods of former President Diaz closelj'. When that able statesman found himself embarrassed and impeded by either Congress or individual politicians he promptly eliminated the opposition and ruled Mexico witli a hand of iron for a quarter of a century. The coup d'etat re- sorted to by Huerta was evidently for the I)urpose of controlling the approaching elec- tions, but whether he will throw his support to one of the avowed candidates or brush them all aside and elect himself remains to be seen. If the candidate of the Clericals is elected Huerta will be the power l)ehind the throne, with a reversionary right to the office as soon as he judges the time ripe. .As distasteful as Huerta's methods may appear to Americans, past history shows that ihey are about the only methods likely to succeed in Mexico. The great mass of the people have little or no comprehension of representative government and are per- fectly willing to accept the rule of any one strong enough to maintain himself in power. The only red trouble-makers are the revo- lutionists, many of whom find it profitalilc to live by virtual brigandage. If Huerta is forced from power, either by the efforts of the United States or any other influence, some other dictator of practically the same stripe will eventually arise and seize the reins of power, as Mexico can only be gov- erned Ijy the strong hand. — New Orleans " Picayune." GOOD MEDICINE FOR REVOLUTIONISTS. Tweiily-five yc.irs in the Texas penitentiary for young Serrano, the . first of the gun-runners and Industrial Worker revolutionists planning to start another revolution in unhappy Mexico, was the re- sult of the trial of the first case of the group at Pearsall. Twenty-live years at hard labor will be some punishment for this man's participation in the killing of the Texas officer, Ortiz, and it will afford liitn ami)le time to get the revolutionary microbe out of his system. He ought to be able to sober down and come forth as a reasonably staid citizen at I he end of his career in the Texas penal institution. .*\nd the probabilities are that his associates in crime will bear him company — he will not be lonesome dur- ing the period of his long incarceration. The revolutionary microbe has been most active in Texas. It has been perniciously active from one end of the border to the other, and thousands of men have suffered from its presence. In this case it invaded the Texas cotton fields and got in its work among cotton pickers, who became imbued with The idea that it was their duty to contribute to the state of anarchy already existing in poor old Mexico by starting another revolution. Having made up their minds to revolute, these men cared nothing for the laws that were supposed to exist on both sides of the border. They regarded human life as something very cheap on both sides of the border, but fortunately they were brought to before they had progressed very far on their chosen career. If penitentiary doors could be closed on the entire group of revolution promoters on this side of the Rio Grande it would do much to discourage such activity, for there is no quicker and surer method of administering a quietus to revolutionists than by the mixing of that medicine which puts them where they can not defy the laws for a good long season. — El Paso "Times." KNOX ON LATIN AMERICA. It Insurgents have gCCn greatly encouraged by reports tliat President Wilson will prob- ably recognize the Constitutionalists. In that event all the freebooters will become nominal Constitutionalists for the purpose of obtaining arms. — New \<»rk "h'.vening Sun." ell in the heat of feeling over the condition of affairs below the border for the American people to have called to their minds by that master diplo- matist. Philander C. Knox, former secretary of state, the basic nature of this country's good will, sym- pathy and practical helpfulness toward the Latin- American states. * * * Mr. Knox pointed out that in contrast to the Northern territories of the hemisphere, the Southern territories were not colonized, but conquered. This fact gave a prenatal impress to the republics that grew up in the Latin-American area. Together with the incidents of their subordination and lack of na- tional expression or ability to frame true national ideals, their conditions constituted a burden of ad- verse heritage that they carried into their constitu- tional era. The habits of centuries are not lightly thrown aside and the feeling of getting what one can out of the country — the strongly ingrained spirit of exploitation for personal gain — is hard to get rid of. It would be shameful, Mr. Knox avers, for this country to repeat the phrase-making and non-action policy of Spain when grievous, complaints were brought to it from her colonies. The United States must not trifle with serious appeals for substantial moral and material aid from weaker nations. It must n(jt treat flipi)antly with smug indifference cases of evident distress or halt or enfeeble performance by a repetition of vain words concerning theories of international duty and least of all to adjust its policies to the exigencies of domestic politics. * * * Mr. Knox very properly indicates the line of action of the United Stales to be, first and last, practical assistance, forbearance without harshness, considera- tion of all the factors that enter into a given case :ind an undeviable effort lo make every contact of this country with Latin America promote the best interests of the lesser republics. Encroachment upon the sovereignty of any of these peoples he regards as deplorable and respect for their amour proprc most important. Only by so acting can the United Stales round out the glory of its past in relation to the lesser republics and make its unselfishness clear and yet bring greater glory upon it in the future. " * * — Italtimorc "American." AMERICANS IN MEXICO. "Americans in Mexico want recognition of tlie Huerta Government. 'The solution of the problem is such recognition, which has been accorded by the powerful European nations. Why should the United States go into Mexico to clear up the situation at the cost of many lives and more dollars, when Huerta is able to do it himself with the slight aid of official recognition?" This question was asked by Harold Sturges, mine engineer and mine owner, who has liv.ed in the troubled Republic for sixteen years and who is spending a few days in Galveston before pro- ceeding to his former home in Chicago. Mr. Stur- ges, accompanied by his wife, left the interior of Mexico more than a week ago, coming by rail to San Antonio and thence to Treasure Island. Mr. Sturges has been in all parts of Mexico dur- ing his stay there. His mining work has necessi- tated frequent trips from one part of the country to the other and he feels as familiar with it as the resident natives. Mrs. Sturges has been with him for the past six years, moving about from place to place in the interior of the country. "Of course the country is in a bad state," he re- plied to a question, "but it is now much better than what it was sixty or ninety days ago. Huerta has 00,000 men in the field in various parts of Mexico, this including the volunteers who are playing an important part in the fighting with the regulars. "Ninety-eight per cent, of the Americans living in Mexico — the people with interests there that need protection — agree with Ambassador Wilson. "Huerta is the strongest man in the entire country. He can clean it up and is doing so to a large extent. With the help of foreign loans which he could easily secure provided the United States Government would recognize him, he could proceed steadily with the work and would have conditions bettered in a short "I don't think there is any danger of a general uprising against the Americans or anybody else. I have not heard of a single case where the Federals have harmed a foreigner, but, of course, there have been instances where the rebels have done so. In Durango and other isolated points they are damaging property, but around Mexico City, Tampico, Laredo and other big towns are rather quiet. — Galveston "News," Rox Underwood, a mining man of Mex- ico, now on a business trip to New York, harshly criticized the attitude of this coun- try toward the stricken republic in a state- ment given to "The Tribune." Mr. Under- wood, who was seen at the Harvard Club, is in close touch with Mexican affairs, hav- ing married a Mexican woman and spent more than twenty years in that country. "Mexico," Mr. Underwood said, "is one of the proudest nations on earth, and will accept no help from a country which, like the United States, views it with openly ex- pressed contempt. Our administration re- fused recognition to the de facto govern- ment; it sent patronizing- notes to the Mex- ican Foreign Minister, saying that this country will view 'with extreme disfavor' certain possible courses of the Mexican Ex- ecutive. It acts, in short, as if we had al- ready established a Mexican protectorate. Our press is even worse, and refers to the Mexican President as a murderer, usurper and tyrant, and is ever harping on the 'necessity' of intervention. Press and gov- ernment have combined to wound bitterly Mexican pride. "What is the result? Though the misery of llie country absolutely beggars descrip- tion, the people will ask us for no help." — Nrvv Ynvk "Tribune." President Huerta locks refractory Depu- ties in prison. President Wilson locks in the Capitol building the Congressmen whc decline to do his bidding. Tliere is a dif- ference in the place of imprisonment, but is there any difference in principle? — "Town Topics." Salurday. October 3.i, ]9i:i MEXICO LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. The Editor o( "Me De Sir: Tlie Kdilur of Mexico: Dear Sir: I am very much in favor of your pub- lication, because I think you arc doing a Kood work The press hints that President Wilson will recog- nize the belligerency of the' revolutionists and permit them to receive every kind of war material across the frontier: rifles, cannon, machine guns, car- tridges, and even men. By doing this Mr. Wilson would exjiect to give the advantage to so-called "constitutionalists." and entrust them with the tre- mendous task of restoring order in Mexico. Knowing the possibility that President Wilson might decide to do this, the revolutionary agents in the United States are circulating news to the effect that they have eighty thousand men and that they are in possession of two-thirds of the country, and that as soon as they gel the necessary supplies that within ninety days they would put an end to General llutrta and establish on the ruins of his government the rule of perfect peace and harmony, an ideal dem- ocracy of purest splendor. If President Wilson thinks that the great conflict could be terminated in this way, he is most lament- ably mistaken. The remedy would be worse than the disease. Supijlying arms and ammunition to the rebels would only have the result of prolonging the present combat and increasing the slaughter, adding Tiew fuel to the flames and making the catastrophe more serious. As a general rule, any interference in the internal affairs of Mexico would produce bad results. Ameri- can intervention is not desired in any form whatso- ever by Mexico, and Mexico is not composed entire- ly — as Mr. Wilson thinks — of the fifteen or twenty thousand men who are fighting the present govern- ment. Mr. Wils.m has manifested a desire that General Huerta resign, and this in itself has been suflicient to make him appear to the people of Mexico as a true symbol of our autonomy. If Mr. Wilson should recognize the revolutionists as belligerents the Mex- ican people would look upon them as despised beg- gars seeking the favor of Washington, as vile traitors and outcasts, and would attack them just as they would attack an invading force from this side of the Kit! Grande. To recognize the rebels as belligerents is to admit that they have the right to rebel, that they are regularly organized and that they are callable of settling grave national problems, and this would be the most fatal emu that the- While House could make. Intervention in this form would arouse in every Mexican a feeling of profound hatred of the United States; the great majority of the people capable of bearing arms would hasten to the standard of the government, which would stand simply for the na- tional honor and the pride of autonomous Mexico. Recognition of the rebels from a moral standpoint would represent greatest possible injustice and show lack of every idea of probity or respect for the rights of individuals. It would seem impossible that Mr. Woodrow Wilson, the scrupulous, could grant recognition to such as the Zapatistas, who for three years have been an insult to civilization in the new world. How could the serious and honorable Mr. Woodrow Wilson defend his action in recognizing those who assaulted Durango, robbing its banks, sacking its stores and burning its factories? Could the upright Mr. Woodrow Wilson logically give his approval to the disorganized bands of robbers and anarchists now roaming over Northern Mexico? But, even it moral reasons are not sufficient to deter him from granting recognition to the bandits of Morelos, the thieves of Durango and the am- bitious rebels of Sonora, he should not forget that such action would only serve to make President Huerta more popular and cause more and more Mex- icans to flock to his support to show the unconquer- able spirit of a people determined to brook no for- eign interference in their domestic affairs. Baltimore, Md. T. MUECAS. The Kditor of -.Mexico": Dear Sir: The truth on the Mexican question as expressed weekly in your paper is so at variance with the general news reports of the dailies that wc wonder how soon pressure will be brought to coax you to give up telling the truth— and your paper. I am wishing you success to hold out. New York City. T. LEDYARD SMITH, Angeles, Cal. A. H. MEXICAN CADETS TO RAID REBELS IN AIR. Eighteen little Mexican cadets who will form the aerial corps of the Federal army when they return to their native land arrived yesterday in the first cabin of the American liner "New York" from Cher- bourg. They are graduates of the National Military School at Chapultepec and are of varying shades of complexion from olive to dark brown. .^11 were dressed in the latest mode of young Parisians and all were cheerful, but suspicious of strangers. They have been studying and diligently ]iractising fiying in the school of the French army at Versailles and I.ieut. J. F. Jiminez, who has charge of them, says they have developed a wonderful efficiency after four months' steady training. The aeroplane corps, or, as it is otherwise called, the "flying artillery," will go into ser\-ice imineilialcly after reporting to the Federal Government at Mcxic.i City. The airmen and boys will sail for Vera Cruz on Thursday by the Ward liner Morro Castle. While here they will stop at the Chelsea. Lieut. Jiminez hopes the corps will liave much to do in breaking up bands of revolutionists and putting Mexico in a more tranquil condition. The young airmen have a mighty faith in the efficacy of the light French monoplane as a destruc- tive agent. They have seen experiments by French army fliers with bombs filled with a powerful French explosive and they will utilize this or something like it in their aerial raids on the rebel camps. The aeroplanes that the young men will use will be sent from France by a French line freighter di- rectly from Havre or Marseilles to Vera Cruz. It would not be so safe to bring them to New York and transship them and besides it might be regarded in an unfavorable light by the United States.— New York "Sun." October (1. MEXICO AS MRS. TALBOT SEES IT. Of the many who have written or siiokcn of .Mexico, in American journals and magazines, or on the platform, a very small pro|iortion have presented the country to the American imblic in its true light, impartially, accurately and with intelligent apin-eciation of its wonderful natural resources and equally wonderful achievements in the arts and sciences and material development. Ignorance regarding real conditions; prejudice against a people of whom they know little or noth- ing; a desire to be sensational; utter disregard of the truth; the greed lor gain — one or all of these must be held responsible for this most regrettable circumstance, which it is to be sincerely ho|)ed time will remedy. But we are glad to say that no part of this charge can be laid at the door of Mrs. Ada Brown Talbot, whose course of lectures — "Mexico, Yesterday and To-day" — which she is giving under the auspices of the New York City Board of Educa- tion, was inaugurated recently i-v one of the lecture "centers" of Greater New York. Mrs. Talbot's sources of information have been authentic, and her impressions arc the result of long periods of residence and extensive travel in the republic, and of actual contact wNth all classes and conditions. She portrays the real Mexico, leav- ing to others the unenviable privilege of undeserved criticism and inexcusable misrepresentation. In this lecture, which is fully illustrated by beau- tifully colored stereoptican views representing every liha.se of the real commercial and intellectual life in Mexico, the country's wonderful substantial re- sources, its public institutions, its home life, its natural beauties and the tragedy and romance of its remarkable history, Mrs. Talbot shows an inti- mate and correct knowledge of her subject, which unfortunately is not possessed by the majority of lecturers and writers on Mexico, here in the United States. Too often these purveyors of the sensational at the expense of justice and truth have only seen the country from a car window and judged its real home life from a surface investigation of its slums, which are no more repugnant there than here. Do you think Mexico is going to the bow-wows ? Well, think again. Mexico is all right antj there is a lot of business done there. We have a fine transfer business for :;ale. Making money right along, revolu tions or no revolutions. If you are interested write to us. We will give you all the particulars and you will be surprised. Address MEXICO. 15 Broad St.. New York City THE MARCON CUSHIONED ARCH SPRING SUPPORT. The illustration is of a wonderful device that will brmg comfort and relief to the thousands of people who have "foot trouble." To those suffering from fallen arches, flat feet, varicose veins, weak arch, etc., the Marcon Cushioned Arch Spring Support is an ab.sohlte necessity. It is the scientific product of experts, who have devoted years to the invention of a corrective of "foot t Send us a postal card once for a detailed desc tionof the Marcon Cushioi Arch Spring Support, means immediate relief fo: those who are suffering from any sort of foot weakness. Addr The Marcon Mfg. Co., Inc., ^ Brooklyn, N. Y. >' MAILING LISTS of any bnsiuess in the world. Be wise, Mr. Business Man, and Circularize every man or firm with whom you can do business through the mails. We have everybody's name and ad- dress in the world, classified according to business, trade or profession. Send for rates UNITED STATES MAILING LISTS COMPANY 120s Broadway, New York $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. .'i;2.00 FOR ONE VE.\R. (Cut nul thi? order am! mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, ICiicloscd find $ icj, subscription 111 "MEXICO." lo be sent lo lic.nii'iiiiiiy with number MEXICO Sal Id-da Y. Oclnlu-r :iri. 1!)i:i "MEXICO" i'liljlishcd every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Th..,„av O'llalloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive niediuni going t3 ti.e best class of buyers in the United S:ates and Latin-American countries. Send for rates tu UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York WAR THAT IS NOT WAR. Why deceive ourselves; We have not sent a soldier across the border, we have niit landed a man at Vera Cruz or Tam- p.co, but we have a force of mercenaries ai.d bandits in Mexico who with tlie moral support of the United States Government avd blinded by ignorance and greed are seeking to destroy Mexican nationality. Never before could it be said that when tl.e .\merican fights he will not go to the front himself but avails himself of the law- less, ignorant masses of another country to fi:^;ht his battles for him. Secretary Bryan hr.s said that there will Ijc no war fouglil Ijy the L'nited States during the Wilson Alministration. But encouraged by that .Administration the rebel and bandit chiefs oi Mexico are waging a warfare with American support and .American money. Wliat is this war? Is it a war for the rights of .Ainerican citizens? No. The .Administration has in effect said that .American citizens have no riglits in Mex- ico and has told them to flee the country. Is it a war against the encroachments or animosity of another nation? No, there has been nothing of the kind. Mexico has only asked to be let alone and has no (I'larrel with the American people. Is it a war for territory? The .Administration denies with righteous indignation that it h:.s any imperialistic tendencies or ambi- tions. Is it a war for American honor? No, American lionor has not been touched or threatened. It is a battle of personality. It is a bat- tle of personal intolerance and personal vindictiveness. It is a battle born of blun- der and prejudice, fomented by special in- terests, cloaked in hypocrisy. Is it any wonder that in this war against Mexico the American regular soldier, tlie American vf.Iuntccr, the AmecJcan people are not taking part? That it must be conducted o;-. the sly? That its generals campaign un- d' rground? That it is financed in secret :r,d veiled in verbiage? That it has aroused in all Latin-America and foreign nations a profound distrust of our motives luul methods? It will ni.it do us any good to give to the world the impression that to accom- plish our ends we will not fight but will hire a gang of thugs to do our fighting foi us. It is un-.American. If we want to overthrow the govern- ment of Mexico, destroy Mexican nation- ality and control Mexico, let us come out in the open and say so and fight for what we want. That's .American. HELPING HUERTA. If General Huerta had no other ambi- tion save that of personal power he would be greatly indebted to tlie Washington Ad- luinistration for having forced him into a dictatorship. If General Huerta did not concern him- self as to the future of his country and tlie consequences which the attitude of the Washington Administration may entail, he would be grateful to the latter for having forced him to remain in power. If the Huerta Government had been rec- ognized by this country the various rebel- lions in Mexico would have been practic- ally destroyed by this time. Only widely scattered bands of brigands would now remain to be exterminated. The Maderist deputies would not have lieen encouraged to conspire against the Government. There would not have arisen tlic necessity for dissolving Congress nor for resorting to extreme remedies to dc- .slriiy an extreme evil. There would lie no question as to the possiljility of holding general elections and obtaining an expres- sion of popular will as far as that can be obtained at present in Mexico under even the most favorable circumstances. Who is responsible for the continuance of his .government more than President Wilson? It may be the best for Mexico after all. General Huerta would not have been even thought of in the elections. He would shortly have relinquished the reins of government and passed them into the hands of an elected President. The most practical way to have "elimi- nated" him was to have helped him to stay in fur the time being. Can you tell us what Grant would have said if England had proposed to him that he should have entered solemnly into an armistice and observed it scrupulously with Mosby, Quantrell and Jesse James? Can you tell us who President Wilson will recognize? Carranza? Villa? Za- ppta? Urbina? Natera? CaraveoJ- May- torena? Pesquiera? Flores Magon? Ger- trudis Sanchez? Genovivo de la O.? Lu- cio Blanco? etc.? etc.? etc.? etc.? etc.? Read "MEXICO" Once a week and Learn What's What Below the Rio Grande POOR ADVERTISING. (Jne of tlie a.xioms of modern advertis- ing is that no matter how alluringly you may offer your wares to the public you must have the real goods to sell or in the end you will be found out and the suppos- edly gullible public will have nothing to do with you or your product. The .Administration has played to the patriotism and ideals of the pulilic by in- spiring the feeling that its course in hand- ling the Mexican situation has been with the object of bringing about a peaceful set- tlement of Mexico's difficulties. Whereas the real fact is every attitude, every thought, every move or policy of the Ad- ministration from day to day has been based on a simple negation: "I won't rec- ognize Huerta. I don't like Huerta or his metliods. He's not a nice man." All the fine words and phrases, all the diplomatic fudge, all the protestations ut mighty principles have been only the ne- cessities of the moments when something had to be said or done to justify the inev- itable consequences of this first unalter- able prejudice. There are many fair-minded, thinking .Americans who have not been deceived for a moment l)y the .Administration's ma- noeuverings, who can see beyond words, and even inspired press reports, into the world of facts as they are. These people are going to find out eventually that they were right in assuming that the truth can- not ]>e hidden under a bushel of stock plirases. Also that tlie goods advertised (Uj not come up to tlie beautifully illus- Iraled ])roniiscs of the ad. Wa:;hington wants to know Carranza's plans. "Kin Huerta and everybody who recognizes him," says Carranza. A Satur- nalia. Latest toast,, drunk in grape juice: "Here's hopin' something'll happen to Huerta." If the Administration allies itself any more than it has already with the rebels and bandits it will deserve and get the cen- sure of the civilized world. * ♦ ♦ One great lesson has been learned that may save us from other and even graver blunders: "It's bad business and almost criminal statesmanship to make up your mind before you know the facts." :i: * * Also the danger of trusting to one or two favored advisers. No man living, even with the best intentions, can possibly know everything about a complex country and nationality. Some folks seem to think that an open mind is a sign of weakness. So they fol- low the single track — to destruction. We understand that Hale is still sending in confidential reports. He isn't in Mexico, but that doesn't make any difference tg Hale. He knows it all, MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Inteliitient Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Run* Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. 1.— NO. 11. NEW YORK, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1913. FIVE CENTS A CONTRAST WHAT THE PAPERS ANNOUNCED OR STATED. That Mexican guns had stopped an American ship. That Mexico had seized an American ship. That the capital of Mexico on the eve of elections was resting on a volcano. That a Felicista uprising would take place in Mexico City and there would be a recurrence on election day of the scenes of last February. That Monterrey had been captured by the rebels, who had shown great "strat- egy." That anti-American riots would take place on the day of elections. That these would be marked by blood- shed and disorder. That General Huerta would elect him- self. WHAT HAPPENED. Clearance papers to the "Morro Cas- tle" were issued with a few hours' delay, because the Mexican authorities at the last moment had learned that fugitives from justice were hiding on the ship. Mexico did not seize an American ship. It merely exercised a right granted by international law and custom. The volcano only existed in the mind of the correspondent who flashed the portentous news. No Felicista uprising or any other ris- ing took place on election day. As us- ual, the people flocked to the bull fight and had a good time. Likewise there were no anti-American riots or any other anti-riots. The troops that had been held in readi- ness to guarantee the safety of foreign- ers and Mexicans alike were idle all day. The strategy of the rebels was news- paper strategy and Monterrey remains in the hands of the federals, on whom the grateful people of the city showered flowers. General Huerta did not elect himself, and the Minister of the Interior an- nounces officially that all votes cast for General Huerta are null and void. BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL WORDS "The future, ladies and gentlemen, is going to be very different for this hemisphere from the past. The States lying to the south of us, which have always been our neighbors, will now be drawn closer to us by innumerable ties, and, I hope, chief of all by the tie of a common under- standing of each other. "Interest does not tie nations together. It Mtmetiraes separates them, but sympathy anus interests, whether American or European. Then and then only will Latin Amer- ica being to breathe freelv. AT THE BAR OF CIVILIZATION CONSENT IN PORTO RICO. It is all very well for President Wil- son to have said, in his speech deliv- ered at Swarthniore, Pa., that "no gov- ernment can endure without the consent of the governed," but what about Porto Rico, for which he has recently ap- pointed a Governor and several other public functionaries unknown to the people there and without consulting their wishes? If that is so, and we Porto Ricans believe it is, the govern- ment of the "carpet-baggers" is certain- ly doomed in our island, as we have been unanimously protesting against it, and to no avail, under the very same theorist who utters such elevating thoughts! The trouble with American public men like Messrs. Wilson and Bryan is lliat they preach in their orations very beautiful doctrines which may impress the people here, but which to us Porto Ricans are inconsistent with the treat- ment accorded to our island. — Letter from Manes de Betances in N. Y. "l'"venin.g Post." NAILING THEM. Tuxpam will be used as an oil station for the British Navy, and oil vessels are now carrying oil from thai point to England.— New York "Tribune." Another lie which the Mexican Gov- ernment has officially denied, but which, nevertheless, has been circulated freely in the American press. England will not have an oil station in Mexico as it is stated here with the in- tent of arousing American public senti- ment against Mexico. Iingland will use Mexican fuel oil for its warships, as other nations will use Mexican oil for that and other purposes. This country stands at the bar ol civ- ilization. The eyes of the world are fo- cused upon this part of the American Continent and events, facts — not words — are being accepted as evidence. Our neighbor — a weaker neighbor — the only close neighbor with customs and language different from ours — is in trouble. Internal dissensions, armed strife, brigandage, lawlessness are threatening its very life. What is our attitude? .\re we doing anythinL: to help our neighbor? Or are we doing much to increase the troubles of our neighbor? We — rather tlian Mexico — are stand- ing trial because everywhere it is an accepted belief that we have the power to help or to destroy, to make or to un- make. The charges against us can be ex- pressed comprehensively thus: The United States is pursuing a policy tend- ing to the undermining of Mexico so as to render conquest possible and easy, or if not conquest, the estal)lishment by the United States of a protectorate which will give free field to domination in Mexico by American "big business." In defense of our purposes exist the utterances of President Wilson whose e.Kpressions of friendship and lofty ideals are regarded everywhere as sincere. There the defense seems to end. The accusation is on many counts and presents an array of facts and circum- stantial evidence for which there seems to be no rebuttal. What are these facts? The American Government has re- fused "on moral grounds" recognition and support to the Mexican Government which, good or bad, stained or not stained, represents law and order as op- posed to anarchy and lawlessness in Me-xico. It has, moreover, shown a marked fa- voritism for the forces opposed to the Government. It is admitted that the central government stands for order and the protection of nationals and for- eigners. It is admitted that its oppon- ents comprise all shades of bandits and looters, in proof of this stands the fact that everywhere the Federal forces in Mexico are hailed as saviours by a .grateful population. That the rebels and bandits perform daily savage acts of depredation. We quote from the newspapers: Mexico City, Oct. 23. — Revolutionists yesterday murdered the entire population, numbering about fifty, of the village of Chcran Atzicurin, in the State of Michoacan, while they were defending the village church against looters. The villagers fought until their ammunition was exhausted and then used machetes, stones and clubs to beat off their assailants, but they were eventually overcome and killed and the village was burned to the ground. — New York "Sun." Rebels tortured Lieut. Jose Bracamontes and two soldiers belonging to a small Federal garrison stationed near Camaron, to the south of Nueva Laredo, after killing the remainder of the Federal troops. The rebels skinned the soles off the feet of their three prisoners, walked them several miles, and then beheaded them with machetes because they refused K) shout for Carranza, — New York "Evening Post." It has been asserted by high officials in Washington that the policy of the United States tends to discourage rebel- lions and is opposed to any government established by force and based on mili- tary rule. Yet support is advocated and .given to rebels whose chiefs order the wholesale murder of Federal prisoners, conimit the most despicable outrages against women of all ages. Here is what tlie "Herald" says of one of them: farranza has abandoned his idea of establishing a ]>rovisional government as did Madero. In- stead, he intends to declare for a military govern- ment after the Hueria party has been overthrown. This military regime will select a committee of safety composed of ten military men whose first duty will be to try General Hueria and his Cab- inet on charges of high treason. Death wHI be the ijenalty, and there will be no civil courts to delay the execution of the sentence, C.eneral Car- ranza has declared to his followers. In spite of the embargo on arms and ammunition large quantities are still smuggled across the border with the connivance in many cases of local au- thorities. The .-Xmerican army forces — honest in the discharge of their duties — are insufficient to enforce the neutrality laws. But far more significant is the fact that the lifting of the embargo on arms and ammunition is advocated even by members of the United States Sen- ate and House. This would be an open crime against liumanity and civ- ilization, for it would provide more am- l)ly and openly to our neighbor the means of destroying itself! It has been accepted as a fact beyond dispute that no rebellion can be long conducted in Mexico unless it receives material and moral support from this side of the border. And we see the mem- bers of juntas accotnpanied by Senator Morris Sheppard from Texas, received by the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate. ,\nd part of the press of the United States lends its support to these rebels and bandits. We quote from the New York "World," an out-and-out Administration newspaper: According to an .\dministration official, the President has under consideration a plan which provides for a recognition of the Revolutionists as a de facto power, putting them on ecpial footing with the government in Mexico City. Also the plan provides for the lifting of the embargo against the Revolutionists obtaining arms and ammunition in the United States. Persons in the United States and Europe who cannot understand President Wilson's policy south of the Rio Grande may find enlightenment in the study of conditions in the Mexican States that are controlled by the Constitutionalists. In that sec- tion Huerta does not rule outside of his camps. When they shall have expelled him altogether it is possible the purposes of the Administration at Washington will be clearer than they are to-day. The President may wage war against the dominant money interests that have threatened eveit the constitutional life of this country but our policy fits in exactly with the aims of these interests ill Mexico. The Water-Pierce Oil Company has long been linked in the mind of Mexicans and Americans alike with the rebellion that overthrew Por- firio Diaz and with the present Maderist rebellion of the north. The Phelps- 1-^odge Company, ownin.g entjrmous in- terests in northern Mexico, was indict- ed a few days ago, in Phoenix, .Arizona, according to the N. Y. "World," on a charge of conspiracy to send arms and ammunition of war to the Mexican revolutionists. (Continued on Next Page) MEXICO Saturday, November 1, 1913 NO COERCION ELECTIONS IN MEXICO. All newspapers supporting the Admin- istration's policy (?) toward Mexico have made great efforts to impress upon their readers the belief that the elec- tions held last Sunday in Mexico were "a farce" because of coercion on the part of the Mexican Government. This they have done by means of headlines, editorials, or reports from Washington. They have undoubtedly succeeded, at least in a measure, for the average reader is ignorant cf Mexican conditions past and present. Reports from Mexico appeared to be fairly accurate and stated that the elec- tions had been free and devoid of coer- cion. From all reliable sources it has been shown that election day in Mexico passed off without disturbance of any kind despite predictions to the con- trary made by the newspapers here. As a matter of fact, Mexican elections have always been "a farce" from the American standpoint, which, however, is not the right one from which to judge Mexican affairs. The "farce" was especially true in the Madero elections, which were supposed to be the only free elections ever held in Mexico. Apathy was general then, it has al- ways been and will continue to be for some time. In the case of the last elections we should be greatly surprised if it should be true that as many as 10,000 votes AT THE BAR OF CIVILIZATION— Continued. The same newspaper on October 19 published the following: Senator Fall, representing the Phelps-Dodge in- terests, is backing the Constitutionalists in their move to establish a Northern Mexican republic. We are accused of unduly interfering in the domestic affairs and politics of a sovereign neighboring republic. In fact, the Washington Administration has tried to dictate to Mexico how the elec- tions should be conducted, who should not be elected, what the Government should do and so on. Our neighbors are in distress, under- gcing countless and untold sufferings. We claim to be a humane nation. But we stand by indifferently. What interest have the advocates of peace taken in their suffering neighbors? What interest ministers of the various churches? What has been done by or- ganizations and associations at least to offer assistance? Here and there a few voices have been heard from the pulpits, but very few. Yet Mexico is at our very doors. It may be that at tliis late date, after the Mexicans have been covered with insults by a part of the American press, assis- tance would be refused if offered, but how can we clear ourselves of this charge of crimirral and inhumane indif- ference? Beautiful words will not be sufficient to defend our attitude, our actions. The world is passing its judgment upon us and it will need more than words to as- sure a verdict of not guilty. were cast in Mexico City out of a pos- sible total of SO. 000. This would show a much larger vote that has ever been cast in that city. It is difficult for an .American who does not know Mexico to understand how the voting takes place there. The writer was in Mexico City at the time of the Madero elections and visited per- haps a hundred booths. In most cases he witnessed the following scene: A voter would arrive at one of the booths. One of the officials would in- quire: "Do you know how to read?" "No, senor." "Whom do you vote for?" "Pues, I don't know." A representative of the Madero part}' would speak up: "Don't you vote for Madero?" "Bueno, senor, yes." A ballot with Madero's name would be handed to him and he in his turn would hand it to the official, then with a sheepish look he would scamper away. In a few of the booths there were friends of de la Barra urging the voters to cast their ballot for tliat candidate. But in most of them only Madero's friends were in attendance. Sometimes more than an hour would elapse without a voter appearing at the booth. Certainly the total vote cast on that occasion was much lighter than the one reported for last Sunday. In regard to these elections here are some of the reports sent to different newspapers: There are 80,000 voters in Mexico City, but more of them turned out this afternoon to attend the usual Sunday bull fight than chose to exer- cise their right of franchise at the Presidential election. The election passed off without excitement. Troops patrolled the city to quell threatened dis- order, but there was not the slightest apparent interest taken by the average Mexican in what was going on at the polls. Observations made at thirty polling places by the "World" correspondent showed no effort by the authorities to influence the vote. The election, so far as the capital was concerned, was uneventful. To a person who has been through two Presi- dential elections in Mexico, no additional evidence is needed to show that a greater part of Mexican citizens do not care enough about exercising the right of franchise to go to the polls. — New York •■World." The Tribune correspondent visited numerous polling booths and watched the proceedings at each of them for some time. Each booth was superintended by representatives of the different parties, who checked one another in turn. At some of the booths in the West End, in- habited by the well-to-do classes, tliere was a pretty steady stream of voters between 10 o'clock and noon. There was no coercion, and neither military nor police were near any of the booths, though small cavalry detachments patrolled the city and gen- darmes were held in readiness at the police sta- tions to respond to any call that might be made; 'i'lieir services were not needed. The West End polling booths were the only ones in which some slight interest wasT noted. I II tile centre of the city, and to a large extent in the East End, the polling officers sat smoking cig- arettes and cracking jokes, waiting for voters who (lid not come.— New York "Tribune." Reports from the embassy at Mexico City stated that no violence occurred during the election on Sunday and that "the vote cast was light, due to general apathy on the part of the public." — New York "Tribune." Only the middle class is showing any special interest in the elections, for the very rich and very poor are indifferent to politics and take things as they come, unless their particular class interests are affected. — New York "Herald." From three to five officials, one of whom was designated "president," were in attendance at each polling place. These officials represented the various parties and assisted in the preparation of the ballot when necessary, but offered no coercion or suggestion as to how the applicant should vote. The election officials appeared to be a repre- sentative class of citizens — clerks, small business men, railroad employees and shopkeepers of aver- age intelligence. So far as could be ascertained no Government employees served in this capacity. — Philadelphia "Ledger." The widely published statement that the elections will be declared void be- cause less than one-half of the total vote was cast is false and misleading. The Mexican law does not take into ac- count the number of votes received by a nominee for the Presidency, but mere- ly that returns be received from a ma- jorit3' of electoral districts of the cou/i- try. Likewise the ballots are not furnished by the Government, but by the repre- sentatives of the various candidates. ATTACKS WILSON PLAN. (Special Cable to New York "Ameri- can.") Paris, Oct. 37. — Another attack upon Wilson's policy in Mexico appears in the French press to-day. Writing to Gaulois from Mexico City, "an impar- tial spectator" says: "The United States does not under- stand conditions in Mexico. Washing- ton cannot see what is happening in the different Mexican provinces. "The Constitutionalists are bandit pil- lagers confined to one corner of the country. Three parts of Mexico accept the present regime. Huerta is just the strong man required in the present sit- uation. "The American Government, which is probably being pushed to action by the gold, silver and oil interests, does not realize Huerta's ' difficulties, and the ideas of a university professor are in- applicable to people consisting of many races and speaking forty different dia- lects and all born fighters. .A military government is necessary, each province to have a strong man at the head of an army. When anarchy is quelled the time will be ripe to tr3' gentler methods, but the moment has not come to test Wilson's idealistic system." Gaulois supports these views and says Europe would not look with a favorable eve on American intervention. Dr. Vasquez Gomez, Provisional Vice-President of Mexico under Madero and one of the most noted publicists of the republic, gave his version of the episode back of the attempt to hold Captain Huff this afternoon.— New York "Her- ald." This is a fair example of the "ac- curacy" and knowledge of the "Herald" concerning Mexican affairs. Vastiucz Gomez was a candidate for the Vice- Presidency with Madero and his nomi- nation was defeated by the Madero ad- herents themselves. He was never Pro- visional Vice President. Neither was Madero Provisional President. Thai Go- mez was a noted publicist is news to us and to all Americans. Vasquez G: mez was known as a physician, but no one has ever read any of the doctor's literary or journalistic productions. Perhaps the "Herald" has their copyright. Saturdav, November 1. ^'.)\:. MEXICO Stop the Goading li there is to be a war between Mex- ico and the United States there are many, very many, Amerieans who with- out losing a jot of their patriotism will denounce the war as unjust, unneces- sary and criminal. 1 am one of them. Ihcsc Americans arc of the number who through social and business rela- tiuns or residence in Me-xico have some knowledge ol the country, its people and its problems. Who liave watched rresident Wilson's unprecedented and wholly tutile meddling in Mexican af- fairs as one would watch a man handling ilynaiiiitc — as carelessly as a ping-pong ball. The newspapers are beginning to run scareheads, suggesting war just as they did before the Spanish-.\merican con- flict. Crowds surr;.und the news-stands and bulletin boards where the latest re- ports are displayed. There is tension in every move among the nations. There is the old- uniformity in tue rela- tion between the feeling in Wall Street and the pounding of the press, i'here is no popular feeling against Mexico, but every effort is being made to focus feel- ing in that direction. Why this atmosphere of war when the people of the country are not in a warlike mood, when nothing has oc- curred to wound American honor or in- cite American animosity? when the avowed purpose of the Administration has been to avoid the very situation that exists. I assert, with thousands of others who know the Me.\ican situation at hrst hand, and history will support ih.s slatement, that President Wilson and Secretary Bryan, with perhaps tne best intentions in their theoretical minds have been blind, absolutely blmd to the true status of affairs in Mexico and by a perverse and vindictive personal pol- icy of anger, contempt and goading have interfered unjustly and arbitrarily in the affairs of Mexico, to an extent that makes a defense of nationality and sovereignty the onlj- patriotic course for the President of Mexico to pursue. History will record, if war really comes, that the Administration in its handling of relations with Mexico was amateurish and ill-advised, and may' re- cord that its amateurishness and ignor- ance w-ere played upon by certain inter- ests to bring about results contrary to the intention of the .Administration. But this blot on our history can be avoided if at this crucial m:;ment the people of the United States will only realize that Mexico is a distinct and sovereign nation, that it can not and should not l)e ruled from Washington, that we must be fair and just toward other countries if we expect justice our- selves, and that Mexico wants and should get a fair chance to work out its own problems. That instead of helping we have thwarted the Mexican govern- ment in restoring peaceful conditions. That the responsibility for this and for war if it comes will rest not with the .American people but with President Wilson, Secretary Bryan, apostle of peace, and those who have so perni- ciously advised them. — Lett,er m New ^'ork "Tribune." THE PLEA OF AMERICANS IN MEXICO THE GROWTH OF INACCURACY. There has not been a political campaign of re- cent years in which there has been so much misrepresentation as in the one now pending.— .Xew York "Herald." Poor Mexico has been making the same complaint in regard to the publica- tion of false or twisted news of her affairs and the "Herald" has been one of the chief offenders in this respect. \\ e. the undersigned .Vnierican citi- zens, residing permanent or temporarily in Mexico, respectfully represent to the President and the Congress of the United States that, in our judginent, the following fairly represents the actual conditions in Mexico, and the distress- ing plight in which recent acts of our Government, based, we believe, on mis- understanding, have placed us. The subject, we think, is of great importance, so we will elaborate it at some length. .\ little preliminary history is neces- sary to make the matter clear. When the Spaniards came to Mexico four centuries ago they found a race far in advance of anything native to Amer- ica, culminating in a highly organized civilization in Me-xico City and a few other points, but grading off into var- ious less highly organized communities, down to tribes on a par w-ith our -Apaches, Mokis, etc. The Spaniards intermarried with the best native families and practically made slaves of most of the rest of the people. Four centuries of this has produced a people consisting, at the top, of a high grade, essentially Latin race, cultured, high-spirited and ambitious, but grading off into a small intermediate class into the peon or laboring class- whose lot, owing principally to an unfortunate and unwise land system fastened upon the country by the Spaniards, is still one of poverty, ignorance and improvidence, and whose political capacity is not one whit better than that of our unfran- chised reservation Indians, and is really below that of our disfranchised South- ern plantation negroes. There is no strong body of property holding people of moderate means, with- out which no Republic ever has en- dured, or ever can endure. There is a small class of people who are neither peons nor property holders, whose lot is an unfortunate one, but who have ed- ucation enough to be discontented with it. From those come mostly the "cab- ecillas," tlie leaders of the rebel-bandit bands, which will be explained further on. When the Mexican people threw off the Spanish yoke in 1831, they tried to establish a Republic but found it im- possible. For fifty years after that the country was continuously torn by "rev- olutions," revolts, banditism, war and strife generally. It was twice an em- pire, several times a military dictator- ship, sometimes for a short period it was under the form of a constitutional government, but never an actual Re- 'public for a moment. One President, General Comonfort, rebelled and actual- ly took the field against his own admin- istration on the ground that government under the then constitution was impos^ sible. During this period the govern- ment was never changed except by force. .At that time the lynching of a Madcro would not have caused a ripple on the political sea. Every man's house had to be literally his castle, closed with heavy doors and bars of iron. This is still largely so, for no man knows when the mob may "break loose." The National Palace is a bas- tioncd fort with heavy walls pierced with port holes. It has never been without a garrison. In our country an outbreak of our ex-slaves would be a "race war," fore- doomed in advance. Here it is different. Despite the vast gap between the top and the bottom, they are all Mexicans and there is a sentiment to treat them- selves as one race. Such an outbreak, whatever its object, is therefore always political, hence more difficult to quell. For these reasons the turmoil continued for fifty years in the attempt to make a Republic of impossible materials. Finally a genius appeared in the per- son of Porfirio Diaz, who, by sheer force of arms, coupled with skillful di- plomacy, and by a continuous and prompt use of rope and rifle on bandits and other leaders, pacified the country and worked the miracle of a benevolent military dictatorship under the forms of a pure democracy. This brought peace and the prosperity that befits a country of its marvelous mineral and agricul- tural resources. * * * Madero obtained his temporarily en- thusiastic popularity not by the pros- pects of the right to vote but by the prospects of what was essentially the "forty acres and a mule," that our freed- men so insistently expected after the war. This is demonstrated by the fact that when given a "full and free" chance to vote at the Madero election only 23,000 out of a total population of four- teen millions took advantage of the op- portunity. In spite of the widespread "rebel- bandit" outbreaks, and tlie attendant expense of government, in spite of the handicap of non-recognition and the re- sulting difficulties of getting funds, in spite of the low state of the Treasury left by Madero, we see more work be- ing done lunv in this city for the benefit nf the public health and other benefits, especially those affecting the poor, than we have seen for many years, and the recent celebration of Independence Day, Scpteml)er 16, was the most orderly we have ever seen. For these reasons we are utterly un- able to account for the personal preju- dice against General Huerta that seems to exist in Washington, except on the gcore of misapprehension of the facts. MEXICO Saturday, November 1, 1913 THE PLEA OF AMERICANS IN MEXICO -Continued As to the army, its action was, of course, controlled by its officers, and it is doubtful if any body of honorable men ever had a more difficult role. To be loyal to the people of Mexico, to their country, or to the unbalanced dreamer, under whom the treasury was being ruthlessly looted and the country going to anarchy from unquelled rebel- banditism, which had been put in action by Madero, and whose bullets had made him de facto President, was a hard problem. As a matter of fact too, Ma- dero's "election" had never been con- stitutionally legal, in that the Constitu- tion provided that a legal election can- not occur unless the electoral law is complied with, and in Madero's "elec- tion" important provisions of the law were deliberately violated over the pre- ceding protest of the supporters of Gen- eral Reyes, who therefore declined to be a candidate. At least one Congressman was driven to exile by Madero for main- taining this sound principle. It seems to us then that the loyalty of the offi- cers who helped Felix Diaz was essen- tially sound. * * * Apparently the net results of the withdrawal of the United States under the wholly erroneous idea that it is let- ting "two factions" fight it out, will be simply to do all it can to increase the present several dozen revolutionary bands of bandits and to help start the fifty year fire all over again. We are all ordered to get out of the country and abandon our property to the flames. Yet many of us prefer, nay, MUST remain to try and save our all even though the rules of the fire de- partment forbid us helping to man the pumps. Meanwhile, our Government, by non-recognition is trying to put out of business the only concern interested in or capable of insuring our property or our lives. Yet, when we cast our lot or invest- ed our money in Mexico we thought the Monroe Doctrine would be upheld to protect us against the results of Euro- pean aggression from abroad, or from anarchy in Mexico. * * * So the net results, if the elections were declared valid, would be an in- crease in the conflagration and a change in fire marshals. No matter who were declared elected, this would be nothing short of a national calamity. Anyone who could listen to the tales told by the seventy-five American ref- ugees, including women and children just in from Durango after a six day overland trip, reciting the horrors of the avowed Madcrista "government" there without wanting to do something desperate at once to help the real gov- ernment of Mexico to quell the tragic force, would have, to be a dullard or an inhuman brute. If the American people could listen to these tales and get the real situation here fixed in their minds, the^ would b? hprrificcl iri th? ghastly error in our government's attitude and its misguided efforts tending to put Mexico under the control of the stupid fiends who have sacked and wantonly wrecked the beautiful City of Durango, accompanied by horrors too awful to re- late. * * * It is not a job for a squeamish man. It requires a true patriot with an iron nerve and an iron fist. One with red blood in his veins. We are not parti- sans in any sense of the word, but we know the kind of a man absolutely need- ed, and we know of none more efficient than General Huerta, and he has the added prestige arising from the actual holding of office and the settled confi- dence of the people who are looking for peace. He is certainly cordially sup- ported by the best people of Mexico and he has had half a year of experience with the problem, in addition to a life- long knowledge of the army, by which most of the work must be done, as well as having done the necessary sifting process to get both the military and civil organizations in effective shape. It would be a crime to force a change now piled on top of the infinite damage to the cause of law and order that has resulted from the unfortunate failure to recognize him promptly. Had this been done, we firmly believe the country would now be far on the road to paci- fication. It is not yet too late. The Huerta government is far stronger than all the so-called "governments," rebel bands and bandits put together, and this in spite of the shortage of money, due largely to non-recognition and the un- fortunate encouragement it has given to the "patriotic" bandits. Representations to the country so lib- erally furnished Washington are simplv not true. The work is slow because of the rough topography and difficulties of transportation. It took our government many years to catch Geronimo in the same kind of country, and Jesse James plied his similar trade for a long time. We understand that one of the under- lying factors in Washington's view of the situation is that the peons are ex- ploited by American, Mexican and for- eign predatory rich. An ignorant man and an ignorant NAME CAS.SITTS E. CTT.LETTK C. H. M. V AORAMONTE W, L. VATT, C. A. HAMILTON CHAS. F. YEA HER PATTE S, T.ETTZ ARTHT'R W P.r.AND W. A. PARKER PATTE HITn.SON C. McGETHAM W. T. McCAVOrK T. FRANK MOHEER TUAN COEDMAN H. M. DTFFENnAriT E. A. MARR W. R. TTTn?;ON a. A. TTTTTrTTTNSnN A. w. riTRZEr. r. s. NEwroMR VTCTOR M. BRASCni E. T. KIMBAEE R. T. M. PAULEY CLAUDIO DUNNING, class are always exploited bj' smarter people. While there is doubtless such exploitation here, there is positively no more than there is of the Southern ne- gro in the United States. All the ex- ploitation here is really in low wages. The remedy both here and there is to gradually increase the knowledge and the material requirements of the ex- ploited. In the above we have said little of business, assuming that as a matter too sordid for consideration in a discussion of the political rights of the peon, but some points seem worthy of mention. Thousands of our working people in the United States are to-day hungry and ill paid. The vast Latin-American trade is capable of doubling all our manufac- tures if we controlled it as we naturally should. The future requirements of Mexico alone are incalculable. The re- cent acts of our Government have al- ready hurt our Mexican and other Latin- American trade beyond conception. The people resent our President's refusal to help their government in the country's dire distress by according it recogni- tion as Europe has done, and as a con- sequence Mexican trade is rapidly go- ing to Europe. Unless this is remedied the trade will go to Europe for years. This may be gross materialism, but many American factory hands will go hungry because of it. Our people have to pay enormous beef trust prices for beef and the poor get none of it. Mexico can produce beef for all North .'\merica. It is the only great pasture land left on the continent. Establish peace here and the United States can again have cheap beef. Finally, while it is admitted that Mex- ico needs reforms, it is a fact that noth- ing can be done until peace is estab- lished, and the only just and feasible way to establish peace is to recognize the Huerta government at once, and we believe that such recognition will do more to save life, lessen want, and pro- mote prosperity than any act within the power of the President and the Con- gress of the United States. Respectfully submitted: (Signed) Number of years since first Occupation came to Mexico Consulting Engineer G years Attornev 26 •• Real Estate 19 '• Mining 28 " Manager American Club 15 " Contractor Manager Printing Office 10 " Merchant 17 " Editor 17 " Contractor 15 " Contractor 32 " Merchant 18 '• Mines 30 ■■ Mining 25 " Exporter IS " Mechanical Engineer 12 " Contractor R '■ Actuary (British subject) 7 " Mechanical Engineer 12 " Machinery 23 " Mining 12 " V. P. SuUepcc Electric Co, 11 " Fanner ?0 " Saturdav, November 1, 1913 MEXICO Lest We Forget Our ideals are shot through with "material interests." Maybe Henry Clay Pierce has done some of the shooting through. * * * Or the Phelps-Dodge combine. * * * Or a favored group of bankers. If we are going to restrict the Money Power in the United States, why not encourage its activity in Mexico? That seems to be the brilliant idea. It must have some field for exploita- tion, some outlet for its energies. Also it must be placated for the good of Democratic policies and the Demo- cratic party. But England outgeneraled us. * * * Therefore words — while we consider the next move. * * * Words were devised to conceal poli- cies. * * * Meanwhile Mexico's the sufferer. And the apostles of peace in their wrath would arm the rebels and bandits. Pax vobiscum. * * * Pax grapejuiceibus. Morality — not expediency. Is it moral to support lawless upris- ings in Mexico, to encourage the gentle bandits? * * * The bandit leaders dearly love this morality. * « * A policy of expediency would put them all out of business. Gentle bandits! * » * If words could solve Mexico's troubles Madero would have solved them. * * + He chattered volubly while his camp- followers looted the treasury and the country went to the dogs. Mexico needs the silent man of action. * * * We think Huerta's that sort. STANDARD OIL ACCUSED. German Paper Says Britain Seeks to Check Monopoly. (Special Cable Despatch to the New York "Sun.") Berlin, Oct. 33. — The "Vossische Zei- tiing" prints a letter from a Mexican correspondent, who charges that the Standard Oil Company has been the real instigator and fomentor of revo- lutions in Mexico for the last three years. The correspondent says Presi- dent Wilson is an unwitting puppet in the hands of the company. The "Vossische Zeitung" in comment- ing on this expresses the opinion that Great Britain is concerned alone in the development of her commerce, and her energetic attitude is influenced by a de- sire not to allow the Mexican oil to fall wholly into the control of the Rocke- feller monopoly. The paper concludes: "The German interests, which are likewise concerned solely in fostering the commercial relations, coincide in this instance with those of Great Brit- ain," THE OIL WAR Cliicago, Oct. 33. — 'i'lic continuous performance of revolutions in Mexico lor more than decade has been the re- sult of a bitter fight between British and American oil interests for control of the rich fields in the southern repub- lic, according to a story told to-day by Henry Lane Wilson. The former Unit- ed States .Embassador to Mexico is in this city paying a visit to a son who will l)e graduated from tlie University of Chicago next spring. Mr. Wilson was prompted to make comment by published despatches from London relative to Great Britain's re- ported disapproval of President Wil- son's Mexican policy and references in the despatches to the struggle for the control of the oil fields. "Let me say by way of preface," said Mr. Wilson, "that this story is one the accuracy of which I do not vouch for personally. It is current talk in Mexico and is to some extent to be found in the testimony which was taken before the Smith Senatorial committee inves- tigating the Mexican situation and which has not so far been made public. English Company Held Concessions. "At the time of the Gen. Porfirio Diaz regime, an English company — and I wish to avoid names as far as possible — controlled the oil situation in Mexico. This company had all the concessions and contracts with the railroads and also with the other oil consumers con- trolled by the Government. "The benefits which it obtained for this control were viewed with .disfavor by other large oil concerns. Two of these were 'outsiders,' one with world- wide business ramifications (and 1 guess you know which that is), and the other, a subsidiary of this lar,ger company, contributed with influence and money to the overthrow of Porfirio Diaz. "As a result of the aid these two com- panies had furnished Madero they took a leading position in the oil industry of Mexico. They then got all the conces- sions and contracts and the Englisli company fell outside the breastworks. "In the meantime the larger .'\merican oil concern ceased to hold relations with its subsidiary company in Mexico and it identified itself with the company which had been hampered by the Ma- dero Government. This new alliance in its turn began to intrigue against the Government of Madero and to furnish arms and ammunition for his overthrow. Rival Companies Helped Huerta. "In the meantime the revolution in the city of Mexico, in which the oil companies had no part, took place, but it was in a measure originated and aid- ed by Spaniards. The utifavorcd oil companies were quick to take advantage of the situation and in the earlier stages contributed materially to the establish- ment of the prestige of Huerta and the new Mexican administration abroad. "Again the p*;ndulum swung outward, however, and now, according to the story told by many well posted persons, we find the agents of the oil companies which were favored under Madero fo- menting revolution in Mexico and it is said that these agents have actually wormed themselves into the confidence of President Wilson's advisers on Mex- ican matters. "These advisers have been secretly in- vestigating conditions in Mexico and are not to be understood as identified with the mission of John Lind in Mex- ico." — New York "Sun." NOT SO POOR Mexico City. — The Mexican Govern- ment is believed to have large balances here as a result of loans secured in Eu- rope. Just what these amount to is not known, but with the recent loan ob- tained in Paris, the credit balances of the Mexican Government in New York, London and Paris are believed to ex- ceed $20,000,000 gold, even allowing for the direct gold shipments to Vera Cruz. — New York "Evening Post." WHAT IS MORALITY? It is the feeling that you are right when everybody knows you are wrong. It is the feeling that you and your works are beyond criticism, removed from the commonplace. It is the feeling that everybody who does not conform to your standards is vicious. It is the feeling that hynotizes you into the belief that your mission is to do others good. It is the feeling that is shocked by facts and warmed by platitudes. It is the feeling that in His inscrut- able wisdom the Creator has singled you out as a model for others. It is the feeling that makes you im- patient of others' human frailty while losJ: in contemplation of your own sub- lime righteousness. It is the feeling that is so naive that clever men find it an effective cloak or 0, powerful weapon. WHAT IS EXPEDIENCY? To help your neighbor when he's down no matter how he got there. To buckle down to work with things as they are and do your best to improve them. To be chary of criticism, to be toler- ant and open-minded. To know the facts before you pass judgment on them. To give everybody else a fair chance while openly helping yourself. To fight straight from the shoulder when fight is necessary. To play the game according to the rules and not to whimper when you're beaten. To assume no obligation that you cannot fulfill. To realize that there are some few thousands of millions of people besides yourself. To act on the knowledge that RoniQ was not built in a day. MEXICO Saturday, November 1, 1913 Washinglon, D. C. — There seems to be trouble in diplomatic circles. It is not difficult to leason out the underly- ing cause. That "drifting" policy of the .•\dministration in respect to Mexico was predicted long ago to be one that would make things bad for the States as well as Mexico. Long ago members of the Senate and House of Representatives, who were farsighted enough to descry the breakers ahead, predicted trouble unless a real policy in conformity with established diplomatic usage and inter- national law were substituted for the "moral" one w'hich has sw'ayed the Ad- ministration in handling the Me.xican situation. As the affair has drifted along the rapidly moving events have brought other Senators and Representatives to see the situation in its proper light. It can be said that if the question of rec- ognition of the established government in Mexico could be submitted to the Senate and House the vote in favor would be cverwhel.-ning. Perhaps it is probable that there are few persons in Washington, outside tlie .Administration, who do not think the Mexican Govern- ment should be recognized. There is not so much open expression along this line, for the reason that there is a hesi- tation to criticize the President, but there is constant discussion in private gatherings of the subject that is fore- most in the pul.ilic mind. There may l.)c found Senators and I^eprcsentatives in these gatherings earnestly discussing" the Mexican situation and advocating recognition. One Senator, and it might be told that he was for a long time an upholder of the Administration's position — said the other day that he had lost patience and wished the matter could be brought be- fore the Sei'.ate and the House for final disposition. This Senator, who conies from south of Mason and Dixon's line, is a very warm friend and admirer of the Presi- dent, but he disagrees with him as to the Me.xican policy, so called. His view is shared by more than a majority of both branches of the National Legisla- ture. Several Senators an. D., "special peace commissioner" of ihe International Peace Forum, has lurned up again in Tucson, .\rizona. Iresh from another banquet and confab with the Carranza bandits. Tupper is the remarkable "man of peace" who sug- gested blithely that the United States should arm the rebels and liandits. Of course to all classes of Mexicans Tup- Jicr has been and is a joke, but really it IS about time that the honest men of the Peace Forum should rescue him from Ihe crowd who have made an ass of him along the border, incidentally injuring the reputation of the Peace Forum and the cause of peace. THE DEAFNESS OF EGOTISM Washington, Nov. 2. — Major Cassius E. Gillette, an ex-oliicer of the United States army, who has resided in Mex- ico many years, made the charge in a public speech delivered here to-night that President Wilson and Secretary of State Bryan had decided upon a policy of non-recognition of the Huerta Gov- einnicnt for the reason that they are absolutely ignorant of actual conditions and events in the .southern reiniblic. Major Gillette charged further that the Administration officers had repeated- ly declined to receive information as to conditions in Mexico from persons well mformed and, failing to recognize Huerta, were in large part responsible for the state of chaos that obtains in the republic. Major Gillette told his au- dience that he had been denied access to the President and that he had found it impossible to see the Secretary of State. He eulogized Huerta as a patriot. Major Gillette was one of the twenty- one .'\m_ericans wlio recently signed a communication addressed to the Presi- dent protesting against the .-Administra- tion's Mexican policy. At the conclusion of his speech Major Gillette publicly invited the President to listen to another speech on the subject of Mexico that he will deliver in this city on next Sunday night. "I shall have the Presidential box re- served for Mr. Wilson," said Major Gil- lette, "and I hope that he will do me the honor of being present. The only way I can get my views before him is through public speech." The speaker told his audience that when he first came to Washington he called at the White House with a view to rliscussing Mexican affairs with Pres- ident Wilson. "I was told by Secretary Tumulty that I could not see the Presi- dent unless 1 presented a letter from the Secretary of State," said Major Gil- lette. "I went to the State Department. I found that Mr. Bryan was delivering Cliautauqua lectures in the West." Continuing. Major Gillette said: "The trouble with this Mexican situ- ation so far as the United States is con- cerned is that President Wilson and Secretary Bryan do not understand con- ditions in Mexico. They are working in the dark. Huerta is 'hobbled' in his efforts to restore order by reason of the failure of this Government to recognize him." Major Gillette insisted that Huerta was a worthy man, well qualified to cope with the situation in Mexico and having the respect of the only classes in Mexico who are entitled to a voice in the affairs of the Government. "Huerta has always been loyal to the Government of Mexico," said Major Gillette. "He was loyal to Porfirio Diaz and to Francisco Madero. He had noth- ing to do with the assassination of Ma- dero." Major Gilletet declared that Madero was the idol of the savage peons, who, according to Major Gillette, were not fit to govern through the suffrage. "Con- dition? in Mexico under Madero were intolerable," said the speaker. "Madero disregarded his promises to the people and his relatives plundered the public treasury." Major Gillette went on to say that when trouble came in Mexico under Madero the Congress asked Madero to resign. Madero refused to receive rep- resentatives of the Congress. Accord- ing to Major Gillette Huerta then sent a Mexican army officer to Madero noti- fying him of the desires of the Congrcs.s. "Madero shot this officer dead," said Major Gillette, "He killed him in cold blood. He could have been tried and convicted of murder for the offence." Major Gillette insisted that when men prominent in the affairs of Mexico de- cided that Madero would have to relin- quish the Presidency Huerta raised his voice against the death sentence. Others insisted that he would be a menace to the Government as long as he lived. Major Gillette expressed doubt that Madero was the victim of an organized conspiracy and warranted the various versions of Madero's death. Discussing political conditions in Mexico, Major Gillette declared there never had been an honest election in Mexico and that under present condi- tions there never would be. He likened affairs in Mexico to the situation that obtains in many of the Southern States. "Take Mississippi as an example," said Major Gillette. "If the negroes of that State were permitted to follow their nwn devices at the ballot box Jack John- son would be elected Governor. The peons of Mexico are not as well fitted as the Mississippi negroes to pick out candidates for office." In eulogizing Huerta, Major Gillette compared the provisional President to Gen. Robert E. Lee. He said that he had heard Huerta upheld as a "traitor," whereas, according to the speaker, Huerta is a patriot. A CATHOLIC MISSIONARY. Rev. P. J. O'Reilly, a Catholic missionary of Austin, Tex., who is at the Planters' Hotel, last night said hundreds of poor and rich Mexicans are crossing the border line into Texas because they fear their country will not be in a settled condition for many years. Father O'Reilly said most of the inhabitants of Mexico feel the United States should give rec- ognition to Huerta. He said there seems to be little real danger of a war between the two countries. "Having recently returned from Mexico, where I was associated with the peons as well as the wealthy classes, I am in a position to know the country needs another Diaz and a constitutional form of government will not suffice," said Father O'Reilly. "It takes the mailed hand to rule suc- cessfully. Huerta is a good man, as was Am- bassador Wilson. This country can not afford to interfere in Mexico, as our neighbor is in a state of great unrest." Father O'Reilly is here visiting St. Louis friends. — St. Louis "Globe-Democrat." The Mexican regular army is at pres- ent composed of 182 generals, 1,081 chiefs of battalions, 5,537 officers and 84,985 privates, a total of 91,785 men. Under the Department of the Interior there are, besides, 10,000 rural policemen. 4,000 city policemen and 16,200 regional State militia, making a total of 30,200 men. The soft word and the concrete heart. * * ♦ For us, wre prefer the strgight-from- the-shoulder fighter. MEXICO Saturday, November 8, 1913 Aside from the "personal" element, which undoubtedly has had most to do wi.h the strained relations between Mex- ico and the United States, there are other elements entering into the Administra- uon's attitude which are more or less iielnilous but which are brought forward now and then when it is deemed neces- sary to excuse, obfuscate or explain the purely personal. They are as follows: I.— The necessity for establishing per- manent peace in Mexico. J.— The discouragement of revolutions in Latin-America. J. — The maintenance of United States prestige and supremacy at all costs. 4._The spreading of constitutional lib- erty in the Western Hemisphere. l^ermanent peace in Mexico is as de- sirable as permanent peace in the United States and among all the nations. Por- lirio Diaz wanted permanent peace in Mexico and came as near establishing it as any human instrument could. The dogs of war were unleashed by the Ma- dero crowd of ambitious and unscrupu- lous men, backed by American financial interests, whose continued machinations tQ-day are so "morally" supported by llic Washington Administration. President Huerta wants permanent peace in Mexico quite as much as the most ardent peace apostle on this side of the border, but finds himself ham- pered and hobbled by Washington's an- tagonism toward him and encouragement of his enemies. If as a consequence Huerta is overthrown and a puppet of the Washington Administration and Ameri- can financial interests is put in power, Mexico will seethe with a national revolt against foreign domination that ^ will mean nothing but ultimate armed inva- sion by the United States and a long and costly war. Mexicans would never sub- mit to a United States-made President. In the end peace might be restored, 1)ut it will be maintained only by con- stant force of arms. Rebellion and brig- andage will lie dormant but not extinct. Meanwhile a nation will have been cru- fUy and needlessly destroyed and a tre- mendous and costly imperial and racial problem added to our own great internal problems. Would it not be saner, more just and honorable to aid the govern- ment of Mexico in its efforts to establish permanent peace while maintaining Mex- ican national dignity and Mexico for the Mexicans? .\s to the professed purpose of the Washington Administration to discour- age revolutions generally in Mexico and ail Latin— American countries, it must be admitted that it is a beautifully conceived ideal. But ideals are only valuable when they are translated into action. Nobody with the slightest knowledge of the situ- ation in Mexico to-day_ can deny that revolution, far from being discouraged l)y Washington's attitude, is materially aided. Not only does every sclieming politician see in it an opportunity for .-'mljitious revolt against the unrecog- nized government but actually a prem- •iini is set on the overthrowing of Huerta — the premium of United States support ,-nd recognition. More than this — every I'ttcrly lawless Jesse James type of ban^ (lit leader feels tRat he has the sympathy i>f tlic Washington government, that the United States is his friend, and he goes aliout his work of pillage, blftckmail and rapine with the moral sanction of our en- lightened country. This f;».ct is too ob- vious to need elaboration. ' As to dis^ couraging revolutions in other Latin- American countries, do we want to dis- courage a revolution that would over- throw those really diabolical dictators of Guatemala and Venezuela? Are we go- ing to back them against the democratic aspirations of the great majority of the people in those countries? Armed revo- lution is the only method by which the people under certain circumstances can free themselves from intolerable condi- tions. But it would seem that we are for revolution when it serves our purposes and against it when it doesn't. "Maintenance of United States prestige and supremacy at all costs!" This is a glowing phrase and one designed to ap- peal to the "patriotism" of those who do not believe that just dealing is the high- est and most lasting prestige and that supremacy based on injustice and might signifies the beginning of the end for the Republic of the United States. With might we can overrule and overlord all the little comparatively powerless na- tions of Latin-America, but in the end we shall get back a thousandfold from the more powerful of them and from Europe and the Orient an avalanche of the very force we have applied. That's the law, and in the light of history it is the in- evitable result of power abused. Every true American wants to see the prestige of the United States increased and multiplied in all the countries to the south of us. The opening of the Panama Canal makes this almost imperative from the standpoint of our trade and our com- petition with the other great commercial countries of the world. But the last pos- sible way in which to gain prestige among the Latin-American countries is to acf the bully or the patronizing doc- trinaire toward them, which for a long time and never so much as now has been our unwarranted position. We are doing more by our Mexican policy to destroy American prestige in Latin-America than we can undo in a generation. We are not frank. We are not_ informed. We are positive in perpetuating a mis- take, and negative when a positive course would be powerful for good. The spreading of constitutional liberty in the Western Hemisphere is another of those self-imposed and self-satisfied ideals that are pernicious in practice. _As a generous people and a liberty-loving nation it is natural that we should within certain limits seek to influence in other countries of the New World the devel- ment of the principles of democracy. But we must remember that the principles of democracy are being applied with con- siderable difliculty and obstacles to pro- cress in our own land: that the greatest influence is the influence of example; that all peoples are not equally receptive to or ready for democratic government, that democratic forms of eovernment are one thing and the conditions for applying them another, and finally that the force- ful imposition of our forms and ideas on a people of a sovereign and independent nation, who either do not want them_ or are not readv to use them, is a crime atrainst something greater than "constitu- t^oTial liberty" — -and that is national liberty. For the honor of the United Statse, for our good name among the nations, for the future welfare of our country, let us cease this throwing of a glamour of fine words and phrases about an ugly fact. It would he so much finer, so much more Iiotieat and honorable to announce to the WHAT "INVASION" WOULD. MEAN. (Herald Bureau, No. 1,502 H Street, N. W., Washington, D. C, Friday.) That a force of not less than 560,000 men would be required to furnish ade- quate "police" protection to foreign prop- erties in Mexico is the conclusion reached by the Army General Staff. This estimate is based upon a careful investigation made by the Army War College of enterprises owned and con- trolled by foreigners of all nationalities in Me.xico. The information from which the report of the War College has been compiled was gathered with great care from official reports of the Mexican gov- ernment and from other sources consid- ered reliable. In making up the list of foreign prop- erties that would have to be given ade- quate protection in case the United States assumed the responsibility for policing Mexico, none has been considered that did not represent an investment or cap- italization of at least one million dollars. Upon a carefully prepared map accom- panying its report the War College has indicated the location of each of the en- terprises — mines, water power plants, railways, electric railways, oil conces- sions, large agricultural estates and other concessions — that are strictly legitimate- ly "foreign." The map is closely dotted with the signs that indicate location and nationality of ownership of these prop- erties. American enterprises largely predomi- nate, but European nations are liberally represented. The interest of the for- eigner in Mexico extends from the northern border to the Guatemala and British Honduras boundaries, from the Gulf of Mexico to the shores of the Pa- cific, The fact that the War College has taken into consideration only enterprises representing $1,000,000 as a minimum, not only reveals the vast foreign invest- ment in Mexico, but serves to emphasize the magnitude of the problem of giving adequate protection to foreign interests should there be an attempt b}' the Unit- ed States, or the United States and other nations directly interested, to solve the Ale.xican situation by armed interven- tion. That this would mean war with a piactically united Mexico is admitted, even by those who advocate armed in- tervention. Some politicians talk blithe- ly of such a war as "easy." No mil.- tary expert looks upon it in that light. Without in the least undervaluing the superiority of the American soldier and the American army, officers of the army familiar with Mexico and its people are of the opinion that the conditions in that country make possible a guerilla warfare that would pale into compara- tive insignificance the historic contest between the British and the Boers of South Africa. That the Catholics of Mexico have ap- proved Huerta's course must come as a shock to the devout Joseph Patrick Tu- multy. Oh, but we love the people of Central America! world that we are a narrow-minded, stubborn, ignorant, self-glorying nation of brag.garts and hypocrites and that we don't give a hoot wdiat anybody thinks about it. That we don't pretend to have any attitude toward Mexico except one of intolerance and personal dislike plus a natural desire to gobble up all we can and take advantage of a neighbor in dis- tress. Let us cut out the hypocrisy. Saturday, November 8, 1913 MEXICO THE SITUATION IN A NUTSHELL President Wilson will not recognize the government of President Huerta al- thougli all other Powers have He has announced in advance tliat lie will not recognize any other government elected during Huerta's Presidency. He will not recognize any President in V hose favor Huerta might resign. He will not recognize any government founded on revolutionary force. Therefore it is not possible for Mex- ico to do anything to please President Wilson. He makes no suggestions, he ofTers no lelp, he simply scolds and goads and antsgonizes. Is it any wonder foreign governments with national and huge interests in Mexico should be appalled by the trucu- lent dog-in-the-manger policy of Presi- dent Wilson and feel called upon to give their moral support to the only government in Mexico as a buffer against anarchy? If President Wilson has any plan for Mexico save an absolute and complete overnight change in the nature of the country and its people nobody has an inkling of what it is. Or does he really want an excuse for armed intervention and territorial ag- j;randizement? LOOTERS. The only Mexicans who are not loyal to the Huerta Government are the ban- dits and brigands who overrun certain sections of the Republic and the disgrun- tled crowd of ex-office holders whose ac- tivities consist in proclaiming from the border and in Washington for the benefit of Mr. Wilson that each sacking and looting of a town by these numerous bands of brigands is a victory of patriotic "constitutionalists" against the usurpa- tion of a military dictator. The tragic part of it is that they have so cleverely misled the Washington Administration that the latter finds itself now in the strange position of professing it wants peace in Mexico and taking the side of the bandits who are causing all the trou- ble. THE MONSTER! "Returning from a banquet in Tlal- pam. President Huerta made an informal visit to the Country Club yesterday af- ternoon, displaying the genial side of his character. He surveyed the golf links, but played only one shot with a few friends. He piled his automobile full of little children for a short turn and sent them off rejoicing, each with 8 peso,"— New York "Herald," Nov. g, THE MADERO CRIME (Further Extracts from the Memorial Address by American Residents of Mexico to the President and Congress of the United States.) Had Madero been set free he would have had a new "revolution" started fif- teen minutes after he could get to San .\iitunio. Had he been kept a prisoner tliere was always a menace of his es- cape. He could easily have been tried, convicted and executed for shooting in cold blood an officer who went to rea- son with him during the destructive liombardmenl, but every day he lived the greater menace he became. A lynch- ing is not a noble spectacle, but they oc- cur daily in the United States for com- paratively trivial causes, and in this case a nation's life was at stake. But it is argued that the Diaz regime had become corrupt, that grafters had crept in, that the "Cientificos" were rob- bing the people and that it was Ma- dero's plan to remedy it. Granting, for the sake of argument, that such was the case, we submit that during the same period in the United States, the proven graft there was greater than the asserted graft in Mexico, and that the undoubted public land and railroad graft there was very much greater than pos- sible in Mexico; and we also submit that Madero's remedy was colossal in its ghastly absurdity. It was like burning down the house to drive out a few rats. And it appears that there were "more rata in the bizarre new structure he erected in its place than in the one he burned. Whether his performance was a yhastly blunder or a crime is really un- impiirtant. That it was a blunder is in- dicated by the fact tliat he was prob- ably mentally unbalanced. This is the belief of many people. It was indicat- ed by a habitual sudden jumping from one topic to another, wholly disconnect- ed; by his frequent consultation of spir- itualistic mediums; by his giving the same importance to trivialties as to mat- ters of serious moment; by an astonish- ing sort of absent-minded tactlessness and discourtesy, and by many other things. That it was deliberately criminal is strongly indicated by the following par- tial list of his own relatives whom he put into office promptly on his acces- sion to the Presidency: Name Relationship Oustavo Mailero Ernesto Madero Alfonso Madero Emilio Madero Raul Madero R?.fael Hernandez Madero Antonio U. Hernandez Manuel Perez Jose Aguilar .Salvador Benavides Rodriguez Aguilar Campos Adrian Aguirre lienavides Juvcncio Gonzalez Jose Gonzalez Rafael Aguirre, Sr. Rafael Aguirre, Jr. Francisco Olivares n Ravmundo N Andres' Felistos Jesus Villareal \>. Marcos Benavidos And many otheri, Nepotism like that is not a normal accompaniment of a disinterested at- tempt to make Mexico a pure democ- racy. That it was a crime is further indi- cated by the fact that, while during his two years in office, nearly four hundred million pesos came into the Mcxicon Treasury, only three hundred and twen- ty millions can be accounted for. eighty millions having disappeared. A clue to this may possibly be af- forded by the fact that there is reliable information to the effect that Madero's private secretary, who had been a local newspaper reporter and whose only ex- travagance had been to the extent ot about fifty centavos borrowed from the editor about two or three times a week and expended for pulque and enchiladas in a little Mexican tienda, whereas, dur- ing his incumbency as private secretary to the President, his bill at a single French restaurant alone was from $.3,000 to $4,000 a month, on a salary of $480.00 a month, and there is no doubt that someone is spending lots of money dis- tributing Madierista misinformation in Washington. An example of Madero's irrational tactlessness may be cited in an address he made to the army officers who gave him a banquet about the time' of his in- auguration. He upbraided them for hav- ing remained loyal to the long-estab- lished government. He said that they should have turned and helped him, in other words, he thought that they should Iiave committed treason. * * * The rebels whom Madero led against Diaz upon capturing a town immediately did two things; they released all the criminals in jail and burned the public records and archives, the latter strik- ingly similar to the performance of the negro office holders of the Alabama .State Government in "carpet b'ag""3ays, of which any old resident of Montgom- i-rv can give the facts. * * * to Made o Position Brother Deputy and Ambassador Uncle Cabinet Minister Brother Deputy Brother General Brother Colonel Cousin Cabinet Minister Uncle Senator Brother- n-law ■ Deputy Cousin Deputy Cousin Deputy Cousin Hospital General Cousin Deputy Cousin Minister of Supreme Court Cousin Employee Dept. Pub. Works Cousin Employee Dept. Fomento Administrator, Puebia Intervener, Torreon Uncle w ife's brother Intervenor, Tampico Cousin Chief of Rurales, Coahuila Cousin Employee Monterey Chief ot Hacienda Cousin Administrator, Saltillo MEXICO Salurday, November 8, 1913 NAILING THEM THAT S ALL. Some recent exhibitions of European diplomacy in the vicinity of Mexico City tend to make Americans proud of the United States brand, even if it has been cliaracterized in some of the Euro- jican capitals as "amateurish." (_)ne of the strange things in connectiun with the Mexican situation is that anybody at all wants to be President. It's a job any sane man would f.iU over himself getting away from. The British government may be a little cold toward President Wilson's Mexican policy now, but it will not be when it finds out more about it. Nobody wants to conclude that that policy was adopted without due consideration. That is not the Wilson way. The above are little "digs" from the Raleigh, N. C, "News and Observer," Secretarj' of the Navy Daniels' paper, which may be accepted as reflecting the .•Administration's point of view. The piti- ful attomp;s to defend the "ainateurish" diplomacy of Washington and to create the impression that there is something mighty deep and portentous in the Mex- ican "policy" are obvious. The Wilson way — that's all. NO CO-OPERATION PROMISED. Instead oi having assented to co-operate with the United Stales in any policy it may adopt, foreign nations, notably Great Britain, France and Germany, have merely assented to await the enunciation of a policy by this government be- fore taking further action. — News item. Well, well, how the news from Wash- ington changes from day to day! All newspapers had declared previously that the Washington Administration had re- ceived assurances from all European powers that they would abide by any policy adopted by this country. In most of th^ dope sent out from Wash- ington the wish is father of the tliought. HUFF AMUSED. Capf. Huff of the 'Morro Castle" was inclined to make light of his ship's detention at Vera Cruz. He said it was a tempest in a teapot, and tliat reading the stories in the newspapers about it scared him much more than the incident itself. He was much amused over the report that the Mexican gunboat "Zaragoza" had lain across liis bows with her guns trained on his ship. The "Zaragoza," he said, occupied the same position that night that she had all along in the harbor, and in no way threatened him. We often wonder whether present histor3' will ever be written from news- paper reports. The extent to which some newspapers will go to sell a few more copies speaks evil for the poor devils involved. Even the once reliable New York ".Sun" published the story with this headline: "Mexican guns halt United .Slates liner with Mrs. Lind on board!" Tut! Ttil! roared the cannons! COMPLACENTLY. Now, even in the conversation of public men, one bears American intervention also spoken of as if it were inevitable. It is also spoken of complacenlly, and even such conservative Ad- ministration j.tipporters as Senator Bacon talk of the possibility of the landing of marines in Mex- ico. * It is beginning to crop out. That "complacently" is quite sipnificani. Wo liave had a faint suspicion for some time. NEVER BACKS OUT. The conviction apparently has settled down in the last Jew days over all Washington, both in Administration circles and at the Capitol, that there are only two ways out of the Mexican tan- gle — one is by retreating and the other is by the use of force or a threat of force. President Wil- son said only a few days ago that he never backed out of anything. The logical conclusion then is that there will be use of force. And this is precisely what we have been predicting: that to enforce the Administration's un- reasonable demands in regard to Mex- ico nothing short of war would avail. And the people of this country do not want war with Mexico, do not want to interfere in the private affairs of Mex- ico. The large majority is convinced that the Administration's blunders and stubbornness are drawing the country into a conflict for which no excuse can be found. MORALITY! There is a strong impression that the Presi- dent's new policy will embody the removal of the embargo on the exportation of arms to the revo- lutionists. The suggestion that this course may be pursued has revived reports that the Admin- istration contemplates taking sides with the Con- stitutional Party, and seek to end Mexico's trou- bles by giving Huerta's enemies such material aid that the Dictator will be driven from power by force of arms. What a spectacle we would offer to tlie world if the foregoing should prove to be true! The United States taking sides with the rebels against the estab- lished governrnent of a neighbor and lending them arms and ammunition so that brother could kill brother with more ease and expedition. But why be shocked even at the thought of such a course, since a mem- ber of the United States Senate, the Honorable Mr. Bristow, has openly su.ggested it, introducing into the rec- ords of the Senate a letter from a friend of his advocating the frank and open giving of arms to rebels and bandits? By the way. would that be morality or expediency? It is logical to assume that the objective of the President's policy will be to turn out of Mexico City either Huerta or the man who succeeds him. Good Heavens! Who then will be at the head of the Mexican Government? Or arc we to look forward to a headless .government? The solution of the Mexican problem is in the hands of the President of the tinited States, and President Wilson is insistent that the dictatorial government of Huerta must be overthrown.T— New ■york "Herald" Editorial. Which suggests that the Mexican "problem" is bigger than any one man; that we have a sufficiency of problems right here awaiting solution; and that nothing shows that the "overthrow" of Huerta would be anything but purely destructive. MORE MALICIOUS LIES. In their attempt to misrepresent the facts regarding the recent Mexican elec- tions, many of the newspapers have pub- lished an El Pasogram stating that the Juarez garrison had been compelled to vote for President Huerta to a man. Also that the soldiers at Eagle Pass had been commanded to do the same. We quote from the El Paso "Times," which cannot be accused of undue fav- oritism toward any Mexican Govern- ment: Election day passed off in Juarez without the semblance of a disturbance. Felix Diaz, candidate for the presidency, and Federico Gamboa, candidate for the Vice-Presi- dency, received 90 per cent, of the vote cast, which was light. An unexpected feature of the election in Juarez was the refusal of the garrison authorities to per- mit the troops to vote. Officers voted, but not a single soldier in the ranks wat, allowed to cast a ballot. The total number of votes in the city districts, officials of the town stated, will not total more than 300 or 400. The exact vote had not been learned last night by the Juarez officials, and will not be definitely known until Tuesday, when the votes will be officially counted by the city Juarez, almost to a man, was in favor of Presi- dent Huerta for president and for General Aureli- ano Blanquet for vice-president, but the citizens did not vote for them, because of Huerta's an- nouncement that he would not accept election. Judge Luis G. Martinez, of the civil court of Juarez, was almost unanimously elected to repre- sent the district of Bravos, which includes Juarez, in the national house of deputies. Eagle Pass, Tex., Oct. 26.— Victoriana Huerta was the overwhelming choice for president of Mexico in the votes cast in to-day's election at Piedras Negras, Mexico. Felix Diaz was the only rival of the provisional president, and he received less than 100 votes. Of 2,:^00 votes cast. General Huerta is shown in un- official figures to have received more than 95 per cent., or 2,200. The day passed without material disorder. Sol- diers were voted first. Their officers cast their votes for them, asking each man his choice after the soldier had been told they might vote for whom they pleased. Without exception, so far as is known, the men replied "Huerta." It is probable that not enough precincts were opened and votes cast in Piedras Negras to comply with the consti- tutional requirements to 'make the election here legal. THE NORTH. In the northern States of Mexico, in which are centci'cd most of the intelligence and wealth of the country, to say nothing of foreign invest- ments, there is a constitutionalism which res*-s upon bayonets. — New York "World." The foreign investments in northern Mexico are American — almost entirely — and thereby may hang an interesting tale as to the support received by the rebels. As to the statement that in the northern States are centred most of the intelli- gence and wealth of Mexico will come as a great surprise even to the northern Mexicans themselves. While it is true that the peon is in a measure more advanced in norlhern Mexico than in some parts of the south, the wealth and intelligence of the coun- try are not centered there. States like \'era Cruz. Jalisco. Tabasco, Yucatan and Oaxaca boast of having given to Mexico some of its most brilliant statesmen. If the circulation of newspapers can tie taken as a criterion of intelligence ami culture, tlic State of V'cra Cruz ranks lir.st in (he number of rcaditig citizens. In any case, we note with interest the assertion of the "World" that "a consti- tutionalism in northern Mexico is sus- tained by bayonets," Saturday, November 8, 1913 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION BRAVE HUERTA— Y EL OTRO HOMBRE. PresidLiit Wilson had the gall to send a message to the Mexican President that lie (Wilson) was "shocked" at the ar- rest of 110 members of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies, and found it im- possible to regard it as otherwise than an act of bad faith toward the United States. How? What duty rested upon the United States to guard the persons of the Mexican Congress from arrest? Suppose Hucrta had wired Wilson that he regarded the conviction of Gov. Sul- zer as an act of bad faith toward the republic of Mexico. Will President Wil- son never discontinue violating the elev- enth commandment, "Thou shall mind thy own business?" Will he never take a tumble to the fact that he is not the United States, and that if he were he should not further complicate the situ- ation in Mexico, and bring evil upon our countrymen there, by continuing to thrust his meddlesomeness into the tan- gle of Mexican politics? The intimation in the telegrams that "President Wilson feels that the time has come when he may well investigate the purposes inspiring those in arms against the Huerta government," and the suggestion that this will be followed by negotiations with Gov. Carranza, is so utterly and outrageously absurd that it is difficult to comment upon it in lan- guage fit to be used concerning the President of the United States. It needs no "investigation" to ascertain "the pur- poses of those in arms against the Huerta Government." From Carranza down to the lowest unbreeched, drunken soldado in his army their purposes are robbery, rapine and murder. For Presi- dent VVilson to recognize or hold com- munication with these bandits would be an unspeakable folly, and would invite depredations upon .\merican property and life which the Huerta Govern- ment has to a great extent thus far suc- ceeded in checking. From the meager and conflicting ac- counts which have come over the wires, the assumption of dictatorial powers by Huerta, and the arrest of Congressmen who were arranging to sell valuable concessions to British capitalists, was warranted by the exigencies of the situ- ation. Whether so or not, it was not the business of President Wilson to sit in judgment upon the acts of President Huerta. President Huerta is a brave soldier who has succeeded in preserving the government of the republic of Mexico from utter destruction, American prop- erty from seizure, and many Americans from torture and death. In doing this he has not been helped by the United States, but has been hindered by the strange and unwarranted action of President Wilson, who. in defiance of the laws and usages of nations, not only refused to recognize him as President de facto, but with immeasurable impu- dence demanded that he should not be a candidate for President at the com- ing election. President Hucrta is the only man in Mexico who has exhibited the disposi- tion and the ability to suppress the dis- orders there in the only way they can be suppressed — by the strong hand. It is the opinion of those most familiar with the situation that if President Wil- son had performed his plain duty and followed the example of all the powers of Europe by recognizing Huerta as provisional President months ago, Huerta would by this time have crushed the bandits and restored peace and order to distracted Mexico. The blood of Americans who have been murdered by Carranza's bandits cries out from the ground against Woodrow Wilson, whose egotism and whose folly contributed to their taking off. Those who think that anything Presi- dent Wilson may do or leave undone will cause Huerta to sway to the right or the left do not know the old warrior. Somehow, somewhere he has obtained the money to keep an army in the field, and he will remain the ruler of Mexico unless and until the voters of the repub- lic shall set another man in his place. His bold, outspoken, timely utterances, as reported in an Associated Press dis- patch published in ''The Times" of yes- terdaj', show the poise, courage and rug- ged patriotism of this veteran Mexican soldier, who is more nearly a Porfirio Diaz in times of sore trial than any man of his now distracted country. — Los An- geles "Times." "NOT OUR BUSINESS." The "\cw York Evening Post," in its powerful desire to approve of everything done at Washington in these democratic days, has said a good many mushy and muddy things, first and last, about Gen- eral Huerta and his government in Mex- ico. But last Monday it momentarily got down to hardpan and said this: — Yesterday's so-called Mexican elections give no promise of real relief. Even if there had been anything like a Constitu- tional vote in the states taking part, half the territory of the republic would not abide by the result. But while this gov- ernment is waiting, it is of the highest importance to have it in mind what we are waiting for. It is not for the emer- gence of a morally impeccable President of Mexico. It is not our business to teach Mexicans morals or even self-gov- ernment, e.xcept as we may be able to do so indirectly by example. All that we can ask is a settled government in Mexico, capable of uniting the country and of discharging all international obli- gations. To demand more — and even this minimum is, unhappily, not in sight — would be both futile and dangerous. Yet President Wilson and the fantastic Bryan are demanding this identical "fu- tile and dangerous" thing. They are using the power of the United States as a kind of school-master's ferule "to teach Mexicans morals." and to give instruction to that neighboring and independent country in the art of "self-government." Not having been able thus far to make their teachings effective, but only to stimulate sedition and promote rapine in Mexico, with a good deal of slaughter of innocent Mexicans thrown in as a side line, tliey now plan, according to the shifty Bryan, to form a European coali- tion against the only responsible or vis- ible government that Mexico has. Just how this proposed European coali- tion could convey instruction to the Mex- icans in morals, but it would at least serve the purpose of securing time for the Carranza and Madero bandit groups 'to rob and burn and murder for a while longer. Europe may be persuaded to wait for all this — although Mr. Bryan is the poorest authority for what the old- fashioned trained statesman of Europe will do that we know of. But when Eu- rope finds out, in the phrase of the "Post," what they are "waiting for," then this bubble of teaching morality and self- government to a foreign independent na- tion will burst over there, just as it al- ready has collapsed here as a proper or safe method of promoting peace and good-will between adjoining and inde- pendent countries. — Hartford (Conn.) "Daily Courant." NARROW SHOULDERS. The truth is that Dr. Wilson has taken too much upon his narrow shoul- ders. His policy of negation and sus- picion — and, not being Sir Lionel Car- den, we will add, ignorancc^ — -in regard to Mexico, has already caused an in- creasing disruption of order in that friendly and independent State, and has cost hundreds of Mexican lives. He may call this morality or what he pleases; but neither the law of nations nor good customs give him any right, as President of the United States, to take a line with a neighboring and con- cededly backward country whereby sedi- tion and rebellion, war and rapine, are actually encouraged and promoted as against the best and only existing pub- lic authority that that country has been or is able to produce. Let President Wilson reserve all his fancied morality for this country, which is strong enough and hopeful enough to stand it, and leave our weak and inferior and struggling neighbors in peace. A change of this sort on his part would combine expedi- ency with sound morality, and this is a very happy combination, even if it does sometimes add material security to the satisfactions of conscience. — Hartford (Conn.) "Courant." MORE BLUNDERING IN MEXICAN RELATIONS. Amateur diplomacy at Washington and the Democratic Administration's long series of blun- ders in dealing with the Mexican crisis have brought about a result foreseen and foretold by well-informed observers from the first. The other Powers, which in other I^atin-American crises have relied with entire security upon the United States to protect the interests of all for- eigners as well as its own citizens, have taken matters into their own hands. A German warship is already in the harbor of Vera Cruz and another is under orders to join her in Mexican waters. France has detailed a cruiser to the same duty. And now the British Government, by curtly telling us that it entirely approves of the course of its anti-American Min- ister at Mexico City, makes it clear that London too finds the Democratic Administration at Wash- ington unable to perform those duties in Latin- America which all other Administrations have ex- ercised to the entire satisfaction of everybody interested. If the other Powers do not choose to co- operate with us in Mexico that is their affair. Such concern as will be felt in the United States over the latest developments as regards Mexican affairs is purely domestic. The humiliating fea- ture of our position is that the Democratic Ad- ministration has shown itself hopelessly unable to deal effectively with this situation and that as a result our prestige as the one great American Power has been seriously impaired and the re- spect of other nations temporarily forfeited. — Philadelphia "Press." MEXICO Saturday, November 8, 1913 PUBLIC OPINION -Continued PERSONAL SPITE. Sir Lionel Garden, the British Min- ister to Mexico, with the double author- ity of personal investigation and official position, says: "I am not sure that Washington understands the serious problem that Mexico is facing. Strictly speaking there is no revolution in Mex- ico, for revolution means an armed pro- test against present conditions, is in- spired by political ideas and possesses some sort of organization, with recog- nized leaders. Mexico, on the contrarj', is suflfering from social unrest, which re- sults in outbreaks in this and that part of the countrj', without any particular connection or anj' fixed political aim. Punitive methods must go hand in hand with remedial measures. It seems ridic- ulous to me that the selection of a strong man and a statesman is expected to come from such an election as it will be possible to hold under existing con- ditions." Sir Lionel speaks diplomatic- ally, but the position assumed by Presi- dent Wilson — "No Huerta! Anybody but Huerta!" is as ridiculous to every- body else as it is to Sir Lionel. There is only one obstacle to the immediate pacification of Mexico, and that is the stubborn, obstinate, perverse self-suffi- ciency of President Wilson, who refuses to acknowledge himself in the wrong, though he has been put right a thousand times. For whatever may happen in Mexico he will be solely responsible, and if the American, English, German, French and Japanese residents are sub- jected to heavy losses, and bring suits against the United States, our own Su- preme Court will have to decide that we must pay them, because of the Wilson bitter prejudice against Huerta. There- fore I urge Congress to take Mexican aflFairs out of the hands of Mr. Wilson. We shall never have peace while he meddles and muddles. If we are to have war, let us have it now, before all the other Powers are leagued against us. It will be cheaper than paj'ing damages for Mr. Wilson's personal spite against President Huerta, who has done won- ders and will quiet his country if Mr. Wilson will let him alone. — "Town Top-~ ics." MR. WILSON'S OPPORTUNITY. A reason why there is no force of public opin- ion in Mexico is that there is no public opinion in Me-xico. That elemental fact once grasped, intelligence which is without prejudice will be better able to understand the difficulties of the abler men in Mexican affairs who bear the bur- den of official responsibility in such a country. In the polling on Sunday, for the choice of a president, the election appears to have gone by default through a failure to open polls in a majority of the voting precincts. In precincts where polls were open, the vote was less than would be polled in any ward in any American city at a special election for alderman. In the City of Mexico, the capital of the country, where Mexican public opinion can be assumed to be moi-e active than elsewhere, less than 5,000 of 80,000 voters voted. There is no charge of intimi- dation or obstruction. In fact, this sort of thing is not exceptional. Madero, hailed as the suc- cessful candidate of a ' people said to be strug- gling to redeem themselves from oppression, had a total of less than 20,000 votes. Huerta was elected pT-ovisional president of Mexico by the practically unanimous voice of Congress voting under Mexican constitutional forms. He was chosen in conformity with the strict letter of the Mexican law, and only because (a fact of which it is now time to speak freely) a canvass of the Congress had shown it impos- sible to elect Felix Diaz, then an avowed candi- date for the presidency, -and against whom, politi- cally if not personally, many elements of opposi-. tion had been aroused, for that reason. Huerta assumed office reluctantly, a fact which, to those conversant with it, has served as offset to the immense amount of blatherskiting and rhodo- montade we have since been compelled to hear. Jumpers at conclusions jumped at once to the one that his provisional presidency was to be but an interregnum between two reigns of the Diaz family, and that the military, and other forces of his administration, were to be used for the elec- tion and seating of Felix Diaz. Their disappoint- ment has not been their confounding. On finding the Huerta administration not more friendly to a Diaz candidacy than to any other, they have at- tributed the fact to Huerta's fear of Diaz's elec- tion and the defeat of his plan to have nobody elected. * * * We may, of course, refuse to recognize, diplo- matically, the government they ordain. Our ma- terial interests will suffer from such a policy, but we agree with Mr. Wilson's statement made at Mobile that material interests are not the high- est. Higher than anything else are the rights of man, among which is that of the Mexican to govern himself in his own way. That has been our traditional policy in protecting the Latin- American republics, and it is one from which we should not depart. — St. Louis "Globe-Demo- WILSON RESPONSIBLE. All who are conversant with the facts of the political situation in Mexico and have intelligently followed the momentous developments of the last months, which are culminating in one of the gravest, if not the gravest, crisis which Mexico has had to face, cannot fail to place a large meas- ure of responsibility for it all on the mistaken policy of President Wilson. The consequence of this policy have been dis- astrous not only to the hopes and aspirations of a people who are bravely struggling for the salvation of their country, but also to the prestige of the United States in Latin-America. In Mexico Pres- ident Wilson's policy of non-recognition, besides the incidental moral support which it has given to the rebels, has also made it impossible for the Mexican government to obtain the urgently needed foreign loan and so has prevented the Government from being able to carry out its pledge to end the revolution and to establish peaceful conditions. President Wilson has also made the mistake of trying to impose upon Mexico the standards of elections in this country, an impossible thing, which can only come through the development and the education of the lower orders. * • * There is no intimation whatever which can ration- ally be interpreted as an investiture of the United States with the right of interference with the domestic affairs of any of the independent nations in this hemisphere, whose liberties and whose in- dependence are as dear and as sacred to them as are its liberties and independence to the United States.— T. M. P. C. in Philadelphia "Public Led- ger." REFUSAL NO POLICY. Affairs in Mexico are placing upon President Wilson and Secretary Bryan a responsil)ility that neither is fitted to meet cither by training or by tempera- ment. That they both realize this fact is evident from their having shirked the responsibility until forced b}' the repre- sentations of foreign governments to take some definite stand in the matter. Under the circumstances they can hardly be blamed for having delayed as long as possible in the hope that somehow or other there might be a turn for the bet- ter in the situation. The Lind mission, obviously destined to failure from the start, at least served its purpose in quiet- ing for the time being the friendly powers who have shown every disposi- tion to accept our leadership if we will only really lead. Now for a second time the Administration is forced by foreign pressure to perform the duty imposed upon it by the Monroe Doctrine and de- cide upon some definite policy. Mere re- fusal to recognize Huerta is not such a policy. The idealistic declarations of the President in recent addresses do not con- stitute such a policy. It is to be hoped that the promised statement now in course of preparation may at last meet existing conditions squarely, as continued delay is likely to prove dangerous — Bridgeport (Conn.) "Daily Standard." WAR MUST BE AVOIDED. A representative of the "Press" called on Rabbi J. Leonard Levy this morning to request an interview on the subject of Me.xico from the viewpoint of the Peace Party in the United States. The rabbi is the founder of the local move- ment for international peace and is a prominent figure in the world of ^e peacemakers, being the vice-president of the Universal Peace Union and a mem- ber of the executive committee of the Pennsylvania Peace and Arbitration So- city. "Do you not believe that war with Mexico is unavoidable?" asked the "Press" reporter. "Not only do I think that it is avoidable," said the divine, "but I think that it must be avoided at all costs. Nothing has happened in Mexico to warrant any interference in her affairs by our nation; that is to say armed interference. The Mexican peo- ple are quite able to look after them- selves without the advice of the LTnited States, and certainly without the sug- gestions of a bloodthirsty character em- anating from the realms of financiers of a brutally selfish order or from vast landowners who are citizens of the United States who wish to involve a whose nation in cruel war for the pro- tection of their private interests."- — Pittsburgh "Press." MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS. .Another point will occur as important : The President says we shall not seek any further ter- ritory by conquest. This does not mean that an armed invasion of Mexico would not result even- tually in annexation. Intent is one thing, but the outcome and consequences of an act may be very different.. One 'may suggest an intervention solely in the interest of freedom and morality, and with a view to an early restoration of power to the Mexican people, but any such possibility must be surveyed with grave concern. To sub- due Mexico and erect a governmental structure that would endure independently of props main- tained by the L^nited States, is far easier said tlian done. Excellent as is the tone and diction of the Mobile speech, it should blind no American to the untold cost and dangers of any such excur- sion, however lofty its purpose. Whether we re- gard ourselves in the light of an evangel among our Southern neighbors, or as an international policeman, we cannot afford to divest ourselves rashly of that virtue regarded by President Wash- ington as cardinal with us, that represented by the happy art of minding our own business. — Springfield (Mass.) "Union." Saturday, November 8, 1913 MEXICO LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. We have received an interesting con- fidential letter from a noted peace advo- cate, who has asked us to withhold his name. He says that he has been inter- ester in our argument favoring recogni- tion of the Huerta Government as the one course to bring about peace in Mex- ico and prevent war with Mexico. He questions whether such recognition will be granted and then goes on to say: Beyond all doubt the Administration desires peace, but it must bring joy to the jingo press to note the unmistakable drift of events in the opposite direction. However, there are news- papers, such as the New York "Post," which (although this particular paper is partial to the business interests) are sincere advocates of peace. If such papers could be made to see the drift of events, no doubt they would be willing to devote space to setting forth a just recital of the news. For example, the elections held Sun- day in Mexico passed off in most orderly manner. There was an entire absence of lawlessness, or rioting, or bloodshed. Due credit should be given for this, and if presented properly, it would influence public sentiment. The press almost universally refers to the situ- ation as "the crisis in Mexico." This is to me an entirely erroneous point of view. Small rebel- lions have existed for three years. No crisis exists. It is unreasonable to expect that order throughout the country may be established im- mediately or on short notice. The passions that have been aroused must run their course like a fever. This point presented properly should allay the excitement that is beginning to manifest itself on the part of the American public, and would gain time, which is what our southern neighbor needs, in which to work out her problems. The idea, advanced by some of the newspapers, of sending so-called legation guards to Mexico should also be placed in its true light. To me, a student of the character of the Mexican people, their pride will not brook the landing of even one armed foreigner on Mexican soil. Such an attempt would mean war, and I find it difficult to believe that any intelligent newspaper could advance such a proposition otherwise than mal- iciously. Certainly if it does not show malice, it shows unpardonable ignorance. Let those who wish for war, advocate the sending of legation guards, for it is a certain and a speedy way to bring it on. Another fetish of the press is that the Huerta Government is tottering. How long may a gov- ernment continue to totter, and still exercise such control as was shown during the elections of Sunday? The false claim of the rebels that they had taken Monterrey was published in large headlines by the cosmopolitan newspapers, the denial from authentic sources was published in small type on the inside page. 1 fail to see how the capture and looting of this important city by the bandits of the north would fit in with America's desire for peace with Mexico and for peace in Mexico. 1913 AMERICAN 1914 CANE=SUGAR BUREAU MUNSEY BUILDING WASHINGTON. D. C. We invite correspondence from all who are professionally interested in the cane-sugar industry.— Wra. L. Bass, Mgr. The Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: I just read a copy of your weekly, MEXICO, and was very gladly surprised to find truth and justice in every one of its articles. In three years personal experience in the U. S., I have found out how little U. S. people in gen- eral know about Mexican affairs, and how ut- terly they are misled on this particular point by most of their leaders, such as newspaper editors, public speakers, writers, moving-picture man- agers, etc. I just came back from my vacation trip to Guadalajara, Mex., and can assure you that the feeling of all the good, sensible Mexicans agree with your words. I can not help congratulating you for your "square dealing" with Mexican affairs and con- ditions. It assures me once more than the U. S. people are not to be blamed for what they judge and feel about Mexico, because if they were only told the bare truth in a fair way, they would un- doubtedly display the principle of justice which they have so deeply rooted in their hearts. I am enclosing $1.00, price of the subscription for six months. Sincerely, JOSE AGUILAR FIGUEROA, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis. The Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: That the Carrancistas are really in favQr of intervention there is not much doubt. They disguise their desire for direct aid from the United States by saying that they are only seeking recognition of belligerent rights, or at least so says Manuel Perez Romero. (Mr. Ro- mero is the brother-in-law of the late Francisco Madero and in addition to fraudulent credentials as Congressman was favored by a railway con- cession and several other snaps.) But in international law the recognition of the belligerency of an insurgent signifies a sort of tacit support, a directly hostile act toward the government against which the insurrection is di- rected, so that what the Carrancistas are asking for, is that the United States commit an act of hostility against Mexico, which country would then have no other dignified course to pursue other than breaking off all relations with Wash- ington. In support of this contention, it will be remem- bered that the United States was careful about recognizing the belligerency of the Cubans against Spain, even though they eventually went to war with that country. The Republic of Col- umbia, even after six years, is not satisfied for the injustice of the recognition of the handful of rebels who improvised the Republic of Panama and mutilated the integrity of Columbian terri- tory, and so Mexico could not consider the recog- nition of any of the revolutionary leaders except in the light of an openly hostile act. WANTED— Bright young Mexi- can who speaks English, with $5,000. Will pay salary of $40.00 a week and give interest in a business that should net him $10,000 yearly. Will stand close investigation. Answer by letter only. W. J. D., 1476 Broad- way, N. y. City, Room 410. The Carrancistas do not hesitate in favoring in- tervention, with the hope that the United States, ,-.fter a long and costly war, will deliver the gov- ernment of the country over to Carranza, rein- stall Earnest Madero and the rest of the family in positions of trust, etc. Thus Carranza and the new Madero party seek to enter the city of Mexico in triumph, even though they are pre- ceded by foreign soldiers. But President Wilson has refused to recognize General Huerta because his government sprung from an act of violence, and supposing for a moment that the Carranza rebellion should finally triumph, could Mr. Wilson consistently recognize the ensuing government which would also em- enate from violence? Truly an embarassing posi- tion for the President of the United States. C. METUSA. Baltimore, Md. Do you think Mexico is going to the bow-wows ? Well, think again. Mexico is all right and there is a lot of business done there. We have a fine transfer business for sale. Making money right along, revolu- tions or no revolutions. If you are interested write to us. We will give you all the particulars and you will be surprised. Address MEXICO, 15 Broad St., New York City THE MAROON CUSHIONED ARCH SPRING SUPPORT. The ilk tration is of a wonderful device that will fort and relief to the thousands of people suffering from To tho who have "foot trouble fallen arches, flat feet, etc., fht Marcon Cushioned Arch Spring Support' is an iijsolute necessity. It is the scientific product of experts, who have devoted he invention c corrective of "foot troubles." Send us a postal card at once for a detailed descrip- tion of th- Marcon Cushioned Arch Spring Support. It means immediate relief for those who are suffering from rny sort of foot weakness. Address Tht Marcon Mfg. Co., Inc., Brooklyn, N. Y. MAILING LISTS of any bnsiuess in the world. Be wise, Mr. Business Man, and Circularize every man or firm with whom you can do business through the mails. We have everybody's name and ad- dress in the world, classified according to business, trade or profession. Send for rates UNITED STATES MAILING LISTS COMPANY 1206 Broadway, New York $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturday, November 8, 1913 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'llalloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buy_ers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York "A RUN ON THE BANK." The words send a shiver of dread through every banker. He realizes the tremendous pov*'er of ignorance and panic. The strongest institution in the world is at the mercy of these forces. It is a crime to bring them to life. It is a greater crime to use them purposely, through a spirit of revenge, to destroy an institution that is solvent. The man who starts a "run on a bank" to de- stroy a banker is worse than a mur- derer. Mexico, a country of tremendous wealth and resources, is inherently sol- vent. True, internal dissensions have embarrassed her .but the Washington Administration has taken advantage of this condition to start a "run on the bank," to destroy an individual it does not like, in reality to destroy a neigh- boring nation. We have said that a man who deliber- ately starts a run on a bank is worse than a murderer. He is diabolical. Draw your own conclusion as to what the civilized world may think of a Washington Administration which docs the same thing. The more one delves into the words, the motives and the actions of the men who are shaping the Administration's Mexican policy the more hypocritically impossible they appear. LIBERTY OR LICENSE? We would like to ask our idealistic autocrats in Washington if they have •been or are in sympathy with the I. W. \V., with syndicalism, with the rioters of Lawrence and Paterson, N. J., with dy- namiters of the McNamara stamp, with llic gangsters of New York, with the negroes who ravish in the South, the bad men of the _West, the yeggmen of the East, the Black Hand and the Mafia? All these organizations, move- ments and men seek the kind of lib- erty that the Adminisration yearns to see in Mexico, and by the same violent methods. Fortunately for the United States, the hand of the law is strong and the great mass of the people are law-abiding, blessed with more peaceful history and traditions than the unfortunate people of Mexico. It is comparatively easy to hold the violent outbreaks here in check and scattered. But were circumstances different, were conditions such as they are in Mexico, would the Administration attempt to deal with them by "moral suasion"? We wonder what President Wilson would do if he were ruler of Mexico to-day. If he had the nerve he would rule by force to put down vio- lence and disorder, and with peace re- stored, seek to get at the root of the evil. Precisely what President Huerta purposes to do. Precisely what Presi- dent Wilson will have to do at the sac- rifice of thousands of American lives and millions, possibly billions of dollars, if he follows his present intolerant, an- tagonistic attitude toward the govern- ment of Mexico. LEST WE FORGET. "Get rid of Huerta." * * » The Administration's "policy" in the last analysis. * * * A personal policy. * * * Which may lead to the death of thou- sands of American young men. * * * Because two Mexicans, Madero and Suarez, were killed. * * * Were they worth one American life? * * * Peace has been delayed by this "pol- icy." * * * Hundreds of lives and millions in property have paid for this "policy." * * * Is that morality, expediency, or just plain hypocrisy? "Be sure you're right — then go ahead" has been translated into "Go ahead and then try to convince yourself you are right." If Huerta is "eliminated" what then? * * * Chaos, anarchy and United States in- tervention. Which means WAR. * * » So it's war or Huerta, one way or the other. * ♦ * A war of Personal Grudge and Grouch. Our foreign friends and enemies could wish us no worse luck. * * » Japan, for instance — quick to take ad- vantage. England and Germany, whose pres- tige in Latin America would increase as Latin-America fear of us proved justi- fied. There are also some embarrassing matters in reference to the Panama Ca- nal that would be pressed for settlement. A nice kettle of trouble for a peace- ful nation. All because — * * * Have you anything against Huerta? Have you any feeling that Mexico should not govern herself? Have you any quarrel with the Mexi- can people? * * * Then why war? * * * Because certain Big Interests want it and an amateurish Administration has played into their hands. Talking morality. Dreaming dreams. Acting vindictively. And committing 100,000,000 people. THREE OF A KIND. "My dear!" and "My gracious!" the rev- erend cried. "They threw out Madero and were glad when he died — "And turned down me oil friends," he added aside. Three heads drooped in sorrow, ex- pressed or implied, Of Wilson and Bryan and Hale. "They tell me that Huerta drinks brandy and such, "And not only that but awfully much. "I cannot abide the demon rum's clutch" — The Commoner spoke in tones that would touch Wilson and Bryan and Hale. "Never, no, never, will I clasp the fist "Of one whom no Y. M. C. A. would enlist. "I'll slap him as hard as I can on the wrist. "Good night, my dear friends, the class is dismissed" — Wilson to Bryan and Hale. Those newspapers in this country which profess to be profoundly shocked at Mexican elections as held Sunday be- fore last may do well to reflect that both under Diaz and under Madero there wire many deputies who had never been in the districts they were supposed to irprescnt in Congress and some of them did not even know where their districts were. uci- 10 iyi3 MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly. — Oriental Proverb VOL. I— No. 13 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1913. FIVE CENTS Anybody under the delusion that the Administration's Mexican policy is supported by a united press and people, should read the expressions of public opinion we publish this week. — The Editor. THE CRIME OF ARMING BANDITS Most amazing of the latest develop- ments in the so-called "Mexican situa- tion" is the pressure brought to bear on President Wilson in favor of his lifting the embargo on arms for the Mexican rebels and the open advocacy of such a course by some editors and public men. Not less amazing is the fact that the opposition to lifting the embargo has been based in most cases on considera- tions of a material character and not on consideration of the moral principle in- volved in the proposed course. It must be conceded, however, that two influen- tial New York newspapers, the "Evening Mail" and the "Sun"- — particularly the former — have strongly opposed the lift- ing of the embargo, on moral principles. It is also most gratifying to notice that President Wilson, despite reports to the contrary, has until now resisted all attempts to induce him to let arms and ammunition enter into Mexico freely Nevertheless in many newspapers a compaign — by whom inspired we know not — is being conducted to force the President to change his mind. That lifting the embargo on arms and ammunition for the rebels would be a crime against humanity and civilization and would be neither moral nor expe- dient we can easily demonstrate. Only persons unacquainted with conditions as they exist in Me.xico — or those beyond the pale of civilization — could fail to realize the strength of our contention. Let us leave aside for the moment the argument advanced against the proposed measure by military men: namely, that those arms and munitions of war might eventually be used by the Mexicans against .\mericans. Let us consider the lack of morality and expediency in the proposed course, viewed in the light of social and political conditions in Me.xico. MORALITY. It is sufficient to have even a slight knowledge and understanding of events as they have occurred since the fall of Porfirio Diaz to realize fully the moral principles involved in allowing rebels and bandits to receive arms freely from this country. We did not intend to touch upon these events because they are too revolting even to be mentioned under ordinary circumstances, but since efforts are being made by part of the press and even by some of our Democratic statesmen to create a sentiment favorable to letting the so-called rebels get arms and ammu- nition freely in this country we find it absolutely necessary to relate a few of the incidents even though this is repug- nant to us. The Covadonga incident, which has been forgotten until a few days ago when the news came that after nearly three years justice had finally been meted out to the guilty persons, is typical of many others that have occurred since. At Covadonga a band of Maderist rebels attacked a factory and, after kill- ing many of the workmen and assault- ing several of the working-girls, reached the apartment of a German foreman. They found him with his wife in his bed-room, tied him up at the foot of the bed, with his face toward the bed, and more than twenty rebels surrounded by their laughing and jeering fellows assaulted the wife before the eyes of the powerless husband. Then they killed her and with diabol- ical glee they outraged even the corpse with other bestial indignities. The husband saw it all until they killed him. too. The capture of Sombrerete was wit- nessed by a reporter of one of the Mex- ico City newspapers, who had joined the rebels in order to get his news first hand- This is what the reporter saw: A band of a hundred rebels entered the house of a well-to-do inhabitant. They demanded money and he gave them all he had. They helped themselves, besides, to all objects of any value that were around. The wife and daughter — a young girl about fifteen years old — were taken to one of the bed-rooms and {ilthough the}' had both fainted they were outraged by more than thirty rebels while the husband and father — gagged — was held and forced to look on by their companions. The reporter protested and entreated the drunken men to stop the horror. He was threatened and forced to keep quiet. One of the assaulting rebels finally discovered that the wife was dead. The horror stopped when the husband had been killed. The daughter was left there in a comatose condition. The reporter made his way out of the town and returned to Mex- ico City. Instances like these have been fre- quent. Not scores but hundreds of girls, some of them belonging to good fam- ilies, have been outraged in this man- ner. Often the rebels belonging to bands after living for several weeks in the woods refuse to continue in the ranks unless women are provided for them. The leader will then approach an unprotected village and send a messen- ger to the men of the village to send all their women irrespective of age to their camp- The messenger serves notice that if the order is not complied with immediately the village will be razed to the ground and all the men killed. W^henever the men of the village at- tempt resistance the threat is carried out. In some cases no resistance is even attempted and all the women irrespective of age are sent to the rebel camp. Some of the women are sent back after they have served the purpose, others are carried away into the moun- tains. This may sound exaggerated but it is not. In fact, it is impossible for us to describe completely the hor- rors to which peaceful Mexicans have been subjected by bands of self-styled rebels. We do not mention here in detail the work of pillage and looting perpetrated daily by these men be- cause much has been published in the daily press about this. We wish, how- ever, to call again attention to the fact that besides Mexicans themselves many (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, November 15, 1913 THE CRIME OF ARMING BANDITS-Continued Americans and other foreigners have been victims of this work and that to allow the rebels to buy freely arms and ammunition in this country would be giving them further means to destroy the lives and property of those Ameri- cans and foreigners left in Mexico, to say nothing, of course, of the lives and property of peaceful Mexicans. The numerous bands of brigands op- erating in the northern states under the name of rebels, the very men responsi- ble for the outrages mentioned, would benefit bj' the lifting of the embargo. Those men would be encouraged by this country to continue their infamous work. A recrudescence of loot and ra- pine would be the immediate conse- quence of the order. If there were no other proof of the terror which those bandits under the ■ name of rebels have spread through- out Mexico, the fact that tue Federals are hailed wherever they go and helped by the citizens of the attacked towns would be sufficient proof. In the recent defense of Monterrey and Chihuahua the Federal forces were most effectively supported by citizens of those cities, who were defending not only their property but the honor of their families. The women showed their gratitude to the Federal forces by furnishing them food, lending assistance in the hospitals and showering the vic- torious soldiers with flowers. Now, we wish to ask the Senators and the editors who have advocated the giving of arms to the rebels to put themselves in the place of these peace- ful Mexicans. We ask them to think of their wives and daughters, to imag- ine them in the place of the unfortu- nate Mexican wives and daughters, and then if they still advocate the giv- ing of arms to the rebels, well, we shall have little more to say. But we do not believe that in this enlightened country, that prides itself on being foremost in the progress of civilization, there are many persons that after investigating the conditions as they actually exist in Mexico, can view ■with complacency the giving of arms to bandits and monsters who call them- selves rebels. That a few men who, even though perfectly aware of the mentioned condi- tions, recommend this crime against civil- ization is only one more indication that even in the most civilized communities there are those whose selfish interests are the dominant factor in their actions. The blot upon Mexico for the exist- ence of savage outlaws capable of the deeds we have described is perhaps no greater than that upon the people of this country for the existence of men who consciously wish to arm and en- courage those savages. That .ijross ignorance and ignorance alone is responsible for the attitude of certain Senators and Congressmen who favor so inhuman and criminal a course must be the fervent hope of the people whom they represent. We do not say that all the rebels and all their leaders are capal)lc of perper- trating the horrors outlined here but we do affirm that those leaders who claim to be fighting for a principle must rely for their success on the cooperation of the bandits that are daily committing these crimes- And jthe leaders know it. Carranza is not sincere when he says that all leaders are under his orders and would afford protection to the lives and property and honor of foreigners and nationals alike. Besides, Carranza states that such protection will be given to allMe.vico, we shall make disappear once forever that loathsome monster: the Federal Army." An army of ninety thousand men with five thousand officers, cannot be made to disappear. Besides being part of the army, the irregular corps are formed by forces (as those under Orozco) that were rebel forces against Madero and upon the as- sumption of power by the Maderists they would again become rebels. There is another factor never consid- ered in this country and that is the an- tagonism existing between the northern men and those from the central and southern parts of Mexico. The Centre and the South will never submit to a Government composed exclusively of northern men as the Government of Carranza and allies would be. But the strongest reason why it would not be expedient to facilitate the as- sumption of power by a rebel leader lies in the fact that a rebel leader cannot make a successful Government head, un- less he be an exceptional man like Por- firio Diaz. A successful destroyer is seldom a successful constructor. And a revolu- tionary leader cannot re-establish peace and govern successfully because he can- not surround himself when in power by the men who can assist him on the road to success. This also is self-evident and was very clearly demonstrated during the Madero Administration. In order to start a revolution and bring it to a successful finish a leader must use all and any elements that he may have at hand. These elements are usually the worst in the country, be- cause the best elements of the Mexican population do not take part in revolu- tions. Bandit leaders, fugitives from justice, and ne'er-do-wells are the main supporters of a revolutionary leader, especially at the incipiency of the revo- lution. .A.nd the leader who is successful owes his success to these men more than any one else who may have joined him later. Each of these early friends considers himself as the one who most contributed to the chief's triumph and seldom does he think that the compensation he re- ceives is adequate to '"he service ren- dered. When in power the revolutionary leader must take care of his friends- If he does not they immediate!}' start an- other revolution against him. those foreigners or nationals who do not and will not give any support to the Huerta Government. This in other words means that the great majority of people in Mexico and almost all for- eigners will be without protection what- ever should Carranza and his forces have the upper hand. It is. indeed, inconceivable that the men who constitute the Legislative and the Executive power of this country should adopt a course which would leave an indelible stain upon the fair name of the American people. We cannot but feel that a man of such high moral principles as President Wil- son, wrong as we think him in his policy of non-recognition, will continue to re- sist the pressure brought to bear upon him to lift the embargo on arms. Great responsibility rests already upon the Administration for having failed to recognize the only Government in Mexico that could guarantee protec- tion to life, honor and property. Non-recognition has meant moral en- couragement to elements of lawlessness in Mexico. How could the Administra- tion assume the greater responsibility of materially encouraging, nay, supporting those elements? EXPEDIENCY. To every one familiar with Mexican political and social conditions the as- sertion that helping the rebels to gain power by force of arms would be inex- pedient is self-evident. The statement made by rebel leaders that if victorious they would re-estab- lish peace within one or two months is ridiculous on the face of it. In the first place, in so far as any popular support they may have from certain classes of Mexicans is concerned, the rebels would be completely weak- ened in their struggle by the spreading knowledge that they were being helped by this country. Because behind each rebel the people of Mexico would see a Yankee. .\r\A the Federal forces would find ready help from the people themselves, even more so than they find at present. The fight would be more furious and bloody than ever and the outcome would be favorable to the Federal Government- Supposing, but not admitting for a moment, that the rebels should win, what then? The rebels become Federals would not be able to control the numer- ous bands of free-lances and bandits now operating throughout the North. By free-lances we mean tlie Magonistas. who are as much opposed to the Car- ranza forces as they are to the Federals because they consider Carranza, Pes- quiera. Maytorena and other leaders as much their oppressors as the men con- stituting the Central Government. The Magonistas are communists whose fight is waged against all property-holders. What could the now rebel leaders do with the present Federal army? They might be able to defeat it temporarily, but they could not destroy it. And the army would never submit to the gov- ernment of men who vanquished them. No government in Mexico can last without the support of the army. This was demonstrated by the fall of Madero and many times in Mexican history before Madero. Do you think for a moment that the army would submit to the pres- ent rebels, one of whose leaders — .\lvaro Obregon — in a recent manifesto ad- dressed to the people of Sonora de- clared that, "Even though we shall have to roll in a wave of blood our 'dear' Really, if there is any Administration policy, it is one designed to help Huerta. We are forcing him to stick by insist- ing that he get out. * * * The Administration tried to influence the recent elections by appealing to the loyalty of the voters. * * * Continued misunderstanding with Mex- ico might be used the same way at the next Congressional elections. * * * Dangerous politics that! Criminal. * ♦ * But what are Mexican lives and Amer- ican property to our moral opportunists? * * * The people are getting sick of the whole business already. Saturday, November 15, 1913 MEXICO NO INCONSISTENCY. Informal comment on Huerla's statement, however, emphasized that, while the election* of the President and Vice-President were to Le declared null and void, Huerta intenjcd 1o consider the election of Congress valid. By the Washington Government that is regarded as an inconsistency of which foreign nations miist take cognizance, and the impression pre- vailed that the repudiation of all acts of the new Congress would be forthcoming by the United States. If the Washington Government really regards it inconsistent that the Presiden- tial elections should be declared null and void and those of Congressmen valid, then it manifests once more that ignor- ance of Mexican laws and conditions which has been responsible for so many blunders. The Mexican Constitution provides that a presidential candidate, irrespec- tive of the number of candidates in the field, must receive at least a majority of the total votes in order to be duly elected. In the recent election votes were cast for five different persons, including General Huerta, who was not a candi- date. The latter seems to have received the largest vote and it is therefore probable that no one of the others re- ceived sufficient votes to constitute an absolute majority of the total votes cast. In that case the elections must be declared null and void. But this condition does not affect in the least the status of the Congressmen and Sen- ators, who are elected by districts. Even though many districts under rebel con- trol may have failed to send in re- turns there is no doubt that returns were received from the majority of dis- tricts in the .Republic. This because the number of congressional districts is based on the number of population and more than five-sixths of the entire population of Mexico lives in the dis- tricts under Federal control. Each district having the right to elect one Congressman and one substitute, and each State two Senators, there is no legal reason why according to Mexi- can laws there should not have been elected a Congress representing at least five-sixths of the entire Mexican popu- lation. In other words, a perfectly legal Congress can have been elected even if the elections for President and Vice- President should have proved void. It may be added here that in case no one candidate has received a majority of the Presidential vote. Congress has the power of either choosing a Presi- dent, selecting from the two candidates who have received the largest vote, or declaring the election void and calling for a new one. In tjiis case, as one of the men receiving the largest vote is General Huerta — who is excluded by the Con- stitution — it is probable that Congress will call for new elections. Say, gentle reader, between you, me and the Washington Monument, that man Huerta certainly is a grand totterer! If we are to believe all the Mexican pa- triots, including Sherby Hopkins and Munsey, he has been tottering for eight inonths and it looks as if he would con- tinue to totter for a powerful long time yet! * * * Huerta must disappear and with him all his supporters. Fiat! The exodus of the Israelites from Egypt will pale into insignificance, but where are the Mexicans to find a new Palestine? * * * Official Washington wants to know the exact strength and length of the insur- rectionary movement against Huerta — says the "World." Of course the proper source of infor- mation is Carranza. He will give official Washington all the reliable data, as he gave it to the "World." As to his moral standing and purposes, ex-reverend Hale will report on that. The latter is the person best qualified to re- port on the moral status and moral as- piration of the rebels. No one could un- derstand morality as well as William Bayard Hale. Ardmore, Pa., can vouch for that. * * * The EI Paso Liar was bafifled but not daunted last week. El Pasograms have had to make rooin for Washygrams of late, l)Ut it looks as if El Pasograms will come into their own again. Too bad, though, that "General" Villa chose to go south after being defeated at Chihuahua. If he had gone north the El Paso Liar could have made a little more money by starting all over again the series of attacks on Juarez liy that greatest of all patriots, Pancho Villa. His proposed attacks on Juarez fur- nished copy for three months last sum- mer, from June until September, and there is no reason whj' the same should not happen again during the winter. The EI Paso Liar, however, scored an inning in the New York "American" re- cently when he ascribed to Villa the fac- ulty of ubiquity, for according to the cheerful El Paso history-recorder Villa led an attack on Monterrey and on Chi- huahua on the same day. * * * Whenever a Mexican newspaper ap- proves an act of the Huerta Government it is qualified in the Ainerican press as a "Governinent newspaper." Whenever it criticizes the Government it is qualified as an "independent newspaper." Thus "El Pais" was referred to as a Government newspaper and an independ- ent newspaper several times during the last few days. * * * The Venezuelan Constitution still lies buried in her grave, where she was laid by President Gomez, but not a voice of protest has been raised by the Constitu- tion-lovers of this country. And the Washington Administration maintains the most friendly intercourse with Dic- tator Gomez. Is it because .A.sphalt cannot be frozen? * ♦ * The Chinese President has proclaimed himself dictator after dismissing about three hundred opposition members of Congress. That same Congress which had elected him under the moral suasion of his detectives who surrounded them while their votes were being cast. The Washington Administration accorded full recognition to the Chinese "President." Evidently the Administration's enthu- siasm for the Constitution of other na- tions does not reach beyond Mexico City. * * * Our delightful, cheerful, history-re- corders — the ponderous scribes — prate lightly of seizing the Mexican Custom Houses and of blockading the Mexican Ports just to make it clear to President Huerta that he must gracefully submit to the requests of the Washington Admin- istration. As if those would not be acts of vvar! But then our cheerful history-recorders take their cue from .Alfalfa Bill. And it looks as if .Alfalfa Diplomacy was to be the latest Brvan-.'\merican fashion. Shh ! Shh 1 the Administration has a Mexican policy! What? No, I am not going on. You have not read the New York "Evening Post," that's all. Not worth three cents, you say? Well, may be, but you don't know what you miss, I tell you the "Post" has discovered the Mexican pol- icy. It is the "glacial movement," other- wise the "freeze out." likewise the "icy stare." Yes, sir, this movement — like that of the Grand Pacific Glacier is to con- tinue its slow but inexorable course. A third Pole is to be added to this dis- mal globe of ours, the Mexican Pole, and Dr. Cook is getting ready to discover it. * * * Switzerland is donning her mourning garb. She will not be "in it" for the icy stare slowly but inexorably — just like fate — is to convert the tropical jungles and the mesas of Mexico into rising gla- ciers and the Midnight Sun will frown upon the land of the Aztecs. Good night! The "Post" says so. MEXICO Saturdav, Xovcmbcr 15, 1913 COURTING WAR The Washington Administration, for reasons best known to itself, refuses to recognize the government of President Hucrta, refuses to recognize any govern- ment established by the recent elections or any elections conducted under the Huerta Government, refuses lo recog- nize as President of Mexico any man who might be considered an ally, follower or friend of President Huerta. Whatever may be said of the arbitrary aspect of this policy, it is strictly within President Wilson's rights. But he goes even farther in his intol- erance of anything and anybody con- nected with the present Government of Mexico. He demands that President Huerta and his official family and "un- official coterie" eliminate themselves en- tirely from Mexican political life. This he has no right to do. In making this demand he leaves no alternative for the Mexican president ex- cept refusal. To enforce this demand means war. Did President Wilson think for an instant that President Huerta would yield on a point that involves the national sovereignty and integrity of Mexico? If he had yielded he would be a traitor to his countrj-, and Mexico as a nation would no longer exist. It would become a dependency of the United States and of the financial interests of this country. He would be surrendering the liberty of the Mexican people, their right to govern themselves in their own way, without outside interference or dic- tation. The demand of President Wilson is so stupendous a piece of arrogance and so opposed to all principles of international fair dealing that it could not possibly have been made except on the principle that might makes right. In the last an- alysis it is an act of open hostility and war. The people of the United States are going to ask the question with increasing insistence: "Why war?" and they are going to demand an answer that will sat- isfy them. If the answer is that Presi- dent Huerta is personally obnoxious to President Wilson and Secretary Bryan — that is not going to satisfy. If the an- swer is that by taking advice £rom some persons and refusing information from others, the Administration has been led into a situation that could have been avoided — that is not going to satisfy. If the answer is that certain American fi- nancial interests want control of Mexico — that is not going to satisfy. If the answer is that this country wants to grab Mexico, or as much of it as possible — that is not going to satisfy. And all the glittering verbiage' about constitutional liberty, democratic ideals, etc., is not go- ing to satisfy' a people who will have to pay a tremendous price for helping to work out impractical theories. President Wilson in his Swarthmore speech said that he would like to believe that "nowhere can any government en- dure which is stained by blood or sup- ported by anything but the consent of the governed." That is all very well, an admirable sentiment. But if President W^ilson, either by American invasion or the open support of the Northern rebels, imposes a government on Mexico more to his liking than the present, will it not be stained by blood? Every person loving peace does sin- cerely want to believe the President's words, but it is terribly disconcerting to find his course of action and threatened courses of action so out of harmony with his expressions. It may be that the warlike reports and analyses of domi- neering Presidential purposes that come by the ream from Washington emanate from sources that do not truly represent the President's point of view or inten- tions. It may be that they are given out and circulated by interests and instru- ments who are really enemies of the President's ideals. It may be that they are designed for purely political pur- poses. In any of these cases, would it not seem that to clear up a complicated and dangerous situation the President should deny that he is actuated by the motives and ideas that are ascribed to him? Deny also that he is attempting to interfere in the affairs of Mexico? State if he will that he does not intend to recognize any gov- ernment in Mexico that does not suit him, but that beyond that point he can not and will not go. That he does not consider that he has any right to meddle in Mexico's politics. That he does not intend to sacrifice American lives to enforce his personal wislies or work out his theories. That he does not intend to arm rebels and bandits to turn Mex- ico into a shambles. That he, himself, cannot be forced to do something he does not want to do, but that on the other hand he will not try to force his personal will on a weaker though sov- ereign and independent nation. The world would understand him then and an end would be put to the rumors and reports from Washington that are designed to inflame the passions of the people of the United States and insult and goad the Government of Mexico. There is peril in permitting the circula- tion of reports that are not consistent v/ith the President's announced ideals. The impression is growing that the Ad- ministration, without committing itself to any definite stand, is letting the press, by methods that are not strictly unques- tionable, fight the Administration's bat- tle. When it is a matter of a possible international war, this is too much power to place in the hands of those to whom, LET US KEEP OUT. Nine persons out of ten declare they do not want this country to get mixed up in the Mexican mess and then at least five of them will add: "But even- tually it will be necessary for us to go down there and clean things up and es- tablish order just as we did in Cuba." The constant repetition of this in newspapers, speeches and conversations is creating the possibility of one of the greatest perils that ever confronted this Government. It is doing more to lead to intervention than any logic or any group of influences. It is preparing the public mind to be ready for something that is not right. Those w-ho are guilty do not realize their error. Intervention in Mexico is comparable to no experience that this country has ever known. Mexico is so much larger than Cuba, the difficulties are so much more complicated and the whole problem is so much vaster that there can be no approximation between the two tasks. It would cost tens of thousands of lives, hundreds of millions of dollars and be a sad page in the na- tion's history. It must not be done. The careless speaking of intervention needs to be corrected. It is not a new folly. A generation ago people were saying that eventually we must take all the West Indies. At another time there was a widespread demand that we go beyond the St. Lawrence and absorb Canada. Much was said about "manifest destiny" and all that sort of thing. But the fevers passed. So also should the idea that because Mexico has internal troubles we should hazard our happiness by interfering. Let us keep out. — Phila- delphia "Public Ledger." naturally, the "storj'" and the sensational features are the first considerations. Moreover, no matter how patriotic their intentions, they have not the strict re- sponsibility and accountabilit}^ to the people of the country to which the offi- cials of the Government are sworn. There has been too much small-poli- tician shiftiness about this whole Mex- ican matter from the very beginning of the Wilson Administration. First, too much- secrecy as to the Administration's purposes and sources of information, and then when something had to be said to satisfy the impatience of the world, that something couched in flowery phrases and followed by actions inconsistent therewith. And in the newspapers too much of speculation and rumors that for months have been ascribed to high officials of the Administration and sub- sequently shown to be unfounded and untrue, but always suggesting that the Administration's wish has been father to the thought. There has been something subterranean about the whole Mexican policy of this Administration. The light must be turned into the dark places be- fore many days. Saturday, November 15, 1913 MEXICO MORALITY. Some newspaper has stated that the Administration, in dealing with Mexico, is sacrificing expediency to morality. We contend that the Administration is sacrificing expediency and moralitj' both — in fact, morality more than ex- pediency. If certain interests ar ik-, ■ ■ terial benefits from the A . ,<\'- li policy — or hope to derive i m i '.hich would be a result of expediency — no moral benefit is derived by any one from that policy. It is the immorality of the policy which will weigli against this country in the judgment of the world. Be- cause of the determination to bring about the elimination of one man a whole people is made to suffer. Because of the belief that the Mexi- can Government is stained with the blood of one man, the blood of thou- sands of other men — most of them inno- cent and none of them responsible as that man for Mexico's ills — is made to flow. Because of the belief that the Mexi- can Government was responsible for the killing of one man — a political criminal if ever there was one — brigandage is encouraged — more: actually propped — and as a consequence thousands of Americans and other foreigners have lost their property and some their lives. Morality? Great Scott! Is it moral to contemplate with indifference the mas- sacre of your neighbors? Is it moral to suggest that further means be given to these neighbors to destroy one another more rapidly, to increase the flow of blood in your neighbor's home on the plea that you are horrified at the killing of one man? Morality! LEST WE FORGET GOING UP! According to the bordergrams pub- lished in the New York newspapers in the last two weeks the rebel army is growing by leaps and bounds. A few days ago the "World" published a state- ment by Carranza saying that the rebel forces numbered eiglity thousand men. Immediately the "Herald's" correspond- ent in Nogales, piqued by the "World's" scoop, telegraphed to his paper that the rebels had a total of one hundred thou- sand men under arms. Then the "Times" correspondent learned of this and, not to be outdone, went the "Her- ald" a few better. On November I2th, he telegraphed his paper a detailed state- ment of rebel forces in the various Mex- ican States — the statement was compiled in Nogales — the result being that the "Times" very seriously — the "Times" is always serious, even when it cracks a few jokes — stated: "Rebels have 136,000." By the time this number of MEXICO reaches our readers some other corre- spondent will have had the better of the "Times" and the rebel army will be fig- ured close to two hundred thousand. Washington is much concerned now about giving Huerta a chance to "save i-.is face." Tha* may be the Washington idea of accomplishment. But Huerta wants to save his country. He doesn't think so much of his face as others of theirs. For why — we don't know. Everybody who opposes the Adminis- tration is a crook, a lobbyist, a conces- sionaire, a Wall Street wolf or an icthyo- saurus. * * * There can be no honest difference of opinion. * * * All honesty, all opinion, all virtue, all wisdom, all morality are centered in the Administration. * * ♦ Mrs. John Lind thinks that an army of Protestant missionaries could pacify Mexico. * * * So does Secretary Daniels' paper, the Raleigh (N. C.) "News and Observer." * * * We warrant you that the ex-reverend Hale does, too. Also the peace-faker, Rev. Dr. Tupper, who misrepresents the Peace Forum by making the barbarous suggestion that rebels and bandits should be given more arms. * * ♦ That fellow Tupper knows just as lit- tle about Mexico as — as — the whole Ad- ministration. It is so tragic for Mexico that one can not laugh. * * * But it is laughable to see a blind man leading with so much cocksureness. * * * So self-complacent, self-satisfied, smug- ly pleased with himself before God and man. * * ♦ While a nation suffers, hundreds are killed, women and girls outraged, crime and outlawry encouraged. * * * Moral suasion! Bah! It's a crime against civilization. * * * The Ambassadorship to Russia and the Meddleship in Mexico have the same odor. * * » • The odor of bland hypocrisy and shifty politics. * * * Pindell was to get $17,500 for a year of Continental gayety. What is William Bayard Hale getting for gathering "literary" material? * * * Secretary Bryan announced that he needed money. The New York "World" offered him $8,000 a year but he did not accept. There are some sources from which he would not accept even provi- sion for his old age. Who is the Senator "Ham" Lewis in the Mexican Meddleship? * * * Bryan is going to "starve Huerta out." He's a man of peace. * * * He wants the bankers to refuse Huerta money. * * * What influence has Bryan with the bankers? * * * What influence have they with him? * * * Wrecking Huerta means wrecking Mexico. * * * But we are her sincere friends! Yes. The policy strongly smacks of megalo- mania. Most railroad wrecks happen on single tracks. * * * Switches are very useful, also block- signals. The Administration seems to have none of either. * * ♦ Schoolroom psychology: If you give in once the pupils have your number. * » * But nations have your number when you show you have the schoolroom psy- chology. * * ♦ Anyhow, did you ever know a boy who loved that kind of teacher? Chorus of World Powers: "With all due respect, what is your policy, Mr. Bryan?" * ♦ « Bryan: H. M. G. x M. A. M. * * » And what does the algebraic formula signify? * * * Huerta must go by malicious animal magnetism. » » * Chorus: Help! * * » After Huerta goes — what? * * * Wait a minute till I consult the ex- reverend Hale. MEXICO Saturday, November 15, 1913 The Truth From A Fighting Man Washington, Nov. 9. — Major Cassius E. Gillette, an ex-officer of the United States Army who has lived in Mexico many years, resumed his attack on the Administration to-day for its present policy in Mexico. Major Gillette recently joined twenty- one other Americans who have large in- terests in Mexico in signmg a communi- cation, addressed to the President, pro- testing against the present Mexican poli- cy of this Government. The Major's new statements are sharper than any made by him before and report revolting conditions in many Mexican cities. He said among other things, referring to the so-called Con- stitutionalists: " 'The forces' that have been in abso- lute control in Durango for many months consist of four bands. The largest is in command of a man who has been a cattle thief for years, his name being used by nurses to scare children with. He can neither read nor write. Major Tells of Excesses. "The second is a common farmhand peon, ignorant and a savage. The two others, I believe, can read and write. Barring Americans whom they have somewhat respected and a few of the better class of Mexicans who got away, practically every woman and girl over ten years of age within 125 miles of Durango has been outraged by the 'patriots.' "A man came to an American in charge of a large business in that sec- tion and asked if the doctor could come and see his two girls, 12 and 14 years old. They had been carried off by the 'Constitutionalists,' outraged for about two weeks and then left in the wilds, eighty miles from home, to find their waj' back as best they could. "Do you suppose that one of those brutes is interested in a constitution or would have the slightest comprehension of the word or cares a continental about it in any event? "I was told by a cultured and refined American woman just from Durango that if a rap came at the front door of any house and it were not instantly opened a bomb blew it open. One Englishman got there just as the bomb opened the door, taking off his legs. "She said the American women mis- sionaries there were chased around the patio by drunken savages at the points of bayonets and forced to cry 'Viva >Ia- derol' as they ran.-- Quotes Senator Bacon. "These are the people whom our Con- gress proposes to help get arms. The President alone holds out against it. Only the other day Senator Bacon of Georgia, chairman of the Senate Com- mittee on Foreign Relations, told the President that only their personal con- sideration for President Wilson kept the Senate from passing a resolution au- thorizing the free salf of arms to the Carranzistas. "A few .weeks ago Carranza came to Durango to consult his 'followers.' He called a meeting — only one man attended and Carranza left at once for Hermo- sillo, 300 miles away over the moun- tains. "If Carranza were made President to- morow he would have exactly the same problem Huerta now has against 90 per cent, of the same 'patriots.' "Carranza is now forming a 'Cabinet' for its avowed effect upon the United States. We seem to be easy to fool. "The situation in Mexico to-day is strikingly similar to what it was in the Islrmd of Hayti when owned by the French, but the savages of Mexico are a far more bloodthirsty race than those of Hayti. Their ancestral altars flowed with human blood like rivers. "Wait and see what happens in the next year if our Government helps arm 'the poor patriots,' who are struggling so hard against the demon Huerta, making 'cannon of axles,' as one of our sympa- thetic Congressmen puts it, and who are incidentally destroying every mine (Ma- dero's included, with its $1,000,000 worth of equipment, &c.), every bridge, every railroad and outraging every child they can reach. "The Hayti horrors were brought on by equally high grade philanthropy. The Wilberforce Society got the blacks freed, armed and the island put in charge of negro Generals. This is the only case in history where enslaved sav- ages got control of the country and of their former masters. Does our phil- anthropic Government want to make Me.xico the second? Gives Another Illustration. "Suppose for another illustration that the South and the North were separate countries; that the South had 11,500,000 of negroes equal in character to the lower half, of the present black race, against 3,000,000 whites, and they had been started on the warpath by a mil- lionaire criminal or fool; that they had one-third of the country under their control and were destroying everything that stood in the way of making an .\frican jungle of the country. "I wonder how Senator Bacon would feel if the North should propose to let the negroes get free arms; especially if the conditions in the South were such that no white man could have any hope of handling it unless he laid himself open to being called a 'dictator,' 'assas- sin,' a 'traitor' and a few of the other gentle terms that have been so liberally applied to Gen. Huerta and — crowning blunder of them all — were given as a reason for arming the blacks. "The Congress that pledged its sup- port to Huerta September 16 was dis- solved October 10 by him. This Con- gress was elected at Madero's election, or rather selected by him. Many of them are willing to take the chance of sacrificing their country by 'turning the tigers loose' to gain political power, thinking perhaps they could control them later on. Madero's Death. "There are at least six versions of Madero's lynching. I have carefully can- vassed the whole subject ana established certain facts in the matter and I believe the following the most probable story: "The subject was debated in councils of the provisional Government. All agreed that his death was necessary to prevent riots, plots, assassinations and heavy loss of life. That he could be le- gally tried, convicted and shot was ob- vious, but a trial would inflame his fol- lower half of the present black race, ages, who are always ready for demon- strations and destructive loot, resulting possibly in hundreds of thousands of deaths. "Gen. Huerta was in favor of his be- ing kept a prisoner, but some one else gave the order to the governor of the palace to deliver Madero and Pino Suarez to a guard to be taken to the penitentiary. He did so and they were taken in two automobiles out of the palace. They were shot by the guards, who then 'shot up' the automobile and brought back the story of the atempted escape which was given out. "Gen. Huerta is in precisely the posi- tion of many Southern Governors whose friends have been engaged in justifiable l}-nchings. The subsequent investigation is generally not very zealously pursued. "Had the undersigned been in Gen. Huerta's place he would have given Ma- dero a prompt trial by a drumhead court-martial and had him shot in public thirty minutes after the verdict had been rendered, believing that by so doing he would be pursuing absolutely the only course possible to prevent a vast amount of bloodshed." "The undersigned begs all red blooded .A.mericans when they read of future sim- ilar outrages in our Southern neighbor to attribute them not to Mexico, luit to the savages that are destroying Mexico. "And he begs that all who read and believe this will write the President or Congressmen of their opinion. In this behalf the writer begs to identify him- self as the engineer ofRcer who exposed the Carter-Greene-Gaynor frauds in Sa- vannah and the McNicnol-Durham frauds in Philadelphia." Saturday, November 15. 1913 MEXICO A Challenge to Lind To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: As my job depends on the conceal- ment of my identity, I have had to use a nom- deplumc. Yet I would be willing to lose my job if Mr. Lind would take up my challenge. And eight years' residence in bandit-infested Du- rango gives me the right to talk and a sincere love for Mexico and Mexicans prompts the hail- ing phrase. If you care to publish my letter, please feel free to do so. Sincerely [Name and address withheld by request, but if Mr. Lind wants to accept the writer's challenge we shall be pleased to inform him as to the chal- lenger. — Editor's Note.] THE LETTER. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: How do you think pos- terity will judge the actions of our mis- guided President and his satellite, the Secretary of State, when the pitiless limelight of sound analytical reasoning is turned upon the events of the past week — as far as the relations between the United States and Mexican Governments are concerned? What a tremendous revelation will be given of the degree to which the diplomatic usages of cen- turies can be overturned by the bungling of men essentially politicians. How the diplomats of Europe must be amused at each new evidence of "Grand Stand Dip- lomacy." I had thought the United States a free country. Yet I see a club held over the country's press, because in no other way can the absolute lack of fair dealing to- wards Huerta be explained. News- paper men are fair-minded when given free rein, and yet hardly a paper pub- lishes the Huerta side of the case. The British government is accused of aiding the cause of Lord Cowdray, but it is not intimated that tlie insistence with which Wilson and Bryan harp on the elimina- tion of Huerta is due to orders dictated by the Rockefeller interests. Yet Sir Edward Grey has no international repu- tation as a party man, nor is his fame based on his political acumen. Has Bryan any other grounds upon which to base his claim to eminence? Is it not known that Standard Oil preferred Wil- son to Roosevelt? And does not the pitiful exposure of the proposed deal in Russian Ambassadors show that the present Administration intends to reward its helpers? And to assist in paying off political obligations this country is to be plunged in war. Seas of blood spilled, billions of dollars squandered, and the prestige of the United States for fair dealing and honesty in its international relationships forever destroyed. It is maddening to those of us who have been in the thick of the fight in Mexico, to see the trend of events. By what argument President Wilson can justify his callous, cold-blooded refusal to listen to those of us who have suf- fered, yea and bled, passes our compre- hension. What possible knowledge can "Confidential Agent Lind" have of con- ditions in Mexico? He has never been farther than from Vera Cruz to the cap- ital. Can it be that he is afraid to enter the really revolutionary States? Is he unwilling to trust himself to the tender mercies of Pancho Villa, Zapata or Con- treras? I can readily see the wisdom dis- played in not taking chances. It would be the height of folly to risk insult or injury at the hands of the men the United States government i.-^ meditating recog- nizing. Now, Mr. Lind, here is a proposition for you. Drop your title of "Confiden- tial Agent" and go with me to Durango, to Torreon, to Chihuahua, as plain Amer- icans. No frills, no flurries. We'll take our chances together to pay our own ex- penses, and after such a journey, when you have been able to judge for yourself, at first hand, I will abide by your deci- sion and O. K. any report you may make to the Government. Are you game, Mr. Lind? Will you risk it with mc? We'll be in the same boat 'Y nos tocara' la inisma suerte." Then make your report and every criticism would be stilled. It would be some itinerary, Mr. Lind, and no lack of excitement, and who knows, if we emerge scot-free, you may have a year's term as Ambassador to Russia. If we escape scot-free! You may have my name and bona-fides on application to the editor of MEXICO. Yours sincerely, PEACE IN MEXICO. The forward-looking men are looking forward to the finish. * * * When the crash comes — oh, what a fall 'twill be! The Pindell letter! The Mexican muddle! Then Ajax defying the lightning of public opinion. * * ^ It would be an interesting experiment if the President of Mexico and the Pres- ident of the United States would ex- change positions for a few weeks. * ♦ * •Some one would learn something. » * * They are describing the Administra- tion's policy now as a "glacial move- ment." My gracious, but it's cold! JUST AN INCIDENT. Scene — Dining saloon of the "Morro Castle" first day out from Vera Cruz, distinguished by the presence aboard of Mrs. John Lind, wife of President Wil- son's personal envoy to Mexico. Mrs. Lind seated at the Captain's table with other .'Vmericans, among them a charm- ing stately matron who had lost none of her Americanism through many years' residence in Mexico. Much chatter of the relations between United States and Mexico and what the outcome might be. Charming matron listens smilingly to general expressions of opinion. Mrs. Lind does not seem to relish drift of remarks. Charming matron speaks and all instinctively pause to hear her opin- ion. "One thing," she said, "on which we all agree, and which every foreigner in Mexico appreciates, is that President Huerta is a remarkable man and if he were not handicapped by our folks at Washington, for what reason I fail to see, he would have Mexico in peace to- day." Mr.s. Lind rises abrutly from her seat beside the Captain and, looking angrily at the speaker, says: "I will not have you say anything like that on this boat." Seats herself with an air of finality. Charining Matron (very sweetly): "I shall not only say what 1 think and be- lieve on this boat, but on any other boat, and anywhere or whenever I feel like it." Curtain. .Applause. Seventeen million Catholics in this country will be extremely gratified to learn the opinions entertained by Mrs. Lind and obviously reflecting those of her husband, John Lind, of Minnesota, the personal envoy to Mexico of Presi- dent Wilson. Mrs. Lind did not even make an attempt to keep her opinions covered by a cloak of discretion, while in Mexico and on the boat from Vera Cruz to New York. She not only as- cribed all the troubles of Mexico to the Catholic Church, but went as far as to state that she would rather know that all Mexicans were atheists than to know they were Catholics. The easiest man in the world to use is the man with unyielding convictions. Situations can be twisted to appeal to his convictions — and there you are. The rebel junta in Washington knows this. So does Senator Bacon, William Bayard Hale, and a few others. » * * We wish the country could look into the mind of John Bassett Moore, Coun- selor of the State Department, authority on international law. It would reveal many interesting sidelights on the Ad- ministration's "diplomacy." He knows. But international law is one thing while small politics and perverse ego- tism are something else again, Mawruss. MEXICO Saturday, November 15, 1913 MEXICO AND FRANCE The -Intervention" of Napoleon III, in Setting Up the Ill-Fated Maxi- mihan Empire. When Xapoleon III formulated the great "conception of his reign," to place the Archduke Maximilian on the throne of a Mexican empire, the mercenary in- centive was the prospective wealth that it was anticipated would flow from the French colonization and development of the great resources of the new nation. A secondary object, but one of greater im- portance to the United States, was the desire of France to aid the Latin races in ■checking the spread of Anglo-Saxon ideas and customs in the western hemi- sphere and through the encouragement of a friendly power in America to balance the growing strength of England in the Far East. With such thoughts germi- nating in his mind it is easy to conceive how eagerly the Emperor of France grasped at the financial obligations of the Mexican Government to furnish the cause of dispute, to aid the apparent coal- ition of England, Spain and France and to take advantage of the momentary oc- cupation of the United States in its Civil War, which apparently afforded oppor- tunity for breaking down the barriers of the Monroe Doctrine. But this dreamer of empires, who aimed to live up to the imperial reputation of "The Napoleon," beginning with the Mexican disaster was to see the gradual decline of his own power until its final extinguishment. The march of the French from Vera Cruz to the capital city was not accom- plished speedily or without resistance, and the French found Mexico a hard land to pacify, a difficult land to con- quer and a country impossible of subju- gation. Their march to the capital and their journey over a road that is now traversed in less than ten hours by rail, occupied sixteen months and the small armed force that was first sent on the expedition was successively increased until five years later nearly fifty thou- sand men were kept in the field three thousand miles from their home country. As is the reported condition of the Mex- icans of to-day, the French found them ttndrillcd and poorly commanded, but ca- pable of putting up a strong resistance where the proper officers were in charge. Thus it was at Puebla that the sons of the "conquerors of Europe" received a severe repulse when on the 5th of May, 1862, the famous "Cinco de Mayo" that the patriotic Latin-American names a street after, that the Mexicans hurled hack the French advance with the sac- rifice of one-fifth of the foreign invaders. Compelled to await reinforcements, the French were at the mercy of the many diseases of war, together with the dread- ed yellow fever, until ten months later, when Puebla was again besieged by twenty-five thousand men after two months of stubborn and sanguinary re- sistance the Mexicans were forced to withdraw and surrender the town. From then on the march to the capital was comparatively easy despite the diffi- culty of bringing foreign troops from the marshy lowlands near Vera Cruz, infested with malaria and yellow fever, through mountain passes, to the high al- titude of the capital where malaria was to be met this time in conjunction with pneumonia. Disease played its part, as it has in every war and, as usual, aided the defenders. Mexico had been "conquer- ed" and the way paved for Maximilian who, confident in the belief that the peo- ple of the country had signified their ar- dent desire for his reign, hastened with high hope to the new land. Sara Yorke Stevenson, speaking of the entrance of Maximilian and the beautiful Carlotta to the City of Mexico, has said: "Never had such a sight been seen since the days of the Aztecs * * * Triumphal arches of verdure, draped with flags and patriotic devices were raised along the principal avenues leading to the Plaza Mayor and to the palace. As far as the eye could reach the festively decked windows, the streets and the flat roofs of the houses were crowded with people eager to catch a glimse of the new sovereigns." And radiant in their enthusiastic youth, Car- lotta being but twenty-four and Maximil- ian thirty-two years of age, they proba- bly well imagined that they were the peo- ple's choice instead of but the fulfilment of the schemes of mercenary planners. The three years following the entrance of Maximilian and his accession to the throne were strenuous years for the army of occupation. The French found that the possession of the capital city alone did not give them the reputed prowess throughout the country that would stifle any attempt at rebellion, but they were compelled to watch Jaurez establish an- other seat of government, to fight Diaz and his associates, to meet the incessant attacks of the guerillas. In addition the dispatches that reached the ears of Paris to the effect that Mexico was peaceful, from time to time, there would leak out the story of such events as the attack upon the Belgian envoys, who had come as a special embassy to the Empress to inform her of the accession of her brother, Leopold II, to the throne of Belgium, and were severely attacked by highwaymen, one of the party being killed and four wounded. On all sides there was constant warfare and the ne- cessity of meeting fire with fire. There were tales of burning villages, as, for example, when General Casiagny wiped out by fire the village of San Sebastian, a town of four thousand inhabitants. There were tales of kidnapping, rapine and plunder by guerilla bands, all cal- culated to make the French dissatisfied with their task. ' In the south, in Oaxaca, an active and aggressive campaign was being waged by Diaz. For three week-s he was besieged by Marshal Bazaine, the French Com- mander-in-chief of the Army of Mexico, and finally forced to surrender. Diaz es- caped from his captors, however, and in a short time had retaken Oaxaca, and begun to lead the French a merry chase, while at every opportunity he inflicted injury on their army. Five years of this constant and continued warfare cost the French enormous sums of money and thousands of lives. And it was this sac- rifice of blood and money that caused the Chamber of Deputies to cry out for the withdrawal of the French troops, to leave Maximilian to work out his own destiny. In the Convention of Miramar, as the agreement between Napoleon III.- and Maxmilian is known, it was stipu- lated that the French forces should not be reduced below twenty thousand until 1867, and that thereafter the Foreign Le- gion should remain in Mexico for six years. Up to July, 1864, the expenses of the expedition were fixed at $54,000,000, for which Maximilian was compelled to obligate his unborn government, and from that date the Mexican Government was to pay a thousand francs a year per man for the maintenance of the army of occupation. These obligations were be- yond the power of the feeble government to pay and although successive Ministers of Finance were sent over by Napoleon III. to find a way out of the financial tangle, the Mexican intervention proved a disastrous political, social and financial experiment. Accordingly, when the United States relieved from the struggles of the Civil War, applied pressure and demanded the abandonment by the French of this attempt at colonial expan- sion, the troops were withdrawn, and, standing alone on his own merits, Maxi- milian soon met his tragic fate. -Philadel- phia "Evening Bulletin." LACK OF SYMPATHY. This is an enlightened age. We are a highly civilized people, a generous, good-hearted people. This being true, is it not remarkable that we have not even offered material help to the suffering people of Mexico? .\s the result of three years of social unrest and turbu- lence the poor of Mexico, and they are unfortunately many, have known the pangs of hunger and undergone terrible privations. Has any American philan- thropist of charitable organization, in a spirit of sympathy and common human- ity, even suggested the sending of relief supplies to Mexican non-combatant suf- ferers? Has any American newspaper sought by popular subscription to enlist aid "for the poor people of Mexico? Of course they have not asked for charity, for the Mexican is proud. It is more than possible that a proffer of assistance would be refused under any circumstan- ces. But is it not a reflection on our finer instincts that the matter of Ameri- can assistance has seemingly not even been thought of? We tell Mexicans we are their friends. But can you blame Mexicans for feeling in their hearts that we have shown none of the natural im- pulses of true friendship? Saturday, November 15, 1913 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East West and All Angles. MR. WILSON'S MEXICAN POLICY OF SECRECY AND DRIFT. What does President Wilson expect to accomplish by the policy on which he is plainly risking a bloody and cost- ly war with Mexico? Suppose that the despotic Mexican president should yield to the theory of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bryan that he must retire from office? Will wholesale murder and brigandage and the spirit of wanton revolution cease under a president forced upon Me.xico by the United States? The whole history of the Mexican people, even before the conquest by Cortes and all through the three hun- dred years of cruel Spanish domination and the si.xty years of tumults, carnage and treasons that followed the separa- tion from Spain and preceded the gener- ation of peace under the iron rule of Porfirio Diaz, is an answer to the opal- escent dream of real democratic and constitutional government in Mexico. .A.re the brutal bandits who have been looting cities, towns and villages and murdering and torturing prisoners un- der the Carranzas and Zapatas more likely to govern the unhappy republic according to high moral standards than the stern president who now occupies Chapultepec castle, and who, at least, has made a sturdy and partly successful effort, in spite of the continued hostility of the Wilson Administration, to restore order and protect life and property? The brief, futile and disastrous admin- istration of the weak and sentimental Madero, who also called himself a "con- stitutionalist," should be an effective warning to all who indulge in the vain hope of a Me.xico governed according to Anglo-Saxon principles. .A.nd if President Huerta should refuse to retire from power? If the new Mex- ican Congress should declare the recent election null and void, and proceed, un- der the Mexican constitution, to elect Huerta to the presidency? What then? Will the United States become the ally of the bandit forces of the "constitu- tionalists" and turn Mexico into a gen- eral and interminable scene of slaughter and destruction, or will we resort to armed intervention, punish Huerta for the murder of Madero at the cost of the blood of thousands of the best and brav- est young men of our country, and in- vite the peril of national and interna- tional complications which no man can now foresee? Are we willing to pour out our blood and treasure, to darken our homes and further impoverish our people for the sake of a theory of government that we think the Mexicans should live up to? Thus far President Wilson has shroud- ed his present plans and policies in ab- solute mystery. He has refused to take the American people into his confidence. He has disregarded the official re- ports of our national representatives in Mexico, and has dealt with the situation through purely personal agents, carefully guarding from the public any adequate knowledge of what is going on behind the locked doors of his secretive admin- istration. But with a considerable American army assembling on the Mexican fron- tier, with heavy American naval squad- rons concentrating on the Mexican coast, the time has come when the peo- ple of the United States are entitled to know how far Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bry- an propose to go in reforming the in- ternal affairs of the Mexican people and setting up .'American moral and political standards for their guidance and gov- ernment. We must now deal with the facts as they are, rather than with moral gen- eralizations. We are face to face with the Mexico of real life instead of the Mexico imagined in comfortable Ameri- can libraries and studies. The ugly, brutal realities of condi- tions in that country will not change simply because we do not like them. In considering the horrible spectacle of wide-spread rapine and misery in Mexico to-day, it is well to remember that while theories of government are important, there must be actual govern- ment of some kind. The American government has made itself largely responsible in the eyes of the civilized world for the continuance of the appalling situation in Mexico, and the Wilson-Bryan policy of theory, se- crecy and drift seems to have made matters even worse than ever. X'g one familiar with Mexican history and character can have any doubt that if Huerta should resign it will be only a year or two at most belore another armed dictator will take his place in Mexico City. The dead centuries bear witness to the inescapable and unvarying fact that the Me.xican millions respect strength more than liberty, and that they will overwhelmingly and enthusiastically turn away from free, democratic Gov- ernment to support and obey a military master. Is it President Wilson's idea that the United States should permanently un- dertake responsibility for the govern- ment of such a people? — New York "Evening Mail." TREADWAY CRITICIZES WILSON. (Special to The New York "Times.) Stockbridge, Mass., Nov. lo.— Con- gressman Allen T. Treadway, Republi- can, of the First Massachusetts District, this afternoon criticized President Wil- son's Mexican policy in an interview, in which he said: "I feel that President Wilson has been extremely insistent with those in author- ity in Mexico that they should adopt his views and opinions. I fail to understand by what right our Government can insist upon who should be in control of the af- fairs of another nation. We, as Ameri- cans, would, I am sure, resent being told by a foreign power that any man could or could not be President; and, while we agree that the Mexicans have not so high a degree of intelligent citizenship as our people, it would seem that they should be allowed to select their own officials. "I can hardly conceive any provocation which can justify open hostility with Mexico. I realize many of our citizens have large investments within its boun- daries, which should either be protected or receive some form of recompense. If protection is impossible without war, let us as a nation liberally recompense these citizens for any loss they may sustain." DECRIES INTERFERENCE IN MEXICAN AFFAIRS. (By Mexican Cable to the N. Y. "Herald.") Buenos Ayres, Friday.— "La Prensa," editori- ally commenting on the Mexican situation, says it is convinced that Theodore Roosevelt disap- proves of the Wilson policy, because neither he nor Mr. Taft attempted to interfere in the domes- tic affairs of the Latin American countries. "The international conflict has become a mere electoral problem," the paper says, "and turns about the candidacy of Huerta. Interference by the LInited States is not justified by international law nor by the Monroe Doctrine, and the matter is aggravated by the participation of the Euro- pean Powers. Mexico is going through difficul- ties similar to those experienced by other coun- tries now flourishing. Mexico twice won inde- pendence. Why not give her credit and let her settle her own affairs without foreign tutorship, which, perhaps, fosters anarchy?" That the Mexican policy of the Wil- son Administration was being closely watched by all Latin-.\merican countries and had caused a recrudescence of a feel- ing of mistrust and antagonism has been repeatedly asserted by this periodical. The foregoing from one of the most in- fluential newspapers in the Southern Continent is another proof of our asser- tion. It must be considered that "La Prensa" is one of the most enthusiastic advocates of a close friendship between the Latin-.A.merican countries and the United States. The unwarranted inter- ference in the domestic affairs of a Latin- .A.merican State cannot but cause an ad- verse sentiment in all Latin-American people and redound to the detriment of our friendly relations with those people. MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION-Continued Saturdav, November 15, 1913 AN INTERNATIONAL PUZZLE It is a fair question, then, and a rather important one, as to what authority President Wilson thinks to himself that he has for his demand, presented in the Mexican capital last Sunday, that the de facto head of the Mexican Government get out and disappear, and take all his ofKcial associates and friends with him. Let us assume for a moment that President Wilson designs, if and when General Huerta catches up his grip and vamooses, to place Venustiano Carranza in charge of the e.xecutive business of Mexico. This Carranza has worked him- self to a front place among those who have opposed the de facto Mexican Gov- ernment. He claims, we believe, to have physical control in one Mexican state, and he has adherents, temporary or otherwise, in other states of that countrj'. His men have plundered wherever they could, have burned or blown up with dynamite a good deal of private and public property, and have killed in cold blood a goodly number of those unfortunate Mexicans who have fallen into their hands and power as prisoners. As an effective instrument in the hands of President Wilson for givmg to the Mexican people an orderly and settled Government this Venustiano Carranza stands on a lower level than General Huerta, who is a trained soldier and has always handled trained troops; and in the matter of an election to the office of President of Mexico both Huerta and this Carranza stand upon an identical level. Neither has been elected to that office by even sucli electoral methods as were in use under Porfirio Diaz. Huerta did, hovyever, g-et the Constitutional assent of the Mexican Congress doing business at that time to his assumption of povser as the Provi- sional President, so that if mere Con- stitutional forms are the main thing, as President Wilson seems to hold, Htierta has a Constitutional qualification that Carranza lacks. For there is no shred or tatter of Constitutional authority about the power that Carranza holds. He has never been before the Mexican peo- ple as a Presidential candidate, but has picked up all the authority that he has by main force and brutal and bloody violence. The brutal and bloody vio- lence of Carranza's men is not thereby conjectured, as it is in the secret and backstairs reports brought to President Wilson in regard to Huerta's relation to the death of Francisco Madero, but is of current report in the daj''s news and from many different localities. Carran- za has accepted silently, and no doubt gratefully, the authority slowly built up for him by these robberies and murders, and they constitute the sole basis of all the Constitutional merit or quality that he possesses. Upon what ground does President Wilson explain to himself his preference for Carranza over Huerta as the man competent enough and clean enough to establish upon a stable foun- dation orderly and responsible Govern- ment in Mexico? If there is a choice between these two men, it is certainlje" in favor of Huerta. He has the courts and the army of Mex- ico on his side: he had the Congress of Mexico on his side — a Congress care- fully picked out and elected by Gustav Madero — until sedition made it a com- mon enemy of the de facto Government' and public order! He has maintained in personal safetj' very nearly every for- eigner residing in Mexico, no matter what his nationality may be, and is pre- pared to make due reparation in the verj' few and isolated instances where his public protection has failed; he is not a visionary man, but a practical man; his intelligence is not very large, but he knows most of the important things, and knows them well; he is no sham, but a .real man; he means well, and unques- tionably is using his best knowledge to secure a stable Government for Mexico; and he is not afraid. Why President Wilson and the infallible Bryan should set out, on their own hook and with no known authority except from them- selves, to pick upon and peck at Huerta, to hold him up here and scold him there, to torment him with silly pro- posals and threaten him with demands that are frivolous unless backed up by the army and navy of the United States in fighting trim, is the greatest interna- tional puzzle of these times. We won- der how President Wilson explains and justifies it all to himself. — Hartford (Conn.) "Daily Courant." DOOMED TO FAILURE. The idea that President Wilson entertains that he can bring about peace in the neighboring Re- pubHc by moral suasion is the wildest sort of a dream. The trouble in Mexico is purely and simply a struggle for office and the plunder at- tached to the control of the Government. The Jlexican Constitution is a very plausible instru- ment on paper, but nobody, not even Madero, ever permitted it to stand in the way of his schemes. Until the masses have become better educated the rule of a strong hand is essential in Mexico. Porfirio Diaz was a dictator, and in some respects a despot, but he was a great exec- utive, and under his rule Mexico progressed and prospered as it never progressed or prospered before or is likely to do again, until some man of similar character and force is elevated to the Mexican presidency. Provisional President Huerta has adopted somr; of Diaz's methods. If his removal would pacify the country, the United States, backed by the powers, could, no doubt, force him to retire. The more difficult problem would be to fill hi« place. Certainly none of the men who have been mentioned as presidential possibilities meet the requirements of the situation. Any man at- tempting to rule Mexico along strict constitu- tional lines would be doomed to failure from the start, hence an effort in that direction under pressure by the United States would be labor wasted. — New Orleans "Picayune." That (Huerta's) position is one which has al- ready been seen by many Americans. It is, in brief, that even if the United States could find international law to demand of Huerta. that he vacate his office at once, and leave no successor. Huerta can find no Mexican law to warrant such action on his part. This will, doubtless, be the substance of the answer returned to Washington. The new Mexi- can Congress is to be convened on Monday, ac- cording to advice from the Mexican capital; On the same day, Washington dispatches say, Mr. Wilson is to take more decided action against the Huerta Government. Mr. Wilson'* pro- gramme, as reported from the first, and with- out denial from any quarter, considers the Mexi- can Congress a negligible factor in the case. Whether this contempt of the Mexican Con- gress grows out of his contempt of Mexico, or out of his experiences with Congressmen in gen- era!, would be an interesting question. — Washing- ton "Star." A STUPID MISTAKE. Just here is where President Wilson is mak- ing a stupid mistake. With a schoolmaster's narrowness of practical .understanding he insists upon impossible conditions. He finds in the Mexican constitution a document modeled large- ly after our own fundamental law, embodying a definite scheme of representative Government ; and he can not be persuaded that this scheme may not be enforced in Mexico precisely as in Massachusetts or Nebraska. He can not under- stand that the Mexican constitution in no sens« reflects Mexican standards of life; that it ii no product of Mexican conceptions or aspirations; that it is an artificial thing set up in disregard of local conditions and designed for no other purpose than to serve the aims and plans of autocracy. With his finger on the text, blind to anything but the text, deaf to instruction, he insists with foolish persistence upon the letter of the constitution. President Wilson ought to un- derstand that the paramount need in Mexico is for some man strong enough to dominate the situation precisely as Porfirio Diaz dominated it for so many years. He ought to see that the one eilort within half a century to sustain the Me.xican Government upon an ideal basis — that of the late President Madero — came to naught. He ought to see that the immediate hope of tranquility and order in Mexico lies in giving Huerta a free hand. The theory of the British Government in the present situation is that it is no business of the outside world to supervise the internal affairs of Mexico. Whatever Government may be able to sustain itself and to enforce order and security England is willing to accept. Her concern is primarily for the interest of her investors aad for the maintenance of conditions under which they may pursue their business under existing contracts and without molestation. Therefore England has recognized Huerta and has so timed the terms and conditions of her communications with him as to rebuke the United States. Very frankly England accepts the theory that the United States as a near neighbor of Mexico has certain prior rights and certain responsibilities, but she does not hold herself bound to a course of supine neglect of her own interest because President Wilson under a whimsical theory de- clines either to fish or cut bait. The position of England is practically that of Germany. The Imperial Government likewise regards Huerta as a man proper to be dealt with and does not take it upon herself to look too closely or scrupulously into the sources of his authority. In brief the European idea is that the powers obviously in Huerta's hands en- title him to consideration as the de facto head of Mexico and they are treating him accord- ingly- — San Francisco "Argonaut." FROM DESPOTISM TO BRIGAND- AGE. Is it good common sense, to say noth- ing of morality, to talk of an American national policy intended to arm and en- courage the hordes of Mexican bandits who, as "constitutionalists," have been murdering, burning and plundering their wretched country for so many montlis? Are we to become the moral allies of assassins and robbers, and assist in wid- ening the scene of massacre and pillage, in order to vindicate the opinion of Presi- dent Wilson and Secretary Bryan that the despotic Huerta is unfit to be presi- dent of Mexico? The horrible story of the operations of the so-called "constitutionalists," much of which has been unprintable, should warn the American people of the sort of government Mexico is likely to have under the Carranzas and Zapatas. — New York "Evening Mail." Saturday, November 15, 1913 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION-Continued THE MEXICAN MENACE. It has been reported that President Wilson has ordered Huerta to resign and not to appoint Blanquet or any other member of his official family in his place as provisional President. Suppose President Huerta should re- fuse to obey the order, if it has been issued, what does President Wilson pro- pose that the United States shall do about it? Suppose that Huerta should obey the order. By whom will his suc- cessor be elected or appointed and who shall designate such successor? It is to l)e feared that President Wil- son will either make the United States ridiculous by making a demand which he will make no attempt to enforce, or by attempting to enforce it will precipitate a war with Mexico that will cost us thousands of lives and hundreds of mil- lions of treasure. Anybody familiar with the Mexican character knows that if we send an army into Me.xico to aid Carranza or to depose Huerta, we might indeed bring harmony and alliance be- tween contending Mexican factions, but it would be an alliance of all Mexicans against the invading "gringocs." Unless President Wilson backs square- ly out of his unwarranted and inde- fensible position — which he probably won't do, for to admit himself to be wrong would inflict indescribable an- guish upon his self-sufficient soul — un- less he should conclude that the chan- cellors of all the great powers of Europe probably know as much aljout the law of nations and the usages of diplomacy as he does, he may precipitate this na- tion into a war with Mexico. If sucli should be the case, "The Times" will necessarily support the war policy of the Administration, for its motto has ever been "our country, may she be al- ways right; but right or wrong, our country." In such dire event it could only hope that the commanders chosen to conduct military operations would be selected for their military as well as their "moral" efficiency. — Los Angeles "Times." NOT TOO LATE EAGER FOR LOOT- (Special Cable Despatch to the New York "Sun.") London, Nov. 10.— The Mexico City corre- spondent of the "Times" cables this morning that on returning to the capital after several weeks in the northern States he found that Americana as well as Englishmen in Mexico City are unanimous in the belief that the policy of the United States is dangerous to the inter- ests of foreigners. He adds that foreigners feel that the only explanation of the "meddling and muddling" by President Wilson and Secretary Bryan is that the United States wishes to force a war. "President Wilson," the correspondent sayi, "obstinately disregarded the urgent representa- tions made by persons intimately acquainted with the character of the Mexicans about the dis- astrous effect of the United States policy on for- eign enterprises in Mexico." The correspondent contends that it is impos- sible for Gen. Huerta, who commands the con- fidence of the army, to desert his post unless he can find a successor able to handle the difficult situation with firmness and courage. The report that Huerta is about to resign in faTor of Lascurain is generally discredited. The correspondent of the "Times" admits that many of the rcyolutionary leaders are men of high character, but he says they are utterly un- able to control the local commanders, who are eager only for loot. Many of the smcerest friends of the President do not think he has had full information as to the actual conditions in Mexico, and this they say without the least reflection upon the really sensible conduct of John Lind since he was sent to the front. The President's policy, so far as he has any policy, had been determined upon before Mr. Lind was dispatched to the City of Mexico, and there he has been engaged ah iost wholly with his ne- gotiations through O'Shaughnessey with the Government of Huerta and with lit- tle or no adequate means of estimating the strength of the revolutionists or the sentiment of the people. He could not, in the very difficult circumstances in which he found himself, do more than describe conditions in the part of Mexi- co under the control of the Huerta Gov- ernment, which seems, in fact, to be the only organized Government in that country. The main American objection to Huerta is that he has blood on his hands — the lilood of Madero — and that he is not the constitutional President because he was not duly elected by the people. It does not prove anything, of course, to say that Madero also had blood on his hands as President of Mexico as the leader of a bloody but successful revo- lution against the established order * * * If the United States should go into Mexico to restore constitutional Gov- ernment and should hold an election, who would vote at that election? Seven- ty-five per cent, of the people of Mexico are Indians or half-breeds and wholly ignorant of the suffrage. The majority of the people belong to the peon class and they could not be allowed to vote without peril to the republic. The class of voters in the United States most nearly corresponding to the peons of Mexico are not allowed to vote in the States from which the President re- ceived his strongest support in the con- vention that nominated him. Daniel H. Chamberlain, of Massachu- setts, the last of the Reconstruction Gov- ernors of South Carolina, after years of testing the citizenship of the colored people of that State, in a very notable speech said, "The civilization of the Hu- guenot, the Cavalier and the Puritan is in peril," and abandoned the theory for which he had fought four years in the field and had afterward tried to work out in peace. It would be worse than folly to try the same thing in Mexico now, and if in holding elections in Mexico the United States should exclude the peons from the polls the peons would remain in the field as revolutionists, and if the peons should be permitted to vote and should place their own candidates in office, the better, property-holding peo- ple of Mexico would be compelled for their own protection to oppose the "con- stitutional Government" so established by American intervention. It was noted }-esterday by a careful observer of conditions in Mexico that since the present revolution began all the outrages upon person and property inthat distressed country had been com- mitted, not by the Huerta Government, but by the revolutionists; that the only parts of Mexico in which both person and property had been comparatively safe had been the parts where the Ad- ministration of Huerta had been recog- nized. It is not too late for the Government at Washington to make further inquiry into the facts of the situation in Mexico. Probably the President might be willing to share the responsibility of this most important matter with the Congress, as Congress undoubtedly would be com- pelled to share the responsibility with him if this country should go to war, by having Congress authorize an investiga- tion of Mexican conditions by a specia' commission composed of its least ex- citable and most level-headed men. inch a commission doubtless would t t ac- ceptable to both factions in Mexico and to the foreign Governments whose peo- ple are vitally interested in Mexican af- fairs. It could proceed with its work without offense to the dignity of the President and without reflecting upon the service of his special representatives. —J. C. H. in the Phila. "Public Ledger." STUPID AND UNTENABLE. President Wilson's warning to Europe to keep hands off in Mexico is under all the circum- stances gratuitous and foolish — and foolhardy. Europe desires nothing else so much as to keep free from any entanglement in the Mexican situ- ation. But neither England, Germany, or France will for long sit still while Mr. Wilson pur- sues a boyish and foolish course. Already in terms of studied diplomacy the United States Government has been informed that it may have a free hand in Mexico, but this is far from im- plying that the European countries directly in interest will sit idly by and see the investments of their citizens go to ruin. A time must soon come when the United States must either secure the interests of Europe or leave Europe, by con- sent of the United States or without it, to look to her own interests. This is the plain mean- ing of recent action on the part of England and Germany. The logic of President Wilson's position is that he will oppose any authority in Mexico which may in the present state of affairs at- tain a sufficient power to assert and maintain itself. Since there cair be no "full and free" expression of the "will of the people" there can be no government in Mexico. For if Huerta should fail whoever might succeed him would stand precisely in the same case. It is a situa- tion where any authority possible to be estab- lished must rest upon arbitrary authority and positive force. If Mr. Wilson is to oppose any such authority then the practical effect of his course must be to sustain and continue the chaos which has ruled in the country this two years or more. And this means that first or last — unless there shall come to him some inspiration of common sense — Mr. Wilson will involve the United States in an unnecessary, protracted, and costly war. Under this theory we must oppose Huerta, or whoever else may rise, by force in Mexico; like- wise we must oppose whatever other power may undertake to compose the situation. We are, under the Wilsonian doctrine, to stand a veri- table dog in the manger. And we can not so stand without involving ourselves in serious troubles either in Mexico itself or with some European power or combination of powers. If tkis policy is persisted in we shall have on our hands either an aggressive war in Mexico or a war with somebody else. Mr. Wilson's policy is at once stupid and untenable. It has no sup- port in any principle or rule which commands the respect of intelligent men at home or else- where. — San Francisco "Argonaut." MEXICO Satiirdav, November 15, 1913 PUBLIC OPINION—Continued THE SPIRIT OF THE SCHOOLMASTER It is not surprising that tlie provi- sional president of Mexico, whose im- mediate resignation is demanded by President Wilson, has signified, as stated in an Associated Press dispatch, his purpose to remain in office tmtil after the newly elected Mexican Congress is seated and has performed its constitu- tional function in canvassing the vote for president, and taking such action in choosing his successor as the constitu- tion of Mexico may prescribe. Such a course of action is the obvious one for Huerta to take. The imperative man- date from Washington is aimed as much at the Alexican Congress as at him. It is aimed at the body of Mexican con- stitutional law, and at the entire sys- tem of Mexican Government. It is in- tended to suspend Governmental func- tions long operative under the laws of Mexico. With what it is proposed to displace them, is not yet disclosed. Nor is it necessary for Huerta's purpose that they should be. So far as disclosed, the mandate is that he retire and leave the office vacant. He is no longer the sole object of attack. The Washington Ad- ministration which denied the validity of the credentials given him by the last A'lexican Congress is now denying, in advance, the right of the new Congress to issue credentials to any Mexican in the constitutional line of provisional succession, or to any Mexican under suspicion at Washington of not being opposed to the existing Government of his country. Mexico itself being now menaced, Huerta finds his opportunity to make common cause with all Mexi- cans against foreign usurpations. This favorable change of position for Huerta seems to be clearly seen by Gen. Carranza. the leader of the constitution- alists. It is realized by him that, if what is now contemplated is pressed to the point of attempt, the revolution will be swallowed up in a popular movement for national assertion of national right. Tlie zone of hostile feeling toward the United States must now be rapidly wi- dening in Mexico. Senor Carranza sees such prospects as he has had, disap- pearing in a situation which could not have been better calculated to make of Victoriano Huerta a national hero. Gen. Carranza is constant in his urging against intervention, or any form of policy which may tend to war between the two countries. He insists that only a modified form of recognition of the belligerent rights of the revolutionists will bring a speedy solution of the prob- lem through the triumph of the revolu- tionists' cause. The Administration at Washington, while claiming that the Huerta Government has not been repre- sentative of Mexican public opinion, has steadfastly refused any recognition of that part of Mexican opinion which is in organized protest against it. We have, while denying that Huerta has a dominant strength, refused to recog- nize such elements of strength as have been opposing him. Our entire policy has long tended toward the point we now seem to be. reaching; that of as- serting our own dictatorship in a set- ting aside of Mexican forms of proce- dure, and putting in place a makeshift of our own devising. So repugnant is all of this to the American sense of freedom and fair play, and so widely at variance is it with our traditional continental policies, that it can not be long until public opin- ion makes itself felt at Washington. This country does not want a war with Mex- ico. We are tired of crediting Mr. Wil- son and Mr. Bryan with peace motives. The situation is now past the point of considering motives. Let their motives be what they may, their policies are tending toward a war which, if it comes, will be one of the most unjustifiable in history. Their entire course has been one of persecution of one man, uncon- victed of any crime under Mexican law. Acting at first under impulse and emo- tion the spirit of the schoolmaster to rule has led to complications and dan- gers unforeseen by them at the start, and warning of which has been ascribed by them to partisan malice. — St. Louis "Globe-Democrat." THE ROLE OF PROFESSOR. The position which President Wilson is compelling this Government to assume toward Mexico is a complete reversal of that which Uncle Sam has heretofore been taking in dealing with foreign na- tions from Washington to Taft. It has been our boast that we never meddled in the government affairs of our sister na- tions and always protected the property and lives of Americans no matter where they were. In addition we have said that because we will not allow European na- tions to meddle in affairs on the Ameri- can continent, Uncle Sam will protect the citizens of those countries. But now all is changed. President Wilson has abandoned this and his position toward Mexico when reduced to everyday lan- guage is simply this: "You may burn the American's property if you want to; you can rob him, kill his children, outrage his wife and finally torture and murder him in cold blood if you desire, and I'll not interfere; but you shall elect no man to office unless he measures up to my stand- ard, and your form of government must be in harmony with my theories of pol- itical ethics." This is not overdrawn. All this is waved aside while President Wil- son in his role of professor of interna- tional law says sternly to Mexico: "Come, recite your lesson in political economy." — "Town Topics." The question is whetlier the new ruler we would thus give a trial would be any better able than Madcro or Huerta to restore order and bring business back to normal conditions. It ia difficult to tell before he is tried whether a despot win be competent, and all save such jingling rainbow chasers as Mr. Bryan under- stand that for many years to come stable gov- ernment in Mexico is simply a question of the competence and strength of its head. Such is the situation to which the Wilson- Bryan policy of objection to Huerta because he didn't attain power by "popular election" h«i brought us. Those who like the situation will approve the policy as well conceived. Those who don't like the situation and see in it un- pleasant possibilities will regret that the tra- ditional policy of accepting accomplished factf in the Governments of other countries w»i not followed. — Chicago "Intcr-Ocean." MADERO'S FAILURE. "The action of Huerta in seizing the reins of government has never been un- derstood in the United States," said Mr. Kerr, President of the Mexico Society of Chicago. "He has been looked upon as a traitor, a usurper and a murderer. What are the facts? "Madero's administration had proved to be a failure. He had lost the sym- pathy and support of the people, whose complaints were becoming more bitter and more general every day. The gov- ernment funds had been exhausted and its credit was becoming impaired. De- mands for the retirement of Madero were heard on every hand. On the 14th of February, instead of heeding the demand of Congress that he resign, Madero sent out a false story that the United States marines were landing at Vera Cruz, thus hoping to arouse his people through fear of intervention to rally to his support. "It is a curious thing that all parties have lost sight of the fact that a consti- tutional presidential term began on Dec. I, 1910. This term, for which Porfirio Diaz was elected, continues for six years. Yet in spite of the Constitution, the law and the election, Madero, through force, secured the retirement of Diaz and the calling of a new formal election. Ma- dero took the Presidency at a time not contemplated by the Constitution and an- nounced that he would serve from Oc- tober, 191 1, for the full term of si.x years from that date." — Chicago "Inter-Ocean." DR. WOOLSEY ON MEXICO. New Haven, Nov. 9.— Dr. Theodore S. Wool- sey, professor of international law at Yale, said to-night in discussing the Mexican situation that armed inter\'ention was utterly inexpedient. He added : "The question of intervention in the case of Mexico is really connected with the other ques- tion of the recognition of Huerta as a consti- tutional President. "Our usage in such a case is to allow suf- ficient time to elapse to make sure that an in- cumbent is sufficiently backed by the will of the people to guarantee to us that he can carry out the obligations of his State. "Thus Mr. Wilson is quite right in being slow to recognize Huerta. As soon as Huerta appears so firmly seated as to fulfil the require- ments mentioned above he should be recognized, even if he is not a constitutional President or a virtuous man. "Intervention is a denial of Mexican inde- pendence, which means the right to be let alone. It is largely a matter of policy to be excused only through the overwhelming necessity of self- defence. "To intervene by force of arms if any other remedy is left untried is an error. To attempt intervention unless there is a promise of a suc- cessful issue to it is an error. Thus interven- tion, like revolution, to be justifiable must b« successful. "This is a simple statement of the general rules and of our usage governing recognition and in- tervention which everybody must apply to the facts for himself. "Personally I should regard intervention as uncertain in its outcome, as a blow to our pros- perity, as utterly inexpedient. In dealing with Mexico we need patience and then more patience. — New York "Sun." Saturday. November 15, 1013 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION -Continued DRIFTING TOWARD WAR. The impression is sicadily gaining ground in Washington that tlie forcible intervention of the United States in Mex- ico is inevitable. It is explained by apol- ogists for President Wilson that he has exhausted every peaceful means to bring about the retirement of Huerta, and hav- ing repudiated in advance the result of the Mexican elections, the voluntary ef- facement of Huerta can alone stay the drift towards war. If this is the best that can be said in justification of President Wilson's course — and it is the best that is said — he has brought our relations with Mexico to such a point that the head of that repub- lic must either efface himself at foreign dictation, or the President of this repub- lic must admit his mistake and change his policy. It is held to be unlikely that President Wilson will confess his error of judgment by reversing himself; while men who know Huerta declare that he will never retire unless he is forced to. What a deplorable outcome of a futile and foolish diplomacy! Let us assume in advance that our President is sincerely desirous of pacify- ing Mexico and preserving peace between the countries. Let us assume that he is wholly uninfluenced by any consideration so unworthy as that war would popular- ize his Administration. Conceding his good intentions and examining his policy on its merits we find him insisting that Mexico ought to have a government of a certain kind instead of the one she has. Having prejudiced the case and ex- pressed himself with emphatic positive- ness on the subject, he talks and acts as if he would sooner see the two countries drift into war than to abandon or modify his position. * * * Even if tlie President's estimate of Huerta does him no injustice, does that fact confer on us the right to inter- fere? But the truth is that more than twenty Americans who have re- sided in Mexico for from six to thirty years have issued a statement that our Administration is misinformed, mis- led and miserably ignorant of the aims and character of Huerta, and the desires and needs of Mexico. A war between these two countries would be unholy and calamitous; it ought to be unthinkable; and if it comes it will be due to the ob- stinate persistence of our Administration in a mistaken course. — Rochester (N. Y.) "Post-Express." THE MISTAKE. The mistake made by our government in the beginning was in not recognizing Huerta as the "de facto" ruler of Mexico, without inquiring into his personal or official character and the legality of his title. It was necessary to have some- body at the head of the Mexican Govern- ment to hold responsible but now there is none. And as to character, when has there been an honest constitutional elec- tion in Mexico? We have nothing to do with the morals or the politics of the Mexican people. We demand that in our relations with their government there should be mutual order and fairness in our exchanges of commerce and that all associations and intercourse should be peaceful and amic- able, and we should be ready at all times to resist injustice and resent wrong treatment of any sort. As it is we will make our diplomacy a ridiculous farce, possibly to end in a pro- longed and bloody tragedy. — New Or- leans "Daily Picayune." A war with Mexico, even if rieht were on OMr Bide, might multiply a thousand fold the »uf- fcring and priration in that unhappy country; while a war "to save a face" and make good an amateurish innovation in diplomacy would em- bitter every State to the south of us in the two Americas and discredit us in the eyes of the world as a nation of pretenders whose practice falls short of its professions. — Rochester (N. Y.) "Post Express." HAS THE ADMINISTRATION ANY POLICY TOWARD MEXICO? There will be no objection to the Pres- ident's disclaimer of a short time limit ultimatum to General Huerta. There will, on the contrary, be a general feeling of relief at the passing of an ominous pros- pect. For in the possible contingency of General Huerta's refusal such an ulti- matum would confront us witli the al- ternative of humiliation or war, and this country does not want either. If the Mexican problem can be satisfactorily disposed of without incurring such risks there will be cause for profound gratifi- cation and the nation will give ungrudg- ing credit to whom it is due. The question inevitably arises, how- ever, whether this new turn of the kalei- doscope means prudence or something far less creditable; and for that question the Administration has only itself to blame. All hough it has been the recipi- ent of such patient courtesy and loyal support as few others have ever known, it has failed thus far to convince the country of the fact that it has a compre- hensive and efficient grasp of the situa- tion, or that it has toward Mexico a pol- icy worthy of the traditions of American diplomacy. The country has not been able to rid itself of the idea that the Administration is or has been drifting, waiting for something to turn up and looking upon some of the gravest respon- sibilities of government much as Mr. Bryan has seemed to look upon the socio- diplomatic exploitation of Mr. Pindell, of Peoria. It is said to be the resolute determina- tion of the Administration that "Huerta must go." But has the Adrninistration any definite plan for enforcing its man- date? Is it convinced, and can it con- vince this nation and the world that it has the moral and legal right to inter- vene in the domestic affairs of Mexico so far as to dictate who shall or at least who shall not be President in that coun- try, and that it would be justified in go- ing to war to enforce its decree? If not, there is grave reason for doubting the wis'dom of a policy which consists of de- claiming unenforceable commands. * * * — New York "Tribune." Subscribe to "MEXICO" WHY KEEP UP THE MEXICAN MYSTERY? President Wilson owes it to the whole country to emerge from the secrecy of his Mexican policy and make a frank and authoritative statement of the situation. It is an obvious outrage that the busi- ness of the nation should be depressed by persistent rumors and predictions of war if. as a matter of fact, there is no reasonable ground for these alarms. The people are entitled to know what is going on behind the doors at Washing- ton. Has the Wilson Administration any plans for the immediate future of the Mexican question? Or is the govern- ment still drifting? There should be no more mystery about the matter, and Mr. Wilson is mak- ing a serious mistake in treating this grave problem as a matter of personal policy when he should take the country into his confidence, present the facts as they are, and say what he thinks should be done, if he things anything should be done. If we are preparing for intervention in Mexico, direct or indirect, the country should have plain notice, so that it can prepare its affairs for the possible shocks of war. If not. President Wilson should say so over his signature.- — ^New York "Evening Mail." No mere continuance of refusal to rec- ognize the acts of Huerta or those who govern through the same arbitrary use of power will suffice. The Administra- tion faces the necessity for declaring a constructive policy, and not merely a negative one or one of annoying, but in- effective, interference. Something radi- cally different from the attitude of the past will have to be announced, to induce the European governments, now await- ing word from Washington, to refrain from doing the perfectly obvious in their diplomacy, that of recognizing whatever government is in power and has the most potentiality for retaining it and restoring peace. — St. Louis "Globe-Democrat." MEXICO AS SHE IS. To the Editor of the New York "Trilnine" : In your People's Column of the 6th is a state- ment as regards the Mexican siuation by Mr. Samuel L. Parrish. For his summing up of the status of the or- dinary Mexican, the ratio between the intelligent and the ignorant, I can personally vouch from many professional trips to Mexico. It is the most accurate summing up of conditions in Mexico that I have ever seen anywhere. His inference that follows logically, that a free election is absolutely impossible, is the only one that can be drawn. His conclusion, that Huerta should have been recognized, can be only an opinion. Be that as it may, I heartily agree with him. Personally I would be willing to sign my name to his article as it was published and without changing so much as a puctuation mark. FRANK L. NASON. West Haven, Conn., Nov. 6, 1913. MEXICO Saturday, November 15, 1913 PUBLIC OPINION-Continued "CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED." President Wilson, commenting on the Mexican situation, observed that "all Government rests on the consent of the governed." The remark, intended as a rebuke to Huerta for refusing to resign, was really a timeworn truism, a school- master's platitude. Like all proverbs and platitudes, it is superficially accur- rate. It doesn't do to accept it too lit- erally. No Government yet ever enjoyed the consent of all the governed. If it rested on the consent of a bare majority, the people were in luck. The present Demo- cratic Government draws its authority not from the wishes of the people, but through an unfortunate schism in the ranks of the Republicans. It has just passed a new tariff law, certainly not with the consent of California. And yet the interests of California are vitally af- fected for the worse b}- the reduced duty on oranges and lemons. Wilson's rule may be as oppressive in the Southwest as Huerta's power is in Northern Mexi- co. We acquiesce in the present Demo- cratic regime because we have to. Many Mexicans are acepting Huerta for the same reason. Government depends on the consent of the governed, but only as long as the Government is carried on with vigor, consistency and straight dealing. As a matter of fact, a considerable number of people in every country are governed without any "by your leave" or "with your permission." Our loyalty to our country leads us to accept many things that our natural inclinations don't con- sent to. In the last analysis Govern- ment rests on the "because-you-have to" of the governed. We have to accept the heavy burden imposed on our citrus in- dustry. We do not in consequence de- mand the immediate removal of Presi- dent Wilson because he is ruling with- out the consent of the governed. When a certain limit of endurance has been reached, the American people will vote Mr. Wilson back to his job as schoolmaster. When a certain limit of endurance has been reached in Me.xico. the people will unite to elect once more a President by popular ballot. As long as a majority refuse to be governed ex- cept by the sword (the preseni condition of Mexico), it is impossible for any cen- tral authority to receive the consent of the governed. There are too many men who would rather fight than vote. — Los Angeles "Times." CARRANZA FAVORED. President Wilson looks not with dis- favor upon the claims and pleas of Car- ranza, chieftain of the rebels fighting Huerta. His men have murdered and de- stroyed for months, but he kneels in supplication before the college chair that was moved into the White House last March. Mr. Wilson, so it is said, and perhaps there is truth in it since he personally receives reporters, will soon decide whether or not he will recognize Carranza. Perhaps at present he is looking up the rebel chieftain's mor- al status — if he doesn't smoke cigarettes and never beat up his wife the chance seems to be pretty good that the em- bargo on arms will be lifted. — Los An- geles "Times." IN GERMANY. (Special Cable Despatch to the N. Y. "Sun.") Berlin, Nov. 8. — The attitude of the Gennan press is increasingly hostile toward the United States in the Mexican controversy. Prof. Delbrueck, the famous historian and po- litical writer, said to The "Sun" correspondent: "Who gave the United States the overlordship of the Western Hemisphere? By what right, moral or otherwise, does the United States in- terfere in Mexico and dictate who is to be Presi- dent "No right exists. There is no question but might, which is not changed by the fact that the people themselves and civilization in general probably will be served thereby. It is much as if Germany insisted that the Russians could not have Nicholas for the Czar because Jewish mur- ders were committed and convicts are scourged with the knout in Siberia, under his administra- tion. It is this broad principle of precedence, however humane, laid down in the Spanish War that is again arousing not only the German press and people, but England and France. The great Powers are jealous of one another. None has grown so rapidly or added so much territory to itself in the past century as the United States. Whether rightly or wrongly the impression pre- vails to-day that the fall of Diaz and the subse- quent revolutions were financed and furthered by Americans for the purpose of clearing the way for intervention, a protectorate and annexation, "The United States is laying down a princi- ple which is bound to have a tremendous influ- ence in shaping future history. We can readily understand President Wilson's reluctance to un- dertake what seems to be inevitable as long as he maintains his policy not to recognize Huerta or any one of the latter's party. The task which faces him is an enormous one and the world will watch his course with the keenest interest." Count Reventlow, the famous naval critic and political representative of the Pan-Germanic League said to the correspondent of The "Sun" : "The German press cannot understand why Huerta, who has shown himself the strongest man in Mexico, cannot be left in office and have a fair opportunity to establish order. The im- pression prevails that the United States is re- sponsible for the downfall of Gen. Porfirio Diaz and that it financed the subsequent revolutions to weaken Mexico and make intervention neces- sary and conquest easy. I do not say that this is my view, but it cannot be denied that it ex- ists in the great portion of the German press. "The anti-American sentiment, if you call it so, is further fed by the vacillating policy and apparent aimlessness of the American Govern- ment. If President Wilson cannot be per- suaded to recognize Huerta then he should make known some definite policy regarding what America can and will do and immediately set to work to carry it out to the end. This would go far to restore confidence and good faith in the United States. As it is. President Wilson refuses to do what seems to Germans the only logical thing, namely, to recognize Huerta. Yet he does not say what his inten- tions are or how he expects to establish order and restore commerce." It was a mistake not to have recognized Huerta at the start as the de facto executive, just as other countries did. Had that course been taken there would have been a much bet- ter chance to put down the various revolutionary movements. Our mistaken idea that consti- tutional methods must be adhered to in a coun- try where the people have not the remotest notion as to what constitutionalism and repre- sentative government mean, has greatly aug- mented the evil and may yet cost us much blood and treasure if intervention be undertaken. — New Orleans "Picayune." AMERICANS SAFE. Joseph Wheless, an attorney, upon his return to St. Louis, last night after a business trip of six weeks through Southern Mexico, declared: "I found bitter feeling against the United States on account of the policy of the Government, but in my opinion, the individual American, as an American, is not in any personal danger. "I have been in Mexico ten times in the last three years, ana am convinced that the Diaz type of Government is the only kind for that country. "Between 1821 and 1876, Mexico had sixty different rulers, and then Diaz took charge and kept it more or less peace- ful for thirty-two years. "There are no political parties in Mexico, only personal parties, with groups following this or that leader." Mr. Wheless lives at 6152 Washington avenue and maintains offices in Mexico. — St. Louis "Republic." MEXICO REFUGEES BLAME WILSON. Among those who fled on the Esperanza were Hiram Hixon, his wife and their three children and Mr. and Mrs. John Collins and their four children. The homes of both families aM in Philadelphia. Hixon was the superintendent of La Aurora mine, near Teziutlan, in the Province of Puebla. Collins is an official of another mine in the same province. The two men said that before they fled from their posts bandits under Emiliano Zapata raided their mines, seized Dr. Mondet, an Englishman, and John Edwards, an English boy, beat them into insensibility and then decided to shoot the boy, who had refused to tell where silver was hidden. Hixon said he believed there would be little trouble in Mexico if President Wilson had rec- ognized Huerta long ago. Huerta, he said, could have restored law and order in Mexico. But the attitude of the United States, Hixon declared, encouraged anarchy in Mexico. "Huerta could have borrowed money and united the Republic," he said. "On October 20 a band of Zapatistas visited the mining camp. They tortured Dr. Mondet, an Englishman, and John Edwards, an English boy, and afterward took $500 and rifles and ammunition. Those bandits were about on a par with your New York gunmen and gangsters. They were not soldiers ; they were merely rob- bers. "Something drastic must be done in Mexico. President Wilson had the opportunity of his ad- ministration months ago, but refused to take it. If he had recognized Huerta all would now be peaceable in Mexico." — N. Y. "Evening Jour- nal." DISAGREES WITH THE "WORLD." To the Editor of the New York "World": As an old reader of your paper, allow me to tell you frankly that your editorials on Mexico stand in ridiculousness next to the Wilson-Bryan policies. I do not think that one single Ameri- can who knows Mexico will approve you. That would not matter if the policy of our Govern- ment had not already cost hundreds of Mexi- can lives and millions' worth of property, and did not promise to cost thousands of American lives. By placing yourself on a point where you can have no view of Mexico, and by talking about something you know nothing about, you merely make fools of ourselves and do harm to the other fellow. CHAS. GRANDPIERRE. Mount Vernon, N. Y., Nov. 7. Saturday, November 15, 1913 MEXICO WHAT NEXT? When Special Representative John Lind was sent to Mexico to tell President Huerta as dip- lomatically as possible what he should and should not do, it was loudly proclaimed from Washington that all European Governments were in hearty accord with the Administration programme of diplomatic inter\'ention, something new in American diplomacy, which had hitherto not intervened in Mexican political affairs. Un- der the developments of the situation this claim of sympathetic co-operation has gradually been changed to a frank admission of actual hostility on the part of European chancelleries to the American — or, more properly speaking the Wil- son-Bryan — policy of meddling in such a way as to prolong strife and increase confusion, instead of bringing peace and orderly Government. It is possible the Administration believed the Eu- ropean Governments were in accord with it, but if so it was because of inexperience in diplomacy and ignorance of the courtesy and delicacy of ex- pression which marks it. — St. Louis "Globe- Democrat." BLAMES PRESIDENT WILSON, especial to The New York "Times.") ITHACA, X. v., Nov. 10.— Dr. Andrew D. White, ex-Ambassador to Germany and Russia, who celebrated his eighty-first birthday Saturday, said to-day that he feared a war with Mexico and criticised President Wilson. "President Wilson has got himself into a great difficulty by saying what he could do and would not do in case certain things happened," said Dr. \\Tiite. "Although the South American countries may seem in accord with our measures they really are unfavorable to the policy which the United States has adopted toward the Central American tountries." ASKS POWERS TO PROTEST. (By Cable to the N. Y. "Tribune.") Paris, Nov. 9. — The "Temps," commenting on Mexico, says: "Taking the government from Huerta and in- trusting it to Carranza would be going from Scylla to Charibdis. "The European powers, whose interests are identical on the question of Mexico, should make it understood at Washington that humanity has nothing to gain by the armed intervention of the United States. This would mean danger to all foreigners, interminable guerilla warfare and still greater sacrifices on the part of European inter- ests. "As for putting the power into the hands of such Constitutionalists as Henry Lane Wilson de- scribes the result would be worse anarchy than at present." The aggressive attitude of our Government toward Mexico has no justification whatsoever, and such is the prevailing sentiment in each and «very one of the Latin- American countries in which, because of lack of tact in oui" statesmen, a feeling of dislike and misconfidence toward the United States is growing stronger every min- ute. V\Tiy should the United States gratuitously encroach on the right of a defenceless Latin- American country guilty of no other sin than that of having inadvertently fallen a prey to the underhand work of American intrigues? If our Executive, who seems to be moved by thought of the highest political morals, means to be sincere and fair, why not, with all the means within his reach, start an investigation to ascertain the causes that brought about the fall of Portirio Diaz and with it the fatal end of an era of forty years of peace and prosperity? If such an investigation is made and made dili- gently and in good faith, it will be shown that the Diazes, the Maderos and the Huertas have merely been actors in the drama, and that the playwrights are to be found on this side of the Rio Grande. If we not only encourage revolutions in Latin- American countries, but even go so far as to facilitate the means to start them, I believe that we have no right to raise a voice of protest at this time against the conditions that prevail in Mexico. JOHN F. BRISTOL. New York City, Nov. S, 1913, in the N. Y. ■"Herald." LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: It is a well-known fact that Ameri- can bullets and supplies of all kinds from this side of the frontier keep up the flames of revo- lution, and for this reason all persons in Mexico who see their property destroyed from day to day — natives and foreigners alike — most earnestly desire that the American Government take ener- getic steps to stop, within its territory, this traffic in arms and supplies of war. It is a well-known fact that a new modification of the Monroe Doctrine as propounded by Mr. Roosevelt declared that "Chronic Disorder" in any of the countries of this hemisphere would jus- tify intervention by the United States. The grave danger of this new doctrine is at once apparent, for who shall determine when a state of "chronic disorder" exists? And what if the "chronic dis- order" be fomented from within the territory of the United States? When a situation which might demand intervention according to the above doc- trine is of such easy production, who shall blame the countries that lie to the south if they con- tinue suspicious of their powerful neighbor of the north? It is a well-known fact that ever since 1910 Mexican revolutions have been hatched within the United States, and the revolutionary factions have had no difficulty in securing arras and ammuni- tion in any quantity, thus proving my assertion that the neutrality laws are not properly enforced. If the L^nited States really desires, entirely from moral and altruistic motive, to promote the good of the Mexican people, they will secure it best by complying with the duty of effectually enforc- ing neutrality rather than offering to perform something for other nations which cannot be per- formed. Baltimore, Md. C. METUSA. THE PROFESSOR IN MEXICO. Sir: What is it that the dear professor wanti in Mexico Will some one kindly enlighten me as to what earthly business it is of his to med- dle in the affairs of another nation? His schoolboy tactics have gone far enough. Do the people of the United States intend to sit quietly by and allow this accidental President to force a war upon them without one word of protest? But for Wilson's self-sufficiency and ob- stinacy all this trouble could have been avoided. There are those who may think his hrgh sounding words have a ring of sincerity, but his actions prove to the contrao'- There are many who know Mexico and Mexi- cans, but it is a well known fact that Wilson will listen to no one whose opinions do not agree with his. He accepts the views of one John Lind in preference to those of Americans who have spent from ten to thirty years in the Mexican Republic. Now, I, as an American, ask: "Who is be- hind Wilson?" The members of the rebel junta can get what they want to Wilson and in the press. The Ma- dero family are striving to regain power. Meet- ings have been frequent right in this city be- tween the Maderos and the rebel advisers. Our so-called neutrality laws are a farce, and our border patrol as good as nothing. What is Wilson's object All this talk about the morality part is bosh. Does he want Zapata? Or, perhaps, he has a leaning towards the bandit Villa as President of Mexico. The whole Mexi- can affair is a disgrace to this country. Arc we to be forced into a war to sacrifice the lives of thousands of Americans to satisfy the egotism of a one-idea man who has not the courage to retire from an untenable position? New York City, fl SARA N. KAMPF. MAPS IN COLORS Showing individual and corporate hold- in£?s in The Mexican Gulf Coast Oil Fields Accurate in every detail — A necessity for everybody interested in Mexican Oil. N. PAULSEN, Civil Engineer, Station O, Box 72 New York City Do you think Mexico is going to the bow-wows ? Well, think again. Mexico is all right and there is a lot of business done there. We have a fine transfer business for sale. Making money right along, revolu- tions or no revolutions. If you are interested write to us. We will give you all the particulars and you will be surprised. Address MEXICO, 15 Broad St, New York City THE MAROON CUSHIONED ARCH SPRING SUPPORT. The illustration is of a wonderful device that will bring comfort and relief to the thousands of people who have "foot trouble." To those suffering from fallen arches, flat feet, varicose veins, weak arch, etc., the Marcon Cushioned Arch Spring Support is an losolute necessity. It is the scientific product of experts, who have devoted years to the invention of a corrective of "foot troubles." Send us a postal card at once for a detailed descrip- tion of the Marcon Cushioned rtrch Spring Support. It means immediate relief for those who are suffering from ?ny sort of foot weakness. Address Th^ Marcon Mfg. Co., Inc., Brooklyn. N. Y. MAILING LISTS of any bnsiuess in the world. Be wise, Mr. Business Man, and Circularize every man or firm with whom you can do business through the mails. We have everybody's name and ad- dress in the world, classified according to business, trade or profession. Send for rates UNITED STATES MAILING LISTS COMPANY 1206 Broadway, New York $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $200 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Salurday, November 15, 1913 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York THE WAR THAT IS. What organized opposition exists against the government of President Huerta is in Washington, D. C. Its in- stigators have the ear of the Adminis- tration. The Administration holds the key to the press of the country. And the press of the country forms the opin- ion of the majority of the people. The inspired stories that come from Washing- ton discrediting or attempting to dis- credit the Mexican Government, and sug- gesting day after day and week after week American support of rebellion, are designed to keep the whole Mexican sit- uation in a turmoil out of which it is hoped finally that the Maderist group who brought all this trouble to Mexico may again find a way to power with American assistance and for the benefit of Big Interests in this country. President Wilson may not be a con- scious party to this colossal conspiracy to wreck a country if necessary to gain the mercenary ends of the conspirators. Secretary Bryan may not be a conscious party to the conspiracj'. But conspiracy there is and the attitude and the acts of the Administration officials fit in per- fectly with its purposes. It does not require more than ordinary perspicacity to see that the object of this daily agitation against the Mexican Gov- ernment is to prevent it from getting financial assistance. In every way possi- ble the conspirators must give the world the impression that there is and can be no stability in the Huerta Government. Every necessary executive move of the Mexican President must be branded as the intolerable action of a bloodthirsty dictator. Every looting of a Mexican town by bands of brigands must be hailed as a glorious victory for the Constitution. Every obstacle mast be put in the way of Huerta's plans to restore peace, and then he must be viciously attacked for inability to do it. The political schemes of ambitious men must be supported and encouraged to embarass Huerta and then he must be condemned for taking force- ful measures to block their plots. There is a war against Mexico fought daily in Washington, D. C. It is a vin- dictive war without quarter. It is a war called Moral Suasion, but in reality Im- moral Pressure. Its leaders do not come out into the open to fight. They work underground. Their ammunition is the written falsehood. Their commissariat is furnished by Big Interests. Their war balloons are canards to shape public opinion. Their artillery is Money. And to think that the flower of Ameri- can young manhood may be called upon to continue this unholy war. That while those who have instigated it and inspired its motives will sit back and complacently watch others fight the real battle, thou- sands of American soldiers will have their bodies punctured and torn with bul- lets and shrapnel; thousands of American homes will mourn the loss of father, son or husband. War is worse than what General Sherman called it. And we are headed for just that as sure as the tides. If there is to be war with Mexico, American troops and the American peo- ple will not be fighting for a national ideal, for a humanitarian cause, or for national expansion and development. They will be fighting for: The personal temperament and theories of President Wilson. The incompetence, or worse, of Secre- tary Bryan. The gumshoe activities of an ex-rev- erend, William Bayard Hale. The Mexican interests or Senator Fall, of New Mexico. The Mexican interests of the Phelps- Dodge Company. The Moican property of William Ran- dolph Hearst. The interests of the Waters-Pierce Oil Company, now the Pierce Oil Corpora- tion. The Madero family and clique. If the people of the United States can see anything inspiring in making war on a weaker nation for such persons and purposes, then history has not written true the honor, character, justice and fair- ness of the American people. There would be nothing glorious in such a war. In the years to follow, when the truth of the present situation would be clear, Americans would hang their heads in shame, to think that they had attempted to destroy a friendly neighbor- ing nation on such small and sordid grounds. The Washington Administration has already gone to much unwarranted lim- its in seeking to justify its entirely wrong Mexican policy that war may be inevit- able, now that the nation is committed and the impression given that a back- down by President Wilson would be hu- miliating to the country. But it is a shame that our Mexican relations should have been determined by an intolerant and self-opinionated mind and at the mercy of a shifty politician for whom the salary of Secretary of State was not suf- ficient. A WORD OF WARNING. Husky, virile youth squares its shoul- ders and thrusts out a jaw of defiance to the forces of life and death. The knowl- edge of growing power is impatient of restraint. Physical expansion and mus- cular development ' are reflected in a spirit of rough-and-ready egotism. The weakness of others is a matter of either indifference or irritation. The cup of experience is sipped with a satisfied smacking of full red lips. Those who have drunk to the dregs smile cynically at the satisfaction, but youth shoves them aside. Ours is a youthful nation, with all the virility and expansiveness of youthful health. We feel strong enough to fight and conquer the whole world. We are conscious of our might among nations, the might not so, much of standing armies as of natural resources. Drunk with the inspiration of health and strength, it is not unlikely that we may lose sight of the limitations of physical life. We may forget that there are finer and more lasting values than the value of power. That the standard of might must in the end give way to the standard of right. That as we set our standard before the world so shall the world deal with us. If the spirit of might above right shall prevail in our nation, if we determine to impose by force our arbitrary demands on weaker nations, is it not possible that the other strong nations of the world, shoved about and jostled in our bull-like charge, might retaliate in kind? If we should, for instance, b.ecause we have the power, destroy or attempt to destroy the nationality of Mexico, could we in reason expect any different treatment in the future from any stronger nation or coali- tion of nations? Force breeds force. Fire must be fought with fire. Fortunately for civilization and the ideals of mankind there is a spirit of peace and justice inspiring the motives of men and nations that is more power- 'ful than the law of might. We owe it to the progress of civilization and to our happy future to manifest this spirit to- day in our dealings with Mexico. MOVING PICTURES. In moving pictures the Mexican is in- variably represented as a skulking, treacherous "greaser." There are bad and vicious Mexicans just as there are bad and vicious of every race. But is it fair to depict a whole people in the terms of its lowest element? The hard- est thing in the world to destroy is a national or racial prejudice, and such prejudices often cause the misunder- standings that lead to unnecessary war The moving pictures of knife-wielding Mexicans and fiction characters of a similar type have done and are doing much to perpetuate an absolutely unjust popular conception of the Mexican na- tive. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intellident Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly. ---Oriental Proverb VOL. I— No. 14 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1913 FIVE CENTS The Man Behind the Gun Z — z — z — z — z — ping! The bullet flies to its human target and the dull impact is heard across the Rio Grande. The ma- chine guns reap their swath of human grain. The dull, pounding roar of heavy artillery beats sickeningly against the ear drums and the work and life of man top- ple. Bodies are torn by lead and blown to atoms by bursting shells. Cities and towns are looted, and drunken hordes set back a nation centuries of civilization. Crowninp all the saturnalia of savagery, women and girls are ravished, the virtues of life are flung into the dung-heap of human passion. While a man in Washington plots and smiles. Plots! Plots to be a figure in history, the alpaca-coated Commoner who rose from the hysteria of Boy Orator of the Platte to the dignity of the Circus Saw- dust, the companion of yodlers, the en- emy of wealth who publicly invited con- tributions to his store, the interpreter of the Prince of Peace who has brought an honorable nation to the verge of a dis- honorable war. Plots to be a subtle diplomat, the man whose subtleties of brain have been read and analyzed in the laboratories of far subtler chemists of finance, and found so elemental that for the joy of the game they would prefer a more difficult, more complex solution of acid intention and oily hypocrisy. Plots, maybe, without admitting the plot to himself, most futile and dangerous of plotters, for his ignorance of his own intentions is a buffer against his jelly conscience, but does not deceive the searchers of motives. Plots politicallj', banking on the super- ficial tolerance of a people absorbed in the daily round of work and affairs, half- amused at the mountebank, half-indiffer- ent to his mouthings. Plots against his chief, a man of little faith, and makes him believe that a crime against another nation is a virtue if it holds a political party together. Plots to hold power with the bitter- ness of a man who has been denied power for many years, a beggar on horseback. Plots, simple fool, because a woman in widow's weeds has convinced him that thousands of American lives are as noth- ing to a clever woman's alleged wrongs. Smiles on the world and whispers: "Peace be with you!" Plots in his heart and traps us in war. Ping! The bullet flics to its human target. The machine gun reaps it swath of human grain. Women are ravished. While a man in Washington plots and smiles. DEARLY BELOVED OF BRYAN While a shudder of horror has reverber- ated from El Paso to the remotest corners of the Northern Continent at the wanton murders of Juarez, peace-preaching Bryan must have yodled with delight at t^e out- come of his "constitutional" Mexican ^oli-.. cies. It would be difficult to tell who was the more surprised at this general feeling of rcval.^'on, whether Bryan or one of his bclovei' rebel leaders. Pancho Villa. For both knew that the Juarez murders were as childish pranks compared to the orgies of blood and rapine in which the rebels have revelled for many months. Why. Bryan must have volumes of re- ports describing his proteges' deeds. Vio- lation of hundreds of young women, among them two American girls, torturing of pris- oners and innocent non-combatants, wan- ton murders, indescribable horrors, all of these has been known to the staunch friend of the "constitutionalist" cause ! But the sickening muffled sounds of shots mowing down innocent lives were within hearing of an American town and the fact that the so-called rebels are noth- ing but savage bandits was finally brought home to the people of this country. And yet we learn only eleven men were reported killed in Juarez and they were not even tortured. Mow read the following carefully: ■^^enecDigo tuvo lassiguientes: J^l^vantados en el campo,' 72 muertos y 4 heridos que pasaron al hospital; COLQRADOS ejecu tadcs de conformidad con el De- creto que pone en vigor la Ley de 25 de Enero de 1^62, doseien- toa treinta y Mete; prieioneros federales Tnandado3 poner en fi- bertad, (12) doce, habiendose perdonado la vida a los que per- 'tenecian a! Caerpo de artilleria, que causaron alta en las fuerzaa^ sdemi mando^ S&^£awpietar"#reTTers*S& v,' eh. TRANSLATION. The enemy suffered the following losses; Found on the field 72 dead and 4 ; wounded who went to the hospitcd. REDS executed according to the decree that invalidates the law of January 25, 1862, TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN. Twelve of the federal prisoners were given their liberty and their lives were spared because pertaining to the artillery corps. They were incorporated to the forces at my command. The foregoing is part of a report made by Villa to his supreme chief, Carranza, after Villa had surprised a much superior force, a small detachment of the Federal .-Auxiliary Corps under Terrazas, at San Andres, State of Chihuahua. This report was printed by constitutionalist newspa- pers on the border for the edification o'f their followers with the prowess of one of their generals, the infamous Pancho Villa. The REDS is the name given by rebels to the Federals. Bear in m.ind that the engagement referred to here was one of the minor engagements of the revolution and that the number of prisoners who met the same fate was much larger at Torreon. Also that the murdering of prisoners is the least manifestation of the rebels' savagery. For the killing of wounded prisoners and the assaulting of women and young girls before their husbands or fathers who are forced to look on are — we believe — and here we don't know whether Bryan agrees with us — more to be condemned than the murdering of prisoners. Bryan's bandit friends have embar- rassed him shockingly. It was very un- kind of Pancho Villa and his horde to swoop down in the dead of night on Juarez, where the El Pasoans from across the river could see in the flesh the patriots whom the Great Commoner has taken to his bosom. The daily rec- ords of the State Department bore am- ple evidence of the viciousness and the (Continued on ne.xt page.; MEXICO It is war. You can't get away from it. It is not conceivable that any nation would dare intervene in the affairs of an- other sovereign nation, as we have done in Mexico, unless with the intention to back the interference with arms. An Eastern tenderfoot who would go into a Western mining camp, walk up to a two-gun man and tell him the cut of his face was not a la Eastern mode, is chock- lull of wisdom in comparison with the head of a nation who takes the same attitude toward the head of another na- tion — unless he's ready with the quick drop and the hair-trigger. Of course when it's a question of fight this country is going to fight — and fight straight and true to the finish. But do we want to fight? Ask anybody you know about this Mexican affair and the chances are a hundred to one that he does not believe that there will be war and, what is more to the point, he does not see any reason why there should be war. There will be war and there should not be war. There will be war as the logical result of our intervention in Mex- ico. We have intervened. We have in- tervened in Mexico from the day that John Lind was sent down there with im- possible proposals to a government that this country did not even recognize. We presumed to dictate to that government what it should and what it should not do. Maybe President Wilson and Secretary Bryan thought that the mere expression of their will would make any government bow, any ruler tremble. Maybe they did. Maybe they didn't. Maybe they just didn't know what they were doing. It was said at that time that John Bassett Moore, the State Department's authority on international law, tried to call a halt. If he did, he was overridden, anyhow, and John Lind and William Bayard Hale were on their way to shape the destiny of nations. And they shaped it beautifully — with the assistance of the Great Commoner, maudlin over the death of two Mexicans. Shaped it so that there is seemingly no retreat for the great and powerful United States of America from an inglor- ious war with a smaller nation that may be won at a tremendous cost of life and saddle the country with a staggering debt for years to come. A child with the spirit of patriotism could have told Wilson, Bryan, Lind and Hale that to demand the elimination of Huerta as President of Mexico would have no other effect but to strengthen him in his position and his determination not to accede to so dictatorial a propo- sition. There must be some patriotism in Mexico. We are not the only people with national ideals — and prejudices. If Saturday, November 22, 1913. any nation in the world, any ten nations, with land and naval forces that in combi- nation could sweep this country off the map, presumed to dictate to our Presi- dent or our Congress or our people what they should or should not do in the man- ner assumed by President Wilson toward the only Government of Mexico, would we yield, would we abjectly surrender our nationality, our sovereignty, our in- dependence as a nation? How can we expect anything else in Mexico? Why, even Carranza the other day rejected American mediation, know- ing the temper of the Mexican people. Huerta's attitude toward the Washing- ton Administration, instead of being a cause of war, should win our admiration for his manhood, his patriotism, his na- tional spirit. He's a foe worthy of bet- ter steel than Bryan is using against him. "Financial blockade." "Starving him out!" Pouf! There are men and there The Administration's Mexican policy is a "peace policy." * * * Strange that the logical end of it should be war. There must have been some hitch. * * * Why doesn't Bryan go down to Juarez now while Villa's bandits are there, de- liver a Cross of Gold speech, and appeal to them in the name of the Prince of Peace to drop their arms and cease their butcheries? criminality of the band, its leader and their performances. Bryan knew of the deeds of pillage and rapine in Durango, Torreon and Gomez Palacio. He could press a button on his desk and within a few minutes have in front of him facts about Villa and his savage crew that would bring the blush of shame to the face of a wife-beater. Bryan knew but the people of the United States did not know except in a vague way. For have they not been told from Washington that these allies of Carranza were patriots fighting like heroes for the constitution of their native land and against the usurpation of power by a bloodthirsty dictator? Then, inconsider- ate wretches, they spoil the Administra- tion's house of cards by coming so close to the American border that their sav- agery and cold-blooded villainy have been borne on the winds of the south as a stench to the nostrils of the people of the United States. And the revelation has played hob with the nice little game of William Bayard Hale, personal repre- sentative of President Wilson, parleying with Carranza not many miles away. These are sorry days for the Adminis- tration leaders and agents who have ex- plained or attempted to explain the Pres- ident's attitude toward the Government of Mexico as one of Jeep, abiding morality. Wily didn't that terrible Pancho Villa re- main in the interior? Then the people of the United States could still l)c fooled and their sympathy aroused by calumnies and lies about Huerta and beautiful ac- DEARLY BELOVED-Continued counts of the self-sacrificing patriotism of the rebels. It is noticable that the pro-Administra- tion newspapers have done their best to ignore, belittle or condone the Juarez savagery, but the brutal truth is so ob- vious that their efforts have been in vain. Here are some of the sights and facts observed by the New York "Sun's" special correspondent: Throughout Saturday rifles and pistols barked at short intervals and late Federal defenders of the border town crumpled up one by one in little silent heaps, while the present rebel possessors of the border port walked away to a nearby cantina for refreshment and to reload or hunt anew for some man against whom they bore a grudge or suspected of disloyalty to the Constitutionalist cause. With Villa no prisoner is tried before he is executed. Villa cither orders his execution as calmly and quickly as if he were ordering his horse saddled, or some subordinate decides that the execution is proper and carries it out. Many of the executions last night were per- formed by one man, not by a firing squad. The victim was merely taken from the prison by a rebel soldier and in a few minutes a shot would be heard, the rebel soldier would return and the result was known wthout an investigation. This method "littered the streets considerably," as one of the rebel officers admitted this morning. * * * Corpses of men executed on Saturday by the rebels arc still lying uncovered in Juarez to- night. Twenty-seven bodies were hauled out in one wagon this morning to the little cemetery on the hill overlooking the town, but were not buried. To-night the rain is falling on them. The official explanation was that they were bodies of Federal defenders of the city who had been discovered in isolated -fortifications. To the query of how bodies happened to be in the streets the rebel officers merely gave the usual Mexican answer — a shrug of the shoulders. * * * Mexicans interested in maintaining relations that are tolerable between El Paso and Juarez have persuaded Villa that it is not wise to bring any more of his mountaineers and plainsmen into the border town. The shops, the restaurants and the civilization of El Paso, it is feared, would prove too strong for the undisciplined rebel army and international complications might result. Villa has ordered the others to remain south ; he Has told them that Chihuahua will be taken next and that then they will come into their own. Then there will be more prisoners to execute, more bull fights, more fiesta games and no pry- ing foreigners to comment. The body of Col. Enrique Portillo, Federal commander, executed yesterday, was stripped of trousers and shoes to-day by a rebel who needed them. He wore tliem to the bull fight. And these are our dear Constitutional- ists. The Administration's Mexican policy is not supported by a united press and public, as the pages of adverse public opinion in this issue of MEXICO tes- tify. Salurdav, November 23, 1913. MEXICO LestWe Forget Best thing in the world for Mexico that the El Paso people got a chance to see the Villa cutthroats and outlaws at close range. It may put an end to this barbarous suggestion that we give them United States support. » * ♦ Why doesn't Bryan go down to Juarez and look his bandit friends over? * » * We dare you, Mr. Secretary. Slip into Juarez unannounced and in dis- guise. When you have concluded your observations we shall agree with every- thing you say and publish it in MEX- ICO. Seems that some Texas Senator did go across the Rio Grande the other day and tell Villa to "cut out the rough stuff"; that it was making a bad impres- sion in the United States. The Sen- ator's idea being that the impression cre- ated here is the important thing, not the brutal fact. » * * One Washington correspondent wires his paper that President Wilson is going to make a "clean breast" of this Mexican matter — when it's all settled. We wonder. * * * The "Texas Republic" suggests face- tiously that Colonel E. M. House, the Invisible Presence, should have been sent as President Wilson's confidential agent to Mexico to treat with Huerta. "Astrologer, necromancer, legerdemain- ist and all-round weird political magician that he is, a few of Ed's hypnotic passes before the deep-set eyes of the Dictator might have made a tractable mortal of him." Oh, he's a genius, that fellow. Huerta will resign. Huerta defies. Huerta will resign in 24 hours. Huerta defiant. Huerta must go. Huerta re- fuses to go. Huerta asked to give in to United States. Huerta gives in. Huerta doesn't give in — he does — he doesn't — he does — doesn't — does — doesn't — did — didn't — Katydid — Katydidn't. * * * This is what you call a Policy of Moral Suasion. How long, O Lord, how long? Conditions in Mexico are admittedly intolerable. Whence came the match that put the flame to the dry brush? From this side of the border. Who was and is in the best position to put out the conflagration? Huerta. Have we helped WHERE DID HE GET IT? Americans who have lived in Mexico and know Mexico have come to us and said: "We have tried to tell the people in Washington what we know about con- ditions in Mexico. We certainly ought to know better than John Lind, of Min- nesota, and ex-reverend William Bayard Hale. We have tried to see President Wilson and put our experience at his service and give him our opinion. We have been told that he would not see anybody about Mexico. We have gone to Bryan and met with nothing but in- sults when he learned that we had any- thing at stake in Mexico. It is outrage- ous. It is intolerable. Has an American with interests in another country no rights at all here? Is a man who knows actual facts to be passed up for imbecile theorists? What does it all mean? There are facts, there are conditions, there are things that we and we alone are in a position to tell about. Why is our information not wanted? Why are our motives questioned? Why is our ad- vice not considered? Would it hurt to at least get the benefit of our experi- ence, to listen to what we have to say, whether or not our conclusions were ac- cepted? Have we no senses? Can we not see with our eyes, touch with our hands, hear with our ears? It must be either an embargo on knowledge or a conspiracy against truth. What is it? God knows! What is it? Whatever it is, it can not be right, for right does not shun the light. The best we can name it is colossal egotism, but it is not reasonable to stop at that. The most col- ossal egotism would take delight in get- ting all the light possible on any ques- tion and then acting its own way. And it is a palpable fact that the Washington Administration does shun the light on this whole Mexican matter. Why? Why? Beware the shunners of light. Men have been in Mexico for years and have hesi- tated to give an offhand opinion of the condition, ailments, and likely cure of the country. Its problems are terribly complex — racial, international, political, economical, industrial. The Taft Ad- niinistration had some inU'ing of the complexity and it is generally known that Mr. Taft volunteered to give Mr. Wilson the benefit of his experience and knowledge of the Mexican problem be- fore turning it over to him. But Mr. Wil- son was immersed in Jersey politics at the time and declined to be bothered with so alien a matter. But within a week or two after he took office he had the whole thing down pat. He knew it all. His mind was made up. He didn't want to learn anything more. There was nothing more to it. Now, it is pertinent to ask where did he get this sudden information? What was the source of this omniscience which has tied the hands of the country from the beginning of the Administration and led it into pitfalls of international rela- tions and may lead us into war? Where did he get it? him? No, we have added fuel to the flames. * * * And they call that morality. Much- maligned morality. There is such a thing as moraUty. There may be very little of it in the men fighting down in Mexico, but there's mighty less in the men egging on the fight from this coun- try. To those who know the true condi- tions in Mexico the moves of the Admin- istration have not seemed to be blunders. It is inconceivable to them that sane men could make such blunders. On the con- trary they have appeared to be deliber- ate, diabolical steps in a plan to de- stroy Mexico. * » * If the Administration has really blun- dered, then somebody else has done the planning and the Administration has been only an instrument. There's a Master Mind — and it doesn't think "morality above expediency," either. It was reported in Washington last week that when Huerta got out, new plans for the future of Mexico would be taken up in their proper order. But first Huerta must get out. * * * He must — must he? Too bad he isn't a scary schoolboy who doesn't want to take home a poor report to his father. * * * Instead of a rugged old soldier, who iias lived close to the crowd, who knows his people and every inch of his coun- try like a book and does not theorize about things he does not know. * * * After Huerta — what? No answer to that — but that blind, vin- dictive, unreasoning dislike for an indi- vidual must be satisfied, if the heavens fall. * * * They won't. Unreasonable — no, worse than that, perverse. MEXICO Saturday, Novcinbcy 22, 1913. WASH YQ RAMS Roberto Pesquiera, a Sonora million- aire, son of one of the largest landown- ers in Sonora, is a new addition to the members of the rebel junta in Washing- ton. When in New York Mr. Pesquiera stops at the Saint Regis. According to his own statements he is a fervent advo- cate of the Socialistic principles of the Madero revolution, one of them being that of division of large estates among the Indians and peons of Mexico. It is in.eresting to note, however, that Mr. Pesquiera favors the division of his enemies' lands and, like Madero, refuses to part with his own. In a very amusing interview given to the New York "American" a few days ago he purported to demonstrate how Mexico's-ills were due to the oil interests represented by Lord Cowdray. The in- terview is couched almost in the identical terms used by Captain Sherby Hopkins in Mexico during the summer of 191 1 when he was there commissioned by the Waters-Pierce Oil Company "to make it hot" for the rival British com- pan3'. The young millionaire who is fighting — in Washington — for the uplift- ing of his poor compatriots was well coached by the mentor Don Sherby. There is little doubt that indirectly at least the oil interests of Lord Cowdray have caused great harm in Mexico, for their breaking into the monopoly held by the Pierce interests marked the be- ginning of Mexico's troubles. The young patrician apostle of the Mexican Constitution failed to disclose, however, what part the oil interests which supported Madero and are now supporting his — Pesquiera's — associates took in the starting of all these troubles. Poor Mexico, how much better off she would be if she were not so rich! The news that Huerta has through Pearson & Son, the great English firm of which Lord Cowdray is the head, is received with irritation here. If the report is true, Huerta has been given a new lease of life. Until now he has been financially embarrassed to a grave degree. Agents of the Constitutionalists who reside in Washington say that the report of the loan is not true, that is was inspired by Huerta and that Huerta is actually ncaring the end of his rope. — Washington Despatch. Hucrta's rope must be of a new kind, automatically stretching, for he has been reaching the end ever since last March, according to the self-styled constitution- alists. The only Peace Association that has taken any interest at all in Mexican trou- bles is the International Peace Forum. And that ihrough.the old sychophant ex- Rev. Tupper, who is advocating as a peace measure the supplying of arms and ammunition to savage bandits and loot- ers! There could be no greater mistake than to assume that the Washington Government is giv- ing its support to the Standard Oil or the Pierce interests as a primary consideration. It is doing nothing of the kind; it is merely taking the posi- tion that is dictated in part by the attitude of the British government, and in part — much the larger part, too — by considerations of simple humanity and honest concern for the people of Mexico. It is very plain that Cowdray's establishment as the permanent ^nancial dictatorship of Mexico would be inimical to the United States. This country cannot afford to see a vast concern like this, backed by and allied with the British gov- ernment, come into domination of Mexico. We should be in danger of having a very real con- flict over such a usurpation. The possibility of such a happening is not so remote as might be imagined. Indeed, while the general public dis- cusses Mexico in terms of Carranza and Huerta. and Orozco, and Zapata, and Felix Diaz, and the rest of the pawns down there, the world of big affairs and inside views talks it in terms of naval power, of oil empire, of Cowdray, Pierce, Standard, and the real big things that stand be- hind and pull strings.— Judson C. Welliver, in Washington "Times." Welliver ought to know how the strings are pulled. As a Munsey news- paper man he has in his humble way helped to pull some of them. Of course the Administration is not interested pri- tnarily in giving its support to the Stand- ard Oil or the Pierce interests. Consid- erations of simple humanity and honest concern for the people of Mexico arc the big factors. Oh, Welliver! Oh, Mun- sey. The acme of cynicism and unfairness has been reached by those partisan news- papers that now try to find a good rea- son for the non-recognition of the Huerta Government in the fact that President Huerta has not yet restored complete order in Mexico. It is the consensus of opinion of all foreigners in Mexico, and all who know Mexico, that progress toward the estab- lishment of peace has been hindered by non-recognition. Also by the material help which the rebels have found on this side of the Rio Grande and mainly by the support which the attitude of the Washington Administration toward the central government has given to all law- less elements in Mexico. To a people with sporting blood and to lovers of fair play this must appear as the most contemptible phase of the Mex- ican muddle. If you put two men in the ring after having fed one with bear meat and starved the other would you villify the latter for not giving a knock- out l)Iow to his adversary in the first round? Wliile two ex-reverends, Hale and Tupper, are the most active figures in the Mexican muddle at present, very few real reverends have taken the trouble to look into the sufferings of a neighbor. Still fewer have given public signs of in- terest in the Mexican turmoil. It is so easy to say: "Love thy neighbor." SAME OLD WASHINGTON BUNK. "Peace is assured in Mexico." "President Wilson has made up his mind Huerta must go." "The Alonroe Doctrine has been re- affirmed." "President Wilson has definitely made up his mind that Blanquet will not be recognized by the American Govern- ment." "John Lind will repeat the admonitions previously given to General Huerta." "Constitutional government must be established in Mexico." "The embargo on the importation of arms and munitions of war into Mex- ico will be lifted." "President Wilson is preparing to rec- ognize the Constitutionalists in the pacification of Mexico." Gentle reader, such is the news from Washington regarding the Mexican sit- uation that has been printed forty times, is printed every day in the press dis- patches that come out of Washington, and which will doubtless continue to be the bunk imposed upon tlie public for many days to come. And the public is growing most weary of the Mexican subject. The newspapers are compelled to print this bunk daily, because it constitutes the bulk of their news dispatches, but there is not a con- scientious editor in the entire country who does not groan in spirit daily, fig- uratively tear his hair and indulge in expletives when he is compelled to edit and hand out to the public with such un- varying regularity the same old bunk that is served out from Washington and elsewhere on the Mexican situation. Some day. perhaps, there will be an end to. all this, but we have indulged in such hope for more than three years, and grim-visaged -war yet rages in un- unhappy Mexico. — El Paso "Times." SPEAKING OF VOTES. ig the flying rumors from below the Rio Grande is one that Huerta will call a new elec- tion, when he gets to it, and try to get a vote out big enough to disarm criticism at Washington. It is possible to regard this announcement as an expedient lo gain time ; but if he holds the elec- tion it ought not to be very difficult to make as good a vote showing as is made in many of our Soutliern Slates. The congressmen from the South are getting wary of lale years, and no longer append the vote cast in their districts to their biographies in the Congressional directory. It provoked flipi^ant remark when it appeared that a half dozen representatives from Mississippi, for example, were chosen at elections in which only ten or twelve thousand votes were cast in all their districts put together. Exact figures are therefore not at hand, yet the whole state of Florida, with a population of 752,019, cast only •JO,SO(i votes last year on all three tickets for congressman at large, while 40,41S votes were cast in one congressional district of Monroe county, the thirly-eighth, which elected the Hon. Thomas B. Dunn. Perhaps the Mexican states which are fairly pacified can do as well as Florida, if Huerta sends out his spell-binders in a special effort to get out the vote. — Rochester "Post- Express. Saturday, November 22, 1913. MEXICO SHALLOW MINDS. In dealing with countries and peoples, whose national moral sense expressed in their governmental activities do not average high, historic experience has taught us that if one thing is more cer- tain than another it is this — that moral appeals are futile unless backed by mili- tary force and a courage and ability to use it as a last resort. The recent his- tory of the Balkan States is an acute modern instance of this truth; and be- cause the appeals and threats of Europe were known to be insincere and merely words and script the case of the Balkan Kingdoms is worse to-day than when they rushed to arms to rend Turkey. Wilson-Bryan diplomacy in Mexico is on all fours with that of the Powers in the Balkans, except that Europe is too sophisticated to play the Pharisee or to imagine a dictator can be disarmed and destroyed by a platitude. President Wil- son was never more essentially and wearisomely the pedagogue than in this Mexican affair and the incarnate shal- lowness and inefficiency of Bryan diplo- macy could not be more poignantly il- lustrated. Between the two they have made the United States the laughing stock of the world. To announce grand- iloquently the super-moral policy of non-intervention may have delighted the Chautauquas and women's clubs; but to supplement it by the constant clatter of a neighborhood scold was neither dig- nified nor diplomatic. To refuse recog- nition to Huerta was entirely withm the President's power; to hope to drive a dictator from a power he had waded through blood to secure was sheer pop- pycock. Backing and filling, threatening and moralizing, have brought neither peace to Mexico nor security to Ameri- can life and property; they have made conditions worse; and with Europe growing impatient, the policy of weak- ness and Pharisaism has brought us perilously near trouble of a grievous kind. The Wilson diplomacy in Mexico would be pathetic were it not so mis- chievous, and the sooner the President elects to fish or cut bait the better for the peace of Mexico and the welfare of the unfortunate Americans now in that troubled land. — "Truth." A BEAUTIFUL DREAM NAILING THEM. The announcement that a diplomatic reception would be given by Senora Huerta, wife of the Provisional President, at Chapultepec Castle to- morrow, gave rise to a story to-day that Gen. Huerta had taken up his residence there. It was explained that Senora Huerta has decided to hold the reception at the Castle because of the inadequate accommodations of the private home of the Huertas in Liverpool street. Chapultepec Castle is the official residence of the Mexican President. Since the late President Madero vacated the historic place it has been undergoing renovation at the hands of painters and decorators. And the papers cried out in big scare- heads: "Huerta Barricades Himself in the Fortress of Chapultepec, Fearing Death." And there you are ! The peo- ple are too intelligent nowadays to fall for such bunk, but the pity is that some of them do. Henry Lane Wilson can afford to chuckle at his swift vindication. But, then, Henry Lane is only a practical man. He is not actuated by the high moral motives that induce Bryan to "starve out" the Mexican Government, and send his agents to parley with the chiefs of the Northern bandits. The beautiful dream of the Washing- ton idealists seems to be the establish- ment of an American protectorate over the countries from the Rio Grande to the Panama Canal, without resort to arms, without taking one inch of terri- tory by conquest. It is a dream worthy of the dreamers. It is dreaming run mad. It is a drunken orgy of a dream. It has this practical feature: It con- templates putting in power in the coun- tries below the Rio Grande particular groups of men who are favorable to the purposes of the Administration, which will uphold them against possible revolu- tions, and favorable to the wishes of American bankers, who will sustain them financially, on exceedingly good terms. It is this practical feature that shows our Washington idealists, though their heads may be in the clouds, have their feet planted in the sticky clay of politics and the shifting sands of High Finance. Therefore the countries from the Rio Grande to the Panama Canal are not going to accept the beautiful scheme on a dream basis. They are going to look into the sordid facts behind and within the dream, the political and financial rarebit that inspired the nightmare, as it were. Any very nice young college gradu- ate, athrill with the tremendous possibili- ties of life and aching to achieve great things on a magnificent scale, might em- body such a dream in his graduating es- sa}'. His parents and admiring friends would be proud of the young man's mas- sive intellect and would applaud vocifer- ously. But, strangely, that same intellec- tual young man would be laughed at by the world of Things That Are. If he persisted in a belief in the feasibility of his dream and tried to put it into prac- tice the chances are that a committee of his friends would soon be appointed to take care of him. It is not conceivable that the .Adminis- tration will go or be permitted to go to that extent, but it might be timely now to point out some of the Things That Are whose strident voices will cry out "Halt!" The Things That Are say that this country cannot control the countries from the Rio Grande to the Panama Canal without resort to arms and that such resort to arms will be conquest. The Things That Are may be gener- ally and broadly classified as follows: The character of the Latin-American races. The distrust of American motives in Latin-American countries. The interests, jealousy and opposition of foreign nations. It need not be contended that against all these the dream of American control from the Rio Grande to the Panama Canal may become a fact. The mistake and the danger lie in the self-deception of believing for a moment that it can become a fact without war and without conquest. We have at this moment a virtual pro- tectorate over Nicaragua. We have put in power in that country and are main- taining in power by the presence of marines a government by a group of men who are just as unscrupulous and just as grafting as any group that has ever shaped the destinies of a Latin-Ameri- can republic. The majority of the peo- ple of that country do not want the gov- ernment that has been forced upon them by the United States. The spirit of revo- lution is deep in the bosom of the peo- ple and it is only a question of time when it will burst into flame. Then if this country wants to maintain its pro- tectorate it must put down the .. 'olu- tion by resort to arms, must deny the people of Nicaragua the right to choose their own government, thus denying them the liberty both we and they hold so dear. And that is conquest. We have attempted to establish such a protectorate in Mexico by demanding that a certain group of men in power should get out so that we may put in power a group favorable to certain Amer- ican interests, and presumably willing to accept the dictation of Washington. The result is that even the members of the very group to which we have shown fa- vor, knowing that they could never an- swer to the Mexican people for the sur- render of Mexican nationality, have at least for effect repudiated the connection with and the assistance of the United States. And the present government of Mexico is ready and willing to fight, with a united people, against the aggression of the United States and United States interests. If we want control over Mexico we shall have to fight for it and our con- trol will be won by conquest. The character of the people of Latin- American countries is based on race, his- tory and traditions that are alien to the Anglo-Saxon. It is against the very fibre of their being to submit even within rea- son to a conquest disguised as benevo- lent assimilation. There is a peculiarly keen and not-to-be-deceived logic in the workings of the Latin-American mind that easily sees beneath the surface of real purpose. They cherish liberty even above political freedom. Their liberty has been dearly won and it would be dearly sold. The Latin-American distrust of Ameri- can motives is not without grave rea- sons, as even Americans will admit. Our friendship with the Guatemala dictator, our interference in Nicaragua, our pres- ent course toward Mexico, not to speak ; Continued oi: next pag't." e MEXICO Saturday, November 32, 1913. A BEAUTIFUL DREAM.— Continue.!, of the results of the Spanish-American War or even to mention the bold and unprincipled Panama grab, have com- bined to make us eat our words of dis- interested friendship. This distrust is growing daily, as it becomes more and more obvious that there is a destiny shaping our ends that bodes ill for the preservation of the independence of the Central American republics, threatens war with Mexico, and hovers vaguely even over South America. Whether or not the distrust is justified is apart from the fact that the distrust exists, and we seem to be doing everything in our power to add fuel to the fire. We can overcome that distrust in only two ways, by letting our dream dissolve in the mists of morning or by conquest. The interests, jealousy and opposition of foreign nations we may profess not to fear. But that is the spirit of braggart youth, not of wise statesmanship. The opening of the Panama Canal and its relation to the trade of the world puts upon the United States Government the tremendous responsibility of shaping its course in reference to the wonderful new commercial developments that are sure to follow, on a line of honorable competition with foreign nations, rather than on a greedy purpose to grab every- thing. It stands to reason that foreign nations will welcome competition but will not submit to American monopoly. And if we seek to establish American monopoly by stealing the independence of Central American nations we shall have to fight for it. And that means resort to arms and it may not mean con- quest. The interrelations of nations and trade among nations are so complex to- day that while it is permissible for any natiou to seek advantages over others in a competitive spirit, the attempt of any one to take an unfair advantage of the others is met and must be met with re- prisals that may mean war. Taking all these Things That Are into consideration, it would seem tiiat the Administration's dream is in the nature of a schoolboy's graduation effort. If the Administration really wants to com- mit this country to war and conquest it could do so in no better way than in an amateurish attempt to put such a dream into practice. Slick to books, you dreamers. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: As my job depends on the conceal- ment of my identity, I have had to use a nom- de-plume. Yet I would be willing to lose my job if Mr. Lind would take up my challenge. And eight years' residence in bandit-infested Du- rango gives me the right to talk and a sincere love for Mexico and Mexicans prompts the halt- ing phrase. If you care to publish my letter, please feel free to do so. Sincerely, Oh, yes, John Lind. He has entered into the peevish spirit of his mission, it would seem. Never, never, would he set foot in Mexico City again, he told the correspondents, if the Mexican Congress convened. * » * The Mexican Congress has convened. *_ * » Too bad, John. Wish you better luck when you are sent over to London to close up the Houses of Parliament. [Name and address withheld by request, but if Mr. Lind wants to accept the writer's challenge we shall be pleased to inform him as to the chal- lenger. — Editor's Note.] THE LETTER To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: How do you think pos- terity will judge the actions of our mis- guided President and his satellite, the Secretary of State, when the pitiless limelight of sound analytical reasoning is turned upon the events of the past week — as far as the relations between the United States and Mexican Govern- ments are concerned? What a tremend- ous revelation will be given of the de- gree to which the diplomatic usages of centuries can be overturned by the bung- ling of men essentially politicians. How the diplomats of Europe must be amused at each new evidence of "Grand Stand Diplomacy." I thought the United States a free country. Yet I see a club held over the country's press, because in no other way can the absolute lack of fair dealing to- wards Huerta be explained. News paper men are fair-minded when given free rein, and yet hardly a paper pub- lishes the Huerta side of the case. The British government is accused of aiding the cause of Lord Cowdray, but it is not intimated that the insistence with which Wilson and Bryan harp on the elimina- tion of Huerta is due to orders dictated by the Rockefeller interests. Yet Sir Edward Grey has no international repu- tation as a party man, nor is his fame based on his political acumen. Has Bryan any other grounds upon which to base his claim to eminence? Is it not known that Standard Oil preferred Wil- son to Roosevelt? And does not the pitiful exposure of the proposed deal in Russian Ambassadors show that the present Administration intends to re- ward its helpers? And to assist in paying off political obligations this country is to be plunged in war. Seas of blood spilled, billions of dollars squandered, and the prestige of Ihe United States for fair dealing and honesty in its international relationships forever destroyed. It is maddening to those of us who have been in the thick of the fight in Mexico, to see the trend of events. By what argtuiient President Wilson can justify his callous, cold-blooded refusal to listen to those of us who have suf- fered, yea and bled, passes our compre- hension. What possible knowledge can "Confidential Agent Lind" have of con- ditions in Mexico? He has never been farther than from Vera Cruz to the cap- ital. Can it be that he is afraid to enter the really revolutionary States? Is he unwilling to trust himself to the tender mercies of Pancho Villa, Zapata or Con- treras? I can readily see the wisdom displayed in not taking chances. It would be the height of folly to risk in- sult or injury at the hands of the men the United States government is medi- tating recognizing. Now, Mr. Lind, here is a proposition for you. Drop your title of "Confiden- tial Agent" and go with me to Durango, to Torreon, to Chihuahua, as plain Amer- icans. No frills, no flurries. We'll take our chances together to pay our own ex- penses, and after such a journey, when you have been able to judge for yourself, at first hand, I will abide by your deci- sion and O. K. any report you may make to the Government. Are you game, Mr. Lind? Will you risk it with me? We'll be in the same boat 'Y nos tocara' la misma suerte." Then make your report and every criticism would be stilled. It would be some itinerary, Mr. Lind, and no lack of excitement, and who knows, if we emerge scot-free, you may have a year's term as Ambassador to Russia. If we escape scot freel You may have my name and bona-fides on application to the editor of MEXICO. Your sincerely, PEACE IN MEXCIO. The Administration has repudiated Huerta, therefore Huerta musl go. For it is inconceivable in the scheme of things that the United States could take so advanced a stand relative to affairs in its very dooryard and then fail to maintain that stand. This Government frowned on the manner of Huerta's coming, it objected to his course after he came, it insists on his departure. Thus are Huerta's passports to the realm of the down-and-out filled in for him in advance — Den- ver "Times." Even if the Administration has made a mistake that mistake must not be ad- mitted. Because the Administration in- sists Huerta must go he must go. Even if it means war. If that is national honor there is something wrong about national honor. JAPANESE IN REBEL ARMY ASSAULTING CHIHUAHUA. El Paso, Tex., Nov. 9. — Fighting men from Japan were with General Villa's rebel army be- fore Chihuahua. From the centre of the city the Japanese could be seen plainly, operating machine guns in the trenches at Europca Hill. Colonel Aldres dc Lujon, grand nephew of General Luiz Terrazas, and one of the bravest of General Marcelo Caravco's officers, was killed while going to the rescue of a detachment of 12 sharpshooters, who were cut off from the right wing and were being cut to pieces by the Jap- anese-manned machine guns. — Philadelphia "Pub- lic Ledger." Saturday, November 22, 1913. MEXICO THE MONROE DOCTRINE (Pertinent Suggestions from Dr. Hiram Bingham's "The Monroe Doctrine— An Obsolete Shiblwletli." Undoubtedly our neighbors feel that they must do something to counteract that well-known willingness of the American people to find good and suffi- cient reasons for interfering and inter- vening; for example, for relieving Mex- ico ef Texas and California, for taking Porto Rico from Spain, for sending armies into Cuba, for taking Guantanamo Bay, for handling the customs receipts of Santo Domingo, for taking a strip of ter- ritory which (South Americans believe) belongs to the Republic of Colombia, for sending troops into Nicaragua, and for mobilizing an army on the Mexican fron- tier. (In regard to the latter point, it may be stated in passing that it is not the custom for South American nations to mobilize an army on a neighbor's fron- tier merely because that country is en- gaged in civil war or revolution.) Is it any wonder that the talk of alli- ances is in the air? Are we to continue holding to the Monroe Doctrine despite all warning? Is it worth our while to heed the "writing on the wall"? Is it not true that it is the present tendency of the Monroe Doctrine to claim that the United States is to do whatever seems to the United States good and proper as far as the western hemisphere is concerned? Is there not a dangerous tendency in our country to believe so far in our own rectitude, that we may be excused from any restrictions «ither in the law of nations, or in our treaty obligations, that seem unjust, trivial, or inconvenient, notwithstanding the established practices of civilized na- tions? Our attitude on the Panama tolls question, our former disregard of treaty rights with China, our hesitation at pass- ing Mr. Taft's carefully considered arbi- tration treaties, and our willingness to read into or read out of existing treaties whatever seems to us right and proper, have aroused deep-seated suspicion in our Southern neighbors which it seems to me we should endeavor to eradicate if we have our own highest good at heart. Are we not too much in the state of mind of Citizen Fix-it, who was more concerned with suppressing the noisy quarrels of his neighbors than with quiet- ly solving his own domestic difficulties? Could we see ourselves as our Southern neighbors see us in the columns of their daily press, where the emphasis is still on the prevalence of murder in the United States, the astonishing continu- ance of lynching, the freedom from pun- ishment of a majority of those who com- mit murder, our growing disregard of the rights of others, bomb outrages, strikes, riots, labor difficulties — could we realize how bitterly they resent our as- sumed right to intervene when they mis- behave themselves, or when a local revo- lution becomes particularly noisy. * * « The old adage, that actions speak louder than words, is perhaps more true in Latin America than in the United States. A racial custom of saying pleas- ant things tends toward a suspicion of the sincerity of pleasant things when said. But there can be no doubt about actions. Latin-American statesmen smiled and ap- plauded when Secretary Root, in the Pan- American Congress at Rio Janeiro, said: "We wish for no victories but those of peace; for no territory except our own; for no sovereignty except the sovereign- ty over ourselves. We deem the inde- pendence and equal rights of the small- est and weakest member of the family of nations entitled to as much respect as those of the greatest empire, and we deem the observance of that respect the chief guaranty of the weak against the oppression of the strong. We neither claim nor desire any rights or privileges or powers that we do not .freely concede to every American republic. We wish to increase our prosperity, to expand our trade, to grow in wealth, in wisdom and in spirit, but our conception of the true way to accomplish this is not to pull down others and profit by their ruin, but to help all friends to a common growth, that we may all become greater and stronger together." * ♦ * To this fine appeal a Peruvian diplo- mat replies: "■* * ■* The art of oratory is lavish with a fraternal idealism, but strong wills enforce their imperialistic ambitions. Although fully attentive to the fair-sounding promises of the North, the statesmen of the South refuse to be- lieve in the friendship of the Yankees." » * * There is another side to the question: some of the defenders of the Monroe Doctrine state quite frankly that they are selfish, and that from the selfish point of view, the Monroe Doctrine should at all costs be maintained. They argue that our foreign commerce would suf- fer were Europe permitted to have a free hand in South America. Even on this very point it seems to me that they make a serious mistake. You can seldom sell goods to a man who dislikes you except when you have something which is far better or cheaper than he can get anywhere else. Further- more, if he distrusts you, he is not going to judge your goods fairly, or to view the world's market with an unprejudiced eye. This can scarcely be denied. Every see these things with their eyes, we shouldone knows that a friendly smile or cor- dial greeting and the maintenance of friendly relations are essential to "hold- ing one's customers." Accordingly, it seems that even from this selfish point of view, which some Americans are will- ing to take, it is absolutely against our own interests to maintain this elder- brother-with-the-stick policy, which typi- fies the new Monroe Doctrine. International trade is largely a matter of sentiment, and the Monroe Doctrine does not sell any American-made goods. Furthermore, Germany is getting around the Monroe Doctrine, and is actually mak- ing a peaceful conquest of South Amer- ica which will injure us just as much as if we had allowed her to make a military conquest of the Southern republics. She is winning South American friendship, and has planted colonies, one of which, in southern Brazil, has three hundred and fifty thousand people in it — as large a population as that of Vermont, and nearly as large as that of Montana. She is taking pains to educate her young business men in the Spanish language, and to send them out equipped to cap- ture Spanish American trade. We have a saying that "Trade follows the flag." Germany has magnificent steamers, fly- ing the German flag, giving fortnightly service to every important port in South America — ports where the American flag is practically never seen. She has her banks and business houses which have branches in the interior cities. By their means she is able to keep track of Ameri- can commerce, to know what wc are do- ing, and at what rates. Laughing in her sleeve at the Monroe Doctrine as an antiquated policy, which only makes it easier for her to do a safe business, Ger- many is engaged in the peaceful con- quest of Spanish Ainerica. To be sure, we are not standing still, and we are fighting for the same trade that she is, but our soldiers are handi- capped by the presence of the very Doc- trine that was intended to strengthen our position in the New World. Is this worth while? The continuance of adherence to the Monroe Doctrine offers opportunities to scheming statesmen to distract public opinion from the necessity of concen- trated attention at home, by arousing mingled feelings of jingoism and self- importance in attempting to correct the errors of our neighbors. If we persist in maintaining the Mon- roe Doctrine, we shall find that its legiti- mate, rational, and logical growth will lead us to an increasing number of large expenditures, where American treasure and American blood will be sacrificed in efforts to remove the mote from our neighbor's eye while overlooking the beam in our own. It is for us to face the question fairly, and to determine whether it is worth while to continue any longer on a road which leads to such great expenditures, and which means the loss of international friendships. MEXICO Saturday, November 32, 1913. FORCING WAR If President Wilson were surreptitiously trying to force Mexico into a declaration of war against the United States he would meddle with the affairs of that govern- ment, interfere with its administrative ef- forts to establish order, and encourage ' Carranza and his rebels to continue their depredations. All of those things he has done and is doing, seemingly for want of better judgment rather than for an ulterior motive. President Wilson apparently needs some one to inform him that he was not elected to be ruler of Mexico, or to dictate to that country. But blindly, stupidly, aggressively he is harassing Huerta with impossible de- mands, and threatening him with furnishing assistance to Carranza. If President Wil- son lifts the embargo on arms and violates the neutrality laws of the nations for the benefit of the rebels, as his personal repre- sentative, William Bayard Hale, has stated would be done if Carranza would make cer- tain promises, then Huerta or his regime may declare war and force this country into an imbroglio that will quickly involve Germany, England, France — and Japan. This is all speculation ; but Huerta or his crowd would have nothing to lose and everything to gain by such an act. He could not hope to defeat this nation, but he could hope to humiliate President Wil- son for violating the neutrality law, and he could hope to entangle the United States in international complications, especially with Japan. Huerta is too well known as an audacious, hazard-taking dictator to ex- pect that after scorning Mr. Wilson's preachments and impositions he would not piill down the temple of the world's peace with the chance of bettering himself rather than tamely allow the United States to aid his enemies with the foreknowledge of dis- aster. The American people are learning that the man who has trained himself in the schoolroom to make beautiful speeches, \yho has modulated his theories to win pub- lic approval, lacks the judgment and bal- ance of a statesman. He has shown him- self to be a petulant schoolmaster who is piqued because the leader of a foreign gov- ernment does not obey instructions, and for punishment proposes to break this na- tion's oath and aid a mob of rebels who are willing to make promises ! When President Wilson demanded the protection of American lives and American property in Mexico he touched the limits of his authority with that country. He has no more right to prescribe whom they shall have for President, Dictator or Emperor than he has to tell the King of England what His Majesty shall eat for breakfast. President Wilson objects to Huerta because his morals and policies do not suit. If Mr. Wilson is more interested in the morals and policies of Mexico's leader — whether it is Huerta or any one else— than he is in the dignity of this nation, than he is in sanctity of the neutrality laws, he is un- worthy of the high honor received from the hands of the American public. Reports emanating almost hourly from Mexico say that Huerta has fled, that he has defied the United States, or that he has done something else. If he goes, some- one will take his place, and what' is done in Mexico— outside of the protection of .American lives and property- is no official concern of the United States, and espe- cially is it shamcJuUy degrading the dig- nity of this nali"E)n to have "special rep- resentatives" of the President practically slapped in the face for meddling with af- fairs that are none of their business and only because they are obeying instructions of the nation's highest official. It would seem to one surveying even casually the great legislative and financial problems now existing in this country that Mr. Wilson would have sufficient ma- terial to occcupy his attention without tam- pering with the Mexican situation, without making a series of moves and threats, which, if not discontinued, will drive Mexico into some desperate action that must inevitably lead to war. And war with Mexico would be a terrible thing. Our armies could easily enough fight their way through from place to place, but the guer- rilla fighting would continue year after year until in impotent shame we would execrate the folly that led us into it. Have the French in Algeria not learned a lesson in fighting an inferior country by which we could profit? Was not the dreadful humiliation of England in the Transvaal sufficient to show the miserable- ness of a useless war? Have we so soon forgotten the tragedies of our occupation in the Philippines, where the savages laid low hundreds and thousands of loyal and brave Americans? Then above all things should we avoid a war with a country for no more of a reason than that the morals of its President do not meet with the approval of our President! — Los Angeles "Times." UNENDING WAR EXPENSES. Those who are advocating forcible in- tervention in Mexico should remember that there seems to be no end to the expenses of a war. They go on to in- determinate years in the future. The commissioner of pensions reports that while the last surviving pensioner of the war of 1812 died eight years ago, there are still 199 widows of soldiers of that war in receipt of pensions. It will be seen that we are paying the costs of a war that occurred 100 years ago. If we invaded Mexico, 100 years from now the people would still be taxed to pay the expenses of that invasion, and they would be much greater than those of the small war of 1812, for a far greater number of troops would be engaged in it. The civil war closed fifty years ago, and the commissioner reports that on July I last there were on the rolls no fewer than 462,379 civil war pensioners. The list included, according to the re- port, more than one-fifth of the men who served in the army or navy during that strug,gle. The people will support every effort to settle the Mexican difficulty without war. A man who amuses himself with mathe- matical calculations recently announced that if slavery had been abolished by paying $10,000 for every slave, the coun- try would have saved millions, besides the loss of life and the destruction of property, and he was in favor of buying up all the dictators and revolutionary leaders and settling the question in that way, as the cost would not be one-tenth that of war. — Omaha "World Herald." However, there is the persistent report, which has not been contradicted, that insistence at Wash- ington is centered upon the refusal to recognize Huerta, and upon the corollary thereof, the de- mand tliat Huerta shall resign. Criticism of this attitude must be conditioned upon the accuracy of the report. If it is true that President Wilson has adopted an essentially anti-Huerta policy, then he is blundering. This Government has nothing to do with or about Huerta, the man. It has to do with th« Republic of Mexico. The name and the character of the man who is its president are not this Government's concern. Its only business abaut Mexico is to use what influence it can hope to make effective, to bring about restoration of or- derly government. This Government may properly refuse to rcc ognize any Mexican government which is con- tinuously unable to suppress rebellion and re store and maintain order, for that reason ; noi because the man at the head of it is Huerta o; any other man whom President Wilson does no like. Even yet, if through some turn of affairs in hii favor Huerta should become able to restore peace and order and to establish his Government on a sound basis, it would be the duty of the Ad- ministration at Washington to give his Govern- ment recognition. It is conditions in Mexico, not persons, that are properly a subject of attention from the Gov- ernment of the United States. There is no moral question involved in the Administration's Mex- ican problem. If President Wilson has in his mind the per- sonality of Huerta confused with the Government of Mexico, then there is a radical defect in his policy, whatever that policy may be. — Albany "Evening Journal." NOT A QUESTION OF PERSONALITY. But isn't President Wilson giving too much prominence to the personal element in the Mex- ican situation? To make positive assertions about the Adminis- tration's policy is impossible for the simple and compelling reason that the public is not permitted to know what the policy is. "The mills of the gods grind slowly." "The glacial movement." "The Chau- tauqua glide." Down in Washington the Administration policy is variously la- beled. We like the glacial movement best. It sounds so much like a straw- berry ice-cream soda. What will you have, Willie? Grape juice, with a straw, please. How about that "informative memor- andum" that President Wilson promised to give out to a waiting world? *. * * It was sidetracked. Maybe it was spiked. * * * Who did the sidetracking and who did the spiking? The waiting world would like to know that, too. * * * Clever jingo trick to try to make it appear that England was against the United States. But England didn't fall for this amateurish move. * * ♦ England is with the United States in anything that's reasonable. But we can't blame England for thinking that Wil- son and Bryan are unreasonable about Mexico. » * * A pretty big proportion of the Ameri- can people feel the same way. Some of these days they are going to shout it from the housetops. Salu/rday, November 22, 1913. MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East West and All Angles. A DEMOCRATIC VIEW OF THE MEXICAN PROBLEM. The Herald has received the follow- ing statement on the Mexican situation from a Democratic member of Congess. whose name it is not at liberty to reveal at present, but for whose prominence it can vouch. From the Herald's point of view it is an excellent presentation of the facts: In my judgment the administration has not handled the Mexican problem with consummate skill. Indeed, it put it plainly, I think that blunder after blunder has been committed. I have thought all along that the thing to do was to re- cognize the government de facto, for, in my opinion, it offered the speediest and only possible way of getting busi- ness and order re-established. The administration thought differently and the result is chaos, murder, arson and other crimes which can hardly be men- tioned in polite correspondence. The bandits who masquerade under the name of "Constitutionalists" have caught the sympathy of the President and Mr. Bryan by the employment of that word, and these two gentlemen have come to believe that this particular bunch of bandits stands for pure democracy and honest government. As a matter of fact, there is no cohesion among the oppon- ents of the government of Mexico and they would be in almost immediate open insurrection against the government of Carranza if he were able to establish one. These various organizations that are in the field against the government only have one thought in common, and that is hostility to an established government. Personally I have no interest in either party and I am only concerned to see something done which will make life and property reasonably safe in Mexico and which will get by this crisis without in- volving the United States. Neither party is worthy from our point of view, but perhaps the leaders on either side are about as good as Mexico can produce at the present time. The fundamental error in Mexico is that the people have essayed a form of government for which they have no real sympathy and which they do not com- prehend. Mexico has never been anything l)ut a republic in name and cannot be until the people are made over. The thing which most concerns me now is to see the Uuited States avoid aiiy great- er intimacy with Mexico and the Mex- icans than we have had and, above all, to see that no man in the uniform of our government goes south of the Rio Grande on a hostile mission. All Mexico, all Latin America, is suspicious and ap- prehensive, and the situation must be handled with extreme skill if we are to avoid developing more hostility than now exists; and enough of it already exists to make it almost impossible for us to build up a satisfactory trade with those countries. They expect that we mean to absorb their territory and sov- ereignty; and although the President protests that such is not the purpose of our country, he can no more control sentiment in that direction, once a war is on, than he could dam the Mississippi by tossing into the bed of that stream a few bags of sand. It is rumored that Mexico has asked France to mediate between that country and the United States, which, to put it another way, means arbitration or ad- justment by a third and impartial country. Now the President and the secretary of state are both on record for arbitration of all international disputes. This is one, and if not adjusted promptly by media- tion, will, I am afraid, lead us into war. — Boston "Herald." IS MEXICO TO BE TURNED OVER TO THE BANDITS? But suppose tlie Huerta government is forced into bankruptcy and collapses because it has no funds to pay its troops? What is to take the place of the army that is now preserving order and protect- ing life and property throughout the principal parts of Mexico? Will the United States undertake to furnish its own troops to police such immense areas as must be exposed to lawlessness, pillage and massacre if Huerta's army breaks up, or are we to turn things over to the roving hordes of bandits who make up such a large part of Carranza's forces? For months the newspapers, even those most opposed to the despotic rule of Huerta, have been filled with horrifying reports of the murders, lootings, tortur- ings and other barbarities committed by the so-called "Constitutionalists." And now it is announced that while our government is attemptng to crush Huerta and destroy his army by forcing the Me.xican government into complete bankruptcy. President Wilson is secretly conferring with Carranza through his "personal representative," William Bay- ard Hale, a newspaper correspondent made notorious by abusing the confi- dence of the German emperor. What does it all mean? Have we turned our backs on a man charged with responsibility for the pol- itical assassination of two men. Madero and Suarez, to deal with men responsible for the murder of hundreds, for whole- sale and systematized robbery, for the deliberate torturing of prisoners, and for the looting and burning of towns? — Xew York "Evening Mail." AMERICAN BLOOD. We certainly ought not to have war over this issue. It is not worth while. The application of an idealistic code of government to the republic of Mexico would not yield in results any return on the prodigious cost in American blood and treasure. We ought not to annex, or absorb, any part of Mexico — the Hearst newspapers to the contrary not- withstanding. We ought instead to content ourselves with tasks of economic adjustment here at home without add- ing more perplexing ones which would come to us from south of the Rio Grande. — Boston "Herald." THE MEXICAN CRISIS. Political intervention Xty the United States in Mexico has been a fait accom- pli ever since the Washington Govern- ment followed up its refusal to recog- nize Huerta by notification that neither he nor any one of his immediate follow- ers were regarded by Washington as eligible candidates. Refusal of recogni- tion pending an honest election was ours to give or withhold under international law. Insistence upon an honest election is wholly proper in view of our obliga- tions under the Monroe Doctrine but the hasty commitment against the right of the Mexican people to vote for Huerta or any other candidate can be justified neither under international law nor any Pan--\merican doctrine. The result of the Administration's course has brought this Government to the brink of armed intervention and the President is might- ily worried over the outlook to-day. Sunday conferences with individual members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations sufficed only to re- lieve irritation developing at the Capitol at the apparent unwillin.sness of the President to take the Senate into his confidence regarding this critical foreign problem. They developed no construc- tive programme upon which the White House can act. Suggestions that the belligerency of Carranza and the so- called Constitutional army be recognized and the embargo against their importa- tion of arms and ammunition be lifted do not emanate from the President. This course is urged by those Democratic senators who look upon intervention as the inevitable result and cherish the hope that as a price of our services in restor- ing order across the border the penin- sula of Southern California and one or more States in Northern Me.xico may be added to the United States. Presi- dent Wilson in his Mobile speech re- pudiated any such intention on the part of the White House, but this has not blasted the hopes of the jingo senators. Recognition of the belligerency of the brigands under the name of "Constitu- tionalists" who are laying waste the western part of Mexico and destroying foreign life and property would make the United States indirectly responsible for the terrible cost of life certain to follow. W'e hope President Wilson has the courage to reject any such proposal. It would violate the spirit of his Latin American policy and would align Eu- rope a,gainst the United States in Mex- ico. London, Berlin and Paris would feel compelled to lend their moral support and indirectly their financial assistance to the Huerta government while the United States would be backing the Car- ranza faction. The result in the event of Carranza's ultimate triumph would be a duplication of our experience with .•\guinaldo in the Philippines. The day of law and order in Mexico would be in- definitely postponed and the day of de- struction of life and property indefinitely prolonged. — Boston "Transcript." MEXICO Saturday, November 32. 1913 INDIRECTION OBJECTIONABLE. Much as we would dislike to see the United States intervene in Mexico we would much rather see it done in a re- gular than in an irregular way. When Colombia refused to accept the sum offered by the United States for the Panama canal concession our country would have acted in a much more honor- able way if it had invaded Columbia and taken the canal zone by force than it did when it stirred up revolution and took what it wanted. If without anj' demand on Huerta we raised the embargo on arms it would be very different from raising it after a demand has been made and refused. In the first case we would have merely stood aside and let the strongest win. Our position would not have been diff- erent from that of the nations of Eu- rope and we could have accepted the re- sult whatever it might have been as gracefullj' as thej^ could. As matters stand when we lift the embargo on arms we can accept but one result and yet we can't be sure that the war in progress in Mexico will end with that result. We are not sure the Consti- tutionalists would win. If they failed the result would be Huerta in power stronger than ever and still to be reckoned with, still with the demand that he abdicate, a demand to be enforced by direct action under greater difficult- 'ies than ever or ignominiously aband- oned. We do not think a great nation can afford to make a demand and then have some one else to enforce it. Nor do we think that either a great nation or a small one any more than an individual can afford to do anything by indirection that it can do directly. If it is wrong to do a thing directly, it is doubly wrong to do it by indirection for in- direction carries with it a suspicion of treachery, hypocrisy and cowardice. — Jacksonville "Times Union." "STOP; LOOK; LISTEN!" But what if Huerta sticks, as he is most likely to do? Are we called upon to go to war, to waste the blood of our sons, to pour out treasure for the sake of driv- ing a dictator out of office, villain though he be? Are we to fight a united Mexico — as it surely would be. with Huerta as hero — to quell another nation's internal disturbances? There would be in such a war nothing of the moral quality of rescuing Cuba from Spain. The return would be too little for the appalling price. They say that the best railroad cross- ing warning ever devised was: "Stop; Look; Listen." It may well be noted by the Administration at this particular juncture. — Boston "Post." THE TEST OF A MAN. Each hour that the present situation continues the menace becomes greater. What is the President going to do about it? Has he any Mexican policy anyway, beyond trusting to virtues that do not exist and waiting weakly for something to turn up? Does he not understand that he has got the country into this mess and that it is he who must get it out? And he must get it out without ihedding any of its soldiers' blood and without furnishing arms to Mexican revolutionists with -which to shed their countrymen's blood. The schoolmaster has come to his first real testing as a man, and he is visibly flustered. — Providence "Triliune." PUBLIC OPINION- -Continued Mexico! The American people usually stand with their President in his atti- tude toward foreign powers. But there are many who think that President Wil- son's method of dealing with the Mex- ican problem is a great blunder. It is all very well to talk, as the President does, about being governed by morality instead of by expediency, but must not the morality of our acts be governed by their consequences? This is the ques- tion frankly asked by one of the most thoughtful readers of "Leslie's." He adds: "If the President's acts are creat- ing the necessity for this government to enter Mexico to protect property and life and to attempt to set up a govern- ment to our President's liking, at the expense of thousands or tens of thous- ands of American lives and hundreds of millions of money, are not these acts supremely immoral? No other govern- ment adopts this rule, which is not 'Is there a government established in Mex- ico?' but is 'Ought the established gov- ernment to be supported?' What could be more futile than to insist that there shall be an election in Mexico which shall express the will of the people? It is insisting upon the impossible; it is idealism gone mad." Letters from other readers incline to the same view. It is a humiliating situation, and it grows worse every day. — "Leslie's Weekly." THE AFFAIR MEXICAN. As to the outcome of liie mess in Mexico, the man in the street is in as good a position to guess as the man in the newspaper office. They have access to the same means of information, the difference being that tlie newspaper man is under obligation to try to keep track of things and form some opinion, wliile the man in the street need not bother himself at all if he does not wish to. And the man in the street is in the more agree- able situation. But the fact is that our ill-timed officiousness in butting into what is only very indirectly our business is quite likely, if persisted in, to get the man in the street into trouble. Until recently the Mexican situation has been an almost negligible factor in the financial situa- tion, but it is rapidly becoming quite important. If the President and Congress go to war, it will be with Mexico and not with any special faction of Mexicans, for the Mexicans will rally round the strong man of the hour, whoever he is, and he seems to be Huerta. The guess at this writing is that Huerta will absolutely refuse to be dictated to as to any mat- ter whatever by the Washington Government, and that his reply, when formulated, will be the diplo- matic form of telling President Wilson to "go to." And if that should be the case. President Wilson must back squarely down or ask Congress to de- clare war. And if it be war, it will be war, not with Huerta, but with Mexico. That will change the status. Mexico as a belligerent can borrow according to its credit, and there is no reason why its credit should not be as good in Paris as that of the Balkan States, all of which during the recent war got money for necessities by paying for it. The United States, also, will have to borrow, and if it does it will pay more for money than it has paid for many years. That will be so much added to the existing strain on the investment market, and make it so much the more difficult for railroads and munici- palities to borrow. And there is where comes in the concern of the man in the street. Meanwhile the assassins are at work and every assassin who attacks Huerta and fails to "get" him adds so much to his popular strength. The trouble seems to be spreading, as General Diaz was attacked and wounded in Havana and is to be clapped into jail for becoming a victim. It would seem that President Wilson had enough to do in Cuba without taking on Mexico besides. — San Francisco "Chronicle." SCUTTLE AND DRIFT. To any one at all acquainted with Mexico and its people the present atti- tude of the Washington Administration cannot be viewed with anything short of amazement. The population of Mex- ico is about fourteen millions. Of this number something over two millions are of the white race, mostly of Spanish descent. Many of them as highly edu- cated and cultivated as can anywhere be found, together with a sprinkling of white foreigners numbering, perhaps, until President Wilson's recent warning, fifty thousand. The remaining eleven or twelve millions are nearly equally- divided between the pure-blooded In- dians and the people of mixed blood, the latter somewhat outnumbering the former. As the great mass of the people are ignorant and illiterate peons, living from hand to mouth on starvation wages, anything in the nature of an intelligent public opinion is practically unknown. When, therefore, we now hear any of our fellow-citizens enunciating in rounded periods certain abstract princi- ples of liberty, including the common- places of "consent of the governed" and "free and fair elections," and other simi- lar phrases, a feeling of combined sad- ness and apprehension is engendered by the thought that people in positions of responsibility and power, however high- minded and pure their motives, should be so deceived as to actual conditions as to permit their governmental acts to be controlled by such sentimentality. The fact is that Huerta, in his recent manifesto to the assembled diplomats in the City of Mexico, simply stated a self- evident proposition when he said that Mexican political conditions are such that the government of the nation must necessarily rest with the few, or, in other words, with an oligarchy domi- nated bj' a single powerful personality. Now, it so happens that the individual who, at the present moment, comes near- est to representing such a personality, is Victoriano Huerta, or whomsoever he may conclude to nominate as his suc- cessor. Constitution or no Constitution. The position assumed by the Wash- ington Cabinet has been to place us in a false position from the very beginning, and, humiliating as the confession of failure must necessarily be, it is respect- fully submitted that the only manly thing for our government now to do, though even at the eleventh hour, is to recognize that facts are stern and awk- ward things that must be boldly met, and that the proper solution of the pres- ent difficulty is to recognize Huerta, or his nominee, as the de facto President or Dictator (in crises names are unimport- ant) of Mexico upon whom will rest the international responsibility for bringing order out of chaos. Should conditions in Mexico not then improve, and an ultimate necessity for our intervention arise, I think it may be safely stated that a vast majority of the litnited number of people in the United ■ States at all familar with Mexican con- ditions would be of the very decided opinion that the best had been done, and that no different course of action could have prevented intervention. But whate-vcr our future relations with Mexico are to be, the American people should sternly recognize that the scuttle and drift policy has run its course, and that something definite must now_ be done. — Samuel L. Parrish in New York "Evening Post." Saturday, Xovcmbcr 22, 1913. MEXICO 11 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. The Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir; Any outside interference in the inter- nal politics of a country is both unjustifiable and dangerous, and is naturally resisted to the last by any free people as it is an attempt to rob them of their cherished independence which they have won only by the greatest sacrifices. There is no justification for American interfer- ence in Mexico, because the property loss is an inconsiderable per cent, of the total amount in- vested there, and can be compensated for by the Mexican Government, which has never been ac- cused of being remiss in making settlements of this kind. Personal security is also cared for by ample guarantees. What then is the motive for attacking the sovereignty of the Mexican nation? In the past the United States has insisted that the motive for separating Cuba from Spain, Panama from Colombia, etc., etc., was purely humanitarian, and burning with a holy love for the welfare of their neighbors they promoted rev- olutions in small Latin countries and imposed their will upon the presidents. The Mexicans desire to work out their own problems, and if the question were to be voted on, not a single soul would cast his vote for American intervention. All Mexicans desire to follow the tradition of their race, the customs of their forefathers and even the stormy path which must lead sooner or later to a government of the people for the people. Mr. Woodrow Wilson could do no better than follow his own declaration that the rights of a weak people would be respected equally as those of the strong. It must be remembered that the landing of the first foreign soldier on Mexican soil, with hostile intent, would be the signal for a united and ter- rible resistance, and it would be well for the interventionists desiring to make an attempt on the sovereignty of Mexico under guise of mor- ality or humanity to count the cost well before embarking on their piratical enterprise. Baltimore, Md. C. U. M. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: It was to be expected that official Washington would be, as always, against the one strong man capable of solving the difficult prob- lems confronting his country if only allowed a reasonable chance. But no, the meddlesome in- terference of the Hale-Wilson-Bryan combination is again very much in evidence, complicating matters and doubly increasing the difficulties con- fronting the only legal government Mexico has, besides openly encouraging its enemies. The methods of the Executive may not be exactly in harmony with milk-and-water ethics, but they are inspired by a thorough knowledge of his country- men and of the immediate needs of the situation. With all due respect to President Wilson and resting in the assurance of his undoubted hon- esty of purpose, there seems to be no question that he has been hypnotized by the term "Constitu- tionalist" and that all his opinions of the situa- tion in Mexico have been colored by the reports emanating from rebel sources. Even the snoopy Dr. Hale's "confidences" were undoubtedly tinted with the same brush. It looks very much as if Mr. Wilson were being used as the unconscious catspaw of that faction who wish to see Mexico demoralized, without money, and at the mercy of the grafters and "plunderbund" who would then divide up the spoils. Heaven send that the scales may be lifted from the eyes that apparently will not see and that an impartial and unpreju- diced policy may result that will give "fair play" to this beautiful but unhappy country. Yours trruly,- A RESIDENT OF MEXICO. Mexico City, Mexico. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: After an absence, I have just re- turned to town and came across your issue of November 8th. It is splendid, magnificent work you are attempting. However, you have a hard job fighting self-sufficient ignorance and fanatic stubbornness as exemplified by the heads of our Administration. we got to teach others, any- It seems that the lovers of justice and the dreamers of Pan-Americanism will have to wait until the time when prejudice will have worn itself out, or when (and it will not be many years until then) Latin Americans will feel strong enough to show their teeth and to tell us to go to the other place with all our bosh of mentor- ship over weaker sisters, Monroe Doctrine and such like. What right have how? Thanks to Wilson's "morals above expediency" Mexico is yet in trouble. North of the Isthmus, there are, possibly, two or three countries badly governed, but in the whole of South America, there is not one single country with municipal, state or federal governments as full of graft and of red tape, and as little efficient as ours. That's a strong statement, but I am willing to back it up with facts. Really, if South Americans were as badly gov- erned as we govern ourselves, they would again start revolutions, a habit which they have lost, but which we would be well to gain. We would do well if we would gain only one thing thereby : put "men" of courage and energy — of the type of Huerta — at the head of our affairs, instead of the smiling, smooth-shaved scoundrels who over- run our politics and whose principal business is buying and selling votes, or, as sole other alterna- tive, half crazy reformers who capture the ignor- ant mass of voters with plausible slogans and dreamy promises. We all have every reason to be proud of our great country, but, at present, we have good reasons to be ashamed of the way the men at the head of our Government direct our interna- tional affairs. Mount Vernon, N. Y. C. G. "When President Madero was elected he prom- ised a great deal — the people are always ready to follow any man who will promise enough, and he set forth that he would at once solve the land question and secure higher wages for la- borers. In fact, I remember that the day after his election, the workmen who had been getting 50 cents a day, demanded $1 for the same work —they believed that it would all happen in the twinkling of an eye. "Nothing did happen except that Madero went in with a full treasury and soon the country had no money. He became intensely unpopular and more especially his brothers, who were held re- sponsible for the looting of the treasury. "Then President Madero himself was a dreamy weakling; his wife was a spiritualistic medium and he thought he acted under divine guidance, and hence took no advice. He had previously been for some time in a sanitarium and was en- tirely incompetent. "The crisis came when General Felix Diaz had the streets of Mexico City swept with the machine guns from the arsenal, and Madero, in spite of all advice, kept pouring troops into the narrow street to be slaughtered. "Several officers remonstrated with him and these he killed with his own hand. There is no doubt of that, and it was for that he was ex- ecuted. "I do not defend Huerta, but he was the vic- tim of circumstances and took the presidency be- cause he was the strongest available man and the country needed a strong man. "That was the time that the United States could have saved the situation by informing Huerta that he must at once hold an election and make the dictatorship purely provisional. That would have avoided trouble, and Henry Lane Wil- son, the ambassador who was retired, knew it. — Interview with Rev. John Howland, D.D., in Bos- ton "Post." MAPS IN COLORS Showing individual and corporate hold- ings in The Mexican Gulf Coast Oil Fields .'\ccurate in every detail— A necessity for everybody interested in Mexican Oil N. PAULSEN, Civil Engineer, Station O, Box 72 New York City Do you think Mexico is going to the bow-wows ? Well, think again. Mexico is all right and there is a lot of business done there. We have a fine transfer business for sale. Making money right along, revolu- tions or no revolutions. If you are interested write to us. We wrill give you all the particulars and you will be surprised. Address MEXICO, 15 Broad St., New York City THE MARCON CUSHIONED ARCH SPRINO SUPPORT. The illustration is of a wonderful device that will bring comfort and relief to the thousands of people who have "foot trouble." To those sufferino- fmm ... , — - ---, *w w.^^o,, suffering from fallen arches, flat^ feet, varicose veins, weak arch, To those , — , ._.-icose veino, «toix .itn, etc., the Marcon Cushioned Arch Spring Support is an ibsolute necessity. It is the scientific product of experts, who have devoted years to the invention of a corrective of "foot t Send us a postal card at once for a detailed descrip- tion of the Marcon Cushioned Arch Spring Support. It nieans immediate relief for those who are suffering from any sort of foot weakness. Address Tht Marcon Mfg. Co., Inc Brooklyn, N. Y, MAILING LISTS of any bnsiuess in the world. Be wise, Mr. Business Man, and Circularize every man or firm with wliom you can do business through the mails. We have everybody's name and ad- dress in the world, classified according to business, trade or profession. Send for rates UNITED STATES MAILING LISTS COMPANY 1206 Broadway, New York $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.") UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturday, November 23, 1913. "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Miniging Editor, Thomas O'Hallorin 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York There is just one thing that stands be- tween this country's honor and an unjust war with Mexico. That is a providential revelation of the littleness and the irre- sponsibility of motive in the men who have made such a thing possible. It will be a blessing to humanity if, before our nation commits itself irrevocably to a course for which we will suffer a hundred- fold, somebody with real honor and de- cency of heart will give to the people tangible evidence of the mental workings of the Washington Administration. The press of the country has done its level best to throw a glamour of good inten- tion and humane purpose about the pol- icy that has proved so pernicious and futile. Friendly shoulders of solid men have tried to bolster up the shaky moves of insincerity and incompetence. Loy- alty and optimism have stood back to back to the end that the country should not be humiliated. The masterpiece of loyalty will now come from the man who patriotically will save the Administration and the people by showing that among the few men who have shaped the Mex- ican mistake Pindell politics and petty prejudice were all-powerful. It is unbe- lievable that a nation shall be plunged into war because of such. There must be some Pindell letters in this Mexican imbroglio. Let them come to light. They stand between us and war. The wonder is that the pure-minded Administration officials have even liit- ened to the suggestion of arming rebels and bandits to fight for the Administra- tion's "policy." • • * Since when have Americans hired mer- cenary Hessians to do their fighting for them? Times have changed. To talk silver-tongued peace at so much per talk, collected at the gate, and hire thugs to fight is not inconsistent — in Washington. WHY RECOGNITION COUNTS. The Government of Mexico desires United States recognition not so much because with such recognition it could the more readily float a foreign loan, but simply as an assurance of good faith on the part of the United States that rebel- lions will not be started, fostered, and financially supported by American inter- ests. That's what recognition really means and why so much importance is attached to it, especially by the other Powers. They know that if the United States would say "hands off" to the American inciters of rebellion and pre- vent the sending of arms and munitions of war across the border peace would be restored to Mexico in short order and easily maintained. Failure of the United States Government to recognize the Mexican Government is interpreted as encouragement of further rebellion for i the interests of certain American indi- viduals and corporations. THINGS THAT "CANNOT BE DIS- CUSSED." The Latin-American policy announced in the first days of the Administration. The proposition of a Nicaragua pro- tectorate embodying an understanding with American bankers. The genesis of the decision not to rec- ognize Huerta. The sending of John Lind to Mexico instead of a man who knew the country and the language. The offer of money to the Huerta Gov- ernment through American bankers if Lind's propositions were accepted. The financial blockade of the Mexican Government. The exact standing of William Bayard Hale. The connections between the Carran- cistas and the Pierce Oil Corporation. The connection between Hale and the Carrancistas and the Maderos — and the Pierce interests. The connection between the Carran- cista headquarters, or junta, in Washing- ton and the State Department. The Associated Press story of an ul- timatum to Huerta, which story was "re- leased" on Election Day, New Jersey and Massachusetts elections being in doubt. The inexpressible grief at the imprison- ment of seditious Mexican deputies and apparent indifference to the suffering of Americans at the hands of bandit, so- called "Constitutionalists." The official feeding of the press with rumors and insinuations designed to dis- credit the Huerta Government. Bryan's insulting attitude toward Americans in Mexico. The immorality of the very suggestion to arm the rebels and bandits of the type that have disgraced civilization at Juarez, within sight of El Paso. "FRIENDSHIP." Every now and then certain newspa- pers in their mad endeavor to justify the unprecedented Mexican policy of the Administration announce with rau- cous glee that on account of the financial blockade thrown" around him by the United States, President Huerta will not be able to pay his army and that in that event his fall is certain. Has it ever occurred to the intelligent defend- ers of the Moral-Financial Suasion "pol- icy" that if the soldiers of the Mexican regular army are not paid there will be one hundred thousand men out of em- ployment who, by all the instincts of self-preservation, will have to live off the country. That would be piling hor- ror on horror and wouM mean anarchy in Mexico such as the world has never experienced. It takes an idealist and moralist of the Bryan type to contem- plate such a spectacle with calm assur- ance. Nobody with a heart or the least love for his fellows would think of bring- ing about such a condition. It is enough to make the blood of man boil to listen to the criminally insane mouthings of these moralists. They are not only mor- ally but materially responsible for the continuance of lawlessness in Mexico, and their every move from day to day could not be better designed to turn Mexico into a shambles. How they can salve their conscience, sleep in peace or look their fellow men straight in the eye, is more than can be understood by any American who has had visual knowl- edge of the results of their "friendship" for Mexico. MAPS IN COLORS. The development of the oil industry in Mexico is one of the marvels of the times and promises to be even more wonderful in the future. To meet the demand of the moment and supply a growing necessity, Mr. N. Paulsen, civil engineer, with headquarters in Tampico, Tamps., Mexico, has after two years of work and constant revision, prepared a "General Map of the Mexican Gulf Coast Oil Fields," which should be in the hands of every one connected with or interested in the Mexican oil indus- try. The map is made in five sheets on a scale of 1-100,000. It has been compiled from some 300 detail maps of the Mex- ican Gulf Coast from Soto La Marina, Tamaulipas, to Papantla, Vera Cruz, and based upon the Mexican Govern- ment maps. It shows the land holdings in color combinations of over forty oil and agricultural companies, also devel- opment work, such as drilling camps, pipe-lines, railroads, etc. Most of the oil men on the ground have one or more copies of Mr. Paulsen's maps. The color arrangement, with a key on each sheet to the meaning of the colors, is the best feature of the map. The sub- scription price to the map is extremely reasonable, considering the tremendous amount of work involved in its prepa- ration and up-to-date revision. For fur- ther information as to this map, our readers who arc interested should ad- dress Mr, N. Paulsen, Civil Engineer, Station O, Box 72, New York City, N. Y., U. S. A. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intellident Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. 1— No. 15 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1913 FIVE CENTS THEDULLTRUTH The most deplorable phase of the Mex- ican situation is revealed in the appalling extent to which the American press has gone in the publication of falsehoods. We refer particularly to "news matter" either sent by news agencies and special correspondents or concocted in the edi- torial rooms of the newspapers. This perversion of truth in regard to Mexican affairs is due to various causes: often to orders given by the owners, whose interests and connections make it advisable for them to help in the cam- paign of misrepresentation being con- ducted against Mexico, sometimes to ig- norance on the part of editors and at other times to the able work of press agents employed by the interests which are fostering the advance of anarcliy in the southern republic. The average .-American newspaper man — reporter or editor — is honest and anx- ious to be square with himself and with the readers. But his convictions cannot always guide his work, because usually he has to obey orders from higher up. In the majority of newspapers the busi- ness office has the last say as to the edi- torial policy and the business office must yield to the pressure brought to bear by advertisers or enforce the orders given by the publisher. In many cases the publication of a mi.xture of truth and falsehoods, that is, of half-truths — which are the most pow- erful means of misrepresentation and much more dangerous than plain, unadul- terated lies — is due to the distorted con- ception which newspaper men in this country have formed as to the value of news. Unfortunately all .\merican newspaper men have been trained to believe that "news" is any tale relating to something out of the ordinary, anything that will startle or stagger the reader and pro- duce emotions. Bare truth does not al- ways produce "sensations," and is often extremely dull. The average newspaper man probably would be greatly surprised if told that he is a confirmed prevaricator and that prevaricating is his daily task. Truth, if dull, must be embellished, adorned and frequently distorted to (Con.inued on next page.; Striking a Gusher in OIL The story of the oil war in Mexico is well known to most Americans who have lived in Mexico during the last ten years but not so to the .\merican public in general. Yet in newspaper parlance this is the "real story" behind the whole Mex- ican trouble. The ability of the American interests involved in this oil war to twist the pub- lication of facts to their advantage is shown in the attempt of many American newspapers to make it appear as if the present struggle were being carried on to prevent the Mexican Government from giving to British interests a mon- opoly of the oil industry in Mexico. The facts, however, in brief are these: The Waters-Pierce Oil Company, for- merly a subsidiarj^ of the Standard Oil, enjoyed a practical monopoly of the oil trade in Mexico for many years. When the Doheny interests entered the field the Waters-Pierce Company attempted to prevent their success by acquiring control of the Mexican Central Railway. It also laid plans to acquire a practical monopoly of Mexican railroads, so as to control the means of transportation and freight rates. The Diaz Government perceived that if the Pierce interests were allowed to carry out their plans Mexico would be- come an adjunct of those interests and dependent upon the strongest and most ruthless of American Trusts. It was then that the Diaz Government con- ceived the plan to merge the principal Mexican railroads under government control and to give such concessions to British interests as to break the danger- ous influence of the Pierce interests. The so-called Cowdray interests began exploring Me.\ican oil fields in igoo, but it was not until 1906 — or about the time that the Government completed success- fully the railroad merger — that the .■\guila Oil Company, of the Cowdray in- terests, entered the field as a producer and a trader of oil in Mexico. This marked the end of the virtual monopoly held by the Waters-Pierce Company and a competitive war ensued with a conse- quent loss of many millions to both sides. The Diaz Government, decayed and weakened from within, was about to crumble when the Madero movement be- gan. A thorough understanding was soon reached between members of the Madero family and the Pierce interests. Sherby Hopkins, a Washington attor- ney for the Pierce Company, became the go-between and assumed the role of ad- viser to the Madero junta established in Washington at the time. The Madero revolution was successful and Sherliy Hopkins received fifty thou- sand dollars in gold from the Madero Government in payment of his services. He also went to Mexico and assisted Gustavo Madero in his campaign against the Aguila Oil Company. The conces- sions given by :he Diaz Government to the British interests were similar to the •:oncessions given to other companies, •vith the exception that they allowed the Er'tish company the right to explore na- tional lands. The Madero Government, although it had promised to do so, did not dare re- voke tlie concession enjoyed by the British interests and was abiding a more propitious time when public opinion in Mexico should be tnore favorable to re- storing a practical monopoly to the Pierce interests. Madero fell before that time arrived. The Huerta Government has not giv- en nor has it been asked to give any concession to the Cowdray interests, which in fact hold no monopoly as there are more than thirty different compa- nies, including the Pierce Company and the Standard Oil, producing and market- ing oil in Mexico. .Sherby Hopkins continues to be the adviser of the rebel junta in Washing- ton and the press agent of the Cowdray interests whose concessions have not been revoked. The relations between the Pierce interests and the Madero fam- ily cnntinue to be of the friendliest. MEXICO Saturday, November 29, 1913 cause a thrill, and most publishers still believe that papers will not sell unless the reader gets a thrill every time he glances at them. The most important requisite for any- thing to be published in a newspaper is that it should be a "good story." This is the creed instilled into every news- paper tyro. A newspaper writer is flat- tered the most when he is told that he has written a "good story" or a "good yarn" and truth is not necessary to a "good story." In fact, it often spoils it. There is something very significant about the term "story," which in news- paper language indicates anything from a short police news item to an article of fiction. The forces impelling the effort to mould public opinion by means of the press are moved by many complex and sometimes conflicting motives. The conquest of Mexico; the estab- lishment of a protectorate over Mexico; absolute political and commercial con- trol of Mexico by Americans; the estab- lishment of a government subservient to certain .American interests with the consequent control of the oil industry; commercial and political intrigues, im- perialistic tendencies and the natural ag- gressive attitude of a young, strong na- tion like this; the feeling of loyalty which prompts many Americans to uphold the policy of the Administration however wrong that may be; — all these and many more are the various motives behind this attempt to mould American public opin- ion by misrepresentation of facts, magni- fying of unimportant events and minim- izing of important ones. A large volume could easily be filled if a minute analysis were to be made of the work done by the press in treating the Mexican situation. We shall limit ourselves here to pointing out some of the most glaring phases of this work. That concerning the oil war we shall state briefly in another column as it has now been made clear that the war for control of the Mexican oil industry is the most powerful factor of the turmoil to which the unfortunate Mexican re- public has been prey for the last three years. One of the most common means used to impress the public with the progress of the rebellion in Mexico is that of magnifying and repeating day after day spurious or actual victories of the rebels. T'lus tlie fall of Culiacan has been published at least twenty times since last September and has not been confirmed as yet. The capture of Ciudad Victor- ia has been made part of the most sen- sational headlines for nearly two weeks. The supposed plight of Tuxpam has been asserted for many days until the official report of .\dmiral Fletcher stat- ed that the country around Tuxpam was quiet and that neither the city nor the oil fields in the vicinity were in any danger. But while the news of danger had been given great prominence, ihc THE DULL TRUTH-Continued report of .-Admiral Fletcher was usually tucked away in an inside page half hid- den between other news items. The fact that the Mexican Govern- ment had bought arms from a Japanese firm was published broadcast time after time and made to appear as implying a sort of alliance between the Mexican Government and Japan. The purchase of these arms dates from last April, but it has been used as news from time to time until last week. On the other hand, the fact that many Japanese have fought with the bands headed by Villa and other rebel leaders has been barely mentioned and no im- portance whatever given to this quite significant fact. The reports sent from special corre- spondents in Mexico City are often re- written in the editorial rooms of the newspapers to suit the policy of the publishers or the conception of the edi- tor in regard to a "good Mexican story." A friend of ours just returned from Mexico City told us a few days ago how a New York newspaper which has a long established news service to many other newspapers in the United States invar- iably alters and "stuffs" the news sent out by its correspondent in Mexico City. This correspondent is almost in despair and expects to be deported at any mo- ment on account of the enormous num- ber of lies contained in the dispatches under the Mexico City headline, as in Mexico City these lies are believed to be of his own manufacture. The Philadelphia "Public Ledger" a few days ago published a dispatch sup- posedly from Mexico City asserting that the Mexican Government had evolved a publicity scheme consisting of paying the salary of Mexicans who have ob- tained positions as correspondents of New York newspapers. Now, every newspaper man knows that no New York newspaper has a Mexican corre- spondent, but this little piece of news was published by so serious a paper as the "Ledger" and probably given cre- dence by most of its readers. The fact is that the Mexican Government in our opinion should evolve some kind of pub- licit3' scheme as its enemies have done, but so far it has refrained from doing so. Another instance of malicious intent to convey the wrong impression is found in the publication of photographs sup- posed to represent certain men promi- nent in Mexican affairs, when they were in fact photographs of men of an entire- ly different position. Thus, for instance a photograph of a Mexican bandit was labelled Gamboa, Minister of Foreign .Affairs, and that of another bandit-, wear- ing a long beard, was labelled Blanquet, Minister of War, while a photograph of a Mexican general in full gala uniform was labelled Candido Aguilar, loader of a band of rebels. Likewise cartoons and maps of Mex- ico purporting to show the territory controlled by the rebels have been pub- lished everywhere for the last six months all showing how the rebels were closing in on Mexico City. For more than six months it has also been affirmed that the Huerta Govern- ment controlled only Mexico City and the federal district and yet every skir- mish fought on the border has been giv- en great prominence as indicating the weakening of the Government. If the Huerta Government controlled only the federal district, what difference would be made by an insignificant engagement fought at Juarez, for instance, two thou- sand miles away? Again, huge headlines have announced almost every day for the last five months that the Huerta Government defies the United States! Every move made by that government has been represented as a defiance of the United States, so as to inflame pub- lic opinion. As a matter of fact, not once has the Huerta Government shown itself aggressive or defiant. It simply refused to accede to demands which no government in the world would have ac- cepted and for which Huerta was praised even by Carranzista newspapers. Because Huerta went to a bull fight unguarded, all newspapers at once pro- ceeded to consider that as an extraordi- nary instance after having stated that Huerta had taken refuge in the "Fort- ress" of Chapultepec Castle! Any one that has been in Mexico knows that Chapultepec is a palace, but not a fort, and that General Huerta goes every- where unguarded. Last — in this number — we shall point to the publication in the New York "Sun" of supposed orders sent by the Huerta Government to the Governors of the various States to see that the elec- I'ons were conducted in a way to "keep Huerta in powerj' The "Sun" published the facsimile of a printed sheet in Span- ish which of course gave it the appear- ance of being genuine and conclusive proof. It must be clear, of course, that such orders, if existing, would not have been printed but sent verbally, as was done by the Diaz and Madero Governments. It was an easy matter for Huerta's ene- mies to write those orders and have them printed. The "Sun" did not inves- tigate before publishing the supposed or- ders, but the N. Y. "Times" queried its correspondent as to the authenticity of those orders and the "Times" correspon- dent answered that no one could find any proof that the orders were authen- tic and that it was generally believed ihc printed sheets had been circulated Ijy enemies of the Government. The Washington "Post," reporting the lecture of ex-Ambassador Wilson at the Belasco Theatre in Washington, stat- ed that the numerous audience was com- posed mainly of Latin-.A.mericans, while in fact it was composed largely of prom- inent men in political and army circles in Washington. Saturday, November 29, 1913 MEXICO 3 ON MORAL GROUNDS We object on moral grounds to the Administration's attitude toward Mex- ico. We affirm tliat on moral grounds it should receive the condemnation of an enlightened people. W'e predict that on moral grounds it will be branded in history as a policy of perverse injustice and cold-blooded indif- ference to human rights and human suf- fering. We base this objection, affirmation and prediction on the following facts that are within the knowledge of even the superficial reader of the daily news- papers. I. — The placing of greater emphasis on antagonism toward one man than on the real settlement of a suffering people's problems. 2. — By that antagonism helping to ruin a nation, the vast majority of whose peo- ple want only peace. 3. — By that antagonism and by moral support giving encouragement to bands of outlaws, bandits and desperadoes, who loot, blackmail and ravish as part of the day's work. 4. — By expressing, according to unde- nied newspaper reports, personal satis- faction at the temporary successes of the bandits against the forces of law and or- der. 5. — By instituting a financial blockade, a starvin^-out process, which although aimed at one man, has brought great loss and suffering to a whole nation. 6. — By watching like a vulture the weakness and struggles of a sick people, and not lifting a hand to help. 7. — By permitting the press of the country to misrepresent the true condi- tions in Mexico and oiur relations to- ward them, when suppressed private ad- vices and State Department reports are truly informing. No one has suggested for a moment how the elimination of President Huerta .^ 10 solve the problems of Mexico. Sup- pose that Huerta was eliminated, what then? If Carranza became President, would Villa, flushed with his lawless car- eer, submit, or would he continue against Carranza as against Huerta? Would Zapata, Contreras, Genevieve de la O., .^guilar, any one of a score of bandit chiefs, lay down his arms and dismiss his looting followers at the mere say-so of any of his fellows? The last state of Mexico would be worse than the first, with all these chiefs fighting with added zest for power, having seen that such re- bellion was once successful. There is this important feature always to be remembered: Any President of Mexico even suspected of being Ameri- can-made would not last any longer than the time necessary to start an uprising against him. The Mexican people prize tlieir national sovereignty even above political liberty. So it follows that by pursuing a personally antagonistic policy toward President Huerta, the Wilson Administration is acting immorally, as this attitude is only further complicating Mexico's problems of the present and the future. It must be understood that of the IS,- 000,000 or more Mexicans the vast ma- jority are law-abiding, peaceable people. The men in arms, the bands who are roving the country, do not total more than a few thousands. They are men who do not want to work, who are nat- urally averse to the demands of civilized life, and who find it profitable and easy to live ofl the country. Some few of their leaders are more intelligent, but at best their object is the acquisition of per- sonal power and prestige. Rich and poor of the overriden sections of Mexico are the prey of these bands. It is this great mass of peaceable, decent people who must suffer, who do suffer from all the trouble that has been visited on Mex- ico from within since Madero lit the torch of rebellion and from without by the attitude of the Wilson Administra- tion. This attitude has effectually inter- fered with the Mexican Government's program of pacification, to which it was committed for the good of all Mexico. Is it moral to place a financial blockade around and starve out a whole people through suspicion, distrust or dislike of one man? It is immoral even to think so. The women of Mexico are in terror of the bandit hordes. They flee from the towns where Villa's men are expected to come. Villa's name is a very house- hold word with which to frighten chil- dren. Brutality and lust are his only masters. We have had recent evidence of his cruel, merciless treatment of pris- oners. And yet Administration officials were recently quoted in the newspapers — and the quotation was not denied — as being rather inclined to excuse the Villa summary executions as being a sort of necessary fringe of disloyalty, or some other such academic, heartless generality. And now the Administration is quoted — and the quotation is not denied — as "tak- ing heart" at the reported success of Villa's freebooters. Great God! Is this morality? How about the hundreds of ifiobted women in all parts of Mexico? Is the President "taking heart" at their plight? How about the murdered at Villa's hands? Is the President "taking heart" at their death? It is absolutely beyond belief to any respectable person in Mexico or to any American who has lived there and come in contact with these outlaws. .'Vnd yet the Administration lets the impression go out to the people of the United States that it is working for peace in Mexico, when every day it is adding to the fiame of war. Lets the impression go forth that the elimination of Huerta would bring peace, when there is nothing to indicate that it would help in the slightest to do so. Lets the im- pression go forth that the men in arms against the Government of Mexico are animated by high principles, when it has every evidence to show that their high- est principle is loot. Lets the impression be spread broadcast that it is friendly toward the people of Mexico, when it is obvious to any one who knows Mexico that she never had a worse enemy. Helps to create the impression that it is ani- mated solely by considerations of moral- ity instead of expediency, but does not explain that its professed morality is remarkably expedient for certain less "moral" .American interests. And the Administration hovers over Mexico like a vulture watching its dying: prey struggling across the desert. Licks its chops like a tiger in pleasurable fore- taste of the enemy's fall. Smiles glee- fully when it gets news of the added difficulties of the Mexican situation. The whole thing is almost ghoulishly im- moral. It is un-American. It is un- human. It is uncanny. And it may happen that the blood and treasure of the American people will suf- fer for the sin. Crowning immorality of all! VILLA. Francisco Villa, or Pancho as he is familiarly called, is an ex-bandit of Chi- huahua. He is little more than half In- dian, with only the smattering of an edu- cation, but he possesses great fighting ability and personal magnetism which enables him to raise an army for any pur- pose he may have. He is about 36 years old and has a record of homicides which would make the best record of an Ameri- can "killer" look very short indeed. So far as can be learned, none of these mur- ders followed a personal encounter with any individual. For the last five years of the Diaz regime Villa was a proscribed bandit, under sentence of death, living out in the Chihuahua mountains and deserts and subsisting from robbery and pillage. There is no doubt of his bloodthirstyness any more than there is a doubt about his skill in evading the rurales Diaz sent after him. At the head of a small band of men, always well mounted, with a thorough knowlecjge of the country, the trails and waterholes, he could never be caught. When Madero revolted against Diaz, Villa made his peace with him. His little band, speedily augmented, became a good sized army and American soldier adventurers helped him to bring about some semblance of discipline. Villa be- came a Madero lieutenant and was with his chief when Juarez was taken. He did not do much fighting at that time, it is said, but he had a fine body of men, perfectly willing to take any loot that might be transportable. — New York "Sun." MEXICO Saturday, November 29, 1913 THE WHISPERING MYSTERY By James Creelman Washington, .Xuv. ;j2.— Wuh Hucrtu and his Congress ignoring President \\ uson and Jus "personal representa- tive," Mr. Lind, and with Carranza, the rebel leader, contemptuously turning his bacK on the President's otner "personal representative," Mr. Hale, the whisper- ni- mystery of the White House and tnc biate Department increases. Meantime the systematic destruction ot Mexico by scattered armies and rov- mg hordes or robbers and murderers, led by jmgling whiskerandos with the cry ot -liberty ' ever on their lips, goes on without interruption. No one now dares to discuss this as- pect ot the Mexican question in the v\ hue House or the State Department. "Property" and "business" are forbid- den words. Mr. Wilson is coldly sarcastic. Mr. bryan privately rages and denounces American business men in Mexico as "prostitutes" who lose all reverence for American institutions when ihey cross iiie Rio Grande. The general attitude of the President and Secretary of State seems to be that all Americans who are engaged in busi- ness in foreign countries are probably unscrupulous adventurers who deserve little consideration. Meantime the ghastly realities of the -Mexican situation are beginning to show themselves. . '^,^? strange atmosphere of repression in Washington, the singular unwillin-:'- ness ot the leaders of ail parties to talk publicly, IS not so much the result of conhdence in the extraordinary and sec- retive coiirse pursued by Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bryan. The present silence is rather due to a teehng that the Wilson Administra- tion has actually, though thus far biood- lessly, intervened in the domestic affairs of Mexico and that the United States has been committed to a policy from which It IS now too late to withdraw ence°° ^ ^''^''^ ^°^^ °^ national influ- Having deliberately engaged in the work ot breaking down and destroying the Huerta government by sheer bank- niptcy, the Wilson Administration is giving powerful aid to Carranza and Za- pata and the multitudes of bandits who tionaTists'"*^ and pilfering as "constitu- That the support given to the rebels and their bandit allies is indirect makes " none the le.ss real and effective. American intervention in Mexico is an accomplished fact although a shot has not yet been fired. . Two and a half months ago the Mex- ican financial envoy in Europe received oflficia notice that the French govern- ment had asked certain French bankers to withdraw from a loan they had agreed to make to the Huerla govern- ment on the ground that the United Stales had undertaken to" force Huerta to obey President Wilson's demand for his retirement by cutting off his finan- cial supplies. Who does President Wilson intend to recognize in Hucrta's place? Has the Unitjid States turned away rom the present Mexican government because it is despotic and "founded on blood to accept the rule of Carranza, whose followers have engaged whole- sale, and witlioul rebuke, in murder, rob- bery and arson? Ihe silence of the White House and the State Department is due to the fact at the Wilson Administration, having blindly and stubbornly forced the pres- ent situation, persistentljr ignoring the reports and opinions of our diplomatic and consular representatives in Mexico, and deliberately opposing the policy of all other great naiions, has apparently no policy for the future. Nothing is said because there is noth- ing- to say. The downfall of Huerta will be a per- sonal vindication of President Wilson and Secretary Bryan. There the great plan, wrought out in the blood and misery of a neighboring people, seems to end. The rest is a blind gamble. The truth is that it was the intention of President Taft to recognize the Huer- ta government. Secretary of State Knox asked the ad interim government to agree to the settlement of certain out- standing and troublesome matters pend- ing between the two countries as a pre- cedent to formal recognition of Presi- dent Huerta. But the Mexican foreign office insist- ed on raising a number of hair-splitting, technical objections, which greatly de- layed the negotiations. Secretary Knox makes no secret of the fact that the Taft Administration had decided to extend the full national recognition to the new Mexican govern- ment as soon as these questions were disposed of. Had it not been for the dilatory tac- tics of the Mexican minister of foreign affairs, the Huerta government would have been recognized, the bankers of the world v/ould have gladly furnished the money needed to reorganize and in- crease the Mexican army and by this time there would be comparative peace and order where all is bloodshed, pillage and destruction. Before these preliminary questions could be settled the Wilson Administra- tion came into power and, although ev- ery other great nation in the world had recognized Huerta, President Wilson and Secretary Bryan, without consulta- tion with their predecessors or with the experienced experts of the State Depart- ment, and spurning the reports of our ambassador and consuls as unworthy of consideration, deliberately brought on the present perilous situation by refus- ing to recognize the Mexican govern- ment because it was "founded on blood" and not tlie result of a free election. What About Carranza? Having refused to recognize Huerta's authority as a power "founded on blood." can President Wilson recognize a Car- ranza government, stained as it will be with blood and brigandage? Ever since the present struggle began the news dispatclies have borne almost daily witness to the sturdy efforts of the Huerla administration to protect life and propcrtj' everyvv'here. Responsible men of all shades of opin- ion, even those who insist that Huerta should retire from office, bear witness that wherever his authority extends per- sons and property alike are safe. On the other hand, the story of the operations of the "constitutionalist" forces has been a ghastly history filled with scenes of wanton slaughter and de- struction. .\11 through these dreadful months the American newspapers reporting the work of the men who hail Carranza as their representative and chief have told of the butchery of prisoners; the loot- ing and burning of towns and villages; the barbarous torture of helpless men and women; the pillage of railroad trains and banks; the holding of rich civilians for ransom — every kind of murder, rob- bery and blackmail that the most sav- age ingenuity could invent. The frightful story of the cold-blood- ed looting of Durango, a city of more than 31,000 inhabitants, by Carranza's forces was reported by the American consul general, but suppressed by the State Department. Carranza's officers agreed in advance, in order to secure the assistance of Gen. Urbino and his ferocious bandits, that the city should be looted from end to end. Even while President Wilson's "per- sonal representative," Mr. Hale, a for- mer newspaper correspondent, was deal- ing with Carranza and his "cabinet" at Nogales. Carranza's men. under Pancho Villa, captured Juarez, within sight and sound of American soil, and murdered unarmed prisoners, killing sick men in their beds. And while the President was still con- ferring with Carranza on the frontier, . there was a battle fought by his men at Victoria, followed by a deliberate mas- sacre. All reports agree that when Huerta's army, seeing that it was useless to fight anj' longer, sent out an officer with a white altar cloth as a flag of truce, Car- ranza's representative refused to receive him, saying, "we watit no prisoners; they are a burden." Rebels Gave No Quarter. This savage utterance was followed by slaughter without quarter. Nor has Carranza given the slightest evidence that he disapproves of the bar- barities committed by his troops. As a matter of fact, it is not so long since Carranza's own brother went with his followers to a mine owned by a for- eigner and demanded $5,000 from the mine manager, threatening to destroy the place if the blackmail was not paid. The manager said that he had no money, whereupon Carranza destroyed half the property.. Meantime the mana- ger succeeded in getting the $5,000 and paid it to the ruffian, who promptly de- stroyed the rest of the nroperty. Washington Informed. News of the brutal, and sometimes fiendish conduct of the rebel forces has been received in Washington from re- sponsible sources throughout the war- smitten parts of Mexico. The official representatives of many governments have expressed their fear of what will happen if the Huerta government falls and the predatory hordes who call themselves "constitutionalists" are al- lowed to seize Mexico. How can President Wilson, who re- fuses, on high moral grounds, to deal with a "government founded on blood," recognize any government set up by Carranza? If Mr. Wilson refuses to accept either a Huerta government or a Carranza gov- ernment, what does he propose to do to seru'-e peace and protection to health and property in Mexico? President Wilson and Secretary Bryan sitting in their libraries and contemplat- ing the beauty of liberty safe.guarded by law and justice, cannot change the in- evitable events which are approaching. The United States has intruded its pow- er into the affairs of the Mexican peo- ple. What is done cannot be recalled. — N. Y. "Evening Mail." ScUiirdav. November 20, 1!)13 MEXICO WHO SERVES AND WAITS. Villa has been buying everything he could order from El Paso this week for his army, but merchants to-night say that when they presented their bills they were told to come "manana," and few of them have seen any real money. One El Paso firm is said to have sold Villa $1G,000 worth of clothing and shoes without receiving any pay. Certainly the El Paso merchants will be delighted to contribute such a small sum to the cause of "constitutionalism" (in Mexico) which the citizens of their liberty-loving (in Mexico) city have so long supported. But if there should be any merchant in El Paso so basely de- void of love for the Mexican Constitu- tion and so devoid of moral principles as to be unwilling to give clothing and shoes without receiving pay, let him pre- sent his bill to Hale or Bryan. Un- doubtedly one of these two money-abhor- ring Mexican Constitution-loving gentle- men will be only too glad to pay the bill and yet be thankful for the opportunity to serve that greatest of all Mexican patriots, Pancho Villa or, as they would say, General Villa. LEST WE FORGET IF It has been affirmed by some whose sympathies were with the Mexican rebels because of their claim that they are fight- ing for the Constitution that Mexico, after all, is learning through bloodshed a political lesson, fighting its way out of political darkness into the light of dem- ocracy. If revolutions could ever have dragged the Mexican people out into the light, the Mexicans would be the most enlightened people in the world to-day and theirs the most democratic of all democracies. Very few Americans know anything of Mexican history, the most ignorant, unfortunately, being those who with the greatest cocksureness discourse and write about Mexico in the daily press. A PROTESTING AMERICAN. The conduct of the Administration in handling the Mexican situation can only be characterized as amateur, ignorant and blundering. The unofficial outgivings from the Adminis- tration have been self-contradictory, misleading and calculated to do more harm than good. Every move has been of such a character as to cause distrust, suspicion or anger in every Latin-Ameri- can country in Central and South America. Send- ing a man like Lind, with the cool assumption that he was to negotiate with a Government that we did not "recognize," was impudent enough, but when followed by a message that compliance would result in financial favors it became most in- sulting. The wretched, humiliating request to our na- tionals to leave Mexico has already been for- gotten. Then there is this perpetual talk of "interven- tion," of overseeing their elections, of policing their territory. The idea that our soldiers and marines could shoot down the poorly-jjaid soldiers or peons of a neighboring country which has done us no harm except to ask us to mind our own business ! And then this talk of our arming or supplying arms to the rebels or bandits whose out- rages have been reported equal to those in Bul- garia ! It is time that the American people called a halt on the whole transaction. — .Tose|)h D. Holmes in Boston "Evening Transcript." We shall have to fight in the open some day. Meanwhile we shall have made the whole world our enemy. * * * A hypocritical bully is never loved. * * * It looks as if the fight would start in Mexico. * » * God knows where it will end. * * * A war fomented and encouraged by rapacious American oil interests, ably assisted by two amateur diplomats spouting fine moral phrases. * * * Spouting peace talk. * * » And acting cockily and truculently toward the rest of the world. * * ♦ Proposing competition and a "new freedom." * * * Joining hands with the Octopus to wipe out competition in Latin-American countries. * ♦ * Banging the Money Trust over the head to satisfy public opinion here. * * * Playing the game of the Money Trust in Latin-America. * * ♦ The fight has been brought out into the open at last. * • * The fight of the oil interests. * ♦ * Strange that the Administration should be fighting shoulder to shoulder with the American octopus. * * * And the State Department is its oblig- ing agent. * * * With all this talk of morality a blind. * * * The smell of oil is in the air and it isn't a very nice smell for the Adminis- tration to have on its t'emocratic clothes. * * * We have not forgotten the Archbold letters. * * * Of course the Administration will con- tinue to insist that it is fighting for grand principles of right and justice, democracy, constitutionalism and hu- manity. * * ♦ Which is precisely what the oil inter- est? want the Administration to say. Nothing could please them better. It's perfectly fine to have a respectable front for nefarious intrigues. Respectability is an admirable weapon for the individuals who have assisted the Administration in making up its mind about Mexico. * * * Who is paying the Villas, Aguilars and Zapatas? Where are they getting their arms and ammunition? Look into that, O Blind or Perverse Administration— and talk morality never again. * * * At least not to Mexico. Keep it for home consumption. It is needed. * * ♦ Huerta is an innocent, prattling child in comparison with some of the men behind this oil war. * * * It is a terrible thing for any Latin- American government to grant conces- sions—unless your friends get the con- cessions. * * * Morality! Buncombe for the Chautau- quas. * * * Villa, one of the worst bandits in the history of Mexico, is pedestaled and gushed over by American newspapers, while Huerta, always a soldier and de- fender of law and order, is condemned, maligned, lied about, insulted and libeled. Get at the source of this organized in- justice and you will have solved the Mexican problem as far as this country is concerned. * * * Must we stand for the methods used by American interests and their friends in Washington simply because we are Americans? * * * That's not patriotism. That's simply being made a fool of. * * * Well, the whole sordid story will come out some day soon. DREAMS. Villa's officers declared to-night that when he left Juarez with his men this afternoon he de- clared that this battle would settle whether Huerta or the Constitutionalists are to rule Mexico. What they really meant was tliat the battle would decide whether Huerta or Villa would rule Mexico. How a battle at Juarez can decide the whole thing is rather difficult to perceive, but in any case Villa must be already certain of rec- ognition if he is getting ready to occupy Chapultepec. MEXICO Saturday, November 29, 1913 Another incident affording much in- terest to the observer and student of in- trigues and by-plays against the Govern- ment of Mexico has been the taking aboard an American battleship of two Maderos and two of their relatives. The "escape" was engineered by Lind, ac- cording to press reports, and when the two Aladeros were "safe" on board they declared that nothing could save Mex- ico but God and one added: "Yes, but with the help of the United States!" The comedy was fairly well staged. But it does not deceive an}- one who knows the Maderos and their connections. This invocation to the United States to assist God to save Mexico was not very well accepted by Mexicans. The interesting part, however, of this grandstand play — which will be used by some man like Senator Fall in asserting solemnly that Mexicans themselves are demanding in- tervention — consists in the effect which the Maderos sought to produce in this country by their "hairbreadth escape!" They had been released on bail — a small amount — and were awaiting trial, after having been imprisoned several days in San Juan de Ullua. If there had been a reason why they should have feared for their lives they would not have been released on bail. But it was necessary' to create again the impression that a reign of terror ex- ists under the Huerta Government, and so the}' were induced to take refuge on board an American ship! It is not the first lime that this game has been played. More than one Alexican who has not been able to blackmail the Huerta Gov- ernment into making him at least Vice- President of Mexico, has left that coun- trj' informing the four winds that he was forced to leave because his life was in danger. In fact, every scoundrel and outlaw that has come to the United States is a "political refugee"! More than one Mexican belonging to the Madero group has voluntarily "dis- appeared," so that the news could be published in this country that the Huer- ta Government had done away with him. The case of Bordel Mangel served to Teveal this sort of dark-cellar machiavel- lic play. He reappeared. There are many Mexicans who believe and many who assert that the incident of Belisario -Dominguez — the Senator who made a speech attacking Huerta and then dis- appeared — was nothing but a well- staged comedy for the special benefit of the American public. The writing of the will, the private letter saying that he could not find a printer who would print his speech — which could not be true — the request that each of his friends make five copies and ask in his turn five friends to do the same — his dramatic speech and finally his complete disappearance — all this is firmly believed to have been part of a cleverly carried out plan, which includ- ed the subsequent threat of the Maderist members of Congress to meet in the revolutionary camp if ample protection were not guaranteed them by the gov- ernment. Dominguez is living in Oaxaca, it is asserted by some, jn Cuba by others. In any case the fact is that his body has not been found. It is necessary to be thoroughly fa- miliar with the men who made up the Madero clique to realize the depth and tortuous wa3'S of their intrigues. But American newspapers are so easily "taken in" that these Maderists would think it a shame not to avail themselves of this fact! In regard to the action of John Lind, of whom it is difficult to say whether he was deceived or an actor in the comedy, the following may prove illuminating: (Special Cable to New York "American.") Vera Cruz, Nov. 22. — Mayor Lagos said to the New York "American" correspondent to-day : "I am surprised and incensed at the action taken both by Mr. Lind and Consul Canada in assisting the Maderos and their party in eluding our iaws. These men were taken from Ulua prison, where they had received the best of at- tention at the request of General Huerta and placed on very light bonds and given the city as limits of freedom. "If these men are guilty, then we have been thwarted in taking action against them. We had reason to believe they were attempting to elude the law and the military commander, through me, ordered that they appear before him so that he could communicate verbally a matter direct from the President. They were not to be molested in any way beyond a notification. "I did have special men keeping watch on them. It was my duty. They were my charges. It is impossible for me to believe that the people of the great United States, a high respecter of laws, will sanction and look with favor upon a represen- tative of Mr. Wilson to act as smuggler and guard of our delinquents. "Our armed weakness avoided a clash, the pru- dence of our military commander avoided a clash. We all know the awfulness of results had we at- tempted to make good our rights. It would have been a match in the magazine. "Instead of these gentlemen trying to avoid trouble, they seem to be hunting a cause to be able to destroy us, as well they and we know they Some Americans vie' and believe it will hav be incident as far-fetched complicating effect. MR. BRYAN'S DIPLOMACY. In denying a report originating in the City of Mexico that the United States Government had made a protest against the despatch by Great Britain of warships to Mexican waters. Secretary Bryan heatedly condemns th-^ publication because the report was not first verified, and he adds : "Surely in international affairs there ought to be a patriotic desire to promote friendly relations with other nations, and these cannot be -promoted by the reckless publication of false statements in regard to the acts of public officials." The State Department has done so many novel and peculiar things and procured so many queer appointments since March 4 that the matinal question is. What will it do next? In the time of Mr. Hay or Mr. Root a protest against a foreign Government's despatch of warships to dis- turbed Mexico to rescue its imperilled citizens would have been inconceivable, but not so under Mr. Bryan's conduct of the State Department. Almost anything reported in the nature of a new departure, however singular, finds credence now. The present State Department seems to be forg- ing precedents and making over international law with perfcrvid zeal and a blind faith in its re- sources. While Mr. Bryan should be commended when he deplores the effect of sv.ch a report as he denies upon our friendly relations with Great Britain, it may be said in the kindliest spirit that less mystery and a little more caudor on his part would contribute powerfully to a better under- standing of the purposes of the State Department in the present complexity in Mexico. — New York "Sun." A PARALLEL CASE. When one looks at the America of to-day, even though the view be but a superficial one, with its insane worship of money and vulgar ostentation, its mismanagement and incapacity in high places, its hurry to get rich quickly at all costs, its bribery and corruption, its low standard of ideas and morals, its trusts and corporations which strangle its commercial life like the limbs of an octopus, its tainted justice, its scandal- loving press, its scamped and jerry-built cities, its packed State Legislatures, its many social problems which it seems quite incapable of solv- ing; when one looks at all this and sees how far it has fallen short of the fair promise of less than a century and a half ago, and when one sees how little hope there is for the future, then, in- deed, one may be inclined to agree with Bernard Shaw in his contention that America, being in- capable of managing her own affairs, should be placed in statu pupillari once more and handed over to an international commission of Euro- peans. * * • Instead of being pointed to as an example, it is almost more to the point whether she should not return to the swaddling clothes and the The above is from a vicious attack on the United States and its institutions quoted from a recent book by Alan Ral- eigh, an English writer. He draws a perfectly hopeless picture of us and our future. If half that he says were true, we should immediately retire from the cen- ter of the stage. But the fact is that we are just a litle bit more optimistic about our country and its affairs than the Eng- lishman. There is similar misunder- standing and misinformation, superficial observation and .malicious exaggeration in the Washington Administration's ex- pressions on Mexico. We can afford to smile amusedly at the Britisher's ravings, for we know they cannot hurt us, but the very life of Mexico as a nation is at stake as a result of just such ignorance and perversion of facts. A SHAMEFUL CRIME. Let us still hope that war is impossi- ble, for it would be a sad and shameful crime. But if we are not drifting to- wards inevitable intervention, the mis- taken course of our administration has certainly impaired for years to come our amicable relations with Mexico and weakened our influence with all Latin America. President Wilson ma}- be said to have paved Mexico with good inten- tions, but good intentions and bad judg- ment are a very unfortunate combina- tion. — Rochester "Post-Express." Villa went out in the desert to see. To see what? To see whether his Amer- ican friends had smuggled across the line the guns and ammunition he needed. They had — and he returned to Juarez with his precious guns and a story about a defeat of the Federals which has not been borne out. Oh, it's a great comedy for some, but a terrible tragedy for Mex- ico! * * * If we wouldn't talk morality so much. If we weren't such hypocrites. If we only fought in the open like men. Saturday. November 29, 1913 MEXICO The Latest Phase of the Mexican Situation By Henry Lane Wilson, Former United States Ambassador to Mexico, in the "Independent." Few nations of the worUl are better protected against foreign agg rgjsion than the United States. To the east the Atlantic will ever be a barrier against European aggression. To the west 5,000 miles of untrodden depths of the Pa- cific constitute our safety against the menace of the so-called yellow peril. To the north is a great people of the same origin and with language, customs and civilization similar to our own. While union with Canada may never come about, there neither is nor will be any reason for fear from that quarter. To the south of the Rio Grande there is, however, a real international problem which it behooves the American people to study and the true nature of which should be understood by those clothed with official responsibility, that the pow- er of this great Government may not be used unjustly nor in adventurous political sallies carrying us away from the politi- cal traditions of one hundred and thirty years and involving us in responsibilities tlie assumption of which must inevitably lead to the extension of our territorial limits at the expense of weaker and i.Tore indolent nations. The revolution against the govern- ment of General Porfirio Diaz and the subsequent revolution against the gov- ernment of Madero, with all their accom- panying tragedies, mysteries, the de- struction of vast material interests, and the great sacrifice of human lives, have passed into a history which is written though not yet public. In the month of August the Presi- dent dispatched ilr. John Lind. of Min- nesota, as his personal representative to Mexico with certain instructions which were to constitute the basis of the rep- resentations which he was expected to make to the Mexican Government. Mr. Lind's designation for this important mission, without official character and without the advice and consent of the Senate of the United States, which shares with the President the responsi- bility for the conduct of our foreign re- lations, was an irregularity and an ex- ample of that kind of personal govern- ment which has not been looked upon with favor in the United States in the past and which was highly offensive, ir- ritating and humiliating to the Mexican nation, which as a sovereign Power can- not but regard such lapses from estab- lished precedents in dealing with her as indicative of small respect and regard. Mr. Lind's instructions, in brief, were as follows: I. To indicate to General Huerta that this Government would not recognize him as Provisional President. II. That a constitutional presidential election must be held and that General Huerta must not be a candidate to suc- ceed himself. Mr. Lind's mission was doomed to failure for three reasons: I. His dispatch thither without formal diplomatic character was an act of of- fensive intervention in the affairs of a friendly nation. IL His mission was personally offen- sive to the Provisional President of Mex- ico. Huerta was told that he was unfit to be president and asked to give his consent and adherence to the opinion. III. The demand that a constitutional presidential election be held was and is impossible of fulfilment because the ma- chinery for a constitutional election does not exist in Mexico, and 80 per cent, of the population have no idea whatsoever of the obligations of citizenship or of the nature of constitutional government. Let it be clearly remembered that 80 per cent, of the population of Mexico is In- dian and unable to read or write. The implanting of democratic institutions in soil like this is obviousb' a thing im- possible of accomplishment. One might as well expect the Statue of Liberty to stand if built upon quicksands as to hope for good results from an attempt to plant an altruistic and democratic repub- lic by mere ipse dixit among people having such largely preponderant ele- ments of ignorance and unfitness. The engrafting of our ideas, institutions and customs, which prosper only under the restraints which spring from a high de- gree of civilization, upon the Mexican people, without having prepared them by education and training for their re- sponsibilities, is a task so absolutely im- possible of accomplishment and its pro- cesses so likely to be attended with a continuation of disorder, bloodshed and crime, that those clothed with authority might well take the time to study the lesson, which has been taught for a thousand years, that in the conduct of foreign relations idealism is a dangerous element, and that morals and expediency are always or nearly always identical. There never has been a free election in Mexico and there never will be- until a strong and vigorous Government like that of General Diaz shall set about the task of educating and elevating the masses, supported by the sympathy and advice of civilized Powers, which, in- stead of attempting to set up an altru- istic republic, shall furnish those effec- tive aids which may lead to a system of universal education, the implanting of sound political ideas, and a patriotism which will be something higher and nob- ler than hatred of the foreigner. The truth of this is borne out by Mex- ico's history for a hundred years; dur- ing all that long period of time no free election has taken place and no machin- erjr has existed for a constitutional elec- tion. The total of the votes cast for other presidents prior to Madero may be considered as negligible, and he only received 1S,9S9 votes in a population of 15,000,000. The establishment of demo- cratic institutions in Mexico is not, therefore, a conceivable possibilitj' at the present time. This opinion — and it is not simply an opinion, but a state- ment of absolute fact — was and is shared bj' all my diplomatic colleagues in Mexico, by members of the .American and all other foreign colonies, by all re- ligious and other foreign organizations in Mexico, and by all that portion of Mexican public opinion which may be described as sane, honest and patriotic. Face to face with these conditions, what is the position of our present .Ad- ministration? To one who has closely watched the trend of events it would appear that it is confronted either with the necessity of immediately recogniz- ing -the government which shall succeed that of General Huerta, and of entering into diplomatic relations with it, or of intervening by armed force — as it al- ready has in other ways in the political affairs of that republic. The gravity of this latter step, if it is taken, must not be underestimated, because it will inean the assertion of a virtual lordship of imper- ialistic character, not only over Mexico, but likewise over all of Latin .America to th e Ist hmus of Panama. Whatever gov- ernment shall be set up in Mexico un- der our auspices will e.xist just so long as we have fleets and armies there to protect it, and no longer. Our military forces having been withdrawn, the na- tional ill-will will speedily wreak itself on a hated gringo government imposed by a foreign power. This ready made republic, imported from our shores, hav- ing been destroyed, we must either ad- mit our folly and wear sackcloth and ashes or return and return again to re- establish the form of government which we think ought to be suited to our neigh- bors and ought to be loved by them be- cause it is suited to us and loved by us. Out of what appeared originally to very many honest .Americans, therefore, to be the expression of a proper resentment against a government set up by violence will be developed an outward movement of imperialism hateful to the great ma- jority of American public opinion, and which will not only make us directly responsible to the world for Latin America to the Isthmus of Panama, but will also, if the Administration is true to the principles which it has enunciated, place the obligation upon us of passing upon the titles of republics like Uru- guay, Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Bo- livia and Peru, where governments are frequently ushered into power through violent revolutionary methods. It might be well to make it clear_ at this point, in order that public opinion may not be led astray by false alarms, that the nations of Europe as they were and are represented in the diplomatic corps at ^lexico are not conspiring against the interests of the American Government. On the contrary', these •jovernnients and their diplomatic agents would gladly see our Government take the lead in any sane and sound policy which will bring about the restoration of order in Mexico and prevent the further effusion of blood. The European na- tions frankly recognize that they have no political interests in Mexico. Their sole interests is in the development of their trade relations with Mexico. I know our President to be a man of lofty ideals and high purpose, but he has an erroneous conception — and I say it with all respect — of what our policy toward Latin America ought to be, and he has been and is following the guid- ance of sophisticated rhetoricians or amateur agents delving in fields of whose soil they have not the most elemental knowledge, and whose rashness and folly are placing heavy burdens, not only on this country, but on the thousands of our unfortunate countrj'men whose lives and property are placed in hazard. The policj- of the Administration to- ward Mexico has been accepted neither by Mexico nor by any other nation, and has reached an impasse. I could wish that it might be otherwise, and that any policy which can bring peace to that un- happy country, to that unfortunate peo- ple and to our own splendid but unfor- tunate nationals living there, might suc- ceed, and I should be highly gratified as an American to see the Administration, instead of venturing out on the danger- ous sea of imperialism — though not in- tending to trim its sails in that direc- tion — modify some of the unhealthy at- tributes of the Monroe Doctrine which have come to the surface during the last fifteen years. MEXICO Sattirday, Novcynbcr 39, 1913 NAILING THEM ••IMPARTIALITY." In the policy of President Wilson toward Mexico "La Prensa" sees *'a denial of the prin- ciples of equality," and by way of specifications Buenos Ayres is told that the President "gives anns to the rebels" and "openly backs one Mex- ican party against another." This will be news to the American people and news to General Carranza. The truth is the President is not giving arras to the rebels, despite very strong pressure brought to bear in favor of lifting the present embargo against the export of arms to the northern rebels. That embargo is still on, and whatever may be President Wilson's personal views as to the "righteousness" of the cause of one party or the other in Mexico the attitude of the Government of the United States has been of impartial non- recognition. There has been no "interference" in Mexico to which the other Latin-American republics can object, nor is thei i likely to be any "interference" that those governments will not approve. — New York "Her:,ld." The ••Herald" is as well informed as "La Prensa." But in this quec'ion "La Presna" de^'^ .vith actual facts, ivith the pith of the questioti wh^lc the "Herald" chosses to ^eal orly ^\ith the empty shells. Of course the "Preside-- ^ is not giving personal'/ arms lj the vht^s or is not giving- offir=?l sancti'->n to the smuggling of arms ?cro3s tlje bordei, but every one he^e a'id a'-road kno-.vs that the embargo on p'-it's is a farce ?nj that the Ttj'.'lj receivr abonl as man> arras as rht ' want. And it cannot be adduced that the Federal ajthoritie?- i> powerless to pre- vent the commerce Oi arms, because dur- in? ^'i "^aft Administration, at the time of the Orozco reb'^ll c ' it was clearly shown that the embaroo on arms could be effectively enforced. The Pickwickian editorialist of the "Herald" affirms that the attitude of the United States has been one of impartial non-recognition! Evidently the "Her- ald" has a very low estimate of the intel- ligence of its readers. Is it not taking sides to ask General Huerta not to be a candidate at any future elections and not to make the same request of Car- ranza? By the way, we should like the "Herald" to tell us from what military academy Carranza was graduated and how he cam" o the title of General which the "Herald" bestows upon him? Ei't again, is it not takir^ sides to refuse to receive or lis i en 'o any one offering evidence in favor of the Mexi- can Governinent, while anything from the rebel junta is eagerly accepted, especially by Bryan? All Washington knows that Bryan has refused to listen to aiy one advocating support for the Mexican Government, while he has given as- long a hearing as they have wished to mem- bers of the Madero family and to Ma- derist a';ents. Mr. Bryan'o facf lights up with un- feigned delight when Senator Morris Sheppard of Texas begins one of his fre- quent interviews with a: "Mr. Secretary, I had a very interesting talk with Mr. Escudero this morning." "Yes? Yes? What did he say?" eagerly inquires Brj-an. Is it not taking sides to throw official doors open to Sherby Hopkins, the rep- resentative of the rebel junta and of the Pierce Oil interests in Mexico, while those same doors are closed to any one wishing to speak for the Government? Is it not taking sides to encourage morally brigandage and looting, while on the other hand the efforts of the Government to protect its citizens' lives and property are thwarted? Well, it takes the colossal hypocrisy of the "Herald" to state as cool as a cucumber that the Wilson Administra- tion has not interfered and has not taken sides in Mexico. That "Herald" editorialist is a smooth writer, but then the rescue of the Vol- turno's passengers has forcibly recalled to our mind that oil is a wonderful "smoother." WHO SHALL SAVE MEXICO? Who shall save Mexico? asks^the New York "Times," and then goes on to say that there seems to be no patriotism in Mexico, and adds: Yet there must be thousands of law-abiding Mexicans in the professional classes, among the merchants of the capital and Guadalajara and Monterey, the manufacturers of Orizaba, who have given much sober thought to the reawaken- ing of the old revolutionary spirit in their coun- try and the havoc it has caused since Porfirio Diaz fled. These men have some idea of a way out of the difficulty. They must favor some plan for the restoration of peace, and it is not credible that they believe that any lasting benefit to their nation can come from either the Dictator who kills men who question his political actions or the murderous brigands of the North. What do they expect to happen? What do they hope for? These are the really imp--rl7nt Mexican ques- tions. Certainly the fate of Mexico is in the hands of its patriotic and intelligent middle class. If the writer of the foregoing had lived in Mexico for a reasonable length of time, auu had made a conscientious study of conditions and men. 'lere would be no necessity for his asking these ques- tions. He would know that the thousands of law-abiding Mexicans whom he men- tions here do believe that lasting benefit to their nation can come from uphold- ing the Government ' General Huerta. That although many of them may not en- tertain any personal sympathy for the Provisional President, yet in common with others they believe that only by upholding a Government which repre- sents law and order can the nation be saved. That these men, constituting the most solid and patriotic element of Mexico, know that peace luust be conquered by force and maintained Ijy justice and nec- essary reforms. They know that no gov- ernment can bring about any reforms until peace is reestablished and order re- stored. Even General Huerla's political opponents recognize the fact that he has the ability and the strength to ac- complish this and that he is one of the very few men fitted for the task. His ability and strength have been am- ply demonstrated in the last ten months, during which time he has made a valiant struggle not only against the forces of disorder but also against the tremendous pressure brought to bear by the govern- ment of this country. They also know that the elimination of Huerta does not .mean peace, but an- arch)', and that the yielding of Huerta to the tactless and unwarranted de- mands of this Government would mean the surrender of Mexican sovereignty. Evidently the editorial writer of the "Times" has little understanding of the position of the Huerta Government and the actual conditions in Mexico. Like- wise he shows a lamentable igorance of Mexican history and character. If it had not been for the demands of the United States and the most vicious campaign on the part of the American press against General Huerta, perhaps he would be out of the presidency by this time. But both the Government and the press of this country have forced him into a position in which he is upheld by the very Mexicans mentioned by the writer. NO PUPPET. In so far as Carranza is pro-American while Huerta is distinctly anti-American, the change of incumbents might be mildly beneficial to us, even without the thorough pacification of the country which is needed. Predilections at Washington, which run, it would seem, to any one rather than Huerta, would also be gratified. — N. Y. Evening "Sun." The statement that Huerta is distinctly anti-American is not borne out by the assertion of Ainericans in Mexico. That Huerta should resent the interference of the United States Government is quite natural. He cannot force his friendship upon a government that has iteadily refused to recognize his Government and that has been responsible for the protraction of internecine strife in a neighboring coun- try. If other countries have shown great- er appreciation of the difficult circum- stances and problems confronting the Mexican Government and have shown their friendship by giving their moral support to that government, it is not the fault of Huerta but that of the LTnited States. Provisional President Huerta and his supporters undoubtedly would welcome the friendship of the United States Gov- ernment, but this has not been forthcom- ing. Meanwhile the Huerta Government has demonstrated its friendship for the American people by affording all possi- ble protection to Americans in Mexico and to American property. There have been no complaints on this score. The only Americans who are not friendly to the Huerta Government — and they are very few — are the representatives of those interests that have little hope of moulding President Huerta into their puppet, to favor their interests to the ex- clusion of all others, whether American or European. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. Saturday, November 29, 1913 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East West and All Angles. WHO ARE BACK OF IT? One of the most amazing things about the confused and mysterious Mexican policy of the Wilson Administration is the persistent and apparently organized effort to introduce the conflict between the giant oil interests of Great Britain and the United States into the situation. At the center of governmental power sits President Wilson, calm, secretive and conscientious. But all about him one senses a struggle of mightj' private finan- cial interests, with the ultimate control of the countlessly rich oil fields of Mexico as the prize in view. Lord Cowdray and his Pearson syndi- cate represent the British effort to secure a Mexican oil monopoly. But the utmost care is taken to conceal the identity of the American oil magnates who are directing the attacks on the British interests. It may be tremendously important for the United States to oppose a monopoly of oil fields so near the Panama Canal by the subjects of the greatest naval power in the world at a time when oil is rapidly being substituted for coal as the motive power of war vessels. But it is even more important just now to know whether the vast power of American oil interests, which have also been seeking for monopolies in Mexico, is secretly and without President Wil- son's knowledge exercising an influence upon the attitude of the American gov- ernment that, at a critical moment, may launch the nation into a great and un- necessary war. The truth is that the Mexican land ownersliip laws were changed several years ago in order to meet and prevent the control of the Mexican oil fields by the Standard Oil Company. It was provided that no owner of oil lands could sell or transfer them without the consent of the Mexican government. It may be that this restriction on the sale of land was the result of an intrigue managed by Lord Cowdray and his Brit- ish associates, as a step toward a mon- opoly controlled by themselves. President Diaz frankly admitted at the time that the Government had changed the law in order to prevent the Standard Oil Company and its subsidiaries or al- lies from buying up Mexican oil lands and suppressing their products in order to keep up the price of American oil. So, too, the Mexican government or- ganized, under its own supreme control, the Mexican National Railways when it became evident that the immense Harri- man interests were preparing to buy con- trol of the practically bankrupt Mexican Central Railway Company. Mexico at once intervened to prevent an American monopoly of trunk lines that would eventually dominate the 15,000 miles of Mexican transportation lines, control the industry and commerce of the country, and in time have such an influence in Mexican affairs as to leave a merely nominal power in the Mexican govern- ment. It is certain that the steps taken to make an American oil monopoly in Mex- ico impossible turned the powerful Amer- ican oil interests against the Diaz admin- istration, and that the revolution which overthrew the government was secretly and promptly suggested by the enmil- lioned private power that is now pressing the oil question into the present perilous question of war or peace in Washington. Only three years ago, when President Diaz was in the full tide of his power and Lord Cowdray and his friends were fighting for control of Mexican oil, the billboards and Ijlank walls of Mexico City were plastered with enormous, many- colored posters intended to popularize the Waters-Pierce Oil Company, then associated with and partly owned by the Standard Oil Company. The battle for control in Mexico was open and loud. Since then the government of Mexico has twice changed by force of arms, and the war of the oil interests has become so fierce that the noise of the conflict is beginning to resound even in Washing- ton. Perhaps it would be a grave injury and embarrassment to the United States should the control of the great undevel- oped oil resources of Mexico fall into British hands. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to know how many American politicians with Washington connections are taking part, directly or indirectly, in the present campaign to inflame public opinion on the subject of oil. Beneath tlie surface of President Wil- son's undoubtedly sincere eflfort to keep the nation's Mexican policy on a high moral plane there seem to be influences at work that call for the most vigilant and jealous attention of the American people. — James Creelman in the New York "Evening Mail." Other diversions worthy of old 'Dahomey, vio- lence to women, slaughter of non-combatants, tor- ture, mutilation, are reported in sickening num- bers, especially in that part of Mexico that enjoys the virtuous activity of Carranza, the benevolent old gentleman who proposes to execute everybody who adheres to his rival, Huerta. Only disgust and horror can accompany the "victories" of these bloodthirsty banditti. The civilization of the twentieth century is ashamed before this revival of the cruellest barbarities and butcheries of wars of extermination. How long will the civilized world stand for these monstrous inhumanities? — Xew York "Sun." What this country absolutely needs at this moment is a plain and direct statement by President Wilson of what he is doing and in- tends to do in relation to Mexico. The coun- try already has been stuffed with figurative and highflown words about his motives, his sen- timents, his desires and his aspirations. That is all wind. We can all agree that his senti- ments are pure gold and his motives heavenly. But what is he doing and what does he mean to do further? Is he trying, in the name of constitutional forms, to smash the only Gov- ernment that Mexico has — the only semblance or shadow of Government that Mexico has — • and turn that independent state over to the plundering and unruly bands of free-booters who just now are marshaled under Venustiano Car- ranza as the "Great Chief of the Revolutionists?" Or is he trying to uphold and strengthen the feeble plant of organized Government and civil order which still stands in Mexico City, to the end that that distracted country may be pacified and brought back to its normal life as an in- dustrial and agricultural state? These are the questions that require a definite and a prompt answer. We are steadily drifting, under the prevailing darkness, toward armed intervention in Mexico, and the country is entitled to know why, and by what acts, it is swinging toward that costly and murderous possibility. — Hart- ford (Conn.) "Courant." AN EX-REBEL. "What is tlic trouble with Mexico? That is an odd question to ask. At pres- ent Mexico is all trouble." The speaker was Dr. William Penn duBois. late of the rebel army of North- ern Mexico, who is in this city visiting a relative, Preston Marshall, of 5427 De- Lancey street. Dr. duBois in expressing liis opinion of the Mexican situation to a "Press" reporter spoke as follows: "The present conditions in Mexico can almost be summed up in the words 'per- sonal gain.' "Although I, myself, served in the reb- el forces for more than two years I per- sonally have no sympathy with the rebel leaders. The majority of them are little lietter than highway thieves. The com- mon people in those districts over which the government has no control are forced to serve for these men under pen- alty of death. In the meantime their property and money are seized for the supposed benefit of the forces, but which in reality goes into the pockets of the higher officers of the army. "The lower officers of the armj' are as a rule adventurers who are not fighting for liberty as their slogan would lead one to believe, but merely for want of sometliing to do and for what they can set out of it after the leaders have had their pickings. "In considering the Mexican situation many persons make the grave error of comparing the common people of that country with the middle classes of other countries which are more advanced and progressive. This is wrong. In Mexico there is no middle class. There are only two divisions, the common people who are little more than serfs, and the upper class, consisting of the capitalists and the officials in both the government and rebel forces. The common people are very simple and very credulous. Those fighting on both sides have not the least idea of the principles for which they are forced to risk their lives, but merely lis- ten to the flowery speeches of their lead- ers, promising wealth and unlimited holi- days in the end. "At present human life is of no more value in Mexico than that of cattle. "It is a common sight to see burnt farm houses and dead women and chil- dren throughout the country, and while few Americans, who own land are killed, their property is confiscated and they are compelled to flee." — Philadelphia "Press." EVENTS IN MEXICO. As time passes, events in Mexico must mod- ify more or less the program of the Government at Washington. The swift change in the attitude of Gen. Carranza, after the military successes of his forces last week, signified, probably, that the Constitutionalists are now an obstacle to peace. Gen. Carranza's confidence increases that he can overthrow the Huerta Government by force, even without the lifting of the American embargo on war material. At the same time, the barbarous performances by the Constitutionalists at Juarez in executing Federal army officers held as prisoners of war so far confirmed reports of atrocities by Car- ranza's men in the interior as to render more difficult any recognition of the Carranza Govern- ment. If the insurgents in Mexico do not re- spect the rules of modern warfare, it must be more embarrassing than ever for our Government to lift the embargo. MEXICO Saturday, November 29, 1913 "MONEY GRUBBERS' WAR." London. — Under the heading "A Mone^' Grubbers' War," the "Outlook" publishes a bitter article on the Mexican situation. "Across the Atlantic," the "Outlook" says, "there is in busy preparation, if certain forces can accomplish it, a crime against civilization, against humanity. At any moment we may hear of its first overt stages, with inevitably the ensuing slaughter of tens of thousands of young Americans and half-armed peasants, the devastation of humble towns and rude countrysides, the sufferings of the help- less and the innocent and the outpouring of millions of monej'. "And all for what, or for whom? Wars have been waged for military ambition, but who is the Napoleon of the United States? A war between the United States and Mexico, if it arises, will be the first war waged sole!}' for private greed — the first money grubbers' war." After saj'ing that the United States has been filching territory from neighbors for sixty years and reduced weak States to obsequious dependents through the Monroe Doctrine, "which means any- thing it is required to mean," the "Outlook" predicts that American dol- lars will cause revolutions in Trinidad and Jamaica, as it alleges they did in Panama, and predicts the annexation of the Northern Mexican States. "If the guides of American opinion, among whom we refrain from mention- ing Dr. Wilson," the article says, "get their way, in a few weeks, perhaps days, Jim Smith, of Virginia, will be cutting the throat of Leon Ramirez, of Morellos, in the sacred name of the oil trusts and the band of Wall Street hyenas." DENOUNCES POLICY OF U. S. IN MEXICO. F. Hopkinson Smith Declares Adminis- tration's Course Ignorant and 111 Advised. F. Hopkinson Smith, artist and author of note, old-time lighthouse builder, has decided views on the attitude of the Wil- son Administration on the Mexican situ- ation. He gave them freely to a reporter for the "Public Ledger" as he sat at table at the banquet in honor of his friend, John Bach McMaster, historian, on Saturday night. Mr. Smith was se- vere in his denunciation of the policy be- ing pursued by President Wilson and by Secretary of State Bryan. Mr. Smith is familiar with Mexico. He has lived there and he has painted there. He is the author of a book which has Mexico as its subject. "A White Um- brella in Mexico." He is regarded as well qualified to speak about that coun- try, for he knows it almost as well as he knows his United States. He has many friends among the better-class Mexicans and he has gazed at the trouble there both as an American and through the eyes of these friends, seeing both the ob- verse and the reverse. A certain maturity attaches to the ex- pressions of Mr. Smith, for the virile traveler, who has visited most countries of the globe, is 7.5 years old. He is well known in Philadelphia, for he is a mem- ber of the Art Club, and holds a medal from that organization, awarded in 1903. "The policy of the Wilson Adminis- tration in the Mexican matter," said Mr. Smith, "is absurd, ill advised and ignor- ant. I think the President has fully shown to the country that he lacks the experience and the knowledge with which to deal with the situation beyond the Rio Grande. His adviser. Secretary Bryan, has not handled the matter well. PUBLIC OPINION-Continued But, then, what can be expected from a Secretary of State who humiliated his country and shamed his oftice by enter- ing into a private money-making scheme?" Continuing, Mr. Smith said: "Huerta is a strong man, and the only man who can bring order out of chaos. The Administration should have recog- nized him. It has gone too far now to back out, and it must abide by the con- sequences. I believe the proper step for this country to have taken would have been to recognize Huerta and, if he was overthrown bj' Carranza, to recognize Carranza, and if he was overthrown, to recognize his successor, until in time a stable Government was established in Mexico. "The Administration answers this by saying that it cannot recognize a Gov- ernment whose acts are stained with blood. That is foolish. The Adminis- tration did not hesitate to recognize Ser- via and the sanguinary Governments of other countries torn by revolutions. "Some day soon a drunken Mexican rebel soldier will invade a hacienda, its inhabitants will flee to the coast and be taken on board an American warship. A landing party of American sailors will go ashore, an American will be shot, and tlien the fat will be in the fire. "Perhaps there will never be a drunk- en rebel soldier who will invade a ha- cienda, but the crisis will come and it will come through the ignorance and the absurdity of this present policy, "The Mexicans are a proud people. They are prouder than the Spanish and they hate Americans. There are iS,ooo,- (iOO Mexicans, and about 2,000,000 of ihem can read and write a little. They hate Americans because of the kind of Americans who first went to Mexico. There never was a more courteous na- tion than the Mexican. It was invaded by a horde of American riffraff, and the Mexicans have come to believe that all Americans are like these men. So they hate Americans. A friend of mine, an engineer, stopped at a hacienda and they would not believe he was an American because he was a gentleman. They have a good foundation for their hate. "I have been ashamed," said Mr. Smith, his sweeping white mustache bristling, as he pounded fist into clenched hand, "as I sat in the clubs of London, to hear America discussed and ridiculed because of the Wilson Mexican polic}'. Wilson and Bryan have made this country the laughing stock of all Kurope. "Mr. Bryan has declared that this couniry shall not go to war, no matter what the provocation or the insult to na- tional honor. Who is Mr. Bryan that he should say whether or not this coun- try should enter into a war? Congress declares war. "It is an outrage," said Mr. Smith, in conclusion, "an outrage that America should be humiliated and made a buf- foon before the eyes of the world by this Administration of theories at Washing- ton," Is it better to be a St.indard Oil President or the President of the United States? Dr. William Bayard Hale, who was sent, as a "personal representative" of a President who has no personal authority, to intrigue with the bandit chief Carranra against President Huerta, may thank his lucky star that he has escaped alive. He had no official standing, no diplomatic legality: he was simply a spy, and Huerta would have been justified by the law of nations and by a striking American precedent in hanging or shooting him on sight. — "Town Topics." THE HYPOCRITICAL HUMBUG. At last the hypocritical humbug that has veiled Mr. Wilson's "policy" is torn aside and the real Mexican situation is revealed. It is disclosed that President Diaz and the Mexican Congress granted to Lord Cowdray and his associates a monopoly of the oil output, and for this crime against the Standard Oil Company the guilty Diaz was or- dered out of Mexico by President Taft and our Army dispatched to the Texas border. Madero bad agreed to repeal or nullify the Diaz conces- sions, and the United States, as the agent of the Standard Oil Company, agreed to maintain him in power. His sudden death ended this noble and patriotic scheme, and General Huerta and Professor Wilson assumed their respective Presi- dencies almost simultaneously. With equal se- crecy Huerta reverted to the Diaz and Cowdray policy and Professor Wilson took up the Standard Oil agency. When Mr. Wilson strikes a Jovelike pose and declaims; "That wicked Huerta must go ! Neither he nor his Congress shall be recog- nized!" he means merely that no Mexican Presi- dent and Congress shall confirm the oil field con- cessions to Lord Cowdray. Embargo — blockade — intervention — war — anything rather than allow Lord Cowdray to have any Mexican oil, and thus compete with our Standard Oil Company This is patriotic. In fact all concerned are be- having most patriotically. Huerta is patriotic in trying to raise money on oil concessions, so as to put down the rebellion. Lord Cowdray is pa- triotic in trying to get oil for the battleships of Great Britain, which are henceforth to burn that kind of fuel, and require a permanent supply at a reasonable price. And who can doubt the patriot- ism of Mr. Wilson, who is trying to bluff Huerta out of confirming the oil concessions and Great Britain out of permitting Lord Cowdray to accept them? But I think that even John D. Rockefeller, the true author of all this rumpus, will acknowl- edge that Mr. Wilson is going too far. It is a pretty quarrel as it stands, but all the squabbling be- tween the Eagle Company — as Lord Cowdray's corporation is called — and the Standard Oil Com- pany is not worth the life of a single American soldier, and it has cost many lives already. An investigation by Congress as to the connection be- tween the State Department and Standard Oil will end the farce, and is imperatively necessary to convince the people whether Mr. Wilson's fin- gers are smeared with oil innocently or with full knowledge of the plot to get rid of Huerta as we did of Diaz. — "Town Topics." BANGS. "I am afraid Mr. Wilson, by tempor- izing with his plain duty and failing to see to it that American citizens are safe anywhere in the world on behalf of a scheme of action that is more suited to the Chautauqua programme than to the actual stage of life, has brought us peril- ousl}' close to the verge of the verj' thing he is most anxious to avoid. "The chief trouble with the political situation, as I see it, is that the coun- try is in the hands of a lot of charming amateurs, who are trying to pla\f a .dif- ficult game without knowing how. Mr. Wilson is doing the best he knows how and if the United States were a high school it would be a pretty good test. "He has passed a tariff bill and if it will stay passed long enough for any- body to get to work under it we should lejoice." — J^hn Kendrick Bangs in New York "Herald." How can the Administration recon- cile its fulmination against special in- terests with its fight for those interests in Mexico? Is it because it's Mexico? Saturday, November 29, 1913 MEXICO 11 OPEN LETTER TO HON. W. J. BRYAN. Dear Sir: Recent press despatches from Wash- ington indicate that there is a feeling that Ad- ministration circles would be disposed to view with complacency a succession of victories on the part of the horde of assassins and ravishers known "to the trade" as "Constitutionalists." Although the new "higher morality" might give moral and material aid to this ignoble cause, and even be disposed to condone the recent acts of brutality in connection with the taking of Juarez by these fiends, we must pause to consider the ultimate effect if these outlaws should, by reason of outside support, be enabled to reach the City of Mexico. The same scenes of cruelty, pillage, cold-blooded murder and other unmentionable atrocities would be re-enacted on a larger scale, and Washington would rejoice in the fulfilment of its desire than the Government of General Huerta should fall — even though the fall carry with it the last defense against absolute anarchy and chaos. The unexplained part is : What reason can the Washington Government have that would allow it to overlook and condone such an outrage against humanity — solely for the satisfaction of seeing the existing Govern- ment of a neighboring country overthrown? "Why do you not go down to Juarez and look your bandit friends over? "Why do you not go down to Juarez now while Villa's bandits are there, deliver a Cross of Gold speech, and appeal to them in the name of the Prince of Peace to drop their arms and cease their butcheries?" C. U. MESTA. Baltimore, Md., Nov. 22, 1913. 730 W. Fayette St. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: Vour remarkably well-informed and admirably-written paper is read here with a great deal of interest. The writer has lived in Mexico in the early days (1S74) when Lerdo de Tejada was President, and until a few years ago ; has yet large inter- ests in that country which he visits periodically and consequently can pretend without bragging that he knows "something" about Mexico and Mexicans. For the last 15 years occupied a high position of trust. Now as to the delicate situation of that country at the present moment, if I were in a position to make any suggestion, I should, with my intimate knowledge of Mexican affairs, unhesitatingly advo- cate: 1. Recognition of the Huerta Government. 2. Strict prohibition to export arms and am- munition to the rebels under a heavy penalty. If President Wilson declares conditions in Mex- ico intolerable, whose fault is it? Had the United States intervened during the first revolution in 1010, i.e., at once, matters would have been settled long ago ; but at that time Madero seemingly was the ''favorite." Poor Madero had a splendid chance, but most unfor- tunately proved absolutely incapacitated. The attempt cost him his life. Huerta came in, after having unquestionably saved the City of Mexico from destruction ; he was duly inaugurated as 1913 AMERICAN 1914 CANE=SUGAR BUREAU MUNSEY BUILDING WASHINGTON. O. C. We invite correspondence from all who are professionally interested in the cane-sugar industry —Wra. L. Bass, Mgr. Provisional President, was recognized as such by the Mexican Supreme Court, Senate and House of Representatives, all in conformity with the Mexican Constitution ; later was recognized by the Governments of England, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, etc., the United States, amongst all the great Powers, making the only exception. We all regret the way Madero lost his life, and perhaps Huerta regrets it as much as anybody else, but to be sincere, up to this date no proofs whatever have come forth — and surely the Madero family used every effort in that direction — that Huerta had anything to do with Madero's death. Hueria, on taking hold of the Presidency, promised to use his best efforts to pacify the country ; nobody can deny that he did what pos- sibly could be done; but unfortunately right from the start he was greatly handicapped by the lack of funds; although it is said that General Diaz on his departure from Mexico left some 60 mil- lions in the treasury. Huerta, on taking posses- sion, found only a bagatelle. This lack of funds would have disappeared the moment the United States Government would recognize the Huerta Government. President Wilson repeatedly pro- fesses great friendship for Mexico, but evidently does not seem to like Huerta ; however, it seems to me that, overlooking his antipathy for Huerta, humanity and his often repeated friendship, if real, for that poor unhappy country might have induced him to do something for her, to do what all the other Powers did : recognize her legiti- mately constituted Government. With the neces- sary funds in hand, Huerta would have fin- ished the revolution several months ago, saved thousands of innocent lives, Mexican and for- eign, and millions of property ; that Huerta is the only man in Mexico to do it, is evidently the opinion, the very authorized opinion, of ex-Am- bassador Wilson, who certainly knows the situa- tion far better than all the "near-Ambassadors" sent to Mexico know or ever will know, and which is the opinion of 90 per cent, of those Americans who live or have lived in Mexico. Intervention by the United States, from a moral standpoint, absolutely uncalled for and a political injustice — not to use a stronger word — an undertaking which would cost thousands of lives and hundreds of million dollars, will be unnecessary ; Huerta will attend to the cleaning up on short notice the moment the United States ceases to "mettre des batons dans les roues"; as it is he naturally makes slow progress, but with recognition by the United States, he promptly will have all the money he needs and will finish the revolution, I feel sure, inside of two months. Huerta may not be an ideal, the perfect Presi- dent — how many are there? — but the fact is, peo- ple in Mexico, natives and foreigners, want peace, peace above anything; anybody who can give them peace will be welcome to the Presidency ; but as they consider Huerta the only man who, under actual conditions can do it, they want Huerta. New Orleans, La. "M." Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: I have just come across a copy of MEXICO and I want to write a line of thanks to whomever is responsible for this fair, unpre- judiced and truthful exposition of things and conditions as they actually are in this "sim- patico" but grossly misunderstood country. A little "fair play" propaganda such as you have started will do much to throw light on the real state of affairs here. The people in the United States have been so "fed up" with Will- iam Randolph Hearst's special brand of breakfast food and "Constitutionalist" (what's in a name!) tid-bits served hot, on toast, every day, that a little "uncooked" wholesome material, fresh from an uncontaminated source, will doubtless do won- ders towards doing away with the distorted and unjust view of "things as they are." I know nothing about the personnel of your paper, but I have taken great pleasure in bringing it to the notice of various friends and acquaintances, numbering Mexicans and for- eigners, and most of them have heaved sighs of relief to think that at last someone across the border has been found with brains and interest enough to champion the cause of "Fair Play for Mexico." Wishing you every success, I am. Sincerely yours, Mexico, D. F. E. I. MAPS IN COLORS Showing individual and corporate hold- ings in The Mexican Gulf Coast Oil Fields Accurate in every detail— A necessity for everybody interested in Mexican Oil. N. PAULSEN, Civil Engineer, Station O, Box 72 New York City Do you think Mexico is going to the bow-wows ? Well, think again. Mexico is all right and there is a lot of business done there. We have a fine transfer business for sale. Making money right along, revolu- tions or no revolutions. If you are interested write to us. We will give you all the particulars and you will be surprised. Address MEXICO, 15 Broad St., N. Y. C. THE "MARCON" Cushioned Arch / Support Fine for Tired Aching Feet, Fallen Arches, Flat Feet, and Weak Ankles. Have helped others. They will help you. Write for free booklet and testimonials. MAROON MANUFACTURING CO. Brooklyn, N. Y. $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. (Cut out this order and mail $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR, it to-dav.'l UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO." to be sent to Beginning with ~ number 12 MEXICO Saturday, November 29, 1913 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buy,ers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York BROKEN PROMISES. The elimination of General Huerta at this juncture under the pressure ex- ercised by Washington would establish a precedent fatal to any succeeding Mex- ican government. For it would grant to this country the right to dictate who shall and who shall not govern Mexico. President Wilson solemnly expressed the hope that no government shall en- dure unless resting on the consent of the governed. But at present the Wash- ington Administration is trying to im- pose upon Mexico a government resting upon its own consent. The great, overwhelming majority of the Mexican people takes no part in the present revolutions and struggle for power. The proportion of fighting men and partisans is so small that in effect a whole people is suffering untold misery for the ambition of a few. If the present revolution were a pop- ular upheaval, no government could stand against it m^ore than a few weeks. The fact that the Huerta Government, despite the tremendous pressure brought to bear by this government to over- throw it and despite the material and moral help received by the rebels, has stood for more than nine months is con- clusive proof that the Carranza rebel- lion is not backed by the people. The Diaz Government, with ample financial and military means to resist any rebellion, was submerged by the popular wave on top of which Madero was carried into power. For the Madero revolution was backed by the people. But the people have learned a bitter lesson. The words "Constitution,"' "lib- erty," "free ballot," "justice," "division of land," have lost their luring power for them and the contest is merely that of a few thousand armed men. In fact the majority of men under arms are not contesting for power, but for the right and freedom to loot. If Americans knew more they would realize that the present condition was the normal condition of Mexico for more than half a centurj', until Porfirio Diaz brought order out of chaos. And they would realize also that the promises made to the people by Madero and by the present leaders of the revolution are exactly the same as those made by all the revolutionary leaders of the past. That the Madero and Carranza plat- forms, or plans as they called them, have not even the virtue of originality in their wording. For the hundreds of revolu- tionary platforms written for the edifica- tion of the' Mexican people by every rev- olutionary leader from i8ii to the pres- ent time have all been couched monoto- nously in the same terms. All the revolutionary leaders have stated that much against their personal wish they were compelled to rise in arms against the existing Government because someway or other that Government had betrayed the trust of the people. That they were forced to take such a step in order to restore the Constitution to its proper place from the waste basket into which it had been relegated by the exist- ing Government. That they had no other recourse but that of overthrowing the existing Government m order that the people might enjoy those rights which the Constitution granted to them and that they might be free to acquire such land as they needed. And all, absolutely all, of these leaders have invariably failed to keep even one of their promises once in power. The reason the Madero revolution assumed the proportions of a truly popular move- ment was because after thirty-five years of peace under the Diaz Government the Mexican people had forgotten that the promises made by Madero had been made hundreds of times before. They had forgotten the lesson and now they have learned it again at a tremendous cost. GHOULISH. There is something absolutely ghoul- ish in the Administration's obvious de- light whenever it seems that President Huerta is confronted with insurmounta- ble difficulties. It is almost unbelieve- able that any one in a position of pow- er, no matter what his personal preju- dices or dislikes, would feel, let alone express, satisfaction that the govern- ment of a friendly neighboring nation was crumbling. Conditions are such in Mexico that if the Huerta Government crumbles then Mexico crumbles. Which means anarchy, which means a reign of terror, with murder, pillage and rapine stalking the country. Is that a prospect to be welcomed complacently if only a personal dislike be justified? At times it really seems that the men who are talking morality and acting so immoral- ly toward Mexico have either lost their reason under the strain of government nr have no conception of the fundament- al principles of morality. The OU War! The facts, the sordid facts are becom- ing known. « • « They will put an end to the sentiment- al twaddle and rubbish about "constitu- tionalism," liberty, etc. Is there no responsibility in Washing- ton for the Juarez barbarities. * * * These bandits have actually been helped and encouraged by the pure- minded officials in Washington. While they rail at the personality of one man. General Huerta. * * * If President Huerta were ten times as unscrupulous a man as they make him out to be, he should be supported rather than the savage outlaws of Vil- la's command. We have taken sides. With looters, marauders, blackmailers, ravishers, monsters of barbarity. * * * These are the Administration's pro- teges. Blunder by blunder the Administra- tion has kicked itself into a cul-de-sac. This country is tobogganning toward war with an accelerated speed. V\^hile the Administration professes to be opposing one man, it is in fact op- pressing a whole people. It is not Huerta who is being starved, but the whole of Mexico. Starving Mex- ico, cornering Mexico, driving Mexico to desperation can have only one result: War. The blockading of Mexican ports wcmld be interpreted by the Mexican government as an act of war. Likewise by the people of Mexico. * * * The responsibility for such a war would rest on this country. * » * There are not a few Mexicans who even at present think that a war may be the only way out of the seemingly hope- less situation in which this Administra- tion has placed their country. To the let-it-drift policy the Admin- istration has substituted a policy consist- ing of words of peace and acts of war. Why war? That the Pierce Oil Com- pany may control Mexico? The Amer- ican people may prefer their own to the European octopus, but they are willing to sacrifice lives and money so that their octopus may extend more and more its ever insatiable tentacles? IJl u lO !-■: MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Di«cnsslon of Mexican AKaIrs Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. I— No. l6 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1913. FIVE CENTS OIL AGAIN The newspaper twisting of the real posture of oil interests in the Mexican situation continues successful as far as the general public of this country is con- cerned. The Cowdray interes.s have suffered some bad defeats of late and public opin- ion in this country has been cleverly moulded by an admirable press campaign into believing that those interests are the cause of ;he Mexican trouble. News items and special articles have made it appear as if the Cowdray in- terests held monopolistic concessions in Mexico and as if they were inimical to American influence. Neither the Cowdray nor any other oil company holds any monopoly in Mexico. There are more than thirty oil companies at present doing business there. The origin of the Mexican turmoil is to be found in the attempt made by American oil interests to regain a mon- opoly which they enjoyed for many years. The Cowdray interests broke that monopoly — hence the trouble. Frankly, we believe that the Cowdray interests deserve their defeat, because they have failed, with a typically British turn of mind, to understand the value of publicity in this country and in other countries. They should have learned from their enemies, who have shown great ability in influencing and control- ling the press of this country. A Personal Contest We say once more that the Ad- ministration attitude toward the Mexican Government is not the at- titude of a majority of the people and is the attitude of very few who know the facts about Mexico. In support of this assertion we refer to the columns of public opinion we publish weekly. WATCHING AND WAITING LIKE VULTURES A man dying of thirst, his tongue and lips caked, his throat parched, raises himself with panting labor from the bed his body has made in the desert sand, shades his eyes with a sim-baked hand and gazes half-stupidly in the direction where he knows surely are water and life. The spirit that will not die is in his eyes. But the sap in his body is dried up. He cannot move a step and sinks back into the bed of sand. A vul- ture hovers overhead and watches and waits. There is the spirit of the vulture in the "watchful waiting" policy of the Ad- ministration toward Mexico. We may deceive ourselves into thinking that it is toward General Huerta, but the truth is that all animus, all the antagonism, all the venom expressed against the Provi- visional President of Mexico finds lodgment like a poisoned arrow in the warm body of Mexico, the nation, and the heart of the Mexican people. "Watchful waiting!" Would you watch and wait while your neighbor's house or barn burned down because you did not like your neighbor's overseer or hired man? Mexico is afire with a flame lit by Madero. Human life and property are being destroyed. The passions of law- less and barbaric men are running riot. The coimtry is in the travail of a tre- mendous social upheaval. The heart of the civilized world should go out to this nation in distress. A helping hand should be stretched forth to save her from greatef suffering. But we stand by in austere coldness and say that Huerta. the overseer, the hired man, must go. and that with him gone, we hope the fire will be extinguished It is the most inhuman, cold-blooded, fishy attitude ever taken l,y a civilized na- tion lovvard a neighboring people. To tlie Mexicans themselves it is like the sympathy of the Sphinx. To the people of the United States it must come as a shock to learn that we have a heart of stone. "Watchful waiting!" By heavens, if a man saw hi# worst enemy in the throes of mortal illness, or his "dody pierced and bleeding with wounds, he would be a fiend were he to stand by and watch and wait for death if he could help. .\l leas, according to our Christian standards, to which, we believe, men like President Wilson. Secretary Bryan, John Lind, and the ex-reverend William Bayard Hale subscribe. And it is the death of sick and wounded Mexico that we are watch- ing and waiting for, though we profess it is of Huerta. "Watchful waiting!" While hordes of semi-savages, aroused by the opportuni- ties for loot and rapine and encouraged by their Washington friends, roam a vast and rich and beautiful country, murder- ing, pillaging and outraging women and girls. Can a real man with power en- courage such a condition and then with almost diabolical self-complacency watch and wait? If President Huerta were the coward^ he would be — to resign in the face of the malevolent Washington antagonism, would that change the condition of Mex- ico? It would pile anarchy on anarchy. Where now are the forces of brigandage, rebellion and lawlessness against the forces of law and order, then there would be no law and order and the lawless (Continued on Next Page.) MEXICO Saturday, December 6, 1913 VULTURES— Continued. would be against each other in an orgj- of conflict and crime. Would a Carranza submit to a Villa, or a Zapata to either, a Villa to a Carranza or a Zapata? Or any one of a score of bandit leaders to any one of the others? Or any or all of them to an innocuous, respectable gentle- man who could pass the tests of the Bryans and Hales? President Wilson may think, may sin- cerely believe, that if he accomplishes, through the bloody assistance of the bandit hordes of Villa and his kind the overthrow of Huerta that somehow in his persuasive way he may change the nature of the beast that he has brought into life and power. But that is folly, folly that is inexpressibly dynamic in its power for mischief. There is no chang- ing the nature of that beast. A beast it is and as a beast it must be dealt with. We have seen a picture of the Christ Child among the wild animals of the jun- gle, the lion and the tiger like lambs in the Presence of their Creator. With all due respect to the President of the United States, we do not credit him with the same power over animal nature. President Huerta has been prodded and goaded by the Administration into every position he has taken in the present con- troversy, and as soon as he took the posi- tion he was forced into the cackling hens of the Administration forthwith cackled: "See! Didn't we tell you so? That's the kind of man he is." We venture to say that never in the history of foreign re- lations has there been so flagrant a mani- festation of narrow "statesmanship." .A.nd now they are "watching and waiting" till he crumbles. If he crumbles, Mexico crumbles. No, the Administration will say, "Do not not crumble, Mexico," and point a finger at the beast of anarchy. And anarchy will shufTle off into a cor- ner and stand with its face to the wall. Yes? THE POISONED PEN Dangerous Optimism in the President's Message. The discomforting part, in the President's words on Mexico, contained in the message to Congress, comes not in the announcement that "We are the friends of constitutional government in America: we are its champions;" nor in the emphatic dictum, "Mexico has no government;" nor in the vehement outcry against Huerta: "He has forfeited the respect and the moral support of those who at one time were willing to see him succeed." Distress lies rather in hearing the President's bland hopefulness in concluding. He invokes ruin upon the dictator and goes on: "When the €nd comes, we shall hope to see constitutional order restored in distressed Mexico, by the con /he liberty of their people to their own am- cert and energy of such of her leaders as prefer bitions." The mere fact that the President can tjrge hopeful thoughts of the sequel to Huerta ii as discouraging as a hundred columns of the current news from Mexico. — N. Y. "Evening Sun." By the way, that last leg of Huerta on which he has been for so many months according to newspapers and to our dis- tinguished high officials is a pretty strong leg, don't you think? Our glorious free newspapers have had another fruitful time during the last week joyfully juggling with news and facts from Mexico. And the climax is not yet, although there has been an in- teresting shifting of the juggling per- formance from the yellow to the so- called reliable newspapers. Striking examples of this were offered by those "pillars of truth": the New York "Times" and the New York "Sun." "Villa on road to Me.xico City!" "On to Mexico is the cry!" "Eating Christmas Dinner in Mexico City!" "Seven Huerta Generals go over to Villa!" "Plan Ad- vance on Mexico City!" "Huerta sur- rounded!" were some of the headlines which startled the dignified readers of these and other newspapers almost every morning. If it were not such an appaling tragedy it would be a huge joke. Maps were prominent again and El Paso came in.o its own at last. Juarez is eighteen hundred miles from Mexico City and Villa's forces are camped eighty-three miles south of Juarez — therefore they are on their way to Mex- ico City. Don't you see? Mazatlan was reported taken by the rebels, but later it was said that Car- ranza's forces were on their way to cap- ture it. San Luis Potosi was about to surrender, but then we learn that the trains are running to Saltillo. Monter- rey was the only town in Nuevo Leon left to the Federals — according to press reports — but then again trains are run- ning regularly between Monterrey and Laredo on the border. The oil fields are in the hands of the rebels — screeching headlines — but .Ad- miral Fletcher reports that everything is quiet in the oil region. The Herald Syndicate sends out a bird's-eye view of Mexico and the New York "Sun" and the Munsey newspapers publish similar maps in which the ter- ritory controlled by the Federals is indi- cated by white space and the territory controlled by rebels by shaded space. The maps are almost entirely shaded! From them the unsuspecting reader per- ceives that Zapata controls absolutely the three states of Guerrero, Morelos and Puebla. Also that the whole of Taniaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas. Chihuahua, Coahuiia and Nuevo Leon are under rebel control! It does not matter that trains are running between Mexico City and Saltillo and between Monterrey and Laredo, and. that almost all cities in Coahuiia and Nuevo Leon arc held by Federals. The shading must go on just the same and the artistic imagination must not be hampered by so trivial a thing as truth. El Paso and Hermosillo dispatches — the copy for which is furnished by the rebels — are given great prominence and a free run. So we read that Guaymas had been evacuted by the Federals — for the hun- dredth time since last March. Likewise we read that the smelters at Monterrey stopped work, but the report is denied by the Smelting Company. The denial must be looked for with a micros- copic lens while the false assertion was printed in scare lines. And when you think that the enterpris- ing correspondent has run the gamut of news you are startled by a scarehead telling you that General Huerta has es- capedto Vera Cruz. This is the counter- part of the news sent out the previous week that he _had taken refuge in the fortress of Chapultepec! Of course the next day you may read that he had gone to Tlalpam, a suburb of Mexico City, where he is building a house, but you do not read that in a scarehead. You read it at the very end of another sensational falsehood if you read it at all. Perhaps the most cynical phase of this compaign of misrepresentation is found in the publication of pictures bearing misleading explanations. Thus, for in- stance, the New York "World" of De- cember 4th published a photograph of a courtyard in one of the Mexico City bar- racks. Some soldiers are seen on guard duty while others are resting about, their arms stacked in the centre of the court- yard, as they are everywhere in the world when soldiers are at rest. The title of this picture was: "Huerta's soldiers who abandon arms in Mexico City be- cause they have not been paid or fed." The New York "World" gave also a striking illustration of how truth can be used and so mixed with falsehood as to make it the most dangerous weapon in a press campaign. On December ist it printed a long despatch from Washing- ton purporting to give an analysis of Mexican characteristics and Mexican customs. A great deal of truth was con- tained in that article, especially as it referred to the apathy of the rich Mex- icans and the atrocities committed by rebels. But that truth was used so as to justify the policy of the Administra- tion and convey the impression that lie- cause of these traits this country should intervene in Mexico. Once every few days the newspapers tell you that the news from Mexico is censored. If you have but a casual in- terest in Mexican affairs }'0U believe the report. But if you stop to consider the daily reports you read it is apparent that anything and everything is allowed to be sent out from Mexico City, and you readily understand that it is one of the many little tricks to misrepresent the situation. Saturday, December 6, 1913 MEXICO WHAT WE HAVE CONTENDED THE CONFIRMATION That the logical end is War. Washington, Dec. 3. — James R. Mann, the Republican leader of the House, de- clared in the course of debate to-day that war between the United States and Mex- ico is inevitable and that the President is making arrangements accordingly. The fact that the Democrats allowed this statement to go unchallenged added to its significance. Predicting war with Mexico, Mr. Mann said: "I should greatly regret such a war. I do not see any escape from chaos and anarchy in Mexico under the plan which we are now pursuing. Of course if that runs very long it means war." That the Administration is antagoniz- ing all Latin-America. The reported message from the Colom- bian Congress to the Mexican Congress denouncing the United States for its in- terference and beseeching the Mexicans to continue resistance was a subject of most interested comment here late to- day. No official confirmation of this report has been received at the State De- partment, but unofficial despatches re- garding the Colombian message are ac- cepted as true. There is no doubt that the view ex- pressed by the Colombian Congress is that of all Latin-America. Because of their desire not to offend the United States, however, no other Latin-Ameri- can Government nor any other Latin- American official has given expression to what are known to be their real views regarding the attitude of President Wil- son toward Mexico and President Huerta. These views have been fully expressed, however, in the Latin-American press. — New York "Sun." Latin-.A.merican diplomats friendly to Gen. Huerta — and many of them feel that he is the champion of all the Americas south of the Rio Grande — go so far as to think that the President deliberately intended to goad him into giving the American Charge his passports. Such an affront, they think, while not being far different from the continued refusal of the American Government to recognize the de facto authorities in the Mexican capital, would yet justify the cry of in- jured honor and might be seized as war- rant for armed intervention. — ^New York "Times." That the Administration's Mexican "policy" is destructive. We venture to believe that to-days ex- posure of the "true inwardness" of the President's Mexican policy will mark an end to the toleration not only of foreign Powers but of our own people toward the aimless pokes in the puddle of Mexican troubles wherewith the President, his Secretary of State and their various un- official, unconstitutional and unreceived envoys have whiled away their time for more than six months until, to quote the President's own confession to-day, "Mex- ico has no government." — Boston "Tran- script." * * * That the "Constitutionalists" — Bryan's friends — are "stained with blood." (Special to the New York "Times.") Hermosillo, Mexico, Dec. 3. — In ac- cordance with the mandate of the Con- stitutionalists' court-martial, Antonio V. Caballero, friend of .'\mericans and one of the wealthiest citizens of Culiacan. was put to death at daylight this morning as the result of his conviction on the charge that he had plotted against Gen. Car- ranza. During the early hours last night, a number of women belonging to the high- est social circles attempted to reach Gen. Carranza with a plea that the condemned prisoner be at least held as a prisoner of war until full investigation had been made of the charges against hira. These efforts proved unavailing. Gen. Carranza absenting himself from headquarters. The morning dawned cold and with a drizzling rain. .A.t 5:50 o'clock Caballero was notified of his sentence. Asserting his innocence, at 6:10 he was led into a patio, where the firing squad had already been assembled. Without flinching the condemned man faced his executioners, and fell with four bullet holes in the left breast within a circle of three inches. Two of the firing squad were overcome by their emotions, and left the scene with tearms streaming down their cheeks. "We thought that only one of the four rifles had been charged with a bullet, but the results showed that all of the guns were loaded." said the Sergeant. The body was delivered to representa- tives of the family later in the day. * * * That eliminating Huerta will not quench the fires of revolution. .\ counter-revolution in the rear of the rebel advance upon the Mexican capital is the dispiriting forecast of Gen. Bliss, whose ripe experience in active service on the Mexican boundary gives special weight and significance to his deductions. Presumably Gen. Bliss has good reason to believe that existing conditions are as favorable to an anti-Cat ranza movement, in his absence, as they were when Gen. Orozco and his lieutenants broke off with Madero and took the field. — Washington "Post." UNEXPECTED. "Rebels' forces have developed a some- what unexpected strength," says a Wash- ington dispatch to the New York "Trib- une." Unexpected? Not in Washington where in stage whispers it has been as- serted of late that some of the strategy of rebel forces was "suggested" from cer- tain circles in Washington itself. Unex- pected? Not in Washington where no secret is made of the fact that the rebels get all the arms and ammunition they want across the border from "sympathiz- ers" on the .'American side! No, it was not unexpected in Washington. AN ADMISSION. General Bliss admits that arms and ammunition have been smuggled across the border rather freely because with the force at his command it is almost humanly impossible to prevent the smuggling. But it is possible for the Department of Justice to trace back the shipments of arms and ammunition tc the parties responsible and stop the vio- lation of the neutrality laws right at the fountainhead. It is easily possible, but, not at all probable it will be done. MEXICAN CHIEFTAINS PATRIOTS FOR LOOT. While Carranza's counsels may be lis- tened to by Jose Maria Mayortena in Sonora, Blanco in Tamaulipas and Obre- gon in Sonora and Sanchez in Mich- oacan, no one pretends that he could exercise any control over his two best fighting men, Villa and Zapata. Any time either thinks himself strong enough to go it alone he will not hesitate to assert his power in his own party. Emiliano Zapata, scourge of Morelos, is nothing but a bandit on a large scale. In his forty-two years he has never been known to be true to any persons except his brother Eufemio and his shadow Tuerto (one-eyed) Morales, a school- master gone wrong. The only principle to which he has been unswervingly loyal is loot, always accompanied by murder, torture, arson and worse. Diaz had Zapata pretty thoroughly on the jump in Morelos, Guerrero and Oax- aca. Sometimes his bands were a few men, sometimes several hundred. There was something about the man that ap- pealed to the peon imagination. He never "robbed the poor; that is, the very poor, and he sometimes scattered the loot from rich towns among them. Zapata, like Villa, rushed to Madero as a way out, and won with him. Madero was no sooner installed than Zapata was at it again, believing that possibly his pull made him privileged. Madero sent Victoriano Huerta, one of his valiant generals, to stop Zapata and Huerta sur- rounded the roblier in no time, captured him and was about to make a good ban- dit of him when the President intervened. Madero himself came to the camp, threw his arm around Zapata's neck, called him brother, and made him a Brig- adier-General in the army. Zapata was profoundly grateful, and a few weeks later was at it a.gain. The death of Ma- dero found Zapata fighting as a revolu- tionist, and the advent of Carranza gave him a pretext for aligning himself with the Constitutionalists. 4 MEXICO Saiurduy. DtWinbcr 6, 1913 Sitting on the edge of a crater, he hopes — » ♦ » He doesn't fall in. * ♦ • Watching a man's house robbed, he hopes — It won't be. * * * Looking on at a house burning, he hopes they will put it out and that they will save the women and children. Knowing the ship has struck an. ice- berg, he hopes somebody will save it. » * ♦ Seeing a man assault a woman, he hopes there's a law against assault. * * * Having his face slapped, he hopes it won't leave a red mark. Slapping somebdy on the wrist, he hopes he won't be slapped back. THE DEAR OLD LADY. Criticism against President Wilson's policy in Mexico as one based on a mistaken idealism, takes on a comical aspect in view of what is tak- ing place on Me.xican battlefields. One cannot imagine a much solider fact than yesterday's decisive Constitutionalist victory near Juarez, fol- lowing upon a succession of Huerta discomfitures which leave little room for doubt that the Dicta- tor's days are numbered. The tide is running in one direction. In Pancho Villa the revolution has produced a commander of exceptional ability. The immediate future should witness Villa's steady advance southward on Mexico City. If another indication is needed of the way things are going, it is supplied by the sudden outburst of Zapatist activity in the neighborhood of the capital. — New York "Evening Post." The "comical aspect" is in the "Post's" display of joy at the bandit uprisings. The dear old lady has always been so much a friend of peace. But what are murders and outra,ges as long as dear Mr. Wilson may not be called a mistaken idealist? BARBAROUS BANDITS. (Former .'\tty-Gen. Chas. J. Bonaparte in Baltimore "Evening Sun.") The writer is unwilling to believe that our President has ever seriously consid- ered the suggestion of our supplying arms to the Mexican insurgents. In the columns of all our papers are almost daily reports of barbarities and outrages on their part, v^hich, even if largely un- true, would yet make it a crime against civilization and humanity to furnish such combatants with facilities for warfare. If any American powder is to be burnt, let it be burnt by American soldiers and sailors. If any American weapons are to be used, let them be in the hands of Americans, who can be trusted to make war on armed men, not on prisoners, or the v/ounded or defenseless inhabitants, or helpless women and children. In a word, if we- have fighting to do, let us do our own fighting and do it as befits a great civilized nation, not by bor- rowing the bloody hands of a horde of barbarous banditti. SO SOON! The "Herald" of last Tuesday reports a rift in the lute of Villa's bandit happi- ness. I.s Jaurez correspondent says: The putting to death of a rebel captain by General Villa Monday night following a shoot- ing alTair in a dance hall started the trouble, and the taking of French leave by Colonel Juan N. Medina, of General Villa's slafl^, who came to this side, has added to the feeling between the two f.ictions. An outbreak is feared at any minute and a general looting of the stores and residences is expected to follow. The United States officers are aware of the danger and have placed the entire Twentieth infantry on the border to pre- vent any invasion or violations of the neutrality laws. A squadron of the Twelth cavalry also has been ordered from Gallup, New Mexico, to the border to do patrol duty and prevent any depredations on American property. Senor Francisco Escudero, Minister of For- eign Relations, has been here two days trying to patch up the differences and to-night appealed direct to General Carranza. The break is expected to take the form of an open rupture between General Villa and General First oust Huerta. After that — « * » He knows, he knows, God knows. * * » There are blood, pillage and rape in Mexico. President Wilson says the men who love liberty more than their ambi- tions will settle the matter. Liberty to kill, rob and ravish? * * * Sublime egotism. He abhors a blood-stained government and welcomes a reign of bloodshed. The success of the bandits pleases him immensely. And they looted Juarez, slaughtered non-combatants, are the ter- ror of every respectable, decent Mexican. "The brave man with a sword, "The coward with a word." * * * Notice they still speak of Huerta as defying the United States. It seems to us that if there has been defiance, it has been by those who have defied the na- tional sovereignty of Mexico as well as the ordinary laws of international cour- tesy. Captain S. G. Hopkins, the eminent Washington representative of the Pierce oil interests and the Carranza rebels — same thing — got fifty thousand dollars in gold for his v/ork in promoting the Madero revolution. Considering his in- fluence with the Washington Adminis- tration, he undoubtedly thinks he de- serves a million for his present activities. * * • Everybody in El Paso knows where Villa got his guns and ammunition, but of course the Washington Administra- tion has not lifted the embargo on arms. What's the use? CARRANZA MURDER VERSUS HUERTA MURDER. It is difficult to read without a shud- der of Iiorror of the deliberate murder of prisoner; by Carranza's forces after the capture of Juarez on the frontier of Mexico. This barbarous butchery was in sight and sound of American soil. And while* Carranza's ofticers were thus violating the rules of civilized war- fare at our very door. President Wil- son's "personal representative," William Bayard Hale, the newspaper correspond- ent, was carrying on negotiations at an- other border .own with Carranza him- self. It has been announced from the White House many times that Mr. Wilson's principal reason for refusing to recog- nize Huerta is that he cannot bring him- self to deal with a government founded on murder. How then can he think of turning over the Mexican people to the mercies of men to whom cold-blooded massacre has become an everyday matter? The hideous scene at Juarez is sim- ply one incident in a prolonijed orgy of wanton murders, burnings and robberies by the "Constitutionalists." Carranza himself has boasted that "every man in arms against Huerta is under my orders." When the bloodless intervention of the United States shall have crushed the Huerta administration by bankruptcy, and that strong man shall be driven from power, the American government will have assumed responsibility in the eyes of the civilized world for peace, order and justice in Mexico. No sober, sensible mind can fail to reco.cnize the grave situation into which Mr. Wilson's and Mr. Bryan's policy is leading us. ."Kre we to overthrow the despot Huerta only to deliver the Mexican re- public up to the plunderers and burners of towns, the violators of women and the slayers of unarmed prisoners? With the acquiescence of the great European powers President Wilson is brineing about the destruction of the existing Mexican government. Whom and what will he recognize in its place? — New York "Evening Mail." Public approval of the appaling heart- lessness of the President's policy of watchful waiting would be an indictment of the American people. ♦ » * "Watchful waiting." As a vulture watches. * * « Is that American? Never. * * * Huerta won't be "eliminated." Mexico may be. May be. • • * A master of the method known in criminal parlance as "croakin' 'em with a sugar front." * • • The glacial movement seems to have a little fire in it — the fire of personal antipathy. • * * How much the more handsome not to have shown it? • » * It is getting down to a purely personal contest, and the country will have none of it — if the logical end is war. Sniurdav, December 6. 1913 MEXICO COLONEL HARVEY'S SANITY Colonel George Harvey writes on "the President and Mexico" in the December "North American Review." His article is a careful, unprejudiced analysis of the sit- uation and in its general fairness and un- biased logic is in marked contrast with the daily yelpings of a misinformed or malicious section of the press. After a resume of the Administration's succes- sive steps in dealing with Mexico, Col- onel Harvey goes on to say: Subsequent events, including the arbi- trary dissolution of the recalcitrant Ma- dero Congress, the dismissal of Diaz, and the so-called election which may or may not be considered valid, and the con- stantly reiterated declarations from the White House that "Huerta must go" are too recent to require recital. The whole matter resolves to this: What legal or moral right has a Presi- dent of the United States to say who shall or shall not be President of Mex- ico? and Did not President Wilson imbed him- self in a practically inextricable position when he demanded the retirement of Huerta? To the first question there can be but one answer from a technical standpoint. Mr. Asquith gave it when he said that his Majesty's Government was "bound to deal with him (Huerta) as with any other Central or South .•\merican State, whatsoever was at the time the de facto Government." Germany, France, Spain, Austria, and Russia gave it when they accredited Ministers to the new admin- istration. President Franklin Pierce gave it when he declared in his mess- age to Congress on May 15, 1856: "It is the established policy of the United States to recognize Governments without question of their source of or- ganization or of the means by which the governing persons attain their power, provided there be a Government de facto accepted by the people of the country. * * ♦ It is the more imperatively neces- sary to apply this rule to the Spanish- American peoples in consideration of the frequent and not seldom anomalous changes of organization or administra- tion which they undergo and the revolu- tionary character of inost of the changes." Whether or not President Huerta would have been able to restore order throughout Mexico if he had possessed the means of which he was deprived by President Wilson's refusal to accord with the action of other nations and with what President Pierce pronounced "the established policy of the United States" is a matter of conjecture. That it would have been the part of wisdom to give him a chance to try is, we believe in the light of subsequent events, the consensus of opinion in our own country at the present time. To the second question we suspect the correct answer would be that the Presi- dent's predicament is one from which satisfactory extrication is at the least difficult. What amazes us is that he should ever had gotten into it. Surely there could liave been no doubt of the consequence of his demand that Huerta relinquish authority upon the ground, clearly implied, that he was di- rectly concerned in the assassination of Madero. If innocent he would not, and if guilty he could not, comply with such a request. Acquiescence would have spelt confession in either case. Nothing could be plainer than that President Wilson's method frustrated his own intent and could not possibly have operated otherwise. Instead of eliminat- ing Huerta from power, he riveted him in his place, there to remain, in all prob- ability, until he shall be expelled by force of arm<. It is proverbially easy to criticize, es- pecially after the event. Probably Presi- dent Wilson himself now realizes that it would have been better to accord recog- nition to the de facto Government, in compliance with the unanimous recom- mendation of the diplomatic corps in Mexico, upon the grounds set forth by Mr. Asquith. But, having once assumed a wider re- sponsibility by attempting to dictate to the Dictator, in pursuance of a policy which was ethical ratlier than practical, he was forbidden 1)y regard for the na- tion's dignity, no less than by his own obduracy, to recede from the position which lie had taken. It followed inevit- ably that his original and wholly admir- able purposes, which comprehended real assistance to a distracted neighbor and avoidance of war on our own part, should narrow to a single definite aim, namely, the deposition of Huerta. To this end the President has directed all his energies; chiefly, after the failure of moral suasion, by way of menace. But all semi-official threatenings. first of lift- ing the embargo upon the delivery of arms to the insurgents, then of inaugu- rating a "peaceful blockade" of the Mex- ican ports, then of seeking to starve the Government, through the co-operation of foreign powers, and, finally, of sever- ing diplomatic relations entirely, have so far been in vain. Huerta, at this writ- ing, seems to be more stubborn and de- termined than at any previous time; has crushed out all opposition in his Cab- inet and Congress; holds the army ap- parently under perfect control; is not destitute of funds, and, oddly enough, has been strengthened immeasurably with the Mexican people by report of the per- emptory refusal of Carranza to accept mediatory proposals of any kind from Washington. Meanwhile, the wretched country is be- ing devastated from the Rio Grande to the Southern Gulf; prisoners taken in battle are being slaughtered ruthlessly; helpless non-combatants are become the prey of savage bandits; railways are be- ing torn up; mining and other properties to the value of unreckoned millions have already been destroyed, and American and European residents are fleeing for their lives. The gravity of the situation from the standpoint of Mexico, of our own country, or of humanity cannot be exaggerted. We are confronted by a condition of anarchy, not by a theory of government, and the condition has be- come intolerable. What is to be done? "We admit," says the London "Specta- tor," "that it might be possible for Mr. Wilson's half-and-half Mexican policy to succeed in very small and weak countries — countries which could never raise their hand in revolt and had to put up with whatever treatment they got as content- edly as might be. But no one will say that Mexico is a country of that descrip- tion. "No one could foretell the character and length of the resistance that Mex- ico would be able to ofifer if an invasion of the country became necessary. It would certainly be harassing and enthu- siastic, and would involve the United States in incalculable expense. "Mexico is peopled by independent and pugnacious men, apt at guerilla warfare, and is a country which lends itself to the arts of wearing out an enemy by the expedients of ambuscade and elusive- ness. We sincerely hope that the neces- sity for war may be avoided, but we can- not honestly see how the present .\meri- can policy can end except in war and an eventual protectorate, or in a reversal of the attempt at dictation by means of an unworkal)le imperialism." War Looms Ahead. We are unable to see how any thinking man can fail to concur in this judgment. Grateful as we are to President Wilson for withstanding the temptation to which another of less scrupulous ambition might have yielded, to intervene by force of arms, we cannot escape the conclu- sion that persistence in his present course is virtually certain to drive our country into a war as hateful to ourselves as it would be to the neighbors whom we are anxious to serve. The only alternative, apparently, is that indicated above, name- by means of an unworkable imperial- by means of an unworkable Imperial- ism." Is that not possible? Nobody here or abroad and nobody in Mexico who need be considered ques- tions the high purpose which has act- uated President Wilson. Nobody sus- spects his good faith, the purity of his motives, or the pacificatory nature of his methods. Nobody doubts that he has (Continued on Next Page ' MEXICO Saturday, December 6, 1913 COLONEL HARVEY'S SANITY,— (Continued). head of cattle. • * • The Constitutionalists raided the entire State of Sonora and executed every friend of Huerta who fell into their hands. The men working in mines were driven together like cattle and, if they refused, summarily killed. Americans and foreigners were lined up against the wall, told to hold up their hands, robbed, and forced to pay a heavy ransom. Many foreigners were murdered. I, too, was robbed several times, but managed to save my life, because many of the soldiers had worked under me in lower Cal- ifornia, Mexican Sinaloa, or Cananea. Nothing is to be expected from Carranza and his Constitutionalists. Huerta will probably fall a victim to Wilson and Bryan; but he will not yield. He is the only man who could restore peace in Mexico; but Uncle Sam's refusal to recognize his has deprived him of the means. President Wilson gives as his reason for not recognizing Huerta ihat the latter murdered Madero. But this is not true; and if it were, Wilson would not yet have the right to mix into this national affair. Since when is Mexico under an American pro- tectorate? What would Wilson say if the King of Italy or Czar of Russia should demand his re- signation and a new election? * • • The only right Wilson has in Mexico is the so-called Monroe Doctrine privilege, which provides that he must protect the life and property of Americans and foreigners, lest another Power be tempted to do this. Instead of doing this, the President asks all Americans to leave Mexico and, incidentally, the property acquired by years of hard labor. My conviction is this: Had Wilson recognized Huerta, the latter could have placed a loan in Europe and the rebels would be crushed. Instead of this, Huerta is accused of murdering Madero, and there seems to be the intention to lift the embargo on arms and ammunition in favor of the miserable gang of robbers and thieves, who have murdered hundreds of in outraged women and even girls * • • Intervention means a 1 which will claim thousands of 1 lions of dollars. And Uncle S an inch of Mexican territory, dent favors the rebels, m iha alitv, the cle S, now promised to cede to U Sonora Sinaloa. Chihuahua, and : writh the famous Magdalena Bay, bullet has not been cast in Mexi^ ocent men and of tender years. ig guerilla war, es and cost mil- Sam's profit? Not But if the Presi- nnecessary. More- cowards have even the states of 'er California But the last 1913 AMERICAN 1914 CANE=SUGAR BUREAU MUNSEY BUILDING WASHINGTON, D. C. We invite correspondence from all who are professionally interested in the cane-sugar industry — Wra. L. Bass, Mgr. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: As an American that has lived in Mexico, and to some extent know personally some of the true conditions as they are there, I have fully intended to have written you before, not only to compliment you on the fairness and cour- tesy you have displayed to all, in your explana- tions, etc., of the almost impossible conditions in Mexico, but to express my admiration for those that are back of this publication, who have had the nerve and honesty to stand by their convic- tions. I love my own country, and I am a friend of Mexico, and no words of mine can express my indignation at the policy that has been shown to that country, and I only voice hundreds of Americans in Mexico, but their friends here, who are bitter at the treatment that Henry Lane Wil- son received at the hands of his own government that should have honored him for what he did, and if in all the years he lived there has was not in a position to know conditions as they were, then no one else ever will be, but I am saying too much, perhaps. Hoping that your efforts may bring brighter days to Mexico, is the earnest and sincere wish of N. D. G. Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 28, 191,1. The Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: President Wilson has declared to the world that he will not recognize any act emanating from President Huerta, and he has likewise declared that he would consider the recent elections invalid not only in regard to the President and Vice-President, but also as to the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. Let us now suppose that President Huerta were willing to agree to the wishes of the Wash- ington Government, and in order to avoid an international conflict should decide to resign from his post — to whom could he send his resig- nation? Not to the Congress which was elected by the Madero regime, because that Congress was dissolved ; neither oould he send it to the pres- ent Congress, because Mr. Wilson has not cared to recognize it; to the Supreme Court?— perhaps, but such a step would not be sanctioned by the Constitution. Even admitting the legality of such a procedure, whom could the Supreme Court name as successor of the President? It could not name any member of the present Cabinet, as all of these were appointed by President Huerta. Suppose that the Court should name some citizen not connected with the present Government, on what basis of legality would such an appointment rest? Would not a president so chosen be more illegal than the present one, who was put in ofhce in accordance with established procedure? And in any event such a change would proceed more or less directly from revolution, and there- fore should be tabooed by Washington. It has been said that another way out of the difficulty lies in the recognition and protection of rebels, in order to "eliminate" President Huerta, and this is being tried out, more or less openly, for there is no difficulty in the passage of arms and ammunition across the border, money has been readily obtainable by the rebels, and they have openly been allowed to recruit men, not only along the border, but in the city of Chicago itself. Suppose that by means of this immoral support the rebels should win — how could a legitimate government be established from a basis of violence, revolution and breaking of laws? Could Mr. Wilson consistently recognize it after his very emphatic denunciation? If we must cast aside all of these plans as impossible, there remains but one course — that of armed intervention, which once undertaken would consist of the following steps: The organization of an efficient army, the blockade of ports, destruction of commerce, the invasion of Mexico, to the ac- companiment of the inevitable war tax, the spill- ing of innocent blood, a long, bitter resistance by a united Mexico, the final establishment of an armed peace, then elections held at the point of alien bayonets in order to secure the "free" choice of the unhappy people. Would this be "moral"; would a government so established rest on the "consent of the governed"; would this be an upholding of "constitutional forms"? Would it not be more just and more manly if President Wilson were to admit that he has been in the wrong and retire from an impossible position? Baltimore, Md. c. U. MESTA. MAPS IN COLORS Showing individiial and corporate hold- ings in The Mexican Gulf Coast Oil Fields Accurate in every detail— .\ necessity for everyhodv interested in Mexican Oil N. PAULSEN, Civil Engineer, Station O, Bo.x 72 New York Citv Do you think Mexico is going to the bow-wows ? Well, think again. Mexico is all right and there is a lot of business done there. We have a fine transfer business for sale. Making money right along, revolu- tions or no revolutions. If you are interested write to us. We will give you all the particulars and you will be surprised. Address MEXICO, 15 Broad St., N. Y. C. THE "MARCO N" Cushioned Fine for Tired Aching Feet, Fallen .A.rches, Flat Feet, and Weak Ankles. Have helped others. They will help you. Write for free booklet and testimonials. MARCON MANUFACTURING CO. Brooklyn, N. Y. $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ „,r subscription to "MEXICO." to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturday, December 6, 1913 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomai O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York DEPRESSING. The general effect left on the world after a careful reading of President Wil- son's remarks on Mexico in the course of his first regular message to Congress is one of heavy depression. The friends of peace are depressed be- cause they realize that so uncompromis- ing an attitude as that taken by the Ad- ministration can lead to but one thing — war. Those many patriotic and public-spir- ited men who have worked for years to promote an honorable, sympathetic and mutually helpful understanding between the United States and Latin-American countries are depressed because they see their labor of years overturned in a day. The people of the United States are uncomfortably depressed, because al- though they wish to follow loyally and enthusiastically the lead and inspiration of the President they find nothing in- forming or inspiring in what he says. Foreign nations share the depression because they know through their diplo- matic representatives in Mexico that the Administration's polic}' is both an ob- struction to peace and an encouragement of appalling conditions in Mexico. They cannot take steps to protect their inter- ests without antagonizing the United States, which, of course, they do not wish to do. So they must stand by an impo- tent depression. The decent people of Mexico are woe- fully depressed because they realize that the Washington Administration is either blind to the true condition of their coun- try or through some vague destiny is de- termined that it must be destroyed. Even those who are trying to kill the Huerta Government must be depressed because it cannot be pleasant to murder in cold blood. The taste in the mouth of the world left by the words of President Wilson is not wholesome_-There is something un- human in their heartless detachment from the facts of life that sends a shiver through warm-hearted folks. THE SCRAMBLE. .A. well-known Latin-American author in his autobiography tells how when a schoolboy he with a dozen or so of his companions organized the "Associa- tion of the Cake." The purpose of the association was to procure every school day, by hook or crook, a large cake from one of the nu- merous bakeries of Montevideo. Every day after school hours the boys put their heads together to devise ways and means to get the cake. Each boy was assigned a special part in the plans, which were usually carried out harmon- iously. These plans frequently went wrong. When they did the boys would at once start conspiring for the campaign of the following day. still in perfect accord. The author states, however, that invar- iably after a successful day and a cap- tured cake the association would split into several groups fighting among them- selves over the division of the spoils. The result being that the cake became finally either the property of only one or two boys, or was completely broken into small crumbs and trampled upon in the general fray for its possession which invariably followed its capture. All revolutionary movements in Mexr ico partake of the nature of the "Asso- ciation of the Cake." There has never been an instance in Mexican history — and for that matter in any other Latin- American history — when the leaders of a successful revolution have not fallen over each other in their efforts to seize the cake — the power of government and the public treasury. Without delving into remote history, the Madero revolution offers a recent striking e.xample. No sooner had Por- firio Diaz abandoned the cake into the hands of the revolutionary leaders than the scramble began. Madero. supported bj- members of his family and a fe\v close friends, seized the cake and refused to have any of his former lieutenants even smell it. Vas- quez Gomez, who had been called the brains of the revolution and who had then a large following, was eliminated — after he had been given a small piece of crust — the ministry of public instruc- tion — for about three months. Orozco, who had started the armed movement which was later joined by Madero, and who had done all the fight- ing, was kept ou': of sight of the cake way off in Chihuahua. And so were eliminated most of the leaders, each of whom thought he had been the deciding factor in wresting the cake from Porfirio Diaz, and therefore pntitled to the largest piece of the cream inside. .A.11 these disappointed men with a watery mouth started at once to lay plans to capture the cake again for them- selves and Madero was confronted by revolutions even before he ascended to power and legalized the capture of the cake. What has been will be. Cairan/.a, Villa, Blanco, Chao, Zapata and others are members of the old "Association of the Cake." They are now working in fair harmony to capture the cake and perhaps will centinue at least to show accord if they fail to get it. But if they should gratify Mr. Bryan's fervid expec- tations and capture the cake, then you will see the ensuing scramble to get the largest piece and the cream inside. To the Editor of MEXICO. There is but one cloud upon America's horizon. That has shown itself in the White House, and now hangs over Mex- ico. There can be no certain prospect of peace in Mexico until President Wilson has surrendered his usurped authority in Mexico; until it is understood on all hands, indeed, that such pretended self- deification will not be countenanced or dealt with by the people of the United States. We are the friends of common decency, we are its champions; because in no other way can our neighbors, to whom we would wish in every way to make proof of our friendship, work out their development in peace and liberty. President Wilson has no human heart. The attempt to feign one in dealing with Mexico has broken down, and a mere arbitrary injustice has been set up which has hardly more than the semblance of national authority. It originated in the usurpation of all human attributes and some divine, and after a brief attempt to play the part of disinterested friendship, he has at last cast aside even the pretence of legal right and declared himself God Almighty. As a consequence a condition of affairs now exists in Mexico which has made it doubtful whether even the most elemen- tary and fundamental rights either of her own people or of the citizens of other countries resident within her territory can long be successfully safeguarded, and which threatens if long continued, to im- peril the interests of peace, order and tolerable life in the lands immediately to the south of us. Even if President Wil- son succeeds in his purpose, in despite of the sovereignty of Mexico, and the rights of its people, he will have set up nothing but a precarious and hateful power, which can last but a little while, and whose eventual downfall will leave the country in a more deplorable condition than ever. But he will not succeed. He has forfeited the respect and moral support even of those who were at one time willing to see him succeed. Little by little he will be completely isolated. By a little every day his power and prestige will crumble and the collapse is not far away. We shall not, we believe, be obliged to alter our policy of watchful waiting. And then when the end comes we shall hope to see just dealing restored in our international relations by the concert and energy of a people who prefer common decency to a megalomaniac's personal ambitions. OLIVER H. THOMAS. Richmond Hill, L. I. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Run* Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oneni^l Proverb VOL. I— No. 17 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1913. FIVE CENTS A CHALLENGE Major Cassius E. Gillette, retired army officer and well-known engineer, recently advertised on the front page of the Washington "Post" that he would like to meet in public debate any government official or editorial writer who could of- fer the slightest proof that President Huerta had any complicity in the kill- ing of Madero and Suarez. Of course nobody accepted the challenge, because those who talk and write so glibly of the assassination of the two Mexicans know absolutely nothing about it except what they have been told by the revengeful Madero family and its agents. To Major Gillette's challenge we add an- other: We challenge any official of the Wil- son Administration to show how the mere "elimination" of President Huerta will assure peace in Mexico. We shall gladly publish in MEXICO any statement from any official of the Administration that will undertake to show this. Moreover, if this point is demonstrated by facts even to a reasonable degree of probability, we shall support in these columns the Administration's plans to oust President Huerta. Surely nothing could be fairer than that. A Personal Contest We say once more that the Ad- ministration attitude toward the Mexican Government is not the at- titude of a majority of the people and is the attitude of very few who know the facts about Mexico. In support of this assertion we refer to the columns of public opinion we publish weekly. WE ARE SO GULLIBLE Our weekly review of press misrepre- sentation is necessarily incomplete and restricted by limitations of space and the relative imponance of these misrepre- sentations in a discussion of Mexican affairs. While we have no illusions as to the modifying influence which this review may have on American newspaper con- science, we believe that our observations will be useful as a matter of record to elucidate the manner in which irretriev- able injury has been worked on a neigh- boring people by dishonest shiftings of the posture of events, by false or exag- gerated news, by malicious or foolishly criminal mingling of truth and false- hoods. This review may also serve to awaken in our readers a consciousness of our Government's unfair and barliarous man- ner of dealing with a neighbor, which although weaker and having many faults is none the less worthy, of our sympathy and respect. As newspaper men with long experi- ence both in this country and in Mexico we are peculiarly al)le to distinguish the grain from the chaff in the great mass of buncombe which is daily being dished out to the unsuspecting and gullible American reader. Although during the last week there were no developments of importance in the Mexican situation, our newspapers could not let a "good story" like Mexico fade away. So we had the usual maps that for the last six months have been showing how the rebels "control" almost all the Mex- ican Republic and how the Federals are reduced to the control of Mexico City. What is mean, by "control" is not quite clear, but it may be deduced from the way in which the word is employed thaj whatever State or district happens to hold within i.s borders one or more ban- dits that State or district is "controlled" by the rebels. In a map published by the Munsey newspapers the Government control was reduced 10 the Federal District, which was left blank, while the rest of the Re- public was heavily shaded to indicate rebel "control." Other maps were cov- ered by heavy arrows showing the "con- centration of rebels" toward Mexico City! The repetition of the same news item, false or true, continues to be a favorite means to keep the "story" going. In order to confuse the reader's mind and lend the color of truthfulness to the "story," it is published one day under the Mexico City date line, the next per- haps from Vera Cruz or from the border, the ne.xt from Washingion and so on. The New York "Times" Mexico City correspondent has suddenly become the yellowest of all. For example, the "Times" reported the fall of Colima and that of MoVelia, both places being, in the opinion of the "Times," the "key" to Guadalajara. By the way, every village or hamlet captured or raided by the rebels is the "key" to Mexico City or to some other important point, according to our newspapers. But after the "Times" had reported the fall of Colima, it be- came known that American sailors from Manzanillo had visited Colima and Guadalajara and that President Huerta's family had gone for a visit to the latter city. This visit was described — of course (Coninued on Next Page) MEXICO Saturday, December 13, 1913 WE ARE SO GULLIBLE—Continued as the "fleeing of Huerta's relatives," who a few days before were reported hid- ing in Vera Cruz and now are on their way to San Francisco! Villa has been on his way to Mexico City from Juarez for two weeks and when he left it was announced broadcast with scareheads that he would eat his Christmas dinner in the Capital, thirteen hundred miles south. It took Villa two weeks to go from Juarez to Salayuca — a distance of less than two hundred miles— but that is only a trifling detail to the El Paso correspondents. The "story" would be spoiled if it were not stated that Villa will eat the Christmas dinner in Mexico City! Later, when it became evident that it would be rather difficult to keep the Christmas dinner yarn going, the cor- respondents solemnly informed the American public that Villa's strategy prevented him from capturing Huerta within a few days. That if he had not entered Chihuahua as announced it was •due to his decision to double on his steps and attack the Federals at Ojinaga. Thus the foundations were laid for a few more good border "stories" from Ojin- aga and for putting on the map Presidio, on the American side of the border. Monterrey has been falsely re- ported in the hands of the rebels day after day, as well as Mazatlan, Tepic, on the west coast, and Tuxpam on the east. A renewal of activities on the part of some Zapatists at Huitchilac has oflfered a splendid opportunity for scareheads which informed the eager reader that Zapata was closing on Mexico City and fighting was taking place within thirty miles of the capital. The reader who is not familiar with Mexican geography and topography does not know where Huitchilac is, and therefore throws away the newspaper, exclaiming: "Well, I guess that's the end of Huertal" Huitchi- lac is a mountain fastness of bandits and has been for centuries. It is almost physically impossible to keep these rob- bers out of the mountains, where they are protected by the wildness of nature. The reader is also ignorant of the fact that fighting in that same place and other adjacent places has been going on for three years and was constant during Madero's Administration. Although the American Smelting & Refining Company has officially denied the closing of their smelter at Monterrey, this has again and again been reported, now from El Paso and now from Vera Cruz! On the other hand, nothing has been published about trains running all the way between Mexico City and Laredo, on the Mexican border, on a line nearly nine hundred miles long and right through the heart of a territory which on the fake maps appears under absolute rebel control! On December the sixth one thousand men arrived at Mexico City from the north on the through train, which was escorted by twenty-five soldiers only! and — we repeat — these trains run through a territory which our newspapers de- scribe as being under "rebel control." Much has been written about the rebels establishing civil government, but noth- ing about a formidable counter revolu- tionary movement started in Durango, led_by Vicente Orozco and Favela, who have taken from flie other bands Santi- ago Papasquiaro. the second largest city of the State. A movement which has very recently been joined by a well- known, citizen of Durango, Mauricio de la Rocha, leading eight hundred men. Nothing has been published about the work done by General Velasco in the Laguna region around Torreon, where the cotton crop was picked under the supervision of his forces and more than twenty millions' worth of cotton were saved. And that was done in a region which, according to our newspapers, is "under rebel control," or where "the last vestiges of Huerta's power in the north have been wiped out!" Another interesting phase of the cam- paign of misrepresentation regarding Mexican affairs, a phase which affects more deeply the sovereign rights of Mex- ico, is that which relates to the actions of the Mexican Government. Again we have gathered from the press an abun- dant crop of "defiances" to the United Sta'. es Government! "Defying the wishes and orders of President Wilson" — says our press — "the Mexican Congress has granted a conces- sion for the building of five thousand kilometers of railways by a Belgian com- pany." "Defying the orders of President Wil- son!" If this did not imply a policy fraught with serious consequences it would be highly amusing. The impression conveyed to the public is that such a concession contains some dreadful threat to the rights of Ameri- cans, or a despoliation of the people of Mexico. As a matter of fact, this concession — ■ which has been under consideration for a long time — is one of the most advan- tageous ever granted by any Mexican Government. Advantageous to the nation and to the people. It provides for the development of rich and hitherto unex- plored regions of Mexico and excludes for the first time the granting of any subsidy by the Government. Another "defiance" of the United States — according to our press — was hurled by the Mexican Congress in de- claring the last elections null and void and calling for new elections for the first Sunday in July! However, all the unfair statements that we are compelled to read from day to day none is so malicious as that referring to the in- ability of the Mexican Government to restore peace in Mexico within a short period of time. This statement is repeatedly made by newspapers supporting the Administra- tion's policy — they are diminishing every day — and is made to justify the policy of non-recognition. It is as misleading as it is cynical, be- cause there is not one person familiar with Mexican conditions who is not con- vinced that had Huerta been recognized peace would have been established in Mexico by this time. It is a matter of common knowledge — testified to even by men of General Bliss's standing — that arms and ammunition have been supplied by Americans in large quantities to the rebels. That from the very city of Wash- ington rebel movements have been ad- vised and directed. That American money and American arms coupled with the American financial blockade of the Huerta Government have made it possi- ble for rebels and bandits to keep their hold on certain Northern districts and continue (heir depredations. Yet the American press states unlilushingly that President Wilson was justified in his policy of non-recognition because it has been shown that the Huerta Govern- ment has been unable to restore peace! A CATHOLIC VIEW. The truth is, the Mexican crisis has become a draw between the forces of law and order, as represented by Huerta, and the secret society clique, as repre- sented by the Masonic leader Carranza. Huerta is the only man who, in the last fifty years, has dared to speak the name of God with reverence in the halls of the Mexican Congress. Last April he was brave enough to declare that only through fidelity to God's laws could Mexico's liberty be secured. Carranza, the Free Mason leader, heading the revo- lutionists, is determined that neither Huerta nor God shall rule in Mexico. In the face of all the terrible tales that the papers print concerning Huerta, who is made out to be a bloody murderer, our readers may think we are painting a rather angelic picture of the man. Not so. The facts support us. Evidence of the most impartial kind confirms us. For instance, a Protestant Episcopal minister long resident in Mexico, the Rev. Ed- mund A. Neville, rector of Christ Church in the City of Mexico, denies emphati- cally that Huerta had any part in the murder of President Madero, for which he seems to be held responsible by our Administration. This gentleman said to a representative of the New York "Times": "I know Mexico well, and I want to say that the United States Government made a huge mistake in not recognizing the Huerta administration. That adminis- tration is to-day the only force in the Republic that is making for law and order. Huerta is an able man, and I know that he is also a moral man. Fur- thermore, from evidence that I have, I do not believe that General Huerta had wy more to do with the killing of Fran- cesco Madero than you or I did. Be- cause of the non-recognition of the Huerta Government by the United States. American prestige and Ameri- can business in Mexico has reached the lowest ebb. Huerta may yet die the death of those who have gone before him, but if he does, he will die a martyr to duty. He has consecrated himself to the redemption of Mexico, and he is bravely sticking to his guns, and not only bravely, but with power and ability. He may be selfish — who' is not? But he is less selfish than most of the men who have taken the Mexican reins in hand. That he will fight the sinister forces of Lodge Rule — the forces that have de- stroyed liberty in Portugal, in France, and are destroying it in Italy — that he will fight those dangerous powers to the last breath we feel certain. — The San Francisco "Catholic Monitor." Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. Saturday. December 13, 1913 MEXICO FROM A SONORA READER. Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico, 24th Nov., 1913. — Persistent rumors have been circulating of late that the man who poses as General Venustiano Carranza and who recently had an interview with Mr. VV. Bayard Hale, President Wilson's representative at Nogales, Sonora, Mex- ico, is a man from the Siate of Hidalgo, who resembles Carranza a great deal, and who was brought lorward by the Maderos as a substitute for the real Car- ranza, who died of dysentery in a small ranch in the State of Cuahuila about four months ago, and who was buried secretly at night to prevent the demor- alization of the rebel forces among which Carranza had some prestige. The real Carranza was a man of cer- tain culture, having served as Senator and having occupied other positions un- der General Diaz' Administration. It has been therefore a source of wonder to find in the man now in Sonora, claim- ing to be Carranza, a person of no edu- cation and lacking the first principles of tact and diplomacy. The actions of this man since his ar- rival in Sonora have been suspicious. It has been noticed that as a rule he re- fuses to be interviewed by persons com- ing from the Slate of Coahuila, where Carranza was well known. Persons who know Carranza say that he had remark- ably large eyes and was very near-sight- ed, wearing thick glasses. The man now in Sonora has medium-sized eyes and the glasses he wears are not those of a near-sighted person. Some months age newspapers of the border published a detailed report of Carranza's death with the statement that his widow was in mourning and that she had left San .Antonio, Texas, traveling toward Canada, taking along a large amount of money which had been depos- ited in Carranza's name in banks of Eagle Pass and San Antonio, Texas. There w-as at that same time a letter published from rebel Col. I'ablo Gon- zalez to the rebel Gen. Jesus Carranza, in which the former stated the bad im- pression caused in the rebel ranks by the action of Carranza's widow in tak- ing away all the money in the banks, which was supposed to be deposited to further the revolutionary cause and not for the personal use of any of the chiefs. On that account Col, Gonzalez said pos- itivel}' he would have nothing more to do with the revolution. It is stated that this man who is pass- ing himself off as Carranza during his sojourn in Sonora, has not said anything about his going to Coahuila, his native State, where he is well known, and the supposition is that he fears detection there. It is also noticeable that he never mentions his family, and that Jose Car- ranza, a son of Carranza, who was al- ways with his father before, has not been to visit this man in Sonora. Grave doubts are entertained about (his man's identity by the rebels them- selves who are not in the secret, and a thorougli investigation is being at pres- ent carried on to find out who this man really is. NAILING THEM Villa, with the "constitutionalist" army, was going to walk into Chihuahua, and from there march right into Mexico City, thirteen hundred miles away. So simple One of the papers said he was going to shoot at the ramparts of Mexico City. Most of the Mexican correspondents have missed their vocation. They should be writing fiction for the blood-and- thunder magazines. Or perhaps they are in training for that. The Washington Government and the Revolu- tionists are gratified with the help Zapata is ren- dering, but as soon as the Mexican capital is delivered from the hands of Huerta a campaign for the extermination of Zapata will be begun by Gen. Carranza. Gen. Villa will assume the task o' trying to rid the country of Zapata, the fa- mous bandit and former soldier. A member of President Wilson's cabinet said to-night that there was no fear that Zapata would be able to take Mexico City. — Washington Special to New York "World." This is one of the most remarkable journalistic reflections of the most re- marka^ble international situation in the memory of man. Note how jauntily the Washington Government and the "Revo- lutionists" are linked in their gratifica- tion with the help Zapata is rendering. Always remembering that Zapata is a bandit of the most vicious type whose "help" consists in dynamiting trains, looting, hold-ups and ravishing of women and always remembering that the Administration has professed such beautiful morality in dealing with Huerta, is it not the acme of naivete to suggest that the ultra moral Administration is "gratified" with the work of Zapata. And then to march forth in bold words and say that as soon as the Mexican capital is delivered from the hands of Huerta a campaign for the extermination of Zapata will be begun by "General" Carranza. So? They are gratified with Zapata's help and they will show their gratifica- tion by exterminating him. Why, the ' wretches haven't even common gratitude. The next point of interest is that "Gen- eral" Villa will assume the task of try- ing to rid the country of Zapata, the "famous bandit and former soldier." So Villa, a bandit of bandits, is to be the vir- tuous instrument for killing off Zapata. Or is the idea to give Villa a chance to kill himself oflf? Then to reassure every- body, a member of President Wilson's Cabinet is quoted as saying that there was "no fear that Zapata would be able to take Mexico City." Really! Oh, dear, now, that Cabinet member is a most soothing person, so soothing. AMERICAN NEWS IN MEXICO. One of the most preposterous and sensational news stories ever published in a supposedly reliable newspaper in Mexico, and which is thought to have been inspired by Mexican authorities in an attempt to stop the exodus of wealthy Mexican families to the United States, has just appeared in "El Noticiero," the leading newspaper of Mon- terrey. Captioned by glaring headlines on its front page, the article, in Spanish, proceeds to inform the people of Monterrey and elsewhere that the negroes of Texas, enraged by the burning alive of negroes in various towns of Texas, had risen in revolt to the number of several thousands, the immediate cause being "the arrest of some negroes of the educated class who were suspected of com- plicity in plots." It asserts there had been a revolt of Battalion G of the negroes stationed at Floresville, Tex., who were joined by over 3,000 Tcxans, who proceeded to destroy the railway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, after- ward looting several small stores which they encountered on the way and burning several houses. The article then proceeds to relate how the Senate of the United States was greatly disturbed over the affair and President Wilson became so alarmed that he ordered Governor Colquitt to issue a decree prohibiting the Mexicans from leaving Texas for their own country, which they were doing in large numbers until stopped by the decree of the Texas Governor. The article concludes with the statement that the Mexican federal commander at Nuevo Laredo has had his garrison augmented in order to hold back the thousands of Americans who are fleeing from the United States and crossing the border at Nuevo Laredo. The same statements are said to have been pub- Isihed in newspapers in various other portions o£ the republic of Mexico.— El Paso "Times." The El Paso paper shares with all the American press a righteous indignation at the publication of this false American news. But cannot the "Times" and the other papers see that the Mexican papers have resorted to this method of showing their American contemporaries how the false Mexican news published in the United States wounds and irritates across the border? Alas, with strange obtuse- ness, the American papers seem not to have caught on. Where is our boasted fairness? The above-quoted preposterous statement of American conditions would not hold a candle to some of the wild reports published on this side about Mex- ico and Mexicans. The merciless manner in which Villa and his fellow-commanders in the north of Mexico signal- ize their victories has justly stirred public horror and indignation. But those who would fashion out of the "bandit" Villa an argument against the justice of the cause he represents fail to make out their case. — New York "Evening Post." Perhaps the "Post" will inform us what cause Villa represents that excuses his crimes against civilization. Because his success and activities as a bandit on a large scale have seemed to retard the pacification plans of the Mexican gov- ernment, the "Post," with office-desk gusto, assumes that he is fighting that government for a principle. We take that back. The "Post" really knows better, but that is the impression it seeks to convey to its readers. Villa and his "fellow-commanders" in the north are fighting for just two things: power and loot, and their "merciless manner" is perfectly natural. Can we hope that the nations of Eu- rope will have any respect for us, our word, our laws, or our national preten- sions, if we insist upon periodically breaking the very law under which we warn them to stay out? The United States has no more right to intervene in Mexico than Germany or England, and if we intervene we shall be as wrong as they would be if they sent over an army and navy. — Pittsburgh "Leader." MEXICO Saturday, December 13, 1913 NO, SIR. Day af.er day for months it has been dinned into our ears that the deep, under- lying, humanitarian purpose of the Ad- ministration's attitude toward Mexico was to discourage revolutions in Latin- American countries. Now we are told from day to day that the Administration hopes that the rebels will be successful in overthrowing the government of Mexico. No sane person can reconcile these two points of view or have any respect for the mind that professes to. In this contradiction is revealed the mental calibre of those who are shaping our Mexican policy. Support the Administration in that kind of hypocritical truck! We respect- fully decline. Every self-respecting edi- tor should do the same. IT WILL OUT THE SANTO DOMINGO MESS. The men the President has sent to Santo Domingo to "observe," not to su- pervise, the election (a distinction as fine as that expressed in Fals'.aff's phrase "convey the wise it call") do not, it seems, constitute a "commission." They go as "individuals," and official recognition is not asked for them. Still, they are to "observe" the election, and if it is not conducted according to their ideas of fairness they are surely going to do something. There is some sort of precedent, of course, for ihis proceed- ing. Indeed, it might be easy lo find s'nie sort of precedent for any queer thing which might be done by our Gov- ernment in the pursuance of its puz- zling Latin-American policy. Nothing can be surer than that no harm is in- tended in ihis case, that President Wil- son's only desire is that the will of the Santo Domingo people shall be clearly expressed in the election. There is a growing belief that the lately quelled rebellion in that little country differed from many other West Indian and Central American rebellions and was a justifiable eflFort to secure jus- tice. As our Government is responsible in a measure for the payment of the in- terest on the Dominican debt, it is nat- ural enough that we should endeavor to help the law-abiding Dominicans to keep their house in order. The visiting "ob- servers" can do no harm, and their pres- ence may be beneficial. No doubt a time will come when in- telligent Americans will look back on the history of our Latin-American rela- tions with mingled shame and amuse- ment and wonder that a people who could govern themselves so well, all things considered, should get along so poorly with their neighbors. — New York "Times." It isn't a matter of Huerta with those who condemn the Administration. Huerta or no Huerta, there are Mexico, the Mex- ican people, the interests and welfare of thousands of Americans in Mexico, the friendship of Latin-America, our rela- tions with European nations. Certainly all these things are worthy of more con- sideration than whether or not Huerta is President. Secre ary Bryan's disgust at the light thrown by the press on the Santo Do- mingo muddle is not due so much to the disclosure of his purpose to supervise the elections of that country as to the bring- ing in of Samuel Jarvis' name. Both Bryan and Jarvis himself until last week had been very successful in keeping this name away from the lime- light. Samuel Jarvis and his associates were highly elated at their success in keeping in the background while the press was publishing reports of the Santo Domingo revolution. Nothing was published then concerning the mo- tives of the revolution and the queer cir- stances connected with the lease by the Government of a railroad which was run- ning satisfactorily and bringing fairly good returns. The circumstances under which a man of W. L. Russell's experience and high reputation was recalled from the post at Santo Domingo and James Sullivan, of Becker trial fame, substituted had passed almost unnoticed by the general public. Nothing had been said of the relations existing between the Jarvis interests and Jack Rose's attorney appointed Minister to Santo Domingo by Bryan. Last week — suddenly — the story began to leak in the New York "Sun," and un- less the efforts being made to suppress the truth are successful, it is probable that much more will soon be known by the general public. HUNT TO THE RESCUE. Bryan's trusty Governor Hunt of Ari- zont has come to the rescue of his friends the rebels. Compared to all other atrocities committed by rebels and bandits those of Ciudad Juarez were few and truly insignificant but they caused an echo of horrer to reverberate through this country. Because they had taken place so near home, a glimpse was ob- tained by our people of the true char- acter of the men — and of their methods —who lead the rebel movement in Nr>rthern Mexico. The effect, as was to be expected, was disastrous for the rebel cause, alienating that sympathy which partly successfully had been worked up by an able press campai.gn supported by American money and encouraged by American officials. The joyful yodeling of Bryan came to a sudden stop when his quick perception caught the eddy of public sentiment. The greatest of all histrios is profi- cient in prcss-agenting, the most impor- tant branch of his profession. Fortunately Hunt was on the job. So a letter was sent to Carranza by the dis- interested governor of Arizona deplor- ing the killings of Ciudad Juarez and at the same time separate instructions were forwarded by messenger as to the suit- able answer. The answer came in due time and and last week it was given wide publicity. Again ihe vast salons of the State De- partment echoed the sonorous yodeling. Hut Carranza's answer deceives no one. Hundreds of witnesses have testi- fied to the atrocities committed by Villa and other bandits, the killing of prison- ers being the mildest form of "constitu- tioiial" outbursts. MUNSEY. Munsey's love for the Mexican Con- stitution and his staunch support of Bryan's Mexican policy were finally ex- plained last week as the result of a lit- tle investigating work conducted by the New York "Tribune." This brought to light the fact that the brother of the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury is a higli official in the Mun- sey Trust Company and that the recent merger of the Munsey Trust Company with another Washington institution was made possible by the deposit of more than a million dollars of Government funds in the Munsey institution. Clear, isn't it? CARRANZA. When representatives of forces under arms in Mexico, so-called patriot and plain bandit, induced Venustiano Car- ranza to accept the leadership of a revolt against Huerta early last May foreigners acquainted with conditions in Mexico laughed. Carranza himself accepted the post of Coinmander-in-Chief in all seri- ousness, but the men who knew declared he had taken a job out of which it was impossible for him to emerge with honor or credit. There could be no glory for him. Any tiine he might succumb to de- feat the punishment would be all his, but any time he might seem to be winning there were men like Emiliano Zapata of Morelos, Francisco or Pancho Villa in Chihuahua, Gen. Obregon in Sonora, Aguilar on the southeastern coast, Blanco in Taraaulipas, Sanchez in Mich- oacan and hosts of other patriots for the time being not only ready but determined to get all the profit and credit there was out of it. So far as Carranza himself is concerned he is regarded as honest, at least as honesty goes in Mexican public life. The mere fact that he has already sold con- cessions to the Mexican representative of Standard Oil to run a pipe line to Sonora and that his brothers have done a few other little things like that does not count against him. Relatively, he has been as disinterested in his patriotism as any one could expect. — New York "Sun." According to press reports of last week President Huerta's family has been in hiding in Vera Cruz for some time. Now we learn from the same reliable sources that the President's family has not been in Vera Cruz but has fled to Guadalajara, and is going to leave the country. Pre- viously we had been "reliably informed" that the rebels were about to enter Guadalajara. Strange that Huerta should send his family into the hands of the rebels, isn't it? Saturday, December 13, 1913 MEXICO BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE (This remarkable letter -j.'as published in the Chicago "Evening Post" of December 3.) To the Editor: This article is not written by a paid agent of the Huerta government, but by an American army officer who wishes to present what may prove to be an unpopular phase of the situation, yet one which is held to be the truth by the great majority of those who are familiar with conditions in Mex- ico and have lived along the border. The writer realizes that throughout the Mexican crisis the press of the coun- try has probably felt it was its duty to support the Administration without question. The writer also has that feeling — may his country ever be right, but right or wrong his country, and yet before his country is irrevocably committed to a policy which can only result in passing on to posterity a heritage of hate from all Latin America he wishes to sound this note of protest, which he hopes will find expression in your columns. AN OFFICER OF THE ARMY. Chicago, Dec. 2. Mexico Peaceful Under Diaz. For thirty years Me.xico, under the iron hand of Porfirio Diaz, lived in peace, but not in plenty. She took her place among the civilized nations, and a sur- face prosperity made her credit unques- tioned in the money markets of the world. In a great measure feudal conditions prevailed. The land was held in im- mense tracts by a comparatively few great families of Mexico, while the countless thousands of peons existed on the bounty of their landlords. From time to time the smoldering fires of discontent showed themselves in the flame of threatened revolt; but as the forest ranger extinguishes every ember of the blaze, which unwatched may cause the forest fire, so Porfirio Diaz with re- lentless severity crushed those who in word or deed or spoken thought threat- ened the internal peace of Mexico. United States Had Opportunity. Here was the golden opportunity for the United States to have honestly shown that disinterested solicitude in her conduct toward Mexico, which, to claim now, while our corporations finance her revolutions and glut her riches, is to make ourselves ludicrous to the world. Had the United States at that time placed herself in the attitude of friendly equality toward Mexico, backed her gov- ernment to the last ditch against all in- ternal and foreign dangers, but at the same time have steadfastly urged a slow and deliberate reform of internal condi- tions, then to-day upon our southern frontier would have stood a sister repub- lic whose peace was real and whose prosperity was based upon the soundest principles of agrarian distribution, and in the hearts of whose people the burning traditions of Buena Vista and Cerro Gordo were giving way to friendship and respect. Enough of what was or might have been. Sufficient it is that we realize that conditions as we find them in Mexico to-day are in a measure due to our own lack of foresight, cupidity and neglect. Now briefly what are those conditions? Conditions Facing U. S. To-day. A military dictator, by a successful coup d'etat, has taken over the reins of government from the liberal but weak Madero. But at the same time a vision- ary and vacillating president, already doomed by public opinion, was replaced by a man who in the face of countless obstacles, without money or recognition, is yet more nearly master of Mexico to-day than was Madero in the heyday of his popularity. And who is there to deny that for years to come Mexico has need of such a master, who by right of might will bring an era of peace to his country, that slow and lasting reform may be possible? Rapid reform, concession and new lib- erties — such as constitute the promises of the Carranzistas- — suddenly granted to a people who have borne the yoke as long as have the peons of Mexico, is ever dan- gerous; for, drunk with greed for more of this new-found power, they grasp for -^11, destroy government and revel for a period in unrestrained personal liberties; till out of chaos there comes a Bonaparte, a Diaz or a Huerta to grind them back to the old order. Without money or credit President Huerta is pushing tlie campaign against Carranza in the north, but as long as the moral support of the United States is withheld and .American dollars finance border revolutions so long will dissen- sion and strife prevail in the land of Montezuma. Under this policy the same conditions which brought our army to the border and our battle-ships to her coast continue to exist in Mexico. Each week brings its tale of death or indig- nities suffered by Americans or Euro- pean citizens. Property rights are in- secure in the zone of hostilities now as ever. There is every possibility that these conditions will continue to e.xist indefinitely. Is it not significant to note that for years foreign capital in Mexico, headed by the Pearson interests of England, has been fighting hip and thigh with those American corporations also engaged in looting that lucrative land? * * * Eng- land has accorded recognition to his gov- ernment while we have withheld it. At whose behest? Who is backing Car- ranza? Is dollar diplomacy again the policy and is there perhaps some other motive behind the moral objection to Huerta? In view of the pious prayers for world peace that the Administration sends forth from time to time, it is hardly probable that to right the wrong of one man's death they will deliberately place arms in the hands of the rebels and open the floodgates of desolation and death on all Mexico. To do this is to transgress the unwritten law of nations, for it means that we recognize the belligerency of a band of cutthroats, cattle thieves and bandits that have no hope of success as long as the United States remains mind- ful of her honor and holds to her sacred treaty obligations. Yet day by day con- ditions grow worse, and slowly the ques- tion is being forced upon us; "What do we intend to do about it?" We cannot go on forever sending ulti- matums which are ignored by Mexico and laughed at by Europe. Even dollar diplomacy will hesitate to deliver the government of Mexico into the hands of the uneducated, half-civilized bandits that constitute Carranza's army. And so we see ourselves slowly forced into a war with Mexico to save that prestige which we are losing through those dictatorial vaporings which serve only as a butt for Mr. Gamboa's wit. Stpps of Conflict Traced. One can readily trace the first .steps of sucli a rcnlict. War will hardly huve been declared before our navy will have seized Vera Cruz. It will be a question of days only till an expeditionary brig- ade is in that city and but a matter of weeks till a division is storming the heights of Chapultepec. The call for the National Guard and volunteers will be given, for the regular army, confident in their power to go perhaps as far as Me.xico City, yet re- alize that the occupation of Mexico will call for an army of 200.000 men. The capture of a few of the larger cities will follow, and up to this time the campaign will be popular at home. Now will follow years of guerilla war- fare. From the Rio Bravo to Yucatan, a United Mexico will be in arms against us and, like Italy in Tripoli and Japan in Formosa, we will learn that a coun- try may be easy to take, but hard to hold. We cannot let go, however, without ad- mitting defeat, and in money, time and blood we will pay in full for a hollow victory. No comparison can properly be drawn between our more or less successful oc- cupation of the Philippines and the con- dition that would exist should we enter Mexico. In the island;? we appeared as the deliverer from a foreign oppression, and yet it took 100,000 men and three years to subdue a people who for cen- turies had worn the yoke of Spain. (Continued on Next Page.) 6 MEXICO Sattirday, December 13, 1913 BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.— (Contin- ued). To enter Mexico is to invade a sov- ereign state, strong in pride and rich in stirring traditions. While the success of our arms in all that goes to constitute the clash and clamor of war is undoubted, still the unending years of guerilla war- fare, the backward march of civilization in the land which should be our sister re- public, and the heritage of hate that we will hand on to posterity, will make us find in victory our first defeat. Final Outcome Predicted. Perhaps after years of fruitless efifort •we will call an election. It must be evi- dent that any candidate who is elected •with our troops in Mexico will bear the trade-mark of the United States, and will never prove acceptable to even those who voted for him. But, sick of what has by this time become an unpopular embroil- ment, we hastily withdraw, claiming to have accomplished our purpose, and, as the last transport sails out of Vera Cruz, another Juarez will rise up to deal out the fate of Maximillian to those that we have seated in power. Revolution and bloodshed again sweep over Mexico, and, in the light of experi- ence, we ask ourselves: "What is our re- compense?" It is the knowledge that all Mexico, cherishing the hate that was born in the Alamo and intensified at Buena Vista, awaits the time when the •(var clouds shall roll eastward from the Philippines and Hawaii; teaching her very babes in the cradle to dream of the day when her ports shall be the base, her ■fields the granaries and her legions the -vanguard for the armies of Nippon. Is there any other course that we can pursue? Yes, the same alternative which ■existed eight months ago exists to-day. Recognition and support for the Huerta government even at this late date will Ijring peace to Mexico and do much to heal the breach which widens as the ship of state flounders on among the rocks of moral hallucinations. Have we the courage now to lay aside false pride and in the interest of peace take this step? No, we have not; and in friend- ship, prestige or blood we will pay the price for a misconceived condition and a misguided policy. But in the awakening ■which is bound to come the American people will make the question of a prac- tical policy toward Mexico a cardinal is- sue in our national life and establish forever the principle that the United States stands firmly, in act and spirit, behind the existing government of Mex- ico, not in the attitude of a reproving "schoolmarm," but meeting her as a sov- ereign state on a plane of unpatronizing equality. Then and then only can this nation, in that inevitable day when the republic, in her struggle for thc-supremacy of the Pa- cific, shall be assailed, look southward and know that friendship and loyally stand sentinel on the Rio Grande. LEST WE FORGET Is it insanity or simply inexperience and incompetence at the mercy of shrewd manipulators? * * * These manipulators will sooner or later be dragged out into the open and their sordidness exposed. Then the Administration will under- stand why its talk of "morality above expediency" has been discounted as Machiavellian and hypocritical. * * * It is quite possible that the Adminis- tration will learn a deep and abiding les- son before it is through meddling in Latin-American affairs. But mean- ■while — * * * It is ruining Mexico. * * * It is cordially hated from the Rio Grande to Cape Horn. * * * It is destroying American prestige and handicapping legitimate American trade interests. * * • It is inviting European distrust and is apparently blind to possible international complications with European nations. * * * It is creating a tension that is a live V'ire of trouble. * * * Why? « » • First, because it has certain ideals that are admirable in themselves, but not nec- essarily applicable to actual conditions. * * * Second, because the attempt to apply these ideals works to the advantage of certain individuals and corporations whose purposes and motives are mer- cenary. Oil and grape juice mix, it seems. * * * "Watchful waiting." Sheer impotence, rather. * ♦ ♦ Hoping Villa will do it, or that Zapata will do it, or some other of those pesky bandits. Do what? Why, get rid of Huerta, of course. * * * But how about Mexico and the Mex- ican people? They are the sufferers. * * * What care we, what care we? We are moralists, don't you see? But is it moral to encourage brigand- age and murder? Ah, but my dear friends, anything may be done that the face shall be saved. Wonder what has happened to that wonderful Villa advance on Mexico City? * * » Wasn't he going to eat his Christmas dinner there? * * * And send greetings to the American people? * * » Oh, the stuff they print, the stuff they print. * * « Anything goes, because so few here know Mexico. * * * And they can't tell the false from the true. Some of the "news" from Mexico City is so ridiculous that President Huerta and his intimates enjoy the creations of the correspondents as one enjoys a good fiction story. * » * But they must marvel at the gullibility of the American readers. * » • John Lind has a fine job. Nothing to do but "observe." And he doesn't even know the language of the country. All that he can possibly get is trans- lated gossip. * * * Which is repeated to the gossipy Bryan. * * * Who believes everything he's told — by "friends of the Constitution." But his conscience is all right. As long as his conscience is clear he can do any- thing he wants. * • * It's very convenient to have that kind of conscience. * * m Which is not even ruffled by the butcheries of Torreon and Juarez, by the suffering of the Mexican people, by the rapine of his bandit friends. * * * Not in the slightest disturbed by the ruin of a neighboring nation, for which his pernicious meddling is largely r-espon- sible. * * * His conscience is lily-white, but his hands — * * * History will record this Me.xican business truthfully. And history will show certain Admin- istration officials in a very unenviable light. Pitiful figures. Saturday, December 13, 1913 MEXICO THE CRIME OF IGNORANCE (By a former Chancellor of a Foreign Legation in Mexico.) The perusal of the press of the United States with special reference to the case of Mexico reveals a deplorable state of ignorance of the facts of the case and of misunderstanding as to the peculiar con- ditions of this country. This is chargeable in part to the cir- cumstance that the leading papers are represented in Mexico City by corre- spondents appointed ad hoc, but who possess only a superficial knowledge of Mexican conditions and who, by their ignorance of the language, must get their information at second hand and in too many cases through the gossip of clubs and public resorts; and in part to the wilful distortion of the facts by parties interested in the eventual success of the revolution or inclined to sensationalism. In the first place it should be borne in mind that the so-called revolution in its present state cannot in any sense be considered as a purely political one. It has outgrown its political aspect, if it ever had any such in truth. Granting that Mr. Carranza or Maytorena started their rebellion under the guise of a pol- itical movement, at the bottom there was the hatred against Gen. Huerta, whose deposition of Madero deprived them of the protector who placed them in power and on the continuance of whose rule depended their personal profit and ag- grandizement. The example of Zapata the bandit chief of the south, or, as he is popularly called on account of the devastations per- petrated by him. the Attila of the South, stimulpted the leaders in their rebellious purposes, as it showed the comparative ease and impunity with which a guerilla war can be carried on successfully in a mountainous country like Mexico. Their followers found it such a profitable occu- pation that the political character which the movement had at the start gradually disappeared and soon was replaced by simple brigandage and vandalism in their most hideous form, which have become by this time an established industry, tol- erated by the revolutionary chiefs as the only means of securing the continued support of armed followers. * * * Now, it is a pertinent question: who are the parties who are threatening the lives and properties of American citizens residing in Mexico; is it the Government forces or the rebels? Is it not illogical, to say the least, to charge the central Government with the responsibility for the lives and properties of American citi- zens against the acts of the rebels, and at the same time to give countenance and tacit support to the very parties of whose acts the American Government complains? Is it noti an extraordinary spectacle to see the United States converted into a receiver of stolen goods, by allowing with impunity the introduction and un- hindered sale of herds of cattle known to have been stolen in Mexico, and the depositing in American banks of the products of the wholesale robberies com- mitted in the name of the revolution, but deposited by the leaders to individual account? * * * In fact, proclaiming neutrality is to acknowledge the legitimacy of the rebel movement and is so considered by the latter, raising hopes of an early formal acknowledgment of belligerency and con- sequently animating the rebels in their persistence in the rebellion and facilitat- ing the acquisition of arms and money from parties in the United States. These parties for this very reason consider it a safe speculation on the eventual recog- nition by the United States and the con- sequent final triumph of the revolution, as they hope for an eventual exaggerated reward for the risk undertaken. Mr. Wilson certainly is not well in- formed regarding the true condition of things in this country. His insistence on the renunciation of Gen. Huerta shows this plainly. Even conceding that on sentimental grounds such would be de- sirable, there remains the practical side: Who is to take Huerta's place? There is no public man in Mexico at present who is well enough known or who has enough prestige or following to enable him to dominate the situation. The revolution and the complacency of the United States Government have un- chained the passions of the lawless ele- ments in the more remote parts of the country. These bandits will not lay down their arms at the behest of any new President, when by robbing and plunder- ing it is so much easier to make a living than by doing chores. To govern Mex- ico in peace it requires either the unani- mous consent of all the people or the enforcement of peace by the force of arms. The first is unqualifiedly impos- sible at the present moment. Let us assume, for the sake of argu- ment, that Gen. Huerta, under the pres- sure of the United States, should step out (which he is not likely to do be- cause he is not built that way and con- siders his continuance as a patriotic duty) and be replaced by a Covarrubias, or any other similar persona.ge estimable in himself, but neither generally known in the country nor of recognized energy and ability for his difficult task. Would Mr. Carranza, Zapata or Maytorena be satisfied and submit peacefully or would the 45eople at large submit without re- sistance to the President imposed upon them by foreign dictation? Or suppose, stranger still, Wilson should propose and support such a man as Carranza for the Presidency? Would the central part of the republic, where there is the centre of gravity of population, as well as of industry, accept without resistance as Chief Magistrate a personage who has started the revolution in the north purely from personal spite and has counten- anced the innumerable acts of pillage, incendiarism, murder and devastation of his followers? Strong Government Needed. Mexico to enjoy peace needs a strong government, like all countries of similar conditions of deficient general and politi- cal education and whose immense ma- jority of population consists of an il- literate class of people. Such people are led easily by any revolutionary leader who promises immediate bettering of their condition by violence to the pos- sessing classes, instead of by gradual and necessarily slow evolution, the result of the patient and persistent efforts of gen- erations. It is worse than a Utopian dream, it is criminal ignorance, to think that such a country could be ruled by strictly constitutional methods, which in this country, since the Madero revolu- tion, include universal suffrage and popu- lar elections. Only an illusionist who ignorantly or wilfully shuts his eyes to existing facts can think such a thing possible in a coun- try whose population in its immense ma- jority consists of illiterates totally unac- customed to constitutional practices and devoid of political education. Even the foremost nations of the world, which pride themselves on being leaders in modern advancement, like England, Ger- many and others, have only a qualified suffrage, and their Governments are viewing with great apprehension the agi- tation in favor of unlimited suffrage. In the United States, the boasted home of political liberty, the Southern States, Mr. Wilson's particular partisans, are treat- ing of disfranchising the negroes, who as a class are much superior to the Mexican peons in education and individual ambi- tion and achievement. Such countries can be ruled only by methods intrinsically autocratic or even despotic. If such despotism be a benevo- lent one, like that of Porfirio Diaz, so much the better, but a one-man rule, despotic when occasion requires but tem- pered by honest intentions and efforts toward national prosperity and progress, is the only form of government fit for nations like Mexico for generations to come. When such a form of govern- ment becomes unbearable by oppression or evident want of administrative apti- tude, as was the case at the time of Ma- dero. in the absence of constitutional methods any change for the better neces- sarily must be accompanied or produced by violence. The life of one particular man, though he occupy the highest post, counts as nothing compared with the public weal. (Continued on Next Page.) 8 MEXICO Saturday, December 13, 1913 THE Army's Support Necessary. But, in order to carry on a strong Gov- ernment successfully the respective ruler must have the support of the army, with- out which effective government in such countries is impossible. Gen. Huerta has the support of the army and, for this rea- son, is qualified to bring peace to the country. It is more than likely that in the case of a President imposed by for- eign dictation or influence the army in its largest part would make common cause with the rebels, of whatever de- scription they might be, in opposition t-o such new President, who in that case could only sustain himself through the intervention of the arms of the nation that had placed him in power. As to the origin of the Huerta Govern- ment, it must be observed that the Ma- dero Government was a monstrous farce, impossible to continue. Madero's ac- cession to the Presidency was an acci- dent inexplicable except as the result of the wild promises he gave to the lower classes. The principal promise was the division of the land among the poor, which these naturally understood as free gifts at the expense of the rich. If these promises were vague and sim- ply catch phrases, and were afterward de- nied by Madero on several occasions, he allowed his principal followers to use them as positive inducements to the dis- satisfied agricultural laborers and there- by procured uprisings in various parts of the country, which the limited amount of armed force at the disposal of the Diaz Government could not resist successfully. Once in the Presidency there became apparent his weak, vacillating character, his lack of judgment of men in general and particularly in the selection of his advisers and colaborers, his amenability to adulation, his total ignorance of the practical direction of the public adminis- tration and his lack of faith with those who had helped him into power or had subsequently helped to sustain him. All this was coupled with a blind but mis- taken faith in his ability to manage by personal persuasion his dissatisfied fol- lowers. He gave free rein to his cam- arilla to destroy and harass his political opponents. If ever his intentions were sincerely those of establishing an efficient govern- ment for the advancement of his people, which in charity may be conceded now that he is dead, although there are many circumstances to create the impression that his personal exaltation was the main- spring of his ambition, such intentions soon were abandoned in the riot of ex- travagance and pillage of the public re- sources by the people who dominated him and in the persecution of political enemies, both those positively known and those only fancied as such. Did Not Keep Promises. There never was any attempt made to fulfil the promises by which he had gained the support of the lower classes CRIME OF IGNORANCE— Continued in his campaign against the Diaz Gov- ernment. There is not a record of a single initiative of any importance tend- ing to improve the deplorable condition of the peon class or the people at large during all the time that he occupied the Presidential chair. The only start toward the much vaunted division of land was the purchase at a fabulous price by his Government of large tracts of land from a near rel- ative. In a word, all the shortcomings charged against the Diaz Government were now repeated in an aggravated and multiplied form until at last the revolutionary forces, which had elevated him into power and had seated him on the highest pinnacle and which were cast aside as soon as their usefulness had ended, turned against him, Orozco in the north and Zapata in the south. Having appointed his nearest relatives over the heads of veteran officers to the highest commands of the army, regard- less of their lack of ability or experience, there naturally followed serious defeats of his army by Orozco in the north, which were repaired successfully by such tried men as Huerta. These tried men saw themselves treated with Madero's characteristic ingratitude and jealousy of their popularity instead of having their merits duly acknowledged. They were superseded by personal favorites and rel- atives of Madero. The discipline in the army was weak- ened by Madero's interference in favor of such known bandits as Francisco Villa, the despoiler of Parral. who had been court-martialled for gross insubordina- tion and was allowed to escape from his prison in Mexico where he was brought under the pretext of a new trial. Small wonder, then, that Madero's downfall should be chargeable just to this very circumstance: it was the cadets of the military school at Tlalpam, beard- less boys in their teens, who conceived and started the revolution that culmin- ated in the taking of the Citadel under the subsequent direction of Gen. M. Mon- dragon. There can be only one opinion. The elimination of Madero from the direction of public afiFairs was, for reasons of state, an unavoidable necessity on account of his disastrous management, or rather mismanagement, of public and private concerns. It may be justly asserted that Gen. Huerta, who is a soldier of rugged character and blunt straightforwardness, had no part in the taking off of Madero and Vice-President Pino Suarez and that Madero was not killed at his instigation or with his expressed consent. If Gen. Huerta had considered the death of Ma- dero indispensable he easily could have had him tried and executed for the mur- der of the officer detailed to effect his detention with all the legal justification that might have been desired to save ap- pearances. But it is likely that the death of Ma- dero was the result of the unsolicited and volunteer action of subordinates, over- zealous to serve th»ir master, or of the independent action of some of the other principal leaders of the revolution, inde- pendent of and unknown to Huerta, who when he learned the true inwardness of things rather chose to suffer with them in the opinion of the world in silence than to prove disloyal to them by divulg- ing the true facts in order to clear him- self personally. Be this as it may, taken in the abstract it may be considered that the complete elimination of Madero was per se an unavoidable political necessity, as he never kept faith with anybody and surely would have recalled his abdication as soon as he had set foot on safe soil, thus giving rise to new trouble. As he never did anything after attain- ing to power to carry out his much de- claimed political programme and distin- guished himself only by his unmeasured vanity and self-glorification, he is already almost entirely forgotten by the great mass of the people, though history will readily grant him the record for having caused more damage to his native land and within a shorter period than any other ruler hitherto known. There is only one other man in the world who has caused damage to Mexico in similar proportion and in record time, and that man is Woodrow Wilson, Presi- dent of the United States, who in order to gratify and persist obstinately in a personal whim is favoring and abetting just the very parties upon whose acts he bases his claims against the constituted Government of the Mexican Republic. The Canadian loan failed the other day. And the Administration had put no financial blockade about the "authorities" in Ottawa. Perhaps the Administration's apparent success in keeping money from Mexico is — only apparent. The condition of the world's money market may be a factor. Isn't it strange that when the Wash- ington idealists look around for a weapon of attack or defense they immediately think of money and jobs? And then as- sure themselves they are moral suasion- ists. They are sending "observers" to Santo Domingo. * * * We need "observers" to test the sanity of those who are causing all this Latin- American trouble and misunderstanding. Never "start" anything? * * * Did Congress or the people even sug- gest that we should meddle in Mexico's affairs? • « • As long as the words look good in print, some folks don't worry about their truth or consistency. Sa:urday, December Hi, 1913 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. AN ARMY MAN S MEXICO POLICY. An officer of the United States army, well known in El Paso, in a personal let- ter outlines clearly and forcefully his views, and doubtless the views of many of his army associates, upon the Mexican situation and President Wilson's policy; the sentiments expressed by the officer are closely in line with those often set forth by "The Herald." In giving space in this column to the letter it is consid- ered to be merely voicing the beliefs of the great majority of readers — -whether they are willing to admit it out loud or not. The writer of the letter commends the general Mexican policy of "The Herald" as "sane, moral, and eminently just, con- forming to the law of nations, interna- tional law." He goes on to say, in sub- stance: If we have a just right to interfere in the internal affairs of Mexico, then the "law of noninterference" has no place in our recognized textbooks on international law. Grotius put it there, and every gen- eration since his day has deemed it a just law. The right of noninterference in its in- ternal affairs proceeds from the nation's sovereignty. We say to the world that our mission in the western world is to preserve the sovereignty of the republics in the western hemisphere. The best way to preserve this is to recognize their sovereign rights to conduct their own affairs. We can then hold them to their obligations, just as every sovereign state in the world today holds every sovereign state to its obligations. The right of domicile is a recognized principle of international law. When citizens or subjects of one state become domiciled in another state, the state in which they are domiciled is obligated to protect them in life and property; and the state of which these domiciled stran- gers are the citizens and subjects has not only the right, but is morally obliged, to redress the wrongs inflicted on or suf- fered by its nationals while domiciled in another state. It matters not whether the injury be inflicted by the state or by its people as individuals. The citizens of New Or- leans slew a number of Italians some years ago. Italy demanded redress, and the United States paid a large sum before the claims were all satisfied. Had Italy demanded that the mayor of New Orleans be replaced by another mayor, she would have been told to "go to," and would have got nothing but a bill for indeinnity for the cost of war preparation that the United States would have had to make as a result of receiving such an hitherto unheard of demand. "I confess that I am wholly unable to understand Mr. Bryan's idea of 'moral' policy. "If I incite a man to anger by know- ingly infringing on his recognized rights, I sin before God, and cannot justify my- self before man. "If a nation provokes another nation to war by knowingly infringing on its recognized rights, surely the same kind of sin has been committed, only of greater gravity by reason of the more grievous consequences, and certainly that nation cannot justify itself before God or man. "It somehow gets me mad all over to have a man dictate his idea of iustice to me when my own idea of justice is abused thereby. Mr. Bryan is trying to write into the law of nations a new law, be- cause he thinks it is moral. "Suppose Japan should tell Yuan Shi Ki that he and his followers must now step down and permit another election, because he has expelled 300 members from the Chinese congress, and is daily executing his opponents, will Mr. Bryan agree to uphold Japan's policy? Will the other nations agree to do likewise? Yet if Mr. Bryan's policy in Mexico is up- held, I cannot see why Japan's policy (should such a policy be declared) should not he upheld. "Mr. Bryan preaches peace, but he is trying to establish a policy that if rec- ognized will make more war and do more harm than anything yet done by nations. "Something may happen to halt this blind rush into an unjustifiable war. I fear, however, that it is too late. Still you newspaper men have the solemn ob- ligation before God to do your utmost to stop it. After you have done your best, then your conscience will be clear." There are two rather remarkable things about the letter: First, it does not bear out the current popular opinion that the army is all talking war, anxious for war, and hoping for war; second, it shows a very much clearer conception of both the law and the morals of the situation than is shown by either the President or the Secretary of State, despite their ardent protestations of neu- trality and friendship toward Mexico. The paragraph in the letter about incit- ing a man or a nation to anger by know- ingly infringing on their recognized rights, is a classic and worthy of general repetition and permanent acceptance as a high enough creed for any nation on earth. — El Paso "Herald." AN IRIDESCENT DREAM. The truth is that the most tliat is hoped for by many people in Washing- ton in connection .with the settlement of the unhappy conditions in Mexico is the accession to power of some man of the Diaz stripe, that is, one strong enough to establish a government that will re- press rebellion and brigandage and fur- nish security to life and property. That anyone can or will establish an abso- lutely free and popular government in Mexico, one set up by the free and intel- ligent choice of the mass of Mexican people, is regarded by very many as what John J. Ingalls used to call "an iridescent dream." But they do believe that a government can be established which will restore and maintain order and give some degree of peace and secur- ity to what President Wilson truthfully calls "distressed Mexico." The great question is. Who is the man? .A.mong those regarded as being the least available is Gen. Carranza, the "constitutionalist" leader, with whom William Bayard Hale, President Wil- son's personal representative, has been trying to negotiate. — Pittsburgh "Chron- icle-Telegraph." THE PRESIDENT TO CONGRESS. President Wilson's first annual ad- dress to the Congress, which met in joint session to-day to hear it, reads like a "matriculation sermon," and doubtless this effect was not lessened by the man- ner of its delivery. From beginning to end it is so disingenuous as to prove dis- appointing even as a sermon. It contains little "information about the state of the Union." which is the constitutional ex- cuse Mr. Wilson oflfered for its deliv- erance, and not one of the recommenda- tions made for the country's welfare touches any of those problems to which the urgency of the moment or the pledges of the .'\dministration gave the country a right to expect the President would address himself on this occasion. In the place of that "pitiless publicity" which the President is so fond of pro- claiming a cardinal doctrine of "the New Freedom," to-day's production is a char- acteristic example of suppression and evasion. Its felicitous phrasing ill con- ceals that lack of substance which a facile pen would supply by mere rhetoric. * * * It is worse than disingenuous for the President to sidestep as he does the Mex- ican problem. Outgivings from the White House for more than a fortnight have led the public, not only of this country, but the world, to expect that this occasion would be used by the Ad- ministration to give a full account of its dealings regarding Mexico with that country and with Europe, and to hope that accompanying such a record would be either a programme of future action or a request for congressional counsel and advice. For this reason public pa- tience here and abroad has been length- ened in the face of a reign of anarchy across the border the horrors of which are multiplied by each day's develop- ments. * * * — Boston "Evening Tran- script." What Congress and the country were specially waiting to hear on this occasion was an authoritative announcement as to Mexico. What they get is an expres- sion of President Wilson's personal be- lief that the "policy of watchful waiting" is all that's needed. He feels hopeful that the Huerta government will soon collapse, and that constitutional order will then be restored in Mexico by lead- ers who "prefer the liberty of their peo- ple to their own ambitions." Has Mr. William Bayard Hale given him a list of those leaders, and are the names of Zapata and "Pancho" Villa — for instance — on the list? In this address to the Congress of the United States the Presi- dent of the United States denounces by name the head of the de facto govern- ment at the Mexican capital as a "usurp- er" and says that he must "surrender his usurped authority." More than sixty years ago, in France, one Louis Napo- leon suspended the constitution, impris- oned the legislators and seized the su- preme power; his coup d'etat cost many citizens of Paris their lives. We do not remember that President Millard Fill- more felt called upon to denounce him in an executive communication to Congress. It will be interesting to see whether Gen- eral Huerta — after this address — con- tinues to do business with Mr. O'Shaugh- nessy and to tolerate the loitering of Mr. Confidential Agent Lind upon Mex- ican soil. — Hartford "Daily Courant." MEXICO Saturday, December 13, 1913 A PARALLEL. Perhaps with the idea of proving to the world that Americans are not lacking in a sense of humor and a true perspec- tive, the New York "Sun" of December 5th relates an interesting parable, which with characteristic "Sun" delicacy it explains is "not yet a fact." According to the parable it seems that the members of the A. B. C. Alliance, as it is called — Argentine, Brazil and Chile — became so deeply impressed with President Wilson's teachings concerning the moral responsibility of a great repub- lic for the enforcement of truly consti- tutional principles in the affairs of neigh- boring governments, that they invited other Latin-American countries, includ- ing Mexico and San Domingo, to join them in safeguarding constitutional gov- ernment in the United States. They discovered particularly an open defiance of Section 2 of Article XIV of the Amendments of the Constitution of the United States, which provides: "When the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice- President, Representatives in Congress, the ex- ecutive and judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for par- ticipation in rebellion or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citi- zens shall bear to the whole number of male citi- zens twenty-one years of age in such State." The diplomatic representatives of these countries, after an investigation which showed undeniabl' that this section was flagrantly violated in the Southern States, asked Secretary Bryan: "How about it?" To their very pertinent question Sec- retary Bryan made no reply. He was too busy at the time picking out "official ob- servers" to supervise the elections in the Dominican Republic and to ascertain for the information of President Wilson and himself whether the vote in San Domingo was in fact a constitutional, untrammeled, regular expression of the popular will. Then they very delicately approached President Wilson on the subject. But the President was too busy then pursuing his policy of watchful waiting for devel- opments in Mexico and of satisfying him- self by the investigations of his special and personal envoys that the republic south of us had no Government in the true constitutional sense. Therefore .'\rgentina, Chile, Brazil, with San Domingo and Mexico and the other Monroe Doctrine republics, with- drew their Ambassadors and Ministers and refused longer to recognize the. Gov- ernment notoriously and almost confess- edly operating in defiance of Section 2 of Article XIV of the Amendments of the Constitution of the United States of America. In a joint declaration couched in admirable Spanish they communicated to the world their purpose to send north PUBLIC OPINION-Continued official observers to supervise our next Federal elections, and, if necessary, to adopt further measures for the restora- tion of constitutional order in this coun- try in obedience to the demands of duty under the Monroe Doctrine as interpreted in the light of political morality by Woodrow Wilson. It was a document which our own great President, under changed circumstances, might be proud to have written. DICTATING TO LATIN AMERICA. No American President ever before assumed so much in the way of regulat- ing the affairs of Latin-American nations as President Wilson has lately under- taken. President Roosevelt's successful plan for superintending the customs collection of Santo Domingo, entered into in 1905, to the end that the fair claims of for- eign investors might be met, involved no such interference with the political affairs of that country as we are now entering upon, in the dispatch of "observ- ers" by President Wilson to watch the polls and supervise the presidential elec- tion which is coming oflf in that country. The proceeding involves political respon- sibility for Santo Domingo. The convention with Nicaragua entered into by President Taft in 1911, which combined financial aid to that republic with a superintendence of custom collec- tions somewhat similar to that under- taken in Santo Domingo, failed of ratifi- cation by the Senate because it was re- garded as a dangerous interference. But the Senate is now called upon by Presi- dent Wilson to ratify a treaty with Nic- aragua which establishes an actual politi- cal protectorate, undisputed and undis- guised, over that country. There is no telling, as yet, just what Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bryan have been doing to thwart the Pearson oil conces- sions in Colombia, but evidently the ac- tion has been very positive, for it has forced Lord Cowdray to withdraw from an arrangement which would probably have proved financially profitable to him. The London papers assert that, although the Pearson concession would not have given Lord Cowdray's syndicate any con- trol over the affairs of Colombia, the American government exerted an influ- ence which compelled the abandonment of the concession. All this may have been necessary, but it is certainly a bold and radical step. The extent to which President Wilson has intervened in Mexico is well known to every reader. He has assumed the right to say who shall be and who shall not be the Mexican president. To avenge the violent death of Madero, President Wilson has encouraged the continuance of a civil war which has resulted in the death of thousands. That the United States government, under President Wilson and Secretary Bryan, has embarked on a course of dic- tation which, if unchecked, will make us politically and financially responsible for all the countries as far south as Colom- bia, is a fact which the American people have got to face. — New York "Evening Mail." EVEN THE BLIND. In this kind of thing, it is obvious, there lie the seeds of mischief. Depre- cating "financial control" of Spanish- American governments, we may be found exercising it. Protesting against force, we may at any moment get into a posi- tion where we shall be using force. Standing up firmly for the consent of the governed, we may presently be threatening the governed unless they consent to be governed by us. The whole policy is plainly one requiring the utmost care and discretion in the execution. One precaution, above all, is indicated. All these delicate plans and negotiations must be entrusted to men fitted by char- acter and training to handle them. It is this consideration which heightens the folly of displacing experienced and ac- ceptable Ministers so as to make room for Mr. Bryan's happy-go-lucky friends. That way madness lies. — New York "Evening Post." Why, even the "Post" is beginning to open its eyes! Even the blind shall seel THE MESSAGE. The President's message was brief, as such documents go, a graceful litterary production, and neither exhaustive nor exhausting like other annual messages of recent years. He is thankful that the United States is at peace with the world; and the country will share this feeling of thankfulness, not unmixed with wonder, that the President's highly original and rasping policy towards Mexico has not resulted in hostilities. We cannot countenance, he says in substance, Huerta's usurpation of authority, and can have no dealings with such a pretended government. Manifestly this is an extraordinary and unwarrantable attitude, for if the Mexican people should finally become reconciled to their usurped and pretended government, we should cut a very ridiculous figure by standing out im- placably resentful and more irreconcilable than the Mexicans themselves. — Rochester (N. Y.) "Post-Express." We like to talk about this Mexican business. It gives us amateur Presi- dents, Cabinet members. Senators and Congressman (all rolled into one) a great chance to air our views on how a Government ought to be managed. Mostly we talk without knowing very much what we are talking about. All present "situations" have their roots in the past. We do not know a great deal about the history of Mexico, or the temperament of Mexicans, and our school histories are strangely inadequate when it come to that little affair of 1846. George Lockhart Rives, former As- listant Secretary of State, has written a book, "The United States and Mexico," in which he develops, in a most in- teresting manner, the relations between the two countries between 1821 and 1848. Some of Mr. Rives' deductions ought to set us thinking. He frankly accuses ns, as a nation, of lack of sympathy with our neighbors, and of unfairness, even, in our dealings with them. This is true in the case of the South Amer- ican States, as well as with Mexico. Sympathy is a strong bond between na- tions. Without it it is useless to talk of world peace. Perhaps a reading of Mr. Rives' book will make for a better understanding of and liking for our rather flighty neighbors to the South. — St. Louis "Republic." Saturday, December 13, 1913 MEXICO 11 President Wilson sticks to Pindell of Peoria, 111., for our ambassador to Rus- sia. That is the schoolmaster of it; all of Dr. Wilson's original judgments arc infallible. Persistence for the Peoria candidate is not complimentary to Rus- sia, but it is glorious for Pindell, and for PindelTs faithful friend, Mr. Bryan. — Hartford "Daily Courant." THE PRESIDENT'S INFIRMITY. Well-wishers of the President find it difficult to be patient in the face of his refusal to hear anybody on any subject about which he has an opinion. In the place of the "popular" minded McKinley, the "quick" minded Roosevelt, the "open" minded Taft, the White House to-day shelters a "closed" minded President who clings to the views and ways of the lecture-room. The White House to-day is depressingly remin- iscent of "ye deestrict school," with the President, ferule in hand, laying down his prejudices and principles to the remainder of the government and the people as if all, not only of this country but of the world, were so many pupils and he the schoolmaster and disciplinarian of them all. To criticise President Wilson in the first year of his administration for a fault which his inti- mates recognize and deplore is in reality to render him a service. Every loyal American hopes to see him succeed, hopes that some of his theories may prove workable enough to be applied. But such will prove a vain hope unless the President faces his besetting sin and fights against it with the same frankness with which those who really wish him success call his attention to his infirmity. He has a way of freezing out friendly counsel by his unwillingness to be told anything and by his assumption that he knows everything in ad- vance, and that any one bringing him information is necessarily so prejudiced that if he listens he is likely in some way to lose the right point of ■observation. — Boston "Transcript." WHAT A WAR WOULD MEAN. Gen. Walter S. Schuyler, retired, gives us a picture of a possible war with Mexico that should "be impressed upon the imagination of every citi- zen of this country. The army has had an ex- perience of "pacification" in the Philippines, and is sick of it ; to duplicate that experience in an- other quarter does not appeal to any soldier as either pleasant or profitable. Nobody doubts the ability of our soldier to defeat anything that can be brought against him in the long run, but to •chase guerillas through jungles and over moun- tains is far from a pleasant duty. Gen. Schuyler says we would need from 50,000 to 200,000 men if we attempted to pacificate Mex- ico; we have now about 50,000 available. We ^:ould march an army into that country, garrison the principal towns and be just as far from the .accomplishment of our object as if we had stayed on the other side of the Rio Grande. Thousands 1913 AMERICAN 1914 CANE=SUGAR BUREAU MUNSEY BUILDING WASHINGTON. D, C. We invite correspondence from all who are professionally interested in the cane-sugar industry.— Win. L. Bass. Mgr. of Mexicans have learned the use of dynamite — how could we operate railroads whose bridges and tracks were being constantly destroyed? How could we pacificate the country without operating the Me a big country; to break down its government is easy — to make its people submit and keep the peace would disturb all our indus- trial development and strain our credit to the breaking point. It took us ten years to put the Indians out of Florida, and yet they never mus- tered a thousand fighting men and never col- lected three hundred in one body ! There is no jingo sentiment in congress; cer- tainly the president wants no war, and yet a few men in the country seem to feel it is their bounden duty to make trouble if they can. How should we view those men? Not even with tol- erance — let them know that we have no patience with their ideas or feelings. Business does not want war with Mexico, though a few spectators may think they can profit by such convulsions — the army doesn't want it — who does? The advo- cates of a big navy may see a prospect of profit in the agitation of discordant ideas — the ship- builders and armor-makers may want talk on the subject, but they have not proved themselves so patriotic in the past that we feel obliged to give blood that they may collect gold. For, doubt it as we may, it is true that talk may bring on war. now as it did in 1898, and therefore it is well to discount the talk before it is too late. — Jacksonville "Times-Union." THE CONSTITUTIONALISTS IN MEXICO. The recent successes of the revolutionists in Northern Mexico has given the so-called Consti- tutionalists a firm foothold in that section. It should not be assumed from that fact, however, that the Mexican government has been utterly defeated. The region now held by the revolution- ists is more sparsely populated than the central and southern portions of the neighboring republic, and the rugged character of the country lends itself to the sort of warfare the rebels are carrying on. The fact must not be overlooked that the Huerta or Federalist forces still control the greater part of the country, including Mexico City and the leading ports. Although the followers of Carranza call them- selves advocates of constitutional government, they have been conducting warfare along lines that show little regard for law or civilized usages. Federal officers who are captured are promptly lined up before a convenient wall and shot, and looting and outrages are the almost daily accom- paniments of the operations of the various bands. If the revolutionary movement were to succeed there is no prospect whatever that the leaders would have any more respect for law and the constitution than Huerta and his advisers; in fact, their actions in the field create the impression that they would show even less regard for orderly procedure. — New Orleans "Picayune." As I understand it, the President wants to see the Mexican rebels overthrow the Huerta Govern- ment. Also he wants a government in Mexico more like our own. I suppose he has the right to say what he would like to see in Mexico, but it seems to me that in wanting the rebels to win by force of arms he is not promoting constitu- tional methods. If these rebels should win power by raising a ruction, would it not be encourage- ment for others to try to do the same thing? And where would it ever stop? For the life of me I don't see where we are helping the cause of constitutional government by trying to overturn the only Government there is in Mexico. If we really want to help would it not be the most direct and effective thing to cooperate with the Government down there and work with it in trying to apply our ideas as far as they can be applied in Mexico? If we don't do that it looks like a continuation of just such conditons as exist in Mexico to-day, whether they overthrow the Huerta Government or not. In other words, we are getting nowhere, un- less the idea is to let Mexico exhaust herself and then go in and take and run the country. — Oliver Herbert Thomas in New York "Sun." MAPS IN COLORS Showing individual and corporate hold- ings in The Mexican Gulf Coast Oil Fields Accurate in every detail— A necessity for everybody interested in Mexican Oil N. PAULSEN, Civil Engineer, Station O, Box 72 New York City Do you think Mexico is going to the bow-wows ? Well, think again. Mexico is all right and there is a lot of business done there. We have a fine transfer business for sale. Making money right along, revolu- tions or no revolutions. If you are interested vyrite to us. We will give you all *^r - ■ liculars and you will be surpr-.^eu. Addi -ss MEXICO, 15 Broad P' , N. Y. C. THE "MARC Cushioned Arch Support Fine for Tired Aching Feet, Fallen .\rches, Flat Feet, and Weak Ankles. Have helped others. They will help you. Write for free booklet and testimonials. MARCON MANUFACTURING CO. Brooklyn, N. Y. $1.0(1 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cm out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York Gty, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturday, December 13, 1913 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomai O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York THii PERSONAL TOUCH. There has been all along a disposition on the part of the press and public to concede that no matter what blunders the Administration has made or might make in handling our relations with Mexico, the character of the Administra- tion officials was such that no petty per- sonal considerations have entered or would enter into the solution of the problem. A careful reading of the editorial com- ment from all sections of the country on the President's remarks on Mexico in the '" — -'' his recent message reveals a ote of disappointment that the .t's words should have been surcharged with a personal bitterness and anim s "a'nst the Mexican Provisional Execu ,e. In :,peaking the other day to a com- mittee " women seeking the right of suffrage he said that in matters of nation- al legislation he was bound in duty not to inject his personal opinions, but to carr ou the pledges of his party platfor If personal opinion or personal likes and di- likes should not enter into a high conce ■-■• "' the methods of national lecis' . it is doubly, trebly per- nicio thill, a foreign policy of the L'niti States, committing 100,000,000 pcop' course of action that might lead .11. ''ould not be shaped on a pcrs' HiFlii c. It .-'ious in the message and 1 maue clear in a hundred other u? that President Wilson does not like " "t Huerta — hates him. Even adn ;.t be has every reason in the wor 1 I nistr-sting and condemning the Mex ^n Executive, it is wrong, ter- ribl wr'^i" (o - ake that fact the motive for js working untold hard- shii I J r . .c Mexican people and poten- tir' - result in conditions that will r the sacrifice of thousands of American lives and millions of Ameri- can treasure. The Administration undoubtedly bases its attitude toward the Mexican situation on higher, self-satisfying theories and facts, but it remains true that the petty personal has considerable to do with the shaping of the Administration's mind and purposes. Which should not be in this age of en- lightenment. History records many wars ihat have been fought to satisfy the per- sonal grudge and vanity of rulers, but we thought the days of such were over. Are thev? DETACHMENT. As we have remarked before, there is a certain mental detachment in the Ad- ministration's "watchful waiting" policy that is almost unhuman in its unfeeling, cold-blooded aloofness. The appeal of Americans in Mexico, the sorry plight of the poor Mexican people, the spectacle of a country threat- ened with anarchy have not touched the heart or wrung a tear from the eyes of those who control the destinies of our powerful and prosperous country. The American people are naturally warm-hearted and sympathetic, but, guided by the Administration, they have seemed somehow to be deaf to the pitiful note of human suffering below the Rio Grande. This apparent lack of sympathy may be accounted for by the persistent mis- representation of the Mexican people in the press of this country. We are led to believe that they are all treacherous, knife-throwing "greasers," when the truth is, to which any American with Mexican experience will subscribe, that in the great majority they are as gentle and docile as children. It is true that some thousands of the millions are lawless cutthroats, restless, ignorant and bloodthirsty, ravaging for loot under the leadership of unscrupu- lous men. But it is not fair to judge the whole race by this comparative few, who could probably be duplicated in our own country were it not for fear of the forces of law and order. Apart from all this, the conditions in some bandit-ridden sections of Mexico are so appalling that the cold mental de- tachment of the Administration, which puts political theory austerely above everything else, is neither expedient nor moral. "I say. Lord, old chap, it isn't fair your going into Mexico and interfering with my friend Henry Clay's scheme. Hen here says you have no heart at all. He had it all fixed when you broke in. You've got to be reasonable, old top, and give Henry his way. Now, that's a good lord. Think it over. I know Hen will give you a fair slice and maybe you can have your way in Colombia. And if you won't yield to my moral suasion, why, I'll have to take it out on your friend Huerta." While his lordship is thinking it over, he should turn to H. C. P.. and address him thusly: "Now, Hen, we've had enough fighting over these oil wells, aud it's very annoy- ing to me. You've got to make some concessions, too. Call off that Carranza pack of schemers and stop sending arms and money down to the Villas and Aguilars and Zapatas. Call off the news- papers before they get us in so deep that we've got to go to war. Close up the rebel junta here and tell Sherby Hop- kins that he's got to look for another job. Now, Hen, you do that and I'm sure Cowdray here will see the wisdom of my words. Won't you, old chap?" This is the kind of moral suasion that would settle the Me.xican business in short order. HOW TO SETTLE IT. Here's how President Wilson could settle the whole Mexican imbroglio and incidentally go down in history as wiser than Solomon: First, get Henry Clay Pierce and Lord Cowdray in his executive office on a crisp winter afternoon. Then talk to Lord Cowdray in this fashion: THE RESPONSIBILITY. If Huerta were everything impossible that Washington charges and insinuates, would that justify a method of. dealing with Mexico which has worked and is working terrible suffering to the Mex- ican people? Is it not apparent to every- body by this time that the Villas and Zapatas and Aguilars, and all the other bandit chiefs who are the foes of civiliza- tion, have gained in strength and bold- ness with each new evidence of the Washington Administration's hostility toward the Huerta regime? It is pointed out by the El Pasoans that only a few months ago the bandit Villa crossed the international border with only a bor- rowed horse to his name, and that he re- turned to Juarez with several thousand followers well mounted and well armed. The atrocities of Villa and his followers in Torreon and Juarez alone are a monu- mental crime against civilization and they are known in detail by the authorities in Washington. All Americans and for- ci.gners who have lived or are living in Mexico are unanimous in saying that if President Huerta had been promptly rec- ognized by the United States, or if at least the Administration had not taken a deliberately weakening attitude toward him, the lawless conditions in certain sections of the Republic would not have been possible. Then it would seem to stand to reason that in a conscience- striking measure the Wilson Administra- tion is responsible for a terrible loss of life and property in Mexico. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. 1— No. 18 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1913. FIVE CENTS THE LAND PROBLEM. We read a great deal these days of the "land question" in Mexico. While at bottom there is much truth in what is being written about this land question, the problem is lightly disposed of by the majority of writers with the statement that all that is needed to alle- viate Mexico's social ills is to "distribute the land." The agrarian problem of Me.xico is one the solution of which presents almost insurmountable difficulties, at least for many years to come. In the first place, it is not true that all the land of Mexico is owned by a few families. This is true in a measure of the northern states, but not so of the central or southern States. There are, in fact, more than fifty thousand farms and ranches in the Republic of Mexico. Likewise, it is not true that all of the great estates were formed by despoilia- tion of small landowners. There have been many abuses, un- doubtedly. But the gradual formation or the holding of large estates, especially in the north, has not been due to these abuses. It has been due mainly to topo- graphical and economical causes. Farm- ing cannot be carried on successfully in the north without irrigation. Irrigation works require a large outlay of capital and only the large land owners were able to expend such capital. The mere distribution or sub-division of land will not help the social status of the Indian. A system of irrigation on a large scale and a system of rural credit will have to be established in order to make possible the successful cultivation of small farms. Farmers are not made by the mere ownership of land. Education and train- ing are necessary, besides a natural love for the land. Many Mexican Indians be- long to tribes of nomadic habits, many do not wish to work more than is abso- lutely necessary to earn a bare living of beans and tortillas. It will require enormous expenditures on the part of the government and many years of training before the small farmer can become a strong factor in the devel- opment of northern Mexico. THE MORAL FRIENDS OF BARBARISM Neither the Washington .Administra- tion's appeals nor the frantic efforts of a certain number of newspapers have suc- ceeded in suppressing a growing senti- ment of disapproval and resentment against this government's attitude to- ward Mexico. This growing sentiment is becoming more evident and taking deeper roots every day. To the casual observer it may appear strange and reprovable that the Ameri- can people should not present to the world a united front in support of any foreign policy that the Administration might see fit to adopt. Not so to those who understand clearly the inherent love of justice in the American people and their ambition to stand in the front ranks of civilized hu- manity. That the people should refuse to be made responsible before the eyes of the world for their government's policy in this instance does not evince lack of patriotism. It reveals a higher, broader, more in- tense patriotism than the one which dic- tated the cheap expression: "My govern- ment, right or wrong." When any people stands at the bar of civilization, when the policy of its government involves the destruction of great principles of morality and human- ity, that people has not only the right but the duty to withdraw its support from that government. That the people of this country have not yet arisen en masse and made their protest so heard in Washington that the self-sufficient and temporarily omniscient Secretary of State would be compelled to . heed the protest, has been due to a wide- spread ignorance of the true facts con- cerning Mexican affairs. But, even though slowly, the implac- able truth is steadily breaking down all dikes of falsehoods erected by a mali- cious or misinformed press. What a few understood and knew months ago, many are understanding and learning now. The Washington Administration has ranged itself on the side of barbarism. Failing to lend its support to the ele- ments of law and order in Mexico, it has encouraged loot, murder and rape. The .-Administration has not only failed to lend its support to the only govern- ment existing in Mexico, but its attitude has been one of decided moral encour- agement to all so-called revolutionists and of determined effort to overthrow the Mexican Government by denying its very existence. It is not a question here of the abstract value and right of the principles sup- posed to be guiding certain leaders of the revolution. It is not a question of the ethical status of the present provi- sional government of Mexico. The principles professed by Carranza, for instance, may be right. The Provi- sional Government may have certain in- herent defects. All this can be readily admitted, but it is not abstractions which confront us. It is concrete facts. It is here a question of the practical effects of the encouragement given by this coun- try to the barbaric elements who revel in disorder and rapine. It is a question (Coninued on Next Page) MEXICO Saturday, December 20, 1913 THE MORAL FRIENDS OF BARBARISM---Continued of the untold suffering and unspeakable horrors borne by millions of neighbors as a consequence of the Administration's at- titude. The principles professed by Carranza are the same as those advocated by the Provisional Government. But the Pro- visional Government has not been given the opportunity to put into practice the principles advocated. The restoration of pure constitutional government and the enforcement of so- cial reforms cannot be materialized until peace reigns throughout the Republic. This is so well realized by some of the revolutionary leaders that they have already declared that in the event of their ascending to power they would install a provisional president with dictatorial powers until peace should be restored. The triumph of the rebels would not bring about peace, because the great ma- jority of rebel forces to-day are led by independent leaders and composed of tandits. Because the government sup- porters of to-day would be the rebels of to-morrow. Because the rebels of to- morrow would be in greater number than those of to-day. Their ranks would be swelled by all the decent people of Mex- ico who are being made the victims of the rebels' bloody orgy of loot and ra- pine. Because the people of Mexico ■would not submit to a government that had been carried into power by the "Yankee government." The provisional government of Mexico has so far failed to restore peace and thereafter put into effect those reforms which are considered necessary to the welfare of Mexico by all observers — be- cause of the hostility and practical inter- vention of this government. This hostility, which to the profound regret of all thinking Americans has taken so personal an aspect, has been demonstrated in a manner which has made more than one American ashamed of his government. Thousands of citizens of this country would rather intervene in Mexico by the unjust but at least frank force of arms than by the means adopted by the Ad- ministration. Condemned and execrated by the peo- ple of this country, they are the same means employed by Big Business to de- stroy small competitors: the financial blockade, the surreptitious assistance to that competitor's enemy. It is because such means are un-Ameri- can, it is because to be ranged on the side of barbarity is un-American that the Washington Administration has failed in spite of all efforts to obtain the unani- mous support of the people. The people are beginning to realize that there is sorrie foundation of fact for the accusations of the civilized world against this nation in its dealings with Mexico. The motive ascribed to the Adminis- tration may not exist. It may be con- fined to those special interests which the American people detest as cordially as the Mexicans do. But the facts which prompt the accusations remain. This country stands accused of foment- ing rebellion in Mexico to weaken that neighbor until it may dominate it and control it by destroying its independence to all practical purposes, if not in name. It stands accused of availing itself, for the furthering of its aims, of the unfor- tunate lack of patriotism in certain Mex- icans and of the semi-barbaric character of others. It stands accused of supporting ele- ments of lawlessness and barbarity whose exploits have made civilization blush. Standing accused of all this and more, with no evidence to present in rebuttal, must not the American people expect to be judged as greater barbarians than the perpetrators of all the horrors which have afflicted their neighbor? Is there anything more barbaric than to avail oneself of the weakness and blindness and evil instincts of a neigh- bor to further selfish aims? We must clear ourselves of these accu- sations, because as a people we do not deserve them. If a unanimous voice of protest has not been raised, due to ignor- ance of facts and conditions, then we must seek the truth. AN AMBASSADOR "OF LONG TRAINING." President Wilson's Mexican policy is displeas- ing to Thomas J. O'Brien of Michigan, former .'\mbassador to Italy and Japan. His censure of the Administration would scarcely call for com- ment were it not that he has been one of the most conspicuous of those "men of long training" in the diplomatic service whom Dr. Charles W. Eliot, President of the National Civil-Service- Reform League, last week attacked for having "replaced by untrained men." Henry Lane Wilson, with whom Mr. O'Brien now classes himself as an opponent of the Wil- son policy toward Mexico, is another of the for- mer Ambassadors whose cases Dr. Eliot cham- pioned. Does belief in the principles of civil- service reform make it imperative that men hold- ing in contempt the views of the Administration shall be retained in diplomatic positions? For the sake of a theory, must the Nation be represented abroad by men not in sympathy with the Presi- dent's policy and unwilling to co-operate loyally with him?— New York "World." The "World" is so slavishly committed to support President Wilson and all his policies, good or bad, that it cannot see anything remarkable in the fact that "men of long training in the diplomatic service" are not in sympathy with the President's Mexican policy. There must be some good reason for their unwilling- ness to "co-operate loyally with him." Is it not conceivable that through their "long training" they are in the best posi- tion to appreciate the utter folly of his "policy"? A DEFINITE MEXICAN POLICY IMPERATIVE. General Villa has stripped himself of respectability and patriotism if he ever possessed any. He is simply a bandit, whose depredations place him beyond ordinary processes of law. His massa- cres at Juarez have been succeeded by confiscation at Chihuahua, where he ig- nored the fundamental principles of civ- ilized warfare and boldly set about the enrichment of himself and his followers. Unlettered, untrained, brutal in his views, it may be doubted if he is capable ot comprehending what Constitutionalist means. He happens to be fighting under that banner by chance, and would doubt- less be in the field even had Madero never been deposed. Huerta, on the contrary, has sought to establish a real government. Where his forces are in control there is law and order. Private property has not been sequestrated; rich men have not been held for ransom; plunder has not been the in- centive for armed activity. Had Huerta, for instance, been guilty of the outrages which Villa has committed, either Ameri- can or foreign troops would already have been in the capital. Although when he came into power the Government was disorganized and revolution rife, he man- aged in some manner to win the solid aflegiance of the more intelligent classes, who have interests at stake. He increased the army and made it efficient. Where his authority is complete ordinary busi- ness is going on under the usual protec- tion of law, with the people apparently at peace and content. Only where the Constitutionalists are active is there chaos, and this chaos is the more evident where they are in complete control. Villa is not the sole bandit in their ranks; most of the leaders are of similar character. The Adininistration at Washington cannot be relieved of its embarassment by Constitutionalist success. Every rea- son it has given for refusing to recognize Huerta applies with double force against recognition of Villa or the cause he rep- resents. The enormities with which Huerta has been charged have never been proved, while Villa boasts of his crimes and Carranza seeks to justify them. With Huerta supported by the best thought of his own country and the re- volt against him revealed as a mere con- federacy of bandits, bent on pillage, the United States is finding its attitude more untenable day by day. Intervention or war has been prevented by the wise re- fusal of the Administration to listen to the jingoes, but the drifting policy has a menace in it. Some definite line of conduct must be formulated and it must not be based on humanitarian theories out of harmony with Mexican conditions and habits of thought. A solution, even at this late date, would seem to be a recognition of the Huerta Government under definite guar- antees which would warrant hope of ulti-- mate pacification without humiliating patriotic Mexicans or impairing the na- tional sovereignty, or without prejudice to our own national dignity. The failure to summon the otiier great Powers of this hemisphere to join in representations to Mexico is an error that can yet be remedied. The waiting policy was good enough last summer; it is pregnant with danger now. The drift is unmistaka1)ly toward the rocks. By indirection we are encour- againg. and invigorating barbarity. After nine montlis of experimentation the Ad- ministration has no Mexican policy at all; it should evolve one now. — Philadel- phia "Public Ledger." Saturday, December 20, 1913 MEXICO THE POISONED PEN Merrily the press campaign of lying and misrepresentation goes on. There is something childish in this spreading of falsehoods about a government and a country merely because that government and that country do not kowtow to the dictatorial power of the Washington Administration. There is also much that is unworthy of the press of a great country like this. Here are a few of the falsehoods, twisted truths, misrepresentations, in- sinuations and other "rot" which we were handed during the past week. While the attempt by the rebels to capture Tampico was given great promi- nence on December the twelfth and by some newspapers it was affirmed that Tampico had fallen, the taking of Tor- reon and Gomez Palacio by the Federals was hardly mentioned. Some of the so- called dispatches from Mexico City stated that the taking of Torreon was not be- lieved in Mexico City and the corre- spondent of the New York "Times" af- firms that disappointment had been ex- pressed in Mexico City because the cap- ture of Torreon meant that General Huerta could not be overthrown as read- ily as it had been thought! Yet when Torreon was taken by the "rebels" the news was scattered broad- cast with the statement that Torreon was the most important city in Northern Mexico and — of course — the key to Mexico City! It would be difficult to find a more glaring evidence of malicious intent or bias, than that offered daily by the press of this country in dealing with Mexican affairs. Even the weekly "Independent" had a map of Mexico last week and even the map of this usually reliable weekly carried the grossest misrepresentation. According to this map the cities doubly underlined had been captured by the rebels and the cities singly under- lined were invested or "threatened" by the rebels. Mazatlan and Guaymas were marked as in possession of the rebels, contrary to the truth, for both these places were in the hands of the Federals. Monter- rey, Saltillo, Manzanillo and Colima were marked invested, also contrary to the truth because none of those places had been "invested" or even "threat- ened" and they remained undisturbed in the possession of the Government forces. Trains were running directly from Mexico City to Manzanillo and from Mexico City to Laredo on the American border vifith a brief interrup- tion between Monterrey and Laredo. The New York "Sun" on December I2th announced in a three-column scare head: "Tampico Captured. Fletcher stops Huerta's gunboats' fire. Fletcher falls. Fletcher intervenes." The report was sent from Mexico City. The Associated Press dispatches from Mexico City of the following day stated that the "rebels" had not damaged any property — good rebels — but that the fire from the Federals endangered the tanks of the Waters-Pierce Company. Like- wise that it was believed that reinforce- ments for the Federals could not reach the town as the rebels held the water front. The same dispatches stated that the rebels were so confident of their strength that they were also attacking Monterrey. Also that the rebels were extending their operations generally, giv- ing several reports circulated in Mexico City but no facts. The New York "Sun" on December 13th had a long dispatch from Berlin headed: "Huerta to beg Japan for aid. Offers big grant. Willing to make al- most any concession." The dispatch itself was a product of the imagination of the Berlin correspond- ent, if not a re-write man in the New York office, and merely repeated the oft- made assertion that the Huerta Govern- ment is willing to grant any concession to Japan in exchange for support. The purpose of this was as heretofore to make use of the American anti-Japanese feeling as a weapon against General Huerta. The New York "Times," having been unable to publish a Federal defeat, head- ed the Mexican "story" on the 14th with; "Rebels in Force Harass Tampico." 1/ went on to state in a dispatch from Verik Cruz that it was the "general belief" that when the rebels made a concentrated attack they would capture the city. The "Herald" of the 14th stated in a dispatch from Vera Cruz that the rebels might not make a direct assault, "in- fluenced by a desire to avoid destruction of property"! And that "an attack will soon be made and according to private conversation overheard here the belief is that the rebels will triumph." Of course! Also that the Federals hanged several prisoners and the rebels "retali- ated." Finally the news that the rebels had been repulsed with severe losses had to be published on the isth. With what reluctance it was done! It was accom- panied by the statement that the rebels would renew the attack almost immedi- ately and that "the belief was they would win!" Th'e New York "Sun" stated that Huerta was raging at Fletcher, and the "Herald" in a Washington dispatch, that the weakness of the rebels disappointed Washington! The "Herald" published also a state- ment, prepared by Sherby Hopkins in Washington and given out by the rebel junta, affirming that the charges against Villa for the atrocities committed at Chi- huahua were misleading. Villa had ex- pelled the Spaniards for their own good, it was said, to save them from the fury of the natives! Oh, that Hopkins is a. jewel! All the newspapers of that same day affirmed that Orozco had notified the Government that he was going to turn rebel because he had not been paid. This statement came from Mexico City. The "Tribune" of the 15th publishes a Washington dispatch ending thus: Thus far the American representations to Villa have been in the nature of a friendly warning, although there is every evidence of American displeasure in Consul Letcher's statement to Villa that such conduct will cause an unfavorable im- pression of the Constitutionalist cause. The "Herald" and other newspapers of the i6th announced again that the rebels were to renew their attack on Tampico, after stating that the rebels had been so cool in their retreat that they had taken all the rolling stock from the Tampico yards. Later dispatches, however, showed that the rebels had taken only four locomo- tives and a few cars. In order to offset the moral effect caused by the victories of the Federals last week several reports were circu- lated as to a supposed financial crisis in Mexico, the same that has been existing for many months according to the Amer- ican correspondents. The New York "Sun" reported an at- tack on Mazatlan that was "about to fall" and Monterrey was said to be in danger of falling, too. And so on! It is sufficient to read from day to day the so-called news sent out by the Asso- ciated Press and by special newspaper correspondents in Mexico City to under- stand the malice which prompts the statements made from time to time that the Huerta Government is censoring press despatches. In honor of truth is must be stated that no other government, not even the Wash- ington Government, would have per- mitted the wholesale lying and misrepre- sentation which is daily being carried on from Mexico City. The Huerta Government, however, with remarkable singleness of purpose, is unconcerned about this and relies on time for the truth to come out. Its for- bearance is commendable and will serve to strengthen the respect of thinking people in Mexico and abroad. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE MEXICO Saturday, December 20, 1913 The Administration and Mexico By Theodore S. Woolsey, LL.D. Professor Emeritus of International Law in Yale University. Day by day in the newspaper of his choice the somewhat perturbed house- holder reads the latest despatches from Mexico. Foreigners forsake their prop- erty and seek the coast. The Constitu- tionalists are making headway and inci- dentallj- have put their prisoners to death. The Nationalists are crushing out opposition and organizing Congress. The sorrows of Huerta disappear like morning dew as he sits tight, braves the demands of the United States and has the time of his life. And on our side the administration uses brave words, vaguely threatens dire things, persuades foreign povirers to await its declaration of policy, yet seems to have no policy, but — drifts. Whither is it drifting? To clear our minds let us try to state the problems, study the rules and pre- cedents for its solution, examine the ac- tion of the administration in their light and characterize the alternative courses. Mexico is a state where the strong hand of a despot has brought about peace and orderly government; the power of public opinion has not done so. It is a state where the game of politics has been unfairly played. For orderly gov- ernment based upon popular elections must depend upon accepting the results of election honestly, whereas in Mexico, as in too many other Latin-American states, the party beaten at the polls, in- stead of accepting the result, takes up arms. The party division before 1865 was into Liberals and Clericals. Max- imilian was supported by the latter, but eventually deserted by them, being un- able to satisfy their demands. The Mon- roe Doctrine on its original lines was enforced in 1867 and the French army of intervention withdrawn. Then the Liberals gained the upper hand and Max- imilian was captured and shot. During the presidencies of Juarez and Lerdo, who followed Maximilian, Porfirio Diaz repeatedly raised the standard of revolt, and in 1877, with an army at his back and a program of reform to smooth his way, was elected president. Eglasias assured him that he might be a fortu- nate soldier but not a constitutional president. Inaugurated in May, 1877, Diaz was not recognized by the United States un- til March of the next year, although Ger- many and Italy had acted the August before. His so-called election was sim- ply the result of overthrowing the rival claimants. Secretary Fish suggested that Diaz "would have no important adver- sary in arms and might be regarded as the actual ruler of the country." But as there were border troubles complicating the matter, this decent ten months' in- terval before recognition, was deter- mined on. In Moore's "Digest of the International Law of the United States," one may find a statement of our usual policy in such cases and the reason for this particular delay. The Government of the United States, although it was "accustomed to accept and recognize the results of a popular choice in Mexico and not to scrutinize closely the regularity or irregularity of the methods" by which those results were brought about, would in the particular instance "wait before recognizing General Diaz as president of Mexico until it shall be assured that his election is approved by the Mexican people and that his administration is possessed of stability to endure and of disposition to comply with the rules of international comity and the obligations of treaties." This is the language of our acting Secretary of State and was also stated in much the same words by Presi- dent Hayes in his message December 3, 1877. Other facts remain to be recalled in order to show how parallel the two cases of Diaz and Huerta appear. Un- able or unwilling to carry out his pro- gram of reforms, Diaz said frankly in the "Diario Official" that the program was "nothing else but a heap of moral absurdities and material impossibilities and that in consequence he was not able to fulfil the promises there made to the nation." The ensuing discontent, hos- tility and revolts were put down with a strong hand. Some of his opponents were executed, some imprisoned, some driven out. At this time occurred the execution, without trial, of nine citizens of Vera Cruz — the so-called "Hecatomb of Vera Cruz" — which was ascribed to Diaz but not proven. All sorts of crimes, including robbery, were ascribed to Diaz — 164 different events being specified in one newspaper, the editor being prompt- ly banished. At the expiration of his term, late in 1880, being ineligible for re-election, Diaz transferred his powers to General Gon- zales, his Secretary of War, had himself elected Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and governor of Oaxaca, paid a visit to the United States — where he was well received — and then, in 1884, became president again. Without pursu- ing his career further it is enough to say that until the Madero revolt Diaz continued in control of Mexico, a despot, in many respects a beneficent despot; inviting foreign capital, safe-guarding it, developing transportation and trade, car- r3'ing out the obligations of the state, preserving order; but by no means a con- stitutional president. When his strong grip upon affairs relaxed, we see but too clearly the results. In his brief review of the rise and rec- ognition of Diaz, the events of a genera- tion of Mexican history, we find the usage and the policy of our own Govern- ment and its beneficial consequences, material at least if not moral. That the rule governing recognition was applic- able to the other Latin-American states as well as Mexico the correspondence of our State Department shows, and this is the law and the policy generally. A de facto change of government which seems to have popular backing and to be strong enough to make good the obligations entered into with other states is recog- nized by those states after a decent and sufficient interval.. Provided these fun- damental requirements are satisfied, ir- regularities in the succession of a new- administration or blemishes in the char- acter of a new executive head are mat- ters of internal sovereignty with which other states do not concern themselves. Let us now assume that the charges brought against General Huerla, which seem to have influenced our Government in its recent dealings with Mexico, are true. * * * He was promptly recognized by some, though not by all, of the states in commercial relations with Mexico. Mr. Wilson's attitude, however, was one of extreme disapproval. He believed Huerta to have come into power by un- constitutional means and with bloody hands. He distrusted any Congress chosen under existing conditions and un- der Huerta's auspices. He withheld rec- ognition, and when Huerta expelled many members of Congress on the charge that they made the national legis- lature a hotbed of revolution. President Wilson declared that he never would rec- ognize him; furthermore that the new Congress was incapable of legal action and must not be convened. So far as the American public has been informed, this is the sum and substance of Wilson's policy — never to recognize Huerta nor his Congress — and for the reason that Huerla is so bad a man. It will be noticed that this policy is essentially different from the prevailing policy and usage of the United States in similar cases. Hitherto it has asked not whether a de facto executive irregularly in office was a good man, but whether he was a strong man, backed by the pop- ular will, so far as that found expres- sion, and capable of fulfilling the obli- gations of the state. And in order to de- termine this time must elapse. We must credit Mr. Wilson with the best of intentions. He surely seeks the restoration of order and the reign of law in disturbed Mexico. In delaying the recognition of Huerta, he is acting wisely, is following sound precedent. It would have been well, perhaps, to have sounded other states and acted in uni- son with them, thus testing the stability of Huerta, as our late ambassador in Mexico seems to have advised. But de- lay of recognition to test the streng^th and popular backing of a de facto_ ex- ecutive is one thing; the delay coinci- dent to a refusal ever and under any circumstances to recognize a Huerta or any of his legislative doings, is quite an- other. It substitutes the ethical princi- ples of our President or his Secretctfy of State for precedent, usage and com- mon sense. Meanwhile the administration, upheld by its good intentions, optimistic that Huerta, under the weight of_ disapproval, will climb down from his high horse, is exposing itself to the derision of an un- charitable world. For it resembles the man who seeks a reputation for wisdom by keeping silent, while it becomes clear- er every day that it does nothing because it knows not what to do: it started wrong. Whether Huerta is the strong man desired, is the only Mexican _ in sight who can restore order, it is diffi- cult to determine. But my point is that his case must not be prejudged, and that should his strength become evident it is the duty of the administration to recog- nize him in spite of its previous sweeping refusal to do so, in spite of consequent loss of face. For what else is there to do? Let us consider certain alternatives suggested. One is the removal of the embargo upon exportation of arms and ammuni- tion. Here it must be noticed that this embargo is not commanded by interna- tional law but by our Congress. To re- store order in Mexico by supplying both factions with arms and watching them fight it out, would jeopardize all prop- erty, imperil the lives of foreigners as well as natives, foster brigandage and anarchy, indefinitely postpone a settle- ment. And is Carranza in any way su- perior to Huerta? Has he not bloody hands also? Another course would_ be pacific block- ade applied to all Mexican ports. The first objection to this is that if the pres- sure of such a step should be effective its result would be to weaken the domi- nant power, whereas what is wanted is (Continued on Next Page.) Saturday, December 20, 1913 MEXICO WOOLSEY— Continued. to strengthen some authority. The other objection, and, I think, a fatal one, is that it would not be effective because it could not be made to apply to the trade of third powers. We ourselves held this • — when it was proposed by Great Bri- tain and Germany in 1903 to blockade the Venezuelan ports pacifically — that blockade to be respected by the neutral must imply war. But if neutral trade is undisturbed blockade loses its value. And this brings us to a third and last alternative to the recognition of Huerta, namely, armed intervention, that is, war. Perhaps nothing else would unite the Mexican factions, but it would be carry- ing altruism to the nth power to hazard our own fortunes in war with a neighbor in order to patch up that neighbor's do- mestic differences. The advocates of in- tervention talk of a military expedition into Mexico, the protection of American property, the restoration of order, a fair election under our auspices and then a graceful withdrawal, as if such a program were possible and easy. But I fancy a responsible board of strategy has warned the President, even if he is tempted, of which there is no sign, that the country is not equipped for such an adventure. In this connection we may study the Boer war to advantage. According to the Esher report, the total enrollment under the British flag in South Africa was 448,000 men to conquer an estimated Boer force of about 40,000 and pacify the country. This proportion of ten to one was made necessary by the vast ex- tent of country to be covered, the diffi- culty of guarding communications and by Boer mobility. The report showed further that Great Britain could ade- quately arm, equip and officer not much over 100,000 men who could be spared for African service. The job of Mexi- can intervention would be greater than this and our preparation for it less. We should not intervene, because it is so doubtful if we could intervene success- fully, whereas intervention to be justifi- able must be successful. Every one of these alternatives to the recognition of Huerta is inadmissible. Our policy should be to strengthen some- body in Mexico, not to weaken every- body: to build up, not to pull down. In refusing ever to recognize Huerta, the Administration has violated our usage and the dictates of common sense. Is it honest enough and strong enough to cor- rect its blunder? There is an obstinacy of strength; there is also an obstinacy of weakness. MAKING FUN OF IT BUT NO JOKE TO POOR MEXICO THE MONEY WEAPON. "With singular wisdom our Government is proceeding in diplomatic action for establishment of peace in Mexico. We are utilizing for the first time in diplomacy the fact that money is the great weapon of warfare ; that an usurper can be destroyed by starvation as well as by the bullet." The above is quoted by the Boston "Transcript" from a speech of George Fred Williams, recently appointed Min- ister to Greece. Even allowing for his gratitude to the President and Bryan for the appointment, it was certainly a glaring indiscretion for him to admit that there is a warfare with Mexico in which money is the great weapon. George Fred should be careful of his words. He must not give away the subtle, oh so ter- ribly subtle, game of those apostles of peace — =fais superiors. John Kendrick Banks, Joseph Hodges Choate and Chauncey Depew are all hu- morists. These three men have recently tackled President Wilson's Mexican policy, Mr. Bangs without engaging the public at- tention, but Mr. Choate and Mr. Depew with considerable acclaim. It is inter- esting to see how they did it. Mr. Bangs was in Oneonta, N. Y., about the middle of November, on a lecture tour. A re- porter for the "Oneonta Star" found him before the lecture and proceeded to search him for his views. Here is the Mexican part of this process: "Do you approve of the President's Mexican policy?" asked the reporter. "I haven't seen a newspaper since this morning," said Mr. Bangs, "so I don't know what that policy is. Has it been announced yet?" "Well," said the reporter, "as far as I can find out it is a policy of high idealism — " "Oh — I see," said Mr. Bangs. "Well, high idealism is a mighty good thing if you can carry it through, and we must all wish more power to Mr. Wilson's idealis- tic elbow — but somehow or other I have never felt that I could win the heart of a hedgehog by reciting Rossetti's Son- nets of Life, or reading extracts from Mr. Bryan's Chautauqua lectures into his ear." Mr. Choate's encounter with the Presi- dent's Mexican policy took place at the more recent Chamber of Commerce din- ner at the Waldorf-Astoria. Here is the way he took hold of it: "What is the most stirring thing that agitates the hearts of the American peo- ple to-day? It is Mexico. What are we going to do with Mexico or what is Mex- ico going to do with us? I should like very much to discuss the policy of the United States in regard to Mexico. I think I could occupy the whole evening with it — if I only knew what that policy was." Mr. Choate went on to say that when we had found out what this policy is, and emphatically if anything serious for this country comes out of it, we must all stand by the President, and was roundly applaud- ed for his advice, just as Mr. Bangs said that "we must all wish more power to Mr. Wilson's idealistic elbow." It would be highly un-American to give different advice in case the country were once seriously engaged, but this did not impair Mr. Choate's original jest, that he could occupy the whole evening discuss- ing this policy if he only knew what it was. Mr. Choate is too experienced a statesman not to know the diSference be- tween a vague longing for the better- ment of mankind and practical measures of real statecraft. Now comes Mr. Depew with his speech at the dinner of the St. Nicholas Society at Delmonico's last Saturday evening, of which it is foolishly said that President Wilson's Mexican policy is "commended by Mr. Depew." Mr. Depew did not sparkle in his treat- ment of the far-famed Mexican policy which has been produced and so closely guarded by President Wilson, but at any rate he made the point of his jest obvi- ous. He said this: He (President Wilson) has his troubles as far as Mexico is concerned. He is practicing Christian Science there, but he has done the business for Huerta and Villa. If serious troubles should arise there involving us it will be the duty of every broad-minded American, irrespec- tive of party politics, to stand by him to the last. The amount of it is, according to Mr. Depew, that "if" this absent treatment requires a return to the normal and tried methods by which two independent na- tions deal with each other in case of a quarrel, then the man who does not stand by his own country is not worthy to be a part of it. All these three men say that, and there is nothing wonderful about it. But they all carefully avoid making the Wilson policy itself, either in its nature, or merits, or the mere mys- tery of it, the basis of their common ap- peal to the well-known patriotism of the American people. As a matter of fact all three, more or less distinguished as they are, and certainly all of them fairly representative of our soundest and most responsible citizenship, bring forward and introduce the Wilson Mexican policy by making fun of if. It is not that they wish to do so; it is that the policy is of such a quality that the more a trained man studies it the more it stirs his sense of humor — a sense with which these three men are well equipped. — Hartford "Daily Courant." TOO BIG A BITE. Of course, the question of the means by which President Wilson will secure good government in Mexico is not of the essence of the problem, as regards Anglo-American relations. Every one hopes that this end may be brought about by peaceful methods, and any criticisms of American diplomacy that may have been published on this side arise simply from the doubt whether the President has made full allowance for the pecu- liarities of the Mexican character and tempera- ment. The significant thing, however, from the English point of view, is that at last the United States has fully accepted the responsibility for guaranteeing order and good government in Latin America. The methods by which she will dis- charge that responsibility are her own concern. — Special London Correspondence to New York "Evening Post." Yes, England can very well afford to sit back while we pull her chestnuts out of the fire. The Administration, to save its face or because it doesn't know, is assuming most tremendous responsibili- ties in Latin America. It remains to be seen how they are to be discharged. If our course toward Mexico is any cri- terion, it would seem that Mr. Bryan et al have already bitten off much more than they can chew. 6 MEXICO Saturday, December 20, 1913 AS THE MUNSEY PAPERS SEE THE OIL GAME. If it is true that the Standard Oil Company has sent agents into the Tam- pico district to acquire oil lands, it is a subject of much conjecture as to what methods those agents will pursue in the efforts to obtain the properties. There is little likelihood of the Stand- ard Oil entering negotiation with the Huerta Government, not only because of the foothold which Federal forces have lost in the Tampico district in the last few days of fighting and the prob- ability of the downfall of the entire Huerta regime shortly, but because of the hatred which Huerta already has shown toward the Standard Oil Com- pany. Madero's chief concessions were to the Standard Oil, and his chief revocation of the concessions hit the Pearson Oil group. Huerta, on becoming President, practically reversed that order of things, throwing the oil situation back largely into the condition in which it existed be- fore Madero began his successful cam- paign against Porfirio Diaz. There are many leading oil men who believe the Standard Oil Company will not attempt acquisition of more lands in the Tampico district until the Huerta Government is overthrown. Others con- versant with methods followed at the time when Madero's forces were pushing toward Mexico City for the overthrow of the Diaz regime, believe definite agree- ments already have been reached with the Carranza forces. They base this belief particularly on the speed with which the Constitutional- ist forces pushed their campaign into the Tampico district, probably the great- est oil-bearing region in the world. It was pointed out that in the confu- sion of affairs attendant on the change of government at Tampico, the Pearsons may find their "rights" under the exten- sive concessions from Huerta boldly in- vaded by the rebels to the advantage of rival interests. It was even asserted that with the Tampico district fully in the hands of the Constitutionalists and the latter able to defend it against efforts on the part of the Federals to retake it, the Standard Oil Company need care little, so far as its chief interests in Mexico are con- cerned, whether or not Mexico City re- mains in the hands of Huerta. — New York "Press." LEST WE FORGET "Over in Cananca a few days ago," says a mining engineer, "a Chinaman was fined .$100 for refusing to take rebel money in exchange for his goods. He beefed long and loud aliout the fine. But finally a brilliant thought struck him. He went out and got $100 of the reljel money and offered it in payment of his fine. But the rebel official who fined John for refusing rebel money refused it himself and made the Chinaman dig up silver dollars for the fine." — El Paso "Times." Oh, the obliquity of "moral" minds! * * * How they "pulled" for the success of the assault on Tampico! * ♦ » Hoping the "rebels" woud take the town. » * » Fully aware how the same kind of enemies of society had acted in Chihua- hua. * » * Can anybody explain this moral obliq- uity? * * * Ignorance cannot explain it, for the horrible facts are matters of common knowledge. * * * The Mexican government could be as rotten as New York politics, but that would not justify the encouragement of murder, pillage and rape by those seek- ing to overthrow it. * ♦ » Which is exactly what the Bryan atti- tude amounts to and all the fine words in the Administration's stock vocabulary will not hide it. What a sorry mess it is! * * » And only one way out of it. * » * But the pig-headed will not take it. They will "view with complacency" until — Until public opinion will countenance the farce no longer. * * * Which, we prophesy, will be very, very soon. * * » As the truth sinks in. * * » The truth will have to be faced sooner or later. It's Huerta or War. A prominent Texan said recently that President Wilson was awaiting the psy- chological moment to intervene in Mex- ico. * * * It has not occurred to the gentleman that the people will have something to say about an intervention that means war. » • * We are glad we are not on the pay-roll of the Administration. « • • If we were we couldn't tell the truth about Mexico. * * * We'd be reprimanded or court-mar- tialed. Funny how school keeps up. * * * Carranza, Hale, Sherby Hopkins, the Maderos et al were fooling the American public beautifully with their glowing pic- tures of the constitutionalists and their cause — till Villa got busy. * * * Now they wish they had never let him get within five hundred miles of the bor- der. * ♦ * But you will notice they have hailed his capture of Juarez and Chihuahua as great constitutionalist victories. * * * Several thousand ChUiuahuans fled across a desert to escape Villa and hii men. * * * Why? Because the women and girls feared a fate worse than death. * » * You do not hear of the people fleeing before the Federal troops. * * * They are welcomed with open arms. * * * No foreigners' property is destroyed or looted by the Government's soldiers. * * * They are rushing "envoys" to Villa to tell him he is making a bad impression on the American public. Villa isn't worrying about the impres- sion he is making on the American pub- lic. We must say he is no hypocrite. If Carranza and his clique want to play the political game from Sonora, with the aid of the American press, that's their affair. It doesn't affect Villa in the least. He's doing the rough work and he takes what's coming to him in his own way. T'ell with the American pub- lic. So the last vestige of, Huerta rule was to disappear from Northern Mexico. So? The trains are running from Mexico City clear through to Laredo, on the border, from San Luis Potosi to Tampico and the Federal forces have driven the bandits out of Torreon, a most important railroad junction and of great strategic value. If that is the last vestige of Huerta rule, well, it's a lot of vestige. The recapture of Torreon was noted in the American newspapers with only a few lines. Villa's taking of the comparatively unimportant Juarez was given columns, supplemented by detailed accounts of what the rebels, meaning Villa's bandits, were going to do next. On to Mexico City! Dinner in Mexico City, Christmas Day — and Mexico City only thirteen hundred miles away ? Saturday, December 20, 1913 MEXICO MEN WHO KNOW Against the arbitrary dictation of the Wilson Administration in Mexico, against the encouragement of disorder in Mexico by the words and acts of Admin- istration "high officials," the govern- ment of Mexico has protested, the peace- able people of Mexico have protested, foreigners in Mexico and foreign public opinion have protested, public opinion in all Latin-American countries has pro- tested, Americans in Mexico and Ameri- cans familiar with conditions there have protested almost to a man, trained and intelligent observers like ex-Ambassador Wilson, ex-Ambassador Thomas J. O'Brien, Major Cassius E. Gillette, Col- onel George Harvey, Professor Woolsey, of Yale, and many others have protested, but against all this weight of adverse opinion, remarkably unanimous in its judgment of the situation and in its con- clusions, the Wilson Administration has set its face and closed its ears, repeating over and over its self-hypnotizing shib- boleth: "Huerta must go!" It is true that so far in its unreason- able dictatorial course the Administra- tion has found considerable support in this country, the support of newspapers either friendly to the purposes of special interests who desire the continuation of trouble in Mexico or keenly alive to the news value in the turmoil below the Rio Grande; the support, a rather negative support, of those who cannot quite make out the true purpose of the Administra- tion and are disposed to give it the benefit of the doubt; the support of peace advocates who are inclined to think that whatever faults the Administration pol- icy may have, it has at least announced its opposition to an armed intervention that would mean war; the passive sup- port of those who know nothing of Mex- ican conditions except what they gather from the daily papers and who loyally give the Administration the credit of knowing more about its motives and pur- poses than the average uninformed citi- zen can possibly know. It will be seen that the opposition to the Administration's course comes from those who are well versed in Mexican affairs. That the newspaper editorial support, and the coloring of the news for the same purpose, come from men whose observations of Mexico have not extended beyond the walls of an editorial sanctum. We subjoin a partial list of persons whose training and experience have fitted them to pass judgment on the meaning and the results of the Administration's attitude toward Mexico and who have on occasion in the last few months publicly expressed their condemnation of it: James Creelman, journalist and au- thority on Mexico. Alver R. Dobson, President of the American Book and Printing Company, Mexico City. Ex-Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson. John W. DeKay, Mexico City. James Brown Potter. Paul Hudson, editor "Mexican Herald." George Lewis, mining engineer, Bos- ton. George Lueders & Co., New York, ex- porters. Colonel Cecil Lyon, Texas. Col. Edward R. Dunn, mining engineer. Ellsworth J. Wiggins, formerly Amer- ican consul at Monterrey, Mexico. Rev. John Howland, D.D., missionary in Mexico. Edward L. Andrews, American repre- sentative of the Corporation of Foreign Bondholders of London. Dwight Furness, for twenty-five years a resident of Mexico City. Sydney Brooks, well-known publicist. Rev. W. Ellsworth Lawson, Foxboro, Mass., formerly of Mexico. J. T. Willett, American resident of Mexico for half a century. Louis C. Simonds, contributor to "At- lantic Monthly." Major Cassius E. Gillette, retired offi- cer United States Army. Rev. P. J. O'Reilly, Catholic mission- ary, Austin, Texas. Congressman Allen T. Treadway, of Massachusetts. Dr. Theodore S. Woolsey, professor of international law, Yale. Charles Grandpierre, author and Latin- American expert. Andrew D. Wi.'le, ex-Ambassador to Germany. Thomas J. O'Brien, ex-Ambassador to Italy. Colonel George Harvey, editor "North American Review." Dr. 'William Penn DuBois. Hannis Taylor, ex-diplomat and noted authority on international affairs. These are only a few of the great number of Americans familiar with Mex- ican conditions who can see no good in the AdminisUation's interference in the affairs of our neighboring republic. Ap- parently they have felt, as we feel, that it is the patriotic duty of every American who knows the real situation in Mexico to publicly call attention to the incal- culable dangers and evils of a policy that, if not based on ignorance, is inexplic- able to all save those who are shaping it Vilk says he would not recognize Car- ranza if the latter became President. • • • Of course he wouldn't. And he'd prob- ably have good "moral grounds," too. JUST BEGINNING. President Huerta, in a private letter last Saturday, answers three questions relating to the present condition of the revolution, the strength of the army and Mexico's foreign relations. Regarding the first point Huerta says, in part: "The revolt has not terminated, for the simple reason that my government has barely been ten months in existence, and when it took charge it found the treasury empty and an armed force scarcely numbering nineteen thousand men of the regular army and eight thousand Maderista Rurales, who, before the end of February last, had for the most part deserted en masse or had re- belled against the new government. Thus, I repeat, the government found itself without the means indispensable for guaranteeing the tranquility of all citizens of the republic throughout an immense extent of national territory. "For this reason my government has devoted all its attention to the organi- zation of the army, increasing it, with the full consent of Congress, first to eighty thousand men, which figure has been reached. With this nucleus prep- arations have been made for the military operations which have to be undertaken for the pacification of the republic. "As is notorious, this period of prep- aration has brought about the pacifica- tion of twenty-two states, three terri- tories and the Federal district and it has been possible to confine the revolution to five states only. Real Campaign to Come. "From what I have said, it will be seen that the campaign against the Northern rebels has not, properly speak- ing, been begun, the reason being lack of forces, of which, however, the gov- ernment is now in possession. The cam- paign will be pushed resolutely as from January i next, and you may rest as- sured, as the government is, that the rebels can never make a serious stand against the power of the republic." Huerta goes on to say that the increase of the army to 150,000 men is for the purpose of assuring the permanence of peace. He adds that each state has a local militia of 1,000 men, and 52,000 'haciendados have been authorized to employ ten armed men each for the pro- tection of their farms, so that, altogether, for the restoration of peace the govern- ment counts a force of over 700,000 men. In regard to international relations of Mexico, Huerta says; "I have simply to say to you that we are at peace with the whole world, and while it is true that a great people have withdrawn from us their valued and im- portant friendship, it is not we who are to blame." Secretary Bryan is not so solicitous concerning the barbaric crimes of Villa as he is that the "constitutionalist" cause may be hurt in the United States. MEXICO Saturday, December 20, 1913 A LETTER FROM HUERTA WHICH HE DID NOT WRITE. George Sylvester Viereck contributes another chapter to the volume of "Let- ters That Never Were Written," in the International Magazine for December. It is presumed to have been written, however, by President Huerta of Mex- ico to President, Wilson, on November 25. Sir: In accordance with the duties of my exalted office and the dictates of my conscience, I am compelled, much to my regret, to inform your excellency, that it will hereafter be impossible for me and my government to recognize your administration. I have instructed my representative whom, for reasons of your own, you have refused to receive, to de- mand 3'our instant resignation as Presi- dent of the United States. I have no quarrel with }'0u personally and I have the highest respect for your people, but 1 feel that the Republic of Mexico owes a duty to the democracy of the world. To my mind j-ou are an usurper of ad- ministrative power, even if, according to a loose interpretation of the Constitu- tion, you hold your office according to law. Without quibbling over terms, the fundamental fact remains that republi- can government is a government by the majority of the people. If you will scan the election returns of 1913 you will find that you were never legally elected by a majority of the voters of your great country. My colleague, Senor Blanquet, informs me that the votes cast for Pres- ident in the election to which you owe your alleged elevation to office were di- vided as follows: Senor Taft 3,369,331 Genera! Roosevelt 4,057,429 Senor Debs 812,731 Senor Wilson 6,292,718 It is iherefore clear that you repre- sent a minority of the American people which, by violating the great principles that inspired George Washington and our immortal Juarez, has arrogated to itself the government of your country. The vote against you exceeded your vote 2 millions. It is painful for me to state the facts so bluntly to your excellency, but I do not see hov/ you can remain in ofifice against the clear and unmistak- able verdict of the majority of the peo- ple. I owe it to myself, I owe it to my country and to the traditional friend- ship existing between the Mexican Union and the United States of America, to in- sist that you and your entire Cabinet in- stantly vacate the White House. I shall not be satisfied if your excel- lency were to resign merely as a matter of form while continuing to hold the reins of government by means of a dummy. I shall not permit Senor Mar- shall to succeed you, inasmuch as he is disqualified from office for the same reasons that render your election in- valid from the point of view of the Mex- ican constitution. Nor shall I recog- nize Senor Bryan, Admiral Daniels or any member of your official family, as your successor. I demand the immediate proclamation of a new general election. Meanwhile, however — for it is not my intention to embarrass your government and the noble people of the United States — I shall be perfectly content if you will name Senor Champ Clark as provisional president. If the honorable senor ac- cepts the designation, my government will deal with him as the de facto execu- tive of your glorious republic. Mean- while, in case any accident should be- fall Senor Champ Clark, I shall hold your excellency personally strictly re- sponsible. I must insist, moreover, to make my- self perfectly plain that neither you your- self nor anyone else connected with your administration shall be a candi- date for election. I have no objection to the candidacy of General Roosevelt. His absence from .A.merican soil, how- ever, renders him ineligible to oflice ac- cording to Mexican law. I suggest a quarantine of all American ports, in view of the ravages of malaria in the interior of Patagonia, if the general should indi- cate the desire to return to your country before election. I should like to make plain that his excellency, the Honorable William H. Taft. is the candidate whose election would be most acceptable to my government. Shortly before his departure my la- mented predecessor called my attention to another matter of grave importance. It seems that your lower house likewise was not elected in accordance with the Mexican constitution. I will not insist on an immediate dissolution of congress, but I demand that every candidate who has not received a clear majority of the votes in his district shall immediately enter another special election, running against the candidate who reeeived the largest number of votes next to him. If this request is not complied with, I shall be forced to repudiate congress and de- clare the election void. Any disagreement with my views will be construed by my government as an unfriendly act. I realize that my posi- tion may be regarded as academic, but I cannot deviate from the path laid out to me by conscience, even at the ex- pense of my country and untold sacri- fices in blood and money. If your excellency should fail to ac- cede to my well meant suggestions with- in forty-eight hours from date, I shall place an immediate embargo on chili pepper. In case of your failure to rec- ognize Senor Clark as your successor, I shall recognize the leader of one of your rival factions in the sovereign states of New York and New Jersey as provision- al president of the United States. I am still wavering between Senor Nugent and Senor Murphy, but I shall dispatch a personal representative to negotiate with the two leaders. His clerical and journalistic experience — he is the editor of the periodical which prints my speeches — vouch for his consummate skill in the game of diplomacy and international politics. I trust that your excellency will not misconstrue my gentle insinuations as an ultimatum. Nothing could be further from my mind. It is not my intention to meddle with internal affairs of neigh- boring republics. I am not even acting in the interest of my country. I offer my friendly advice merely because I am a man of iron principle, actuated by high ideals. I believe firmly in the govern- ment of the majority when the majority is right. I believe in the government of the people when the people agree with me. Pray be not alarmed by the dispatch of mv entire fleet to Bar Harbor. It is merely. I assure your excellency, for the CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE FRONT. (By Private Wire to "The Sun Dial.") Pennsylvania Station, New York, Dec. 13. — Heavy firing heard in all the after- noon newspapers. No Mexicans in sight as yet. Hotel Shoreham, Washington, D. C, Dec. 13. — The "Washington Post" an- nounces that Tampico has fallen. Have not yet been able to verify this. Mexico is a great country. New Orleans, La., Dec. 15. — I learn from the New Orleans "Picayune" that Gen. Huerta is now President of Mex- ico. A drummer tells me that Spanish is widely spoken in Mexico. All quiet here. El Paso, Te.x., Dec. 17. — At 9 p. m. to-morrow the Associated Press will an- nounce the capture of Tampico by the Federalists. At 8 a. m. the following morning the A. P. will contradict this rumor. — New York "Sun." NO TROUBLE AT ALL. "No effort will be made to get ship- ments of munitions of war out of New Orleans for Mexico," was the statement made by friends of the Carrancista move- ment yesterday in denial of the report that they were in communication with a certain shipping agency here with a view to getting a steamer to transport arms and ammunition to some place on the Mexican coast. "We have all the arms and ammunition we need now," it was declared, "and if we need more, we will not get them out of this port," it was stated. The revolutionists are experiencing lit- tle difficulty in getting munitions of war across the Rio Grande at points between Eagle Pass and El Paso, "where we have many friends," it was intimated. Large shipments, including a number of ma- chine guns and mountain pieces, passed through here a fortnight ago, en route to an unnamed destination on the Texas- Mexican frontier, and, it is admitted, a considerable portion has already been delivered to General Villa. "The Constitutionalists have sent no shipments of arms out of New Orleans by steamer," it was declared, "for we have not found it necessary to do that." New Orleans, it was understood from other sources close to the Carranza movement, continues to be the point from which the distribution of arms and am- munition is directed, however. Manuel Castrillo Brito, formerly governor of Campeche and whom the Mexican Gov- ernment tried to extradite on a charge of murder, is reported to be the man who is directing General ' Carranza's affairs here. Mr. Brito, it was stated, makes frequent visits to Washington, where he communicates with certain high officials of the government through Captain S. G. Hopkins, General Carranza's legal ad- viser in the national capital. — New Or- leans "Picayune." protection of Mexican citizens in the United States. Do not, I beg of you, misinterpret the call to arms of three hundred thousand men as a warlike movement aimed against your glorious repuliHc. Convey my compliments to Senor Bryan and believe me, With cordial regards, your sincere vifellwisher, HUERTA, President. Saturday, December 20, 1913 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. INFORMAL AND OFFENSIVE. President Wilson and Mr. Bryan have the most unusual notions as to what is proper in international relations. They think that they can send private persons upon any sort of an errand into one of the smaller countries of this hemisphere — to see how strong those countries are, to see how they behave, to see how they conduct their electoral and other politi- cal functions — and that the countries con- cerned ought to be rather glad to be the objects of these unofficial inspections. These private inspectors are not accred- ited to the government of the country to which they are sent; they cannot be, for they have no standing in the law as representatives of the United States. They are merely private agents sent out by the President and his secretary of state in order to secure information and make reports which never see the 'ight of day, but upon which the government of this country, so far as our government is embodied in President Wilson and Mr. Bryan, proposes to base its policy and its acts. Both the social and the diplomatic rule is for the greater to show more re- spect and exercise more formality to- ward the lesser. The most important man in the neighborhood does not treat his less well-known neighbors with less courtesy, but with more, simply because he is the better known. Least of all does he presume upon his wider reputa- tion to send agents to see how they treat their wives or whether they pay their servants regu'arly or not. It is so between states when their relations are friendly. The larger country is very punctilious with the smaller country, simply because the people of both coun- tries know very well that the larger country can do pretty much as it pleases. These unofficial and confidential missions sent out by President Wilson are offen- sive violations of this rule. The Constitution of the United States provides for a diplomatic and consular service as the means by which this gov- ernment acquires its information about foreign countries, whether they are near at hand or far away. There is no other regular way for our government to se- cure this information. President Wilson does not appear to like or trust this customary and official means of conduct- ing international business. He uses it where he has no special interest in these relations between states; but when he is specially concerned he sends private per- sons of his own selection and who are responsible to him alone. Then he ex- pects the smaller and inspected countries to look pleased over this informality and irregularity. The fact that the United States is also left out of the ac- count in this new method is also a fact to be noted. — Hartford "Daily Courant." PRESS COMMENTS ON THE MESSAGE. "President Wilson's first annual mes- sage to Congress is like his inaugural message and his special messages, vague and indefinite as to most matters of large public concern. The reference to Mexi- can affairs is brief, evasive and altogeth- er unsatisfactory. The country has been expecting a ringing note against the trusts. .\t reading his first message, however, and finding it as empty of prac- tical suggestions as any of the special messages which have preceded it, pub- lic opinion is very likely to despair of any other leadership than that expressing it- self in Congress through a party caucus and the disposition of spoils. — St. Louis "Globe Democrat." "Undoubtedly his policy of watching and waiting is a far more commendable policy than the policy of intervention urged by our jingoists and our exploiters of the John Hays Hammond dollar mark, but how much better policy it would have been if, discarding the mis- chievous Roosevelt perversion of the Monroe Doctrine and disabusing himself of the notion that it is for the United States to dictate the standard of govern- ment or morals of Latin America, he had blazed out as the Wilson doctrine that it is for the United States to work out its own ideals in its own territory, without essaying to lay down standards of government or morals for peoples for whom we have no responsibility and over whom we have no authority save that which we may assume — in short, if he had set his jaw and made up his mind that, in so far as he was able to effect it, we were going to mind our own business and leave other nations to mind theirs!" — Louisville "Courier Journal." "We shall hope to see constitutional order restored in distressed Mexico." Of course we shall, but how? Mr. Wilson tells us "by the concert and energy of such of her leaders as prefer the liberty of their people to their own ambitions." Fine and dandy! But where, oh, where, in all Mexico are such leaders to be found? Certainly they are not in the ranks of those bloodthirsty and murder- ous bandits who, with the moral support of this government, to-day are making Mexico a waste. — Ft. Wayne "Evening News." The President, who is a sincere be- liever in certain important reforms, has not hesitated to impose the power of the executive branch upon the legisla- tive branch. He has not hesitated to drive through measures which could not have been driven through without his backing as a dispenser and withholder of patronage. He has not hesitated to send as his personal representatives to Mex- ico, in matters of the very highest im- portance to that country and to this, "envoys" who could not represent offi- cially the nation in any emergency. In- deed, there are times when it seems to the' average observer that Mr. Wilson is not so much concerned for party plat- forms and for the fundamental law as he is for his own prestige, power and for his control of federal legislation. — Bos- ton "Journal." TRYING TO EXPLAIN. General Carranza's reply to Governor Hunt, who had sent a friendly and un- official remonstrance against the execu- tion of Mexican Federalist prisoners at Juarez, is not likely to inspire confidence in the methods of the Constitutionalists. The insurgent chief infers that the revul- sion of feeling caused in the United States by the barbarities of Villa is due to "an imperfect understanding of the peculiar character of the Mexican prob- lems;" and then General Carranza pro- ceeds to explain that the acts complained of are in reprisal of more numerous and similar acts of the Federals — as if the American people did not know what they were talking about when they express horror over the Mexican practice of sav- age retaliation. General Carranza may asseverate, until he is blue in the face, that he and his followers are merely "proceeding with calm and severe jus- tice" — he will never reconcile this nation to that peculiar Central American insti- tution, the "political gallows." When the Mexican insurgents extend their vendetta to persons of other na- tionality than their own they invite com- plications, which cannot be disposed of by the remarks that the peculiarity of Mexico's problems requires treatment so peculiar as to be beyond the comprehen- sion of foreigners. The banishment of the Spanish residents of Chihuahua and the confiscation of their property by Villa are outrages which General Car- ranza cannot expiate by writing a de- precatory letter. Of course, the Span- iards in Mexico are primarily under the protection of their own consular and diplomatic representatives; but, after im- posing upon other foreign nations our policy of non-intervention in Mexico, it would be unreasonable for this Govern- ment to deny its moral responsibility for the safety of their people. — Philadelphia "Record." WHY IT IS NOT MORAL. Mexico City. — It is also claimed that in Morelos, Puebla, Guerrero and else- where in Central and Southern Mexico there are many Villas on a smaller scale, and the hope is expressed here that Washington will take into account that the Huerta government, whatever its origin maj' have been, is the sole power that can protect the law-abiding ele- ments of the community from the ex- cesses of these enemies of society, and that every weakening of the Huerta gov- ernment means a corresponding diminu- tion of its ability to accomplish that task. — ^New York "Tribune." THEY DON'T. If the considerable number of soldiers operating along the Mexican frontier now are unalde to check the shipment of large quantities of arms and ammunition into that country for the use of the rebels there is little use in discussing the question of raising the embargo on such shipments. No doubt the ease with which rifles and cartridges are smug- gled across the border has had much to do with the success of the forces under Carranza and Villa. Except that the rais- ing of it might be of political importance to the Constitutionalists they probably care very little about the embargo. — Savannah (Ga.) "Weekly News." MEXICO Saturday, December 20, 1913 THE REAL VILLA. The defence by General Carranza of the execution of Mexican federal officers at Juarez by his military colleague, Gen- eral Villa, is somewhat disingenuous. In answer to Governor Hunt of Arizona who, writing as a private citizen, said that the continuation of summary execu- tions by insurgent commanders would horrify the people of the United States and alienate their sj-mpathy, General Carranza speaks of "the struggle for civilization and justice" which the consti- tutionalists are carrying on, and sug- gests that owing to "the peculiar char- acter of the Mexican problems" a "wrong construction" is likely to be placed on their acts. He then dilates on the "mur- der" of constitutionalists who "fell wounded while fighting for the liberty of the people," and this he makes the basis for the characterization of Villa's deeds of bloodthirstiness as "calm and severe justice." To Carranza these deeds do not appear needless cruelty visited upon prisoners of war but merely such punishment as was prescribed by the law applicable to offenders against the public peace and safety. It is desirable to ascertain whether the real Villa is a civilized general or a des- perate bandit. As Zapata has ravaged his native state of Morelos, Villa is rav- aging Chihuahua. His policy as a rebel leader is one of pillage, savage reprisals and indiscriminate slaughter. Yet if the constitutionalists win, it is possible that this villain may attempt to make himself president of Mexico." — Rochester "Post- Express." READING THE LAW. Somehow, it is not clear why, or hovy, it is conceived by those who may want to think that way, that the Monroe Doc- trine gives the United States the right to do as she pleases with the lesser nations in this hemisphere. That we may inter- vene any time we see fit, either under the guise of the welfare of the nation in- volved, but really for our own. In short that we are the big boss of this half of the world, and can do as we please with it. The truth is the Monroe Doctrine gives the United States no more privilege than any other country. Under international law it could not. When the Monroe Doctrine notified the world that the United States would act as the protector, the friend, the active ally, if need be, in repelling invasion of any country on this side of the world, for any cause whatso- ever, we also notified the world that, un- der no circumstances except for protec- tion, would the United States intervene in the affairs of any of the American na- tions. This is a point that those who want the United States to rush into Mexico seem either to not know or else to stu- diously ignore. But if we, who have made the law, are the first to break it, or the only country to break our own law, what may we expect of other na- tions? Can we hope to force them to respect our law which we cannot respect ourselves? Can we expect them to keep out of a country while we go in? — St. Louis "Globe-Democrat." Hucrta tried to establish a government of order and law, but President Wilson's financial block- ade prevented him from borrowing money, and he could not raise it as the bandit chieftains do by thievery and extortion. If Villa captures the capital and treats it as he ticated Victoria and Durango, the stricken city may thank the aston- ishing diplomacy of the President of the United States. — Rochester "Post- Express." PUBLIC OPINION-Continued CONSIDER GRIEF, NOT GLORY. Forcible intervention in Mexico would mean: An army of 200,000 American youth at a cost of ?1,000,000 a day and many lives kept in a dangerous climate probably for years. A continuous homeward procession of physical wrecks with new blood forwarded to replace them, draining our nation's vitality. The spread of sorrow in homes now happy, the disturbance of peaceful industry and commerce, more pension burdens, a generation fretted. Who are calling for such a sacrifice? The owners of property in Mexico, many of them mere gamblers on a long chance. Big in- terests which find in war new opportunities for public plunder. The restless, the speculative, the turbulent. And those money magnates who want a herring drawn across the trail of the American people's pursuit of privilege. Not one of the men who are clamoring for the invasion of Mexico would be in the ranks. Those men never fight, except by proxy. You would have to do the fighting — you or your sons. The men who now clamor for war would stay home and pull chestnuts out of the fire. Even so, it is inconceivable that the necessity for an invasion of Mexico might arise. But it hasn't come yet and itisn't in sight. — Minneapolis "News." Be this as it may, the case is different to-day. Not one per cent, of Americans want war with Mexico. There is no evidence that what may be called manifest destiny is impelling us to expansion southward, and if a blind obstinacy or a blundering diplomacy pushes us into war it will be a national misfortune, disaster, crime. Fate seems at times to force a great emergency on individuals or nations and, if they meet it bravely. Providence enables them to acquit themselves with credit and the end is overruled to their advantage. But where men blunder against intuition, light and leading into a mistaken course, all they get out of it of value is the lesson, and they pay a costly price for that. A war for the right, a war imposed upon a nation by its destiny, a war which is a part of some comprehensive, unseen plan for human de- velopment, a war which helps to straighten out time's mighty tangle, adds lustre to a ruler and glorifies the people it wakens to a national con- sciousness. There is said to be a time for war, wars that are of God, a book of the wars of the Lord. But wars brought on a people by short- sightedness or folly against the popular intuition and desire can never exalt a nation. — Rochester "Post-Express." A GRAVE RESPONSIBILITY. Paris, Dec. 3 — Commenting upon Pres- ident Wilson's message to Congress, "The Temps" says: "It appears to have forgotten that Porfirio Diaz ruled with only a sem- blance of constitutionalism; yet he as- sured peace, order and prosperity in Mexico during a generation. It is only since the revolution in the name of con- stitutionalism was begun that Mexico has fallen into anarchy and chaos in which the constitutionalists themselves are the worse factors. "One cannot fail to be struck by the contrast between the tranquil and studied idealism with which President Wilson follows out his Mexican policy aud the brutal realities reported in even the mild- est dispatches from Mexico. "President Wilson is taking a grave responsibility in his determined efforts to overthrow Provisional President Huerta because his dictatorship is the only organized social force still existing in Mexico." "HUMANITY" AS MANIFESTED BY CARRANZA. Because they could not afford to keep them, because they suspected them of being deserters from the Constitutionalist ranks, because the in- surrectos needed clothes, because the captives had fought too bravely are some of the reasons given by Carranza's lieutenants for the wholesale murder of prisoners after the recent battle at Juarez. The dispatches tell of one company of thirty men, stripped even to their shoes, so that their clothing would not be marred by bullet holes, and shot dead. The clothes, it appears, were precious. The lives worthless. The conviction of civilized nations that prisoners are to be humanely treated and their assassination is a foul blot on the commander permitting it is looked upon by these Mexicans — whom our Administra- tion holds in high regard — as a ridiculous bit of Gringo sentimentality. The continued successes of the followers of Carranza may uphold the contention that Huerta is unable to maintain his authority. That con- tention never had much force or effect anyway. But it is clear that the greater the success of "patriots" of this sort the more convincing is the evidence that they are utterly incapable of erecting a government that shall take Mexico out of the wallow of blood in which she has lain since the fall of Diaz. — San Francisco "Exam- iner." AFTER? What reason is there to believe that Carranza will be able to bring about peace and good order in Mexico on the heels of revolution when Madero failed in times of comparative quiet, supposing Carranza to be successful in deposing Huerta? What reason is there to believe that Villa will be the faithful coadjutor of Carranza? What reason is there to believe that an}' of the other bandit chiefs will be faithful coadjutors of Carranza? There may be a moment's rejoicing in America when Huerta falls, because we have decreed that he must fall. But to what purpose, if Huerta's fall means for Mexico nothing more than change from one scene of disorder to another? — Des Moines "Register and Leader." BANDITS. As was expected there are a number of small floating bands of bandits scat- tered through a large part of Mexico. They care nothing for Huerta or Car- ranza. They are looking after their own interest. Naturally, since they have noth- ing, they preach the distribution of wealth and the cutting up and division of lands. They don't want to work. They want something for nothing. They are glad the country is in foment, for there is no authority now that can spare the time and men to hunt them down. They will exist until there is a settled, power- ful government in Mexico. Porfirio Diaz had to deal with such bands long ago. He solved the problem by converting them into rurales. Mexico will have to go through a long sj^stem of evolution, of popular education, of interior develop- ment, before there will be no danger of the formation of bandit bands again. — Savannah "Weekly News." Just how our State Department figures out that the success of the rebels would bring peace to Mexico is not apparent to people familiar with conditions in Mexico. It is not even apparent just how Huerta could be replaced did he elect to resign and retire, as our government demands. The notion that Mexico can be governed along constitutional lines is an absurdity. — New Or- leans "Picayune." Saturday, December 20, 1913 MEXICO 11 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. The Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: In spite of all the evidence of the friendly relations cultivated by the Master of the White House toward the chief of the Mexican rebels through the ex-Rev. Dr. Hale, it is hard to realize that the President of the most cultured nation on earth is seeking the friendship of the worst class of bandits, yet such is the case, and still worse — the daily press informs us that the Administration in Washington, and even "Presi- dent Wilson" himself, is inclined to view the recent acts of the Mexican rebels "with com- placency," and it is common knowledge that these "recent acts" have included every violation of civilized warfare from the murder in cold blood of prisoners of war to the ravishing of defenseless women. It is almost unbelievable that Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bryan can view these acts "with complac- ency" and that the American government is nominal head of the various marauding bands that form the "constitutionalist" party, yet this remarkable declaration of the Administration's feeling in the matter was made "after" the recent carnival of cold-blooded murder in Juarez I The idea that the friendship extended to these rebels who are responsible for every outrage known to the catalogue of crime can possibly be done in the interests of "humanitarian" prin- ciples is clearly untenable, and perhaps soon we may know the real reason when the American public tires of "watchful waiting" and demands to know the true motive for instigating bandits to devastate a helpless people. Let "Dollar Diplomacy" be condemned if it is unworthy of support by the American people, but let us hesi- tate to substitute "cut-throat diplomacy" by aid- ing and abetting Carranza and his ilk to trample the prostrate form of war-devastated Mexico. Baltimore. Md. C. U. MUESTA, To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: We as a race are careless, and in such a rush most of the time that we don't stop to think until an avalanche is on us, but the average American wants to be square, and when you once can reach the better part of him he will be, to Mexico, or any one else, and the time will come when he will know, and in this city there are many now who openly denounce the methods taken in Mexico by the United States. Very truly yours, Kansas City, Mo. N. GRAVES. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: I wish you would explain to me and your other readers this contradiction: The Administration and the newspapers that support it have insisted for months past that the object of the refusal to have anything to do with the Mexican Government was to discourage revo- lutions in Latin-American countries. The Administration officials and the same news- papers openly express their gratification with the revolutionists in Mexico. 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU "915 0Jiig^,^r7GT^o"rlj':?>'.^c^ 1916 Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legisla- tion. Does it mean that we are for revolutions when they serve our selfish interests and against them when they do not? Then why do we talk of "morality above ex- pediency"? What does it mean? PUZZLED. FROM LIND'S CHALLENGER. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: I wonder if you noticed the headlines in one of the evening papers the past week. Something like this: "Lind Taking No Chances. Practically Prisoner in the American Consulate." Isn't it the truth? Wonder how the cap- tion passed the censorship. Bet some one lost his job for letting a thing like that through. No wonder no acceptance has come to the bona fide challenge I made Mr. Lind, to go with me to Du- rango and Chihuahua incognito. The mess table of the Admiral's flagship is so much more congenial. And it is so easy to insult a nation from behind the protection of American marines. One can also form such an infallible opinion of conditions in the north of Mexico from the bay at Vera Cruz. Stay where you are, Mr. Lind — it's safer. I suppose I am one of the "insignifi- cant smaller citizens" that "important citizen" Hearst wants to protect. Funny, isn't it, that we who have lived in Mex- ico don't want the kind of protection William Randolph Hearst thinks good for us? Mr. Hearst has long boasted of the impartiality of his newspaper syndi- cate. Why does he not with the usual flare of trumpets throw open the col- umns of his newspapers to the opinions of those who have lived in Mexico? Why will he not be broad enough to help save a nation? Why will he not call to his offices representative Americans from Mexico and tell them frankly that the policy of the Hearst papers will be for- mulated from the consensus of opinion expressed at that meeting? Mr. Hearst would earn the undying gratitude of the Latin - American people. True, the Washington Administration would frown upon such a frank viewing of facts face to face. But party politics are evanescent. What if the doors were closed to your Washington correspond- ent, Mr. Hearst! A much larger, whole- somer, and glorious portal would be opened forthwith. The golden key to millions of affectionate hearts would be handed you. And myriads of patriotic lips would murmur benedictions on the man who was great enough to stand alone in defense of a nation beaten to the dust. The passing of Huerta would mean the death of Mexican nationalism, and the names of those instrumental in commit- tms the crime will go down the ages covered with lasting and merited ignominy. Yours sincerely, THE CHALLENGER. New York City, Dec. 7, 1913. MAPS IN COLORS Showing individiial and corporate hold- ings in The Mexican Gulf Coast Oil Fields Accurate in every detail — A necessity for everybody interested in Mexican Oil N. PAULSEN, CivU Engineer, Station O, Box 72 New York City Do you think Mexico is goings to the bow-wows? Well, think again. Mexico is all right and there is a lot of business done there. We have a fine transfer business for sale. Making money right along, revolu- tions or no revolutions. If you are interested vrrite to us. We will give you all the particulars and you will be surprised. Address MEXICO, IS Broad St., N. Y. C. THE "MARCON" Cushioned Arch Support Fine for Tired Aching Feet, Fallen Arches, Flat Feet, and Weak Ankles. Have helped others. They will help you. Write for free booklet and testimonials. MARCON MANUFACTURING CO. Brooklyn, N. Y. $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. (Cut out this order and mail $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. to-dav.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York Gty, Enclosed find $ to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with - number for subscription MEXICO Saturday, December 20, 1913 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buy_ers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York MORALITY. If you were a decent, respectable Mex- ican — and there are millions of them — and your sister, wife or daughter were assaulted by the savage bandits of Villa, and in your overwhelming shame, an- guish and helplessness you could only raise your hands to heaven and ask God how such things can be, you would re- alize to the full the immorality, the crim- inality of those who are encouraging Vil- la and others of his kind in their devil's work of pillage and rapine. And you would put the blame and the responsi- bility on those rapacious Americans who are supplying the bandits with arms and munitions of war across the border, on the American newspapers which howl with glee at every new prospect of bandit success in Mexico, yes, and on the Wash- ington Administration which has openly invited the co-operation of these self- same bandits to justify its "moral" stand against the Government of Mexico. Morality, morality, morality, oh, what a crime is being committed in your name! If the Southern negroes, worked up to a barbaric frenzy by ambitious and clever agitators, harping on the grievances of disfranchisement, segregation and race prejudice, should receive arms and am- munition from Mexico, financial aid from Mexican interests seeking to exploit our Southern States, as well as moral sup- port from the President of Mexico, and thereupon should leave their work in the fields and towns to form into mobile bands to loot and murder and ravish in the mountains and unprotected towns and villages, it would almost exactly parallel the present conditions in Mex- ico. And such are the very conditions that our esteemed President and his equally esteemed. Secretary of State are doing their best to prolong. Is that mor- ality? Of course it is true that back of this condition of barbarous brigandage in Mexico there are deep and vital griev- ances affecting the well-being and future of the masses of the people. Nobody de- nies this. Nobody denies that the ne- groes in this country have deep and vital grievances that in time, by a process of evolution, will have to be faced and dealt with for the greatest good of the greatest number. But the solution of intricate racial and economic problems takes time. We are not gods who can accomplish by fiat. We are only poor human beings who must work out our destinies in never-ending travail. Cer- tainly the most idealistically moral in- tention to "satisfy the aspirations" of the masses of Mexico does not warrant the encouragement of the heinous crimes of the Villas of that unhappy land. If the conditions described above could and should become prevalent in our Southern States, what would be the duty of the President of the United States, whatever his personal belief in the right or justice of the grievances that served as an explanation or an excuse for the lawlessness and violence? Would he not owe it to the country, to civilization, to humanity to use all the force at his command, with relentless purpose and an iron hand, to put an end to a vicious ar intolerable rebellion? The very life of the nation would be at stake, and he would be a coward and a traitor who would not fight to save it. And while the President, hampered for lack of money and available forces, was striving with superhuman might to crush the beast of anarchy and hold in check the ready pas- sions of a barbarous race, what would he feel, how would the people of the country feel, how would the world feel toward the President of a neighboring republic who, unctuously speaking moral platitudes, by his personal antagonism would encour- age the forces of anarchy and seek to close the money markets of the world against our Government? If Huerta were the worst criminal in the world, that fact would not justify our promotion of a saturnalia of crime. We beg to call the particular attention of our readers to the incisive, perfectly logical statements of Dr. Woolsey, Pro- fessor of International Law at Yale, con- cerning the refusal of the Wilson Admin- istration to recognize the provisional gov- ernment of President Huerta. Dr. Wool- sey's statements were published in the weekly "Independent," and we reproduce them in this issue of MEXICO. No doubt John Bassett Moore, the learned counsellor of the State Department, has long since pointed out to President Wil- son and Secretary Bryan that their atti- tude toward the Mexican Government is indefensible in international law. It re- mained for Dr. Woolsey, as an equal authority on international law, to point out that the Administration's course is opposed to good usage and common sense as well. INSIDIOUS. As an illustration of the insidious power of the press and the cleverness of the campaign of misrepresentation against Mexico, ask any newspaper reader whether Huerta became Presi- dent before or after Madero was killed. Almost invariably the answer is "after." In discussing Mexico the uninformed always take it for granted that Huerta was the beneficiary of Madero's death. The fact is that Huerta became Provis- ional President of Mexico several days before Madero was killed. This is a fact perfectly well known to the officials of the Washington Administration and to the editors of newspapers, yet how care- fully they, help to create and intensify the impression that the death of Ma- dero was either caused or permitted by Huerta so that he might assume the Presidential chair. "WHATEVER IT MAY BE." Ex-President Taft asked for the coun- try's support of the Administration's Mexican policy, "whatever that may be." In the same speech he deplored United States intervention and pointed out what a bloody and costly undertaking it would be. But in the opinion of many the Ad- ministration's "whatever it may be" pol- icy is daily shaping events that may make armed invasion a necessity. Is it not better first to find out about this "whatever it may be" policy before it plunges us into the very situation that ex-President Taft and all other far-see- ing men wQJild avoid? Blind support is not the part of patriotism under these circumstances. IT WILL OUT. In order to save its face before the voters of the country the Administra- tion has been forced to take an optimis- tic view of the outcome of its unprece- dented and ineffectual methods of inter- ference in Mexican internal affairs. If this view has not actually been taken in private it has always been expressed for public consumption. The White House and State Department have dished out optimism in huge platters to the news- paper correspondents, whose duty it has been to pass it along to the people of the country. But the truth will out. At last reports Bryan's conscience is still clear. Transparent is the word. * * » Well, what's the matter with you? Isn't his name going down in history? And hasn't John Lind got a soft job? And mustn't the blood of Madero be avenged? MEXICO A Weekly to PrtMnote intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Run« Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth CUmbg Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. I— No. 19 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1913 FIVE CENTS LIES OF A WEEK. Spaniards of Chihuahua were robbed and expelled for their own good. * * * Tampico attacked again. » * • New note from Washington to Gen- eral Huerta. * • • Little ammunition left in Mexico City. Mexico City in danger from Zapa- tistas. * • • Villa advances on Mexico City with army of 15,000 men. * * * Mexican foreign loan fails. Efforts of Huerta to raise money in Paris futile! * • • Mexico City will fall in one month! * * * Villa will eat his Christmas dinner in Mexico City. * * • Huerta will resign. * * • Lord Cowdray will name new Provi- sional President. * • • Huerta's men rob Americans' houses In Tampico. * • • Gloom in Mexico City at Christmas time. * • • Mexicans fire on United States troops. * * * Huerta's men mutiny. * • * Huerta's cabinet disagrees. » * » Huerta tottering. * * * Huerta defies United States. * * * Rebel "control" extended. * • • Rebels will fire on foreign ships bear- ing arms to Mexican Government. * * * Federal troops not paid and may make trouble. * • • And so on, and so on and so on. LOOKING AT THE BRIGHT SIDE There is no cloud so black that it has not a bright side even though it may be hidden from our sight. The cloud hanging over distracted Mexico has its silver lining. Rebellion, pillage, loot, destruction, rape, so efificiently, so successfully en- couraged by the Washington .Adminis- tration, are proving to be a deadly boomerang against the men who direct- ly or indirectly are responsible for their existence. Villa and his men defeated themselves and the "cause" which they represent when they were successful in capturing Ciudad Juarez and were allowed to take possession of Chihuahua. No greater victories have been won by the Mexican Government and by the cause of civilization, law and order than those gained by the very success of Villa's purposes. It may be safely predicted that if Villa and other bandit leaders are al- lowed to take possession of a few more northern cities the rebellion against the Huerta Government will receive a self- inflicted mortal wound. It is sufficient to enumerate the prin- cipal causes for the prolonged life of the rebellion to perceive clearly the self- evident truth of our assertion. Tliese causes are twofold, one exter- ior and one interior. The exterior one is the support received by rebels and bandits on this side of the Rio Grande, owing to the attitude of the Washington Administration. This attitude, until now countenanced by a part of the .American public, has made possible the prospering of rebel juntas in this country, the un- hindered supplying of rebels and bandits with arms, munitions and money. Public opinion has not lifted a mighty protest against such an attitude because public opinion was deceived and kept in ignorance, even by the Administration itself, as to the purposes of the so-called revolution and as to the character of its leaders. The interior cause has been the natu- ral apathy of Mexicans themselves and the selfishness and indifference of their wealthy class. This is the class that, having at its disposal the greatest means to help in the restoration of peace and order, does the least to help the government to ac- complish the task of restoring order and peace. It is the class that expects from the government full protection for property and life but has not been willing to give either money or men to insure such pro- tection. Let us consider the present status of the exterior influence. The killings of Ciudad Juarez within hearing and sight of the American peo- ple, the sacking of Chihuahua, the ex- pulsion of foreigners to the American border, all these atrocities and more have suddenly opened the eyes of those Americans who had heretofore been blind to the truth. No effort on the part of the rebel juntas or on the part of the Administration, that called to its assis- tance men like Governor Hunt of Ari- zona, has succeeded in warding oflf the revulsion of sentiment when the truth was learned. The attempts to explain (Continued on Next Page.) MEXICO Saturday, December 27, 1913 LOOKING AT THE BRIGHT SIDE— (Continued) and even justify such crimes as those committed by Villa and his men have failed. Whatever moral support the bandits devastating Mexico in the name of the Constitution have received from the people of this country will be gradually withdrawn and the bandits' friends and accomplices will be compelled to with- draw theirs. For the people of this country will not acquiesce in a policy that is making them responsible before the world for the barbarities of which Villa and other rebel leaders are guilty. As to the inhabitants of those Mexi- can cities which have fallen or are likely to fall into the hands of the rebels, their apathy and indifference will be shaken by the outrages to which they have to submit. The wealthy will find out that it is far better to make some personal or pecuniary sacrifice to support the gov- ernment than to be the victims of loot and despoliation. The spirit of self-preservation will finally awaken and kindle a civic spirit which has been sadly lacking in Mexico except in rare cases. Wherever the citizens of a city are not willing to organize in self-defense, wherever they are not willing to lend their open and loyal support to the gov- ernment, they can hardly blame the gov- ernment for their deserved fate. A few lessons such as that received by the in- habitants of Chihuahua will perhaps be sufficient to dissipate once for all the proverbial apathy of the Mexicans. They will also serve to bring the recal- citrant rich to a realization of their du- ties to the country and to the govern- ment. But there is more to the bright side of the dark cloud. In the prolonged struggle weak and useless human elements are being elim^ inated. Military training is being ex- tended. By this the race will profit. The prolonged strife reveals to the world the wonderful vitality of Mexico. It reveals its soundness at heart. With news of war and agitation is also spread the knowledge of Mexico's wonderful re- sources, of its immeasurable wealth, of its potential possibilities. In other words, Mexico is being advertised all over the world. And as a consequence we shall wit- ness in Mexico upon the restoration of ■peace the most extraordinary material and social development of any modern ■/lation. "GETTING HUERTA" As soon as Huerta disposes of Villa, the Carranza crowd will begin twittering eweet "constitutional" songs agziin, music to the ears of Bryan. ♦ * * There's a reason. They are still watchfully waiting. For what? "To get Huerta." That's all. Mexico can go to the dogs. Europe can fret and fume. Latin-America can cry out in protest against the Colossus of the North, the people of the United States grow sick and tired of the whole shabby business, but the Administration must "get Huerta." One of the arguments advanced by those who are with admirable but mis- taken loyalty upholding the Administra- tion's policy of "watchful waiting" is that the whole subject of Mexico is so com- plex and the mixture of good and evil so baffling in every phase that it is the part of wisdom to let events take their course until a clear way is seen out of the press of difficulties. This argument has, on the surface, an element of truth in it, but the deeper, more abiding truth is that the Adminis- tration in the beginning did not approach and at no time since has shown any ten- dency to approach the Mexican situation from so open-minded and impartial an angle. Mexico and its problems are complex, involved, baffling, even staggering, to those who would seek a prompt and last- ing solution. The keenest and deepest student of Mexican affairs hesitates be- fore suggesting any one method or plan that would solve everything. But fools rush in where angels don't. The Administration has shown by its words and actions that before coming into power it had never made a study of Mex- ican conditions or problems. It resented, quite naturally from a certain viewpoint, the intrusion of the Mexican question, an inheritance from a previous Admin- istration, into its carefully formulated and nurtured program of internal re- forms. But when the matter pressed for some action, some settlement, the Ad- ministration petulantly waved it aside with the statement that under no circum- stances would it recognize Huerta, there- by committing itself and tieing its hands. The reason given was that it was B'~- moral to recognize a government "stained with blood." From that time on the Administra- tion dismissed curtly any suggestions that it might be mistaken either in the facts on which it based its negative pol- icy or in the policy itself. It refused information from Americans in Mexico that might have thrown light on the in- creasingly complicated results and dan- gers of an off-hand and cocksure conclu- sion. It showed through more or less in- spired daily reports in the public press and later in the President's special mes- sage a personal irritation and a personal vindictiveness against the Provisional President of Mexico, regardless of the consequences. It welcomed all that President Huerta's enemies did and said against him and turned a deaf ear to anything in his favor. It has not from the beginning, in either official or semi-official utterances, indicated a constructive program in dealing with Mexican affairs, has not in- dicated what plans were in mind for the improvement of Mexican conditions or the solution of the problem of our rela- tions with Mexico. Not one word in this connection, except the expression of a vague hope that after the elimination of President Huerta things might be all right. But many words of vituperation and calumny directed at the person of the ruler of a neighboring and friendly nation. Has this been the attitude of a wise and broad-gauged Administration which has recognized the difficulties and com- plexities with which it has had to deal, and has used judicious care and patience in handling the situation? Has this been the attitude of a humane and far-seeing Administration seeking light and the ul- timate good of the world? Has this been the attitude of an unbiased, impar- tial Administration, with an ambition for justice and truth above the petty pre- judices of contending interests? We think not. We believe it has been an attitude born of misinformation, prejudice, irri- tation and personal antipathy, cloaked in meaningless flowery phrases, diluted with the hope, perhaps, that somehow it might turn out to be right. And we think this is the spirit of the "watchful waiting" to-day. We think that there is not the slightest indication that the Administration is watching the course of events with the idea of learn- ing the truth, analyzing the good and bad as they are coming to the surface, and forming its judgment of conditions and events accordingly. The watchful waiting means only that the Administration has determined that, because it has said so, because of its un- warranted fiat, unwarranted in both in- ternational law and common justice, one man. President Huerta, "must go," and that to accomplish this purpose it will use every insidious weapon in its power. We believe that the Administration will have to wait a very, very, very long time. Not because it is Huerta. But because so arbitrary and intolerant an attitude, by the very heart of wrong in it, will, in the natural course of human events, be revealed in all its littleness and nakedness, and will be defeated by itself. Saturday, December 27, 1913 MEXICO IS VENUSTIANO DEAD? Venustiano Carranza is dead. His name is only a cloak for the operations of a junta. This junta, with headquarters in Washington, is directed and advised by Captain Sherby G. Hopkins, who is also attorney for the Waters-Pierce Oil interests. Americans newspapers and news agencies have waged a campaign of lies and misrepresentations against the Huerta Government, at the behest of the American oil interests, to prevent the Huerta Government from getting money. President Wilson's efforts to do the same thing have tied civilized Mexico hand and foot while the savages of the coun- try have burned, destroyed and outraged her. These were some of the most telling points of an address delivered on the evening of December 20th by Major Cas- sius E. Gillette, U. S. A., before a large audience in the United Engineering So- cieties auditorium, New York City. Major Gillette, who, while in the Engi- neer Corps, exposed the Carter-Greene- Gaynor frauds in Savannah, said he had good reasons for believing that Carranza died last August 27th in the State of Tamaulipas, and that the man whom William Bayard Hale, investigator for President Wilson, was said to have seen in Nogales, was not Carranza but one who impersonated him. The speaker pointed out that while Carranza has been at various times reported by the junta as in this or that part of northern Mex- ico, telegrams alleged to be from Car- ranza have still been sent from Sonora. No one who knew Carranza in Chihua- hua, of which State he was formerly governor, has been permitted to see the man in Sonora. He has always been in some other place when he was wanted. Major Gillette said further: "When Latin-America realizes what President Wilson has done to Mexico under his unwarranted extension of the Monroe Doctrine, some of their artists will paint the Bird of Freedom, not as an American eagle protecting a brood of young republics, but as a big black buzzard, standing on Panama, with the tip of one wing over Sonora and the other over Terra Del Fuego, with every feather dripping beautiful words and crude petroleum." The speaker said that for fifty years after Mexico had gained her independ- ence, the country was in a constant tur- moil; that Diaz, a popular hero and a genius, established peace and maintained a rigorous military dictatorship under all the forms of a pure demoracy. He characterized Madero as a mentally un- balanced dreamer who committed a col- ossal crime when he armed the savages and put them on the war path, from which they have not returned from that day to this. Major Gillette is a warm supporter of Gen. Huerta, and he said: "The stories of Gen. Huerta being an assassin, traitor, bandit or usurper are pure fabrications and without a grain of truth to back them up. Much of the news sent out from Mexico in regard to Huerta are malicious lies intended to in- jure his credit and to prevent him from borrowing money. The oil interests of America are undoubtedly the cause of this and the President of the Uni' States is assisting them in every way possible. The arguments advanced as reasons for the ousting of Huerta have taken some various tumbles. At first it was from altruistic motives, then because Huerta had incurred debts which if rec- ognized would take precedence over our claims for damages, and on Dec. 2nd the President gave a still lower motive, oil concessions." The policy of the Administration, "the drifting policy," as the Major described it, must lead inevitably to intervention by the United States. There is only one thing to be done now. There must be a change of face by President Wilson and Secretary Bryan. They must realize that Gen. Huerta and the educated better classes of the country alone can restore peace. Huerta must be recognized; the country must be allowed to conduct its elections in its own way, and it must be accepted that only a dictatorship, an ad- ministration of fear, can control the hordes of half savages who are now over- running the country. "The War Department figures for in- tervention for six months only were 260,000 casualties from death, disease and desertion," said Major Gillette, "$330,- 000,000 in cash and $800,000,000 in future pensions, enough to build another Pan- ama Canal and all the harbors, roads, and navigable channels that the American people are now dreaming of. Under the present drifting policy mtervention is in- evitable, and I believe the present Ad- ministration wants it. "In the Philippines, which are under the full control of the United States, we do not let the natives vote at all. Why should we, therefore, try to force a 'full and free' election upon Mexico, with its inevitable horrors of peon government?" Secretary of State Bryan also came in for some criticism, the speaker declaring that it was the Secretary's policy to dis- credit and ignore all information and advice from people interested in Mexico, because, he said, according to the speak- er, "that all they thought of was what they had lost and what they expected to lose. "Is that the right point of view for our Foreign Affairs Department to take?" he went on. "Is not one of its functions to take proper cognizance of American losses in foreign countries? "We believe that intervention, or con- trol of the country by the United States would alone vastly increase our material welfare, but Mexico owns that country, and to take it just because we are bigf enough would not only load our country with a big problem, not its own, but would be utterly repugnant to the prin- ciples that have given us our standing among nations." The speaker said many of the news- papers throughout the country were re- sponsible to a great degree for the exist- ing state of affairs. He said the policy of many of them was directed from Washington and that of many more by the oil interests. John Lind was an estimable gentleman, he admitted, but he failed to see how a Scandinavian from the Northwest could have special knowledge of the Mexican viewpoint. He is naturally the prey of every scandalmonger and the victim of every rumor. In conclusion the speaker said that while it is admitted that Mexico needed reforms, it is no less a fact that nothing can be done until peace is established and that the only just and feasible way to accomplish that was to recognize the Huerta Government at once. In the opin- ion of Major Gillette such recognition would do more to save life, lessen want, and promote prosperity in Mexico than any other act within the power of the President or Congress of the United States. AT MONTERREY. Judging by the incessant noise of firing for the best part of forty-eight hours you might have supposed that the streets after the battle would be heaped with dead. I went about very early in the morning after the insurrectos had been repulsed and saw wonderfully few. Alto- gether there can hardly have been more than a couple of hundred killed, counting all parts of the field. Yet in all, nearly 10,000 men were engaged, for early in the afternoon of the second day the garrison was heavily reinforced. It was magnificent to see the relief march into the city. The frightened inhabitants came out into the streets, which till then had been as empty as in dead of night, to cheer and give the sol- diers all the food and cigarettes they had. I shall never forget the emotion of -that hour. — H. Hamilton Fyfe, Mexico correspondent of the London "Daily Mail." Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE MEXICO Saturday, December 27, 1913 FROM THE FRONT {Special Co-rrcspondcnce from Mexico City to Ike New York "Sun.") The trouble is that although under the name of the Republic of Mexico a strong dictatorship endured here for a third of a century the Mexican republic is little more prepared for government by popular suffrage than when Hernando Cortez landed at Vera Cruz. How little the submissive Indians of Mexico care for the ballot was suffi- ciently demonstrated when less than 20,- 000 votes were cast in the election by which Madero was raised to the Presi- dency, and by virtue of which he was recognized by the United States — 20,000 votes cast by a people numbering nearly 18,000,000. Government by the exercise of the suffrage succeeds where the peo- ple would rather work and vote than fight; the Indian would rather fight than vote or work. Unqualified to govern himself, he obviously must be governed. At the same time submissive and child- ishly impressionable, he is easily led and as easily misled, and therefore needs a strong government which will protect him, sternly subduing or destroying those who would mislead him into law- lessness and disorder with specious ap- peals to his emotions. Carranza and Villa and the rest have succeeded in extending the revolution, started by them for their own ends, un- til now there are bands of rebels almost everywhere in the republic, by assuring the simple people that the great repub- lic of the north is on their side because of its love for liberty and justice, for which they are fighting, and these people gladly turn from their monotonous and ill rewarded toil to fight for those high sounding things enjoyed by theic north- ern neighbors and which their northern neighbors (they are assured) will help them to attain for their own enjoyment. Meanwhile the Government of Mexico, which, however evil in its origin, repre- sents the only class intelligent enough ■ to govern and is the only Government existing in the country, is exerting itself desperately to restore the reign of order and authority, balked in every effort by the hostility of the Washington Gov- ernment, and the encouragement given by that Government to the rebels. Intelligent persons here with knowl- edge of conditions, whether Americans or other foreigners, or Mexicans, can- not understand why recognition should be denied to Huerta on ethical grounds and encouragement be given to such as Francisco Villa, Genoveva de la O and Zapata, whose only apparent merit is that they are in rebellious arms against Huerta. To those upon the ground President Wilson's policy seems to have degener- ated into a personal quarrel with Huerta based on nothing but personal antipathy. Here every one realizes, as none can in the United States, that Mexico, with all the vast American and European in- terests within her territory, is being ruined, and that each day of Washing- ton's procrastination incalculably in- creases the danger of consequences more serious than any that could ensue upon decided action. And it is beyond the speculation of any here to guess what solution Washington awaits — certainly not the triumphant suppression of the revolution by Huerta, while upon the tri- umph of the rebels only confusion can ensue. With Huerta eliminated and the capital in their hands. Villa, Carranza, Blanco, Zapata and Aguilar would each develop Presidential aspirations, only to be realized by the removal of the others. Would President Wilson recognize the survivor? And if he did would the par- tisans and relatives of his deceased rivals accept him? Enough has been published about Francisco (Pancho) Villa's barbarities for everyone to recognize in him an ex- ceptionally able specimen of the fron- tier type, combination of bandit, cattle thief and ruffian. But while Villa has in goodly measure the bad qualities of the cave man, it cannot be denied that he possesses too our primeval ancestors' faculty of get- ting what he wants, as witness his tak- ing of Torreon, Juarez and Chihuahua, and last but not least his bride, quite in the fashion of the cave man. When Villa took Torreon after rest- ing from the arduous work of loot and massacre he went to the leading empor- ium where men's raiment was to be had, known as the American Clothing Com- pany, for like most frontiersmen along the Mexican side of the Rio Grande Villa has a passion for enduing himself in American store clothes. On entering the store the rebel chieftain caught sight of the cashier and looking upon her saw that she was fair. Fresh from the rude toil of battle and war's alarms, the hero was in susceptible mood and forthwith revealed his admiration for the girl. She, however, was fcornful and the hero turned to the serious business of select- ing garments fit to adorn the person of a conqueror. On his way out after making his re- quisitions Villa renewed yet more ar- dently his attentions, the girl remaining unresponsive. A few paces from the store Villa found one of his captains, whom he ordered to surround the store with a hundred picked men. Terrified at finding his store surrounded, the pro- prietor issued forth and tremblingly asked the captain if Gen. Villa had not received proper treatment in his store. The Captain answered that Gen. Villa had been treated all right, but that there was something he had left behind and that was to be sent to him at once, to wit, the pretty cashier. Crying bitterly, the girl was brought forth and taken under escort to Villa's hotel. Villa shortly appeared, gorgeous in his new attire, and with the aid of a priest and the necessary civil authorities whom he had requisitioned bound to him- self in holy wedlock the disconsolate girl. When Villa left Torreon to cap- ture Juarez and Chihuahua he drove off in the handsomest carriage in the town, which he had commandeered, his bride beside him and a guard on the box be- side the coachman. Those who' saw the carriage start off with the couple on their romantic honeymoon say that the bride looked resigned. Villa, who has been doing most of the big fighting of the revolution, has come to look upon himself as the logical suc- cessor to the Presidency when Huerta shall be eliminated, and it is understood here that he has recently given Car- ranza to understand that he no longer recognizes that leader's chieftainship. THE SAME SPIRIT. You may be sure that the spirit that animated the reprimand to the army and navy officers who dared poke harmless fun at the Administration is the very same spirit that has animated the Ad- ministration's attitude toward the gov- ernment of Mexico. It is unfortunate but not so terribly important that the Carabao diners should have been made the victims of intolerant school-room discipline, but it is a national calamity that the same frame of mind should have shaped a- foreign policy that com- mits a hundred million people to a course fraught with the dangers of a cruel and needless war. We do not think that there is going to be a war with Mexico. In the first place, because the people of the United States do not want it, and do not see any occasion for it. In the second place, because we confidently believe that in the absence of any more meddling by the Washington Administration President Huerta will speedily bring peace to Mexico. The Administration, if it really is desirous of avoiding war, should give thanks that at the helm of state in Mexico is a man whose cour- age, ability and patience have stood every known test and who is looming larger every day as the immovable buf- fer between Mexican nationality and an- archy. The pack of wolves who would rend and tear Mexico if the hand of Huerta were weak would make interven- tion imperative. Washington surely must know this and, we repeat, should thank its lucky stars that Huerta is the kind of man he has shown himself to be. Saturday, December 27, 1913 MEXICO THE UNSPEAKABLE VILLA By Herbert Corey In DciJZ'cr "Times." "Villa," said the man who had returned from Mexico, "is half devil and half cur. He is the most unspeakable wretch that ever straddled a horse, but he doesn't expose himself to danger if he can keep out of it. I suppose he has killed as many men with his own hands as any other man in Mexico. I doubt if half a dozen were given the chance to shoot back." The speaker is one of the wealthiest mine owners in Mexico. He has spent his life in Spanish-American countries, and the last ten j^ears in Mexico. Not many weeks ago his mine superintendent was called out of his house one day by Mexicans who were personally known to him — and supposed to be friendly to- ward him — and shot down without a word of explanation. His employer fought his way to the border with the murdered man's wife and children. "The bandits," said he, "outnumbered the men in our escort. But most of our men were Americans and they would all fight. A Mexican bandit is unable to see any profit in getting shot. He will always avoid a fight in which he has a chance to get licked." Villa is cut from the same card, ac- cording to the mine owner. "My friends in New York," said he, "seem to think that Villa is a sort of leader of irregular horse — a semi-recog- nized guerrilla chieftain. They do not know that he is a murderer and thief — and far worse." Enjo3ang the Slaughter. He told of one occasion in the early days of the present insurrection in Mex- ico when Villa captured twenty men of a band that had been badgering him. He condemned them to death in his usual way, never bothering with court-martials or other flubdubbery. Then he desig- nated himself as the executioner of his own decree. He had the men bound, hands behind backs, but with eyes un- bandaged. "This will seem impossible to you," said the mine owner, "but Villa walked down that line of men, revolver in hand. From time to time he shot a man through the heart, and stood by him until the victim had kicked his last kick. He taunted the bound men. " 'I want you to enjoy this as I do,' he told them. Those who gave way to terror he put aside, to be shot last of all. In that way they savored to the last twinge the full agony of their position. Some of them he half encouraged to be- lieve that he might spare them. Then he killed them, fairly Ticking his lips as he did so." There was another story of Villa's gar- roting half a dozen men one day. For some reason he did not want to shoot. He slipped a short loop over the head of each man, thrust a stick through it and twisted. As the victim gasped for breath he let up on the pressure, so that the death agonies might be as sweetly prolonged as possible. An eye-witness told the mine owner of this series. "When they were all dead," said the witness, "Villa was so tired he slept like a babe." Robs Isolated Ranchos. "For years," said the man from Mex- ico, "Villa has made a practice of rob- bing isolated ranchos or little towns. First he killed every man he could find, both because he liked to kill and because he carries caution to an absurd excess. Then he took the women. He led his men in the excesses that followed. "For twenty years Villa has been a bandit. In that time he has never ex- posed himself willingly to bullet or knife. I do not say that the man is a coward. I merely declare that fair play, as Anglo- Saxons understand it, is folly to Mexi- cans. They hate and fear Villa, but it has never occurred to them that he was anything but superlative!}' sane in lying behind a rock when he shot down his man or in approaching a man with smile, only to thrust a knife through him when his back was safely turned. They do things differently in these Latinized coun- tries. We have a litle of that spirit in our southern mountains where feuds are decided from behind trees. There is more of it in New York's streets, where gunmen — for the most part of Latin blood — shoot at each other's backs with true Latin hysteria of aim." A Robin Hood sort of a tradition has grown up about Villa. It has been re- peatedly told that he became a bandit because an army officer insulted his sis- ter — whereupon Villa shot the rascal down on the street ana took to the hills. "This is puerile nonsense," said the man from Mexico. "Villa's sister be- came the mistress of an army officer with the full consent and approbation of Villa himself and all concerned. As a matter of fact the Villa family stepped upward on the social road through this left- handed connection. A knowledge of Mexican affairs is required to appreciate the advantage the Villas made through it." Shot Man From Behind. Villa was on borrowing terms with the officer until his credit was cut off. When he threatened, the officer prom- ised him a whipping if he offended again. Whereupon Villa lay in wait for him, shot him from behind on the street, robbed the body of money and orna- ments, and took to the brush. So much for the romance of the bandit's storv. OUR FATAL MEXICAN POLICY. There is charity — and God knows there is need of it — in the reflection that Mr. Wilson does not comprehend the extent and the depth of the misery which his fantastic illusions in Mexican affairs are imposing upon a suffering people. While he is waiting in amiable self- assurance for the working out of his amazing policy Mexico is being harried by rival and contending bands of ruf- fians. There is no sort of cruelty known etiher to civilized or barbaric warfare which is not practiced every day in Mex- ico. Assassination, murder, human tor- ture, outrage upon women, wanton de- struction of property, paralysis of indus- try involving multiplied forms of distress — these make the order of the day. Only some strong hand can halt this carnival of abominations; and there is no strong hand because President Wilson is enforc- ing a condition which nullifies every ef- fort at pacification. By his course against Huerta, supplemented by his in- trigues with Carranza, he has made a situation which binds poor Mexico hand and foot and subjects her to the scourges of sword, fire and outrage, with no imme- diate prospect of release. Nero, who in a spirit of sardonic malice fiddled while Rome burned, did nothing worse or more cruel than President Wilson is doing in the spirit of fire-eyed and self-satisfied beneficence. The only practical differ- ence between the two is that between a leer and a smile. The effect is the same. And supposing President Wilson's pol- icy should succeed — that he should, as he probably will in time, drive Huerta from Mexico — then what is to happen? Car- ranza is no whit a better man than Huerta and he lacks Huerta's basis of authority. Furthermore he is at the head of forces both savage and rapacious, without really commanding them. The incidents of every day exhibit the fact that he is powerless to restrain his men, even if he were disposed to do so. Villa and Zapata, other factional leaders, are mere bandits, for years active in the lead- ership of gangs of murderers and rob- bers. From which of these — assuming that his influence might decide between them — could President Wilson hope to get less cruel, more wise, less selfish, more humane treatment for prostrate Mexico than Huerta? What assurance has he that with Huerta out of the way there would follow a condition more favorable to humanity and peace? It is the opinion of those having first- hand knowledge of conditions that the removal of Huerta would mean nothing more nor less than elimination of at once the strongest and most restrained factor in a bad situation. It would leave the country subject to the contentions of rival bandit leaders and bandit armies. It would still further confound a cruel and devastating confusion. The reign of terror maintained in every district under the armed forces of rebellion would be spread over the whole country. And who will doubt that this would mean such wholesale destruction of property, such a deluge of blood, as recent times in any country have hardly witnessed? The logic of such a situation, plus ur- gencies which would certainly come from other countries having interests in Mex- ico — and who with incredulity and a con- tempt poorly concealed have waited upon our policy — would force intervention upon us. We could not avoid military occupation of Mexcio; and military occu- pation, however justified or justifiable, is war. The very things which Mr. Wilson has pledged the United States not to do would have to be done. Having neutral- ized nr r^T'^-fV fr..-t1i t'-o ^-.^ — .-- r.-^V. 6 MEXICO Saturday, December 27, 1913 ably capable of commanding the situa- tion, we should have to step in and make peace. There would be no other way. Europe would demand it under penalty of nullifying our Monroe Doctrine. We would be compelled therefore to take marching orders from Europe. In the meantime we can but suspect that there is storing up for us a grievous day when we shall be called upon to an- swer to the owners of destroyed prop- erty in Mexico. The United States, by staying the hand of Huerta and intriguing ■mth Carranza, is making itself responsi- ble for the continued chaos in Mexico. It is to be noted that the British govern- anent has on several occasions taken note 'of this fact. Ultimately there will arise a multitude of claimants — English, French, German, Dutch, and what not — for property destroyed. Their demands will be made, not without reason, upon the United States for restoration or re- compense. The account will be prodig- ious, and in the end, we suspect, we will have to pay it. — San Francisco "Argo- naut." LEST WE FORGET THE INSINCERITY OF IT. Arms and ammunition are carried across the border with comparative im- punity while most of the United States troops who are available to prevent the smuggling are concentrated in a camp at Texas City, inactive, both officers and men disgruntled. If these forces were really used to stop the transportation of munitions of war across the border, they ■would be better satisfied, revolution in Northern Mexico would lose its great- est resource and the Administration would convince the world that it is sin- cere in wishing peace in Mexico. It is very hard to convince anybody that you wish well to the man whom you supply with a loaded revolver when he has shown a suicidal tendency. William Alden Smith, of Michigan, is head of a Senate investigating commit- tee that, following the Madero revolu- tion, took voluminous testimony as to the relations existing between the revo- lutionists and American Big Business, especially the oil interests. Senator Smith and his colleagues months ago presented their report to the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate, and expected that it would be made public. Senator Bacon, chairman of the com- mittee, and a spokesman of the Admin- istration, has scrupulously withheld the report from the public's eyes. It is se- curely pigeonholed and will probably remain pigeonholed for a long time. Is it possible that the publication of the report at this time would embarass the Administration in its efforts to convince the people that morality and not busi- ness expediency has dictated its Mex- ican meddling? If the Administration were sincere in its protestations it would let the people read that report which Senator Bacon is so carefully secreting. Some assert the troubles with Mexico and in Mexico have been caused by Bryan's crude diplomacy. * ^ * The well-informed agree as to the CRUDITY but they substitute PETRO- LEUM for diplomacy. * * * From the championship of the Prince of Peace to the championship of the King of Crude Oil is quite a fall. « * • Decensus averno facilis est, * * * The buzzards of morality are still hov- ering over Mexico in watchful waiting. * * * The monumental crime of modern times. * * * In words the Administration is the friend, nay, the champion of liberty in Mexico. In action and in inaction it is the friend, nay, the champion of savagery — pillage, murder and rape. But the tremendous responsibility seems to weigh lightly on the gutta- percha consciences. They "viev,r with complacency." Meanwhile the history of a crime against civilization is daily being writ- ten. And history will accuse the Wash- ington Administration as the perpetrator. Or the catspaw — just as bad. * * « It is more and more obvious from day to day that if Huerta crumbles, as the President in his omniscience prophesied, then Mexico as a nation crumbles. * * • Is that what the buzzards want? * * * It is a monstrous thought — but what else can you think? * * * Has the Administration or any respon- sible person suggested either how the elimination of President Huerta will bet- ter conditions in Mexico or what practi- cal constructive purposes are to follow his getting out? * * * Is the bandti Villa to take up the reins of government? Or the gentle Geno- vevio de la O? Or the angelic Zapata? Or the junta that operates under the name of Carranza? Is there any assur- ance that any one of these or a dozen other ambitious leaders would submit to any government? * « * And can Huerta be ousted except by force? And we have refused to recog- nize him because he was not elected at a "fair and free election." Would we recognize his revolutionary successor? » • * Would the followers of the present government, including the army, submit to a United States-made ouster of Huerta? * * * Then how, in the name of all that is sane, how can we justify our watchful waiting for Huerta to criunble? • * * Unless we want to turn Mexico into a shambles. * • ♦ Is that what the Administration wants? Is that what you want, Mr. Bryan? • >» * Well, whether you want it or not, that is what you are in the way of doing. The Administration has encouraged bloody rebellion in Mexico and has sol- emnly announced that it is opposed to revolution and blood-stained govern- ments. If that is not insanity, it is criminal hypocrisy. If not hypocrisy, it is de- liberate malice. tt * * A child can see that. Has the Administration helped Mex- ico? The condition of the country to- day is an answer to that. * * * Has the Administration helped the people of Mexico? It has encouraged the incendiaries who have fired the in- herited savagery of its lowest elements and these are seeking to bring the whole people down to their level. » » a It has encouraged a warfare between barbarism and civilization and ranged itself on the side of barbarism. « * « Has the Administration helped the position and the prestige of the United States? It has made the United States the laughing-stock, of Europe and brought into new life a Latin-American distrust that may take a generation to overcome. • * * Has the Administration helped any- thing or anybody in the whole Mexican muddle except the group of Maderists who, under the able direction of the well-known Waters-Pierce attorney. Cap- tain Sherby Hopkins, have cleverly in- trigued the Administration into a posi- tion that is worth millions — to them? • * * Crude petroleum, again. * * • It always comes back to that. Saturday, December 27, 1913 MEXICO BRYAN'S FRIENDS SPANISH NUNS AND PRIESTS ARE DRIVEN OUT BY HUERTA. El Paso, Dec. 13. — With only enough clothes to cover their backs and a few cherished belongings tied in handker- chiefs, 350 Spanish residents of Chi- huahua arrived at Juarez this morning on a special train, being driven out of the capital by General Pancho Villa, who threatened to execute all Spaniards he found in the city after to-morrow. The priests and nuns bring a tale of revolting cruelty by soldiers that coming from any other source would scarcely be believed. Among the refugees who arrived were nuns, priests and little children. The refugees state that Villa has threatened to execute all Spanish resi- dents of Mexico and that men, women and little children, fearing his vengeance, are fleeing to the hills leaving all their belongings behind. Those who arrived to-day abandoned property valued at more than $2,000,000. Since his troops took Chihuahua Gen- eral Pancho Villa has had more than a half hundred persons executed, many of them wealthy Spanish and Mexican resi- dents of that city, according to a state- ment made this noon by one of the Catholic priests who is now at the Hotel Dieu. The priest said the rebel general had the priests thrown in jail and threatened to execute them if they did not pay him $5,000 ransom. They did not have this sum, but compromised by giving him all they had. The Sisters of Charity are also said to have been mistreated by the rebel sol- diers. According to the Catholic priests many of them were in rags when they arrived. They were not permitted to bring any of their belongings or church fixtures with them. One of the sisters of charity who ar- rived with the refugees stated that when the train was ready to pull out of the Chihuahua yards General Villa walked through the coaches with his bodyguard and with drawn revolvers threatened to kill all Spanish citizens who returned to Mexico during the time he was in control of that city. — New York "American." PRISONERS BUTCHERED BY MEX- ICAN REBELS. Civilized people everywhere are shocked at the reports coming from Mexico that the Constitution- alists are killing the prisoners falling into their hands. Not only this, but it is said that in numerous instances the prisoners have been bru- tally butchered. They are made to dig their own graves and after completing the work they are shot down like dogs. This should be stopped.— Montgomery (Ala.) "Journal." Dictator Villa seems to have lost his head entirely, if the reports coming from Mexico are to be trusted. This bandit has usurped supreme power, and as he knows nothing about interna- tional obligations or the customs of civilized gov- ernments, he is acting in a high-handed manner that must eventually bring down upon him a crushing defeat. — Memphis "News-Scimitar." THE ADMINISTRATION'S WORDS. We shall frown upon revolution in Latin-American countries. We are the champions of constitutional liberty. We want a free and fair election in Mexico. We are against the highbinder methods of the Trusts. We are the sincere friends of peace. We put morality above expediency. THE ADMINISTRATION'S ACTS. It invites and encourages revolution in Mexico. It has made possible the atrocious law- lessness of Villa. It presumes to dictate who shall not be candidates. It uses against Mexico the Trusts' fav- orite weapon — financial starvation. It "views with complacency" the bar- barous warfare of Villa. It finds it expedient to condone the immorality of the Mexican bandits. THE NEW ORDER OF LATIN- AMERICAN "DIPLOMATS." Doubtless John Hay prided himself more upon his achievement in making the beginning of a real diplomatic ser- vice than upon any of his specific tri- umphs in diplomacy, notable as several of these were. And yet an Administra- tion of reckless spoils grabbing has succeeded in destroying in a few months what he and his successors had been four administrations in building up. Every man without exception that his predecessors have found worthy of pro- motion he has found worthy only of dis- missal from the service to make room for a Bryanite "fresh from the people." to use a favorite phrase of his. For this barbarous proceeding the President himself must take his share of the re- sponsibility. We have already suggested, as the in- ternal evidence itself suggests, that the President has reserved Europe for him- self and given this hemisphere for the "loot" of his Secretary of State. Indeed, the President's selection, if it was the President's, of a special envoy to Mexico in the person of Mr. John Lind, was nearly as absurd as the best of Mr. Bryan's selections for Latin America. Mr. Lind might conceivably have made a creditable representative to a Scandinavian country. It is only as an envoy to a Spanish speaking country that he is absurd. When President Polk had occasion to select a special emissary to Me.xico, in a situation as delicate as tliat which Mr. Lind was sent to Mexico to compose, he chose John Slidell, who was recommended not only by his gen- eral reputation for discretion but by his special qualification of a command of SpatiTsTT Of the present President's un- official emissary to Mexico it is unneces- sary to speak, since Dr. William Bayard Hale has just been "feelingly reminded" by a "Constitutionalist" leader that he has no credentials and no status. The Bryanites have arrived and begun to operate in Latin America with the re- sults that might have been expected. At least one considerable scandal has al- ready ensued in the Caribbean. It was at a South Ainerican capital that the dismissed predecessor of Mr. Bryan's "man fresh from the people" informed his successor that, inasmucn as he himself had taken his official farewell, the incom- ing Minister would have to present his own credentials to the President, but was dissuaded by the piteous appeal of Mr. Bryan's man not to forsake him in his hour of bitter need and leave him to tackle the President when he did not know the President's "lingo." It was also at a South American capital that an American who had business with the President asked him what he thought of the new American Minister, and received the diplomatic response: "The same as you do." In fact, Mr. Bryan is furnish- ing the South American capitals with American representatives who, if he tells them to deliver a message to the Presi- dents or the Foreign Secretaries of the countrjTto which they are accredited will be utterly unable to do so in speech or in writing. They will remain so long as they are suffered to remain, at worst scandals, at best jokes, jokes to the offi- cials with whom they have to deal, jokes to their diplomatic colleagues, contrib- utinsf to the prayety of other nations and to the shame and disgrace of their own. It is this miserable state of things that Mr. Bryan has what can only be called the impudence of justifying to the cor- respondent of the "Evening Post" as an advance upon the state of things which it has supplanted and of pretending that the motive to it has been a desire to improve the diplomatic service. A more brazenly and shamelessly false pretence was never made. President Wilson must groan in spirit when he considers, if he considers, that he must carry such a bur- den as Mr. Bryan for three years to come. — New York "Sun." MEXICO Saturday, December 27, 1913 We do not see why the "Evening Post" should have taken such pains in trying to persuade the American public that President Wilson's reprimand to the Carabaos vifas not due to a lack of sense of humor and that the Adminis- tration is not thin-skinned. Does any one really doubt the happy possession of a keen sense of humor on the part of the Administration? We think not. That humor may at times be a little grim, but it is there. Has not the Administration made clear to the people that its attitude to- ward Mexico is nothing but a conse- ciuence of the declaration made last March that it would look with disfavor upon any Latin-American Government which might ascend to power by force of arms? And has it not made it clear that its opposition to the Huerta Government and its open support of the Villas and their like is based on moral grounds? And has it not asserted that the attempt to establish a financial blockade around the Mexican Government and to ruin Mexico is "moral suasion"? How in the name of heaven can any one doubt the Administration's sense of humor? THE PHELPS-DODGE CASE. PHOENIX, Arizona. — After ten days of legal activities, during which the merits of the case were thoroughly tested, the jury selected to hear the evidence returned to-day a verdict acquitting the Phelps-Dodge Mercantile Company, the Doug- las Hardware Company, W. H. Brophy and F. E. Coles of the charge of conspiracy in transporting arms and ammunition across the international bor- der into Mexico. The verdict was in accordance with the instructions of Judge Sawtelle, who told the jury that the Government had not sustained the charges against the defendants. The evidence only showed that a sale of am- munition had been made to parties who were buy- ing for the rebel forces in Mexico. It was shown that the Douglas Hardware Company had sold ammunition to the same parties who had bought from the Phelps-Dodge Company, delivery being made in Bisbee. Of course there is a broad distinction between selling ammunition for the rebel forces and conspiracy to export the goods to Mexico. Of course. It is too bad, though, that the company of Presi- dent Wilson's friend and adviser, Cleve- land H. Dodge, should be mixed up in a case like this, in view of his vast Mex- ican holdings. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. Paul Pendleton, mind reader, is given a column interview in the Tucson "Star," in which he declares that thought, if directed by a million people, would drive Huerta from Mexico, or cause a stone wall or even the Pyramids to fall. — Bisbee (Ariz.) "Review." Paul, look out 'for a reprimand. You are stealing Washington's thunder. The Administration would not stop at the Pyramids, though. The heavens them- selves would present few difficulties if that colossal mind wanted them to fall. OIL FUEL IN THE BRITISH NAVY. British service journals regard the coming sub- stitution in the royal navy of oil for coal fuel as a foregone conclusion. • * • Apart from a purely naval aspect the question possesses an especial interest for us at this mo- ment if, as reported, the Admiralty has been suc- cessful in placing large contracts with producers in Mexico. The newest British destroyers and the latest light cruisers and five battleships — the new "fast wing" — are designed for its exclusive use. Disturbed conditions in Mexico will be sure to affect the supply and proposed great storage, and the conseqttence of this can never be absent from our calculations. — New York "Herald." The New York "Herald" is greatly to be commended for its frankness. It was time that a newspaper of international fame like the "Herald" should at last come out in the open and state clearly the motives which have actuated the American press in its support of lawless- ness and disorder in Mexico. No longer can the "Herald," at least, be accused of hypocrisy. The publishing of distorted truths, the launching of false news, the facility with which its columns have been open to the Hopkins-managed junta in Washington are now well under- stood. The "Herald's" policy (and, we infer, that of other newspapers) will no longer be interpreted as being dictated by an unbounded love for liberty in Mexico. The support of barbarism and the op- position to the Mexican Government is now explained and justified by the "Her- ald's" own frank and naive words: "Dis- turbed conditions in Mexico will be sure to affect the supply and proposed great storage (of oil for the British navy) and the consequence of this can never be ab- sent from our calculations." Now everything is quite clear, isn't it? Much of the excitement in Mexico has re- sulted from poorly substantiated reports. ^Mere rumors have had the effect of inflaming the imaginations of the people until they were pre- pared to believe almost anything. A late instance is the alarm of a few days ago over the threat- ened attack on the oil industry in the vicinity of Tuxpam. Word comes now from the Constitu- tionalists that they have had no thought of attempting anything of the sort. Another big scare over nothing. If the newspaper men in Mexico would stop hunting for sensations they would help the situation immensely. — Raleigh (N. C.) "News and Observer," Secretary Daniels' paper. If the Administration, of which Secre- tary Daniels is so able an official, would stop expressing "gratification" and "com- placency" at every report of bandit dep- redations in Mexico, it is quite possible that the newspaper men here would not find them such good "copy." London, Tuesday. — Armed with Generp.l Car- ranza's threat to sink foreign vessels carrying munitions of war intended for the provisional government of General Huerta, Miguel Covarru- bias, one-time Mexican Minister to Russia and now confidential agent in London of the Mex- ican revolutionists, appeared at the office of the secretary of Lloyd's Maritime Insurance Agency this evening and formally deposited the pro- nunciamento of the Mexican constitutionalist leader. The secretary of Lloyds posted the warning on the notice boards, where it at- tracted the attention of the underwriters. — New York "Herald." Why did the "Herald" suppress that part of the cable from London which said that the underwriters read the no- tice with amusement? It is true that despatches from Mexico City are usually padded by the tele- graph editor in the newspaper offices, yet it is also true that correspondents in Mexico City are free to send any news or supposed news they please. Any one familiar with Mexico City — the greatest rumor-manufacturing place in the world — can easily see every day in the dispatches from that capital that most of the stuff sent is picked up in the streets, in the bar-rooms and in the American Club. We have been corre- spondents in Mexico City and we know the rose by its color and the fish by its smell. * * * MEXICAN NOTES. Telegraphic communication has been restored between Ameca, Mexico, and Huauchinan.go, Puebla; Zacapoaxtia and Cuetzalan, Puebla; Puente de Ixtla and Iguala, Cuautla and Yautepec, with the office at Tlatlauqui, Morelos, This is the section in which Zapatista "control" has been reported in the American news- papers, * * * A counter revolution in favor of the Federal government has started in Sina- loa, under the leadership of the Rubi brothers. Concordia, the principal town of the district of that name, has been recaptured from the rebels, and opera- tions are being directed to retake the important mineral district of Panuco. The .greater part of the Sinaloa district also has been retaken by these men, work- ing in conjunction with the Federals. Calixto Contreras, the principal rebel leader in Durango. has declared that he is neither Carrancista, Maytorenista, nor Villista. nor is he in arms against the Federal government, but had revolted against the state administration. The rebel bands throughout this state are re- ported operating independently of each other, devoting their principal attention to robbery. * * * EuselMO Vasquez. called the terror of the Malitzi, has been captured at San Taldeo, Tlaxcala. by the expeditionary force under Major Francisco Legaspi. RIO PAPER ATTACKS WILSON POLICY. (By Mexican Cable to the N. Y. "Herald.") Rio Janeiro, via Galveston, Texas, Tuesday. — The newspaper "Noite," commenting on the Mex- ican question, again recommends that the gov- ernment combat the imperialistic policy of the United States as being a danger to the whole of Latin America. Manuel Ugarte wrote to Luis Gomez approv- ing the idea of forming a corps of Latin-American volunteers to help Mexico in case of American invasion. Saturdav, December 27, 1913 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. ANOTHER SPECIAL REPRESENTA- TIVE. It begins to be apparent that Carranza, the constitutionalist leader, has no con- trol over affairs, and little influence, if any, with the other rebel leaders who are holding the Northern provinces down. He was unable or unwilling to come to an understanding with Personal Repre- sentative Hale, but perhaps that matters little in view of the fact that the rebel chief has no real power. The half-breed bandit Villa appears just now to be the dominant personality among the rebels. * * * For years a hunted outlaw and fugitive from justice he now calls him- self "General" Villa, has a bigger follow- ing than that with which Madero over- threw Diaz, and is in absolute control of Chihuahua, the largest and one of the richest Mexican states. Villa is an ignorant, vicious brute, half Indian and half beast — "Pancho, the tiger," he is commonly called — and Huerta and Diaz are haloed saints in comparison. So atrocious and inhuman has been his treatment of captured towns, and he boasts so insolently of his intention to dispose of all foreigners as soon as he is done with the Spaniards, that the department of state at Washing- ton may be wondering if it did not "put its money on the wrong horse," to use a famous diplomatic phrase. Secretary Bryan has sent a personal representative to humanize the bandit and soften his heart, by informing him that "his murders will create a painful impression in the United States" and are likely to be criticized as at variance with the principles for which the constitution- alists are supposed to be fighting. It will thus be seen that Mr. Bryan's heart is in the right place. If any organ is out of order it is his head. Conceivedly this third personal representative may be quite as successful as Lind and Hale in getting back alive; especially if he has had the forethought to take with him a copy of the lecture on "The Prince of Peace." That might be effective to soften the heart of the swaggering ruf- fian, and if the envoy insisted on reading it to him every day, even that case-hard- ened cutthroat might be brought to his knees. What Mexico needs is a resolute ruler who will enforce order with a firm, strong hand, stamping out anarchy as Diaz did by any means, legal or illegal, at command. Huerta would have done this had not Washington checkmated him financially and hampered him in every possible way for the last ten months. The numberless lives and the millions of property which have since then been destroyed will be charged up by the Mexicans to the good man with an impracticable theory who has unwar- rantably interfered in their internal af- iadTs RAVAGED MEXICO. The bloodthirstiness of the so-called Constitu- tionalists in Mexico exceeds even their greed for gold and their contempt for the most primitive principles which the rules of civilization have en- forced for a century. It is exceeded only by the practices of the Turks who were accustomed to put whole villages to the sword, the savage soldiery through whose monstrous barbarities a former Sultan earned the title of Abdul the Damned. The notorious "Pancho" Villa did not kill all the people whom he found in Chihuahua when he entered that unhappy town a short time ago. According to the reports, he wreaked his wrath on only a few score as an example of what any "Federal" or Federal sympathizer who fell into his hands might expect, and he permitted sev- eral hundred refugees of various nationalities to leave for the border with what they could carry on their backs, adding as evidence of good faith that so far as the Spaniards were concerned he would kill them all if they were not out of the country in ten days. In the meantime all the property, public and private, of the city has been confiscated by this illiterate ex-bandit who has proclaimed himself absolute dictator there, and a reign of terror now prevails in the de- voted place. It was the same when the rebels took Durango. It was the same in Juarez. It is the same in and about Tampico to-day, where Admiral Fletcher saw as many as twenty-five corpses swinging from the telegraph poles in portions of that city temporarily captured by the rebels. Wherever in Mexico there are rebel forces an- archy reigns and slaughter goes on unchecked. There is no longer even a pretense of respecting the rights and property of foreigners Even their lives are no longer safe. It is easy here on this side of the Rio Grande to shrug one's shoulders and say that it is a family quarrel and none of our business. But this wanton ravaging of their own property by men who have shown themselves to be worse than beasts is a spectacle which shocks the civilized world.— Philadelphia "Press." IN THE INTEREST OF WALL STREET. Every movement of President Wilson in Me-xico has been in the interest — seemingly solely — of great Wall Street financial interests. "The Republic" is not disposed to blame those interests for seeking to protect themselves from the encroachments of foreign financial in- terests in Mexico and Central America, but it feels justified in exposing Presi- dent Wilson's Pecksniffian and hypocriti- cal attempt to hide his real purpose be- hind platitudinous preachments about constitutional rights, civil liberty, etc. The New York "Herald" and "Sun" were vigorous at first in demanding rec- ognition of the Huerta Government, but since the real purpose of Great Britain in Mexico and Central .\merica has been disclosed, they are both now violent in the demand for the removal of Huerta. — Texas "Republic." Professor Wilson's idiotic policy is bearing fruit. Had he recognized Huerta, or had he pursued a dignified and proper course of non-interference in the internal affairs of Mexico, that distracted country would be at compara- tive peace to-day, and posterity as well as the impartial historian will hold Wil- son as the responsible party for much of the bloodshed and devastation wreaked upon the unfortunate country since the death of Madero. And while millions starve and perish, the. pedantic Professor, with unctuous hypocrisy, glibly sends forth perfunc- tory platitudes and delivers himself of pharasaical cant upon the beatitudes — "Peace and Brotherly Love." — Texas "Republic." WILSON AND CARRANZA. President Wilson has become a parti- san of Carranza and is seeking to aid him. So far as anybody can make out there is no reason for this favoritism — if we except his hatred of Huerta — beyond the fact that Carranza with subtle judg- ment has chosen the name of "constitu- tionalist" for his faction. A party desig- nation so happily chosen makes appeal to an American President predisposed to estimate things by their names, and who finds it difficult to distinguish between pretensions and facts. Now for some weeks President Wilson has been giving moral support and encouragement to Carranza, and he is obviously hoping for some turn in the situation under which he may be able to contribute directly to his revolutionary efforts. The spectacle of the American government trafficking with and seeking to promote a provincial rebel whose only title of authority is his sword is not a pleasing one. It bears all the marks of conspiracy with assimip- tion and treason without even the merits of candor and courage. It's a mighty shabby business. Let us reflect a moment upon what will happen if this intrigue with Carranza shall work out successfully. It is essen- tial first to survey the geography and to consider the interests involved. The State of Sonora, the seat of Carranza's revolutionary activities, is one of three rich Mexican states whose northern boundaries coincide with the American line for nearly two thousand miles. In soil and climate these three states of So- noro, Chihuahua and Coahuila approxi- mate the general conditions of the Amer- ican states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. It is a group of fine countries. Years ago American enterprise discov- ered this fact and has long been active there. There are in the country large -American ranch interests, mining inter- ests and oil interests; and this is only another way of saying that in each of these states there is an industriously pro- moted and liberally endowed "American party" — that is, a party eager for annexa- tion under any conditions. In each of these three states there is organized rebellion against the Huerta government and, in so far as it may be dared, rebellion against any Mexican government. Large property interests in the hands of Americans are anxious to fetch over these Mexican states into the American Union. This is why rebellion in Sonora, Chihuahua and Coahuila is alwaj's well organized and liberally financed. Now in trafficking with Carranza Pres- ident Wilson is in effect conspiring to the end of robbing Mexico. Justice to Mr. Wilson requires it to be said that in his innocence of practical affairs he doesn't understand the situation and doesn't realize the effect of what he is doing. His purpose in dickering with Carranza is to strike a blow at Huerta. But the purpose of those in relation to whom Carranza is a mere agent and tool is that of American annexation. And this purpose will not be put aside in respect of any scruples Mr. Wilson may cherish or on account of any pledges he has given. The success of Carranza will mean just one thing — a gigantic grab of Mexican territory by the United States. And Mr. Wilson, however he may be dis- posed, will be powerless to prevent it. MEXICO Saturday, December 27, 1913 Long ago, under compulsion to make apology for an act of unpardonable rude- ness, he confessed that his was a "one- track mind." He sees only one thing at a time. At the beginning there got into his head a quixotic view of Mexican affairs and he has not been able to get any other view. Facts and arguments make no impression upon a mind snugly disposed upon its single track. He can see neither to the left nor to the right. To a congenital narrowness he adds an academic cock-sureness. And so, because we have a theorist instead of a man of practical wisdom in the President's chair, we are rushing headling into violation of established principles and of solemn promises and into a position where the President's own professions must suffer discredit and dishonor. — San Francisco "Argonaut." AFTER HUERTA— VILLA? A month ago the alternative to Huerta was Carranza. Carranza himself does not seem to be a really objectionable character. We could, then, confine our attention to getting Huerta out of office. But it is significant of Mexico's difficul- ties that a few victories by one of the Constitutionalist leader's lieutenants should have thrown the leader himself out of the limelight. This morning's reports of Villa's be- havior at Chihuahua are probably much exaggerated. We may doubt whether that town contains a $1,500,000 depart- ment store to be looted. But his record from Juarez on has been increasingly bad, and with it, unfortunately, his im- portance as a personage with whom this country might sooner or later have to deal increasingly great. The whole American public has long been vaguely asking itself: "After Huerta, what?" and postponing the an- swer in favor of the sufficiency of the day's own evil. But the glimpse of the possible future we are now getting is not a pleasant one. — Washington "Times." THOSE MEXICAN MILITARY OPERATIONS. Before the recent activities of the Mex- ican Constitutionalists began it had been asserted repeatedly that their territory included the six northern states, and the claim was extended to the borders of the Federal district. But every conquest that has been credited to them has been in those six northern states that were sup- posed to belong to them. Juarez is just across the river from El Paso and farther from the City of Mex- ico than Boston is from Chicago. Chi- huahua is about a thousand miles from the national capital. Torreon is in the extreme northern part of the State of Durango, near the boundary of the State of Chihuahua. Victoria is the capital of the State of Tamaulipas and Tampico is a port of that state. Monterrey is the capital of Nuevo Leon. The latest news is that the Constitu- tionalists have been driven back from Tampico and that they have abandoned Torreon under the fire of the Federals. There have been conflicting reports con- cerning both Victoria and Monterrey. The conquests appear to be reduced to Juarez and Chihuahua, though there is unquestionably desultory fighting over a large area of thinly populated country, all of which lies within the territory that was "claimed" by Huerta's opponents some time since. PUBUC OPINION-Continued _ Carranza, the chief of the Constitu- tionalists, remains at Hermosillo, where his energy is devoted to issuing pronun- ciamentos. This city is much farther from the capital than Chihuahua. It is on the Pacific coast side of the moun- tains. The principal military operations of the Constitutionalists are carried on by Francisco Villa, a brigand who is profit- ing by the unsettled condition of affairs, and who announced that he would be in the City of Mexico by Christmas. The tone of the dispatches generally has been much more favorable to his party than to the Federals, but he is now so clearly convicted of murder and robbery that the enthusiasm over him is likely to be short- lived. It is manifest that recognition of such cattle is impossible and that the country can never have peace until the banditti who are masquerading as pa- triots have received the only discipline that they can understand. — Chicago **Rec- ord-Herald." Doubt as to the wisdom of President Wilson's policy of watchful waiting in dealing with the Mexican situation was expressed by Herbert S. Hadley, of Kan- sas City, former governor of Missouri, in an address before the twenty-eighth ward Republican Club of St. Louis last week. *'If the policy of the Administration is such as will prevent the calamity of war," said Mr. Hadley, "then the Presi- dent can be assured that we will support him to the utmost. If through bungling diplomacy and an attempt to impose un- familiar moral standards upon the people of Mexico and to inject ideals into their management of public affairs which they cannot comprehend, he shall bring upon us war, then for such a result the pres- ent Administration must answer. I would be unwilling to see sacrificed the life of an American boy in order to protect the oil wells and mines which may have been developed by American capital in Mexico." NO GENUINE CONSTITUTIONAL- ISTS. It is somewhat wide of the facts to say that Constitutionalists in Mexico now control about two-thirds of the area of the country. Various bands of insurrectionists, outlaws and plain ban- dits, differing much in degree and purpose, occupy and terrorize enough territory to make that pro- portion when all added together, but they have not a common purpose nor are they under a com- mon headship. There is no assurance that they would or could work together in the event of the overthrow of the present federal government. If the future may be judged by the past, we may be sure they would not. When Madero overthrew Diaz, and by the usual military controlled elec- tion was chosen president, all the elements of insurrection did not unite with him in giving sta- bility to his government. They will no more unite now. Each leader must be appeased with some- thing worth while in the way of personal aggran- dizement. There are not wanting plain indications of a break between Villa and Carranza even before Huerta is overthrown. Villa is showing symp- toms of desiring to become the figure head of the revolution, and the chief dispenser of patronage and wicldcT of power, and to relegate Carrp.nza to a secondary place, if not to eliminate him entirely. Other rebel leaders arc likely to develop like per- sonal ambitions. There is nothing hopeful in the situation whatever, and there is almost a certainty that the fall of Huerla, and the success of the in- harmonious and disconnected insurrections, would create a situation even more difficult to be met by the United States than any that has existed since the first outbreak against the Diaz Admin- istration. As a result of a policy which appears to have been founded upon a determination to oust Huerta from power regardless of the consequences to Mexico herself or to our relations with that coun- try, or the effect of such action upon other Ameri- can republics, we may be called upon to take military action which the entire country desires to avoid. The approval we could not give to Huerta and his methods we could scarcely extend to Villa, Carranza and other rebel leaders. As- suming that our implacable hostility to Huerta is founded upon repugnance to his cruel, dictatorial and usurping methods, as it is and must be, we should be brought face to face with the choice between indorsement of other leaders with as black a record, or of taking the entire situation into our own hands, and setting up a government in Mex- ico by the bayonet, and under the color of our own election methods, however much the spirit of them might be wanting. It would be such an enlargement of our military tutelage as we should be anxious to avoid. — St. Louis *'Globe-Democrat,'* INFORMING THE "WORLD." To the Editor of "The World": As "The World" is the leading educator of the American public, did it ever occur to you that the people and the world at large are in total ignorance on the following points : 1. Is there an organized revolution in Mexico, or are there various bands of bandits fighting and looting in their localities? 2. What is the biography of the supposed leaders, Carranza, Villa, Urbina, Chao, Herreros? Do they recognize a cause, a common leader, and what have they done for or against their coun- try since January, 1911, up to the present? 3. What men are there among the so-called Constitutionalists who have shown themselves capable of ruling Mexico by their ability, educa- tion and public record for the last ten years? 4. What is to prevent one man with a horse, a gallon of coal-oil and some matches from keeping a hundred miles of railway closed when there are at least five culverts and trestles, all of wood, per mile? Ten men will keep a thou- sand miles closed. If you can solve this last question, there will be peace in Mexico in two months. You cannot guard them, so the only way is to shoot the man. Did you ever consider that ten determined men with automobiles and nitro-glycerine could cripple transportation out of New York for several weeks by one night's work destroying bridges and tunnels? Your help along this line will do more to restore peace and business and save lives in Mexico than any other policy. A. D. WATTS. Bridgetown, Barbados, Dec. 10. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. The Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir : Those educated Americans residing in Mexico who have an intimate knowledge of affairs in that country are profoundly convinced that the policy of President Wilson has been demonstrated to be not only erroneous but dis- astrous. The present deplorable conditions and unrest in the neighboring Republic are the direct result of the unjustifiable refusal of the Administra- tion in Washington to recognize the actual Gov- ernment of Mexico. By refusing recognition to the Provisional President of Mexico the only thing that Mr. Wilson has accomplished to date has been to encourage the enemies of law and order and to continue a state of affairs fatal alike to the well-being of Mexico and to the large foreign commercial interests established in that country. For several months President Wilson has sought means of imposing his will on Mexico and the only result of his personal activities has been the spread of the worst features of bandit war- fare. While Mr. Wilson may be perfectly sincere in his desire to promote the spread of text-book Saturday, December 37, 1913 MEXICO 11 methods of government among an alien people over whom he has no juriBdiction, it is obviously & most dangerouB delusion to believe that the rebels in Mexico are warring in defense of any fundamental principle, although the name "con- stitutionalist" tinkles so sweetly to the ears of a sentimental group of idealists in Washington. The primary object of the various armed bandits in Mexico is undoubtedly naught else but loot, and among the leaders the gratification of ambition to wield power, and it is likewise perfectly ob- vious that lacking aid from wthout that these rebel "movements" could be put a stop to, and peace reestablished, but such outside aid is not lacking — the Madero faction aids the petty leader, certain well-known large interests aid the Maderos, and the tendency of the Professor in the White House to idealize the rebels merely smooths the way for all the sordid game of in- trigue along the border. Policies announced as humanitarian seem to have dwindled down into a personal animosity toward the government of a friendly country at present in great distress, no word of sympathy or encouragement for the people of Mexico in their trouble, only carefully turned phrases about the origin of government, elaborate personal in- sults for the man at the head of the Mexican nation, and finally instead of some definite an- nouncement of policy an entire evasion of the whole question by the establishment of the ghoul- ish Watchful Waiting 1 C. M. T. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: In pursuance of his "policy" toward Mexico President Wilson has recently achieved several vicarious triumphs. Through the activity and energy of one Francisco Villa, a product o! "constitutionalism" as interpreted by Carranza and encouraged by Washington, the city of Juarea has been captured and one hundred and fifty prisoners wantonly slain in sight of citizens ol El Paso, Texas; in Torreon fourteen Spanish sub- jects, non-combatants, were shot down in cold blood, and finally the long list of barbaric out- rages committed in Chihuahua has come to crown the work of the group of rebels who are receiving support from the United States authori- ties not only on the frontier but directly from Washington, Thus the first fruits of Watchful Waiting are* being harvested, and the first triumphs of the higher morality are becoming known to the American public, and perhaps now, in the full light of that "pitiless publicity" mentioned by President Wilson, that same public will begin to realize the full significance of what such a polic> and such a victory means not to the people of Mexico alone but to civilization. How much longer will the American people permit the starry banner to be defiled by being made the symbol on this side of the border of the deeds ot Villa, the outlawed assassin ? Baltimore, Md. M. C. 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU 1916 iqie MUNSEY BUILDING laio WASHINGTON. D. C. Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legisla- tion. FEARFUL IN WASHINGTON. Washington. — Democratic members of both houses of Congress are fearful of the out- come of President Wilson's Mexican policy. They do not know just what to make of it, and they say freely enough privately that while the morality of the President's plan is all right that the result is likely to be a continuation of political immorality in Mexico with a last con- dition as bad as the first. Briefly, Democrat* do not seem to think the President, with a mere insistence on morality, will be able to produce stable conditions south of the Rio Grande. It is still understood the European powers will be asked to indorse definitely Wilson's plans. The President's prime desire apparently Is to get rid of Huerta and to avoid the cloth- ing with power of any man bent on an Ad- ministration like that of the present Mexican chief. The Democratic of^ciale are asking if the Administration's "face will be saved" by action which simply will eliminate Huerta and keep one of his immediate chiefs from office. They believe no election in Mexico will be a real election, and that any man who is chosen will be indebted to the present controlling in- terests for hie advancement. So the reasoning is that the conditions folkjwing Wilson's mo- rality propaganda will be those which exist to- day. The State Department knows well enough that what England, France, Germany and tht rest of the countries desire in Mexico is a reign of order which will enable business to go on and keep their mercantile and mining inter- ests safe, at least temporarily. The great Eu- ropean powers on the surface of things of course are strong for morality, but under the surface they are strong for anything which will enable their subjects to make money out of their Mexican holdings and to go about their busi- ness without fear of being killed by a bullet in- tended for some Mexican who has ambition to climb. • * • The Administration has been trying to find out if it is not possible that Mexico, if its affairs are properly directed at this time from without, can become a real republic with gov- ernmental order and business stability moving hand in hand. The reports which are received are all of a kind to give a negative answer. Confessedly most of the men who say no are those who have business interests in Mexico, and who would prefer a dictator to a president of true Democratic principles. Representatives of big business in Mexico say that the consti- tutional leaders are little better than bandits, and that all they want is loot, and that if one of them should get into power he would fall out with the other leaders of bis kind within twenty-four hours, and that the rows would begin all over again. — Chicago "Evening Post." The elimination of President Huerta seems to be the aim of the Administra- tion in its Mexican policy. But will this mean the solution of the Mexican situa- tion? Just what guarantee the Adminis- tration has that any other leader would be an improvement on Huerta is hard to understand.— Bridgeport (Conn.) "Stand- ard." ARBITRATION TREATY. What such a treaty is, or could be made worth, under existing conditions, becomes an mterestmg question. The persistent refusal to recognize any Govertunent in Mexico compli- cates matters materially for any purposes of arbitration. Consideration of the limited possibilities in the case soon put. one abruptly up agamst the question of what there it for either country to arbitrate. This question in- evitably opens a wider field of inquiry. What IS our grievance against Mexico, so peculiarly ours, as distinguished from that of other na- tions whose citizenship is represented in the Mexican population? What is the bother all about, the talk of ultimatums, invasions and mobihzations? Could we enter a court of ar- bitration, which is essentially a court of equity with clean hands, if showing nothing more than complaints relating to Mexican govern- ment, and not vitally affecting us, or our in- terests in that country? On the other hand, could the Mexican Government consent to sub- mit to any arbitration court the question of iu nght to exist, under Mexican law? Mexican law is the only law which could govern the action of an arbitration court, since there ii no law of nations which could possibly apply to an arbitration of our demand that the Mex- ican Government shall cease. We are rather pleased than otherwise at the prospect that it never can be, although confident that the same friendly and peaceful disposition which led to our making of the Mexican arbitration treaty is still our prevailing one. In the dozen ar- bitrating decisions rendered by The Hague Tri- bunal, none deals with any question at all re- sembling this one our diplomacy has raised for us with the government in Mexico.— St. Louis "Globe. Democrat." MAPS IN COLORS Showing individual and corporate hold- ings in The Mexican Gulf Coast Oil Fields Accurate in every detail— A necessity tor everybody interested in Mexican Ofl N. PAULSEN, Civil Engineer, Station O, Box 72 New York City THE ^MvTa R CO N ' ' Cushioned Arch Support Fine for Tired Aching Feet, Fallen .\rches, Flat Feet, and Weak Ankles. Have helped others. They will help you. Write for free booklet and testimonials. MARCON MANUFACTURING CO. Brooklyn, N. Y. .$l.no FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with - number MEXICO Satitrday, December 27, 1913 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Minafing Bditor, Thoma* 0'Hallor«o 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 6c. By the year, $8.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York A FATAL BLUNDER. There is a constantly growing number of persons in this country who are con- vinced that in dealing with Mexico the Wilson Administration has made a fatal blunder, the only tangible result of which has been the prolongation of barbarous rebellion and the encouragement of the lawless elements of the Mexican people. These persons have compared the Ad- ministration's protestations of morality and big purposes with the actual immor- ality of the conditions which the Ad- ministration has helped to foster. It would be utter folly for the most ardent partisan of the Administration to con- tend that its attitude has been one even approaching impartiality. Its open and virulent antagonism for the Huerta Gov- ernment has been as obvious as that of the Villas, Zapatas and all the other ban- dit leaders. Every one who knows Mex- ico and the Mexicans can ascribe the blunder to only three things, colossal ignorance, egotistical blindness, or per- nicious advice. Every one familiar with Mexican conditions and problems knows that one or all of these has been re- sponsible for the Administration's atti- tude, even though admitting that in a mentally superficial way its purpose was one of good intention or idealistic im- pulse. THE BLOOD OF A FISH. It can hardly be believed but it is a fact that some persons claiming to be American have upheld the Administra- tion's vulture policy of watchful waiting with the argument that it will give the Mexicans a chance to exhaust and de- stroy themselves, to the end that instead of a war of intervention being necessary the United States can easily absorb Mexico — peacefully; It is almost unbelievable that any en- lightened product of American civiliza- tion could propose so monstrous a na- tional crime. The fact is that we have actually heard this "solution" of the Mex- ican problem suggested by a certain speaker, whose name in charity we shall not mention, at a New York club din- ner at which the subject of Mexico was discussed. It must be said for the true Americanism of the other diners that the heartless, fish-blooded proposition wa^ received in frigid silence. The awful criminality of such a course in the name of the American people is only too apparent when it is remembered that American money and American guns, supplied by American interests, have been, with the assistance of some unpatriotic Mexicans, an important fac- tor in the internecine strife that has devastated Mexico in the last three years. Unfortunately on careful analysis it is at times forced on our reluctant belief that the Washington Administration is as cold-blooded and perverse as the speaker mentioned above in its policy of "watchful waiting" while the forces of greed and the forces of ignorance and barbarism loot and wreck and destroy the beautiful country on our border. But we know that the vast majority of the American people, when they real- ize the true situation in Mexico and the relations between the United States and Mexico, will rise in their might of fair- minded, square-deal opinion against the enormity of any Administration's holding to so un-American an atttiude. Therein lies the hope of Mexico. A SENSE OF HUMOR. Villa and Zapata, those worthy men who owe such a debt of gratitude to the Washington Administration, have re- vealed a sense of humor that must have proven very edifying to their benefactors who so sedulously have endeavored to explain and even justify their actions. Villa has declared that he had confis- cated the Spaniards' property and ex- pelled them from the country in order to protect them from the ire of the populace! Also that the property will be returned to those Spaniards who can prove that they have not been favorable in any way to the Federal Government. Villa — of course — will be the judge 1 Zapata issues a proclamation announc- ing that after he captures Mexico City General Huerta and all his adherents will be tried by a court martial and then hanged from the palace balconies. What is the use of a court martial if the sentence has been decided upon be- forehand? Well, they are great jokers, and Bryan is their prophet! "REBEL BLOOD." The desolation in Chihuahua under the bandit rule of Pancho Villa is a fair- ly good sample of what the fate of all Mexico would be if the forces of "Con- stitutionalism" should gain the upper hand. It is the peculiar faculty and the "Times" to wade merrily into the mire unspeakable crime of the Maderos and their ilk to be able to start a conflagra- tion and to destroy, all in the high- sounding names of the Constitution and liberty, but immediately they get into power they can neither control the de- structive forces they have brought into play nor inaugurate the constructive, which is the true business of responsible government. They are of "rebel blood" as the indiscreet Escudero so naively revealed recently. Their business is to tear down, not to build, and a profitable business it is. If it were not profitable they would not be in it. As they looted the public treasury during the Madero regime, so they would loot all Mexico, and so they are looting and destroying and will continue to until they find the business of looting so unprofitable on the one hand and so dangerous on the other that they will be forced to yield to the forces of law and order. That this happy day for Mexico seems to many far in the future is due more than any- thing else to the efforts of the Washing- ton Administration, enamored of the name of "Constitutionalist," to help the looters in their career of destruction. DEGRADING. In our issue of September 27th we rendered a just tribute to the fairness and honesty of the El Paso "Times" in de- precating the enormous amount of "war dope" and "Mexican rot" published in southwestern newspapers or sent out of El Paso. We regret to be compelled now to rec- ord a newspaper "feat" of the "Times," which reveals in itself to what depth of degradation even an American newspaper can sink. We refer to the eulogy of Pancho Villa published by the El Paso "Times" in its editorial columns. While the whole coun- try was shocked to its innermost at the barbarities committeed by the infamous outlaw, the El Paso "Times" was uphold- ing him as a great Mexican patriot, one of the greatest, in fact, not even except- ing Juarez, and as a man worthy of the love and respect of the "Times' " readers! It is quite unnecessary for us to com- ment on this disgraceful performance or to seek the motives which actuated the "Times" to cast such a blot on a sup- posedly civilized American press. The fact that many El Paso merchants profited by the purchases made by Villa with stolen money could never be suflS- cient justification for the glorifying of a bandit whose exploits shocked even the somewhat dulled sensibility of border in- habitants. The finger of scorn is already pointed at those Americans whose greed has made them disregard all ethics of honest business and induced them to buy stolen cattle or bullion. In this country as well as abroad they are becoming known as receivers of stolen goods. It remained, however, for the El Paso and eulogize the thieves' chief as a great Mexican patriot! MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intellident EMscasslon of Mexican Affairs Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. 1— No. NEW YORK, SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1914 FIVE CENTS DEMOCRACY OR AUTOCRACY. "World's Work" realized the urgent necessity for making a defense of Pres- ident Wilson's Mexican policy. The ef- fort was commensurate with the neces- sity. The President's apologist, even though reluctantly, acknowledges that the Pres- ident's policy has not met with the Amer. ican public's approval. This he attrib- utes to the fact that the President's con- ceptions of the Mexican situation have not penetrated the public's mind. Our conception of a true democracy is — perhaps erroneously — that the Presi- dent of a democratic country should not adopt a policy which is neither under- stood nor approved by the people. For the President of a democratic na- tion is supposed to be the representative of the majority of the people and the upholder of the wishes of that majority. When there arises the necessity of ex- plaining (not effectively as we have shown in another column) a policy and defending it on the ground that after nine months of watchful waiting the public mind has presented such a corneous cor- tex that the President's conceptions have been unable to penetrate it, then we say we are not living under a representative, democratic form of government. We must be living under a more or less autocratic form of government in which the head of the nation adopts a policy first and then, for the sake of forms and peace, endeavors to explain it to a public that does not understand it. John Lind to Pass Christian! Let's hope he passes some Christian advice. And not merely the suggestion that Protestant missionaries alone can save Mexico. Which is Mrs. Lind's Mexican policy. How much the more Christian to stop putting arms in the hands of the North- ern bandits. If this were done and John Lind re- turned to Mexico City as a duly accred- ited ambassador the Mexican problem would be settled in short order. And we would make Mexico our sin- cere friend. Which would not hurt us and would reassure all Latin America. NOT QUITE ALL ABOUT IT The January number of "World's Work" contains a series of articles on Mexico, embraced in this modest title: ".'Ml about Mexico." The publication of these articles is pe- culiarly interesting in view of the fact that before and since the appointment of its editor, Mr. Walter Page, as Am- bassador to Great Britain "World's Work" has been an ardent supporter of President Wilson and the most enthusi- astic exponent of his theories. Although on the whole these articles appear to be written in a fair spirit and contain truthful statements of Mexican conditions, the straining to find justifi- cation for the President's Mexican pol- icy is quite evident, particularly so in the first article, which purports to be an explanation of that policy. The er- rors of fact embodied in the other ar- ticles are doubtless due to their writers' lack of time to investigate conditions or to a careless acceptance of others' opin- ions, either formed hastily or malicious- ly expressed. The title of the first article, by Edward G. Lowry, is: "What the President is trying to do for Mexico." Perhaps it would have been more appropriate under the circumstances if the "for" had been substituted by a "to." But no matter. The President's apologist begins thus: The first item of President Wilson's Mexican policy has been: Huerta must go. That is but a preliminary detail and an incident of the larger general conception. A second item of his policy, and the ultimate end, is: The concessionaries and foreign interests must go. Not that foreign cap- ital must leave Central America, but that it shall cease to be a dominant special interest. This policy is to apply not only to Mexico but to all the Latin-American republics to the south of us. I'resident Wilson has served plain notice that foreign interests and concessions are no longer to be the first consideration in the relations between the United States and the Southern repub'.ics. Material interests are to be set aside entirely. They are dominating forces to-day in most of the Latin-American republics. They have caused most of the troubles of those republics. They are at the bottom of the disorder and strife in Mex- ico to-day. To President Wilson it is just as intolerable that Mexico should be dominated by English oil interests or American mining interests or German commercial interests or French banking interests as it is that the United States should be dominated by these interests, or by the Stand- ard Oil interests, or the Steel interests, or the Tobacco Trust, or any other manifestation of so- called Big Business. He has clearly set out to decrease the potency and power of these foreign interests in Mexico and, incidentally, in the ad- joining Latin republics. He has lucidly stated his policy : "Politics," says Mr. Wilson, "is made up in just about equal parts of comprehension and sym- pathy. No man ought to go into politics who doesn't comprehend the task he is going to at- tack. He may comprehend it so completely that it daunts him, that he doubts whether his own spirit is stout enough and his own mind able enough to attempt its great undertakings, but unless he comprehend it he ought not to enter it. After he has comprehended it there shoula come into his mind those profound impulses of sympathy which connect him with the rest of mankind, for politics is a business of interpre- tation and no men are fit for it who do not see and seek more than their own advantage and interest." "Foreign interests must go." "Mater- ial interests are to be set aside entirely. Th«y are dominating forces to-day in most of the Latin-American Republics." True, but material interests are dominant in the United States and all over the world. How are they to be made to go? Mere- ly by President Wilson's words? Or is (Continued on Next Page.) MEXICO Saturday, January 3, 1914 NOT QUITE ALL ABOUT IT-Continued this country going to compel by force cf arms or financial starvation every Latin-American Government to enter in- to no contract or financial arrangement with any foreign interests unless ap- proved by the American State Depart- ment? In any case, how are the countries mentioned to be developed without con- cessions to foreign capital? And we say advisedly without concessions, be- cause, however sincere may be the senti- ments of Mr. Wilson, capital will not go to those countries unless assured of high- er returns in compensation for greater risk. We still fail to see how President Wilson can change by his sole "fiat" a fundamental economical law: that the return is in direct proportion to the risk. "They (the material interests) are at the bottom of disorder and strife in Mexico to-day." They are, and particularly the Amer- ican interests opposed to Huerta and en- deavoring with the assistance of the Ma- dero family, their former ally, to restore the Madero regime, an easy instrument in their clever hands. By opposing Gen- eral Huerta Mr. Wilson is encouraging armed strife caused by these very inter- ests which he professes to abhor. "To President Wilson it is just as in- tolerable that Mexico should be dominat- ed by English oil interests or American mining interests or German commercial interests. * * *" In the first place, no one is yet con- vinced that President Wilson was elect- ed President of Mexico and that any domination — if it existed — need necessar- ily be intolerable to him. However worthy of praise the Presi- dent's intentions may be, the right of Mexico to be a sovereign and indepen- dent State cannot be set aside. Secondly, we note that the President's apologist fails to mention here the dom- ination of .American oil interests, and therefore fails to mention the real cause of discord. This evidently intentional omission is very significant. As to the assertion that the President has lucidly stated his policy, as explained in the last paragraph of the foregoing quotation, we shall let our readers decide. For our part we cannot for the life of us inter- pret a scholastic declaration of what a politician should be as the enunciation of a Mexican policy. But let us proceed. The author goes on to say: President Wilson has tried at least twice and in the most public way imaginable to make clear the basic conceptions on which his Mexican policy rests. It is larger than a mere Mexican policy, it is a Latin-American policy. Dollar diplomacy has been supplanted by diplomatic welfare work, but Mr. Wilson's concepts of our duties, our re- sponsibilities, and our opportunities with respect to Mexico and Central-American republics have not penetrated the popular intelligence. The fundamentals, the framework, the broad, essential, and salient' points of that policy are not far to seek. President Wilson has been to this juncture reticent only about details. He has not submitted to the country step by step all the plans and all the negotiations that have gone on, looking to the ousting of Huerta. President Wil- son has said time and again: "Huerta must go." Why must Huerta go? Under all the precedents of international law and usage, this Government would have been justified in according him diplo- matic recognition and acknowledging his headship of affairs in Mexico. President Wilson did not recognize Huerta because he is looking beyond the present. He has proclaimed a new Latin- American policy so bold, so simple, and so origi- nal that not yet is it understood. The President is seeking to put an end to revolutions in Latin- American States. As the simplest way of pre- venting revolutions, he is seeking to remove the root cause of most of them. What he is trying to do is to cure the revolutionary disease in Mexico and to discourage it in the Latin-American republics. Mr. Wilson is assured that he has discovered the germ that causes this revolutionary disease and his present task it to isolate that germ and then to destroy it. Mr. Wilson's concepts have not "pen- etrated the popular intelligence" — which judging by the author's statement, would appear to be very obtuse — because Pres- ident Wilson's words and the practical results of his poUcy are so diametrically opposed that the American public can- not find in these results any proof or evidence of the vague purpose expressed in the beautiful words. While it is stated that the President is seeking to put an end to revolutions in Latin America the fact remains that the President's attitude has encouraged, more, fostered rebellions in Mexico. While he is said to have discovered the germ of revolutionary disease, and his present task is said to be to isolate that germ and then destroy it, the prac- tical result of his policy has been to create a most fecund culture of that germ. The author makes a frantic effort to answer the question that every one has been asking of late: "Why must Huerta go?" and we quote again his reply: Under all precedents of international law and usage, this Government would have been justified in according him diplomatic recognition and acknowledging his headship of affairs in Mexico. President Wilson did not recognize Huerta because he is looking beyond the present. He has pro- claimed a new Latin-American policy so bold, so simple, and so original that not yet is it understood. The President is seeking to put an end to revolutions in Latin-American States. As the simplest way of preventing revolutions, he is seeking to remove the root cause of most of them. What he is trying to do is to cure the revolu- tionary disease in Mexico and to discourage it in the Latin-American republics. Mr. Wilson is assured that he has discovered the germ that causes this revolutionary disease and his present task is to isolate that germ and then to destroy it. If, after reading this reply, our readers or those of "World's Work" know just exactly why Huerta should go, their power of comprehension is infinitely greater than ours. But in this paragraph, as well as throughout the article, the truth is twist- ed with an ingenuity worthy of a better cause. The meaning implied is that Huer- ta must go because he encourages for- eign interests. Of course, we all know that this is not the "real" reason why President Wilson wants Huerta to go, but supposing it were, how could his apologist explain the support given to rebels who receive money and arms from American interests? What is the underlying cause of the present troubles in Mexico? Foreign interests and con- cessions. They have been at the bottom of most of the Latin-American troubles. President Wilson and the author hit the nail on the head when they state that foreign interests are at the bottom of Latin-American troubles but they fail to explain that American interests are at the bottom of the Mexican trou- ble. That the opposition to General Huerta and the support to the revolu- tionists have come from the disinclina- tion of General Huerta to be the instru- ment of those interests. That encour- agement was given by the Diaz Gov- ernment to European capital simply to offset the dominance which special Am- erican interests were acquiring in Mexi- co and to prevent the greedy absorp- tion of the whole country's resources by these very interests. They fail to ex- plain how the present struggle is fos- tered by these interests, that will let nothing stand in the way of their re- gaining the dominance lost through the fall of Madero. Yet it is not to be supposed that either President Wilson or the author has lacked means to ascertain the truth. Further on we read: He is trying to prove to Mexicans and to Latin-Americans that the United States can do both a service that apparently they have not dreamed of doing for themselves. And almost in the same breath: Mr. Wilson has said, as plainly as it can be said, that while Mexican affairs are in their pres- ent posture, that the time has come when Mexico and all the Latin-American countries must be al- lowed to manage their own affairs and be free of the domination of foreign business interests. If Mexico is to be allowed to manage its own affairs why then has President Wilson interfered in the affairs of that country? If not by force of arms, at least with the force which his exalted position gives him? Why is he insisting on rendering a service which is not wanted? And — what is more important — why is it that no Latin-American coun- try, no Latin-American government, no Latin-American people has risen in grateful appreciation of the President's words? Why is it that his Mobile declaration of policy instead has caused a recrudes- cence of antagonism on the part of those people and created a feeling of mistrust stronger than it ever e-xisted be- fore? Is it because all Latin-Americans are as obtuse and as idiotic as the author would have us believe the American peo- ple are into whose "popular intelligence" President Wilson's concepts have not penetrated? Or is it because the Latin-American people perceive clearly in the words of the President a menace to their sovereign- ty and one more evidence of the grab- bing tendency of the United States? (Continued on Next Page.) Saturday, January 3, 1914 MEXICO Mr. Lowry's article wtih so promising a title is nothing more or less than an attempt to justify the Wilson policy by using President Wilson's already well- known words. Hence, in common with the "popular intelligence" of the American public and cf the Latin-American people we are still just as much in the dark as we were be- fore as to the real meaning of that pol- icy. It is too much to ask a whole con- tinent to be contented with words. The judgment of the people is passed upon consideration of facts, not words. Again more words: Could anything be more plain-spoken than his own deliberate, premeditated utterance: "There is one peculiarity about the history of the Latin-American States which I am sure they are keenly aware of. You hear of 'con- cessions' to foreign capitalists in Latin America. You do not hear of concessions granted to foreign capitalists in the United States. They are not granted concessions. They are invited to make investments. The work is ours, though they are welcome to invest in it. We do not ask them to supply the capital and do the work. It is an invitation, not a privilege; and the States that are obliged, because their territory does not lie within the main field of modern enterprise and action, to grant concessions are in this condition, that foreign interests are apt to dominate their domestic affairs, a condition of affairs always dangerous and apt to become intolerable." In the comparison of Mexico or some of the Central American Republics with the United States we see again that ig- norance which has been so much lament- ed in all quarters. "Foreign capitalists are not granted concessions but are invited to make in- vestments in the United States." It is true, but conditions are vastly different here. Although it would take volumes to explain in detail this differ- ence, yet it is self-evident. .A.gain we must repeat that the trouble in Mexico has been fostered by American inter- ests who were checked in their monopol- istic purposes by the Diaz Government, which realized that American interests were "apt to dominate their domestic af- fairs, a condition of affairs always dan- gerous and apt to become intolerable." The author continues to quote Presi- dent Wilson, this being the best means he can find in his effort to penetrate the public intelligence. Then exclaims: The day is imminent when Mexico and the other Latin-American States will lie, to use the President's phrases, "within the main field of modem enterprise and action." The day of the opening of the Panama Canal for traffic will mark their entrance to that field. The President thus says as plainly as he can that that day should mark the emancipation of these countries from the foreign capitalists who provide the capital for exploiting and developing the natural resources of these countries. Mr. Wilson sets forth com- pactly the position in which the Latin-American countries will find themselves when the Isthmian waterway is an accomplished fact. "The Latin- American States which, to their disadvantage, have been off the main line, will then be on the main line." As he says, "We shall presently find that some part, at any rate, of the centre of gravity of the worid has shifted." This tremendously vital change in the whole aspect of Latin-American affairs is of immense significance to the United States. To President Wilson it means that we must prove ourselves the NOT QUITE ALL ABOUT IT-Continued friends and champions of these countries to the south of us upon terms of equality and honor. We must show this friendship "by comprehending their interest whether it squares with our own interests or not." Or, as he phrases it again; "Human rights, national integrity, and opportu- nity, as against material interests, is the issue which we now have to face," and we "must re- gard it as one of the duties of friendship to see that from no quarter are material interests made superior to human liberty and national opportu- nity." President Wilson's policy is to fight for the Mexicans the fight we have been and are fighting for ourselves, to divorce Big Business from governmental affairs. He says it himself in so many words: "We have seen material in- terests threaten constitutional freedom in the United States. Wherefore, we will now know how to sympathize with those in the rest of America who have to contend with such powers not only within their borders but from outside their bor- ders also." Beautiful, splendid words! We can only exclaim on our part, "Amen!" But the facts? When the day shall come when certain -American republics find themselves in the "main line," those republics will no longer find it necessary to grant conces- sions, or to pay subsidies for the build- ing of railways or the development of their natural resources. The people of the United States, in spite of their power and wealth, in spite of their higher standard of public educa- tion, are not yet emancipated from the domination of big business. Also it is not very many years since the United States Government paid enormous subsidies for the building of transcontinental railways. The writer goes on to state: President Wilson does not pretend that the present negotiations with relation to Mexican af- fairs are mere questions of policy and diplomacy. He expressly says that they are not questions of policy and diplomacy, but are "shot through with the principles of life." He acknowledged that it would be more convenient to recognize Huerta. To have recognized the provisional Government of Mexico would have saved all the negotiations that have gone forward, saved all the turmoil and stress and apprehension and the possibility of an armed clash, but Mr. Wilson takes the ground that he "will never condone iniquity be- cause it is most convenient to do so." What he is trying to do in Mexico has a meaning, a bear- ing, and a significance to the head of every Latin- American State. By the support given by his Adminis- tration to the Mexican rebels is not Pres- ident Wilson condoning the iniquities of Villa, of Urbina, and others? And these are proven iniquities, while the "iniquity" attributed to General Huerta has never been proven. The iniquities, the unspeakable atroci- ties committed by rebels and bandits, re- ceived the official seal of approval from the Washington Administration when leaders of these rebels were received with ^..fficial honors on board an American man-o'-war by an admiral of the United States Navy. How will the heads of all Latin- Ameriean States interpret these facts, when they learn from the distinguished apologist that: "What he (President Wilson) is try- ing to do in Mexico has a meaning, a bearing, and a significance to the head of every Latin-American State!" Against all evidence we see repeated the feeble excuse that "there is no rea- son to suppose that prompt recognition of Huerta would have put an end to the chain of succession; and, "He, too, would have been killed or driven out in time as others have been killed and driv- en out." Then why the tremendous efforts of the United States Government to drive him out now? Is there any reason to suppose that the triumph of Carranza, Villa and Zapata will put an end to the chain of succession? On this point the author is silent, of course. Yet thereon hangs the justification or the indictment of President Wilson's policy. No fault could possibly be found with the abstract meaning of the last para- graph of this article, an article truly re- markable for its fatuity. There will never be any peace in Latin America so long as the Presidents of those States are put into office and maintained in office by one set of concessionaries, while another set of con- cessionaries, being out of favor, is striving hj every expedient to pull down the Government and erect another more friendly in its place. True, gospel. General Huerta was not put in power by a set of concessionaries. He did not take part in the revolutionary movement engineered by General Mondragon and headed by Felix Diaz. That, we believe, is conceded even by his enemies, for he was the leader of the Madero forces un- til the last day. Put the concessionaries that with the fall of Madero lost their monopolistic grip, being out of favor, or rather, being incapacitated to exert supreme influence in the present government, are striving by every expedient to pull down the gov- ernment and erect another more friendly in its place. -And despite all the beautiful words we were compelled to read once more the fact remains that the most potent pull- ing is being done by the Wilson Admin- istration which has decreed: "Huerta must go," and which has erected a finan- cial blockade against that government! THOSE BRITISH MARINES IN HONDURAS. Great Britain's action in landing marines in British Honduras to "police" the northern border adjoining Mexico need cause no excitement. If this step has been taken to prevent aid and comfort being given Mexican revolutionists at the south it is nothing more than the United States is doing along the northern border of Mexico — at least ostensibly. — New York "Herald." That word ostensibly is surcharged with significance, coming as it does from the esteemed "Herald" — so concerned that the British may get any oil wells near the Panama Canal, and so terribly overwrought with indignation that Huerta will not be dictated to by American oil interests. Ostensibly! That's a good word. MEXICO Saturday, January 3, 1914 THE FICTION FACTORY One would think that in the Mexican situation as it reall}' is and the larger international situation of which it forms part there would appear so much drama and interest that the newspapers would serve their readers best by serving them the truth. But for various reasons, which we have explained many times, they still carr3' on their merry campaign of lies, misrepresentations, and half-truths — merry to them but tragic to poor Mex- ico. Keeping in mind that the great ob- ject of the press campaign is to discredit the Mexican Government, both to justify the Administration's hostility and to in- jure Mexico's financial credit, let us re- view some of the highly imaginative falsehoods concocted by the correspon- dents, news agencies and editors since last we went to press. Most of the false news that comes from Washington is created in the fer- tile and resourceful mind of Captain Sherbourne G. Hopkins, who manages the Washington junta, of Maderist and Pierce Oil affiliations. From all accounts he has the run of the State Department and, unlike so many others, has no doubts in his own mind as to what the Mexican policy of the Administration really is. As to the reports that come from Mex- ico City, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mo- heno within the last week has had to caution the correspondents against send- ing out absolute falsehoods to the injury of Mexico. In justice to some of the correspondents it must be said that they are not to blame, as the cables they send are usually in skeleton and are "doctored up," distorted and twisted in the offices of their newspapers and agencies here, much to their own discomfiture. This we actually know to be the case and have letters from Mexico City correspondents to prove it. Not only that, but we have personally had New York editors, hand- l:ng the Mexican "story" daily, boastfully admit to us that they have "fixed up" the Mexican news to suit the policy of their papers. "It's all in the newspaper game," they say. As to the El Pasograms and border news generally, lying is a profession and a meal-ticket down there and some won- derful fiction writers have been devel- oped along the Rio Grande. Munsey, take notice. The New York "Herald" of December 83rd scareheaded this wild dream: "Huerta Said to Fear Banks are Trying to Force Him Out." We'll let it go at that, without comment. From Washington two weird yarns were given out'by Hopkins, one about the "constitutionalists" controlling more than half of the National Railways and sending a representative to deal with the New York management of the company to reorganize the lines and "arrange for credit." The only control the "constitu- tionalists" have of Mexican- Railways is dynamite in the hands of bandits. Of course the object of this "story" was to irighten the Railways bondholders and injure the credit of the company. A lit- tle speculation in bonds may have been back of that. The other "story" was one of Federal atrocities to offset the effect of Villa's doings. There was not a fact or detail to back it up, but it was couched in bloodcurdling generalities, made out of whole cloth. Another "story" most of the New York papers fell for was that the interest on the National Railways bonds would not be met by the Mexican Government on the first of January, despite the official statement previously of the bankers con- cerned that the payment had been sat- isfactorily provided for. Really, there are too many of these lies to enumerate. To do so would take up more space than we care to give and dig- nify most of them more than they de- serve. You may remember the following and by comparing what has really happened since they were published so short a time ago you can readily see how much there was in them: "Huerta to resign in favor of Goros- tieta and go to the front to fight the Northern rebels." "Rebels about to attack Tampico." (This one is repeated every day when nothing else can be made up on the spur of the moment.) "Huerta hears the booming of the en- emy's guns at the capital's gates!" "Envoy de la Barra fails in his Jap- anese mission." He went to Japan to give the formal thanks of his country to Japan for the latter's participation in the Centennial Celebration of Mexican In- dependence. He was received by the Mikado and welcomed by the Japanese people. So he failed! "Rebels in control of the oil zone!" "Line from Tampico to San Luis Po- tosi cut!" "Shortage of fuel in the capital and all railroads tied up in two days." "Train blown up at Charcos, North of San Luis Potosi, and 150 Federals killed." "Mazatlan and Tepic again captured." "Many Mexican banks and commercial houses will fail before the first of the year." "Federals desert at Guaymas." "Zacatecas captured." And so on. All of which did not happen and was later denied in the same newspapers, al- though inconspicuously. You did not read, however, that the whole State of Coahuila is at present un- der the absolute control of the Federal Government. That the trains are running regularly between Mexico City and La- redo. That customs receipts are as high as they have ever been and that business in the South of Mexico has never been as good as it is now. FOREIGN ENTANGLEMENTS. By Colonel George Harvey in "North American Review" for January. It is a cardinal principle of foreign powers, and of Great Britan par- ticularly, to protect the persons and property of their citizens the world over. The patience which they have manifested, at our solicitation, at the devastation in Mexico is unprece- dented, as an evidence of special consideration. But how long can it be maintained by any Government, how- ever friendly? How soon will it cease to be regarded as a virtue by a pow- erful Opposition? The Tory journals of England are becoming more critical daily, French newspapers are drawing sharp contrasts between the "ineffectual idealism" of our "watchful waiting" and the shocking bru- talities which characterize the fighting in Mexico, and the spokesmen of Ger- many constantly and caustically inquire how we can justify the policy announced by the President at Mobile. And how, in truth, can we? Because foreign investors have driven hard bar- gains in South America in the past, are we warranted in prohibiting the grant- ing of concessions which presumably tend to development of resources in the future? "What these States are going to see," declared the President, "is an emanci- pation from the subordination which has been inevitable to foreign enterprises. •I" * * I rejoice in nothing so much as in the prospect that they will now be emancipated from these conditions, and we ought to be the first to take part in assisting in that emancipation." "It is a policy," added Secretary Bryan, "that has been substituted for Dollar Diplomacy. The foreign capi- talist has too often been a disturbing factor in Latin America." Now, what can this mean? That lit- erally we shall forbid South American Governments to make further conces- sions to European capitalists? Or mere- ly that we shall insist upon supervising the trades and fixing the terms? Countries like Peru and Ecuador and Bolivia cannot uncover their vast re- sources without the use of quantities of money which they themselves do not possess. If they are not to be allowed to obtain the requisite capital from Eng- land or France or Germany upon the best terms they can obtain, where are they to get it? Surely not from the Treasury of the United States. Not even Secretary- Bryan would propose that. From American investors, then, upon most modest terms fixed by the State Department? Hardly! Our people have never shown a disposition to embark in South American enterprises, even when offered the extraordinary inducements which attracted foreigners. Are they (Continued on Next Page.) Saturday, January 3, 1914 MEXICO FOREIGN ENTANGLEMENTS— Continued, likely now to hazard their fortunes for profits, not only prospective but re- stricted, in far-off lands, when billions of tested securities at home are awaiting absorption? Whence, then, is the "emancipation" by considerate lenders at easy rates to come? Is it emancipation? Is it not enslave- ment? By what conceivable right or upon what fancied theory can the United States assume a suzerainty so complete and so farreaching? That is the ques- tion which some South American or Eu- ropean Government is bound to raise, and soon too, with respect to a definite transaction. What will be the answer of the Ad- ministration? What can it be? Shall we, if pressed, recede from the Mobile declaration? Or shall we fight, if need be, in defense of a doctrine which is obviously untenable? In either case, how would Bolivia or Ecuador or Peru profit from such interposition in favor of "human rights, or national integrity, and opportunity as against material interests?" We cannot but conclude that Presi- dent Wilson did not perceive the end- ing of this extraordinary proposition when he launched its beginning. And we can but hope that contingencies likely to result in embarrassment, if not humiliation, to both the country and himself may not arise." WHY WE ARE PROUD NOT TOO LATE. There is a tendency on the part of some newspapers and individuals to sigh self-complacently and, seeing only hope- less anarchy ahead in Mexico, assert that, anyhow, it's too late to recognize Huerta now. It is n jt too late for recogni- tion. But recognition is not so impor- tant in itself as that it would indicate to Mexico and to the world the inten- tion of the Washington Administration to withdraw its support from '.he bandits who are terrorizing Mexico, to enforce the neutrality laws so that arms, ammu- nition and money could not be supplied by the .•\merican fomenters of revolu- tion, and to keep hands off Mexico's in- ternal affairs. The honest enforcement of the neu- trality laws alone would do more to re- store peaceful conditions in Mexico than any other single factor. That's where we are not "straight" in this Mexican situation. We rail at the conditions in Mexico which we, at least some of our respectable corporations, have helped to bring about. We rail at Huerta because he hasn't improved con- ditions, and we try to tie him hand and foot. Never has there been a case of more blatant national hypocrisy. No wonder European nations question our motives. No wonder Latin-American nations are suspicions. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: — In that searching of the heart which is enjoined on all good Christians on such occasions as the opening of the New Year, I humbly sug- gest that we Americans have cause to be proud of our Government in general and our State Department in particular. Let me particularize: In diplomacy we have seen the intro- duction of an entirely new conception of the duty of one State toward another, and that is not the customary, time-hon- ored, universally recognized principle of international comity of which misguided text-books on international law are fond of prating, but the entirely new prin- ciple of the personal likes or dislikes of one ruler to another. To be specific, Mr. Wilson does not like Huerta; therefore we Americans must believe Huerta a villain and a scoundrel engaged in ruin- ing his country; Mr. Wilson says so. In the next place, we Americans should be proud of the way in which Mr. Wilson casts off the ancient tram- mels of an outworn system of logic. He says Huerta became president because of the assassination of Madero. As a mat- ter of cold fact, Huerta became presi- dent before the death of Madero. To most human minds a man cannot-become a thing which he already is; and, by the same token, Huerta could not become President because of Madero's death in- asmuch as he was already President at that time. We Americans have just cause for pride in Mr. Wilson for eman- cipating himself from the shackles of logic in this masterful fashion, and a college professor, too! Princeton, Princeton, Princeton, yip, yip, hurrah! As patriotic .\mericans our admira- tion for Mr. Wilson is further enhanced by the attitude of our Government to- ward our beloved cousins across the Rio Grande, our beloved friends to honor whose President our Mr. Taft crossed the border and shook hands all around. And, not to be outdone, that horrible man, Porfirio Diaz, returned the visit, passed over into American soil, where he was feasted, acclaimed and honored. And an astonished and envious world be- held these two adjacent nations fall on each other's neck and weep — in love and peace and amity. But Mr. Wilson has changed all that. Buttressed with a con- sciousness of his own rectitude, he is- sued but a short time ago these five peremptory commands: 1. Huerta must resign. 2. Huerta must not be a candidate for the Presidency. 3. The Mexican people must not vote for Huerta. 4. The Mexican Congress must not assemble. 5. The Mexican Congress must not transact business. To be sure, no attention was paid to these ukases from Washington and the wicked world laughed at the edifying spectacle of President Huerta avec le doigt au bout de nez at President Wil- son. Additional point was lent to the jest by the fact that Huerta ruled a weak, distracted nation of fourteen mil- lions, most of them Indians, while Wil- son ruled some 100 millions of wealthy, prosperous white people. All this tends to fortify unkind critics — coarse practical men of affairs who know Mexic o by per - sonal experience — in the belief that we are regarded by Latin-Americans as a nation of cowardly hypocrites and bluEE- eTs] soft, overgrown babies, muddle- headed theorists, slaves to a shibboleth, a treacherous friend and a contemptible foe. But we should worry! Other — be- nighted — nations place at the head of Foreign Affairs their best scholars long-trained and tried in diplomatic mat- ters under the — misguided — idea that a nation's reputation among the rest of the world is worth looking after. Not so we, who breathe the free air of the prairies. What do we do? We take from the plains — the wind-swept plains of Nebraska— a corn-fed half preacher, half country editor, thrice discredited by the voters of this country, a Chautau- qua attraction who appears with yodlers and trained dogs at so much per per- formance — and set him at the head of the State Department — where he can do the most harm in the most conspicuous manner. We thus demonstrate to the world our complete emancipation from the silly idea that any training is nec- essary for the highest offices of gov- ernment. A loud voice, a copious vocab- ulary and an itching for posing in the limelight — surely these valuable assets render a man fit for directing our rela- tions with foreign nations. Mr. Bryan's loud voice connotes acquaintance with, say, Mexican history and character. His copious vocabulary fits him to perceive the justice and intricacy of international questions. His itching for the lecture platform — with yodlers and trained dogs — proves conclusively his sense of jus- tice toward resident Americans in Mex- ico and his comprehension of the world's opinion of American diplomacy. Hence we Americans should be proud of Mr. Wilson, Mr. Bryan and our atti- tude toward poor distracted Mexico. In other times it was a proud boast to call oneself a Roman citizen. With equal pride I subscribe myself. CIVIS AMERICANUS SUM. Chicago, 29 December, 1913. MEXICO Saturday, January 3, 1914 WAITING AND BLUNDERING. As one who has some acquaintance with Latin-America and who in 1912 ad- vocated the election of Wilson, may I be permitted to express a feeling — common, I fancy, to many who had the privilege of voting for him — a feeling of wonder and of amazement that in electing a President of the United States we un- wittingly chose, it appears, an arbiter of morals and a political dictator for the Western Hemisphere. To assume to criticise the course of our able, conscientious and scholarly President may be lese majeste, yet I venture a few observations. As a mere question of good manners, not to say diplomatic etiquette, what could be less likely to secure a desired result from a proud-spirited or almost any sort of people than to dispatch an unofficial agent to demand of a nation's ruler that he step down and out? Were any influence possible in the domestic af- fairs of an independent nation a regular ambassador who might with absolute secrecy present suggestions of so deli- cate a nature might seem to have the only infinitesimal chance of success. Precisely why our President felt called upon to interfere at all is a graver problem. True, many Americans believe! that we are competent to rule the uni- verse, that Mexico should be ours to exploit and to enrich our existing and our would-be millionaires. They hope yet to see our flag wave from pole to pole. Such, however, is not the view of the President. .At least by conquest he has said we shall never again take a foot of territory. Just how he is able to speak for his successors it is difficult tD under- stand. We may take his word for his own administration, though Latin-.^mer- icans may fee! less implicit confidence, remembering our professions of altruism at the outset of the Spanish War and our subsequent taking of Porto Rico and the Philippines, in which they may fail to see our purely altruistic motives. But where did we gain the right to dictate to other nations as to the moral character or the mode of selection of their rulers? Are we to pass judgment tipon the rulers of Europe, or of America only? The first function of government would seem to be the preservation of public or- der. This Huerta for some time largely secured. We insist upon a constitution- allv elected President? Who was Por- firio Diaz but a dictator, whose repeated elections were a farce, although his re- gime, by no means free from assassina- tions, was long satisfactory to the ma- jority? Madero was constitutionally elected. "What profit, with fighting in the streets of Mexico City and the slaughter of hun- dreds of innocent non-combatants? Any ruler strong enough to keeo the peace might well be preferred. The prompt recotrnition of Huerta as de facto ruler, enabling him to procure the necessary funds, would probably have brought peace long arro. Is the slaughter of thou- sands, for Afhich our President's course may be largely responsible, a desirable sequence to an oversensitive attitude of one or iwo persons? Are we certain that Villa. Zapata and Carranza are more ex- cellent men than Huerta, who will more strictly follow the constitution, and that is the vital question? With our own countrv reeking with corruption from one end to the other, despite valiant efforts here and there to clean the ,\ugean stables, with more mur- ders, fatal accidcfits and disappearances than any other civilized country on the globe, would it not be more becoming not to insist upon our own particular brand of righteousness, but to permit other na- LEST WE FORGET Still "WatchfiU Waiting." * * * For black to become white and white black. * * * For the sun to rise in the West and set in the North. * ♦ » For the leopard to change its spots and Bryan his "complacency." * * * If Huerta were everything they have said against him — and not proved — he would be an angel child in comparison with the outlaws this Administration is supporting. * * * "Constitutional!" Summary executions and confiscation of the property of the rich. Very, very constitutional. * * » The old bewhiskered gentleman Car- ranza was a man after Bryan's heart — he sent out such high-sounding programs of principles. But the mask was removed and back of the whiskers was Villa. ' * * * And the benevolent old gentleman con- doned his atrocities — in most beautiful words. * * * That's one thing Huerta lacks — a flow- ery vocabulary. But not a stout heart. Nor a mind chat can see beneath pharasaical words. * * * Meanwhile Carranza is reported so- journing at Hermosillo, mountains be- tween him and Villa. Also he has been reported dead. He might as well be as attempt to break in on VUla's little game. The deplorable condition of brigandage in certain sections of Mexico is an ob- vious fact. Madero with the assistance of American Big Business made it a fact and could not check it. Huerta has striven nobly to do it against tremendous odds and if any one can succeed he is the man. But the Administration lends its moral support to the brigands and Big Business supplies the material support. But "constitutionalism" as a force or a popular political movement is a fiction — written for the American papers by those tions to govern themselves after their own fashion, at least, till we can set them a better example? Shall we drift until the calamity of Mexico becomes our own and we are in- volved in an expensive war with a peo- ple with whom we have no quarrel? — Annie S. Peck in Baltimore "American." past masters of fiction writing — Captain Sherby Hopkins and his Madero-Waters- Pierce junta in Washington. * * * And the newspapers swallow the fiction whole. Maybe it's because they and their readers like good fiction — maybe fiction brings a good price these days. * * * And back of all the fiction is the in- satiable desire of American interests to control the oil fields of Mexico and the National Railways. * * * Competition and contest for material advantages are not criminal in them- selves. * * * But they are criminal when they would destroy a country and its people and cloak their purpose in "morality." * * * Their are just two purposes behind the campaign of misrepresentation against Mexico in the press of the United States. One is to destroy the credit of the Mexican Government. The other is to create public feeling in favor of intervention. » * ♦ If either succeeds the hope of the precious managers of the campaign is in the mix-up to "get their hooks in" Mexico. Oil and railways. Oil and railways. The Maderos, the Hopkins', the Carranzas, the "constitutionalists" — that's all. Oil and railways. * * » Does the United States want to shed its blood and sink its treasure for the purposes of such as these? No, emphatically no. That's why they have to talk "morality," and "usurpation" and Constitution, and "foreign conce«- Fionaires," and all that buncombe in- tended to deceive the people. * * * All signs indicate that the people have not been deceived. And they won't be. * * ♦ The campaign of lies and misrepresen- tation could never have amounted to anything had not Bryan in the beginning been taken in as a country bumpkin is taken in by a confidence man. * * * He's probably been trying to justify himself ever since. We have heard of some confidence victims who come back for more after drawing their last sou from the bank. * * » They never learn — there's one bom every minute. Saturday, January 3, 1914 MEXICO AS TO ATROCITIES As to the atrocities that have been committed in Mexico in the last three years of strife and internal disorder, these facts must be kept in mind: The vast majority of the Mexican peo- ple are peaceable and have been the suf- ferers from rather than the perpetrators of these atrocities. They should be the recipients of our deepest sympathy rath- er than the indiscriminate condemnation that is heaped on the entire Mexican people for the barbarous deeds of the lowest element in the popialation. In every case where an atrocious crime has been committed, the facts and details reported, it has been the work of the bandits and brigands, so-called reb- els and revolutionists. To offset the effect of these reports on the mind of the civilized world, the po- litical and financial interests who are fo- menting and seeking to take advantage of the disorder caused by these bandits r.nd brigands issue statements couched in general language, incapable of proof, charging that the Federals are guilty of outrages of equal barbarism. Such a statement was given out the other day by Captain Sherbourne G. Hopkins, "le- gal representative in Washington for the Constitutionalists," and published by manj'^ newspapers as a statement of fact. Is this fair to the law-abiding Mexican people or to the forces of law and or- der who are trying to prevent these very atrocities, when these statements are made without a single fact or detail to support them? Here is an account by an eye-witness of what he saw as war correspondent with Federal troops. It is by N. C. Adossides in the New York ".American." It was late at night when we left Mapimi to march against the enemy. Many soldaderas — wives and sweethearts of the Federal privates — accompanied this march across the Durango desert. Most of these Spartan creatures were demoralized by the crushing defeats of their army, and many of them crazed by the loss of sisters or other relatives who had been taken prisoners by the rebels. At dawn as we were emerging from a ravine we came upon fourteen female bodies hung to telegraph poles. The bodies were naked and frightfully mutilated. "Good God!" cried Captain Taloca, an artil- lery officer who was sitting next to me on the gun carriage. "This kind of thing will be the finish of our country!" A moment later a wild-eyed soldadera tried to climb the wheel of the carriage. "Look, senoresi" she shrieked at us. "They are not dead — they stare at us I Save them — save them!. Senores — we might all be hanging there with no one to save us I" I closed my eyes to shut out the sight, but the hysterical wail of the women photographed it on my brain. Even when we had passed the dreadful spot I heard the nerve-racking screams, finaJly silenced by whom or what I did not know. Violence to the Federal women is a part of the rebel plan for settling scores. Such atrocities and worse are constantly hap- pening in blood-spattered Mexico, but it is the South, the territory dominated by Zapata, holds the record. It was a band of Zapatistas who murdered the young wife of a German engineer and bung her body in the doorway of her own home, and, not contei^t with so much horror, waited for the hus- band and after a terrible scene, in which he was forced to figure, strangled him on the door step. An American living in Mexico City and well versed in Mexican affairs told me of an encounter between a noted rebel general whom he named and a Mexican woman who was the wife of a wealthy Belgian rancher in the State of Chihua- hua. Both the Belgian and his wife were naturalized American citizens, who had been living for some years on the outskirts of the town of Santa Ro- salia, where they had considerable land and cattle. The husband had a fad for fine racing horses, and was raising them on the hacienda. The general, at that time a common mountain bandit, knew of the horses and with a few of his cowboys visited the ranch with a view of selecting for himself a steed of good blood. The master of the ranch being away the general ordered a servant to announce his arrival to the mistress, insisting that he wished to see her in person. Before appearing, the woman, who was exceed- ingly handsome, ordered the servant to hoist the American flag. The flag raised, she appeared beneath its fluttering folds. The general saluted — not the flag, but the woman. "With your permission, Senora, I should like to visit the ranch ; especially the stables, as my men and myself are in need of good horses." The woman, with great self-possession, informed the bandit that her husband was absent and it would not be possible to visit his property. "Then," retorted the soldier with devilish ur- banity, "would you permit me to smoke a cigar- ette and gaze from near at your beautiful eyes?" She pointed to the flag. "But you are my country-woman," insisted the general, advancing. Unabashed, the woman covered the brigand with a pistol, an action which startled and subdued him to a state of profound apology and admiration. One of the greatest obstacles to the restoration of normal conditions in Mex- ico is the damage done to railroads by bandits. Ten men with dynamite can de- stroy a bridge that has taken months to build. There are about twenty thousand miles of railroad in Mexico to patrol which, especially in wild places, would require a force of men equal to the com- bined standing armies of the United States and Mexico. The responsibility for the destruction of railroads rests, not so much on the misguided, irresponsible criminals who do the actual work, as on those who to keep Mexico in a turmoil hire the bandit leaders and make the work of destruction profitable. And the truth is that most of the money that pays for this hire comes from the United States. Let the report of the Senate In- vestigation Committee of which Wil- liam Alden Smith was chairman be re- leased for public reading by Senator Bacon; of the Foreign Relations Com- mittee, and the source of most of Mex- ico's woes will be revealed to the world. AN AMERICAN WOMAN'S LET- TERS. From "World's Work." An American woman's letters from Saltillo, Mexico, form the third article of the all-embracing "All about Mex- ico." These letters are interesting and apparently written by an unbiased wit- ness of events in Saltillo, the former res- idence of Carranza. Whatever judgment this woman expresses about events in Mexico City is based on hearsay while her opinion and statement of facts as viewed by her in Saltillo are based on first-hand information. We have no comment to make on these letters but reproduce here some paragraphs which are, as the editor states, "a vivid portrayal of conditions": Saltillo. March 4, 1913. Sunday, the 23d, the Governor (Car- ranza) got all the troops (Maderistas) in the city, and all volunteers together in the plaza, and after a brilliant speech the whole "pueblo" (populace) was ready to follow him. He headed the march, say- ing he was going north * * * Since then he comes in to conferences with the business men; sends his messengers and soldiers into the city. He took all the arms and ammunition; arms from the pawnshops, too, and all the State's funds. Then one day he took 150 men from the penitentiary — took the police- men's revolvers and what horses he could from the public coaches for them. Another day he took the Federal funds — $30,000 (Mexican, equal about half that sum in gold). Then he sent in a de- mand for $.tO,000 from the merchants. When they parleyed he sent in and held up one of the banks and a hardware store, but got nothing, though they promised to pay on conditions. (Later) They say the bankers have given to- day $50,000 (pesos) to Carranza^ and to- morrow the merchants will have to give. March 6th, 7th. 8th. Situation about the same except the Governor got $100,000 out of the mer- chants yesterday, and is collecting all arms from private citizens and collecting tents. It was reported 300 bandits were coming from .Arteaga last night, but they did not come. (Noon.) Just now shots were fired, bells rang, and people began to run for the plaza. General Basquez came into the city with 4.50 Federal soldiers — well armed and. as the Mexicans say. took the plaza. We hope he will keep it. I suppose he will be acting-governor. Carranza and his men evidently gave Gen. B — the oppor- tunit}' to enter. They say he has gone farther north after getting all the money he could out of Saltillo. We hardly think be will come back here. He may go to Cuba to form a plot to take the Presidency. March 9th. There is quite a story about that SlOO,- 000. Carranza's aide was left behind to get what he could after Carranza had got $50,000 out of the bank and $50,000 in other ways. This man first got all the arms he could out of private houses, then demanded the $100,000. Friday A. M. the citizens had collect- ed $70,000 and it seemed impossible to get more, for the rebels demanded it in paper money. So they sent a committee of four to confer with the rebel chief and (Continued on Next Page.) MEXICO Saturday, January 3, 1914 AN AMERICAN WOMAN'S LET- TERS— Continued. ask him to accept that ($70,000), but he refused and put the committee under guard. He sent word that if the rest of the money was not forthcoming one man would be shot and the others carried off. So fifty citizens scoured the town for more money and at midnight made up the amount, and the four men were set free. In the meantime the rebel chief had taken $40,000 of the taxes collected. At one o'clock he and his men left the city. They were in a hurry to get out because they knew General Basquez was here. Last night about 8 o'clock Gene- ral Basquez sent a detachment out to hunt up these rebels and try to get back the $140,000. Nothing has been heard from it yet. Really, it is astonishing how much Carranza got out of the to\vn — about $1,000,000, people say. Won't the taxes soar now? March 11th. Really, some of the things have been dreadful, now that we know things. What I feared the most was a mob, and if General Basquez had not come as he did we would have been at the mercy of one. March 33d. Things here in the North look serious, and if the Central Government can't con- trol this situation in a couple of months it will mean the downfall of the Huerta Government and a bigger revolution than ever. May 12, 1913. Oh, my, will this ever end! And now tension is being strained to a breaking- point by President Wilson's refusal to recognize the Huerta Government. It is bringing _ up again that anti-American feeling — just these last few days. I hear the young men here (upper class) talk of nothing else on the street, and talk bitterly against us. October 4. 1913. * * * A very dreadful thing hap- pened near Catorce two weeks ago. The trains from here to San Luis Potosi had only been running ten days after being interrupted four months when the rebels blew up a passenger train. They placed dynamite on the track and killed all but five of the fifty composing the military escort on the train and a good many sec- ond-class passengers. Then they robbed the first-class passengers. It was hor- rible. CONSTRUCTION WORK The improvised experts who prate lightly of Mexican affairs have acquired the habit of stating that the Huerta Gov- ernment is composed of elements of the old Diaz regime. That is, that the Huerta Government is a reactionary gov- ernment. This statement is often made in gen- eral terms, yet there is never a proof ad- vanced — no names, no specified in- stances are ever offered as evidence to prove this contention. The fact is that the supporters of the Diaz regime are mostly old men now, ex- hausted by years of work and political struggle, men who are living either in Europe or in retirement in Mexico. Very few of them take any active part even in business. General Huerta has surrounded himself with young men who under Diaz were "yet to be." Some of them, like Minister Moheno, belonged to the opposition and spent many dreary months in jail for having opposed the old ruler. Plans recently prepared by the gen- eral staff of the Mexican army for the complete reorganization of the army of the country, and submitted to President Huerta, have been approved by him. A decree has been issued by the chief mag- istrate, through the Department of War, ordering the reorganization of the army in accordance with the plans of the gen- eral staff. In his decree President Huerta states that he has taken these steps in order to concentrate the command of the dif- ferent divisions of the army and for the purpose of obtaining better results in military operations. The federal army in the future will be used solely to continue the campaign against the rebels in the north, leaving the protection of the different States to the State troops that have been organ- ized. According to the decree of the chief magistrate the 150,000 men that will compose the army of Mexico will be dis- tributed in six army corps, one division, and several corps of cavalry scouts. Each of the army corps will be com- posed of two divisions, and these divi- sions will have 10,000 men each. Each division will be supplied with artillery, engineering, transportation, ambulance and other detachments. The most experienced generals of the Mexican army will be appointed to cqni- mand the different corps, while the divi- sions and brigades will be commanded by officers recentlv promoted. Military authorities here believe that this new or- ganization will result in the success of the present campaign against the rebels, as well as in a successful defense of Mex- ican territory in case of a foreign war. The decree of President Huerta, or- dering the reorganization of the army is the following: "Victoriano Huerta, ad-interim presi- dent constitutional of the United Mexi- can States, know ye: "That in use of the faculties granted to the executive by the congress of the union and considering that having in- creased the number of the divisions of the army, and for the purpose of con- centrating the comm.and and for the bet- ter result of the operations in the re- gions where they are stationed and also to make more effective the action of the army, all the different detachments will be called to their respective headquar- ters, leaving the State troops to defend their own territory. The location of these State troops to be left to the judg- ment of their commanders. I have de- creed the following: "Art. 1. — The territorial military divi- sion of the republic shall be by army corps, composed of two divisions each one. When mobilizing these corps com- manders are to count upon one addi- tional composed of the State troops of their respective jurisdictions. ".'\rt. 2. — Each army corps on the fron- tiers shall have an extra division of ex- ploring cavalry, composed of four or more regiments beside its regular cav- alry allotment for each division. "Art. 3. — The headquarters of the army corps, divisions and brigades shall be established in the places designated by the ministry of war, and according to the requirements of the service. "Art. 4. — The army corps shall be dis- tributed in the following order: "First Corps. — Comprising the States of Sonora, Sinaloa and the territory of Lower California. "Second Corps. — Comprising the States of Chihuahua, Durango and Zaca- tecas. "Third Corps. — Comprising the States of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamauli- pas. "Fourth Corps. — Comprising the States of Jalisco, Collma, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, Queretaro and Territory of Tepic. "Fifth Corps. — Comprising the States of Michoacan, Mexico, Hidalgo, More- los, Puebla, TIaxcala, Vera Cruz and Federal District. "Sixth Corps. — Comprising the States of Guerrero, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Ta- basco. "Art. 5. — There shall be a division called Division of the Peninsula, com- prising the States of Yucatan and Cam- peche and the Territory of Quintana Roo. MEXICAN NAVY IS TO BE IN- CREASED. The Mexican government is taking preliminary steps for increasing the strength of its navy, that at present time consists of about a half dozen of gunboats and several transports. The naval department of the war of- fice has been instructed to make plans for increasing of the navy. The first steps that will be taken are to establish two naval schools, one on the Pacific and another in the Gulf coast, where sailors will be turned out in a relatively short time. Plans also are being prepared to btiy several more modern vessels. It is said that the war offices shortly will ask for prices and estimates of construction in foreign countries. The government also is planning to es- tablish a naval base on Clipperton island, now in dispute with the French govern- ment. The government of Mexico hopes that King Victor Emmanuel of Italy, the arbiter in this case, will render a decision favorable to Mexico. TRADE GOOD. W. F. Sturges, traffic manager of the Gulf Coast Fruit and Steamship Company, who also returned on the Atlantis, has spent some four months in southern Mexico, but is now back to stay with the home office for some time. Mr. Sturges says that everywhere he has visited re- cently things have been quiet and that business is going on as well as any one could wish. The business of this company has increased at a rapid rate during the last few months and is very satisfactory. Around the ports of call for the Gulf Coast Company there has been little interruption to business on account of the trouble between rebels and federals and traffic has been moving regularly, says Mr. Sturges. The Atlantis brought no fruit on this voyage, coming directly from Vera Cruz to Galveston and bringing nothing except eight passengers and some freight cargo. No cattle were brought this time, but it is stated by officials of the company that beginning soon each arrival of their line will see between 100 and 130 head of cattle landed at Galveston, the first ventures in this business hav- ing proved successful for those backing the move- ment. — Galveston "Tribune." Saturday, January 3, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. A CATHOLIC VIEW. Secretary Bryan announces that "he does not think that the situation could be better than it is." Well, as the Sun says, every man may cuddle his own Utopia. Mr. Bryan is free to have his own opinion. But we can hardly see how the situation could be much worse. We have every reason to believe that President Wilson was sincere when he reached the conclusion that Huerta must go. * * * But the moment President Wilson de- clared that Huerta must go, that instant he was guilty of undue interference in a friendly nation. It was really an act of intervention and was so interpreted by the world at large. * * * But it must pain the heart of a sin- cere idealist and it should worry the soul of one who never tires of announc- ing that he loves peace for peace's sake, to see brother fighting brother on the Mexican battlefields. The whim of an idealist is dearly paid for by the slaugh- ter of thousands and the destruction of immense properties. And when Huerta is gone, who looms up as the man of the hour, as the real ruler of Mexico? A blood-thirsty bandit chief, who is ignorant of civilized amen- ities, knows nothing of the science of government, slays at will and with mani- fest delight in the shedding of human blood, a monster whose history is the record of outrage against human rights and Christian civilization. Will General Villa satisfy the idealism of President Wilson? Or may it not be destiny that the new year about to dawn will look down upon a harvest of American dead bleaching on the bare hillsides of Mexico? There is a suspicion that will not down in the hearts of the American people that this whole Mexican situation from the very beginning has been produced and fostered by warring financial corpora- tions. It is the curse of modem com- mercialism that hovers like a spectre to- day over unhappy Mexico. British shill- ings and American dollars have become the Nemesis of our sister republic. For- eign lust of gain is driving the foolish Mexicans who are all fighting in order to forge more closely the chains of the commercial despotism in which their land is ensnared. President W'ilson, in his history of the American People, describes our former onslaught on Mexico as "a war of in- excusable aggression." Will a future chapter of his history describe the pres- ent series of revolutions as the result of a "degrading commercialism which the idealism of a sincere and high-minded President was powerless to avert or heal? In the meanwhile, with characteristic hypocrisy, let us blame it all on Huerta! When it is all over, the blood money of Mexico may be used to build a god- less univerity or two or, mayhap, a "peace" palace! — Catholic "Monitor." MR. WILSON'S REBEL FRIENDS. An expression of opinion from Presi- dent Wilson on the atrocities of his erst- while friends, the Constitutionalists, would be appropriate at this time. They have not as yet murdered Huerta, con- fining their slaughter to less prominent persons and directing their outrages against priests and nuns. Mr. Wilson let it be known that he was strongly attracted to their cause be- cause Huerta was not a model gentle- man. Gen. Carranza was represented as an inspired, Kosciusko-like patriot, mag- nanimously battling for freedom. Huerta was the personification of Thersites and Ganelon. Huerta climbed onto a wob- bly Presidential chair and proceeded to legislate without consulting a text-book. President Wilson cannot conceive of any President being either intelligent or hon- est who does such things. But now the rebels have discarded their patriotic garments; they are plun- dering and murdering like any other bri- gands; they are treating their enemies with the savage brutality of church- wreckers and cut-throats, and between them and the control of the Mexican re- public stands the solitary figure of Huerta^-somber, resolute, fierce and un- afraid — wielding some sort of authority to crush rebellion and establish a gov- ernment that will endure. — Los Angeles "Times." RESULTS OF CHAUTAUQUA DIPLOMACY. Are Britain and Germany combining to check the growth of .'American com- merce abroad? So we hear, by way of Washington — in a press story of uncer- tain inspiration. At first glance it does not seem at all likely that a government which includes Mr. Asquith, Sir Edward Grey, Mr. Lloyd George and Lord Haldane would enter into any anti-American understand- ing with the German government, or into any kind of an understanding that would be likely to promote German com- merce abroad. But we already have evi- dence that the boycotting of the Panama fair by Great Britain and Germany is the result of such an understanding. The policies of nations with regard to commerce are mutually hostile. There is no getting away from that proposition. There is no such thing as a "gentlemen's agreement" between them in these mat- ters. Each nation must push its own trade, and if its pushing limits the activ- ities of other nations, so much the worse for other nations. It is to be expected that the other nations should take advantage of the era of Chautauqua diplomacy in this coun- try to promote their own economic ad- vantage at our expense. But it is un- likely that a German-English combina- tion, even if it existed — which is not very likely — would be able to do our commer- cial interests as much harm abroad as the Bryan diplomacy has already inflict- ed upon us in Mexico and China. — New York "Evening Mail." AN UNPLEASANT INCIDENT. The wisest international policy is liable to continual misinterpretation, but it is well in a critical situation that officers of our Government should avoid all actions which are likely to lead to heated controversy. We had confidently expected, in view of the untrustworthy character of many of the reports from Mexico, that the tale of the re- ception by Admiral Cowles on board the Pitta- burgh at San Bias of certain Mexican Constitu- tionalists would be authoritatively contradicted, but it has been confirmed in later dispatches, and, although the excitement the incident has caused among the supporters of Huerta in the City of Mexico may seem exaggerated for pol- itical effect, sober-minded Americans will feel sorry that an American naval officer has been so indiscreet. No announcement has been made that the United States is supporting any one of the rebellious factions in Mexico. The reception of Manuel Bonilla and his lieutenant, Lee Christ- mas, aboard an American war vessel off the coast of Honduras some years ago, when Bonilla was endeavoring to overthrow the legally constituted Government of that State, caused much unfavor- able comment. The fact that the success of Bonilla's "revolution" thereafter was generally credited to American interference is not for- gotten. We have no idea that the affair at San Bias has any political significance whatever, but the Administration must know that our Mexican policy is not invariably attributed to lofty and benevolent motives in other countries. It is to be hoped that the San Bias incident will be the last of its kind. As for the hostile comments it has inspired in Mexican newspapers, they need not bother us, while the tales of the landing of arms from American ships for the use of the rebels will gain no credit here. The naval offi- cers on American ships in Mexican waters should be cautioned, however, that acts of courtesy are liable to be misunderstood. In pusruing the policy which the famous peace advocate, Alfred Fried, calls "diplomatic postponement," and praises for its humane intent, we cannot be too careful to avoid the appearance of taking sides.— New York "Times." THE EXTENT OF MEXICO. It is harder to govern a large country than a small one, and some allowance should be made our Mexican neighbors for any shortcomings in government on that account. A person leaving El Paso, Tex., by railroad for Mexico City, and finding that he must travel 1,224 miles to get there, begins to realize the extent of the country. In area Mexico is ten and a half times larger than the State of New York. It is larger than the Ger- man Empire. France and Spain together. It is an elevated plateau, divided by mountain ranges into vast plains and nu- merous valleys. In the 263 miles from Vera Cruz to Mexico City the railroad climbs 8,330 feet, Mexico City itself hav- ing an altitude of 7,400 feet. While there are over 15.000 miles of railroad — just about the same number of miles that Texas has — and 25,000 miles of telegraph lines in the country, wagon roads are scarce and poor — some States not hav- ing any — and the means of communica- tion difficult. The population is said to comprise 14,000,000, of which 3,000.000 are pure whites and the balance Indians and mixed bloods. Lack of education makes many of the people an easy prey to falsehood and prejudice. Let us be thankful that they are as good as they are. — General C. C. Andrews in New York "Evening Post." MEXICO Saturday, January 3, 1914 FOREIGN COMMENT. London, Dec. 27. — In an article on the world's unrest, the "Spectator" sums up the Mexican situation thusly : "President Wilson is still trusting to the finan- cial collapse of Huerta. But the new candidate for the Presidency, be it federal or rebel, is not likely to be less bloodstained than. Huerta, against whom, by the way, assassination never has been proved. "We recognize the fine intentions of Mr. Wil- son, but can't see how his policy can end ulti- mately in anything but failure or effective inter- vention. You cannot order daily conduct of any country without establishing such control as will be indistinguishable from a protectorate, which in turn is often indistinguishable from annexation. Yet annexation is repudiated by Mr. Wilson as something inconceivably wrong." In an article similar in tone the "Outlook" says: "Mexican scandal and misery remain, of course, where the unscrupulous cupidity of the northern neighbors of Mexico called them into being. The ineffaceable sanctimoniousness of politicians at Washington continues also to make the frank bru- tality of the Standard Oil agents comparatively — can we say? — respectable." ALL BANDITS. Perry Chief: John P. O'Malley of the People's National Bank has returned from a trip to Brownsville, Corpus Christi, and a few other border Texas towns. While in the south he went across the border, talked with the rebels and the rebel sympathizers and got an insight into the Mexican situation which he otherwise would not have had. The Perry man was in a party of Americans who ventured into Mexico and saw what the ravages of war were doing to the country. "It is very unpopular to be a federal- ist in northern Mexico. In fact nobody admits that they are. The loyal feder- alists are robbed of all their property and if they haven't got enough of that they pay for their patriotism with their lives. Without entering into the merits of the Huerta Administration, for I don't know much about that, I have my doubts if the Constitutionalists, as the rebels are called, will ever restore peace in Mex- ico. The rebel army is made up of ban- dit bands. The members and oftimes the leaders are men who have a price hang- ing over their heads and who during the Diaz Administration were held in sub- jection. The rebels are not the ones who represent peace and law in Mexico in the past, and their actions would in- dicate that they will not in the future. "When a rebel army captures a town, the first thing done is to pillage it. The officers then visit the banks and the bankers are forced to turn all their funds over to the rebel cause. Federal sympa- thizers are robbed of all their property, and if the officials of the city and those who have aided the government in any way can be captured they are killed. There are no prisoners taken. The fed- eral soldiers captured are given a chance to join the rebel army, and if they don't they are lined up with the officers cap- tured with them and are shot." — Des Moines "Capital." BLAMES POLITICS FOR MEXICAN ROW. "The present trouble in Mexico was caused by political jealousy and not, as most people suppose, by discontent among the common people," said Mrs. Mattic Locke Macombcr, of .1120 King- man Boulevard, wlio has made no less than sixteen trips to that country, and has been familiar with conditions there for years. PUBUC OPINION—Continued "Many will disagree with me on this point," continued Mrs. Macomber, "but the truth is that at the time internal strife broke out in Mexico the nation was enjoying a period of extraordinary prosperity. Five years ago it would have been hard to imagine a gayer capital than Mexco City. Its citizens were rid- ing in $5,000 imported French automo- biles while we in America were still in the $3,500 class. The country was roll- ing in wealth. "About twenty-five years ago French, English, German and lastly American capital began to find its way into Mexi- co. From that time on a steady stream of gold poured into that land. The for- eigners bought up plantations, mines, sugar cane farms and ranches. The Mex- icans sold much of their property. Mar- velous developments took place. Work was plentiful and times were good among the peons. Of course, now all this has changed and Mexico is in a most pitiful condition economically. "I have no patience with people who go into spasms of concern over the de- plorable state of the peons. They are really the contented class of the coun- try. The great mass of them have no political aspirations. They never have had any say in governmental affairs nor do they seem to desire political power. "Wages among the laboring classes are more nearly proportionate to the cost of living than they are in our own land. It is wrong to think of the Mexican as being poor. He makes seventy cents a day, and he can buy a meal for one cent, which includes a tortilla and gravy, half a yam, lettuce, chili and a radish. The same menu would cost perhaps ten cents in the United States. The peon has at his door bananas and cocoanuts, and eggs are generally about five cents a dozen. "Mexico was ostensibly given a repub- lican form of government under Juarez, but under Diaz the constitutional repub- lic became a mere farce. While there was an election every six years, Diaz had no opposition. The governors of the different States were under his hand and were ratified by him. "The younger generation of energetic, scholarly Mexicans not realizing that Diaz had brought order out of chaos, be- came disgruntled because they were de- nied a voice in the government, and the present trouble is the result. "The common impression that the Mexicans are treacherous and dishonest is unjust to them. I have found them to be trustworthy, and have never lost a penny in my dealings with them. As a rule they are gentle, polite, intelligent and cultured. They are also gay and witty, although they never rush through their pleasures and business transactions as we do in the North." — Des Moines "Capital." "SAD CONDITION OF MEXICO." The marvellous capacity manifested by some American women in absorbing in- stantaneously a vast amount of infor- mation without any visible help, is insist- ed on at least indirectly by the Boston "Herald" of November 39, in an article entitled "Sad Condition of Mexico." Mrs. John Lind, the wife of the extraordi- nary United States Envoy to Mexico, informs the world that "she never saw anything so abject as the condition of women in that country," and that "it is a common report in Mexico that well-to- do Mexicans keep harems." The "Her- ald" then_ proceeds to unload some of its own discoveries about the peons and the illegitimacy of the Mexicans in gen- eral. Now there are several reasons why it is more than likely that the lady in ques- tion never made the remarks attributed to her. In the first place, while she was with her husband in her brief visit to Mexico, she had no time to learn any- thing about the conditions that pre- vailed there. Even he has so far learned very little. Secondly, as, like her distin- guished spouse, she did not know a word of Spanish, all her knowledge must have been second hand. Thirdly, she could not have had any acquaintance with Mexican women. For we have it on the best authority that even the most culti- vated and charming foreigners, among whom Mrs. Lind of course must be count- ed, might be a resident for years in the country without ever being able to pen- etrate into the houses of the wealthier Mexicans. Had she been able to do so, she would not have found their condi- tion "abject," but, as one of her Protes- tant countrywomen says, "she would have seen them educated, graceful and beautiful, and cultivating the virtues of love, charity and self-denial taught to their ancestors by the old Franciscan missionaries four centuries ago." Again, we refuse to admit for a mo- ment that such a delicate subject as the "harem," was ever discussed by her with the reporters. It is, however, possible that she read carelessly a passage of Carson's "Mexico" in which he speaks of the Mexican household as a harem, not, however, because it was a seraglio; far from it; but, because it was considered a veritable sanctuary which he and other outsiders and particularly Americans were not permitted to enter. Or perhaps the information came from some hotel clerk who foresaw a tip. For although the desire for knowledge manifested by foreigners about social and political af- fairs makes as much impression on the average Mexican as a pocket-knife on the sides of Popocatapetl, on the other hand, a thriving trade is carried on in relating fairy stories to satisfy inquirers. About the oppression of the peons, we Americans should not be too vociferous, when we face the industrial slavery that disgraces our own country. On the whole the peon is having a fairly good time of it, and will continue to enjoy himself unless Carranza drafts him into the ranks of the revolutionists. The charge of illegitimacy is more se- rious, for the Boston "Herald" informs us that: "The offical statistics of the Mex- ican Government shows that in one year there were 304.337 illegitimate children born, almost as many as of legitimate children. But as many illegitimate chil- dren are not recorded the probability is that more than one-half of the children born in Mexico are illegitimate." _ The record looks pretty black, at first sight, but as the United States very dis- creetly keeps no official records of such things, we are unable to find out how much more virtuous we are than the Mexicans. Perhaps the statistics are withheld, just as were those of divorce, which were particularly shameful. Moreover, there is always a difficulty even for statisticians to determine what constitutes illegitimacy. In Italy, for instance, only civil marriages are con- sidered valid by the State and such is the case in Mexico. But the question naturally arises, are the offspring of chiirch marriages to be stamped as ille- gitimate because a few rancorous anti- Christian politicians who have seized the machinery of the State will have it so? Evidently not. — "America, a Catholic Review." Saturday, January 3, 1914 MEXICO LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: For some time past I have been reading your paper and in the name of the Mexican people I wish to thank you for the good work you are doing in trying to prevent an unjust war between the United States and Mexico. I notice that everywhere the leading question is : Why does President Wilson refuse to hear the opinion of people who are well informed as to the real conditions in Mexico, and why has he evaded an answer to the Congress of the United States in regard to the Mexican situation, a situa- tion that has been created by himself? I think I can answer those questions. President Wilson, for reasons best known to himself, has decided to entangle his country in a war with Mexico and, having decided, refuses to listen to people who are familiar with the true state of affairs in that country, as he is well aware that were he to listen to them, those same per- sons would some day confront him with that same information. Not receiving the information, he then can claim — when things are brought home to him — that he was misinformed, was deceived, very sorry, but had he known it, etc. etc. He has refused to inform Congress of his in- tentions because he has no valid pretext for war, which is just what he wishes, notwithstanding his repeated declarations to the contrary. But has he declared or will he declare that there will not be war no matter what provocation he may have from the Government of Mexico? Or if Mexico, tired of Wilson's butting in, should de- clare war on the United States? I guess not. Mr. Wilson's waiting game is simply this: He will harass the Mexican Government until it will be forced to declare war on the United States. We Mexicans are very proud, especially in matters that touch upon our national honor. When war is declared by Mexico, Mr. Wilson, pretending great indignation, will inform Congress and that high body will be compelled to accept that unjust war to uphold the national honor. Mr. Wilson's diplomacy has been criticized as amateurish. If the above deductions are correct, it will be seen that he is not so much of an amateur diplomat as people think. There is a reason for his seemingly amateurish acts. I don't think that any man, whatever his power, has the moral right to get his country into a war that will involve the loss of thou- sands of lives and millions in money. If there should be war will he not have on his conscience all the lives lost in that war? Being of a religious nature, would he not suffer? I should not like to be in his shoes. Mr. Wilson refuses to recognize President Huerta or any other President elected by popular vote, while he, Huerta, is in power. But does he suggest how an election can be held with no one at the head of the Government? Shall Gen- eral Huerta and his Cabinet abandon Mexico and leave the people have an election all by them- selves? Even if General Huerta should leave the chair, who would take his place? Whom does Mr. Wilson suggest? Carranza? Villa? Or per- 1913 WASHINGTON 19I4 SUGAR BUREAU •915 ^i^^fr^^f^it.'ii^^. 1916 Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legisla- tion. haps he has in mind a Governor General and wishes the job for the meek but sanguinary Mr. Hale or Mr. Lind? Maybe Mr. Rockefeller would be best suited for the post, as he or his company started the trouble in Mexico. It may be that Mr. Wilson might put Mrs. Madero in a trance and consult the spirits for the right man to step into General Huerta's shoes. Or, who can tell, perhaps he will consult Mrs. Lind and her missionaries. Really, Mr. Wilson has been so impudent to the Mexican Government that such a proposition would not surprise us. Mr. Wilson refuses to recognize the present Government of Mexica and at the same time holds that Government responsible for damages to American lives and property, thereby inciting his friends, the rebels, to commit such acts. Can any one hold a Government responsible for acts committed by other persons when that Govern- ment is not recognized as such? Heads, I win; tails, you lose. But enough of this. People of the Carranza and Villa type who, under the cover of revolution, give free rein to their low animal passions and commit crimes and atrocities which my pen re- fuses to describe but that are, nevertheless, known to the whole shocked civilized world — with the exception of Messrs. Wilson, Bryan, et al, of course— will never be tolerated in Mexico and as true as there is a God they will be strung up to the handiest telegraph pole, and we, people of Mexico, will string them up, even if Mr. Wil- son puts them in power and if it takes years to do it. A MEXICAN who holds the welfare of his country above all governments, past, present or future. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: Enclosed herewith please find draft for $2.00 to cover a yearly subscription to MEX- ICO, which I will thank you to send to my ad- I have seen but one issue of your paper, but that looks good to me. I am an American; have been in Mexico thirteen years ; and am general manager of this company, which is a French- Mexican corporation. I know Mexico from the Rio Grande to the Isthmus, her people and her history, and believe I have a thorough knowledge of the political, social and industrial problems which have confronted her during the past three years. I congratulate your editors on having gotten at the truth about Mexico and hope they will keep up the good work. L. L. S. "I know nothing about General Huerta except what has been printed in the papers. But I am convinced from a very complete study of the situ- ation through the newspapers that Huerta is by no means the worst alternative down there and that the quickest means to a settlement of the Mexican difficulties, with conditions as they are, is the best means. President Wilson's attitude would be almost laughable, if it was funny, which it isn't. Huerta is at least a fairly respectable military man, and there can be no doubt that many decent Mexican individuals believe him the best man available for the position he wants. But President Wilson doesn't want him, and that settles it. Mexico be blamed, Mr. Wilson must be pleased. — W. P. HAYES in New York "Herald." WILSON ERRS, SAYS BEARDSLEY. (Special Cable to New York "American.") London, Dec. 27.— Henry Beardsley, president of the Beardsley banking concern in New York, gave to the New York "American" correspondent to-day his opinion of what he termed "Wilson's dilatory policy in Mexico." Mr. Beardsley, who has first-hand knowledge of the conditions in Mexico, said that in his opinion the President had made a bad mistake at the cutset by not recognizing Huerta. "Until President Wilson learns that it is im- possible to govern Mexicans except with a hand of iron, he will fail to solve the great problem. Already he has allowed the situation to get so bad that it seems now to be impossible to handle it with anything but armed force. "Had Huerta had the support of the United States in the first place, various brigand leaders would have felt but little confidence in the ulti- mate success of their selfish aims, and conse- quently would have allied themselves to the exist- ing government." CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GUIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY, PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAMPBELL 1214 Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO, lu. THE "MARCON Cushioned Arch Support Fine for Tired Aching Feet, Fallen Arches, Flat Feet, and Weak Ankles. Have helped others. They will help you. Write for free booklet and testimonials. MARCON MANUFACTURING CO. Brooklyn, N. Y. $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with , - number MEXICO Saturday, January 3, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Uana^off £ditor, Tbocna< D'HoJloran IS BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 6c. By the year, ^.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York HOW MUCH IS BRYAN? Just how much of the Mexican "pol- icy" is President Wilson's and how much Bryan's? It is quite possible that when the clouds are lifted it will be found that the Chief Executive, with the single pur- pose of devoting his mind to the prom- ised measures of internal reform, let him- self be guided in the handling of the in- trusive Mexican problem by the Secre- tary of State, whose position, if not his qualifications, would bring it entirely wthin his province. If a President can- not depend on his Secretary of State for the formulation of a workable foreign policy, what business has the Secretary of State to hold office? The first open move made by the Ad- ministration toward a solution of the vexing Mexican problem was the send- ing of John Lind to Mexico City with his absurd and impossible proposals, which in the opinion of every thinking person at the time were foredoomed to refusal and failure. It is definitely known that John Lind was recommended for the idiotic mission by Bryan. Outside of loyalty to Bryan and a locked jaw, John Lind's special qualifications for a delicate diplomatic mission to a Latin country were not obvious to even the most optimistic, even to those who wished him well. John Lind was Bryan's man. There are many who would like to think, in justice to the President, that the demands carried by John Lind were Bryan's too. It is true that President Wilson has personally expressed them as his own ideas and feelings, but might not this be in a measure the result of a' natural reliance on his Secretary of State in matters of foreign affairs, and his con- ception of a duty harmoniously to back up with all the force of his position and personality Mr. Bryan's novel venture into international politics, hoping it might be successful? Certainly it would never do for the chief and the premier of a Democratic Administration to be at log- gerheads, especially in view of their mu- tual obligations, dating back at least to the Baltimore Convention. At any rate, the President was very, very busy with pressing internal matters, as witness the complexity and the successful passage of the tariff and currency bills. There are many loyal Americans who would breathe heartfelt thanks to know that the country was committed to a horribly blundering attiude toward a friendly nation in distress, not by a Pres- ident whom they have every reason and every wish to trust implicitly, but by a subordinate whom the country has three times repudiated, and who through polit- ical necessity had to be placed in a posi- tion where his inexperience and his pe- culiar casuistry could injure the whole Administration. If this were the case, the country could feel sure that if any mistake has been made, it is not irreparable, that the last word has not been said, committing us to a course that means a war with all its horrors if we persist in both meddling in Mexico's internal politics and encourag- ing the forces of anarchy who are seek- ing to destroy Mexico. THE PRACTICAL RESULTS OF "WATCHFUL WAITING" As They Affect the United States. We are without an ambassadorial rep- resentative in Mexico, one who could take his honored place in the diplo- matic corps and with authority advance and protect the interests of his country and countrymen. Thousands of American citizens, or- dered by our Government to flee Mexico, have left their all in that country, in many cases at the mercy of the roaming bands of marauders who call themselves revolutionists. We cannot hold them re- sponsible for the damages to the prop- erty of Americans, for they are not re- sponsible and have no responsible head. We can hardly in equity hold the Mexi- can Government responsible, for the ac- tion of the Americans in fleeing was wholly inspired by the attitude and words of the Washington Administra- tion. The entire loss, amounting to mil- lions, must fall on our own Government. At a moment when every nerve should be strained to promote closer commercial and social relations between this country and all Latin-American countries, in view of the increase of trade that is expected to follow the opening of the Panama Ca- nal, we have assumed an arbitrary atti- tude toward one of those countries that has aroused tremendous resentment and distrust of our purposes in Central and South America. These feelings have been strongly reflected in the press of the Latin-American countries, and have added greater difficulties in the way of our getting their trade in competition with the more tactful and far-seeing England and Germany. We have given to England, Germany and other foreign nations in competi- tion with us for Latin-American trade a powerful weapon of national sentiment to use against our advances. Our dog-in-the-manger insistence on having our own unreasonable way in dic- tating to Mexico has naturally aroused a more or less repressed irritation among the European nations who have nationals and interests suffering by the prolonga- tion of internal disorder. This irritation has worked to our disadvantage in such reprisals as the refusal of England and Germany to exhibit at the San Francisco Fair, and the popular demonstration of hostility in Japan. Is it worth while to suffer all these material losses that the theoretical whim and the personal dislikes of the Wash- ington Administration may have their fling? We think not, and we are sure that the sober common sense of the people, aroused to the huge blunder we have made, in the name of a morality which works immorality, will repudiate it. NOT LIKE THE SOUTH. It is absolutely beyond our comprehen- sion that any Southern statesman, Con- gressman or Senator, or anybody with Southern blood in his veins, should coun- tenance for an instant — let alone lend moral support to — the barbarous Villa and his crew of cut-throats and ravish- ers of women and girls. It is one of the strangest anomalies of a so-called South- ern Administration that it should have ranged itself on the side of men, or mon- sters, who would swing from the nearest tree or lamp-post in Southern States. Surely the Southern spirit, the Southern fire and the Southern chivalry have not died in those who have come to be pow- ers in the nation! We may not strictly advocate lynch law as the only way to handle such villains, but is it not be- lievable that, because they happen to be in another country, we should give them "moral support"? Which we are doing. Which is a crime against civilization. Only ignorance of the true conditions in Mexico or the misrepresentations of the press, guided by rapacious Northern in- terests, can account for such a thing. This ignorance, we are happy to say, is being overcome daily by unsuppressable facts and the press campaign, we venture to prophesy, will crumble from the weight of its own fabrications. Read "MEXICO" [^■^ JONCE_AWEEK| AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIOIGRANDE MEXICO A Weekly to Promole Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL 1— No. 21 Error Run* Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 1914 FliiE CENTS TRY IT. Suggested as a f oi mula to aid those who would understand what the Admin- istration's attitude toward Mexico means. Repeat the following at intervals of five minutes, each day for six months, until it takes. Then the Administration's point of view will be perfectly clear. There is no Mexico. There is no Mexican Government. There is no other nation. There is no international law. There is no such thing as diplomacy. There is no Mexican people. There is no Villa. There are no bandits. There are no killed and wounded. There is no responsibility. There is no history. There is no national sovereignty. There is no matter. All is I and grape juice. PERFECT ANTI-CLIMAX. How the News is Written. 1st Day — Rebels attack fiercely in overwhelming force. Federals in panic. Pleeing across border. End of Huerta regime in North. Victorious rebels will press on to Mexico City. 2nd Day — Rebels driving Federals back into the Rio Grande. Last rem- nant of Huerta's army hopelessly rout- ed. All who do not escape will be exe- cuted on the spot. 3rd Day — Federals fighting a losing fight. Panic-stricken, hundreds are de- serting. Others are kept in the trenches at the point of their officers' guns. Huerta's rule in the North doomed. 4th Day — Rebels make gallant charges against tremendous odds. Federals seem to be holding their own, but cannot last much longer. Not so many desertions. 5th Day — Rebels play waiting game. Their desperate charges against the Fed- erals' impregnable positions result in heavy losses. Federal ammunition nearly exhausted. 6th Day — Rebels' victorious leader on way to renew the attack. Vows he will kill every Federal. Federals on defen- sive. The last desperate stand of Huerta's army in the North. 7th Day — Rebels retire. No disorder. Will renew the attack some other time. The Administration is right in not in- tervening by force of arms in Mexico, tut it is wrong in stubbornly making in- tervention a possibility. i *%)?) THEY CAN NOT DESTROY Day by day it is becoming more and more apparent that our newspapers have been extremely fortunate in securing the co-operation of great political econom- ists who, disguised as correspondents or editorial writers, have generously con- descended to impart to the public their inexhaustible knowledge of Mexican financial conditions. These economists have shown, how- ever, a certain disregard for the swallow- ing capacity of an already surfeited pub- lic. During many months they have tried to force down the reader's throat — or whatever the mental counterpart is — cocksure statements to the effect that Mexico is on the verge of bankruptcy and the Government on the brink of fi- nancial starvation. In support of their gloomy contention these economists have presented an array of crushing proofs, such as: The Huerta Government has decreed that paper cur- rency shall be accepted as legal tender. It has forced the acceptance of 50 cent coins, together with the silver peso, etc. That financial conditions in Mexico are far from being as satisfactory as they were before the fall of the Diaz Admin- istration no one can deny. That they have been made difficult by the unwar- ranted interference of the Washington Administration is well known to every one familiar with the efforts of this Ad- ministration to blockade Mexico finan- cially. That owing to this attitude of the Washington Administration a whole peo- ple — a friendly people — is made to suf- fer, also is a matter of common knowl- edge. But to understand that in spite of all these fiendish destructive efforts, finan- cial conditions in Mexico are far from being critical, it is sufficient to com- pare them not only with those prevailing in Mexico thirty years ago, but also with those prevailing in this country during the Civil War. It is foolish to assert that because the Washington Government has used its powerful influence to prevent the lending of money by foreign bankers to the Huerta Government, Mexico will be starved into submission to President Wilson, the self-appointed overlord of all the Americas. Mexico is a self-supporting country, a country of wonderful resources. But leaving this aside, even if the present disturbance should continue, it vvill be a very long time before finan- cial conditions in ^lexico will sink to the level of those existing in this country during the Civil War. The extremely high cost of gold, the forced use of scrip money, of paper cur- rency in denominations as low as 10 cents, 5 cents and 2^ cents are still vivid in the memory of many who were alive in those desperate years. Yet this country survived those trying times. Mexico may have to endure worse con- ditions than those she is enduring at present, but Mexico also will survive — in spite of the croaking economists. BRYAN'S PRAYER. "The peace movement — God speed it in its passage around the world. I pray God that He may help me to make it unnecessary that this Gov- ernment shall go to war with Mexico. I do not want men to die before guns for their country; I want them to live for their country." BRYAN'S ACTS. He has helped to make possible the conditions in Northern Mexico, cost- ing hundreds of human lives, and giv- ing the jingoes an excuse to talk of war. MEXICO Saturday, January 10, 1914 THE POISONED PEN of Ojinaga, against the green woods on the river banks, appeared high hats, bobbing up and down like little sailboats in a breeze." When one picks up a magazine of the character of "The American Review of Reviews," of which Dr. Albert Shaw is the distinguished editor, it comes as a distinct shock to find that its monthly- resume of the progress of the world chronicles as facts some of the most out- rageous of newspaper lies about Mexico. Of course, the field of the resume is lim- ited to a digest of the news as it appears in the daily papers, but it seems that the editor who culled the Mexican data for the latest issue had a marvelous digestion as far as the lies of the press was con- cerned, and a terrible attack of acute in- digestion when he came to anything re- motely favorable to the Mexican Govern- ment. Here are some of the things served to the magazine's readers as gospel: "In the South Zapata and his bandits were menacing the capital and occupying one town after another in neighboring States." "The victories of the rebels in Tamau- lipas and Chihuahua have given them practical control of the Mexican oil fields." "Huerta having changed his abode from the National Palace to the strongly fortified Castle of Chapultepec * * *" "Mexico's paper constitution forbids a provisional president from continuing in office more than six months." "His (Huerta's) Administration was constantly disgraced by assassination and by shameful abuse of authority. He was growing weaker every day. It had long been evident that he had no idea or de- sire to re-establish government by the people. Yet he continued to defy the ex- pressed wishes of the United States Gov- ernment, the displeasure of the American people, the financial unfriendliness of Eu- rope and the armed revolutionists." Ye gods! Some defier, that! With these and many other equally false statements the magazine published a shaded map showing virtually all of Mexico in the "control of the constitu- tionalists." Of course. Also a picture of a group of northern rebels. The cap- tion of the picture indicated that the group includes General Venustiano Car- ranza, General Jesus Carranza, General Blanquet and General Pascual Orozco, "the famous outlaw chieftain." All of these together, mind you, in perfect amity. No explanation at all as to what the Mexican Minister of War, General Blanquet, would be doing with the north- ern rebels, or when Orozco had turned his back on Huerta and become an "out- law chieftain." One of the group really was Jesus Carranza, but the caption writer did not even pick out the right one for Jesus. The civilized world is ruled to-day in a large measure by the public opinion of the average man, and the average man takes much of his opinion from just such publications as the "Review of Reviews." It would seem fair and reasonable to ex- pect some sense of justice and responsi- bility in those who mold this public opin- ion. The New York "Herald" of January 5th had to announce the failure of the rebel attack on Ojinaga. It was hard to do, but it had no be admitted, however reluctantly. But the "Herald" was not dismayed. Next to the account of the rebel defeat it ran a three-column scare- liead, as follows: "Huerta Regime is Be- lieved Tottering; lo,ooo Bandits Men- ace Mexico City," and underneath was a letter purporting to be from the "Her- ald's" Mexico City correspondent, dated December 27th. It was a very lugu- brious account of conditions in Mexico, and the conclusion the writer drew was something awful for General Huerta. A striking peculiarity about the letter was this: It was dated December 27th. No mail left Mexico City for the United States between December 27th and De- cember 31st. If the letter came on the boat leaving December 31st, which was the soonest it could get on its way, it could not possibly have reached New York City before January 7th, even by way of Havana and Key West. But the "Herald" published it on January 5th. And there you are. The "Herald" sim- ply had to do something that day to off- set the rebel repulse at Ojinaga. A few days later when it developed that the brave defense of Ojinaga was creating the impression that the Mexican Feder- als really could fight and fight hard, the "Herald" had another letter, this time from Tampico, dated December 27th also, in which a United States Army officer — no name given — is made to say at great length that the recent successful defense of Tampico was not as good as it ought to have been, that the Federal generals did not get all they might have out of the forces at their command, and so forth. Really sane editors gave space to the absolutely absurd rumor that President Huerta was on board the "Chester" with John Lind when he came to Pass Chris- tian. It simply shows to what lengths the rumor-mongers will go. The "Herald" of January 3d had a des- patch from Hermosillo, where the Car- ranza crowd hangs out, to the effect that the "constitutionalists" were going to reorganize the National Railways in their territory, and increase the train service from Hermosillo to Nogales. Now, the fact is that the only railroad in the State of Sonora is the Southern Pacific, which has not the slightest connection with the National Railways of Mexico. The New York "Times" correspondent at Presidio is a master of fiction writing. That fellow could write an epic about the fight of two tomcats in a backyard. The Ojinaga siege was a positive inspira- tion to his flights of fancy. Here are some samples of his classical style: "The beginning of the attack came as a com- plete surprise to the Federals, enjoying their noon day siesta and cigarettes in the trenches. Care free, the men in the ranks were chattering to their wives and sweethearts who had huddled to- gether behind the breastworks. The Feder,-il gen- erals, Castro, Landa, Orozco and Martinez, were mapping out their plans for further defense. "The explosion of a rebel shell brought the generals to their feet and off they rushed, buck- ling their swords as they ran. With field glasses they saw the main column of Ortega's wing mov- ing south as if in retreat to Lamula Pas's. "A note of victory was sounded on the trumpets, but before it had ceased to echo in the hills the rebel column swung around and the Federal com- manders realized the purpose of the foe. Quickly the junction with Rodriguez's men was made and the attack was on. "The combat was spectacular. Off to the west The New York "World" has been mak- ing virulent attacks on the British Am- bassador to Mexico, Sir Lionel Garden, evidently inspired by tlie same sources as the "World's" j^revious attacks on Henry Lane Wilson. Also it has started a series of "Who's Who in Mexico," in Vi^hich it describes everybody in the Mexican Gov- ernment from Huerta down as somehow bad and everybody opposed to the Gov- ernment as somehow good. MORE OF THE LIES. Sir Lionel Garden removed on demand of Washington. Foreign bankers would seize Mexican customs. Line to San Luis Potosi in hands of rebels and San Luis Potosi menaced. Huerta seizes oil tanks. Huerta to resign. Oil Supply for Railways Fails. EVERYBODY WRONG BUT— Washington, January 3. — There is some reason to believe if statements made in reliable quarters are to be be- lieved that the principal reason for the c 'nference was the desire of John Lind to convey directly to the President cer- tain ideas which have been forming in his mind during his long exile in Mex- ico. President Wilson's special agent is re- ported to have become more of the mind of practically all Americans and other foreigners in Mexico regarding the pol- icy of the United States. From the brevity of his conference with the Pres- ident and the lack of any important an- nouncement from the latter after the conference it is assumed here that if Mr. Lind ventured to make any suggestions of a change they were not accepted by the President. The apparent lack of results from the conierence has served to remind Wash- ington of another notable conference which President Wilson had last sum- mer with a man who was supposed by virtue of his long residence in Mexico and experience in dealing with the Mex- ican Government to have special infor- mation on the subject. This was the conference with Henry Lane Wilson. A similarity between the President's statements to the press following these two conferences was noted with interest here. After his talk with the former Ambassador the President said with un- m.istakable emphasis that his conference with the diplomat neither had changed his analysis of the Mexican situation nor altered his view as to what should be done. He told the newspaper correspondents practically the same thing, though it is presumed his words were without a cer- tain acrimony which marked those fol- lowing his talk with Henry L. Wilson. In other words, it is the opinion here that the President has his own ideas on Mexico and is not particularly interested in what any one else has to say about it. — New York "Sun." Saturday, January 10, 1914 MEXICO RECOGNITION URGED BY PROMINENT MEN (From New York "Sun," January 6.) Carnegie Says U. S. Should Have Rec- ognized Huerta. The followincf communication was re- ceived yesterday from Andrew Carnegie in reply to a request from the "Sun" that he express an opinion regarding the Lon- don "Spectator's" suggestions as to the attitude of the United States toward Mexico: "In reply to your request, my opinion is entirely opposed to that of my friend \iJ' S'rachey, editor of the "Spectator." We should not interfere in Mexico. We should have recognized Huerta after the European Powers did. The man who interferes in a family quarrel usually ends in arousing the enmity of both op- ponents and they unite against him. In the words of the immortal bard, beware of entrance into quarrel. "ANDREW CARNEGIE." White Urges Recognition. Ithaca, Jan. 5._"Xow that we have got ourselves into this fix I can see noth- ing to do but await the course of events " declared Dr. Andrew D. White to-day in response to a question from the "Sun" correspondent as to what the United States should do about the Mexican sit- uation. The venerable statesman and scholar, who has served his country as Minister to Russia and .Ambassador to Germany and who at 81 still manifests a keen in- terest in public affairs, evidently disap- proves of the policy of the Wilson Ad- ministration in failing to recognize the Huerta Government, but now that the fat IS in the fire he seems to think that the country must make the best of it, because, as he says, "we are hung on the course of events and must trust to time and good luck to get us out of it." Dr. White is unable to understand why the Huerta regime was not recognized. "We have recognized." he said, "many other de facto governments and rulers who at the time held executive author- ity, both in Central and South America. In fact, if my memory serves me, we recognized a few years ago in Santo Do- mingo a man wlio was said to have been a murderer, and we have recognized in Hayti men of the same type." Dr. White added that Gen. Huerta at this time was in no worse position than was Porfirio Diaz when he began his regime. .•\sked about the outcome of a Consti- tutionalist victory he said: "If the Constitutionalist successes con- tinue the time may come when we might recognize them, but when I consider Carranza, who ordered that no Federals be spared, and Villa, whose practices re- garding the treatment of prisoners are well known. I wonder if either of them are any better than Huerta and if we will be in any better position in recog- nizing *hem than we are in refusing to recognize Huerta." In reference to John Lind Mr. White was asked: "What do you think about the policy of sending a special representative to Mexico?" "Well." he said with a smile, "I hope if we send any more we will send a man who knows something about Mexico and can speak Spanish and French." Of Henry Lane Wilson lie said: "Our former Ambassador in Mexico has a good record in the diplomatic service. He seerned to be familiar with conditions in Mexico. He seemed to know what he was talking about when he urged that Huerta be recognized. I think we sliould have acted on his advice." Foraker for Recognition. Cincinnati, Jan. 5.— Ex-United States Senator Foraker when asked for his ideas as to what the United States should do in the Mexican trouble said: "I have not changed my mind since the expression of my opinion in my Hamilton, Ohio, speech of a couple of weeks ago. On that occasion I ex- pressed my views in the matter as fol- lows: "Huerta is at the head as provisional President of the established Government. No matter whether it be the Government de jure, as it is forcibly claimed to be, or a mere de facto Government, it is the only national Government that has been recognized as such. "He has been recognized as provision- al President by the unanimous vote of both the Senate and the House of the Congress of the Republic of Mexico, and by all the army and by all the depart- ments of the Government. He has been so recognized by Great Britain, France and Germany and many other nations. I know of no reason, at least I have heard of none, why he should not also be rec- ognized by us. except only, to use a common expression, that there is 'blood on his hands.' "It may be there is blood on his hands. It would be hard to find a Mexican of distinction who has no blood on his hands. Some of them are bloody from head to foot. But suppose Huerta be driven out of office, as he probably will be, in consequence of our policy with respect to him and what our Government is doing in hostility to him, then what? After the deluge what comes next? Who then will be recognized? Will we still wait for some one without blood on his hands? Then surely we will not recog- nize any leader of the Constitutionalists. "The record made by them is one of blood and waste and anarchy and ruin. The inhuman and brutal murder of cap- tured prisoners has been such as to shock the whole world. The newspapers account for these brutalities by describ- ing Villa and other generals as bandit chieftains who have been oflficially out- lawed for years. "If Huerta drops out, then some of these chieftains will probably succeed to the Presidency. "If the fact that a man may have blood on his hands be a reason why he shall not be recognized, then the same trouble will arise. In the meanwhile as now our treaty will continue suspended, for if there be no Government we can recognize, there is, of necessity, only an- archy. Anarchy like war suspends treat- ies of peace and amity for the simple reason that there is no Government in existence responsible for their enforce- ment, and therefore nobody against whom we can assert a claim of violation of a treaty and secure redress for the destruction of .American life and .Ameri- can property. If it were calculated to avoid war, otherwise inevitable, it might be justified, but it is not. On the con- trary it makes war, otherwise improb- able, almost a certainty, if not now later. for the seeds of strife have been sown. "The whole situation is most unfor- tunate. A bad feeling toward Americans already existing has been made worse, and at best years will pass before rela- tions that arc cordial in fact will again be restored. "There is much more that might be said. For the present I leave it with the expression of regret that a Presi- dent who, although entertaining views with which I do not agree, with respect at least to I his phase of our foreign pol- icy, should make the mistake of putting our country in such an indefensible atti- tude as that which we have assumed in this matter." NOT SO BAD. The City of Mexico still shows few signs of hard times and is far gayer and more animated than at any time during the Madero regime. Confidence in Huerta seems to be growing. The military situation begins to look bright- er, with the failure of the rebels to take Nuevo Laredo, their disappear- ance from before San Luis Potosi and their evacuation of Durango. Moreover, the morale of the army is visibly improving, and of its devotion to Huerta there can be no doubt. It is believed here that Huerta has only to hold on to win, as there is too much disunion and too little cohesion among the rebels for them to evolve an ad- versary surrounded with the necessary prestige and authority. The dog Togo, mascot of the Federals at San Luis Potosi, has had the un- usual honor of promotion to the rank of first sergeant. This reward is for the dog's gallantry in the Bocas fight, where the rebels were routed. Togo pursued a rebel mule laden with three thousand cartridges, knocked it down, and held it until soldiers came up and secured the booty. — New York "Tri- bune," January 5. JUST A LITTLE HABIT. Every time a rebel victory has been reported some of the newspapers have immediately proceeded to publish long editorials demonstrating with copious ar- guments how that particular victory of the rebels means the impending down- fall of the Huerta Government and the "breaking up of the remnant of the Fed- eral Army!" Whenever a Federal victory is report- ed those newspapers are strikingly silent on the subject and one never reads that the Federal victory means the breaking up of the rebel army. ANOTHER. Whenever the jingoes run out of other ammunition they insinuate a close under- standing between Japan and Mexico. It hasn't been very long since the papers announced in big headlines that on de la Barra's reception in Tokio fifty Japanese army officers had offered their swords to Mexico, the inference being that they wished to fight for Mexico against the United States. Of course, as usual, the fiction was denied later, inconspicuously, but the effect desired had been created in the minds of the American people. If there is a subtle understanding between the Mexican Government and Japan why is it that whatever Japanese are fighting in Me-xico are among the rebels? MEXICO Saturday, January 10, 1914 Chicago, Jan. 5. — Franklin MacVeagh, Secretary of the Treasury in the Taft Administration, had the following to say to-day on the Mexican situa- tion ; "I believe that President Wilson has been en- tirely right in refusing to recognize Huerta. Presi- dent Taft, had he continued in office, would never have recognized Huerta*s claim to the Presidency of Mexico. I am convinced that I express the sentiment of the entire Taft Administration in say- ing that."— New York "Sun." Mr. MacVeatjh is presumably sure of his ground wlien he asserts so definitely that President Taft would never have recognized Huerta. At the same time we say — on the authority of men who were as close officially to President Taft as was Secretary MacVeagh — that only a delay in settling certain outstanding differences as to boundaries and claims between Mexico and the United States held back recognition of the Mexican Government during the last days of the Taft Administration. Had Mr. Taft remained in power the question would have been speedily settled and Mexico to- day would be on the way to tranquility. * * * His strong common sense would have prevented him from inquiring too closely or pedantically into the title of a President of a Spanish-American State in a time of revolution. So long as the new head of the State gave proof of resolution and capacity — and General Huerta has given proof of both qualities — Mr. Taft would have treated with him, even though he was unable to produce a certificate of his election from the receiving offi- cer, and even though charity itself could not pre- tend that he was anything more than a successful military adventurer. As for ray second assumption, that an early recognition of General Huerta would by now have brought Mexico within sight of peace and security, the whole course of events in the past half-year appears to justify it. As Mexico's immediate and most powerful neighbor, with a stake in the country greatly in excess of that of any other nation, America's attitude toward the Republic necessarily means more, and carries with it greater implications and significance than the attitude of all other Governments put together. * * * — Sydney Brooks in October "North Ameri- can Review." INTOLERABLE CONDITIONS. Gulfport, Miss.— While the President was on the pier he was observed with great interest by the throng of oyster shuckers busily toiling in the draughty shed of the packing company. He saw children 7 or 8 years old working their ten-hour shift in steam and blustering wind, their little hands sore and bleeding from the action of the acrid juices and the brine. The President started to take a walk through the oyster packing plant, but a whiff of the noisome steam struck him and he retired to the motor car. — New York "Sun." If this had been reported from Mex- ico, whaf a thrill of virtuous indignation would shiver the press of the United States. Non-recognition would be justi- fied — intervention the only way to end such intolerable conditions! POST-HYPOCRISY. Upon the outcome of the obstinate battle itill under way at Ojinaga events of critical importance for the future of Mexico may depend. The prei- ent upflare of pro-Hucrta sentiment it directly to be traced to this unexpected check which th« Constitutionalist forces in the North hare encoun- tered after a scries of dramatic victories. Fran- cisco Villa has recognized the vital importanca of a victory at "Ojinaga by hastening to take charge of the operations. More than the rebel repulse at Tampico, a Federalist triumph in the ■ north would be a body blow to the Constitution- alist cause. For even if the rebel forces were to fail in their advance against the capital and the southern provinces, there remains the possibility of a secession by the States under Constitution- alist control and the setting up of an independent republic in the north. But with the presence of a U-.rge Federalist army on the northern frontier such a bold stroke is not to be thought of, and the Constitutionalist campaign would have to be fought over again. For the future of Mexico, any temporary strengthening of Huerta's power is ominous. By this time it is plain that the people of the republic as a whole will not accept his rule.— New York "Evening Post." If this last assertion is true, why is it that wherever the Federal forces go to the relief of a bandit-ridden town they are welcomed with open arms? Why is it that the "constitutionalists" are a ter- ror and a scourge from which the inhabi- ■ants Aee — if they can? The "Post" is fearfull}' concerned because Huerta's power is growing. The "Post" as a well- known peace advocate is worried because there is every indication that Huerta will bring peace to Mexico. Selah! List to R. V. Pesqueira's defense of the "patriotism and character" of Villa. Pes- queira is one of the go-betweens of Car- ranza and the American oil interests. He is vociferous in championing the cause of the poor people of Mexico. In his suite at the Hotel Vanderbilt, where there are no poor, he gave the following remark- able statement to a reporter of the New York "Times." "Any story that Gen. Villa will try to seize the primary power for himself or that he has not subordinated himself to Gen. Carranza is false," Mr. Pesqueira said. "Gen. Villa has proved his loyalty to Gen. Carranza and the Constitutionalist cause many times. He was an ardent supporter of Madero in the revolution against Diaz and after the success of the revolution until the murder of the President. In 1912, because of the hostility of Gen. Huerta, who was the commander of Ma- dero's forces, Villa consented to go to prison for his own safety and for the sake of internal peace. While he was a prisoner leaders of the Conserva- tive party offered him money and support if he would lead a revolution against Madero, but he refused. These same men later enlisted Huerta in their cause, so that, had Villa accepted their offers, he would now occupy the position held by Huerta." The reason given for Villa's term in jail is a gem! "For his own safety and the sake of internal peace." Why, the notorious bandit was jailed for stealing a horse. And Madero let him out. Ma- dero liked horse thieves. The ingenious last few lines, designed to place an out- law like Villa in the same category as a regular army officer of Huerta's class, are a masterpiece of perversion. Nations are not destroyed, national in- dependence is not surrendered on the verbal or mental say-so of an alien med- dler with even the best intentions. ♦ • ♦ That is the law and the prophets, and all the theorizing and mentalizing in the world cannot change it. Lest we Forget It's a long road from the border to Mexico City. Especially as all the supplies for the rebels come across the border. « » » And the border newspapers and cor- respondents are good press agents. It would be a shame for Villa to leave them. What would the "revolution" be without them? And Villa was at Juarez, only two hundred miles away. Trying to collect ransoms and dispose of stolen silver bullion. While Carranza spends his time put- ting out fiat money in Sonora. « * * Patriots for what there is in it. But, never mind. We have some of the same kind of patriots and "friends of the peepul" on this side of the border. We lend moral support to the atroci- ties of the Villas and the Zapatas and then our jingoes call for intervention to put an end to them. * * • There is nothing so false as the as- sumption of minds like Bryan's that any- body with material interests in Mexico cannot tell the truth about it. * * « Every time an American with property in Mexico expresses public disapproval of the Administration's cruel and de- structive attitude toward Mexico, the New York "World" goes to extreme lengths in its efforts to discredit the statement. Taking its cue from the Ad- ministration it so bhndly worships. » * * The "World" certainly ought to know just how far material interests may warp the judgment — even the judgment of metropolitan newspapers. If Huerta doesn't crumble by March 1st, the Washington Administration is going to do something real drastic, the "World" says. * * * Whaddoyu mean, drastic? Hasn't the Administration egged on the East Side thugs of Mexico to "get Huerta"? Hasn't it dickered with the money lend- ers to starve him out? Hasn't it called him names and told the world that he was positively hateful? Hasn't it cir- cled over him like a buzzard? But nary a crumble. * * « As we have remarked before, if Huerta crumbles Mexico as a nation crumbles. * • * That's why Huerta hasn't crumbled. That's why he can't crumble. That's why he won't crumble. Saturday, January 10, 1914 MEXICO WHO'S A DESPOT? To the Editor of MEXICO: Congratulating you on your splendid work in the cause of justice and peace, I take this opportunity to let you know of a marked change in my point of view. Until about two months ago I tried to make myself believe that the "high moral plane" was something more than empty words, but now it seems strange to me that I, or anyone else, could have fallen for the high moral bun- combe. When one considers the decided dif- ference between deeds and words, it is evident that in the Mexican policy (so called), the "cloak of respectability has been used to cover nefarious designs." Deeds and words differ as much as the professed doctrine of "pitiless publicity" differs from actual practice of what might be termed "pitiful secretiveness." It is impossible for any thoughtful man to believe otherwise than that the deliberate design has been, from the first, to place Mexico prostrate and help- less, in order the more easily to seize her territory. Think of the huge number of offices that will then be available for the hungry office-seekers! The crafty hand of the "Apostle of Peace" is clearly seen. He has been known for many years to many millions of Americans as the apostle of insincer- ity, and of hypocrisy. His solicitude for the Maderos. relatives of the arch-crim- nal who committed the arch-crime of arming the peons of Mexico, and his composure and calm in regard to the many who have been robbed and mur- dered by the rebels (our allies), under such cutthroats as Villa, Zapata and de la O., makes one tremble for the future of our country under such guidance. Frederick the Great said: "If I wished to ruin a province I would place a phil- osopher to rule over it." A year ago last November at the polls the minority of voters who elected a Democratic President might well have profited by the wisdom of this great man. In less than a year of philosophic rule it began to appear that America is now face to face with a despotism as far reaching as that of George the Third. Mexico has been surfeited with high- sounding words, and in a recent inspired newspaper article one reads: "Depart- ment officials declared that dispatches from Mexico were highly satisfactory. This suggests that the 'financial starva- tion' policy of the United States is rap- idly approaching fruition." Is not this the acme of meanness and treachery! In addition to this, the suggestion as to the financial situation of Mexico is man- ifestly false. Looking back once more to the early days of last March, it seems that it is not an opinion but a certainty that if General Huerta had been recognized as the de facto President of Mexico there would now be no Mexican problem con- fronting the United States. Since that date the protection General Huerta has given to foreigners and to property in all parts of Mexico under the control of the Federal troops, has strengthened his right to such recognition day by day. General Huerta has been termed a despot, but even the blind will soon awaken to the realization that the despot sits in Washington, not in Mexico city. "There will be no war!" The ".apos- tle of Peace" says so. However, there is a fleet of United States battleships off Vera. Cruz, Tampico and Tuxpan, a United States Army concentrated on the Southern border. For moral effect, of coursel Thought- ful citizens of the United States have been searching to detect the influence on the so-called revolution of these mili- tant moves. If they had any deter- mined effect on the looting, the destruc- tion and the murder carried on imder the land-pirates Villa, Zapata and de la O., one fails to detect it. It is said that any one who begs to differ on the Mexican problem not only gets no hearing, but gets a short shift and a syift exit. To my mind the highest patriotism is to one's country. If the United States were attacked by any great power, an appeal to patriotism would be de- cidedly in order, but in the case of Mex- ico we arc the aggressors. We have nagged, goaded and interfered. If war comes it will be an unjust and unneces- sary war, in which no self-respecting American will care to bear a part. What folly to talk of financial starva- tion for Mexico! Trade reports show that during the past three years both the exports and imports of Mexico have increased. I wonder if Americans real- ize the fabulous wealth of the Republic of Mexico, and the enormous sources of money that patriotic Mexicans can provide, to maintain their government and their independence. General Huerta grows stronger every day. After the turn of the year it is certain that active operations will begin against Villa and his fiendish kind — it would be an honor to any honest man to be present at his capture and to be the first to put hand to the rope that will end his miserable existence. Meantime it is becoming so clear as to be pellucid that America needs to be saved, not Mexico. Yours truly B. A. Washington, D. C. December, 20 BY WHAT RIGHT? The basis of the misunderstanding in the United States regarding the situation in Mexico to-day is due to the mislead- ing accounts of recent events. Your representatives, your writers and the others who have gone to Mexico to in- vestigate conditions have had the wrong attitude. I will be specific: To you Ma- dero is a martyr, because he was shot; General Huerta is an assassin because he is supposed to have killed Madero. This would not be significant if it were merely a popular opinion, but it is the reason behind the action of Presi- dent Wilson in denying recognition to Huerta. I can understand the feeling that prompted the action. I could not kill or order a man to be killed, because it is against the beliefs of my soul. Pres- ident Wilson's feeling about such things are no doubt the same. It is different with a soldier in Mexico. But I do not admit that Huerta is responsible for the death of Madero. Madero was not a martyr. He was a — what you call a faker. I have said to you before that Madero was a traitor. He is so looked upon in Mexico to-day by people generally. But to judge Ma- dero in the same way that Huerta has been judged, he was also an assassin. He imprisoned and later killed General Bernardo Reyes, his rival for the Presi- dency, and he killed others. However this happened before Presi- dent Wilson took office. It was follow- ing the Tragic Ten Days in Mexico, when the streets ran blood. It has been said on this account that President Wil- son inherited the situation in Mexico from the Taft Administration. I do not think that is the case. President Taft wisely. I believe, took no action, so that Mr. Wilson would be left free and unem- barrassed when he came to dealing witk Mexico. \^'hat did he do? I will make for you a case, and construct a plausible hypoth- esis as a foundation of President Wil- son's action. I believe that with all the sensational demands on the part of cer- tain financial interests and a portion of the "yellow" press for intervention at different times prior to the overthrow of Madero, that President Wilson entered office with a fixed purpose of refusing any such unreasonable demands. We see, then, that President Wilson was first of all against intervention, and fr^r peace. I believe that he is still op- posed to intervention, and that he ear- nestlv desires peace in Mexico. But it was his subsequent acts -hat has made peace impossible. He was within his rights, clearly, in refusing to recognize Huerta. and in refusing to intervene with arms. But he did not stop there. He went beyond. He did not remain neu- tral. Instead he placed upon Huerta a boycott, and used the force of his gov- ernment to prevent Huerta getting money in Europe. That is the wrong. He did not stop at refusing to recognize Huerta. He declared ttiat he would never recognize him, and has endeavored lo "starve him out!" By what right does he do these things? Huerta is called a dictator. Is not President Wilson, by his action, a dictator, not only of the United States and Mexico, but of South America and the world? He tells Mexico that he will not recognize the only government that exists there. He tells all of Latin-Amer- ica that civil war is not allowed. And he tells Europe that she shall not lend money to a government that is in his disfavor. Bv what right can these things be? — R. de Zayas Enriquez in Brooklyn "Daily Eagle." MEXICO Saturday, Janttary 10, 1914 AS IT REALLY IS "Constitutionalism"' in Action. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: — I beg to enclose several newspaper clippings regarding conditions in Mexico, on which no doubt you can intelligently comment. I shall only in- form you of the following of which no doubt you are well aware, as these are private things only known to rebels or Americans, which here amounts to prac- tically the same thing. Of course there are many Americans, like myself, who respect our Government c.cials, but at the same time we are in favor of a square deal — and Mexico is not getting it from the United States now. Wlien Carranza was in Cananea re- cently it was generally understood he was during all these days under the in- fluence of liquor, and although his fol- lowers tried to cover it, they could not do it altogether. I was in Nogales a few days after and I myself saw Car- ranza under the influence of drink in a carriage the daj' the report came of the defeat of the Federal troops at Cul- iacan. I was informed that he was cele- brating that important event, and that was the way he did whenever good news came. I was also in Nogales during the days of the interview between the repre- sentative of President Wilson, Mr. W. Bayard Hale, and Carranza, and I am informed on good authority that Car- ranza was drinking heavily those days, this being the real reason why Hale could only see Carranza personally once; although the President's represen- tative insisted in other personal confer- ences with the chief of the "constitution- alis'.s," even threatening to break ne- gotiations. Escudere and the other of- ficials kept Carranza under guard in a room of the Custom House building, as otherwise there would have occurred a scandal. , Escudera, himself is another inveterate ■celebrator, although he managed to keep sober during those days, but some days later, I am informed, that being sent ■on a mission to bandit Pancho Villa by Carranza, recommending the former not to kill so many people on the border as he did at Juarez, Escudero got celebra- ting at El Paso, and from there he went to New York, with about $100,000, which had been entrusted to his care by Car- ranza. Escudero never came back to Sonera and he does not seem to want to come any more. Carranza in anger has taken away from him the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of Finance. The flight of Escudero is considered a great loss to the rebels. Although apparently the State of Son- era is quiet, conditions are terrible. The system of forced loans continues as well as the issuance 'of fiat money by the State as well as by the State of Sinaloa; besides, Carranza has flooded all this part of the country with fiat money he has issued at Herraosillo as coming from the State of Coahuila, this last issue amounting to FIVE MILLIONS PE- SOS. As the people are compelled to receive these bills under penalty of im- prisonment, etc., the consequence is that all the real money (silver coin and gold, as well as bank bills) have been gathered by the rebel government, and the fiat money is the only thing cir- culating, there being bills of every de- nomination from 25 cents to $1,000. It is easy to see the condition of ruin and misery which will come to this coun- try with such high finance methods. The matter of collection of taxes, import duties and all other revenue is done in such a way that it is no exaggeration to say that probably one third of the money goes into the treasury; the other two-thirds is taken by grafters. The service of mail and telegraph is only for rebels and their friends. The major- ity of letters are opened and thrown away unless they belong to foreigners. Quite a number of men, I am in- formed, have been executed without the formality of a trial, here and in other parts of the State, one of the most scan- dalous executions being that of a Mex- ican newspaper man of Nogales, Ari- zona, who I am told, was dragged from the Arizona side of the line by two rebel sentries, in plain view of American soldiers patrolling the line. This man was executed by direct order of Carran- za, who I am assured, is as bloodthirsty as Villa or Zapata. It is well known that the murders at Juarez, which reached approximately 300, the majority being non-combatants, were ordered by Villa with the approval of Carranza. In Chihuahua, I am told, there have been killed about 400 in the same way, and the end is not in view. It is really incredible that a man of President Wil- son's high moral principles should assist these murderers and cutthroats, when he should help to exterminate them as they are a menace to humanity. I am an American citizen, engaged in mining in Sonora and in other States of Mexico, where I have all my money invested, and I would like to see peace restored in this country; and I do not see any reason why it can not be done in a short time. The cause of the present conflict is purely personal, it seems, and it ou.ght to be ended, without delay, be- fore the country is definitely ruined. I have never meddled in politics in Mex- ico, and probably this is the reason why I always manage to keep out of trouble. In the present instance I could not help giving you the information, as I believe it is only right that our countrymen should know the conditions of this strug- gle as they really are from an unpreju- diced business man's point of view. Respectfully, M. J. M. Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, December 22, 1913. P. S. — With regard to the repeated report that Americans have sustained great losses in this revolution, will say that there is no such a thing. The great majority of our investments are in min- ing and, and while there may be some trouble and inconvenience in operating under present disturbed conditions, there is no real loss, as the values in the mines are not taken away, but remain in the property to be taken later. These are real facts and they can be supported by any miner in Mexico who wishes to be honest and truthful. Europeans in proportion have sufifered considerable losses, as their investments are in mer- cantile and industrial business, many of which have been looted and totally de- stroyed by the rebels. THEY LOVE THEIR TEACHER. (By Telegraph to the New York "Tribune.") Juarez, Mexico, Jan. 1. — Juarez College, the leading agricultural college of Northern Mexico, was seized by General Pancho Villa to-day and converted into quarters for his rebel soldiers. The professors, including the president of the college, Romulo Escobar, and the students were ordered out of the buildings, and many took refuge in El Paso. All of the college buildings, the experi- mental farm and the extensive barns and corrals have been occupied by rebel soldiers, and the col- lege has been designated by Villa as a reserve troop barracks. Villa gives as his reason for seizing the college that it has always been a Federal institution, conducted by Federal sympathizers and teaching Federal doctrines, and he considers it a menace to peace in Northern Mexico. Because of the revolutionary troubles in and around Juarez the college recently had lost most of its pupils, but still was being conducted when Villa took it by force. WHY BANDITS CAN OPERATE NEAR MEXICO CITY. Zapata is now believed to have his headquarters between Cuautia and the capital not forty miles from the latter. This is one of the most rugged bits of country in the whole world, spider- webbed with deep defiles between al- most perpendicular mountains a mile high from which the rebels can pour their fire down upon the invaders of their fastnesses while themselves in per- fect safety beyond the range of their enemies' rifles. On one occasion when Gen. Robles penetrated this region he found himself fired upon from one of these perpendic- ular heights, eight men of his immediate escort being wounded. Looking up and locating the cliff above his head from which the bullets dropped, he asked his guide how he could reach the place. The guide answered that it would take two days of most difficult climbing. It had taken Gen. Robles and his com- mand six weeks to reach the spot upon which he then stood, starting from the city of Mexico, only forty miles distant in a straight line. Saturday, January 10, 191-1 MEXICO MORE SMALL BUSINESS. To Hon. Woodrow Wilson, President, United States, Washington, D. C. The Mexican Republic, through me, has the honor of wishing a happy New Year to the glorious people of the United States, so worthily repre- sented by Your Excellency. (Signed) V. HUERTA. "President Wilson said in his mes- sage to Congress, 'There is no gov- ernment in Mexico.' " said Acting Sec- retary of State Moore. "Therefore this government cannot send any message to Huerta or other Mexican officials concerning the new year." The weakness of the Washington Ad- ministration is that its slaps are directed at Huerta, the person. (Read what the President said in his last message, in which the personal animus is unmistak- able.) * * * The strength of Huerta lies in the fact that he stands as the representative of Mexican national sovereignty. WHY WASHINGTON RUMOR FORECASTS INTERVENTION. This is the point of view of the Hearst news- papers, quoted from the N. Y. "American." The "American" is right as to its premises but wrong in the conclusion that the remedy is intervention. The remedy is the recognition of the Mexican Government. The people do not want a war with Mexico, and that is the only other alterna- tive. The increasing force of the Washing- ton rumors that the Administration is on the verge of abandoning its futile policy of "watcliful waiting" and taking steps toward intervention in Mexico is easily enough explained. Probably the Administration has said nothing officially, even to the represen- tatives of foreign powers vitally inter- ested. But what other possible course is open to the United States in the ex- isting situation? Huerta's hold on the reins of govern- ment is not shaken. I' is true that the rebels are winning victories and occu- pying territory, but Huerta is still the government de facto and as such has evidently been able to borrow money enough to keep the wheels of his admin- istration moving. Reports of his ne- gotiation of a very large loan stubbornly persist, though denied, but it is at least apparent that the Wilson policy of sub- jecting the Mexican president to a course of financial starvation has as yet shown no signs of success. * * * So far as the United States is con- cerned the repeated triumphs of the in- surgent forces bring no promise of re- lief. A government by Carranza and Villa would be no more inspiring to con- fidence than that of Huerta. which we repudiate because founded upon blood. Villa, the man of blood and iron in the insurrection, would probably in the event of success repeat the tactics of Huerta. Could the United States more gracefully recognize him? It is the way in which Mexican events are shaping themselves that make the Washington rumors of intervention plausible. Doubtless the President him- self will be quick to deny them, but events are becoming too strong for him. At no time since embarking on his dis- astrous policy has he rightly considered the end. but that end. inexorable and in- evitable as fate, now immediately con- fronts him. The Facts About Mexico By John Rockwood Phillips. In "Pioneer Western Lumberman." The author of this article visited Mex- ico for business purposes soon after the first election of Porfirio Diaz as presi- dent. He lived on the border for many years, was in the midst of the Apache campaigns during the early eighties, has had large interests in Mexico in the past ten years, has good friends and bitter enemies in both countries. He has re- cently visited London, Paris and Wash- ington for the purpose of confirming in his own mind, by interviews with the prin- cipal actors in the international drama, impressions formerly obtained by confer- ences with members of the financial world of New York and Boston, by per- sonal acquaintance with several members of the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States Senate, by contact wdth residents of Mexico, foreign and native, and by a study of the testimony given before the sub-committee of the Senate Committee appointed to investi- gate the causes of the Madero revolution. He has also a personal acquaintance with Porfirio Diaz. While earnestly desiring a continuance of the integrity of the Mexican Repub- lic and the avoidance by the United States of a shameful act, he will not knowingly misstate any fact and believes that his conclusions are fully warranted and that the fairness and unprejudiced portion of the American public will, when fully informed, concur in his con- clusions. Victoriano Huerta, provisional presi- dent of the United States of Mexico, un- der a positive provision of a constitu- tion designed to meet just such an emer- .eency as that which faced the Republic after the death of President Madero is rep:rted to have said that the people of the Uni ed States of America were not in sympathy with the policy adopted by their President and S*ate Department in deal'nc- with the Mexican problem. The truth is that the people at large, either because of ignorance of the facts, or by reason of the mass of misinforma- tion which has been fed to them through press agencies for the past six years, have been up the air on the Mexican question, and are seeking information which is denied them by the Government at Washington. It is no wonder there is a confusion of opinions, because the sitration is extremely complex even had the facts not been shaded and clouded and completely obscured by the press agencies of the most powerful financial force on this continent, if not in the world. The reader who desires knowledge may perhaps best understand the situa- tion by putting himself, for a time, in the place of a patriotic Mexican and tak- ing a view from that position. He may be assisted in taking this place by the suggestions of a no less patriotic Amer- ican, the author of this article, who as- sumes the right to present the compos- ite result of views taken from many an- gles, first, because he is a patriotic .\merican. and. as such, entitled to crit- icize the Government administration in the presence of his fellow citizens; sec- ond, because as such he considers it his du'y "to help inform his compatriots of the real situation, and. third, because as a sentimental friend of Mexico, and of elemental justice, he desires the contin- uance of the integrity of the Republic of Mexico, almost as fondly as if it were of his own nativity, and he deprecates an interference by our Government that might eventuate in acquisition of terri- tory at the cost of our honor, as power- ful and friendly neighbors of a strug- gling Republic. The information given and the views expressed herein will not be relished by the ardent annexationists in the United States and Mexico, who are owners of property which would be quadrupled in value were their hopes realized; nor by Government contractors throughout the country and business men in the border towns who would profit directly in the event of hostilities. The so-called Con- stitutionalists in the Northern States of Mexico would lose the remittances now more or less regularly received from across the border should the public of the United States wake up to a knowl- edge of the whole game. PubUc opinion would compel our authorities to break up the industrious revolutionary juntas, which are actively propagating unrest and treason in Mexico, from their headquar- ters at Los Angeles, San Antonio, Wash- ington and many border towns. With an established government in Mexico, their vocation and means of subsistence gone, these paid disturbers might be obliged to go to work for a living at some honest employment. An exposure will not be relished by certain Democratic politician-statesmen who see in a continuance of disorder an opportunity to intervene in the right way at the psychological moment before the ne.xt presidential election. The Interests which started all this trouble in the effort to depose Diaz and set up in his place a tool of their own will pay little attention to this, which is an old story, many details of which are known only to themselves; and they are TOO sure of their omnipotence to doubt the outcome of their wonderfully clever plans. The Taft .\dniinistration, which by its vacillating weakness, contributed much to the plight in which both Mexi- cans and Americans in Mexico find them- selves, like Madero the weak and fanat- ical tool of the Interests, is dead, but the subsequent disorder, due directly to two good but weak men in power, is a heritage for a new administration, which may yet bring dis,grace upon our great nation if not probated promptly and properly. One of the cleverest moves of the master minds in charge of this gigantic conspiracy of the Interests to steal a whole nation was the arrangement by which President Wilson obtained his first information concerning the death of Madero and the state of affairs in Mexico from the widow of the dead president through an interview purpose- !}■ and carefully arranged, and we have since beheld the spectacle of a national policy regarding a foreign power in- spired by a grief-stricken widow's ac- count of the death of her husband, of which she was not a witness. And now an Ambassador of the Unit- ed States, qualified above all other offi- cials by reason of his personal knowl- edge of events, has been made the "goat" to carry off the mistakes of an (Continued on Next Page.) MEXICO Saturday, January 10, 1914 THE FACTS ABOUT MEXICO-Continued Executive and State Department com- mitted in haste and ignorance, and con- tinued in self-righteous stubbornness. And then we behold the trial for murder of the head of a foreign nation by a jury of two men at the head of the Govern- ment of the United States, and his con- viction (to their satisfaction) as an assas- sin. But we are getting ahead of our story, and a recital of recent events may in- terfere with the perspective intended to be fully developed for the purpose of conveying the details of information to the public as promised. If the reader is interested, he will have an opportunity to learn the tale from the beginning of the conspiracy until the present time. First, let us learn from our patriotic Mexican friend an outline of his part of the story. He will tell you of the con- spiracy to wreck our neighbor, Mexico (a nation with a population double the size of our neighbor, Canada), which had enjoyed a peaceful existence for thirty-five years, and to set its sixteen million inhabitants to fighting each other without cause, reason or reward. A nation trying to lift itself from the position of barbaric savagery of three hundred years ago by emufa'ting our for- mer example of independent prosperity and our Government Constitution, and which made a longer leap toward im- provement from 1876 until disrupted by a venal financial power than any other nation ever made from the same start- ing condition in any thirty-five-year period. A carefully devised program began a press agitation in Mexico and the United States over four years before the resig- nation of Diaz was forced by circum- stances brought into being by this cam- paign of agitation as conducted in the press. It can be proven that the money for this continuous performance was fur- nished by American financial interests. If _ is impossible, perhaps, to bring positive legal proof which would be ac- cepted in a court of law to convict the most powerful influences of America of a conspiracy of such gigantic proportions and consequences. But the American public usually bases its final judgment upon the equities of a case ra*her than upon legal technicalities. You will be convinced that, knowing- ly or unconsciously, certain high officials of the United States Government were accessories before, during and after the deposition of Diaz and the elevation of Madero. You will learn that the death of Ma- dero was the first serious setback en- countered by the conspirators, and that Huerta was the first Mexican to stand strictly for 'he integrity of the Republic, and that after the mercenary Maderos had emptied the national treasury you will agree that the failure by the United States to recognize the Provisional Government was because of a lack of knowledge of the true s'ate of afifairs on the part of President Wilson. He sent one representative after another to Mex- ico to gather information for his guid- ance and presumably for dissemination among the people of the United States, and you will wonder why the people were not informed of the facts. President Wilson presented as a pre- cedent for his refusal to recognize the Mexican Government and its Provision- al President the refusal of President Hayes in 1876 to recognize Porfirio Diaz as President, but Hayes' own election had been questioned almost to the point of a revolution in the United States, and he could ill afford to sanction the re- moval by force of the illegally elected Lerdo, whom the Mexican people, with Diaz as leader, recalled in a summary manner. If the President of the United States had been looking for a parallel precedent he might have considered the decision of President Lincoln in the case of President Juarez, who continued in office beyond his term, when Mexico's internal aff^airs were too upset for an election, thereby saving the Republic, although temporarily violating a provi- sion of the Constitution, so that both the Republic and Constitution were saved. And when we come to think of it, what is the use of the Constitution of a Republic after the Republic has been annihilated? However, President Wilson in effect said to President Huerta: "You are no- body, but you must put down this revo- lution. You must have a Constitutional election, but, of course, under the Con- stitution no election can be held imtil the revolution is ended. You cannot put down the revolution unless you have money. You cannot get money unless your Government is recognized by the United States. At any rate, you must resign, and then under your Constitu- tion your Congress must appoint anoth- er Provisional President, just as you were appointed; then your Government will be 'constitutional,' as we desire to interpret your Constitution." Can you beat it? Our Mexican friend insists that the laws of neutrality were allowed to be broken for the benefit of the Maderos. to the chagrin and surprise of President Diaz, who had implicit faith in the friend- ship of the United States Government. That every effort had been made at Washington and elsewhere to keep the real facts from the American public while misleading stories were circulated bv nearly all the leadins journals to pre- iudice the public that it might allow the conspirators' plans to proceed without protest. You will wonder how and why the sub-committee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. after several months of investigaHns the causes of the revolution, requested another year for the presentation of their report. At the same time, members of this commit- tee had openly stated that they were convinced that the Madero revolution was insti^-ated and partly financed in the United States. Now the United States public was kept in ignorance of this tes- timony, and yet a printed copy of all of it was in the hands of a revolution- ary junta, which was helping to disturb' the peace in three Northern States less than a month after the committee had asked for a vear's extension of time, F.very contention of our Mexican friend and everv phase of this composite state- ment of facts can be proven by evidence now in the State Department. In May last Senator Marcus A. Smith of Ari- zona introduced a resolution in the Sen- ate requesting the Secretary of State to furnish the documents regarding the Mexican situation and three months af- terwards the Senate was informed that it was incompatible with the public ser- vice to grant the request. You may be sure that the real facts will never be presented to the public until they are demanded with no uncer- tain voice. In the meanwhile the Mexican Repub- lic will work out its own salvation, but at the cost of blood and property, which will be discussed in due course with the other items which are to be explained in this article, most of which cost might have been avoided had the United States Government always acted in good faith and in accordance with the intention and spirit of solemn treaties entered into with Mexico, and had kept the given and implied assurances of moral and material support made by our Executive and State Departments from the time of James G. Blaine arid John Hay up to and including those made by President Taft when he met President Diaz a few weeks before he, as our Chief Executive, assisted in the deposition of the Mexi- can President, to whom he had just giv- en his felicitations and assurances of a continuance of our policy toward Mex- ico, first made evident by Lincoln. And believing in the honesty of purpose of President Wilson, there is a chance that help may yet come from that quar- ter should he have the courage to ac- knowledge his early errors and decide upon real action which would terminate the already shattered revolution in one day. He might also conclude to invoke the solemn provisions of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, in which case the whole matter would be cleared up quick- ly and the former friendly relations re- newed between the two countries. We are given to understand by the course of events that the centralized money interests absolutely control at present the political and financial desti- nies of our own country of 100.000,000 souls, one Power, controlled by twelve or fifteen directors, practically in charge of our affairs. This Power controls over seven thou- sand newspapers, one might say directly, and many others by indirect influence or false news. The press agents of this Power are the educators of the mass of the people on present day political and business subjects, the history we our- selves are making. The instruction in our public schools is largely ancient his- tory, and our children may learn of the past .glories of our Flag while the busy citizen is kept in ignorance of the ig- nominies heaped upon our good name and former glory by the action of this Power in respect to some of our neigh- boring nations. Formerly the "Power" confined its op- erations principally to domestic affairs, but the enormous accretions of wealth and diversity of interests have made nec- essary ihe control of foreign affairs, sometimes in conjunction with aggrega- tions of foreign capital and sometimes without them, or in spite of them. A few years ago the greatest undevel- oped oil fields in the world were dis- covered in Mexico. The early prospect- ing and partial development of these fields were done principally by an Eng- lish corporation, commonly known as the Pierson Syndicate, in one section of the oil area, and by a group of Califor- nians, known as the Doheny people, in another section. At this time, the re- fined petroleum business of Mexico was controlled by the Waters-Pierce Oil Company, and all illuminating and lu- bricating oils were imported from the United States. When the great extent of the Tampico oil fields had been determined by the prospecting companies the Standard crowd, as usual, planned for control of the output. The Piersons and California companies had discovered such great quantites of petroleum that the problem became that of finding a market. Both companies were in the position of hav- ing a world's supply of crude oil with no possible market outside of Mexico with- out the co-operation or consent of the two combinations which control the pe- troleum markets of the world. (To be continued.) Saturday, January 10, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. KEEP OUT OF MEXICO. As yet the American people have no specific information of outrages against the persons or property of foreigners in Mexico that would warrant intervention by the troops of this country. It would be criminal for the United States to be carried away on any wave of engendered hysteria and enter Me.xico at such dicta- tion. The only possible justification for intervention would be the .securing and publishing of a list of actual depredations against persons and property that would show the spirit of the l)ellit,'ercnts to be primarily anti-foreign, and indicate that the possessions and persons of foreigners in the republic were not only endangered, but were the specific objects of spleen. Does such condition exist? Unquestion- ably it does not. There has been ad- duced no evidence to show that the Mex- icans on citlier side have nut Ijeen rea- sonably careful to protect and to respect the lives and the property of foreigners, the exceptions being usually in the case of individuals who were known to be active partisans. Considering the fact that the country is under the cross-fire of a half dozen or more bandit organiza- tions, beside the major contestants, it is rather remarkable that conditions from the point of view of foreign investment and population are not worse. * * * If the government of the United States is in possession of facts indicative of wholesale depredations upon foreign property and widespread killing of for- eigners under the direction of anti-for- eign animus, it is its duty to make the facts matters of public knowledge. Lack- ing such an exhibit the United States has absolutely no warrant for intervention. It is folly to say that it should intervene because investments are potentially in peril. It is folly to say it should inter- vene because in some cases the enter- prise of foreign investors has been inter- fered with or their works shut down and one or two destroyed. These are mat- ters incident to the domestic situation and were part of the risk that foreign in- vestors took when they sought with avid- ity the concessions that President Wil- son is opposed to upon general princi- ples. It is folly to say the United States should intervene to set up order in the republic, as long as the Mexicans them- selves are primarily the sufferers from the disorder they are creating. * * * War with Mexico would last a genera- tion before the bandit hordes were routed out, killed off or pacified. The United States would be a tremendous loser in life and treasure. It would annex prob- lems graver than any it has ever had in its history and it would create conditions of weakness in the presence of any con- troversy arising with a foreign power of the first class. The United States has no obligation to intervene; to do so would be folly. It must not permit its policy to be dictated by those who are influenced by interested motives solely. — Baltimore "American." MORE MEXICAN CRISES. The condition in Mexico is grave and there is no glimmer of light upon a pathway out. The undigested rumor of a coalition between England, Germany and Japan against the United States with reference to Mexico is, of course. moonsliine. It is more than likely that England has exchanged notes of inquiry to Germany relative to the interests of their citizens and investors and it may be presumed that Germany has held conversations with England and other Powers, but neither Germany nor Eng- land, nor all the Powers combined, will either undertake or dream of under- taking a coalition or of pressing too closely the United States. England, through its responsible Min- isters, has already spoken on this point, and, in addition, has exhibited an eager, almost precipitate inclination to dis- avow any intent to trouble the waters. England will no more think of interfer- ing with us in Mexico than we should have considered a proposal to balk England's handling of the South Afri- can situation in the Boer War, and Germany will be as reticent and care- ful with respect to Mexico, notwith- standing the magnitude of German inter- ests in Huerta's domain, as we should be in meddling in German East Africa or with the present negotiations be- tween Germany and England for the purchase of Portugal's land in the Dark Continent. America's "paramountcy" in this crisis is complete and unchallenged; the Ad- ministration has a free hand; what will it do with its freedom of action? "Watch- ful waiting" has thus far avoided the necessity for intervention, which would be a calamity, but the watching and waiting cannot last forever. Perhaps Huerta may be eliminated eventually, but if the principles laid down in reject- ing the pretentions of Huerta shall be persisted in the Mexican crisis will, in all human probability, be perpetual; one government after another will topple to the ground; rebellion will succeed rev- olution; the distress in the country will be succeeded by complete paralysis; Mexico's resources will be exhausted; energy and enterprise will be atrophied; the fair land will be wasted; anarchy will be the order of the day and chaos will "intervene." Huerta, let it be admitted, is a rough, uncouth man; perhaps his hands are stained with blood; he is taboo. But Villa is an unregulated bandit and under the rule of conduct prescribed for the United States he cannot be permitted even to attempt to create a stable gov- ernment if he should prove his power and capacity. Oroczo is an outlaw with- out scruples; Zapata is a bushwacker, and Carranza, with all his professed constitu- tionalism, can never begin to form a strong government which will inspire respect at home until he has shown that he is even more of a man of "blood and iron" than Huerta himself. Under the policy whicli the United States is evi- dently committed to another Porfirio Diaz, offering indubital)le capacity to in- sure peace, order and prosperity in Mex- ico, would not be recognized or counte- nanced by Mr. Wilson. It is a pity, to be sure, that Mexico has no John Hampden at hand. It would be so much better for everyone if only another George Washington, some great patriot and God-given leader, should spring to the front, but there is grave doubt whether even such a man would be recognized by the Mex- ican people and afforded the opportunity. We must modify our preconceived no- tions and adopt a policy possible to the Mexican people as they happen to be and not as we wish they were. This country has nothing to fear from European interference in Mexico, but there is a genuine cause for alarm in a situation and a policy that is likely to prolong rebellion until it becomes an interminable, desolating warfare of bands of guerrillas. We have been fortunate to be able to keep hands off; interven- tion would be a national calamity for us, and so firm are wise Americans in this opinion that we should think of abandoning a policy which, by prevent- ing the Mexicans to attend to their own affairs, may lead straight and inevitably to action on our part that will be de- plorable. The Executive should be unhampered in dealing with this grave problem, but it is more than probable that Congress may be forced before long to debate the Mexican situation in the hope that in counsel there may be light. — Philadelphia "Public Ledger." THE COMING MAN IN MEXICO. Our neighbor, the "World," which greailj' admires tl;e Wilson Administra- tion's policy of pacific intervention in Mexican affairs for the overthrow of the Huerta .\dministration because it is "founded on blood," gives an interesting picture of the man who is likely to be Huerta's successor in power should the .American government's boycott prove effective: Gen. Villa, who commands all the revolutioaary forces in northeastern Mexico, with a dozen gen- erals and probably 30,000 soldiers under his au- thority, is a dashing bandit type, picturesque, not dignified, often full of merriment, sometimes stem and not infrequently cruel. He has been a fugi- tive from justice, compelled to live by his wit» and with a heavy price on his head (or nearly two decades. It might be added that this noble rep- resentative of "constitutional order" has with manly scorn refused to learn the effeminate art of reading and writing. — New York "Evening Mail." MEXICO Saturday, January 10, 1914 DO WE WANT WAR WITH MEX- ICO? By Charlton Bates Strayer in "Leslie's Weekly" of January 1. The country will stand behind its President in any foreign complication, but grievous apprehension exists throughout the world as to whether we have pursued the wisest policy in regard to Mexico. The one thing President Wilson has wished to avoid is war. Yet his ultimatum to President Huerta of Mexico, followed by a waiting policy, leads every day nearer to war. The mo- tive of the President is above question and were he dealing with any other than a Latin-American people there would be more hope for a successful outcome of his idealistic polity. Even if Huerta is at last eliminated, there is not any great likelihood of anyone taking his place whose hands are less stained with blood. It is impossible to impress upon the people of Mexico the ethical standards of the United States, unless through an educational process covering many years. Moral standards have never yet been given to people by coercion or threats. Morals are not a matter of be- stowal from outside, but a slow growth from within. The character of the Mex- ican people cannot be made over in a year, nor can a free and intelligent ex- ercise of the franchise be assured through the threatening policy of an- other power. The London "Spectator," which criti- cises President Wilson's Mexican pol- icy as being neither one of complete rec- ognition of liberty nor a complete sys- tem of control, uses a homely illustration to show how the policy attempts to con- trol while it repudiates the desire to do so. The "Spectator" supposes a mother- in-law saying to her son-in-law: "As you know, I do not believe in interference, and my principle is that you and my daughter should be absolutely master and mistress of your own house. At the same time, it is quite impossible that you should go on employing your pres- ent cook. She is a woman of the worst character, though you seem to be quite unaware of the fact. I must therefore request you to send her away at once. If you do not do so, I shall be driven to take steps to compel you." * * ♦ How much better it would have been if the existing government had been rec- ognized by President Wilson, with the promise of our support on condition that it bring order out of chaos, secure pro- tection to life and property, and guaran- tee to the people the liberties given them under their constitution? A coun- try that had been for years under the despotic rule of a Diaz might have re- sponded to the alternative of support or intervention on such terms, but could hardly have been equal to much more than that. The elimination of Huerta at this time will not bring order to a disorganized PUBLIC OPINION-Continued country nor promote an era of good will between Mexico and the United States. Smouldering fires would still exist, and these in time bring conflagrations. We are finding it more difficult, too, to co- erce a disorganized power than it would be to coerce a well-organized state. A well-organized power would have much to risk or lose through foreign invasion. On ihe contrary, the many factions in a disorganized country like Mexico would welcome intervention or invasion as the one thin9- that would best unify all war- ring factions. THE MASTER. When the iron-fisted Porfirio Diaz was driven from the country, volcanic lawlessness tore the republic into fragments. Madero climbed upon the chair where a soldierly, perhaps despotic, statesman had sat for a generation. With ab- stract philosophy and platitudes the well-meaning but incompetent dreamer sought to remedy the potent evils of a big nation. At no time were Zapata and Orozco not beating his armies, incit- ing his subjects and plundering those who re- mained loyal. Madero was a weakling; he for- gave his enemies— he did worse, he trusted them. Then came the battle in Mexico City; the death of Madero and Suarez; and out of the fighting and turmoil rose the conspicuous figure of Huerta. Some say that his hands were stained by blood. Naturally, he was a soldier and am- bitious. He seized the sword of authority that Porfirio Diaz had dropped ; he wielded it with a strength and a surety that surprised not only his own, but the nations of the world. The powers of Enrope gave him recognition; President Wilson disapproved of his morals and called upon him to resign. But Huerta has linked his destiny with the Presidency of Mexico ; his back is to the wall and he is fighting — fighting — fighting against ter- rific odds that would long ago have crushed a coward or a weakling. Thousands have joined in the tumultous fight. They know not what day the strongest man in Mexico City will go down before some traitorous blow or the arms of the rebellious districts. An eye-witness to one of the hegiras said: "Two thou- sand men. women and children, wild with fear, without food part of the time, half-crazed with thirst, marched 190 miles in nine days over the desert from Chihuahua City to the Rio Grande." The same witness also adds that the line of march for over a hundred miles was strewn with their goods. What will the result be? Revolutions do not burn themselves out — they continue with blood- shed and rapine, murder and robbery, intrigues and battles until out of the jumble and the tur- moil one man becomes the master of the many- headed hydra and buries it beneath the mountain of his authority. — Los Angeles "Times." FROM THE MIDST OF CHAOS. Letter from an Important BusincM Manager Frankly Describing the Situation. (In New York "Evening Mail.") Chihuahua, Mex., Dec. 22, lOU. If President Wilson thinks he c«n lettle thU •ituation by cutting off financial assiltance from Huerta, it is a game that will lait oome little time. Up to date the government has not had to resort to forced loans, and every time the other •ide confiscates a big ranch or forces some rich man to dig up some few thousands, it is simply driving the rest to help the government in self defense. Huerta, or the government he represents, m«y be busted in three or four different ways, but one thing you gentle people don't seem to con- sider in this business is that every Mexican in the country with ten dollars capital, outside the Madero family and its job-hungry connections, i% bound by all the laws of self-preservation to sup- port Huerta or, if he falls, someone else who will try to hold the pelados in check. As the Villa-Carranza, etc., group arrive on top things are just commencing to warm up. Of course, having been long out of touch with affairs in Mexico City I don't know what condi- tions are there, but believe Huerta will be able to pull considerable money to him for the reasons stated. It is not in man's nature to sit back and fold his hands when he is told that when the other fellow wins out he will lose all he has. Bet- ter lose it trying to save something. The Maderista faction, wherever they have con- trol, have taken possession of all ranches, cattle, etc. For instance, the Santa Cruz ranch, belong- ing to Domingo Horigoity, has been taken by a "pelado" from Dorado, every head of cattle, some 15,000, either killed or sold or presented to hit friends. Same thing on the Salaices ranch, near Jimenez, "General" Chao now being the owner. It is very nice for the present, but when "con- stitutionalists" win out, every sandalfoot man with a gun in his hands will want a nice ranch, too, and that means more war. I am pinning my faith on an improvement of conditions on the small ranches from which the greater portion of the "constitutionalist" troops are drawn. During the past eight months the insurgents have cleaned out every big hacienda in the state, and during the past two months they have drawn heavily on the small men, in fact, cleaning them out of corn, wheat and beans, which is practically all they raise. This has turned them against the movement and, as far as my personal knowledge goes, there is not a ranch within a radius of one hundred miles of Parral, Jimenez or Santa Rosalia and all the country from Torreon, north, where any wheat was sown this winter, as they all say, "What's the use of doing all the work and then have to give up the crop as soon as harvested." All of these people depend on their wheat to live on until the corn crop comes in, and right now with coffee, sugar, flour, lard, beans and rice at ten times its ordinary value and very scarce at that, it is creating a condition which will either send thousands to the "constitutionalist" or the government side. They are beginning to realize what revolution really means and must move one way or the other soon, or face starvation. The efforts of Villa and his various committees to get the foreign mining companies to start up shows they realize what is coming, or rather what is now here, and I believe they are going to make greater efforts than ever to settle the ques- tion. Wilson's policy of allowing these grafters to get war supplies across the border is not going to do any good. He is just like lots of Mexicans— his personal feelings are everything. Believe me, the man, whoever he is, who will finally control the situation in Mexico will be one of the Diaz-Huerta type. The common herd is not yet ready to be let loose, but see for yourself what they have done to date. They cannot be reasoned with, and the suffering of their own families has no effect on them whatever. Villa insists that there be no elections, that it, those chosen to govern shall be those the troopi in the field "select." As Villa appears to be tho big "it," he probably will be selected ; if so, watch for fireworks. Diaz and Huerta will be angelt compared to him. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE Saturday. January 10. 1914 MEXICO 11 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: President Woodrow Wilson and his Administration are really responsible for the present condition of affairs in the Republic of Mexico. The Wilson Administration is responsible for encouraging the enemies of law and order, and for continuing a state of affairs fatal alike to the well-being of Mexico and of the large for- eign commercial interests established in that country. The Wilson Administration is responsible for trying to impose its personal opinions on the internal affairs of Mexico, and as a result of its unjustifiable interference, for spreading the worst features of bandit warfare, to the shame of its protestations of humanity. The Wilson Administration is responsible for misplaced sentimentalism, which in international policies, far from being a virtue, becomes a dan- gerous vice. The Wilson Administration is responsible for wilfully ignoring obvious facts in its handling of the Mexican problem. A prejudiced mind and intentional avoidance of facts are inexcusable in the Chief Executive of a nation. The Wilson Administration is responsible for destroying industry and commerce and promoting rebellion, brigandage and bloodshed in Mexico by its refusal to recognize the properly consti- tuted Government of General Huerta. President Wilson's declaration that no Government stained with blood could endure is a fine utterance, but entirely inapplicable to any nation of the earth, past or present. The Wilson Administration is responsible for the failure to enforce the neutrality laws, and of otherwise protecting and aiding the bandits who under the name of "constitutionalists" are burn- ing, murdering and raping in Northern Mexico. Large bodies of armed men have freely crossed into Mexico, coming via Douglas, Arizona, to aid in the attack on Juarez. From El Paso, Texas, there is a constant traffic in arms. Re- cently more than a million rounds were sent across the line from that place in automobiles and in carts covered with alfalfa. After his barbarous and bloody deeds in Juarez the bandit Villa was given a banquet in the Hotel Sheldon, at EI Paso, and on several occasions slept in that city. Thus are the laws of neutrality observed ! And to crown all, the well-meaning, upright Puritan views this with "complacency" and "watchful waiting," telling the people that it is all in the name of humanity and civilization, and prompted solely by his affectionate interest in behalf of the Mexican people and their Constitu- tion. It is hard to realize that the President of the most cultured nation on earth is helping the worst class of bandits; yet such is the case, and still worse ! And in the meanwhile did any one by chance mention the word "petroleum"? Baltimore, Md., Jan. 2, 1914. C. U. MESTA. 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU IQir MUNSEY BUILDING iqic Ij;i0 WASHINGTON. D. C. ' ^ "> Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legisla- tion. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: While sitting in my club this P. M. I happened to casually pick up a recent issue (De- cember 20th) of your weekly. I have lived in Mexico for twelve years, where I have practiced ray profession of civil and mining engineer continually, and I so thoroughly agree with the views so efficiently expressed in your publication that I could not other than feel that I should write you this letter in commendation of your e-xpressed purpose of enlightening the Ameri- can people, on this side of the border, as to real conditions in Mexico. I except those of us who have lived there and know the country as it really is and not as our esteemed President, who hu never known it at close range, would like to hare it, because I feel that almost to a man we agree with you. I am glad to know that a publication such u yours has come into being, and it should receive the active support of all who have the true inter- ests of our country, as well as those of Mexico, at heart. I would like to receive the paper in the future and will remit you a year's subscription in «d- vance. upon receipt of a statement. Yours very truly, Los Angeles, Cal., Dec. 31, 1913. W. F. L. COUNTERFEITERS ANNOY CAR- RANZA. (By Direct Wire to the Los Angeles "Times.") Hermosillo (Sonora) Dec. 31. — [Exclusive Dis- patch.] Fears that a grave financial crisis may follow the Mexican money muddle and the dis- covery that a gang of expert counterfeiters has been reaping a rich harvest led to the calling in to-day of all notes issued by the State of Sinaloa. Immediate steps will be taken to substitute the Constitutionalist bank notes made by a regular engraving company in Washington for the non- descript bills printed on ordinary paper which are now in circulation all over Northern Mexico. Just how much of the State money has been falsi- fied is a matter of speculation, but it is authori- tatively stated that scarcely a town under the control of Gen. Carranza has escaped a visit from the counterfeiters. In one case an entire herd of cattle was purchased with the false notes and the cattle were sent to the United States and sold before the discovery was made. Rumor de- clares that the holder of the bad bills said noth- ing, but simply put them into circulation again. The decree issued by Carranza to-day stipulates that only the genuine notes will be accepted for redemption and to-night there is a scramble to get rid of suspicious bills, leaving the other fel- low to hold the bag. SAYS FOREIGNERS ARE SAFE. Washington, Jan. 2.— Col. Moreton F. Gage, Military Attache at the British Embassy, who re- turned to-day from a visTt of three weeks in Mexico, saw nothing to indicate danger to for- eigners there, and so far as his observations went had difficulty in realizing that a revolution was in progress. He said he noted signs of ordered government about the capital and along the rail- way to Vera Cruz, and was much impressed with the rurales, on whom the duty of maintaining order must fall if the regular troops were with- drawn for service in the field. "I do not believe," said the Colonel, "there is any danger to foreigners in the city except pos- sibly in the event of the Government being sud- denly deprived of its head. In that case civil riot might arise." To the publicity given by American newspapers to what are regarded in Mexico City as exag- gerated reports of rebel victories along the north- ern border Col. Gage attributed what he termed "the unfortunate impression prevailing among Mexicans that the American public favored the cause of the rebels." As to statements that Mr. O'Shaughnessy had been forced to take a round- about course to obtain an interview with Huerta, Col. Gage said it was well known in the Mexican capital that relations between the two were most cordial. — New York "Times." It IS said that Pancho Villa can neither read nor write. Nor has he need to as long as the American papers supply him gratis with press agents. — New Orleans "Picayune." CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GUIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Rcau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY, PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAMPBELL 1214 Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO, 111. THE "MARCON" Cushioned Arch Support Fine for Tired Aching Feet, Fallen .\rches, Flat Feet, and Weak Ankles. Have helped others. They will help you. Write for free booklet and testimonials. MARCON MANUFACTURING CO. Brooklyn, N. Y. $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YE.VR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Rei^'inning with number MEXICO Saturday, January 10, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturd»y by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Msniging Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 16 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 6c By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer b distinctive medium going to the best class of buy_ers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York VICARIOUS INTERVENTION. At least two-thirds of the support the Administration receives from those who publicly comment on the Mexican "pol- icy" is based on the assumption that the Administraton has shown admirable wis- dom and patience in resisting the clamor of those who have urged intervention. This is rather negative praise of a nega- tive attitude, but undoubtedly it is sin- cerely genuine. Armed intervention in Mexico would be a national calamity, un- necessary and unjustifiable, and would lead this country into perilous paths from which there would be no turning and in- to pitfalls of international complications without end. It would cost many thou- sands of lives and countless treasure, and place on the shoulders of the na- tion a racial, social and economical bur- den far greater than any we now have, that would have to be borne through generations and centuries to come. But the Administration has actually in- tervened in Mexico. It has intervened to an extent that makes its complete withdrawal from an unwarranted posi- tion the only alternative to the armed in- tervention that is inevitable if it wovdd enforce its dictation to an independent neighbor. Of course, the Administra- tion may take the ground that there is no Government in Mexico, but that is simply verbal quibbling and mental jug- gling that will not stand the test of time or actuality. With all its power it can- not gainsay facts that are accepted by the Mexican people, their courts and in- stitutions, and recognized by all great na- ti'iiis 'if the world except our own. The Wilson Administration has inter- vened in Mexico in an absolutely unpre- cedented way. It has intervened in a hypocritical, un-American way, by en- couraging the lawless element of Mex- ico to fight against the Government. It is not like an .'\mcrican to get somebody else to do his fighting for him. That smacks too much of hiring gangsters to "do up" somebody against whom you have a grudge. By this open encourage- ment to the foreen an inter- change of felicitous messages between Carranza and Villa, showing that the best of feeling exists between the two men. It certainly does — so long as Carranza is in Sonora and Villa is in Chihuahua. There arc several hundred miles between them. I do not say that Carranza would not make an admirable President. On the contrary, if he could control the peon class he would make a splendid man; but he is of the landed gentry, he owns large tracts of land over in Coahuila, and he has a great number of peons working for him; and it is the big land-owners that are a large part of all the trouble in Mexico to-day. It has been reported times without number that Carranza had made a com- bination with the Zapata brothers and that they were working under his direct orders. Just about as much truth in that report as there was in the one that he was about to join Villa. Carranza stands absolutely alone, the same as does every other rebel in Mexico. It is a case of "God bless us all and the devil take the hindmost." You will notice in all the reports sent out about the recent battle of Ojinaga it is stated that Pacual Orozco and Ynez Salazar, two of the Federal generals, have disappeared and there are some thousand or more men with them. Villa would give a good deal to know just where these two men are. For years there has been a deadly feud between Villa and Orozco and Salazar. Villa has offered large rewards to get them in his hands. He has directed the rebel sol- diers to kill them on sight. His big personal reason for taking command at Ojinaga was to get Orozco and Salazar. But he missed fire, and now they have gone. Of course, the country immediately surrounding Ojinaga is a dead desert, and if a crow flew across it he would have to carry his own rations with him, but above and below Ojinaga are plenty of places where such a command could live, and it is safe to say that Pancho Villa will get many a sting from his two bitter enemies before he is through. If Villa, in his future operations, should leave his base unguarded he would soon find out where these men were. — Colonel Jasper Ewing Brady, in New York "Tribune." Our efforts to enlighten American pub- lic opinion as regards Mexican affairs are showing good results every day. Months ago we pointed out facts about the oil war in Mexico which, through our ef- forts, are now generally accepted by the press and public. By some queer trick of fate, the New York "World" of January 9 published the following from its Washington cor- respondent. As it reveals the very facts which we have sought to bring out and which the "World" has done its best to hide or to obfuscate, we must conclude that either the "World" has become con- science-stricken or that somebody, like Jove, nodded: (Special to The World) Washington, Jan. 8. — The State De- parttnent has on file the reports of in- vestigations showing that the Waters- Pierce Oil Company of the United States aided in financing the revolution of Fran- cisco I. Madero a,gainst Porfirio Diaz, which began in November, 1910. Thescf reports were made by Secret Service agents in the spring of 1911 and by the then .American Ambassador to Mexico, Henry Lane Wilson. Mr. Wil- son's report was based on hearsay evi- dence, that of the Secret Service oper- atives on direct evidence, it is stated. Former President Taft, Secretary of State Knox and .\ttorney-General Wick- ershani knew of the aid the Waters- Pierce Oil Company was rendering Ma- dero, and that was one of the reasons why Mr. Taft held off many months from lending moral support to the Madero cause, it is said. .At the time the Secret Service agents reported that Madero was getting finan- cial help from the Waters-Pierce Oil Companj-, there was a strong border patrol of troops and agents of the De- partments of Justice, Commerce and the Treasury to prevent arms and ammuni- tion being sent across the border. Dur- ing this time the Washington .Adminis- tration was throwing its influence to Diaz. Mr. Wickersham, at the time of his appointment to the Cabinet, represented the Mexican Government on the Board of Directors of the Mexican National Railways, .\fter Mr. Wickersham came into the Cabinet. Henry W. Taft, brother of President Taft, represented the Mexi- can Government on the Mexican Na- tional Railways Board. It was while Mr. Taft held this position with the rail- ways that the .American Government was lending its influence to Diaz. The entrance of the Waters-Pierce Oil Company into the affairs of Madero came through Capt. S. G. Hopkins, an attorney of Washington, who has rep- resented many revolutionists in Cen- tral .America as counsel. Capt. Hopkins, at the time the Maderos engaged him as their representative, in October, 1910, just before Francisco Madero started his revolution, was counsel for H. Clay Pierce, President of the Waters-Pierce Oil Company. At that time the Standard Oil Com- pany was trying to oust H. Clay Pierce as head of the Waters-Pierce Company, because of his failure to drive the Brit- ish oil corporation — the Pearson syndi- cate, of which Lord Cowdray is the head — out of business in Mexico. This fighl between the Pearson and Waters-Pierce Oil Companies had been going on for years, and at the time the Standard had control of the Waters-Pierce. It is reported that the money paid to Madero amounted to more than $250,000. .According to information obtained re- cently, the equivalent of this money the Waters-Pierce Company received back from the Madero Administration, in ad- ditional oil concessions. Capt. Hopkins went to Mexico City to engineer the concessions. He had no difficulty in negotiating . the deal, as the Madero family was under obligations to Hop- kins, although they paid him well as their attorney. The obligation the Ma- deros owed Capt. Hopkins was the re- sult of Hopkins saving to the Madero family its entire estate in Mexico from confiscation by the Federal Government. When Francisco I. Madero revolted against Diaz, his father, brothers and he owned valuable farming, grazing and mining lands in Northern Mexico. By a process known to many American cor- poration lawyers, Capt. Hopkins incor- porated all the Madero property into an .American corporation. .According to the information obtained by the correspond- ent of the "World," this corporation was chartered in the State of Delaware. The corporation raised some of the money which financed the Madero revo- lution. Other money was raised in the manner the present revolutionists are raising it, by subscription and levy. It is unlikely that the .Administration here will take any cognizance of the acts of Madero in 1910, or of any Ameri- can corporations which contributed to his revolution, as the question of how Madero financed his campaign is regard- ed as having no material influence on the present situation. There is no law preventing .American corporations doing business in Mexico from contributing to a war campai.gn fund. The last sentence of the above is the only one consistent with the "World's" "policy." Why shouldn't American oil interests promote revolutions in Mexico? Why, indeed? Bringing untold suffer- ing to the Mexican people and the thou- sands of Americans with legitimate inter- ests in Mexico, who want only peace? Why, indeed, when the Government of the L^nited States will help the game in the name of morality? Why not, even though the people of the United States may have to pay the price of a long and cruel warfare with Mexico? The mor- ality of the "World" in this respect is on a par with the morality of the Ad- ministration in lending support to the Villas and Zapatas. The day after the publication of the above, the "World" sought to straighten itself out with itself editorially, as fol- lows: Opinion in Europe which holds that the trouble in Mexico is nothing but a fight betwen rival oil (Continued on n^xt page) MEXICO Saturday, January 17, 1U14 companies in w^ich this country appears only as a partisan is not abreast of the times. There is reason to believe, spite of present denials, that the Madero revolt was aided by the Waters-Pierce Oil Company. It is equally cer- tain that Porfirio Diaz, who was exiled by Madero in 1911, was the faithful servant of the Pearsons of England, likewise in oil. Plain as a pikestaff also is the fact that the counter- revolution of Feli.\ Diaz and Huerta, culminating in murder and usurpation nearly a year ago, was engineered by the Pearsons. What Europe overlooks in this case is the fact that the antagonism of the United States to Huerta does not necessarily involve championship of Waters-Pierce and Standard Oil. The essence of President Wilson's policy is not favor for one hut disfavor for all of these successors of the ancient freebooters. He has decreed their sep- aration from government on this continent. It is not many years since enlightened nations ceased discussing the horrors of the slave trade; yet at its worst that traffic was hardly more of a scourge to mankind than the wars that have been fomented and waged in the name of commerce. On this hemisphere it is not the aggression of nations and dynasties that is to be feared. The enemies of peace, liberty and stability are the syndicates without conscience and without com- passion which promote strife for gain. We have seen what asphalt did for Venezuela ; there is no question as to what oil and mining have done for Mexico, and exploitation has been in progress in many other countries. To all of these marauders, American as well as European, President Wilson gave solemn warning in his Mobile speech. The concession idea is at an end. Nations are no longer to be drenched in blood, devastated and loaded with debt to enrich syndi- cates and monopolies, no matter how rich or powerful they may be. Those who do not understand this phase of the Mexican situation and the relations of the United States thereto are painfully misinformed as to the merits of the case. Let US analyze this editorial in the light of cold facts. The "World" is perfectly right in say- ing that the Madero revolt was aided by the Waters-Pierce Oil Company. So far, so good. Remember, that under Por- firio Diaz Mexico had been at peace for thirty years and that it was the Maderos and the American oil interests who started the conflagration of disorder which has lasted three years. "It is equally certain that Porfirio Diaz, who was exiled by Madero in 1911, was the faithful servant of the Pearsons of England, likewise in oil." Porfirio Diaz, alarmed by the rapacity of American in- terests who would have made of Mexico a subsidiary of Wall Street, did, as a measure of precaution and as a duly to his country, encourage British investors to compete with the American monopol- istic interests. In doing this he was actuated by his conception of what was best for his country. It does not at all follow that he was the "faithful servant of the Pearsons." And remember the British interests started no revolution to work their will in Mexico. It was the American interests who did that when Diaz sought to protect his country against them. "Plain as a pikcstaflF also is the fact that the counterrevolution of Felix Diaz and Huerta, culminating in murder and usurpation nearly a year ago, was en- gineered by the Pearsons." In the first Henry Lane Wilson, former United States Ambassador to Mexico, in speeches last week before New York .societies, was quoted as folUnvs: "If the government of General Huerta had been recognized at its threshhold, it would have made peace throughout Mexico and thousand of lives would have been saved and millions of dollars worth of property, especially of foreign- ers and Americans, would not have been destroyed. The administration at Wash- ington saw fit not to accept my recom- mendation to recognize the government of General Huerta and at that time I predicted exactly what has occurred there during the last six months and exactly the conditions that prevail there to-day. "We have now actually intervened in Mexico. Don't make any mistake about that. Not by arms, but we have never- theless actually intervened in Mexico. "And we have sent down there private, special unofficial representatives of the President for the purpose of telling the Mexican people how they should govern their country, whom they should put into office and whom they should put out of office." Mr. Wilson questioned any precedent for the action of President Wilson, as- serting that fourteen millions of Mex- icans wanted Huerta to be sustained, not because they loved him, but because they believed it was the only way to bring about peace. "Whenever before has this Government ordered Americans out of a foreign country without guarantee of protection for their losses, or announced a policy which makes us virtual overlords of every republic from the Rio Grande to Cape Horn and makes it necessary to interfere in every turbulent republic in that great einpire. "The President of this Republic, and I have the greatest respect for him, is a master of the English language and of eloquent and persuasive diction. He can smite the harp of idealism, and from every idealistic mind in this Republic will come a response; from every mind wandering in the bogs of estlietic dreams. "But these good people must know, ought to know, that at the judgment bar of history they will be responsible for all the destruction of property, for all the loss of life, for all the hatred and rancor in Latin America and suspicion in Europe; and finally for the sowing of the seeds of antagonism and distrust between this country and the greatest country in possibilities near us for all time to come." Mr. Wilson stated earlier in his ad- dress that the revolution of Madero against Diaz was financed very largely from the City of Now York; 'that the State Department contained reports of secret service agents to prove that "a great oil company gave assistance to Madero." The revolution against Huerta, he said, was due to the same interests. "It would be a shock in certain cir- cles," he continued, "if they knew that secretly and unknown to them their policy has been suggested during the last six months or year by representa- tives of these international corporations and trusts." "The statement that the American Em- bassy, when under my charge, was in- volved in the overthrow of Madero has been made before, and has been dis- proved by the united evidence of all those present in the embassy; by the tes-imony of the American colony in Mexico City, by the Protestant and Ro- man Catholic American clergymen there, by every American organization in Mex- ico City, and by the letters of my dip- lomatic colleagues. "I never met either Felix Diaz or Gan. Huerta until the time of the acual bom- bardment of Mexico City. I then met Huerta upon one occasion in the pres- ence of President Madero and his Min- ister of Foreign Affairs. I met Felix Diaz only once in the presence of my German. Spanish, and British colleagues. place, the revolution against Madero was not a revolution by Felix Diaz and Huerta. Huerta was Madero's general and put an end to the Diaz revolution in the only way that was possible. Huerta was never a revolutionist. In the sec- ond place, there is not the slightest bit of evidence to support the "World's" state- ment that this revolution was "engineered by the Pearsons." This charge has never been made before and is made by the "World" entirely gratuitously and either through criminal ignorance or deliberate malice. The revolution of Felix Diaz was a military revolt, pure and simple, and Huerta's accession to the Presidency was decided upon because he was looked upon as the most capable man to restore peace to the country. The opposition to General Huerta on the part of the .'Ameri- can oil interests is not based on any undue friendliness of his Government to- ward the British interests, but on the fact that he is not willing to be the blind tool of American oil interests, whose particu- lar proteges are Carranza and the Ma- dero family. "What Europe overlooks in this case is the fact that the antagonism of the United States to Huerta does not neces- sarily involve championship of Waters- Pierce and Standard Oil." Not neces- sarily, but actually it does. Facts are facts, no matter what the ideality of the Administration may assert to the con- trary. The big fact remains that though the "World" interprets President Wil- son's policy to mean that "Nations are no longer to be drenched in blood, devas- tated and loaded with debt to enrich syn- dicates and monopolies, no matter how rich or powerful they may be," Mexico is, with the encouragement of the Ad- ministration, being drenched in blood, devastated and loaded with debt to en- rich a would-be American monopoly, rich and powerful. Saturday, January 17, 1914 MEXICO EXPERT TESTIMONY— (Continued.) "During the last months of tlie Madero regime my relations with the Admin- istration were not what they might have been, but this was due solely to my activity and agency under the direction of the Department of State at Washing- ton in making severe representations to the Madero Government regarding the protection of American life and property. There were also questions between Mex- ico and the United States which I at- tacked, as ordered by the State Depart- ment, and in considering which the Ma- dero Government vacillated and trifled. "I had no personal differences with any one connected with the Madero Govern- ment. I never interferred in the slight- est degree in Mexican politics, and my personal relations with every one con- nected with the Government remained agreeable in character until the last mo- ment. I certainly was not in a mind to assist in its overthrow, and, of course, the idea of killing Madero never entered my head. "It is an easy matter for these un- principled Mexicans, who are engaged in the business of destroying their own country, to make silly and malevolent charges against an American Ambassa- dor who was obliged to perform his duties in the last hour of an impotent and despotic Government in such a way as to obtain results rather than court popularity; but not one scintilla of evi- dence of that kind of feeling against Madero that would have led me to vio- late the sacred obligations of a sworn officer of the United States Government has ever been offered, nor will any be offered, because none such exists. "Let me add," continued Mr. Wilson, "one word about former Secretary of the Treasury MacVeagh's recent state- ment, that the Taft .Administration would not have recognized the Huerta Administration. Mr. MacVeagh has no authority to speak for the Taft Admin- istration. Tliat authority rests alone with Mr. Taft or Mr. Knox. I have no auihority to speak for the .\dministra- tion either, but I can say that the Taft Administration in letters and telegrams to me did recognize the constitutionality of the Huerta Government and would have recognized the Government formal- ly if certain matters pending at the tim», which were not connected with Huerta's way of rising to power, had been con- cluded. There is evidence on file in the embassy in Mexico City and in the State Department in Washington to prove this." Mr. Wilson would not discuss the pres- ent situation in Mexico, but he did re- iterate his statement that Gen. Villa and many of those associated with him were notorious in Mexico for their self- ishness in politics and disloyalty to any Government. He said that Gen. Villa was a simple bandit, and had opposed and supported Madero at different times as suited his purpose to rob Americans and Mexicans alike. Latin-Americans should know Latin- American problems and Latin-American aspirations much better than those in Washington v/ho are so concerned about them. * * * The Administration decries the talk of armed intervention, while its very acts load the guns of the jingoes. LEST WE FORGET We have a vague recollection of having heard not so long ago that the purpose of the Administration's attitude toward General Huerta was to discourage revo- lutions in Latin-America. It is painfully plain to the whole world that this attitude has been most encour- aging to the Mexicans who are seeking to overthrow the Government in a revo- lutionary manner. And yet the Administration is perfectly satisfied, according to reports, that its policy is "proving successful." * * * Can you beat it? Can you approach it? Madero told the Indians that the earth and all its riches were theirs — for the taking — and he kindled the fires of anarchy. President Wilson breathed poetic words of abstract morals over the Mex- ican fires and brought forth a monster of immorality. * * * The ways of the idealist are hard. No doubt Washington realizes what a national calamity war with Mexico would be. * * * But is it not provoking war? Has it not all along courted war? * • • One who bulldozes and antagonizes and threatens another must be willing to back up his attitude in case of natural opposition or retire ingloriously. * • • Is it not criminal to bulldoze, antago- nize and threaten another nation and thereby commit our people to either an unjust and burdensome war or a humil- iating backdown? * * * That certainly would seem to be the situation in which the Administration has placed a peace-loving country. * * • But would the honest back-down, com- ing from so strong a nation, be humiliat- ing? Would it not be the strongest pos- sible testimony to our greatness? Cer- tainly it would not be so humiliating as a brutal attack on a smaller nation, ex- hausted after years of internal strife. * * * And of all the humiliating things, could anything be worse than the encour- agement of that internal strife to lay the smaller nation prostrate that we may then more easily enforce our dictation? With a threatening United States army on its northern border and oiw frown- ing battleships at its ports, is it any wonder that Mexico discounts our wordi of peace? • • * Is it any wonder, that Mexico feels the overshadowing power of "the Colossus of the North." Is it any wonder that all the other Latin-American countries vibrate with this same feeling? • . * * There is something petty and shame- ful about the whole business as far as the Administration's attitude is con- cerned. • • * And the words that have veiled it in serene self-satisfaction have been so full of fine sentiments. • * • That fell on barren ground. • • • Because the heart was not in them. The milk of human kindness and toler- ance was — sour. STATISTICS. (Special to the New York "World.") Washington, January 6. — The "World" is able to present herewith the lat- est information possessed by the State Department relative to economic con- ditions in Mexico and their effect on .\mericans and other foreigners in that country. Approximately 100 Americans have lost their lives in Mexico in three years of revolution. Less than 50 per cent. of the number have been injured. "There has not been a single American killed because he was an American," said a State Department official yesterday. "There has not been a single American injured because he was an American. "Ninety per cent, of the Americans killed and injured in Mexico were in- volved in brawls or because of taking active part with the factions there. Only 10 per cent, received their wounds as a result of accident or by being in the line of fire during an engagement be- tween the contending forces. A majority of the Americans killed and injured re- ceived their wounds prior to 1913." Statistics show that 95 per cent, of the losses suffered by Americans has been at the hands of the revolutionists; also that most of the Americans killed were associated with the revolutionists. All the statistics in the possession of the State Department have been fur- nished by American Consuls and con- sular agents in Mexico, men who have been in the country a long time and are familiar with conditions now and in the past. MEXICO Saturday, January 17, 1914 ZAPATA The representative of the New York ■"World" who, with considerable diffi- culty, succeeded in reaching ih; lair of Zapata, and getting an interview with the savage bandit is not the oii!>- news- paper man who has induced him to talk for publication. Last spring a reporter •of the Mexico City "El Diario'' (vhicb !.. a daily newspaper, often confused here with "Diario Official," the official Gov- ernment bulletin), talked with Zapata and reported substantially the same facts as the "World" correspondent. Here are some of the statements of the interview, which shed light on the char- acter of Zapata: ^ The reporter had no difficulty in iden- tifying Zapata. He had seen and talked to him in the spring of 1911, when he came to Mexico City to yield fealty to Madero. during the Provisional Presi- dency of De la Barra. Now, as then, he ■was the embodiment of sullen, suspicious, defiant, insolent, brute force. Across his lanky legs, which were encased in tightly-fitting charro trousers, stripped under dusty tan boots, his red, hairy hands lay loosely. Three fingers were circled with rings. One finger, from the kmickle to the first joint, was cov- ered with rings, four or five of them bearing huge diamonds and a ruby and an emerald. Bigger diamonds were on the other fingers. The jewels fairly shrieked "loot" at one. So did the gold watch that was strapped around his w^rist. Every man in his entourage was similarly decked out with gaudy but val- uable jewelry. Impressions of brutality, ruthlessness, cunning, but nothing of real cleverness; an ill-proportioned ambition, vanity and other qualities akin to these, forced therriselves upon one as the rebel leader's dominant characteristics. He is as im- pressive as a gaunt, fiery-eyed, snarling tiger-man who has committed some monstrotjs crime, or as a repulsive ser- pent, is impressive, not because 01 any- thing within them latently noble, benef- icent or useful, but by reason of malign power for harm which they hold. One cannot train the imagination sufficiently to divine a humane, kind, wise or patriotic Zapata. His appearance and manner, everything that one turns to the world in converse with other men, is against him. Revelations of self which came during the interview stamped him as a man, in intellect, education, aspira- tions and knowledge of his own country or of other lands, not superior to the average peon whom one encounters any- where in Mexico during a day's journey. Before he raised the standard of revolt against Diaz in the fall of rgio he was a peddler of cheap wares through the countryside. His jackal is a rascally ex-schoolmastcr who writes his high- sounding pronunciamentos and supplies such scholastic veneer as Zapata requires. He composes the florid appeals to the people of Mexico, reciting their wrongs and promising redresses, which are sent out in Zapata's name. Discontent with agrarian conditions in Morclos — intense, acute and militant for generations — pro- vided hirn a popular and attractive slogan upon which he has reared a fabric of re- bellion that never has been worthy of a more dignified name than brigandage. Were Zapata not a brigand at heart; did he not allow his followers full li- cense to rob, ravish, murder and burn, he would not last as a leader twenty-four hours. He maintains his supremacy be- cause he is ten times more brute than any other man who owes allegience to him. If there, were a worse brute, vil- lain or rascal among his hordes, that man would oust Zapata in a jiffy. It IS desiralile that this be clearly un- derstood in order that some things which Zapata told the reporters may be appraised at their real value. "For what are you figliting? What are your aims?" was one of the questions the reporter asked him. "I am fighting for the people of Mexico against the aristo- crats," was Zapata's reply. "I want to give them back the land that has been stolen from them. They have been robbed for a long time. You Americans have robbed them. "All foreigners have robbed them. I have taken care of all the thieving Gatchupinas (Mexican nickname for Spaniards) in Morelos. I have killed them all, excepting those that ran away and have taken their property. They de- served to die because they stole from the poor. When I become President I shall pass laws to keep foreigners out of the country. They come in and take everything that belongs to Mexicans — mines, lands, oil, everything. Diaz let them do it. He ruined the country by letting foreigners come in and build rail- roads. We do not need railroads in Mex- ico. If there were none Americans would not come here. Only a few of them came before there were railroads, because it was too long a journey. "When I become President I shall take only what is my due, nothing but my salary. That is plenty. They say that the President is paid twenty thousand pesos every year for doing — what? Nothing. Yes, it is true that I sent out a proclamation before Christmas to warn every one in the National Palace that I was coming to kill them. Huerta and every one who is with him I shall hang. I shall not shoot them, for they do not deserve soldiers' deaths, for they are traitors and thieves. "Huerta will do nothing for the poor. He sent his soldiers to Morelos and they took many good men away — honest men who worked and who were not fighting for me. They took them out to the fields and made them go into the army to fight for Huerta. Diaz did that, too. When the Army of the South takes Mex- ico City I shall do away with the army. That is, I shall have only a small one. There will be no more need to fight, for all people will be with me. They will not let the aristocrats and thieves put me out and there will be no foreigners to interfere, for there will be no rail- roads left. We shall destroy them. I shall build good roads for pack animals and wagons. That is all that Mexico needs — good roads." Zapata sneered and laughed sarcasti- cally when he was asked if he had any league or alliance with Carranza. "Carranza sent to me to fight for him. He was very generous. When he be- came President, he said, he would make me Governor of Morelos. I thought, 'When I become President, I shall make you Governor of Chihuahua.' Why should he, who has been fighting less than a year, be President instead of me? Would that be fair? But he offered to send me rifles, cartridges and some can- non. I consented. He did send rifles and cartridges, but no cannon. Now he sends me no more; not even letters call- ing me his dear friend. "Carranza wanted me to capture Mex- ico City. I could do it, but why should I turn it over to him? When I take Mexico City I shall keep it for myself, not gi\e it away to a man who cannot win his own battles. I could have cap- tured the city many times, but I am not ready. For a long time my men were afraid. They are poor Indians, used only to the country. They were fearful of a big city like Mexico. Foolish stories had been told them of things that happened there, so they were all frightened. But they will soon forget that. They know I shall do as I promised — capture the city and hang Huerta and all his Minis- ters unless they run away too fast. No, I am fighting for my own cause, which is the cause of the common people. If others want to join me they may do so. Do I not deserve to be the leader and have the people elect me President? What other man has fought as success- fully as I? All the soldiers in Mexico cannot catch me. Madero and I are the only ones who revolted who have suc- ceeded. Orozco failed. So did Reyes and Felix Diaz. See, here is how much the people think of me." So his talk went on hour after hour — boastful, swaggering, foolish, unerringly betraying his quality as a man. One could not help feeling regretful that some malign disposition of Providence had so ordered events in Mexico as to permit Zapata to become a vital factor in the present or the future of the stricken country. For, regardless of his unworth- iness from every standpoint by which sincere patriotic endeavor may be meas- ured, Zapata is a factor which must be reckoned with in the restoration of law and order in the republic. It is certain that he will resist to the last in his mountain fastnesses all en- deavors to compel his submission. He probabh' is the most hopelessly individu- alistic of all Mexican individualists whose selfishness, rapacity and lawless tenden- cies, loosed under the guise of patriot- ism and honest revolution, have brought the country to the dust. What Washington Thinks Washington, January 8. — The impres- sion has been growing here that John Lind made a pessimistic report on con- ditions in Mexico on the occasion of his recent conference at sea with President Wilson. It is understood that the conference was sought by Lind because he had ac- cumulated during his long exile in Mex- ico a very definite set of ideas as to the nature of the situation and the way the United States should treat it and be- cause he was growing impatient for an opportunity to place these ideas before President Wilson. What Private Advices Say. Private advices received from Vera Cruz and elsewhere in Mexico from time to time have tended to indicate that Lind was beginning to hold views on Mexico more like those of Henry Lane Wilson, former Ambassador to Mexico, than those of the President and Secretary Bryan. It is remarkable but none the less true that the ofTicials who have most to do with Mexico are least in sympathy with Saturday, January 17, 1914 MEXICO WHAT WASHINGTON THINKS. (Continued) the policy of President Wilson as a course likely to bring about the desired results. There is not y l)reath of disloyalty to the President in official quarters, but in eight months it is quite natural that the real tlioughts and opinions of officials should become apparent despite the ne- cessities of their apparent position and the requirements of loyalty to the Presi- dent. .\rmy and navy officers are practically unanimous in this view, although none can be found in any other attitude but that of supporting the President. The same situation is true in Congress, though no canvass of the situation would reveal the true state of the Con- gressional minds. The Democrats feel obligated to speak up in favor of the President when ques- tioned, while the Republicans hesitate to lay themselves open to the charge of trying to embarrass the President by dis- cussin;jr the Me.xican situation. Yet the fact remains that the Presi- dent and his Secretary of State are about the only enthusiastic believers in the Wilson Mexican policy as a means of bringing about a restoration of peace, orderly government and tolerable condi- tions in Mexico. The Diplomats' Attitude. .•\s for the members of the Diplomatic Corps, these gentlemen make no secret among their friends of their disbelief in the likelihood of the President suc- ceeding in accomplishing anything defi- nite and practical by his present policy. The diplomats have settled down to wait for the Washington /Vdministration to reach their point of view, apparently confident that the Administration will d'T so in the course of time. They are also convinced that there is no use of trying to get anything done for Mexico until the President is himself thoroughly convinced that the time has come to put an end tn "watchful waiting." The faith in the Carranza movement which many of the less experienced in the State Department used to express is seldom mentioned now. The first idea of the Democratic officials was that they could settle the Mexican problem by ig- noring it. Their ne.xt idea was that they could solve it by letting the Con- stitutionalists do the work of driving out Huerta and setting the Mexican house in order. The last month or two, however, saw the reluctant abandonment of faith and hope in the Constitutionalists. It is generally admitted by some of the most responsible officials of the Administra- tion that there is no likelihood of Huerta either resigning or being forced out, nor of the Constitutionalists succeeding in setting up the kind of Government the President thinks Mexico should have. The warmest friends the Constitution- alists have in official quarters are now admitting that the revolutionists don't seem to he making much headway. The domination of Villa the bandit m the rebel operations in northern Mexico and the inactivity of Carranza at Hermosillo are probably the two principal factors contributing to the loss of faith on the part of officials in the likelihood of the revolutionists relieving the United States of the task of restoring Mexico to a state approximating conditions of law, order and civilization. — New York "Sun." The Facts About Mexico By John Rockwood Phillips. In "Pioneer Western Lumberman.' (Continued from our last issue) An effort made by the Standard Oil section of the "Power" to obtain exclu- sive pipe-line franchises from President Diaz was unsuccessful. Diaz was the greatest real patriot known to our gen- eration of rulers, as will be realized by the .American people when they recover from the trance into which they are mes- merized by the press agents of the "Power." .■\n effort was made by certain Amer- ican interests to obtain a concession for two oil pipe lines from the Tampico oil fields to tidewater. This would have placed the owners of the oil fields at the mercy of the owners of the pipe lines. Diaz refused a franchise which would give a monopoly in Mexico and strength- en the power of the "Standard" in the oil trade of the world. This refusal was a mortal offense to the "Power." Just previous to this episode the Diaz Gov- ernment had executed a financial coup, and had "put one over" on the "Power" m the New York stock market by ob- taining in a perfectly legitimate manner, by purchase in open market, the controll- ing interest in the capital stock of the railways of Mexico, now known as the "National" system. This transaction was conducted so deftly that the agents of the New York financial interests did not realize what was doing until the feat was accomplished. It was such a pre- posterous thing that any government should presume to dispute the right of the "Power" to control in any large en- terprise that the blow could not be for- given, and President Diaz incurred the relentless enmity of the Powers That Be. Certainly a financial group that could control the Government of the United States of America should be able to dic- tate to the United States of Mexico. When Diaz refused the request for the pipe line concession and a complete mo- nopolistic control of the petroleum busi- ness in Mexico, his doom was sealed. The "Power" would "get" Diaz. This decision had a widespread influence. It may have been a coincidence that the big petroleum war which was world-wide, between the Standard Oil Company and its British and European competitors, and the big split between Henry Clay Pierce of the Waters-Pierce Oil Com- pany and the Rockefellers began about this time. It may seem strange that tlie petro- leum war was apparently ended about the time arrangements were made for the Big Interests to come to an understand- ing regarding the Pierson and Doheny oil fields in Mexico, and that so shortly afterwards and in the midst of a "revo- lution" the Mexican Government of Ma- dero should make official announcement of the concession contracts for the two pipe lines formerly refused by the de- posed Diaz. It is not my intention to muck-rake. I am trying to write a bit of history in a few words, so that those who read may know the reason of the "revolution" in Mexico. A volume might be written on the subject — an interesting volume. The details of only these two episodes which caused the downfall of the most benevolent despotism in his- tory would make a long story. Many of the results of thirty years of uplift have been nullified and a state of hatred and unrest have replaced in a large meas- ure the good feeling between the United States and Mexico, which was growing with the advance of civilization and pros- perity in Mexico, started by Porfirio Diaz. Diaz may be criticised for over- staying his time and for failure to choose wisely his official family, but Diaz was betrayed by his friends at home and by his supposed ally and friend abroad, his next-door-neighbor Nation, the United States of America. It may be that all this trouble and sorrow and treachery between individ- uals and between the Republics are a part of the evolution of civilization and that from the poverty and suffering of innocent people will come better con- ditions of life and enviroment. Perhaps the "Pirates of Privilege" are the chosen instruments of a Fate or Providence working out larger plans than we poor mortals can appreciate. But at present the thousands of Americans who are broke because of the despoliation of their property interests in Mexico can- not see the light. The stain which cannot be removed is that made by the part taken by our own Government of these United States of .'\merica, inciting bloodshed, upset- ting the progress of civilization, incur- ring the enmity and derision of friendly neighbors, allowing them to be plunged into debt that our capitalists might profit by their enforced poverty, and if the plans of the "Power" are carried to fruition, the loss to the Mexican Gov- ernment of the controlling ownership of the National Railways. Added to the shame and disgrace of conditions in Mexico is the contempt of Europe for our hypocrisy in trying to arrange an impossible National peace agreement, while we incite war to gain more sails for an already top-heavy pirate craft, now sailing under the black flag of "Big Business." There are a number of other reasons for the state of Mexican affairs, but they are all traceable to conditions made in Mexico by the "Power" that started a few years ago to take revenge on Diaz and incidentally to get those pipe line and other concessions, now recently ac- quired from Madero. Incidentally, also, as usual, the "Standard Oil Crowd" ar- ranged to pick up a few millions extra profit by the absorption of the oil fields which had been partly exploited by Pierson and Doheny. In all justice it must be said that a Standard Oil official has said that this whole story is without foundation. I will try to tell the story from the beginning, or from the first appearance of manifestations. Not in full detail; that would take too long. Not too ac- curately at present; that might make trouble for certain individuals who know more than they dare tell. Practically no .American property or citizen had been molested in Mexico be- fore the President of the United States issued his proclamation virtually an- nouncing that his Government was un- able to protect the lives and property of foreigners, .Americans or Europeans in Me.xico. Another chapter of a volume could be written on this phase of the subject and its effect on Americans and Mexicans. (Continued on Next Page.) MEXICO Saturday, January 17, 1914 THE FACTS ABOUT MEXICO— Continued This statement of the President at least had the effect of accentuating the antagonism between Mexicans and Americans. It was followed by the ex- odus of several thousand Americans who left all their possessions in Mexico, in many cases unprotected because the American papers had been made to say that this notice of the President for the Americans to withdraw was a dip- lomatic method of warning them of armed intervention. The newspapers were also made to say that the State Department had announced that those Americans who did not heed the Presi- dent's warning could expect no consid- eration from the Department. A repetition of this suggestion to Americans in Mexico couched in more commanding language has recently em- anated from the new Administration in Washington to add studied insult to the injury inflicted by the President of the United States upon the Mexican peo- ple when he virtuallj' convicted the Constitutional Provisional President of assassination. When it was decided that Diaz must go. it became necessary for the con- spirators to educate the public of the United States so that they might com- placently allow the outrage. The clev- erest men for financial gain in the world are the leaders of the Big Interests. The}- gather into their employ all the clever men who can be of service who are looking for big financial returns and credit must be given for this generosity, which is a part of the cleverness. The people of the United States admired Diaz. This admiration must be turned to distrust. The character and actions of Diaz were attacked as if he had been an opposition candidate for President of the United States. The most trivial happen- ings in our neighbor Republic were ex- aggerated and misstated. Efforts were also made to "get at" the supposed suc- cessor of Diaz. This man was no doubt susceptible to influence and always had his price displayed in large figures marked down to small sums for spot cash. But for some reasons that do not now appear, he was not fully depended upon to accomplish the desired results. There was no one apparently strong enough to beat Diaz in an election con- test, and a real revolution was decided as necessary. The attention of the writer was first drawn to the press agent work, which ■preceded the revolution proper, when spending a few weeks at one of the prin- cipal towns on the border. The East- ern newspapers contained many dis- patches telling of the spirit of unrest among the Mexicans along the border. Thev were ready to take arms against the Mexican Government. Mexican Gov- ernmcni troops were assembling in great numbers. United States troops were be- ing moved secretly to the border to pro- tect United States citizens from the in- cendiaries and conditions were repre- sented as very critical. I was in the midst of these fake disorders for three weeks with nothing to do but wander about to look for troops or to sound the sentiments of the Mexicans. There were no United States troops there any near- er than their regular posts, distant more than one day's travel. There were no more Mexican soldiers than usual for po- lice and custom house guard duty. The harsh sentiments against Ameri- cans were not in evidence. According to the dispatches presumed to have been sent to these Eastern newspapers from this town, Americans were alarmed at the suggestive and threatening attitude of the Mexicans and an outbreak was expected at any moment. The grand demonstra- tion was to begin on the Mexican Inde- pendence Day, September 16th, which is usually celebrated as the greatest fiesta of the year. At this time the celebra- tion was to occupy eight days. I attend- ed the fiesta every day and evening. Americans, men and women, joined with the Mexicans for the big celebration. There was no sign of any thought of dis- turbance except in the grape-vine dis- patches of Eastern newspapers. This press program was continued at intervals for three years, always taking new life just before the outbreaks that were to begin all over Mexico on each Indepen- dence Day. In the meanwhile, the press agencies were at work in other directions, muck- raking Mexico and the Mexican Govern- ment until Diaz was looked upon by the reading public as a bloodthirsty tyrant. The magazine articles entitled "Barbar- ous Mexico" were the most influential in confirming in the minds of the American public the impression which had been nursed through the press for many months. These articles were for the most part founded on facts, but so dis- torted, so exaggerated, so unfairly pre- sented, that the impression created vvas incorrect and untruthful. Isolated in- stances of cruelty and oppression during a long period of years following the for- mer period of anarchy were made to ap- pear as usual and universal. The same sort of an account might be written re- garding similar conditions in the United States, which would present to readers in Europe, for instance, who were not other- wise informed, the same sort of impres- sion of the "Barbarous United States of America." *..*..* In the evolution of history Diaz's term of service had expired. He was old and too much beset with enemies in his own official family to understand fully the trend of events. Or, if he did see what was coming, he felt it inevitable. He ap- parently committed the grave error of al- lowing himself to be re-elected President. He was forced, however, at the last mo- ment to become a candidate in 1910 be- cause he had discovered too late that the man chosen to succeed him was un- worthy and for the moment he saw no other man qualified and available. Li- mantour, the most competent, positively declined. Madero, who had aspired to the office, was a dreamer who had been suspected of insanity. But Madero, with his aspirations, became the chosen tool of the Interests who were after Diaz's scalp. Whether Francisco Madero knew the role he was to play or not is uncer- tain. Some of his family knew it and when the time came the sale of the Ma- dero Guavule lands, as reported from Mexico City, brou.ght $in,noo,000 to finance the Madero revolution. Who bought the Guayule lands? It was just before this time that Diaz committed what appears to have been his greatest error. He caused the arrest of Madero, his rival for the Presidency. Make a martyr of a political aspirant and immediately the American pulilic flocks to his cause. To the public at large it appeared that Diaz had confirmed the stories of tyranny which had made him appear a fiend incarnate. Diaz foresaw, with the prescience of a great statesman, what the future of his country might be imder the Maderos, and he made a state- ment when leaving Havana which ex- plained the whole situation: "I leave my country, hoping thereby to avoid a dis- astrous warfare and the sacrifice of my fellow countrymen. Financial forces which desire my downfall are too strong for me." The second great error of Diaz was his dependence upon the loyalty of the United States Government, which for over twenty years had been acting as guardian of its neighbor, not yet of age to manage alone its internal and for- eign affairs. The records of our State Department could disclose the beginning of the guardianship under the policy of Secretary Blaine and his Pan-American plan, continued by John Hay. Diaz could not imagine that his friend and guardian could be hostile to him and to peace in the country of his people. But what really happened? With Ma- dero's early successes inflaming the peo- ple who had been carefully educated for three years to this point of inflammation, with the certainty that he had been be- trayed at home and abroad, with full knowledge that the Interests behind the "revolution" were implacable and om- nipotent, broken with age and sorrow, tortured finally by an ulcerated tooth, the grand old patriot gave way to inev- itable fate and departed from his be- loved country with the dignity which was one of his principal characteristics. Lesser incidents than a toothache have served the designs of Fate in making history. The sorrow of Diaz was for his people who were to be plunged into a state of anarchy such as had prevailed thirty years before when Diaz, with the al- most savage determination which was necessary for success imder the circum- stances, began his career as civilizer of a barbarous and divided nation. His dis- appointment was at the treachery of the men in his cabinet whom he had trusted, and the perfidy of his former friend and guardian, the great moral, liberty-lov- ing and giving United States of Arnerica. The passionate patriotism of this re- markable man, shown so many times during his early career when he again and again declined personal advance- ment at the expense of the country's pro- gress under a Constitution was simpljr and eloquently expressed in his letter of resignation of the Presidential office. Addressing the Congress he said: "Se- nores, the Mexican people, who have generously covered me with honors, who proclaimed me as their leader during the internationa.1 war, who patriotically assisted me in all works undertaken to develop industry and the commerce of the Republic, establish its credit, gain for it the respect of the world and ob- tain for it an honorable position in the concert of nations; that same people has revolted in armed military bands, stating that my presence in the exercise of the supreme executive power was the cause of this insurrection. Therefore, respect- ing, as I have always respected, the will of the people, and in accordance with Article S2 of the Federal Constitution, I come before the supreme representative of the nation in order to resign, unre- servedly, the oft'ice of Constitutional President of the Republic with which the national vote honored me, which I do with all the more reason since in order to continue in office it would be necessary to shed Mexican blood, en- dangering the credit of the country, dis- sipating its wealth, exhausting its re- sources and exposing its policy to in- ternational complications.' "I hope, gentlemen, that, when the passions which are inherent to all revo- lutions have been calmed, a more con- scientious and justified study will bring out in the national mind a correct ac- knowledgment which will allow me to die carrying engraved in my soul a just impression of the estimation of my life, which throughout I have devoted and will devote to my countrymen." (To be concluded.) Saturday, Januarx 17, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. DRIFTING TO WAR. Intervention in Mexico is the end to which President Wilson's policy must in- evitably lead us. To it we are rushing with ever-increasing- speed. Just the day or the hour when it will be reached cannot be foretold, but that it will come unless the situation is saved by a com- plete reversal of the policy of our Gov- ernment is as certain as sunrise. If the President will lay aside for the moment his preconceived idea of the Mexican situation, forget his characteristic stub- borness and persistency in following an adopted theory, and recognize Huerta, the danger of our having to invade Mex- ico will pass. It is yet not too late to take this course, which all the other nations have deemed wise. The talk of the Huerta government being founded in blood is, under the circumstances, pure rot. The government of Diaz — the best Mexico ever had, and, counting what it did for the nation, the best government that any people ever had— was erected and maintained through very much blood. The people of Mexico have neither the civilization nor education fitting them to be governed by any other than a strong centralized or individual power, and such power must needs be sustained by the sword. That Huerta was personally responsi- ble for, or party to, the death of Madero is unquestionably a fiction, though it seems to have impressed itself upon President Wilson and his advisers. Of the three men who are to the fore in Mexico today— Huerta, Carranza and Villa — Huerta is incomparably the best. Neither Carranza nor Villa could possi- bly erect a stable government that would be accepted by the intelligent property-owning classes of Mexico. Huerta has the confidence of that ele- ment of the Mexican population, and if his government be promptly recognized by the United States he will be able to secure all the funds needed — for Mexico is rich and the money-lending world will recognize the value of its securities when, as under Diaz, is has a stable government — and he will be able to put such troops in the field as will subdue and, if nec- essary, exterminate the bands of thieving insurrectos which for months have been allowed to lay waste a large part of Mexican territory. This— or armed in- tervention. Armed intervention in Mexico may sound well to that minority of our people who, whenever there is a war, flock to Washington and settle down upon the Government to suck its blood in rich contracts. It may sound well to youn.ger officers of the army, who, naturally am- bitious to rise in their profession, work for preferment and promotion and look to glory in actual war. But by honest. calm, sound-thinking, patriotic citizens war with Mexico is strongly deprecated. To older soldiers, to officers who have long made a study of war and its prob- lems, to those yet living who have mem- ories of our great Civil War, armed in- tervention in Mexico would have terrors scarcely expressed by Sherman's great epigram, "War is hell." The moment that there is armed inter- vention every Mexican, even though he be bandit and insurrecto now, will become a patriot, and his life will be given to his country in defense against invasion. A very large proportion of the male population of Mexico is composed of soldiers — soldiers in the sense that they are familiar with arms, inured to the hardship of marches and camp. In the country there is a store of arms and the munitions of war that would enable Mex- ico to put in the field in thirty days a far larger army than we could possibly organize, equip and put on the Mexican border in four months. But if we make a start of war we must carry it to the end. The final result, if we shall have only Mexico to deal with, cannot be doubtful, but before it is ended we shall have incurred a new debt of a billion of dollars and sacrificed hundreds of thou- sands of lives on the field or through the sickness incident to army movements. — "Town Topics." NO HOPE FOR MEXICO IN VILLA. The further Villa gets from the Rio Grande the less pronounced is anti-Fed- eral sentiment, and his advance on that account becomes progressively difficult. He leaves, too, in his track, thousands of men whose hearts are embittered by the cruelties practiced on their relatives or friends. They may be cowed into present submission, but they will not miss an opportunity to rise and secure vengeance. It is a factional warfare, not a conquest for principle, and not un- til the living victims of Villa are extir- pated will his supremacy remain unchal- lenged. The signal success of the ignorant Villa renders the position of Carranza even more equivocal than formerly. His lieutenant overshadows him. This is par- ticularly deplorable in that it precludes the possibilitj' of any recognition by this Government of the Constitutionalist cause, which is now identified as mere brigandage on a huge scale. Villa's tri- umphs complicate the situation; they do not simplify it. It may be that the Administration has erred in its assumption of the Mexican people's capacity for self-government. It may be, to go further, that Washington, in refusing to recognize Huerta's regime, is declining to recognize the only kind of government that can ever bring Mex- ico out of the chaos into which it has fallen. In our own Civil War an extra- ordinary assumption of powers by the Chief Executive was necessary to pro- mote peace. It is true that the manner of Huerta's elevation is the principal objection to him, but it would be a fright- ful blunder to judge him by the political code of this nation or to measure his shortcomings by the ethics this Republic espouses. If his and his opponents' rec- ords were set down in parallel columns, a better estimate of the situation could be had. Washington may possess more exact information than the rest of the nation has, but certainly as the history of the last few months shapes itself, the conclu- sion is irresistible that in no revolution- ary movement nor any amalgamation of them is there any probability of stable government in Mexico. If Huerta does not hold the key to the rehabilitation of the country, assuredly it is held by the men and classes who have rallied to his support. — Philadelphia "Public Ledger." THE OGRE OF OJINAGA. The war is not over in Mexic'i. Very far from it. The eventual capture of the little town of Ojinaga was a foregone conclusion when the Federals under Mer- cado evacuated the city of Chihuahua. Isolated by hundreds of miles from the portion of Mexico which remain? loyal to Huerta, it could not possibly hold out long. The stubbornness shown by the garri- son was a proof that the soldiers under Mercado all believed that they were fight- ing for their country and for legitimate rule within its borders. Men do not will- ingly lay down their lives, as Major Mendoza and his men did in defending the Federal rear guard at the Rio Grande ford, for the sake of a mere faction. This exploit was as heroic as Horatio's defense of the bridge in the "brave days of old." Meantime Villa "executes" — that is, murders — his prisoners, and starts for the interior, where he will definitely displace Carranza as the real head of the rebel- lion, and put himself in line for the presi- dency in case the revolt wins. With Villa in, if he ever does get in, and Huerta out, the situation of President Wilson will resemble that of the man who invited the seven other spirits more evil than the first to come in and take the place of the unclean spirit that had been driven out of him. "Verily the last state of that man shall be worse than the first." — New York "Evening Mail." LOSING PRESTIGE IN SOUTH AMERICA. South America views Mexico through a mist. It is waiting for light from the United States to break through. Observations begun four months ago at Panama, continuing along the west coast, across to the east coast and up to Rio, have been taken with the pur- pose of crystalizing, so far as it is possible to crystalize, the general or MEXICO Saturday, January 17, 1914 average sentiment. I am going to state the result in South American environ- ment, live thousand miles from Wash- ington. The marked feature of the situation is the diminishing prestige of the United States. Prestige is another name for confidence in us, and this confidence is the foundation of the moral influence which is supposed to be the aim of our national policy in regard to Soutli Amer- ica. The loss of prestige means the lessening of our moral influence and the growth of the anti-American sentiment which is becoming prevalent. It was at Panama that a Latin-Amer- ican diplomat, who has seen service in Washington and who understands collo- quial English, remarked: "Your President in this Mexican af- fair — at what port shall he disembark?" "You mean where does he get off?" "Yes. that is it. Where shall he get ofT?" This w-as early in September. The dip- lomat was precise in his use of the future tense. Since then I have heard the same question many times and in many forms, but alwa3's with the accent on the future, and during the last two months with a growing note of uncertainty and distrust. The drifting policy does not favorably impress the South American mind. — Charles M. Pepper, in New York "Trib- une," writing from Rio de Janeiro. IN SOUTH AMERICAN EYES. On another page of this issue, Mr. Charles M. Pepper analyzes the opinion which the South American republics have formed of President Wilson's Me.xican policy. Mr. Pepper is especially quali- fied for such a task, since both as a rep- resentative of the United States and as a private investigator he has given most of his time for the past twenty years to the study of Latin-American affairs. His conclusion is a simple and natural one. South America, with every predisposition to approve any programme which Wash- ington might adopt, finds in the Wilson programme these obvious defects which foreign opinion generally recognizes in it at a glance, and which would be much more freely recognized in the United States were it not for a patriotic desire to avoid weakening the Administration's prestige and moral influence. * * * The things which Latin-Americans criticize in President Wilson's policy are its looseness and indefiniteness. It may have been all right to start out drifting, but at what port can a drifting vessel hope to arrive? Having at the beginning no clear view of the end, the President could not chart his course. He clothed his purposes in generalities, and one of those generalities has hung ever since like a millstone about the neck of his programme. All the world would have understood him if he had said that he would recognize no government in Mex- ico which could not show that it was competent to restore order and protect life and property. But neither Latin- Americans nor Europeans understood him when he declared that he would rec- ognize no President unable or unwilling to restore "constitutional government." "Constitutional government" is an elas- tic ideal among the Latin-Americans. Its attainment is a thing to be hoped for. But most of these countries have got along with a very moderate measure of it from time to time, and they do not put it in the same category of political neces- sities as internal tPJinquility and order. The Wilson programme therefore seems in their eyes to have confused non- essentials with essentials and to have PUBLIC OPINION-Continued prevented the Government at Washing- ton from doing urgent and necessary work in Mexico by having pledged it in advance to do at the same time a work which might better have been kept on the waiting list or treated as of second- ary importance. It is a help to common sense and mid- dle-of-the-road thinking to see ourselves occasionally as neighbors see us. — New York "Tribune." THE WAR IN MEXICO. According lo recent advices, both from Washington and Pass Christian, there is to be absolutely no change in our policy towards Mexico. The United States is, therefore, to continue to sit down patiently and wait until exhaustion of financial resources or the victories of the northern revolutionists, led by such men as Villa and Carranza, force Pro- visional President Huerta to retire. Un- fortunately for such a program. Huerta .seems to be able to obtain money from European sources somehow, and when he has exhausted that means of supply he will be able to raise money at home by forcing the big landholders and mag- nates to disgorge some of their hoards. The revolutionists, despite the heralded victories, are making but slow progress in the north, while the activity of the British Government along the southern border has made it impossible to import men and arms in that quarter. There is. therefon-, no immediate prospect that Huerta will either retire or be forced out. Supposing, however, that Huerta, who is by long odds the strongest man in Mexico at the present time, should re- tire or be forced to quit in the near fu- ture, what other man could the United States recognize and support as Presi- dent of the Mexican Republic? Surely such a man as Villa, with his record as a bandit and with the long list of cruelties attached to his career as a revolutionary leader, could not be accepted by the United States. Carranza has a less bloody reputation, but even Mexicans admit that he is scarcely presidential timber. Our administration would prob- ably find it a more difficult task to pick out an acceptable man to replace Huerta than its efforts to get rid of that gentle- man are proving. The refusal to recognize Huerta as provisional president or at least as the ruler de facto was a serious mis- take that has hampered every effort the Washington Government has made to bring about a peaceable solution of the Mexican situation. Despite our attitude of aloofness Huerta is the actual ruler of at least three-fourths of Mexico, and. whether we wish it or not, we are compelled to look to him for the pro- tection of our citizens and other for- iegners residing in Me.xican territory. We dare not recognize the belligerency of the insurgents, therefore we are in the lamentable position of being able to do practically nothing for the pro- tection of our people and their property that are exposed to danger from both warring factions. — New Orleans "Pica- yune." INEFFECTIVE INTERVENTION He (Huerta) was for the time exer- cising the powers of a de facto Presi- dct, and had the American Government followed the example of other foreign governments having Mexican interests and recognized him for what he un- doubtedly was. it would have enabled what was the only semblance of govern- ment which existed in Mexico to get the means of maintaining itself. The successes of the other faction are apparently due to the refusal of Presi- dent Wilson to recognize Huerta as Pro- visional President, and also insisting that none of his prominent supporters should be in any way connected with any new government. That was explicit "intervention," but utterly ineffective in any positive way because not backed up by force. It gave moral support to the Carranza faction — which is certainly no better than that of Huerta and with even less color of le- gitimacy — and weakened Huerta. In other words, the combined actioa and inaction of President Wilson have been directly promotive of anarchy. And for this other nations having Mexican interests are holding our Gov- ernment responsible in a spirit which in- dicates the possibility of very unpleasant entanglements and clashes. — San Fran- cisco "Chronicle." LITTLE HOPE IN A MEXICAN COUP D'ETAT. There can be little reason for elation if it is true that John Lind reported to President Wilson that plans are be- ing formed for a coup d'etat in Mexico City, and that in the event of its suc- cess Zapata and his oiulaws would pour into and take possession of the city. Huerta at least represents order wher- ever he is in control. The substitution of some bandit in his place will not solve the Mexican situation. It will merely in- tensify it. It is humiliating to think that this great nation should base its diplo- macy on the possibiUty of such an event or by implication favor it. .V murder- ous coup d'etat is the primary reason why Huerta is not recognized now. The only advantage another would give this nation would be in a possible opportun- ity to reverse our stand, and there is no reason to assume that the President pro- poses that. Intervention cannot be avoided by the further division of Mex- ico into factions and by more murders. — Philadelphia "Public Ledger." MEXICO ANALYZED. John Hubert Cornyn, B.B.LL.,B., who dissected Mexico, its queer customs and its strifes at Louis- iana State Museum, Chartres and St. Ann, last night, said many misstatements had been made about the country by American newspaper cor- respondents. He said there were very few white men who could understand the race. "It is the easiest thing in the world to stir up a revolution. A person with two drinks of the native liquor in him can get half the popula- tion to follow him. Show Mexicans that you are a "good fellow," and there will be thousands to follow you. "Modern Mexico, with the advent of Poriirio Diaz, signalized a new regime. But with all his fine ideas about education, the President could not undertake to teach all the masses. At the present time it would take half the country's wealth to obtain education for everyone. "The nobles, the real aristocracy of Mexico, wouldn't touch politics with a ten-foot pole. There- fore, government is left to the 'new ones,' spring- ing up on all sides, nourished by a little learning. "Madero was doomed even before he started. "The inborn superstition of the Indian, 3tX) to 500 years old, has not left him even now. Thus it is easy to prey on his ignorant mind, for he is told 'his hands are free,' which, interpreted, means he can steal what he lays his hands on ; that h« will get better wages if he follows that particular revolutionary leader." (Continued on next page) Saliirday, January 17, 1914 MEXICO 11 Though he declared it would be some time fore present conditions became in any way -lied, Mr. Cornyn painted a bright future for che stricken country. He said three years ago, before ihe era of revolutions, Mexico was the best of Latin-American countries. It will regain its old title, he predicted. Mr. Cornyn spoke under the ausi>ices of the Louisiana Historical Society. He is the author of "The Life of Porfirio Diaz," a member of the Geographical Society of Mexico, the Indian- ista Society, and graduate of the university at Toronto. — New Orleans "Picayune." HIST! Hist! A cruiser stands off the coast. A revenue cutter hugs the shore. The President, deeply disguised in a Scotch cap and long cloak, tiptoes out of Pass Chris. ian, boards a motor- boat and climbs, at the peril of his life, to the deck of the cruiser, where his personal repre- sentative, John Lind, bows before him. Histl They withdraw to the captain's cabin, a sentinel is posted at the locked door and they confer in whispers and in the deaf and dumb language. Reporters, hovering near on a tug, can hear through the porthole a few pregnant words. Huerta is still doomed. American soldiers are disarming the Federal fugitives and driving them back into Mexico, helpless, to be murdered by Villa in the intervals between his outrages upon women. Aha ! 'Tis well ! The President re- sumes his disguise, climbs down from the Chester and steals into sleeping Pass Christian, where he tells the reporters, the next morning, "There is no change in My Policy!" Goodness, these are parlous times and we live a dime novel daily ! But will somebody kindly explain what is the necessity for this secrecy and who pays the expenses of the President's "personal repre- sentative" ? — "Town Topics." HOW LONG? Huerta's defiant assertion that he will not re- sign as long as life remains in his body is simply another evidence that he is nowhere near the end of his resources, financially or mentally. The financial blockade, apparently, is not having the result that was expected. While Huerta shrewdly pretends he is getting his money from the citi- zens of his own country, the known condition of Mexico argues that he must be covering up the real situation so that the Washington Administra- tion may be deceived. It has been charged, and not denied, that Huerta is being financed by British interests. The leak has no; been traced, but the fact that the federal troops are receiving their pay and are well fed and fighting with renewed vigor and determination is ample proof that the leak exists. Whatever proposals Huerta may have made re- cently, it is fairly certain that his own retirement was not part of his offer. He has not been shaken in his belief that he is the one man to save Mexico from itself, and his persistence in this 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU IQIC MUNSEY BUILDING iqi/; 1310 WASHINGTON. D. C. '^'O Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legisla- tion. belief appears to be winning others in Mexico to the same opinion. How long, then, can the United States main- tain its i)rcsent anomalous position? — Washington "Post." FIRMER MEXICAN POLICY. It is significant that the wave of pro-interven- tion sentiment seems to have receded before the clear sense of the country that such action would be vastly aggravating to conditions without ef- fecting a cure other than such as long years of American domination of Ihe republic might effect. Huerta is still talking big and one cannot but admire the animal courage of the man and the ferocious determination that actuates him. If there is a firmer Mexican policy to be pursued the country would like to know what is its nature, as there appears to be none possible other than intervention, and this is unthinkable.— Baltimore "American." RECOGNITION OF HUERTA. Editor of Ihc Philadelphia "Public Ledger": Sir: In your "Public Ledger," dated December 16, you have such a fine editorial on "A Definite Mexican Policy Imperative," I feel I must write to you and express the sentiments of the Ameri- can colony here. Your editorial voices exactly the feelings here. We all think Huerta should be recognized. He is doing all in his power to put down brigandage and the rebels, also protect- ing the foreigners, and if our own President Wil- son does not recognize Huerta he will cause the lives of many good Mexicans to be lost, and there are many fine, highly-educated Mexicans here. As for myself, I have always been treated courteously by Mexicans here. I take this liberty of writing, as I am an old subscriber of many years to your valuable paper, and I receive it regularly. S. F. McCLURE. Mixeoac, Mexico, D. F., Mexico, Dec. .Il, lOl."!. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. The Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: Among the bad breaks the Wilson Administration has made, two in particular are hopes that the course of the present Government hopes that the course of the present government would be marked by Ihe strictest "equal justice to all, special privilege to none." The first of tfiese bad breaks made by the present Administration, and one which is daily n'aking the situati.m more and more difficult for Ihe White House, was that the President, instead of recognizing the Government of General Huerta as the one force standing for law and order in Mexico, chose rather to give moral and material support to the marauding group composed of vilest dregs of humanity stirred up by the re- moval of authority and led by the most selfish of interests under the high-sounding title of "constitutionalists," so pleasing to the academic ear. By this first bad break the Government at Washington must answer before the tribunal of history the charge of fomenting the terrible crimes committed by the Carranza and Villa bandits. and not only of viewing these atrocities "with complacency," but of doing so under the hypo- critical guise of being the protector of justice and the friend of civilization. The second bad break of the Wilson Admin- istration was in further burdening the Monroe Doctrine with the protection of the lives and interests of foreigners, leaving citizens of the United States to shift for themselves, thus at- taining a height of absurdity never before reached in diplomatic history. It is particularly painful to have such an utterly silly and incongruous declaration from a scholar and thinker of Mr. Wilson's calibre. As a matter of fact, who is it that is threaten- ing the destruction of life and property in Mex- ico? Why, the revolutionists. And who gives moral support to the revolutionists, and who tries in every way to embarass and hinder the govern- ment which is the natural protector of the threat- ened lives and interests? Why, the Wilson Ad- ministration. M. C. C. CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GUIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY, PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAIVir>nKLL 1214 Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO, III. THE "MARC ON" Cushioned Arch Support Fine for Tired Aching Feet, Fallen Arches, Flat Feet, and Weak Ankles. Have helped others. They will help you. Write for free booklet and testimonials. MARCON MANUFACTURING CO. Brooklyn, N. Y. $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. CCiit out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with - number .. MEXICO Saturday, January 17, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE MiBuCinf Bditor, Thomu O'Uallormn 16 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 6c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York A SOLID FOUNDATION. For the last ten months General Huerta has been fighting against tre- mendous odds, for the opposition of the Washington Administration is far more formidable than that of the rebel bands that have had its moral support. Be- cause he has not overcome this com- bined opposition in a comparatively short time is not surprising, in view of the depleted treasury inherited from the Madero regime and the financial diflfi- culties the Washington Administration has cunningly raised in his path. But instead of "crumbling" to satisfy the personal opposition of the moralists who view with complacency the gross im- moralities of a Villa, he has maintained the integrity and the independence of Mexico as a nation, and has rallied to his support all the best elements of the Mex- ican people. With limited financial resources he has had lo organize, drill and equip an army and place it on a solid foundation of power. This work has been going on all along and the efficiency and magni- tude of the organization will shortly be revcalea. Surely ten months is a short time in which to organize and train an army ■->{ eighty thousand or more, with a nucleus of only twenty thousand, while at the same time holding in check the bandit hordes in a country of vast dis- tances. The Villas and Zapatas and Carranzas may boast and threaten, but their ma- rauding forces will eventually have to break and scatter before the solid mass and power of Huerta's military organiza- tion. The Mexican President is not building on such incidental successes as Ojinaga. They are only important to the writers of Mexican war fiction. A SQUARE DEAL. The El Paso "Times" is getting much wrought up over some of the lurid "stories" sent out from the border town by the small army of newspaper corre- spondents camped there. Some of these "stories," it seems, have tended to re- flect upon El Paso, by creating the im- pression that life and security were menaced by the proximity to Mexico's disorder. The "Times" says, editorially: The El Paso "Times" has heretofore referred to the character of alleged war news sent out of El Paso as hurtful to this city, and the cor- respondent here alluded to is not alone in offend- ing. Others have done and are doing the same thing. They are sending their papers the kind of dope they know will be printed and which will lengthen the monthly string, and they are giving El Paso a black eye from one end of the country to the other. Then comes this heart-rending appeal: Gentlemen of the press, give El Paso a square deal. The city has the right to demand such treatment at your hands, and that you summarily cut out those things in your service which are not only so grossly and palpably untrue, but which are doing this city an injury which it will re- quire a long time to repair. We do not blame the El Paso "Times" for its devotion to El Paso, but the in- jury done to that city by the fiction- writing correspondents is not a drop in the bucket compared to the manifest in- justice and damage to the good name and credit of Mexico and the Mexican people done by these same irresponsible border correspondents. Why does not the "Times" appeal at the same time for fair play for Mexico? One who didn't know, reading the newspaper accounts, would think that Ojinaga was a stone's throw from Mex- ico City. « * » It is about two hundred miles across the desert from Chihuahua, and Chihua- hua is a thousand miles from the capital. The last remnant of Huerta rule in the North destroyed, shrieked the scare- heads. * * * The border States of Coahuila and Nueva Leon, entirely in the hands of the Federals, evidently do not count. Which is the same as forgetting to in- clude New York and Pennsylvania among the Middle Atlantic States. Carranza and Villa are reported to be entirely in accord as far as overthrowing General Huerta is concerned. * * * Of course. In this so is the Washing- ton Administration in accord with the supine Carranza and the battling ban- dit. * * * But with Huerta overthrown, what then? A three-cornered fight among them — a battle royal with the odds fav- oring the battling bandit. PRACTICAL RESULTS OF ADMIN- ISTRATION'S MEXICAN POLICY. It has pleased: Its authors. The Madero family bent on revenge, and the Maderist group of office-hungry politicians. The American oil interests friendly to the Maderos. Those who want armed intervention. The lawless element of Mexico. It has aroused: The concern of the American people who do not want war. The disgust of those who believe it is immoral to be allied with barbarians like Villa. The distrust of Latin-American coun- tries. The suspicion of European nations. The resentment of Americans with legitimate interests in Mexico. The opposition of the Mexican Gov- ernment. The enmity of the Mexican people. ABOUT ZAPATA. The remarkable interview of a New York "World" correspondent with Za- pata was a graphic revelation of the in- famous bandit's character — at least for those who have had little or no knowl- edge of this kind of Mexican. His words showed a low, animal order of intelli- gence and the vicious unreasonableness of the criminal. Of the same stripe are Villa and the majority of the bandit leaders whq are looting and raping in Mexico. It is the misfortune of Mex- ico, the tragedy of Mexico, that it pro- duces men of that stamp to be the tools of unscrupulous politicians and rapacious financial interests. It is doubly, trebly the tragedy of Mexico, and should be the shame of the United States, that the Wilson Administration, when the char- acter of the rebels has been truthfully revealed, should persist in an attitude toward the Mexican Government that abets the criminal activities of these barbarians, and hampers the forces of law and order. The Mexican Federals at Ojinaga could get no fresh supplies of ammuni- tion from across the border. * • • Villa's men could — without difficulty. • • • That's what some folks call neutrality. * * * That's why we are more than morally responsible for the state of lawlessness in Northern Mexico. * * * If Villa is to get a half interest in the moving pictures to be made of his bandit followers in action, the Washington Ad- ministration is entitled to a "rake-off," too. * * • For making Villa and his like possible. A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Run» Swiftly Dow n the Hil l While Truth Climbs Slowly.-Oriental Proverb VOL. 1— No. 23 NEW YORK, SATURDAY JANUARY S4, 1914. FIVE CENTS A CONTRAST. The Maderos and Carranza belong to the so-called privileged class of large land-owners. They have no Indian blood. They have had their chance to bring about reforms for the great bulk of the population, who are Indians. They failed. While they preached division of land as a cure for Mexican ills they in- creased their holdings instead of taking measures to divide them or sell them in small parcels. Huerta is not a land-owner. He be- longs to the people. All his life has been lived among them. His Indian blood makes him responsive to their needs. He has always been compara- tively poor, while the Maderos and Car- ranza have been men of great wealth. Huerta has not had a chance to bring about any reforms, to do anything for the people, for peace is the crying need of Mexico just now. Every obstacle has been put in his path. Why not give him a chance? A LACKING QUALITY. Nothing quite so hypocritical has been revealed by those newspapers seeking to discredit the Mexican Government as the placid assertion that it has shown its inability to establish the peace it promised to Mexico. Those who make this statement seem to have not the slightest conception of fair play, and still claim to be .\mericans. Knowing in their hearts that this country has used its tremendous power to thwart and weaken every honest effort of the Mex- ican Government, by encouraging its enemies and blocking its would-be- friends, they have the brazen impudence to ascribe the prolonged disorder in Mexico to the incapacity of the Provis- ional Government. Surely the sense of justice in the people themselves remains as an American trait to be proud .-f, but certainly it is a quality entirely lack- ing in the make-up of those who have determined that "Huerta must go." THE DUEL It is a source of great regret to all [>crsoiis directly interested in the welfare of Mexico and in the establishment of solid friendly relations between the American and the Mexican people that the situation as it exists in Mexico to- day should be so little understood on this side of the border. This lack of understanding is not con- fined to the general public that depends for its information on the daily press, but it ex' ends most unfortunately to per- sons who have the power of directly in- fluencing public opinion and of guiding the policy of the Administration. A. belief generally accepted, for in- stance, is that the present struggle will soon end because the rebel forces under Villa have been successful in gaining control of the State of Chihuahua. Like- wise because the forces under Carranza control Sonora and part of Sinaloa. It is argued that as the capture of Ciudad Juarez by the Madero revolutionists marked the end of the Diaz regime, so the capture by Villa of the same city and Chihuahua marks the end of the Huerta regime. Nothing could be more erroneous than this belief. The Madero revolution was supported by a popular movement that swept the country. It was an almost bloodless revolution opposed onlv hv a decayed government, which did not even attempt to retain power by armed strug- gle, but renounced it in the hope that further bloodshed would be averted and the prosperity of the country saved. The present struggle is a duel to death. On one side stands a government which in the face of almost insurmountable difficulties has shown a virility and stay- ing qualities that are well worth study- ing. On the other are ranged multifari- ous and disconnected forces which have a common immediate aim, that of seizing power, but no ultimate harmonious pur- pose. The strength of the Government lies in the fact that it offers protection to life and property. The strength of the op- posing forces lies in the fact that they of- ler promises of power, immediate free- ilom from the restrictions of authority, an - pportunity to live wi.hout work. .A.lso in the fact that they have received and receive the moral support of the Wash- ington -Administration, with the conse- quent materia! support of arms and money from this side of the border. .-^mong the forces opposing the Gov- ernment all kinds of elements may be found, from the lowest brigand to the man of learning who seeks to satisfy his personal ambition even to the extent of imperilling the independence of his own country. There is no real difference in the pur- poses claimed by both sides, for It '^ generally adinitted in Mexico that certain social reforms are indispensable. But it is also generally admitted that such re- forms cannot be brought about unless peace is re-estalilislied. and to establish peace a strong temporary dictatorship is required. This fact is acknowledged by all rebel leaders, each one having de- clared that upon his ascending to power he would rule as provisional President vvitli dictatorial powers until such time as the country having been pacified (read: unil all other rivals having been eliminated), it will he possible to hold elections. This being the case, it is clear to all thinking men in Mexico that a change of government would not bring an imme- diate change in the conditions of the country and that it is more probable that these conditions will improve under the direction of a government at pres- ent supported by all elements of order tlian under a new one. For this reason the present Govern- fContinued on next page) MEXICO Saturday January 24, 191-1 THE DUEL — Continued, ment is receiving the support of these elements even though they realize the disadvantages at which the Government fcas been placed by the hostility of the Government of the United States. The present struggle is a duel to the death, and a duel that may be said to Tiave just begun. If it were the struggle of a whole people against an oppressive ruler the downfall of this ruler would ■be an accomplished fact by this time. But it is, instead, a mortal strife between or- der and disorder, between respect of property and human rights and lawless- ness — in short, betwen civilization and anarchy. The fact that among the rebels there may be men who harbor ideals of pol- itical freedom does not alter the situa- tion. The fact remains that Mexico is not shaken by a popular movement, but is torn by a faction that, having lost the power gained through a revolution, is striving to regain it at any cost. Fifteen million people are being made to suffer, as they stand by yearning for peace and the chance to work, by the struggle of a few thousand men. If it were not so, we repeat, the Government could not have endured as long as it has. A peculiar condition exists which may serve to explain why the revolution is not supported by the people in general. While the rebellion is said by its leaders to find its strength in the wish of the peons to acquire small tracts of land, and is said to be directed against the large land-holders of the country, these lead- ers are themselves among the largest land-owners of Mexico. The Maderos, who are backing and directing the revo- lution, Carranza, Pesquiera, and many others all l.elnnq to the land-holding class which in Mexico forms part of the so-called aristocracy. These leaders do not do the fighting. Even Carranza, who is in the field, has never been known to take the lead in a battle or even to take part in a skirmish. Most of the Ma- deros are in this country. Pesquiera is in this country, and so are many others. All these men live in luxury while the real fighting is done by men like Villa, Blanco, Aguilar, Zapata and other lead- ers who work more or less independently. Now, get this; Neither the Maderos nor Carranza when in power, although they gained it on the strength of prom- ises of division of land, did anything to bring about such a division of land. It may be adduced that Madero as head of the government did not have the time to enforce the land reforms he had advo- cated. But Madero. with the rest of his interminable family, had owned for years millions of acres, and so had Carranza. Nothing was ever done by these men to change in the slightest way the condi- tions of the peons on their estates, much less was any attempt made to divide their lands. Yet these large land-owners, these aristocrats, could have done so in a private capacity, without the help of the Government. .''ls we have said, it is a peculiar con- dition that the revolution should be led and financed by men whose position and actions are in absolute contrast with the principles they profess. That they have received the support — in great measure only apparent and temporary — of men who are waging war against property- holders, only goes to show first, that the Mexican peon is easily deceived and led into rebellion; second, that fighting lead- ers like Villa, Zapata, and Aguilar are fighting for personal gain, each one with the ultimate hope that by force of arms he will be able to become President of Mexico, for they all argue: "If Porfirio Diaz did it, why not I?" On the other hand, at the head of the Government is a man of the people, a man of mixed blood who was never a landowner, who does not belong to the aristocratic class, who understands the need of the Indian community to which he is proud to belong. General Huerta has often repeated that he makes no promises which he is not sure to be able to keep, that first peace must be en- forced. Meanwhile, although in a small measure owing to his difficult position, he is trying to bring about a solution of the agrarian problem, the vital import- ance of which he realizes. He, as well as those who really un- derstand Mexico, realizes also, however, that the solution of the agrarian problem is not the only factor for the mainten- ance of peace. It is one of the main factors and one which will require a long time to attain. It is because of these peculiar circum- stances surrounding the leaders of the revolution and the leaders of the Gov- ernment that the people of Mexico in general are willing to entrust the bring- ing about of their needed reforms to the existing Government rather than to a new one. Remember, that if the revo- lutionary forces should triumph the very men who were in power under Madero would he there again, .^nd these men have been tried and found wanting. Another reason why the present strug- gle may be considered as just beginning is the increasing hatred engendered on both sides by the continuance of the .stru.ggle itself. The supporters of the Government have had ample evidence of the real motives which actuate the finan- cial and moral support given by the Ma- deros. They know that revenge for the loss of power is impelling them. They know that the rebel leaders have decreed the wholesale killing of all army officers, that the rebels are pursuing a war of extermination. Every day that passes the hatred becomes more Jntense. That the attitude of this country toward Mexico has made possible the continu- ance of the struggle and has fanned the flames of hatred, must be regretted by all Americans who give serious thought and consideration to the situation. As to the assertion that the Huerta Government is at the end of its rope be- cause of the financial blockade institut- ed by the Washington Administration and the consequent inability to secure funds from abroad, this is absurd on its face. It is true that rebel leaders have the advantage in so far as they have no in- terest to pay on the national debt and are not compelled to pay their troops, which get their living and ample reward from sacking the cities and ranches they seize. It is true tliat . the rebels have no expensive government departments to run. But the Government has ample re- sources to draw from for a long time. Mexico as a whole will undoubtedly suf- fer as a consequence of the necessity in which the Government finds itself of drawing financial support from the coun~ try instead of obtaining it from abroad. But Mexico is rich and the end of the rope is very far indeed! We have considered here only a few of the phases presented by the struggle in Mexico, leaving aside the internation- al aspect of the question, which we have considered in other numbers and will re- fer to again, for it is perhaps the most important of all. Ojinaga is thirteen hundred miles from Mexico City. Villa has been marching south for two months but he is still near the border. President Gomez is still dictator of Venezuela; the elections that were to take place last September have not been held as yet; we are still Gomez* bosom friends, and our Minister to Venezuela enjoys the confidence of the dictator. The same in Guatemala. But "we love constitutional government in Latin- America," etc., etc. * * * Huerta takes a new totter every day, they say. • * * The fact that the Federals control absolutely the whole State of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon and part of Tamaulipas does not impede our historians from stat- ing that "the last vestige of Huerta's rule has gone from the north." * * * But perhaps Coahuila and Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas are no longer Northern States. "There will be between 70,000 ,ind 80,000 men in the battle," said a members of General Villa's staff to-day. "On our side we will have at least 40,000 and perhaps 50,000 men all well armed and equipped, while Huerta will not be able to assemble more than 25.000 to 30,000 men."— New York "American." "A member of General Villa's staff" made this preposterous statement, and the Hearst papers displayed it with all the prominence due an established fact. What is a matter of forty or fifty thou-; sand men between bandits and press agents? Saturday, January 24, 1914 MEXICO STOLEN GOODS. The El Paso "Times" boasts of the fact that a member of its staff caused the arrest of Salazar by denouncing the latter's presence on a train on this side of the border. Realizing, at the same time, the feel- ing of revulsion caused by such a pro- ceeding it makes a lame attempt to do- fend its action by saying that it stands for the enforcement of the law at all times regardless of whom it may effect. One of our El Paso readers writes: "If the "Times" is so anxious to have the jaw enforced, why does it not notify the authori- ties that every night General Benavides, com- mander of the Juarez rebel garrison; Jose Velarde, rebel mayor of that town, and other chiefs, come to El Paso and stay in the hotels and other places all night? These men get all the arms and munitions they want in El Paso, breaking the neutrality laws, but they come and go scot free, while every Federal officer or sympathizer is hounded to death. Why?" Our correspondent should not ask us the question. He ought to be able to answer it, himself, being on the spot. The Federalists have no stolen goods to sell, have no stolen money to spend. have no stolen cattle to smuggle across. The El Paso "Times," as well as any members of its staflf, are welcome — of course — to such roles if they choose td assume them. Likewise they are welcome to the friendship of the bandit Villa, whom they extol as a great patriot. The El Paso "Times" announces a spe- cial peace number to commemorate the occupation of Chihuahua by Villa's forces! It is only in a spirit of deep regret and shame as American newspaper men that we note the fact. To extol an out- law whose exploits have horrified the whole world — even though that outlaw, who has been cast to the surfac leader by the convulsions of an unhappy people, has bought fifty thousand dol- lars' worth of goods from El Paso mer- chants — is not worthy of an American newspaper. The first order that Villa gave upon reaching Chihuahua was that no woman over twelve years of age should be al- lowed to leave the city. For. he said, with his well known leer: "We need all the Rirls here." Following orders were to the effect that many peaceful citizens should be summarily executed. That Spaniards and o her foreigners should be banished and their property taken. This besides the killing of prisoners, really the small- est offense against civilization commit- ted by Villa. Villa is a good fighter and a lucky one, true, but so were Moseby and Jesse James. Yet these American outlaws were angels compared to the Mexican. It is to honor such a man and to shoi- the appreciation of the El Paso people for the money they have received — stolen money, by the way — that the EI Paso "Times" publishes a special "peace number"! MOTLEY .-V small army of derelicts has been cast upon our shores by the Mexican storm. We do not refer to the Ojinaga refugees, but to that motley array of would-be lecturers who are preying upon the credulity of the American public by posing either as Mexican patriots or ex- perts on Mexican affairs. Needless to say not all lecturers on Mexico are derelicts or scoundrels. Quite the contrary. But we refer to some of them who under their own or assumed names tread the platforms of clubs and halls, and others who eke out a rather precarious existence by accepting invita- tions to dinners and banquets and there discoursing on the ills that corrode Mex- ico and pointing out the infallible reme- dies for the cure of these ills. If the speaker of the type we have in mind is a Mexican, he never fails to con- vey a veiled suggestion that while Mex- ico abounds in patriots the only physi- cian who could apply the necessary rem- edies really effectively is the speaker himself. But leaving aside for the moment the more or less well-intentioned Mexican patriots, we have with us some interest- ing types of near-Mexicans worthy of our immediate consideration. First we must mention Lorenz Speyer — long since well known in Mexico — whose modesty, however, forbade him from using during the many years of happy residence in that country the title of Count de Besa, under which he has become familiar to some philanthropic society of Jewish women in New York. This Jewish gentleman first sauntered into the Mexican limelight when he or- ganized in Me.Ktco City the Catholic Bank, which subsequently was thrown into bankruptcy. Later he became a more familiar figure to newspaper men in the Mexican courts, where he was the ob- ject and the subject of many a suit, run- ning at the same time a private bank un- der the name of Speyer and Company. It was much to his regret that ignorant persons should at times believe that he was one of the New York Speyers and that this bank should occasionally be iliouffht a branch of the New York and London house. Being a staunch friend and admirer of the Diaz regime. Lorenz Speyer became interested in a concession for light and power in the State of Campeche, but af- ter Diaz fell and Madero arose Lorenz Speyer — and to think that no one knew then he was the Count of that well known Polish State called Besa! — was one of the first to render homage to the "Liberator." Since then — the New York newspapers say- — Speyer had been one of tlie most intimate friends and closest advisers of Madero. Then on account of his love for the Mexican Constitution the ex-Catholic banker was driven out of Mexico. But Mexico's loss has been New York's gain. Gott sei dank! New 'S'ork can now admire the blond-bearded near-Mexican patriot on the lecture plat- form and learn all about it from the gen- tle-voiced, suave-mannered gentleman who has found refuge from the persecu- tions of his enemies under the wing of unsuspecting respectable co-religionists. Another interesting lecturer who is tellin? the New York public all about "Barbarous Mexico" under the name of Captain somebody or other is an ex- publisher who about five years ago vis- ited Mexico for about three weeks. lie also has been in the limelight, bat not in Mexico. The pitiless searchlight was turned on him by the New York "World" a1):nit two years ago when he was caught in the famous raid on the Jared Flagg concern. Strange to say, a sort of retrospective memory has suddenly seized Iiim. Sub- consciously during his three weeks' stay in Mexico five years ago he had ab- sorbed a complete knowledge of Mexi- can affairs and now — fearing perhaps that the New York "World" would again turn on that searchlight — disguised as Captain he is generously imparting that knowl- edge to a grateful public! C)h, New York is a great place! Ref- ugium Pecatorum! Mr. Ramon Prida was right when, in a letter to the New York "Times," he took issue with former .-Xmbassador Vv'ilson because the latter had stated that Mr. Prida was a com'paratively unknown Mexican. Mr. Prida is very well known, indeed, throughout Mexico and we are surprised at the .Embassador's ignorance. It is true that Mr. Prida was the edi- tor of "'LTniversal." It is true that the "Universal" of which Mr. Prida was the owner has been dead for more than fif- teen years, but all Mexicans still remem- l)er that paper. It is also true that the Mexican Chamber of Deputies changes its Speaker every month so that there is hardly a Congressman who has not been Speaker at some time or other. Certain- ly the American Embassy ought to keep a record of all the Speakers. And then Mr. Ramon Prida. lawyer and journalist, was one of the best known members of the Cientifico Party and one of the ablest instruments of that party. Why, Mr. Ramon Prida is very well known in- deed! The only obscure point about his pres- ent residence in New York is the motive which brought him here. If it is true that, as the Mexican patriots repeat con- stantly, the Huerta Government is supported by the Cientificos. how is it that one of the shining lights of that party is here as a refugee from the per- secutions of that Government? Either the Huerta Government is not supported by the Cientificos or the leop- ard has changed his spots. NOTHING TO IT. The State Department already is preparing to handle the claims -situation with the Mexican Gov- ernment. One billion dollars is the figure at which such claims are now placed. General Carranza some time ago issued a decree announcing his willingness to appoint a joint claims committee to promptly adjudicate all claims of foreign citi- zens if the constitutionalist gevemment was in- stalled with himself in power. The State Depart- ment considers that this course will be followed and expects the appointment of such a committee as one of the first acts of the new Mexican Got- ernment. — New York "Evening Post." How blithely the State Department, according to this report, takes it for granted that Carranza will be the "new Mexican Government!" It would seem that "free and fair elections" are now considered superfluous. It has already been decided who is to be elected. So simple, isn't it? And Constitutional! Villa, take notice. MEXICO Saturday January 24, 1914 LATENT WAR. There is nothing so disappointing and puzzling to those friends of international peace who have looked upon the present Administration as essentiallj' peace-lov- insj' as to find a truculence, a dictatorial spirit, an uncompromising insistence on one thing to the exclusion of all others, in the .-Kdministration's attitude toward the Mexican Government. It is this kind of thing, when it arouses the pas- sions of the people, that is one of the great causes of war where there should be no war, and the leaders of the Ad- ministration seem to have recognized that fact except in dealing with Me.xico. Whatever friendly purposes may be in the .Administration's mind it must be admitted that it has succeeded in befogging them in an atmosphere of war. Despite all appearances to the contrary and despite the labors of the jingoes, despite the obvious attempts of a section of the press to inflame public sentiment, there will be no war between the United States and Mexico, we trust and believe. But. to say the least, it is unfortunate for the cause of peace among men that the -Administration should have com- mitted itself and the people to a stand which has latent all the possibilities of war, and which supplies ammunition to the ever-ready promoters of war. Not to mention its moral support of the bar- barous warfare in the Njrth of Mexico that might have been ended long ago had the .Administration kept hands off. RELEASE REBELS' MONEY. Chicago, III., Sunday. — A shipment of 10,000,000. pesos in Mexican revolutionary money seized here by government offiicals yesterday will be forwarded to Nogales to-morrow, according to Thomas I. Porter, in charge of the Secret Service here. Captain Porter said the representatives of the United States District Attorney's office took the ground that as the government at present does not recognize any government in Mexico the money cannot be considered counterfeit. ".As the government at present does not recognize any government in Mexico, the money cannot be considered coun- terfeit." More of that Christian Science diplomacy: "There is no Mexico. There is no Mexican Government. There is no international law. There is no mat- ter. .All is I and grape juice." — M. A. M. WHAT'S WHAT ON THE BORDER By C. F. Z. Carracisti, Ph.D., C.E. Where is the difference in fact or morals between the revolution that over- threw Madero and the Washington-di rected revolution to overthrow Huerta? * * * No difference except that the latter is more bloody and destructive to Mexico, and the Mexican people. * • • Morality! It is a revoj^itionary movement and yet the Administration professes to dis- countenance revolutions. It is strange how far-reaching are the commercial influences of purely local interests in .America in dealing with sec- tional, national and international prob- lems of momentous importance. Stranger still, the high pitch of hysteria that these same interests, through the aid of a per- nicious and often subsidized press, may develop among our people. .And, yet, we claim and proclaim ourselves a just and deliberate people. Our war with Spain was developed by the loud cries of a yellow press, the distorting of fun- damental facts and the substitution of dogmas of a sham morality. For this ill- advised war we have paid dearly and posterity will continue to pay its quota in lives and dollars. Is our position to-day an}- clearer on tlie Mexican situation? I can only speak of Mexico from the viewpoint of a Virginian, who saw and felt the iniquities of an attempted period of reconstruction in the South. What is most deplorable of all is that the Demo- cratic party, which in the South fought social and political equality and pre- vented it at home, is now trying to force it on the better element of the Mexican people. In the South we have disfran- chised the negro by inserting educational and poll-tax and "grandfather" clauses in our election laws; and yet we are at- tempting to compel Mexico to grant a universal ballot to the "pelado" and "peon" element. Where is the consist- ency of the Southern senators and rep- resentatives and cabinet officers of our nation? If we tried this at home we would have another war. Why should we tell Mexico that what is a fallacy at home should be an axiom in that country? Why? The rebel army should first be taught the use of the fine-comb before the use of the rifle and a free ballot. What do these people represent out of a total na- tional wealth of $15,000,000,000? At the very outside 2 per cent, or $300,000,000. They represent just 8 per cent, less than the foreign investment in the country which, in round numbers, is 10 per cent, of the total wealth of the country, or $1,500,000,000. No logical statesman or statistician can possibly find excuse for supporting a movement that has for its object the turning over of 98 per cent, of the national wealth of any country to the control of a 2 per cent, interest. Such a pretension is too prosperous to conceive. In Mexico there are about 500,000 prop- erty owners and about 1,500,000' people who have sufficient education to under- stand the responsibility of government. These are the people who should, per- force, govern, not the unwashed and vicious. Incompetents, the same class of peo- ple whom we do not allow to vote in the Southern States, are attempting, by force of arms, to despoil the competents of their property and right to govern. They call themselves "constitutional- ists," but don't recognize Don Pedro Las- curain, who, if the present Government were not constitutional, would be the real Constitutional president. Xo. Lascuroin does not suit them because they say that he is a "gentleman." Nor would they ac- cept anyone else whose record does not show that he would permit loot, arson and rape. Constitutional pretensions are there- fore a fallacy — a mere excuse — a subter- fuge! Nothing more! They are playing "Hamlet" with Ham- let left out and substituting Don Qui.xote. How many men among the leaders and oflicers of the "constitutionalists" are free of criminal records? I certainly do not know, but out of such as I do know personally a very small percentage be- long to the class whom a gentleman would leave in his house with anything of a valuable movable character. .And such as I believe fairly honest are poets and dreamers who would never get any of the spoils in the extremely remote and wholly improbable eventuality that Carranza and his "General" Villa should ascend to power. But why are the border Democrats so anxious to keep up the war? Why do they aid in breaking the neutrality laws and subsidize at least a part of the press to publish infectious lies and excite the American Government and people against the existing Mexican regime? Since the Madero revolution began $65,000,000 worth of cattle have found their way through the ports and other- wise into the United States. Of this enormous sum not more than $15,000,000 has reached the rightful owners; $25,- 000,000 has gone to the Mexican cattle thieves and $25,000,000 to those who have co-operated with them on this side of the border. The longer the American sj'mpalhizers can keep up the war the more cattle they and their Mexican partners can ol)tain for practically nothing. When the cattle are all gone the very people who are now supporting Carranza, Villa and the rest of the saintly mob will clamour for intervention. But, outside of the rightful owners of these cattle, who are practically ruined, what will the poor peons of northern Mexico, who have always lived and worked on th« ranclies, do? They will find no work, no Saturday, January 24, 1914 MEXICO WHAT'S WHAT ON THE BORDER — Continued. meat — nothing but chaos! Will the peo- ple who are leading these poor, deluded creatures of evil circumstances feed them and their families? Not so that any one will notice the charity. This is what President Wilson is sup- porting. Does he know these facts? I believe not, because he is a great and an honest man; and with a full knowl- edge of such conditions before him he could not support what, on the border at least, is a hypocritical neutrality, a sham and a shame to our pretensions of fair play. The American press, except in isolated cases, is willfully and criminally misrep- resenting the facts regarding Mexico. Who is paying the bills? That is the question! Senator Sheppard, of Texas, who some months ago spread on the Con- gressional Record information purport- ing to show the strength of Carranza and his movement, may be an honest man, and even if he were not the libel laws would prevent me from stating the fact. Yet, it would be interesting to hear him e.xplain where he got the in- formation, why he made it of public rec- ord in Congress, and, lastly, if he does not know now. if he did not know then, that the information was and is false and misleading. I have no doubt that the respectable and venerable Senator acted personally in good faith. Anyway, it is ethical to so state, but if he is really honest he will tell us where he obtained his data, because the reports of the .American Embassy and United States Consuls in Mexico to the Department of State certainly do not verify any of his statements — nor have subsequent events supported his logic and forecasts. It is probably true that the Senator accepted in good faith statements sup- plied by the junta of immaculate poli- tical conceptions that hangs around south of Pennsylvania avenue in Wash- mgton. This junta, which represents Carranza's Washington press agency, is composed of a few over-dressed Mexi- cans, a German gambler who travels under an alias and formerly lived in Chi- huahua, a Polack who is a self-styled doctor of unmentionable infirmities who used to litter the streets of Mexico City with handbills during the Madero opera- bouffe regime, and a few other non- descripts of various creeds, colors and nationalities, the most of whom cannot return to their native lands or their sea- cook fathers. I know the breed person- ally and cannot understand how gentle- men connected with our Government can possibly give them tolerance, cour- teous attention and credence. Along the border contraband of war passes the international line with the aid, connivance and open support and sympathy of certain Government offi- cials, always provided the law is broken LEST WE FORGET The Administration has not had and never will have the right to deinand that General Huerta should resign as Presi- dent or that he or any other Mexican should not be a candidate for President. * * * No more right than Japan would have to demand that President Wilson resign, or renounce a candidacy. * * * The sovereignty of nations is such that any such demands have no foim- dation in right and can never be tolerat- ed by an independent nation. * * • If President Huerta yielded to an/ such demands he would thereby surren- der the independence of his country. * • • Certainly no patriotic American can blame him for refusing to do that * • • His people and the civilized world might forgive every other fault in a ruler but not the crime of base submission to an overlordship unwelcome to his peo- ple. * * * It cannot be truthfully said that stable government carmot be established in Mexico. * • • Mexico under Porfirio Diaz was at peace and thriving for a generation of progress. » * • Until Porfirio Diaz refused to be th<' tool of American oil and railroad inter- ests. . in favor of Carranza's murdering hordes. When arrests have been forced on the agents of the Department of Justice through information derived from the Mexican Government representatives, the Federal grand juries, composed of the very people who handle Mexican cattle on the frontier, refuse to render indict- ments if those who break the laws are revolutionists. The officers and leaders of the Cafranza-Villa fraternity not only visit the United States with impunity and associate with our Federal, State and county officials, but all officials of the government de facto are hounded and imprisoned like criminals. Is this neu- trality? Let the .American Congress in- vestigate these facts before we boast of our justice and impartiality. Whatever happens in Mexico, Car- ranza will never be President, as the American interests hope. Senator Fall may not be a friend of the existing Mexican Government, but at least he is honest and fights it openly, while the Administration strikes foul and under the belt while singing psalms on neutrality. His doom was sealed. They set out to "get him." * • * And in doing it precipitated a Tciga of anarchy in Mexico. » » « Which they will foment and encourag* until they get the control they want. * * • By exhausting Mexico, destroying rf resources, damaging its credit. * » ♦ Into which diabolical plan of ruin'\- tion, so typical of our Trusts when they wage war, the attitude of Washington fits perfectly. * • * Mexico will not submit? Huerta will not submit to American financial dicta- tion? * » » Very well. Ruin Mexico! * * « While the vultures watch and wait. * • • The Administration cannot be hand in glove with the very interests whose ra- pacity we are seeking to check in this country, but why is it that the campaign against Mexico partakes so much of their methods? If the interests of a highly honorable moral code were shocked by the tragic- revolution of last February and could not approve of the personality of the Mexican Provisional President, why could not that pained moral sense have simply expressed itself by declining to recognize the Mexican Government? V/hy should that sensitive moral code noT have revolted against the national crime of ruining a friendly nation? * * * By demanding the surrender of iti sovereignty. By encouraging forces of rebellion that have shown themselves to be mere brigands, bandits, looters and ravishers. And at their best scheming politicians. By a "starving out" policy, a financial blockade, the familiar weapon of th« Trusts. * * * By the virtual threat of armed force with an army on Mexico's border and » fleet of dreadnaughts at its ports. A constant reminder to a friendly na- tion of the menace of might. And all this is a force more powerful and destructive of life and property than the revolution that overthrew the Ma- dero Government, and it is spilling blood in comparison with which the blood of Madero and Suarez was but a drop. MEXICO Saturday January 24, 1914 CONGRESSIONAL MUTTERINGS Among those who seem to believe that our mistaken Mexican policy is more of a Brj'an policy than a Wilson policy is Representative Frederick H. Gillette of Massachusetts, who spoke in the House last week on the Mexican situation and declared the Administration was "floun- dering" along in a policy the inevitable result of which was war. In the course of his remarks Mr. Gil- lette said: "Great restraint has certainly been exercised in allowing this Adrninistration unhampered scope in its foreign policy. Yet I think the policy or lack of policy of the State Department is one of the most censurable features of the Admin- istration. "I think the episode which best ex- emplifies the Secretary of State's Administration is where he arranged that the reluctant 'representatives of foreign powers should pass by and address him in formal procession while a cinematograph preserved the spectacle for the delectation of Amer- ican audiences and the glorification of Mr. Bryan. It is not pleasant to feel that the cultivated opinion of the world is laughing at us, that to their eyes these episodes, which now are subject- ing our irregular emissaries to constant and unresented affronts from both par- ties in Mexico, where they have been flouted and outmanouvered and niade ridiculous at every turn, present a piti- ful and humiliating spectacle, and that the dignity and prestige of the nation suffers by it as well as the individuals rdirectly responsible. "Serious questions of state are not settled by remunerative lectures or by moving pictures. The first important act of this Administration rejected and abandoned a settled policy in China, and if the act was wise I suspect it was by chance rather than as a result of the thorough study the subject demanded. It was a policy of practical idealism that would enhance our national prestige and increase our national com- merce. Our long studied programrne of participation in the benefits of Chinese trade and influence was suddenly dis- carded with an arovifcd philosophical purpose which seemed popular, and America's footing in China was aban- doned. While the other nations waited to see if any stable government would l)e established there, we rushed in and recognized the Chinese republic, which the people of China were quite unpre- pared and unqualified to uphold. "Recent events seem .to prove what ■was charged at the time, that our re- versal of policy was not the result of a studious and comprehensive purpose, but was only the impulsive act of an oppor- tunist, and that, perhaps, the sigriif- icance and importance of the policy overthrown had not been adequately in- vestigated or understood." Mr. Gillette then cited the text of the Administration's note of rejection- of the Chinese loan on the ground that_ it in- volved this country in responsibility for the collection of the loan. He then con- tinued: "But if that l>€d resulted from con- victions founded on deep study, we should not have the personal representa- tive of the .Administration saying in his note to Mexico: "'The President of the United States of America authorizes me to say that if the de facto Government of Mexico at once acts favorably upon the foregoing suggestions, then in that event the Presi- dent will express to American bankers and their associates assurance that the Government of the United States of America will look with favor upon the e-xtension of an immediate loan suf- ficient in amount to meet the temporary requirements of the de facto Govern- ment of Mexico." "The two sentiments are quite incon- sistent. A politician may change his mind under emergency, but the foreign relations of a great Government should not be erratic; and we should not offer to one nation what we had just declared to another was forbidden by our prin- ciples. Such conduct excites disquie- tude, because it makes us fear that our foreign afi:airs are being conducted on impulse and not with the serious thoughtfulness and investigation which they deserve. Disquieted by Mexican Crisis. "For that reason I am disquieted by the Mexican situation. I fear that, too, was neglected until the crisis came when some action was imperative, and then the action had to be suited to the existing conditions instead of having the conditions influenced and arranged by previous careful preparation. I ap- prove entirely of the avowed purpose to have order and a settled govern- ment re-established in Mexico with our friendly and sympathetic advice, and I indorse the self-restraint which pre- vents the hotheads from rushing to in- stant war, but I greatly fear the State Department's long inaction allowed af- fairs to drift to that condition where ultimate intervention will be the only possible result of our attitude. I think myself that instead of waiting six months before outlining any policy we ought to have followed the advice of our representative on the spot and rec- ognized the Provisional Government of Huerta." Mr. Gillette then proceeded to give his reasons for believing that, in spite of his bloody record, it would have been higher statesmanship to recognize Hu- erta than to attempt to dictate the election of the ne.xt President of Mexico. "For," said Mr. Gillette, "if he (President Wilson) can dictate who shall not be President, he has equal right to dictate who shall be President. If he can eliminate one, he can eliminate all but one. Despite the noble^ words of peace, it seems to me that our policy and conduct froin the beginning have drifted steadily towards war. To recog- nize as ruler a man accused of crimes of treachery and bloodshed is disagree- able — a popularity-hunting leader would shrink from it. "When war comes it will be no excuse that the Secretary of State has delivered brilliant addresses in favor of peace. The question will not be. Has he desired war, but. Has he taken such measures as would naturally avert it? An emotional and oratorical glorification of peace is not sufficient atonement for a policy whose legitimate and log- ical result is war. "I regret to make these criticisms upon our Administration, toward which in all foreign affairs I feel the most in- tense loyalty, and I wish tlie very com- plctest success. But I am not willing to wait until the end and then say I thought so all the time. If I am wrong I shall be rejoiced. If the Administra- tion has a wise and fruitful policy, I will join in praising it. But I fear it has carelessly and optimistically floun- dered on, trusting to happy chance, and that the stern lessions which history gives us of the fate of such a policy will be here repeated." THE MAN OF STRAW. While Carranza is daily reported at various stopping places on a pilgrimage along the west coast, from Sonora south, the Nogales border headquarters of the Carranzistas are busy supplying romantic touches to the newspaper cor- respondents. Then the correspondents send the "stuff" out under the date line of the particular town where Carranza is supposed to be. The object of the Carranza crowd just now is to keep Car- ranza as much as possible in the public eye, while Villa is doing things. Also to claim perfect harmony between Car- ranza and Villa. You will notice, how- ever, that Carranza keeps the mountains and a few hundred miles between him and his dear bandit friend. Here is a sample of the "news." GENERAL VILLA PROVES HIS LOYALTY. (Special Dispatch to the New York "Herald.") San Bias, Mexico, Sunday. — General Car- ranza and his party arrived here late last night and were welcomed by several hundred Indians armed with bows and arrows. To-day he went to Polo Bampo, on the Gulf of California, halting at several Indian towns on the way, and to-night he returned here. A wire was run into the private room of Gen- eral Carranza at Navojoa Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning, before he left for this place, he had a long conference with General Villa, in Chihuahua. The latter made a complete detailed report of the capture of Ojinaga, recounting the munitions captured, which included more than 2,000 rifles, and said that he had already used the weapons by arming volunteers, who were of- fering themselves in large numbers. He also re- ported that he had now in his possession thirty- eight cannon, all captured from the Federals, and that he had taken sufficient ammunition to serve them. The chief object of the conference was to ask General Carranza for orders, in connection with the campaign to the south, to be entered upon simultaneously by the constitutional forces on the east coast, in the center and on the west. These orders were issued, and General Villa will enter at once upon their fulfilment. Of course, the nature of the instructions is not known, but the fact that General Villa asked for them is evidence of his loyalty to General Carranza. There is absolutely no wire connec- tion between San Bias and Chihuahua, so of course that running of a wire into the private room of General Carranza at Navojoa is — -just as purely imaginative as the rest of the yarn. If Huerta's hand were removed the re- sulting anarchy would put upon the Unit- ed States the burden of doing exactly what he is trying to do — pacify Mexico. The United States would have to use his methods. It would have the Villas and Zapatas to fight as well as the decent people of Mexico who would rise to repel foreign invasion. Saturday, January 24, 1914 MEXICO ELPASOGRAMS. Those who have lost all or part of their faith in the Mexican war news in the daily papers, especiallj' that which comes from border towns, will find some explanation of how the news is manu- factured from the following letter sent to tlie El Paso "Times" by a citizen of Marfa, Texas, and quoted in the EI Paso "Herald." Referring to a recent article by Archi- bold Hacquer, which was printed in the "Times" under the heading "Marfa. Or- dinary Western Village, Thrives While Refugees Come," and which charges that the citizens of Marfa are earnestly pray- ing for war to continue and that the business houses profit thereby, Mr. Payne. Secretary of the Marfa Chamber of Commerce, says: "This article is full of falsehoods and misrepresentations. Marfa is the best business town between El Paso and San Antonio, with possibly a single excep- tion. We have 45 business houses, with almost every line of business represent- ed. We have a wholesale grocery house, also a department store, each of which does an annual business that runs into the hundreds of thousands. We have two banks that have on deposit hundreds of thousands of dollars. "While Marfa business houses have sold a goodly amount of goods that they would not have sold but for the war, they have lost by far a greater amount of business from the mining, railroads and other industries that have been com- pelled to close down on account of the war. "Your inference that the citizens of Marfa arc ignorant and illiterate is un- true. I have never met with a more kind and hospitable people, above the average of intelligence, and who deplore war. strife and bloodshed more. "In an editorial in the same issue you hand yourself the whole bunch of car- nations for the 'accuracy' of your news, yet the article in question has as much semblance of truth in it as the average articles appearing in your paper for the past few weeks. One naturally expects at least a display of as much intelligence and judgment among newspaper report- ers and editors as that to be found among ordinary hack drivers, but in this case the Jehu seems to have the advan- tage. "We presume that reporters with dwarfed mentality have to send in copy to fill space. They report interviews with generals 90 miles away, while they spend their time in hotel lobbies. This is the class of misrepresentations you have been serving your readers, giving false- hoods and slander to the world, thereby causing a continuation of war, strife and slaughter. "The matter will be brought before the chamber of commerce at their next meeting to bar your paper from their files. "At a mass meeting of the citizens, this letter was authorized, and. now that your attention has been called to it, we sha!l expect a speedy retraction." W. H. PAYNE, Secretary Marfa Chamber of Commerce. The Facts About Mexico By John Rockwood Phillips. In "Pioneer Western Lumberman.' "By their fruits ye shall know them " The fruits of the Administration's Mexican "policy" are prolonged suffer- ing and disorder in Mexico. A policy of "rule or ruin." And still they call General Huerta a dictator. (Continued from our last issue.) During the progress of the Madero revolution every law of neutrality was allowed to be violated by the interests which favored Madero, and every vio- lation apparently was winked at by United States Government officials. Ap- parently no attention whatever was paid to neutrality laws until after the suc- cess of Madero was assured. The administration officers of the United States were directly responsible for the betrayal of their good friend Diaz. The only profit so far in the trans- action is with the present owners of the pipe-line privileges from the Tampico oil fields to tide water on the Gulf of Mex- ico. In the early stages of the Madero rev- olution and after his election the uncer- tainty about armed intervention was due to the difference of opinion of two financial groups. President Taft prom- ised intervention to one of them early in 1911. The other group was not ready for it until some time after Madero's accession. To the well informed student of affairs the large corporations with in- terests in Mexico apparently suffered no loss by reason of the revolution. The stock of the Mexican Petroleum Com- pany, with all its property in Mexico, in- creased in market quotations over 50 per cent, during a period less than a year. A part of the increase in value of the Standard Oil stocks was due to the sup- posed acquisition of control of this Mex- ican Petroleum Company and of the ex- pected possession of exclusive pipe-line franchises. The .American S. & R. Company stock showed no signs of losses in Mexico un- til the weakness and corruption of the Madero regime were divulged by the course of events, notwithstanding a large proportion of its income is derived from operations in Mexico. This concern closed down part of its plants for a brief period in 1911, when all of the managers of its various operations came to New York for a conference, which was one of the factors assuring the change of Tail's intervention plans. -Another group of interests which then desired intervention has said that President Taft lost his nerve. It seems to be well knr'wn in certain circles that he made promises to both sides. The American public will ask proof of the charges made in this article, and may have it from the records of our Govern- ment if the officials in charge can be persuaded to deliver them to the Sen- ate. The Senate Foreign Relations Com- mittee has part of the proof and has been offered enough more to convince the most skeptical. * * * * * * .And now, having helped to make this miserable mess what are we going to do about it? In a recent pri- vate and personal interview former President Diaz was asked: "How can the United States assist in settling the Mexican revolutionary troubles?" He said: "It is a delicate matter for one Nation to interfere in the internal af- fairs of another." When asked if he desired that the United States should recognize the Provisional Govei i.m.cnt. he replied: "Failure to recognize the established Government gives encour- agement to its enemies." Perhaps the first question for us to ask our executive is: Do you wish the disturbance in Mexico to be ended, or IS there some reason which you have not divulged for a delay on our part which will allow the present condition to continue?" European newspaper* have asserted that President Wilson har- bors a personal aversion to Huerta. In an interview with the Secretary of State the writer acquired the impression that Mr. Bryan's attitude is due to • personal opinion regarding the immoral- ity of the method by which, as he «•- sumes, the Provisional Government ob- tained control. The real question of the recognition of the Provisional Government is simple enough. Is it the business of the United States to interfere? If so has it a right to define the Mexican Constitution to suit the President and Secretary of State, who evidently committed themselves on the situation before they understood the provisions of the Mexican Constitution bearing upon the case. Having com- mitted one •error 'after another they sought some wa}' of escaping a con- fession of error, while also trying to learn the real situation from their pri- vate representatives sent to Mexico. They refused to consider the experience and views of our Ambassador to Mex- ico, who had been for years in personal contact with the situation and wha probably better than any other American knew the details of the death of Madero. They completely ignored the informa- tion and suggestions of hundreds ot .\merican business men with years of experience in Mexico, who personally and by mail and wire offered their ser- vices to the State Department. The recognition of the Huerta Provisional Government by Great Britian and the European powers was a master stroke of diplomacy at the expense of the United States, inasmuch as it placed our .Ambassador in Mexico at a decided dis- advantage, and this will have an im- mense bearing upon future business and political relations when the present Mex- ican Government shall have restored order. -An .American gentleman who traveled from California to Paris to interview Porfirio Diaz upon the subject and who returned to Washington with a personal unofficial message for President Wilson was denied an audience on the ground that the President's time was fully oc- cupied. Being referred to the State De- partment he presented his own views. which were politely received, and then he listened to a typical tirade against "you people who have property interests in Mexico. You would have the United States recognize a Government built upon perfidy and assassination; you put money above morals. This country will never disgrace itself by condoning such immorality." .And so on in a stream of words resembling the water flowing from the mouth of a bronze frog in a fountain. The visitor, realizing his in- ability to cope with the crack political orator of the continent, withdrew, but he could not avoid contrasting this in- terview with the calm, direct, simple el- oquence of the few appropriate state- ments made to him a few days before (Continued on Next Page.) MEXICO Saturday January 24, 1914 THE FACTS ABOUT MEXICO-Continued in Paris by the Grand Old Man of Mex- ico, who was designated by a former Secretary of State as the "greatest living American." It is impossible to consider this Mex- ican question without referring to the career of Porfirio Diaz, who, more th^n any other living man, contributed to the advancement of Mexico from the chaotic condition into which the Nation was thrown by the invasion of Napoleon's army under Bazaine and Maximillian in 1861. If the American public could re- vert to the good opinion of this patriot almost universally held before it was temporarily suspended by the false and malicious attacks of the financial cor- spirators, a long step would be taken towards the renewal of the friendly re- lations between the two countries, ter- minated by the misrepresentations and slanders of an inspired press agency. A careful study of the life and labors of this wonderful man will be good read- ing to all friends of government under a constitutional republic. But he was at- tacked, vilified and misrepresented in American newspapers, books, periodicals and pamphlets as if he had been an opposition candidate for President of the United States, and now the same sort of campaign is waged against Huerta. * * * It is almost certain that immediate recognition of the Mexican Government would put an end shortly to what is left of organized rebellion. In fact, there is not now in any of the Mexican States, except Sonora, any semblance of cohesive organization opposed to the Federal Government. Our American newspapers seem de- termined to publish nothing hopeful about Mexican affairs and consequently the public has a wrong conception of the substantial progress made by Huerta towards the establishment of order. If the Mexican Federal Government could have the needed money which was ap- propriated and wasted by the Maderos and which must be supplied by a loan, business thoughout the Republic could be resumed and then in due course the guerilla bands would be subdued and general peace restored. * * * We should remember that we stand today convicted before the world of helping to cause the present deplorable condition. Shall we for a personal prejudice or on a mere technicality refrain from removing the impression that our motives are still as unquestion- able as they were when we assisted the mercenary Madero to disrupt a Nation? We must remember that nearly all of the damage to Mexico and to our people there was done while Madero was in power. That the bandits gained their ascendency over the local officers of the law during the Madero regime. * * * In Mexico City, where a personal knowledge of Huerta's character and ability may be obtained, the general sen- timent of all foreigners is absolutely and positively with the Huerta Govern- ment: they feel that the Washington Government has contributed greatly to the revolutionary movement and delayed a definite settlement of the rebelliofs conditions. Americans. Europeans and patriotic natives are convinced that Huerta is the Man of the Hour, the only one with experience, determination, abil- ity and self-sacrificing patriotism suf- ficient to cope with the whole situation and restore order out of chaos. He has rnade remarkable progress in the shut time he has been in office, notwith- standing the lack of money and the lack of our moral support. Had the United States recognized his authority positively when the European powers did, rebellion would have been put down and business would have been re-established. When business is resumed the laboring people, wha are now obliged to resort to the various "armies" or to brigandage to keep from starvation, would be em- ployed and peace would be assured. There must be in some sections a slow reconstruction such as took place in oitr own South after the Civil War. We can NOW bring about this much-desired consummation and if the American pub- lic insir-t upon it the administration and Congress will be obliged to listen to our demands. And if we will forget past differences and mistakes on both sides; if we will treat Mexico as we would like to be treated; if we will give our moral sup- port as France gave us hers in out efforts to establish our own magnificent Republic, order will be restored and we will resume the friendly and profitable relations which should exist between neighbors. 1 With a definite statement from the President and Senate of the United States that obligations assumed by us under the Monroe Doctrine confer obl'- gations in return on the part of Ameri- can Republics to preserve stable Gove'n- ment administrations and protect our citizens and other foreigners, peace in all Am.erica may be assured for a cen- tury. We now present the spectacle of re- fusing to consider on our own part the obligation which we have undertaken to impose upon Europe regarding Amer- ican Nations. We are making ourselves ridiculous in the eyes of Europe and appearing as hypocritical violators of our conceded obligations to our Mexican neighbor. Under our new tariff bill, now that it has become a law, Mexico and Cuba can furnish, with our financial help, all of the cattle, sheep and sugar necessary to be imported for many years to come. There are so many products of Mexico needed by us and so much of our manu- factures required by her citizens, that a real reciprocal business arrangement could be advantageously established be- tween us more practical than is possib'e between any other two Nations in the world. We can restore peace in Mexico witi) a word. We can resume friendly busi- ness relations quickly and profitably and contribute to the advancement of civili- zation and universal peace in a manner more effective than all the manifestos and peace conferences of all time. Our President can do this now. NOTES OF PROGRESS. Mining operations in the state of Oax- aca are being prosecuted with energy. In the Taviche region the Las A^antanas and La Escuardra mines are producing satisfactory returns of silver and gold: and at the Conejo Blanco a rich vein has been located, which assays remark- ably well. The Compania Minera Zh- potcca, in tlie Ejutla and Ocotlan dis- NOTES OF PROGRESS— Continued. trict, is working La Golondrina with good results. This mine was famed in the days of the Spanish occupation for its output of gold and silver. The Com- pania Minera de Natividad y Anexas, and others, are exporting ore to the United States and Hamburg, as well as to smelters in the interior of the re- public. The department of communications is calling for tenders for the establish- ment of a steamship service in the Gulf of California, between Guaymas and Perihuete. The tenders will be opened with legal formality on May 11, 1914, and the successful contractor will be informed within a period of eight days. The department reserves the right to reject any tender received, when the amount appears excessive. The San Luis Potosi branch of the National bank has reopened for busi- ness. The estimated value of the henequen exported from Yucatan during 1913 is placed at $36,000,000. Several wireless operators shortly will leave for the north under the orders of Juan Manuel Flores Trevino. They will erect stations in Monterey and San Luis Potosi. Torreon already is equipped with a wireless station, and one of the outfits recently arrived will be installed there. Business conditions in Guanajuato have improved lately, due to the circula- tion in considerable amount of one and two peso bills of the National bank. The Guanajuato State bank also had received $50,000 in fifty cent pieces. — Mexican "Herald." The increased area of land in Mexico devoted to the growing of cotton, and, parenthetically, the boom in that indus- try in lower California, is indicated in the December report of Collector of Customs Elliott, and shows the value of imports from Mexico for the month to be $160,797. . Of this amount half is from cotton that crosses the line at Calexico. Dur- ing X^ovember Mexican imports over- topped those of any other country whose products were landed at the port of Los Angeles, reaching the un- precendented figure of $268,704. Total collections for December are $90,595.69; imports, $518,530; exports, $83,983. With Mexico leading all otl.er countries in the matter of imports, the next highest is Japan, $72,861; Germany, $57,493; Brazil, $39,711; Chile, $36,675; and England, $26,299. Exports to Mex- ico lead the column with figures at $50,- 06.5; England. $13,879: France, $9,180. — Los Angeles "Times." Saturday, January 24, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From Nortli, South, East, West and All Angles. THE MEANING OF "HUERTA BE DAMNED." Claims aggregating not less than $500,- 000.000 gold will, sooner or later, be filed against Mexico by the United States and the nations of Europe and Asia, for indemnity on account of mur- ders and outrages against foreigners in Mexico, and destruction of property owned by foreigners. Of these claims, at least 10 per cent, or $50,000,000 gold, will be legitimate, and must be paid if Mexico is to retain her place among the nations. Mexico will be willing to acknowledge the justice of perhaps $2,500,000 of the claims, without further contest than may be involved in official investigation and report. The United States and other powers cannot afford to refrain from pressing their just claims to conclusion. There- fore, assuming that the claims that will be originally filed will be scaled down to 10 per cent, by foreign or internation- al tribunals, after thorough investigation, and that the great bulk of the actual losses will ultimatel)' be borne by the unfortunate individuals who have been caught and stripped in the revolutionary storms, the governments of Mexico and the other powers will still be nearly $50,000,000 apart upon their estimates of just claims due. Mexico is not bankrupt by a Ions' ways, but the present government of Mexico is bankrupt, and has been forced to default on interest on national bonds Mexico's income from external sources has been greatly reduced by reason of the stoppage of commerce and industry. Mexico's income from internal source.s is a forced income, tliat is ruining the country in the process of forced collec- tions, and that will cripple all commer- cial and industrial activities and financial institutions for a long term of years, extending long after Mexico recovers a degree of social and political stability. The day of accounting must come. Mexico is plunging downward into greater distress and greater disaster. What is the Government at Washing- ton doing to avert the grand crash, the return of unbridled chaos? ANY GOVERNMENT IN MEXICO IS BETTER THAN NO GOVERN- MENT. Has Washington fully comprehended the importance of this dictum of funda- mental justice and common sense? The real revolution in Mexico is yet to come — yet to be sprung. Mexico has seen no real revolution yet. These hav4 all been mere curtain raisers. Time and mistaken diplomacy have been, and are, educating more and more people in Mexico all the time to habits of destruction. Disemployment breeds hunger, hunger breeds violence, violence breeds anarchy. MEXICO'S GREATEST TROUBLE TODAY IS ECONOMIC, NOT PO- LITICAL. Has Washington fully comprehended the real underlying basis of Mexico's sad plight today? Are we not, as a matter of fact, doing our best to accomplish Mexico's eco- nomic destruction, while ostensibly fur- thering her political emancipation? The hungry man, out of work, is not always a devoted student of Plato, or a stoic philosopher. The revolution in Mexico is just be- ginning. In expermicnting upon the patient with a new cure for chickenpox, we may kill the patient. A noble contribution, by llie patient, to science, but of doubtful credit to the physician. BUDDHA TEACHES THAT PER- FECTION COMES ONLY WITH TOTAL EXTINCTION. IS PRESIDENT WILSON, IN HIS ATTITUDE TOWARD MEXICO, SEEKING TO DEMONSTRATE THE WISDOM OF THE TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA? It used to be said that "there is joy among the angels over one sinner that repenteth." President Wilson and Sec- retary Brj'an have set up a revised version in the bible diplomacy as relating to Mexico: "There is joy among the angels over every slip of the sinner cowards the abyss of final ruin." — El Paso •Herald." ^ THE BUZZARD. Instead of welcoming our benevolent intentions, most of the Latin-American press are alarmed at our President's ex- tension of the Monroe Doctrine and tremble at the suspicion of North Amer- ican interference in their aflfairs. The whole press, from the great "Prensa" of Argentina to the smallest sheet in Mex- ico, raises its voice in indignant and passionate clamor, echoing the plea.) made by Prof. Hiram Bingham, of Yalr. and by Major Cassius E. Gillette, U. S. A. They approve the words of this re- tired soldier, that when Latin America realizes w-hat President Wilson has done to Mexico under his unwarranted exten sion of the Monroe Doctrine, some ot their artists will paint the Bird of Free- dom, not as an American eagle protect- ing a brood of young republics, but as a huge black buzzard, standing on Pan ama, with the tip of one wing over So- nora, and the other over Tierra del Fuego, with every feather dripping beau- tiful words and crude petroleum. Upon our examination of the South American papers we disco\'er that this has already become the conviction of Latin-Ameri- can publicists. — "Literary Digest." NO INTERVENTION— EDISON. Thomas A. Edison, who has always taken a keen interest in the aflfairs of Mexico, said the United States Govern- ment should not intervene. "Why should the ."American people," he said, "be compelled to pay for the maintenance of an army in Mexico to protect the properties of a few men who got concessions and went in there for their own profit? This dollar diplomacy will soon be a thing of the past. Gov- ernments are not supported by the many to protect a few, and the sooner some of the few realize it the better." — New York "Times." little jokes about Mr. Bryan's uncon- vential ways, and his unconscious im- portation of Nebraska methods into the State Department; but at bottom they have, in fact, a genuine liking for the man. He sincerely desires to be at peace with all the world, and that makes their tasks easier; while they have come to believe him absolutely candid in all that he says to them. This may be a nov- elty in diplomacy, but the foreign Am- bassadors and Ministers do not find it unpleasing. There is certainly no fric- tion in that quarter. And if there is any criticism, well or ill grounded, of Mr. Bryan's policy in Mexico or else- where, the sufficient answer — so far as relates to any supposed coolness be- tween the President and his Secretary of State — is that Mr. Wilson is ultimate- ly responsible for it all, and must shoul- der it all. — New York "Evening Post." MUST SHOULDER IT. It is said, we know, that the President is mortified at the ridicule which has been poured upon his Secretary of State. And -there have been many funny news- paper stories about the relations of Mr. Bryan to the foreign diplomats in Wash- ington. No doubt, the latter have their CONGRESSMAN GILLETTE'S HINDSIGHT. Congressman Gillette of Massachu- setts, in criticising the Mexican policy of the Government, attempts covering too much ground. Any question of whether Secretary Bryan has been de- voting his time to outside pursuits, either for profit, popularity or applause, is not closely connected with the one of our Mexican policy. That policy was deter- mined upon at the beginning of the ad- ministration, and was briefly but clearly announced in the declaration that "un- der no circumstances" would the con- stitutional provisional government of Huerta be recognized at Washington If the Secretary of State has been guilty of any neglect of ofificial duty while follow- ing the Chautauqua routes, it can not b-; fairly claimed that anything he might have done could have changed, or in any way modified, the Mexican policy, which was well settled as one of "watchful waiting" before the Chautauqua season began. Mr. Bryan could both watch and wait as well on the circuit as in Wash- ington. There has really been no prob lem in a policy which, emphasized in the call upon all Americans to get out of that country, has awaited the certain downfall of the Mexican Provisional Government through the withholding of United States recognition. If there is now an onerous responsibility attaching to anybody for the steadfast pursuance of such a policy, it is impossible to dir- criminate between the President and the Secretary of State in charging it. Nor is Mr. Gillette much more happy in his insinuation that the policy of this administration has been dictated by a desire to reverse the policy of Mr. Tafl. for partisan reasons. We do not be- lieve Mr. Wilson to have been actuated by such a motive. The policy he has chosen to follow is not more a reversal of the policy of Mr. Taft than it is a re- versal of the policy of all of our Presi- dents preceding Mr. Taft, after Mexico and the other Spanish-American republics became independent States. That policy was, unbrokenly, to recognize as the government of any one of those then turbulent countries the regime found to be in office under constitutional forms. MEXICO Saturday January 24, 1914 In pursuance of this policy we consis- tently recognized Juarez in Mexico while his authority was being defied by force of arms, and after him Lerdo, and after Lerdo Diaz. Withholding the rec- ognition of the United States from Diaz would have made impossible the quarter century of prosperous peace Diaz gave to Mexico. Diaz, no more than Huerta, could have maintained himself urider such a cloud. That question was raised at that time. Our recognition of Diaz minimized his difficulries and soon tran- quilized the coimtry. This late reversal of the historic American policy in Spanish .\merica has been as plain from the beginning as it is now. It lessens the strength of Mr. Gillette's position that he has waited u"- til the foreign holders of Mexican bonis are confronted w'ith a default of inter- est on such securities, through appropri- ation of customs receipts to military ex- penditures, before making protest. It leaves him open to the charge of n n\ making an attack calculated only to force the administration into aggressive military action in Mexico for a speedy restoration of national solvency. The same public opinion which justified the official call on Americans in Mexico to run for their lives should now, logically, justify advice to foreign holders of Mex- ican bonds to whistle for their money, or to call upon their own governments to enforce its collection through the seizure of Mexican custom houses and their receipts. — St. Louis "Globe-Dem- ocrat." AN AMERICAN PICTURE OF HUERTA. The American friends who met me at the station in Mexico City drove me up Calle del Puente de Alvarado (the scene of the fabulous pole vault made by Al- varado in 1521) to the aristocratic Bach's restaurant. Imagine my satisfaction and amazement at finding the notorious (I am convinced now that he is that) Huerta sitting at the next table to ours. He was surrounded by six of his friends and "private guards." I had a full face view of him and examined him carefully. He is much handsomer than any pictures I had seen of him. He strikes one as being more a figure of the "tented field," one used to "roughing it." than a man used to a refined and ennobling environ- ment. Yet by his quiet and deliberate manner he displayed a personality far greater than any of the forces that had produced it. He looks the leader, the possessor of "kingly thoughts." the ge- nius who knows neither hatred, fear nor vacillation. .\s he left' he passed close to me and looked me square in the eyes. From his expression I judged he was thinking to himself. "Another of those meddling Yankees!" — J. N. Darrow in New York "Sun." PUBLIC OPINION-Continued the Senator had amplified his remarks. He had simply declared: "How do you expect peace when a nation is deliberate- ly inciting our neighbors to war with us?" He added that the policy of Pres- ident Wilson is a sincere one; that he is anxious for peace, but that it must be peace with honor. If the dread alterna- tive presents itself of losing peace or honor, honor must be retained at any cost. These remarks might have been re- garded as academic by some. Others might have picked out some particular nation that "is deliberately inciting our neighbors to war with us." Hobson would have at once concluded that the Senator had Japan in mind. Pindell of Peoria might have feared that Russia would misinterpret his sponsor's re- marks. So in order to make everything clear, the Senator, after acknowledging the congratulations with that grace that has made him famous from sea to sea, stated unequivocally that his reference distinctly applied to Great Britain, and he used the conduct of Sir Lionel Car- den as proof of the deliberate intentions of that country. He accused the British Foreign Office of a false explanation of Sir Lionel's attitude. .\ bad half hour must have followed tor .\mbassador Page, while he was ex- plaining to the British Foreign Office just who Senator J. Ham Lewis really is and the discount that his utterances are subject to in his own country. His mis- sion there, as a delegate to the Seamen's Conference, was also explained and the suspicion that he might be another per- sonal, confidential agent of the president was removed. This proof was easy, for the personal and confidential agents of the President do not attend luncheons, and they are noted for their taciturnity. They do not even trust the immediate members of the President's own house- hold, but insist on talking to the Presi- dent in a sound-proof cabin of a Gov- ernment cruiser. Mr. Page might have intimated that somebody had spiked Sen- ator Lewis's grape juice. Whatever means he employed. .Ambassador Page somehow relieved British anxiety and the plans for the celebration of the cen- tenary of English-American peace will proceed the same as if Senator Lewis had not spoken. We trust the incident may be valuable in convincing Repre- sentative Moon of Tennessee that there is still need for our maintaining diplo- matic representatives abroad. Otherwise Senator Lewis might go to England and start a war at any time. But if any na- tion has been inciting our neighbors to make war on us. it has signally failed. — St. Louis "Globe-Democrat." BRITISH WAR AVERTED. Although the peace-loving make-up man placed in an obscure corner of the paper the cablegram describing the "peace with honor" speech made by Sen- ator James Hamilton Lewis at an .Amer- ican Club luncheon in London, readers felt keen anxiety until it was learned that the incendiary utterances kindled no international conflagration. While the speech is said to have created a furor among the speaker's compatriots and fellow-diners it apparently caused no rip- ple in the life of Great Britain. The diners "grasped the Senator's hands and congratulated hTm." Not being Latin- .'\mericans, none of them embraced him. This demonstration came before AN AMERICAN IN MEXICO. To the Editor of the New York "Sun" — Sir: I have lived in peace and amity in the Zacualpan section of Mexico for six years. When the "Sun" published a sketch map showing Iguala in the posi- tion of Teloloapan, away off from the railroad, which it has extended from Bal- sas through Chilpancingo to Acapulco, I feel obliged to say that while a trav- eler could get to Iguala on a railroad car, he could not pass Balsas in that con- veyance, even though he were a special emissary. Your "field of Zapata's activity" on the map printed shows possibly the field that he wishes he could cover. He is pretty closely confined to the State of Morelos. with occasional incursions, seldom over thirty miles, into Puebla and Guerrero. In Morelos he sticks to the mountains, raiding haciendas when he can gather men and feels quite certain that there will be little resistance. Military trains pass over the main railroad line every few days, and passenger trains from time to time. Zapata does not dominate even the State of Morelos, as we who live on the border of the State know. In Guerrero bands of free lances have been operating with profit, except when the Federals caught up with them. These patriots have dominated possibly one- third of the State. They are not in league with Zapata and are reported to have fought him. This is quite credible, for one of the leaders. Romulo Figueroa, seems to try to act as a civilized person and to endeavor to restrain his follow- ers from the barbarous cruelties prac- tised by the Zapatistas. In the State of Mexico the only trouble has been caused by raids from Morelos and Guerrero. The people of this section are in favor of peace, and do not care especially what the name of the Chief Magistrate may be; they do not fight on either side, except to defend their homes from looting. If the Zapatistas are in league with Carranza the rank and file do not know it. I was their prisoner for some hours and I talked with as may as I could to find our what their ideals were. I imag- ine that Zapata gets all that he can from Carranza, and that Carranza makes all that he can out of Zapata's rebellion. Zapata is the only really consistent rebel in the field, as he has fought every gov- ernment from that of Diaz to the present day, and got arms and money through one side or the other when he needed them. It may be that Mexico has no govern- ment, as Mr. Wilson seems to believe, but the impression here is much to the contrary. Since General Huerta has had a free hand we have been returning to days of peace, and we much doubt whether any other Mexican, even if elect- ed President by President Wilson him- self, could govern as well as General Huerta has done under extremely diffi- cult circumstances. Do the people here, upper, lower or middle class, want dem- ocratic government? Live here some years, learn the language, talk with men of each class in widely separated places, and you will find that no one wants or dreams of having a trulj' democratic government, not even a government as democratic as that of the L^nited States. Is it the divine duty of the United States to force constitutional govern- ment on these people; to spend Ameri- can money and lives in the task? No one who lives in central or southern Mexico will be very enthusiastic about it, I fear, and perhaps those who live in the northern part of the country would prefer that the Mexicans arrange their government to suit themselves, without interference, divine or otherwise, direct- ed from the United States. AMERICAN. Zacualpan. Mexico, January .■?. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: I am very familiar with conditions a factions, not only in the southwestern part of : United States, but in Mexico as well. To st with, as a matter of fact the peopl extreme northeastern part of the country know little as to Mexican affairs and conditions ani as the old saying is, "One needs to travel u: live and learn." (Continued on next page.) rhe Saturday, January 24, 1914 MEXICO 11 There was a time, before I became thoroughly acquainted with facts and conditions, that 1 was aggressively opposed to the recognition of the Huerta Government, and no doubt there arc thousands of people in this country to-day who are opposed to its recognition, purely because they do not know the truth. The old saying is : "A fool never changes his mind." 1 do not credit myself with being the wisest individual in existence, but I do take upon myself to say that the only course left for this country, if we desire peace and to avert further great expense, is to recognize the Huerta Administration. Henry Lane Wilson certainly understood Mex- ican affairs and his recommendations to the Presi- dent should have been taken. From direct information these men. Villa ftnd Zapata, are nothing more than an extremely lUit- •erate bunch of bandits, but cunning enough to play on the uneducated peon, constantly keeping him misinformed. Due to the actions of the wretches there is untold suffering among all classes of society, and the outcome is that Mexicans not desiring- war or trouble have been driven to des- peration through hunger and deprivation. A sentimentalist cannot control Mexico. It takes a fearless man with a backbone of steel, like Huerta. The Mexicans are a different race of people than we of the north, and the only way that peace will ever be restored is to have this kind of a man at the helm of the Mexican Gov- ernment. It appears to me that President Wilson has got his foot deep into it and does not know whether he is going or coming, or what to do in order to bring about peace in Mexico, and at the same time land the credit of same to the Dem- ocratic party. Kansas City. J. E. D. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir : If this country is ruined and for- eigners suffer with their property and lives — the "policy" of President Wilson will be responsible for it. The only "policy" apparent to us who live here is a personal and blind antipathy to Presi- dent Huerta and a desire to see him "down and out" at any cost rather than show any evidence of friendliness or practical help to a distracted coun- try, torn by internal dissensions. The President of the United States has apparently been the un- conscious catspaw of the grafting Madero regime in their lust for revenge and would-be reassump- tion of power ; and they in turn are backed by financial interests in the United States who have been the mainstay of the so-called "constitution- alists" in their work of ruin and blood-thirsty de- struction in the northern part of this Republic. Why is it that no great newspaper in the United States is decent and broad enough to give the Gov- ernment of this country a chance? Why do they always favor the plunderers, the looters, the de- spoilers of women? You remember how the papers willfully distorted the fact of President and Mrs. Huerta opening 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU iQie MUNSEY BUILDING iqic I^IO WASHINGTON, D. C. *^^^ Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sujar legisla- tion. Chapultepec Castle for diplomatic receptions, etc., this winter into the "hiding" story. They don't even take advantage of their right to live there — but reside in an unassuming house in the suburb of Popotla. President Huerta is too democratic, and has been too busy to have time for many society stunts; but when occasionally he does at- tend some function or other he is always exceed- ingly genial, and his dry wit and keen sense of humor keep things humming. Of one thing you may be sure — no matter what comes — there will be no "hiding" about Huerta. He's as brave ai a lion and serene in the knowledge of the right of his position as legal president of this Republic in accordance with Mexican law and order. He will ignore, and rightly so, the amazing demands, which only ignorance and prejudice could formu- late, of President Wilson and continue endeavoring to save his country in his own way and by his own methods. So long as General Huerta dominates the situa- tion every foreigner living in this city feels safe; but if through the moral and materal aid which the United States is constantly giving the enemies of this Government they should eventually tri- umph and bring with them to the capital and into the Administration their grafting, bloodthirsty, lawless proclvities, adios to individual safety, to general prosperity and peace for many a sad and bitter year to come I Yours truly, A TEN-YEAR RESIDENT OF MEXICO. Mexico City. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: In all that I read about the Mexican situation I fear there is much of rancor and parti- sanship. On the one hand, there seems to be a concerted effort to discredit the Mexican Gov- ernment. On the other, the attacks on our Gov- ernment show a blinding bitterness. It seems to me about time that the attitude of the average intelligent citizen, unbiased and with no axe to grind, should find expression. I get around a great deal and I like to think about and talk about the big topics of the day with folks I meet. Now, here's the result of my careful observation of what the man in the street, the man in the office and the man in the shop think about the Mexican situation. The younger men are inclined to talk big as lo what we would do in case of war with Mex- ico, but nine out of every ten men are against war. They can't see any reason why there should be war, and they really don't expect it. There is no feeling at all against Mexico or the Mexican people. There is just a little bit of concern about the sharpness and irreconcilability of the Administraton's attitude toward the Mexican Gov- ernment — concern that it may force issues that might lead to something that could be avoided. As to President Wilson's general policy, there is a willingness to depend on his good motives and judgment. Also the average man, who knows nothing of Mexico at first hand, feels that Presi- dent Wilson is in a position to know the facts, and therefore they are inclined to believe he knows what he is doing better than they could. I find that the average man discounts a lot of the Mexican news in the papers. In fact, many say that they are sick and tired of the Mexican rumors from day to day, and some simply don't read anything but the headlines. I find some condemnation of General Huerta on the grounds that — well, just on the general im- pression of him the papers have given. But there is at the same time a sort of admiration for htt sticking to his guns. In the mind and imagination of the average man Villa counts for more than Carranza. Many are puzzled as to why encouragement of a bandit who loots a town and kills the defenseless should seem to be the alternative to the acceptance of President Huerta. Summing it up, the average man seems to fed like this : War must be avoided at all costs. Mex- icans should be let manage their own affairs. Aj between the Mexican Government and those fight- ing it, the Government seems to be the more re- spectable and civilized and should not at leftat be antagonized by us. I think if this attitude of the average man vere reflected in the public press it would make for a better understanding generally. Yours very tnily. New York City. C. H. S. CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GUIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY. PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAMHHKI.I. 1214 Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO, 111. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1 500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Grtcias Post Office, Starr Connty, Texas $1.1)0 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. iCul out tliis order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturday January 24, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomai O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-.A.merican countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York PUBLIC OPINION. Since the Mexican situation developed as a United States problem to be solved by the present Administration we have seen the pubHc opinion of the American people as regards Mexico and our rela- tions with Vtexico pass through ma-v .-^nd various stages. We have carei'i.Uy cbserved ev':y outward manifestatio-i of it, that which has been spontaneous and that which has been disingenuous, in the press, the magazines, interviews, in the halls of Congress, and in the state- ments of publicists and men of affairs. Furthermore we have sought through all available channels of information the general opinion of the average man, which in the ultimate shapes or opposes the policies of the Government. Mexico's Tragic Ten Days and the subsequent killing of Madero and Suarez were appalling to American public opin- ion, which could not imagine such con- dition? in our own country and shud- dered to think them possible in our sister republic. The intolerable situation in Mexico that made such things possible was not as vivid in the minds of our people as the awfulness of the events themselves. This state of the public niind was immediately seized upon by the very persons connected with the Ma- d'^ro regime who had actually been re- sponsible for the tragedy as an opportu- nity for a campaign of lies and revenge to poison the mind of the public and the Administration against the present Mexican Government. How well they succeeded in prejudicing the Administra- tion is a matter of history. Public opinion remained receptive to the inspired press campaign engineered by the Maderos and their American allies until the general discussion of Mexican affairs, the increased demand for accur- ate information, "the protests of Ameri- cans in Mexico, the facts as laid before Congress by Ambassador Wilson, and the more or less direct intimations from European representatives in Mexico, amazed that American public opinion had been so shamelessly misled, brought out gradually the truth that the prob- lems of Mexico were terribly complex and were being made hopelessly more so by the failure of the United States to sauge them correctly. The Administration had already tied its hands by intimating that under no circumstances would it recognize the Government which stood between Mex- ico and anarchy. In the light of all that was being disclosed that made so obsti- nately negative an attitude untenable, the .Administration sent John Lind to Mex- ico with proposals which, however they may have been viewed by public opinion then, can hardly be mentioned now in any public gathering without raising a laugh. The mission of John Lind was foredoomed to failure, but American public opinion, however doubtfully, left the whole matter to President Wilson and John Lind and hoped for the best. Since then .'Vmerican public opinion has been at times impatient, at times suspicious as to the connection of Big Business with our attitude toward the Mexican Government, at all tim.es ready TQ agree enthusiastically with anything that the .Administration might do that would settle matters, at times skillfully led to think that .American intervention was inevitable, almost instantly to reject any such suggestion, at times amazed by the optimism of Washington, and at all times busily comparing in its own mind the actual observable murders and vil- lainies of the Villas and Zapatas with the unproven charges against the Provisional President. At the present time American public opinion as regards Mexico is infinitely better informed than it was last spring, and all our feeling of the pulse of the people convinces us that it is generally felt that in some way, either through a mistaken idealism or a blundering in- eptitude, the Administration has not only added to the troubles of Mexico, but has tied itself in a knot; that it has com- mitted itself to a course the end of which is not in sight and which may lead to consequences that should be avoided at all costs; that it is everybody's duty to support the Administration if the worst comes to the worst, but that the Administration owes it to the country to find some way out. even at the expense of idealistic theories and personal pre- judices. SELF-HYPNOTISM. There is no Mexican Government! Whenever the inevitable logic of events tosses the "high officials" of the Administration on the two horns of a dilemma — whenever in the eyes of the wjid it is incumbent upon them to ad- mit that if such and such is not then such and such must be, that if it isn't This it must be That — these puzzled officials squirm out of the situation by saying there is no issue of facts, there is no necessity of solution because there is no Mexican Government, and that be- cause there is no Mexican Government nothing that presupposes its existence is true. If their attention is called to the fact that they are not justified in international law in violating Mexican law by keeping American warships in Mexican waters except under certain conditions, the State Department blandly insists that neither international nor J.Iexican law ap- plies, because there is no Mexican Gov- ernment. V hen bondholders inquire as to the attitude of the State Department toward the Mexican Government's application of the customs duties to the internal ne- cessities of government in preference to the payment of interest on the national debt, the "high officials" say they can- not take cognizance of the situation be- cause there is no Mexican Government. There is no Mexican Government! Ye gods, it sometimes looks as if there were no United States Government — at least one capable of understanding anything about Mexico. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. GUERILLA METHODS. Nothing would please the Government of Mexico better than a concentration of all the rebels under Pancho Villa for an organized advance on the capital. Whatever success the rebels and bandits have is in guerilla warfare, swift attacks in strong numbers on small or weakened garrisons (the Ojinaga garrison had run out of ammunition) and as swift retreat when the Government troops attack in force. They never battle in the open, ac- cording to the rules of civilized warfare. If a band of rebels is cornered and it seems inevitable that it mUst give battle the band scatters among the hills and mountains that are everywhere in Mex- ico. The topography of the country presents the greatest difficulty to the operations of any but guerilla forces. The States of the North are sparsely set- tled and easily destroyed railroads run for hundreds of miles through deserts and wilderness. .Ml these conditions of brigandage and rebellion in the North are a tremendously difficult military problem, which would be doubly difficult for the United States troops if they should take over Huerta's job of pacify- ing the country. Doubly difficult be- cause they would be confronted by a united Mexico. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Ran* Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth CUmbt Slowly.—OriMitkl ProTwb VOL I— No. 24 NEW YORK, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 1914. FIVE CENTS "INTERESTING FICTION" Of the many different 'fiction stories" dealing with Mexican affairs that saw the light during the past week, perhaps the most interesting was that purporting to reveal a sinister collusion between the governments of Mexico and Japan. The sale of arins by a Japanese firm to the Mexican Government and the re- ception given the Japanese naval offi- cers in Mexico City were taken as evi- dence of the existence of a secret plot against the United States. Thereupon vivid, prominent first-page scare-headed stories were displayed by most American newspapers. A Mexico- Japanese alliance directed against the United Stales was seen to loom black and menacing on the horizon, and it was in- timated that Uncle Sam was girding his loins preparing for the mortal fray. After three days President Wilson deemed it necessary to deprecate the publication of such stories. Now, as to facts: Arms made in Ja- pan were ordered as early as April, 1913. by General Mondragon, then Mexican Minister of War. They were ordered from the Mitsui Company, because of their low cost. .\t the same time and thereafter arms were bought by the Government in other — European and American — -countries. The courtesy ex- tended the Japanese officers in Mexico is no more nor less than that extended to other naval officers who have visited the capital in the last few months. There does exist a natural sympathy between the Mexican and the Japanese people, owing perhaps to what is believed to be a common origin of the two races. Despite the asinine assertion to the con- trary by an editorialist of the New York "World," there is little doubt left in the minds of students that the Indian races which have peopled Mexico were of Mongolian stock. Many words in some dialects spoken in the south of Mexico are easily understood by Chinese immi- grants. A secretarj^ of the Japanese Le- gation in Mexico was able some time ago to decipher old Mixtec inscriptions founj in the ruins of Mitla. As recently as November, 1912, Sir Martin Conway, Prof. William Niven and Senor Ramon Mena, scientists, dis- covered only a couple of hours' walk from the City of Mexico, under a six- foot layer of dirt, the remains of a city of undoubted Mongolian construction. It is quite natural that the Mexican Government should accept the friend- ship spontaneously tendered by another nation. It is not the fault of the Mexi- can Government that it cannot express the same friendship for the Washington (Continued on next page.) No decent, responsible American citi- zen will believe for a moment that the President contemplates raising the em- bargo on arms for the benefit of the barbarians who are murdering, pillaging, and violating women and girls in North- ern Mexico. Not that such executive action would make any material differ- ence in the fortunes of these bandits and outlaws. It is perfectly well known in Washington that the embargo has not prevented Villa and Carranza and Blanco and the rest from getting across the border all the arms and munitions of war they have wanted. The shame of it all would be that, whereas for United States assistance to the very worst element of Mexicans some excuse in history might be found in the difficulty of preventing it or in the -Administration's ignorance of what these Mexicans really are and represent, the formal raising of the embargo would for all time stand as an official, delib- erate, disgraceful alliance between the Administration and bandit leaders who are a blot on civilization. It is incomprehensible. The people of this country would never tolerate such a thing. But supposing such a fatal mis- take should be mde. What would be the consequences? Let the President lift the embargo on arms to Mexico, and good-by, for an- other generation at least, to Latin-Amer- ican friendship. Haven't we told all the nations to the south of us that all we wanted in Mexico was peace? That we had no ulterior interests or motives to be served? That our attitude was one of strict neutrality, combined with a natural duty as a close neighbor of Mexico to lend our good offices in the promotion of constitutional government and order? The countries of Latin-America, with which we have every reason, moral and material, to be frank friends, have tried to take us at our word, although our subsequent actions did not bear out our protestations. They have tried to be- lieve that our intentions were of the noblest, in keeping with the "Character of our President. When finally our bal- loon of disinterestedness was punctured, when the cloak of honeyed phrases was thrown aside and we stood revealed as the would-be dictators to Mexico as to what kind of government and what par- ticular group of governors it should have, Latin-America generally nodded its head sadly and said: "More Yankee hypocrisy." Every country in the world has lis- tened respectfully to the words that have come out of Washington, expressing this or that intention, this or that ideal. Lis- tened and remained open to conviction. But the world is not so easily fooled by words. The world has believed all along that the Washington Administra- tion has set out to get control of Mex- ico. The world has known that the Washington Administration does not want to fight with arms for that control. The world has known that the Admin- istration has given its moral support to the rebels and bandits who are destroy- ing Mexico as a surreptitious means of getting that control, either through the utter exhaustion and bankruptcy of Mex- ico or the placing in power of tools of Washington. (Continued on next page) MEXICO Sattirday. January 31, 1914 AN IMPOSSIBLE ALLIANCE— Continued. Tlio world has known tliat arms and ammunition for Villa and his like liave gone from the United States into Mex- ico without any great difficulty. The world has known that American gun- ners have manned rebel guns. The world has not been blind to our actual encouragement of the rebels and ban- dits, against our protestations of neu- trality and friendship for all Mexicans. The lifting of the embargo on arms would mean nothing but the putting of an official seal of approval by the Presi- dent on the inhuman arming of assassins and outlaws in our underhand meth- od of fighting Mexico. It would be sim- ply a certification of our shame and shamelessness that would be put on rec- ord for all time, to our eternal discredit. AS MEXICO SEES IT. (Special Cable to the New York "Times.") Mexico City, Jan. 27. — Prominent Mexicans and Americans profess to be astounded at the report that President Wilson intends to lift the embargo on arms for the rebels. They say they consider this the inevitable precursor of an- archy throughout the country. One well-known politician said that if President Wilson carried out his purpose innumerable small bands of ban- dits and highwaymen would spring up through- out the country and that the United States would be forced to intervene and put them down. He also expressed the opinion that the rebels from the north would be unable to reach the south in lime to prevent conditions there from get- ting altogether out of hand after the inevitable (all of Huerta. ■ A prominent Mexican, not connected with any political faction, said : "It is not Huerta's power that .is decaying and crumbling, but Mexican autonomy. To put arms in the hands of rebels means wholesale murder. It seems that Mexico is doomed to disappearance as a nation, and it matters little whether the American rifles and bullets destroy- ing her are in the hands of Americans or Mexi- cans. The fact remains before all the world that these bullets are American." Mexico City, Jan. 20.— Paradox though it may seem. Gen. Huerta would like to see the United States lift its embargo on the sale of arms to Mexican rebels. The dictator realizes that such a change of policy at Washington would ma- terially strengthen his hold upon certain fac- tions which at times show signs of wavering. Indeed, with the United States openly on the side of the rebellion, many factions now estranged from the usurper could be counted on to come out in his support as a matter of patriotic duty. So it is announced from authoritative sources to-day that Huerta will have no protest what- ever to make to the prospective proclamation of President Wilson. The sooner such an ulti- matum is issued the better will the dictator be pleased. In view of this phase of the situation, many prominent Mexicans are inclined to believe that the intimation of the State Department's inten- tions in this respect is merely another "Wash- ington bluff." They do not think that President Wilson will ever persuade himself to take such an advanced stand. It is the opinion here that the rebels have been getting all the arms they were able to pay for from America all the time. For this reason, the lifting 'bf the embargo, it is said, would not materially aid them, and at the same time it would prove extremely likely to cause a reversion of sentiment in Huerta's favor. — Nev/ York "Sun." WHEN IS A BANDIT? By James Hazen Hazard. For some months past Maximo Cas- tillo, a bandit leader, has been operating in northwestern Chihuahua, his "opera- tions" being raids on ranches and mines, liold-ups, blackmail under" threats of death, dynamiting of railroads; in other words, he has been doing in miniature what his fellow bandit Pancho Villa has done on a larger scale. Maximo Castillo and Pancho Villa have been enemies, rivals in the occupa- tion of bandit, for a good many years. They have been rivals in the same sense as New York City gang-leaders are ri- vals in criniinality, each jealous of the other's proficiency and prestige as a bad man. As recently as six or seven months ago they were about on a par, hiding in the hills with their bands, occasionally strik- . ing like a snake wherever they saw a chance for loot, hurling defis at each other and each hoping that something big in the way of a revolution might break loose, a revolution meaning to them that some little group of swarthy men, well supplied with funds, would come to El Paso and hire him to go on the warpath in the name of the Consti- tution. It's always the Constitution. The swarthy men came to the border — well supplied as aforesaid. Fortune smiled on Pancho Villa. He was the lucky dog, whose vicious qualities made a greater impression than Castillo's. The pact was made and Pancho Villa, bandit, became "General" Villa. rebel. Poor Maximo Castillo went back to his hills and thought it over. With the gracious assistance of his "constitutionalist" employers, the finan- cial backing of his American "friends," . and the kindly support and encourage- nient of the Washington Administration, Pancho Villa, rebel, gathered about him every able-bodied person who would rather loot and rape than work for a liv- ing — and it happens that there are many of that stamp in his bailiwick. Fortune continued to smile upon Pancho Villa, • while the darkness of crime and anarchy frowned upon Chi- huahua and Durango, in the wake of his marauding outlaws and cutthroats. He entered upon a career of destruction and infamy that was breath to his nostrils. The records of his villainies has not been even partially set down, but enough of his murders and worse became known on this side of the border to cause a shiver of horror in our pe^ople. Then the swarthy men who do not fight, but who plot along the border and in Wash- ington, got busy. Somehow, some way, by hook or by crook, they must whitewash this Fran- kenstein. Their efforts were pitifully fu- tile. Finally some one got the inspira- tion that much would be forgiven the impossible Villa if it were made to ap- pear that he was a bad man against his will. So they concocted the j'arn that when he was a young man he shot and killed a Federal officer to preserve the INTERESTING FICTION"-Continued Government. You cannot compel an en- emy to be your friend. It must be said, however, that the Mexican Government has taken pains to show its good will toward all Americans, and this in spite of the bitter hostility evinced by the Washington officials. Which is much to the credit of the Huerta Government. That the Japanese themselves are no more friendly to the supporters of the Government than to the rebels is dem- onstrated by the fact that Japanese — as well as Americans — are manning rebel guns. It may be that the Japanese Govern- ment at the present juncture has deemed it useful to display a marked enthusiasm in its relations with the Mexican Gov- ernment in order to force the Washing- ton Administration's hand in the Cali- fornia land question. It may also be that the Japanese scare story was inspired by some official in Washington in order to create a senti- ment of hostility in the people of the United States against the Huerta Gov- ernment and justify in a measure the proposed raising of the embargo against the exportation of arms. All this and more may be — but the fact remains that the Mexican Govern- ment as well as the Mexican people are friendly to the people of the United States. All they w-ant is a square deal from the Washington Government. MEXICAN EMBASSY PROTESTS. Washington, Jan. 29. — The following statement was issued last night by the Mexican Embassy: "An effort is at present being made by an important portion of the press of the country to create the impression that the Japanese Government has been af- fording not only inoral but material aid as well to the Mexican Government by supplying it with munitions of war. "While Mexico has long cultivated the friendliest relations with Japan and her people, whom it holds in the very high- est admiration, the embassy is authorized to state that the version is without a vestige of truth. The Mexican Govern- mcnl, in spite of the almost overwhelm- ing odds against which it has been con- tending, would not stoop to accept the aid of a foreign nation, however friendly, in crushing the revolt waged in the name of 'constitutionalism' against law and or- der, much less would there be any barter of concessions derogatory to the na- tional honor." Saturday, January 31, 1914 MEXICO WHEN IS A BANDIT?— Continued. honor of his favorite sister! He had to flee for his life and live in the moun- tains as a bandit, not because he wanted to but because the "system" had forced him into this life. This piece of "inter- esting fiction" was flashed all over the United States and the Constitution was saved I .As a willing tool of the Washington "moralisls" he has been very success- ful in helping them justify their "watch- ful waiting," while hundreds of human lives have lieen sacrificed and millions in property destroyed or "confiscated." Meanwhile he has become rich, very rich, by the simple process of issuing fiat money and forcing it on the people of Chihuahua in exchange for Government currency and bullion. The deposits in El Paso and New York banks have been materially increased by his success. Pancho Villa believes in looking out for the rainy day. We had almost forgotten Maximo Cas- tillo. When he heard of his rival ban- dit's success he turned green with envy and was very wroth indeed. "If that miserable Pancho Villa can get away with it as easy as all that (or Spanish words to that effect) why should not I, to w-hom he is but as a rat to a rattler, not do the same, nay, ten times as well? Whether or not Maximo discussed his ambitions with any-shifty-eyed, swarthy men across the border, before his late'st activities on a large scale I do not know at the present writing. But now we read: C.W.ALRY IN DASH TO S.A.VE AMERICANS 400 Mexican Troopers Ride to Rescue of 25 Men Taken from Train. Fear Outlaws' Chief Has Killed Cap- tives. Juarez, Mexico, Jan. 28. — To save the lives of twenty-five Americans and Eng- lishmefi who are prisoners of Maximo Castillo, a bandit leader, four hundred rebel cavalrymen from Juarez to-night are pursuing the several hundred bandits in the hills of Western Chihuahua. The cavalrymen have orders to execute Cas- tillo. Castillo, with his band, invaded rebel territory a short distance south of Juar- ez on Tuesday and seized a passenger train enroute from Juarez to Madera. The majority of the passengers on the train were .American ranch owners in Western Chihuahua, who were on the way to protect their property from raids by Castillo. Warning had been given by Castillo several days ago that all Americans found by him in Mexico would be killed, and the train seizure, following the threat, leads Americans on the border and rebel officials here to fear that the lives of the .Americans on the captured train are in grave danger, if not already forfeited. Following the capture of the train the bandits burned bridges on both sides of it, and are reported to have burned the train. The rebel cavalry sent to-day has not been able to send a report of its pro- gress, and the four hundred men sent NAILING THEM A short, stout man, swarthy of face, with a stubby gray mustache, wandered into a news- stand near the Willard and began browsing over the evening papers. Suddenly he gave a start. My God! I am shot!" he cried. Then he gripped the newspapers nervously and began to read excitedly an account of the shooting in the City of Mexico of Gen. Fernando Gonzales and others implicated in a plot against President Hucrta. The excited man «;as Gen. Fernando Gonzales himself. — Washington special despatch to New York "Times" of January 28. On the 27th, the "Times" as well as all the other papers of the country had a detailed account of a colossal con- spiracy in Mexico City against Presi- dent Huerta, which had been "throt- tled" by wholesale arrests and execu- tions. The names of dozens of oromi- nent M-exicans were mentioned as in- volved. The 4,000 police of Mexico City were in the plot, according to the vora- cious — not veracious — chroniclers. There was just about as much truth in this conspiracy story as in the shoot- ing in Mexico City of the man who read about it in Washington. Since its pub- lication it has all dribbled down to the fact that two more or less prominent Mexicans have been arrested for some- thing or other. President Wilson is quoted as telling the Washington correspondents the other day that the rumor of a proposed landing of American marines for an ad- vance on Mexico City was "interesting" fiction. We have referred to all the lies, misrepresentations, distortions of truth about Mexico in our newspapers as fic- tion, but "pernicious" rather than "in- teresting," for this fiction is helping in- tentionally or unintentionally, to de- stroy the life of Mexico as a nation, to alienate all the countries of Latin-Amer- ica who see themselves as unjustly treat- ed by just such fiction, and to arouse last night are supposed to have gone into the hills after the bandits. So Maximo Castillo is still only a ban- dit and his dear enemy, Villa, has be- come a dignified "rebel," protecting .American lives and enforcing law ' and order! I ask, "When is a bandit not a bandit?" The only answer I can think of is: "When he is in a position to buy goods and provisions in fifty-thousand dollar lots from the merchants of El Paso and other border towns. When he is. in partnership with Americans on the border in the sale of thousands of heads of stolen cattle. When he has friends of the Mexican Constitution in Washing- ton.-' Never mind, Castillo. You may get in on that Constitutional open sesame some day. Who can tell? the distrust of European powers who see in it ulterior motives. No wonder our foreign relations are in a muddle. It is time for the Administration to call a halt on this "pernicious fiction" habit, which is becoming chronic. OF COURSE HE'D LEAVE. ".Should General Carranza become President he would receive my support and I would obey his commands," said General Villa. "As proof of my loyalty and as evidence that I have no ambition to become President, I would leave the country if he ordered me to do so." It would not surprise many who know Villa's character if he left the country without orders. On the floor in the front room where he stood were sixteen bags, each containing ten thousand Mexican dollars, and on the window sill were half a dozen newly purchased diamond rings glit- tering in their plush boxes. The coin was pur- chased from the banks in El Paso for use in Chihuahua, where silver has been scarce, anc. the rings were gifts from various rebel command Villa, who a few months ago did not have a sou, has by cattle thieving, hold- ing for ransom, looting and blackmail made close on to a million dollars, muc't: of which is "salted away" in New Yor> banks. This is more money than VilU ever dreamed of possessing. It is no' very likely that he will risk it in th< cause of "constitutionalism." "You cat have the glory," he says to Carranza "I've got the swag." NO WIRE TOLLS ON THESE. In the New York "Times" of Januarv 30th appeared the following: Juarez, Mexico, Jan. 29.— The war chest o! the rebels under Gen. Francisco Vlila is said tc contain $.0,000,000 Mexican money. In addition to this cash for carrying on the revolution, they say they have a vast amount of personal prop- erty, stores, cattle, and land which belonged to wealthy families and was confiscated. The cash represents part of the wealth ob- tained within six months under the direction of Villa. ll was accumulated from forced loans on banks, merchants, mines, on the Terrazas and Creel families, and import duties. Rebel leaders said it would be impossible to estimate the actual wealth of the revolution, but that if they could get cash for the properly now in their possession the proceeds would be sufficient to run a government in the rebel territory for several years. The mines and smelters are reopening on terms by which the rebels obtain 10 per cent, of the profits. The money now in the rebel treasury is to be converted into a new issue of currency to replace various kinds of paper money now in circulation. In the New York "Herald" of the same day we read the following: (Special despatch to the "Herald.") Culliacan, Mexico, Thursday. — Five million Mexican dollars received up to to-day is the amount of cash which the rebels under General Villa possess to conduct their revolution. The cash represents part of the wealth obtained within six months under the direction of General Villa It was accumulated from forced loans MEXICO Saturday, January 31, 1914 ten per is to be NAILING THEM— Continued, on banks, merchants, mines, on the Terrazas and Creel families, and from taxation and im- port duties. Rebel leaders said it would be impossible to estimate the actual wealth of the revolution, but if money was realized on all the property now in their possession the proceeds would be suffi- cient to rini a governemnt in the rebel territory for several years, and the sources of revenue are increasing. The mines and smelters are ropening on terms by which the rebels procur cent, of the profits. The money now in the rebel treasur converted into a new issue of currency to re- place various kinds of paper money now in cir- culation. Juarez, in Chihuahua, and Culiacan, in Sonora, where Carranza is supposed to be, are distant eight or nine hundred miles, with no direct rail or wire com- munication. The "Times" receives the very same dispatch from Culiacan the precise moment the "Herald" gets it from Juarez. We more than suspect that neither paper paid wire tolls for the despatch from either place, or from any other place. It is much more likely that the "de- spatch" was born right in New York. That's how much of the Mexican "news" is manufactured. THE CAKE OF AMBITION. Pancho Villa declares that he does not want to be President of Mexico and is in perfect accord with Carranza. There is no reason to doubt Villa's words just at present. At least, we can readily believe that the aim of both leaders is a common one. But we wish to recall to our readers the little story about the Association of the Cake pub- lished in one of our previous numbers. The boys forming the Association of the Cake were always in perfect accord while engaged in plotting to get the cake. The disaccord and the fighting among themselves took place invariably after the cake was in their possession and it had to be divided. For the present Carranza is in posses- sion of Sonora and Villa controls Chi- huahua, each undisputed in his posses- sion. But if they should capture the cake — the central power at Mexico City — what then — GRAFT. (By Telegraph to the N. Y. "Tribune.") El Paso. Tex., Jan. 29. — Bernardo Ca- lero, brother of Manuel Calcro, ex- Mexican Ambassador to the United States, has been tried by court martial by rebels at Matamoras and sentenced to be shot. Calero was accused of being a Huertista spy. He had been ordered from Sonora by Carranza. When he crossed to Matamoras he was arrested and his trial and sentence followed. Federals here say that appeals will be made to the United States to save Ca- lero's life, but rebel officials say the matter is not one for outside interfer- ence. Sonora Constitutionalist officials have started a financial panic in the large American mining camps in that state by repudiating unsigned rebel money, which Monday evening last, when the Presi- dent consulted with the Senate Commit- tee on Foreign Relations, the Secretary of State being conspicuously absent, may go down in history as a momentous moment for the nation. It is not denied even in official circles that the discussion of our tangled foreign relations which took place in the White House devel- oped an alarming sense of an extremely grave outlook. Out of all the gloomy reports and forebodings that have since come out of Washington these general facts stand out: That the United States is singularly isolated among the civilized nations of the world. That efiforts must be made to placate them by surrenders and concessions on certain matters in dispute. That the Administration's attitude to- ward Mexico is destructive and not con- structive. That this attitude has seriously com- plicated our relations with other na- tions. That there is no assurance that armed intervention in Mexico, which means war, can be avoided if the present Mex- ican Government be destroyed. Truly a ghastly situation into which a peace-professing Administration has blundered. Early last summer a letter on the edi- torial page of the New York "Tribune" prophesied the present humiliating state of affairs as follows: Diplomacy, 'dollar or otherwise," is simply the adaptation of the means to an end. Any different conception of it is not — diplomacy. If President Wilson and his State Department have any other idea of the function of diplomacy, they might as well eliminate it as an arm of the government and establish a Bureau of Blun- ders. It is obvious to the world that whatever its strength and sincerity in other directions, the Wilson Administration is weak and wobbly as far as the effective meeting and solution of in- ternational problems is concerned. Not through bad intentions, it is true, but through good in- tentions that do not fit the conditions that arise. This has been amply demonstrated in the futility of the executive action in respect to California's Japanese legislation, which as far as I can see has accomplished nothing save an advertisement to the nations of the world that rather than fight we would be religiously reasonable even has been passing as currency. In Can- anca, the largest American mining town in Mexico, financial chaos has resulted and business is demoralized. Heads of the larger stores have been arreste'd and their release secured by the ."American consular agent only after great difficulty. The financial crisis is threatening the disruption of the rebel government. Charges of graft in connection with the unsigned money are being freely made and wholesale arrests at Hermosillo are expected. to the extent of yielding to unreasonable for- eign pressure. The President will not see it that way, but foreign nations will, and they will guide their future actions toward us accordingly. Show even a little bit of weakness in the diplo- matic game and the strong of the earth will direct their shafts to that chink in your armor. That's the elemental rule of the game. Whether or not it is moral according to President Wil- son's and Mr. Bryan's lights, is apart from the- question. A government has to deal with con- ditions as it finds them, with all due respect to ethical theories. Wilson's course in refusing to recognize the- provisional government in Mexico is another example of the brilliant work of the new diplo- macy that was to rout the dollar diplomacy of Roosevelt and Taft. Meanwliile Great Britain has shown its diplo- matic alertness by stepping in and recognizing Huerta, thereby putting itself in a better posi- tion with our Latin-American neighbors and putting us in a diplomatic hole. The interna- tional policies of the Administration are as shrewd and clever as an open-faced watch, as subtle as a sub-flower. President Wilson should realize that there is a world of difference be- tween addressing a Jersey audience on jury re- form and handling international affairs. Foreign nations do not see with Jersey eyes. For the last six months this publica- tion has week after week pointed out the inevitable consequences of the Admin- istration's arbitrary attitude toward' Mexico and the complications bound to- result in our relations witli Latin-Amer- ican countries and other foreign powers. We have reviewed and quoted enlight- ened opinion to sustain our contention. It is unfortunate that the press of the country, with some exceptions, has ob- stinately closed its eyes to facts that were obvious to all v;ell-informed ob- servers, and to which it is at this late day awakening. It is assuredly in no- spirit of boastfuln'ess but one of sorrow that we repeat here some of the things we have said in the course of the Isfst six months that the logic of events has sliown and will show to be truisms. Issue of August 23, 1913. There is a grave situation. The Pres- ident is reported determined that inter- vention shall be only a last resort. We trust he is sincere in this announcement, but when he refuses to take advantage of the first and most obvious resort to bring about peace, what are we to think? If it were not for his determined refusal to- grant recognition to the Provisional Government there would probably be no grave situation, no chance for the jin- goes to project their inflammatory utter- ances, no danger to be apprehended from the sensitiveness, the suspicion and the aroused feeling of nationality in the Mexicans themselves. August 30, 1913 What are we to get out of this whole Mexican muddle? Nothing, save uiinec- sary trouble and tension, intei;national luisunderstandings. a reputation for meddling and Inill-dozing in Latin- American countries and the ever-present possibility of being forced by our own actions into a war we do not want. (Continued on next page.) Saturday, January 31, 1914 MEXICO REAPING THE WHIRLWIND-Continued We contend that the attitude of the President toward Mexico is frauglit with grave possibilities for the people, the future and the destiny of the United States and should not be assumed or undertaken without an open, unbiased, unprejudiced mind. September .13, 1913. We all know the power of money, but it has remained for a Democratic Pres- ident, absolutely uncontrolled by financial interests, an enemy of special privilege, to call upon the Money Power to help him carry out a meddling and muddling interference in Mexico. Isn't there somebody close to Presi- dent Wilson who cares enough for him as a man, and supports him as President, who can and will point out to him the dangerous situation in which he has been placed by his Mexican policy? Evi- dently he has received "advice" here- tofore, but who will say that it was from any real friend? Europe is laughing at our President; Japan is smiling politely but none the less gleefully; the powerful countries of South America, Argentine and Brazil, whose ambition is to become even greater than the United States, are making capital out of our predicament; England is playing a shrewd game with the Panama Canal tolls question in mind, and the powers that be in Mexico have been so flagrantly antagonized and insulted that we can hardly blame them for resentment. This seems to be a gloomy picture of our international re- lations, but isn't it literally true? It is a strange anomaly that our Pres- ident, a thorough gentleman at heart, a model of polite cordiality in his relations with his fellow man, has seemingly given to the world an entirely different impression. What is back of all this? Is our Pres- ident being "used"? .A.re those interests who saw in him an honest enemy tying his hands by pushing him into foreign troubles he is not capable of handling? Let somebody please suggest to him the advisability, the necessity, of appointing as Secretary of State a man of experi- ence who knows and can handle foreign affairs, even though to do so it becomes necessary to create a new cabinet office lor Bryan, for instance, Secretary of Ideals and Lectures. And first of all let President Wilson come straight out in this Mexican mat- ter, admit he has made a mistake, recog- nize the present capable Mexican Gov- ernment, retire from Mexican politics and again take up his work of tariff and currency reform for which he was elect- ed. September 20, 1913 Matters have so shaped themselves that if he persists in his present course the President of the United States will be put in the unpleasant and ridiculous position before the world of refusing to recognize the Government of our clos- est national neighbor for no other rea- son save an unreasoning and purely per- sonal dislike for a man. There is too much at stake for the sixteen million people of Mexico, for the whole American people, North, Central and South, and for the nations of Europe in friendly relations with Mexico, to make any such position tenable. And that is the position to which he is logi- cally, inevitably being narrowed by the force of events. It is because these Americans who are familiar with Mexican affairs believe that the policy adopted by the Washington Administration is fraught with the most serious consequences for the two coun- tries that they are trying to bring about a change in the altitude of the United States Government toward Mexico. The Administration is reported to be fully convinced by this time that the Mexican situation is in the nature of a quicksand. It is a quicksand — but of Washington's making. The Administra- tion has all along been barely pulling itself out by its own bootstraps from hungry, yawning quicksands, and forth- with proceeding to make another and put its foot in it. Tliis can't be kept up indefinitely. Quicksands are rather dan- gerous things to play with. They are inherently deceptive. October 18, 1913. Secretary Bryan has gone to the ex- tent of saying at the banquet of the Pan- American Society a few months ago that there will not be war during the Wilson Administration. However, we repeat, he lias been courting war. November 8, 1913 Is it any wonder foreign governments with national and huge interests in Mex- ico should be appalled by the truculent dog-in-the-manger policy of President Wilson and feel called upon to give their moral support to the only government in Mexico as a buffer against anarchy? November 15, 1913 If the spirit of might above right shall prevail in our nation, if we determine to impose by force our arbitrary demands on weaker nations, is it not possible that the other strong nations of the world, shoved about and jostled in our bull-like charge, might retaliate in kind? If we should, for instance, because we have the power, destroy or attempt to destroy the nationality of Mexico, could we in reason expect any different treatment in the future from any stronger nation or coalition of nations? Force breeds force. Fire must be fought with fire. It is war. You can't get away from it. It is not conceivable that any nation would dare intervene in the affairs of an- other sovereign nation, as we have done in Mexico, unless with the intention to back the interference with arms. An Eastern tenderfoot who would go into a Western mining camp, walk up to a two-gun man and tell him the cut of his face was not a la Eastern mode, is chock- full of wisdom in comparison with the Iiead of a nation who takes the same at- titude toward the head of another na- tion — unless he's read}' with the quick drop and the hair-trigger. November 22, 1913 The interests, jealousy and opposition of foreign nations we may profess not to fear. But that is the spirit of braggart youth, not of wise statesmanship. The opening of the Panama Canal and its relation to the trade of the world puts upon the United States Government the tremendous responsibility of shaping its course in reference to the wonderful new commercial developments that are sure to follow, on a line of honorable competition with foreign nations, rather than on a greedy purpose to grab every- thing. It stands to reason that foreign nations will welcome competition but will not submit to American mo- nopoly. And if we seek to establish American monopoly by stealing the in- dependence of Central American nations we shall have to fight for it. And that means resort to arms and it may not mean conquest. The interrelations of nations and trade among nations are so complex to-day that while it is permis- sible for any nation to seek advantages over others in a competitive spirit, the attempt of any one to take an unfair advantage of the others is met and must be met with reprisals that may mean war. December 6, 1913 President Wilson may think, may sin- cerely believe, that if he accomplishes, through the bloody assistance of the bandit hordes of Villa and his kind the overtlirow of Huerta that somehow in his persuasive way he may change the nature of the beast that he has brought into life and power. But that is folly, folly that is inexpressibly dynamic in its power for mischief. There is no chang- ing the nature of that beast. A beast it is and as a beast it must be dealt with. Those many patriotic and public-spir- ited men who have worked for years to promo'e an honorable, sympathetic and mutually helpful understanding between the United States and Latin-American countries are depressed because they see their labor of years overturned in a day. The people of the United States are uncomfortably depressed, because al- though they wish to follow loyally and enthusiastically the lead and inspiration of the President they find nothing in- forming or inspiring in what he says. Foreign nations share the depression liecause they know through their diplo- matic representatives in Mexico that the Administration's policy is both an ob- struction to peace and an encourage- ment of appalling conditions in Mexico. They cannot take steps to protect their interests without antagonizing the Unit- ed States, which, of course, they do not wish to do. So they must stand by an impotent depression. The decent people of Mexico are woe- fully depressed because they realize that the Washington Administration is either Idind to the true condition of their coun- try or through some vague destiny is determined that it must be destroyed. December 13, 1913 It isn't a matter of Huerta with those who condemn the .Administration. Huerta or no Huerta, there are Mexico, the Mexican people, the interests and welfare of thousands of Americans in Mexico, the friendship of Latin-America, our relations with European nations. Certainly all these things are worthy of more consideration than whether or not Huerta is President. December 20, 1913 In order to save its face before the voters of the country the Administra- tion has been forced to take an optimis- tic view of the outcome of its unprece- dented and ineffectual methods of inter- ference in Mexican internal affairs. If this view has not actually been taken in private it has always been expressed for public consumption. The White House and State Department have dished out optimism in huge platters to the newspaper correspondents, whose duty it has lieen to pass it along to the people of the country. But the truth will out. December 27, 1913 They are still watchfully waiting. For what? "To get Huerta." That's all. Mexico can go to the dogs. Europe can fret and fume. Latin-America can cry out in protest against the Colossus of the North, the people of the United States grow sick and tired of the whole shabby business, but the Administration must "get Huerta." (Continued on next page) a MEXICO Saturday, January 31, 1914 ■fifty in Mexico. The United States, by iStaying the hand of Huerta and intrigu- ing with Carranza, is making itself re- sponsible for the continued chaos in Mexico. It is to be noted that the Brit- ish government has on several occasions taken note of tins fact. Ultimately there will arise a multiude of claimants — Eng- lish, French, German, Dutch and what not — for property destroyed. Their de- mands will be made, npt without reason, upon the United States for restoration .or recompense. January 3, 1914 Our dog-in-the-manger insistence on ■.having our own unreasonable way in dictating to Mexico has naturally .aroused a more or less repressed irrita- tion among the European nations who Jiave nationals and interests suffering by ±he prolongation of internal disorder. "This irritation has worked to our advan- tage in such reprisals as the refusal of England and Germany to exhibit at the San Francisco Fair, and the popular demonstration of hostility in Japan. Is it worth while to suffer all these material losses that the theoretical whim and the personal dislikes of the Wash- ington Administration may have their fling? We think not, and we are sure that the -sober common sense of the people, aroused to the huge blunder we have . made, in the name of a morality which -works immorality, will repudiate it. WHAT DID HE SAY? EXACTLY WHAT WE HAVE SAID. Washington, Jan. 26. — The President .-discussed the foreign affairs of this coun- try for three hours this evening with the members of the Senate Committee ,on Foreign Relations. Apparently the President's chief pur- pose in calling the conference was to impress on the Senators what he de- scribed as "the necessity" of ratifying the several arbitration treaties now pending, but when the conference got together the Mexican situation imme- diately became the chief topic under dis- x;ussion and most of the evening was de- voted to it. The Senators were, in the main, much ■.depressed by the information which the President had to impart to them, so much so and so obviously that before they left the President put them on their honor not to disclose the purport of the information tliey had gained, promising himself to see the newspaper men and to satisfy their requests for information 60 far as he deemed wise. The President gave the impression that it was his purpose to lift the em- bargo on arms for the Constitutionalist forces in Mexico. The Federals, he said, had been able to secure arms and mu- nitions of war from the outside, and the Constitutionalists should be allowed the same opportunity. Members of the Foreign Relations Committee expressed strong disapproval of this policy, but the decision, which is regarded as momentous, rests with the President. It is probable that a definite .announcement of this policy will be .forthcoming within a few days. FIRST TENOR. There has been a change in the atti- tude of most Americans in Mexico toward the "wait and watch" policy of the Wilson Administration in dealing with the Southern republic, according to Robert S. Hill, confidential agent of the Waters-Pierce Oil Company at Tam- pico, who arrived on the Ward liner Camaguey from Mexico to-day. "For a long time Americans were strongly in favor of the recognition of Gen. Huerta as President of Mexico, and were correspondingly harsh in their censure of President Wilson. But with the passing of time and the gaining of acquaintance with the character and habits of Huerta, it has dawned on Pres- ident Wilson's critics that recognition of Huerta would never have saved Mex- ico," said Mr. Hill. "Mexico is a sick country, desperately ill, and the disease of revolution will have to run its course. "We now see that President Wilson was right and we were wrong. The pol- icy of waiting and watching will result in a much quicker settlement of the Mexican trouble than any attempt to bolster up any of the present contending factions. I speak for the Americans in the Tampico region, and from what I have been told by refugees from other parts of the republic our countrymen in all parts of Mexico are coming around to the President's point of view. "In the end the Mexicans will exhaust themselves and then they will be glad to quit. If the United States is required to take any action it will be done with but little opposition. Perhaps there will be no sacrifice of American life and the chances are that Mexicans will be found co-operating with this country in restor- ing constitutional government. "Terrible things are yet to come in Mexico, for the country is surely doomed. The best we can do is to up- hold our wise President's hand and be patient. — New York Evening "Sun," Jan- uary 21. After careful and somewhat persistent questioning, the impression made on the more experienced members of the For- eign Relations Committee was that the Mexican situation had been sadly, and they fear irretrievably, bungled until it is so unfortunate that no one is willing to take the responsibility of making it known to the American people. They feel that, after all, it is an exec- utive matter, that the Chief Executive and his Secretary of State have carried on their own policy, so far as it may be called a policy, without conferring with or asking the advice of Senators and others experienced in the conduct of the foreign affairs of the nation, and that on the Chief Executive and his Secretary of State rests the responsibility of finding a way out, if possible — and, if not, of confessing failure to the people. Many Senators went to the White House hoping to Icarn something en- couraging about Mexico. Almost with- out exception, they canic away much de- SECOND TENOR. Robert G. Hill, a representative of the Waters-Pierce . Oil Company, who ar- rived from Tampico yesterday on the Ward Line steamer Camaguey, said that he had been in Mexico for many years, had known Diaz and Madero well and was conversant with conditions in the republic. He said that the Tampico bat- tles had been fought in certain New York newspapers rather than in Mexico, and that the state of affairs had been very much exaggerated. "1 was present all through the siege of Tampico," Mr. Hill went on to say, "and only sixty-four men were killed, while it was reported that many hun- dreds were slain. There is no truth in the report that the large oil tanks were in danger of being destroyed by fire. Americans who have interests in Mex- ico are of the opinion that it would have been much better if President Wilson had recognized Huerta in the beginning. Huerta has his faults and his weak- nesses, but he also has the qualifications of a ruler of Mexico. "There is only one way to rule that country," said Mr. Hill, "and that is with the iron hand of a Diaz. As a lead- er Huerta knows his countrymen. The majority of the rebel leaders are look- ing only for loot and are not fighting against Huerta on the ground of patriot- ism. At the present time Huerta is afraid that his men may desert because he has not money to pay them. Most of them are convicts and they are fighting for their wages and nothing else." Mr. Hill says that the impression among Americans in Mexico now is that President Wilson is waiting for the bel- ligerents to kill one another off, when he will name for President the strongest man left and back him up. Intervention would be a very serious affair, he said, because all the leaders would combine and fight the United States as their com- mon enemy. — New York "Times," Janu- ary 22. pressed and impressed with the entire absence of policy on the part of the Administration and the constantly in- creasing difficulties which are growing out of its drifting course. — New York "Tribune." MORE MUTTERINGS. Tliere are mutterings in Washington that the Micawber policy of waitin'g and watching for something to turn up to eliminate Huerta is to be followed soon by raising the embargo against supplying the Villa bandits with arms and am- munition. This would proclaim the United States as the open ally — it is now the secret ally — of an unspeakable miscreant. Such an alli- ance would be repudiated by the American poeple and by all the people of Europe. Mr. Wilson has found that public opinion is a power in regard to business affairs, he will find it a hun- dred times more hostile if he orders .American troops :o serve as comrades of the Villa gang of robbers and murderers. All that he thinks or says about Huerta may or may not be true, but he must consider that diplomacy acknowledges ac- complished facts, that Me-xican laws and cus- toms arc different from our own; that Huerta has established himself as the representative of all the best people of Mexico , Saturday, January 31, 1914 MEXICO THE COLD SHOULDER (By Telegraph to The "Evening Mail.") Washington, Jan. 29. — Not one impor- tant power on either continent approves of President Wilson's statesmanship. Not a single European povi^er concurs in the policy the President has adopted to- ward Mexico, and Japan, the only Asi- atic power we have to fear, is making a show of friendliness toward our neigh- bor on the south that is almost an open insult to the United States. These facts are now definitely known and the burden has become so heavy upon the President that he has sought the aid of the Senate to straighten out the tangle. He has communicated to them the fact that the great powers of Europe are opposed to his Mexican pol- icy. The only reason that England, France and Germany have been patient so long is because of the Balkan situa- tion, which is a closer menace and which is still on their hands. It is definitely known, and the Admin- istration has been so advised, that Eng- land, France or Germany, either acting in unison or one of them acting on be- half of the other two, would have taken a hand in the Mexican imbroglio long ago if the Balkan situation had been such as to permit them to enter upon an out- side campaign. Will Act Soon. Moreover, it is certain that as soon as the European situation gets into bet- ter shape — and that is expected to hap- pen soon — those countries will turn their attention toward Mexico, unless the United States shall have succeeded with its policy and peace and a stable gov- ernment are restored in the Mexican re- public in the meantime. The fact that peace societies of Europe have recently been flooding the Depart- ment of State with messages, which have also been sent to the constitutionalists in Mexico, demanding peace in Mexico, is another element that is disturbing President Wilson and points to the di- rection the winds of Europe are blow- ing. All of these messages ask for gen- eral peace in Mexico, and each contains the Spanish word for peace. They are sent by societies in England, Russia, Belgium. Portugal, Switzerland, Hol- land and Spain. But while European nations are re- straining their impatience over the fail- ure of the American policy toward Mex- ico to work out according to promises, on account of their own war specter, Ja- pan is not held in leash by any such curb, and her extreme show of friendliness to- ward the Huerta government, and her recent activity in assisting him to arm his troops, in the face of the American em- bargo against arms and ammunition, is a very disturbing element, which must be reckoned with. In spite of protestations to the con- trary, it is well known that a controversy has existed between the island kingdom and the United States with undiminished feeling through three administrations. Demonstrations against Americans have broken out in Japan with alarming fre- quency during the last year, and the estrangement has not been diminished because of the manner in which the pres- ent Administration has treated the pro- tests of the Japanese government over the California alien land laws. The failure of the Wilson policy to- ward Mexico may rest with Japan. If that nation should openly support the Huerta government, or should continue to do so surreptitiously, that will coun- terbalance the sympathy and secret aid of the United States to the constitution- alists, and Huerta will not fall. With Japanese arms and ammunition, obtained at low prices and on long credit, the govjrnment forces in Mexico could hold out against the Carranza-Villa forces for mai. ' months. While nearly every one in Washiiig- ton scouts the idea of a final break with Japan, the present state of affairs be- tween the two countries is sufficiently grave to cause apprehension that unless something is done to placate her our prestige on the Pacific Ocean will be much weakened, and our plans for the future of Mexico may be entirely thwarted, which would aflfect our stand- ing as one of the leading powers of the world. It must be remembered that America has ranked as a power in the eyes of Europe only since the Spanish war, and that before that the great pow- ers of Europe did not consider us worthy of being taken into their counsels. Asks Help of Senate. The question of how to placate Japan is one that the President has asked the Senators to help him solve, irrespective of party. It is a question which he be- lieves should be handled in a non-par- tisan manner. To the Senators the President has frankly told his hopes. He still believes that the Mexican problem will solve itself by the success of the insurrectionists and the overthrow of the Huerta government, but he does not at- tempt to conceal that it is taking longer to produce results than he had antici- pated. He has revealed the fact that the for- eign nations are making urgent repre- sentations of necessity for action by this government to terminate the warfare, and that they have lost faith in the "watching and waiting policy." It was suggested that the President might lift the embargo on the shipment of arms to the constitutionalists, but ob- jection was raised at once that while that would offset the steady shipment of mij- nitions from Japan to Gen. Huerta, it would undoubtedly serve to intensify the feeling of distrust that now exists among the Mikado's subjects. Opinion is divided on the subject. Al- though the President is empowered to lift the embargo on arms, just as he is empowered to declare one, it is thought that he hesitates to take the step on his own initiative lest it be looked upon as encouragement to the shedding of blood. One serious feature of the situation is the general belief that the Mexican mat- ter has been so handled that eventually there must be intervention by the United States, which will inevitably result in heavy expenditures of money, to which only mild protest will be made, and to the loss of many American lives. Slow Process. Another unfortunate circumstance re- garding the Mexican situation is that it is involved in the tangled skein of our general foreign relations, and that to solve the Mexican trouble it will be nec- essary to settle practically every foreign controversy which we now have on our hands. Diplomatic procedure is slow, and it may take years to do this. The Senate committee has tackled the arbitration treaty with Great Britain, and the President is bending every ef- fort to get the repeal of the clause of the Panama canal act exempting American vessels from the payment of tolls, to which England has objected. If Eng- land can be calmed down it is hoped that she will have some influence with Japan. The veil of secrecy is slowly being drawn aside with respect to our foreign relations, because the President has been obliged to seek the help of the Senate, and the country is gradually finding out what a mess we are in. Part of the mess is inherited by the Wilson Admin- istration and part of it has been accu- mulated during the last eleven months. The effort to work out the troubles will occupy the attention ot the President for some weeks, to the exclusion of almost all other business, it is believed. A LAST RESOURCE. Once again rumor has taken up the subject of intervention in Mexico and credits to some unnamed diplomat the power to enter the President's mind and ascertain by subtle scrutiny that Mr. Wilson has veered over to intervention, and that this policy will be followed soon. No one can say there will not be intervention, but certainly the policy of the United States thus far maintained will not be altered until there comes about some radical alteration in the con- ditions themselves. So long as Huerta remains dictator, and so long as the con- stitutionalists have their job cut out for them, there is no reason for talk of in- tervention to become active. The only conceivable occasion for this course would be a change of conditions below the border such as would be brought about by the success of the constitution- alists and their failure to restore peace. The work of purging the country of the anarchy that there exists must be done. This is admitted. Perhaps the Mexicans are chronically unable to do it themselves. But there is no occasion for the United States to enter upon this work at the present juncture. The time is not yet ripe, if it shall ever, unhappily, come, for the United States to send armed forces into the southern republic. .\s for entering upon a blockade of the ports and administering the customs without the consent of the Mexicans, it requires no acute discernment to see that this would be the most violent of provo- cations and an incentive to inveterate hostility by the Mexicans. It may be admitted that the task of the subjuga- tion of Mexico would not be the enor- mous one that has been commonly sup- posed. But it would be one the com- pletion of which would run through many months, and. perhaps, years. The outlaw bands that infest mountain fast- nesses and that have entire towns and villages in lea.gue with them — as was long the case with the banditti of Sicily — could carry on predatory operations almost with impunity. The pacification of Mexico would not be the immediate work of overcom- ing the federal forces — whether those now so named or their successors through a chan,ge of government — but the work of subjugation of an entire countrv in hostility to the invaders. — Editorial. Baltimore "American," Jan. 20, 1914. MEXICO Saturday, January 31, 1914 FREE ADVERTISING PERSONAL PUFFS— NO CHARGE MADE. The picturesque career of one Lorenz Spier, friend and adviser of the late Fran- cisco Madero, will culminate Monday night, February the first, when Spier, now Count de Besa (Mexican papers please copy) will blossom out as a lec- turer at Carnegie Hall. The Count be- gan his Mexican life as a purveyor of patent medicines to the oppressed In- dians, evolutionizing into a painless den- tist, advancing further to the organizer and manager of the now defunct Catholic Bank, subsequently changing into a pri- vate banker, a concessionary of light and power, a partner of one of Madero's generals in a mining venture. Shares in this mine were offered for sale to the Italians of New York at one dollar per through advertisements in the local Ital- ian newspapers. From a miner the Count changed again — according to his own statement to the newspapers — into the closest po- litical rdviser of Francisco Madero. A member of the New York junta, he Is now availing himself of the oratorical ability acquired while selling patent med- icines trom the top of a high wagon, to deliver lectures under the auspices of a Jewish Women's Association. ONE MORE FOR SHERBY. Whatever may be said of the Mexi- ■can rebels' medieval methods of warfare, ■it must be admitted that they are quite up to date in their methods of press- agenting. Due credit for this, however, must be given their legal adviser in Washington, the only Sherby Hopkins. In order to make the American public believe that they are fighting for a "cause," the rebels sent broadcast a great number of photographs showing women -and children of all ages armed to the teeth and literally swathed in cartridge belts. The usual inscription is "Mexican women fighting for the cause of liberty." What stronger argument could be found to appeal to the American spirit? Oh, Sherby Hopkins knows the psy- chology of the great public so well quali- fied by Barnum! It is true most of the women thus pic- tured look usually either scared or ex- tremely uncomfortable, but that does not matter. The picture of an armed woman is dear to the heart of the Amer- ican editor and is always sure to find its place in the columns of our publications. P. S. — Shcrb\' Hopkins does not pay for the advertising this publication gives him from time to time as one of the cleverest press agents Latin-American revolutionists have ever had. The adver- tising is absolutely free of cost. A MEETING. A meeting of the Robert Collyer Men's Club was held on January 27 at the Church House, Park Avenue, New York City, to discuss "Our Duty to Mex- ico — to Other Nations — to Ourselves." A paper was read by Mr. W. E. Car- son, author of "Mexico, the Wonderland of the South," and Mr. John McGregor delivered an address. Mr. Carson's paper revealed knowledge acquired upon investigation. Mr. Car- son made an appeal for fair play and declared that the Huerta side of the case had never been given publicity in the American press. Accurately citing facts and instances, Mr. Carson gave a vivid picture of con- ditions in Mexico, impartially "giving the devil his dues." He concluded that in spite of its defects the Huerta Govern- ment should have been recognized by the United States and supported his conten- tion with well-founded deductions. Mr. McGregor was announced by the chairman of the meeting as a man deeply interested in civic welfare, of high ideals, etc., etc. Mr. McGregor began by stating that he knew little about Mexico and many in the audience were soon convinced that he had spoken the truth but mildly. Mr. McGregor agreed with other speakers that intervention should be avoided at any cost. So far so good. But the gist of the remarks of this Chris- tian gentleman were in substance as fol- lows: "This is the greatest country in the whole wide world. We are the great- est people in the world. We have done more for humanity than any other na- tion in the world. The Mexicans are a terrible people. They had occupied Mexico about three hundred years (sic). That is the same length of time that we have occupied this country and the dif- ference between the achievements of the two people was so appalling that our duty toward Mexico is to let them alone, free to kill each other as much as they want. Our duty to ourselves is to find employment for the unemployed. Let Mexico stew in its own broth. And so on. Now while these sentiments impressed some of the listeners as rather remark- able, coming from a man identified with church work, for they revealed a com- plete forgetfulness of the commandment "Love thy neighbor as thyself," they un- fortunately reflected sentiments enter- tained by many other persons in this country. We say unfortunately because we do not see how we can pretend to be a Christian, civilized people if instead of helping our neighbor we are either in- different to its troubles or actually make these troubles greater, as we arc doing at present with reference to Mexico. Mr. McGregor evinced a deplorable ig- norance of Mexico and Mexican condi- tions, but only a trifle greater than that of the average American. He might, of course, have declined to discourse on such a subject, but that might have been too much to expect from such a civic worker. From his words any one as unin- formed as he might have thought that Mexico, like the United States, had been settled by a European immigration, that for three hundred j'ears had been streaming to its shores, of people seek- ing either religious and political liberty or supplying a great demand for un- skilled labor. Also that nearly all the Indians in Mexico had been wantonly killed — as really has been the case in the United States instead of Mexico. The speaker simply did not know that Mexico has a population almost entirely of Indians or mixed stock, descendants of races that have populated it, not for three hundred years, but thousands of years. It would be worth while making men- tion of this meeting, if it were not typi- cal of many others taking place fre- quently in this city. To the Editor of MEXICO: Dear Sir: Once more "Gen- eral" Pancho Villa has succeeded in tak- ing and sacking a small town, and as his previous exploits were viewed "with complacency" by the Washington Ad- ministration, this pure-minded "constitu- tionalist" has as usual shot his prison- ers and permitted his followers to com- mit unmentionable crimes on the unfor- tunate inhabitants who fell into their clutches. It should also cause satisfaction to those who, with President Wilson, pro- fess admiration for the cause of the ban- dits under Villa, to note that the neu- trality laws are being administered with great deference to expressed wishes of those in the highest authority, for while the fall of Ojinaga was caused by lack of ammunition on the part of the Federal troops (due to the neutrality laws) yet the beloved "constitutionalists" were able to get all they wanted from across the frontier. It is satisfactory, too, to note the fine discernment shown in connection with the treatment of the Mexicans who at one time or another have been compelled to cross the Rio Grande; for example when "constitutionalists" have been driv- en into the hands of the border patrol they are allowed to "filter back" into Mexico after a short time, so that they may continue their glorious work of loot, rape and murder, but when the case is reversed and Federal troops are taken on this side they are at once disarmed and placed under the strictest guard. All of this may be very satisfactory to "Watchful Waiting," but does it square with the conscience and sense of justice of the American people? C. U. MESTA. Baltimore, Md., January 17, 1914, Saturday, January 31, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. ARMS FOR BANDITS. The outcome • of President Wilson's long evening conference with the elder statesmen of the foreign relations com- mittee is to be, apparently, a removal of the embargo on arms and munitions for the Mexican rebels. In other words, the Administration is going to put itself back of the revolu- tionary movement of Carranza, Villa, Zapata and company; and also back of the bandit band of Maximo Castillo, the Vasquista leader, who is now engaged in the forcible expulsion of Americans from Chihuahua. In that part of Mexico two large ban- dit bands are operating — that of Pancho Villa and that of Maximo Castillo; and American residents in that region are required to pay money for "protection" to both of these gangs. The Americans' mild attempt to get along with one se- ries of contributions to the "constitu- tionalist" cause has resulted in an order to throw them out of the country, neck and crop. The suspension of the embargo on arms is likely to result in the use of American rifles and American bullets to drive Americans away from their homes. — New York "Evening Mail." .\ "muddle" the President calls the Mexican situation, and it is a muddle which he is unable to clear up. We must assume that his suggestion that the em- bargo on the shipment of arms to the rebels shall be raised is no more than a suggestion, on which he will not take action without further notice. It would be impolite to call such a suggestion a "bluff," but surely our Government does not intend to lend even the form of sup- port to the murderous Villa or to the Vasquistas of Chihuahua who have sworn to drive all American citizens out of Mexico. He would not go so far as to have arms delivered to certain favored Mexican rebels by agents of our Govern- ment, and to lift the embargo altogether would be to place .A.merican arms and ammunition in the hands of Zapata as well as Villa, and to arm the Puebla In- dians as well. The need of arms by any of these malcontents is not apparent. They seem to be able to kill ofif their enemies in their accustomed way. — New York "Times." There is no occasion for alarm. But there is need of a clear-cut, positive, ac- tive policy which will inspire the nation vvilli informed confidence and will en- able the United States to stand before the world without embarrassment. — New York "Tribune." It is not pleasant to rebuke our own government's conduct of its foreign re- lations, but it would be worse to try to mask the fact that that conduct has not for some time commanded the entire confidence of the country, and, indeed, has not led to results which the govern- ment itself regards with satisfaction. If it were not for these world-wide commotions, all of our own creation and all unnecessary, the problem which we have to solve in Mexico would be much less formidable. That is purely an Amer- ican question with which no other coun- try would wish to interfere if our poli- cies generally were just and reasonable and in harmony with our high profes- sions. As it is, there can be no doubt that the perils of that situation reflect more than the hostility of a local despot. We have too many quarrels on our hands. We are too indifTerent to the good opinion of our neighbors. We are not scrupulously faithful to our treaty obligations. We are boastful and at times menacing. Is it surprising that the President, carrying the burden of these broils, should plead for adjust- ments in keeping with the honor of the Republic?— New York "World." BLEEDING MEXICO. In Mexico, in other days, fair maidens from their windows smiled, while lovers sang their buoyant lays, describing pas- sions deep and wild. But that was in the dear old times before reformers took the helm, and filled with sorrows, tears and crimes that once serene and happy realm. In Mexico, some years ago, the mother rocked her child to sleep, and prayed, in accents sweet and low, that holy saints the child might keep. But that was when the Tyrant held his coun- try free from strife and storm, before the Patriots rebelled, and waved the banner of reform. But now the land is stark and red where once the peasant turned the sods; the mother weeps above her dead, and shakes her fist at saints and gods. In Mexico the children played, through balmy evenings, on the green; and little lad and little maid no ghost of trouble e'er had seen. But now their hearts are chilled with fear, their souls are shrunken with their pain; for death is ever stalking near and dead men lie in every lane. And Mexico, where grief had birth when once old things were overthrown, should teach the nations of the earth to let the "Well Enough" alone. — Walt Mason in New York "Globe." DENOUNCES WILSON POLICY. Mondell Arraigns Bryan, Too, for Mexican Attitude. Pittsburgh, Jan. 29. — Describing the Mexican policy of the Wilson Adinin- istration as the work of "amateurs, the- orists, dreamers, acting on impulse when not on prejudice," Representative Frank W. Mondell, of Wyoming, ar- raigned Secretary of State Wiliam J. Bryan in an address at the McKinley day dinner of the Young Men's Repub- lican Tariff Clut) here to-night. "The policy toward the government of Huerta in Mexico, temporarily pur- sued by the Taft .Administration to emphasize our abhorrence and disap- proval of the methods by which that government was established." said Mr. Mondell, "was allowed to drift into a state of aimless vacillation while the present Secretary of State traveled on lucrative lecture tours. "The only feature of our present atti- tude toward Mexico that appears to have any element of fi.xity is the fatuous and fantastic theory that we shall decline to hold official relations with any .govern- ment people on this hemisphere may establish unless composed of persons and inaugurated under conditions entire- ly compatible with our ideas of what ideal government shoidd be. ".And so we have drifted — making our- selves ridiculous in the eyes of the world and isolating ourselves from the opportunities of protecting .Americans and other foreigners in Me.xico and their property. We are holding as pris- oners of war hundreds of women and children and constituting ourselves the aiders and abettors of. and to a certain extent the apologists for, outlaws, ban- dits and murderers of the stripe of Villa and Zapata. While all this is going on, and in spite of the admitted good inten- tions of the President, our attitude is re- tarding rather than aiding in the estab- lishment of peaceful conditions in Mex- ico." THE WIDOW ON THE MEXICAN SITUATION. Washington, D. C, With Ojinaga taken by the border bandit. Villa, who made himself a gen- eral, and 4,000 refugees from Mexico at Fort Bliss who are costing the United States Government at the rate of $45,000 a month, the only thing to do- now, I suppose, is to sit back and wait for the next move in Villa's and Presi- dent Wilson's handling of the Mexican situation. This Villa is said to be "some fighter" and, naturally, being successful is idolized by the rifl-raflf who consti- tute his army and are doing the fighting. They are a filthy, ragged lot and have no rules of warfare — simply merciless and murderous. * * * With the gathering of the half-breeds, the lawless, the marauders, who have al- ways lived by plunder, into the "consti- tutionalists" — the rebels who would throw down any government — under Villa as leader — it is said — it would take only about three days, after he and Gen- eral Carranza had deposed Huerta, for Villa to shoot Carranza and declare himself the great and only controller of the Mexican government. Then what? Would President Wilson be ready to recognize the Villa — or even the Car- ranza — power as it stands to-day as less MEXICO Saturday, January 31, 1914- bloodstained than it was in the begin- ning of his non-recognition of the Huerta reign? It seems to me we poor benighted people must learn our high moral and humane lessons all over again. It seems to me, too, that our own Wilson reign be not bloodstained and our own country be not thrown into a ten years' war that it would be most becoming and most noble in our schol- astic executive if he would even now at this late day apologize to Huerta and give both Mexico and the United States a chance for clear skies. Sherman's "Hell" would not at all express war with Mexico. The farce of the border patrol is as ridiculous as asinine. The illustration of the asininity is clear cut in the fact of the few hundred cavalrymen taking care of the 4,000 refugees. Five hun- dred of our soldiers, for instance, are scattered along the Rio Grande from Fort Bliss in a stretch of about a hun- dred miles. To scatter five hundred men along a hundred miles means only a handful at given points. Any efficient handling of preventing men — Mexicans — from coming to this side or from sup- plies going into Mexico would appear to be an impossibility. The Rio Grande can be crossed almost anywhere, and the Mexicans, or the ambitious provid- ers of supplies for Mexicans, are not going to cross in sight of armed men who can be seen for miles. They ford the river in places out of reach of patrol or arrest. Once in a while results come, and one man was arrested on the lower river with several thousand rounds of ammunition as he was trying to get into Mexico. He tried an international bridge and was nabbed by the customs officers. * * * In this Mexican situation, in the con- demnation of Huerta's government not having been recognized by President Wilson, there seems to be no division of sentiment, whether the comment is by Republican or Democrat. Everybody speaks most openly, and always the question is asked, "Why should we wave the flag of such high morality," Why do we object to Huerta when Europe ac- cepted him; why should Huerta be sin- gled out when countries whose kings and emperors and sultans have been as- sassinated are courteously recognized? But here we are with something star- ing us in the face that certainly looks like chaos — a cruel war that must make guerrillas of our own soldiers to equalize conditions. — The Widow, in "Town Topics," January 22. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. PUBLIC OPINION—Continued ZAPATA. Like some huge crawling, stinging thing He sallies from his lair, And piteous cries and dying sighs Disturb the desert air. With this brute chief the shrift is brief, .•\nd blood is everywhere. He does not fight as patriots fight Or dream as patriots dream; His powerful band could aid his land. But that is not his scheme. His eyes grow bright, his heart grows light Wlien he hears the tortured scream. His soldiers tremble and salute To do his last decree, For these wild brutes have met no brute More merciless than he, Pitting his might 'gainst law and right. Laughing at every plea. Zapata! All his hellish plans No mind but his may know; If his brute strength shall serve at length To vanquish every foe, Pity the weak that liis lust will seek — And God lielp Mexico! — William F. Kirk in New York "American." THE LATIN-AMERICAN NATIONS. The original Monroe doctrine was sim- ply that we should consider attempts to impose monarchical governments upon the Latin-American nations as unfriend- ly acts and that the time had passed when any part of the American conti- nent was open to acquisition and coloni- zation by European powers. Beyond that there is absolutely nothing that can be called the Monroe doctrine without injustice to the memory of President Monroe and the American statesmen of his day. In that form and at that time there was nothing in that doctrine which re- quired the assent of the Latin-American people, which, however, would have been, and perhaps was, enthusiastically given. Continental Europe considered the doctrine as a reason for enmity, while England privately approved our assistance in pulling her chestnuts out of the fire. Neither the Monroe doctrine nor any of the new doctrines which we call Monroe doctrines are any part of international law or have any sanction whatever except by the military and na- val force of the United States. But conditions now are vastly differ- ent from those which existed in Mon- roe's day. The larger Latin-American nations have now outgrown or are rap- idly outgrowing their revolutionary pe- riods, and even the recrudescence of an- archy in Mexico is almost certain to re- sult in renewed and greater stability of institutions. The continued assertion of what Lat- in-American nations consider as an American hegemony, with probabilities of more or less absorption of the weak- er, has resulted in general fear and ha- tred of this country by Latin-Americans — all the more serious because it has be- come part of the very life of peoples largely illiterate and excitable and more or less affecting the feeling of those of pure Latin extraction, than whom there are no more lovable and competent peo- ple on earth. Our position is regarded with uncon- cealed dislike and disgust by Continental Europe and is no longer particularly fa- vored by Great Britain, which is likely to regard it less and less favorably as it derives less and less profit and more hin- drance from it. The time has come for the assertion, not of a Monroe doctrine, and not of a United States doctrine, but of a Pan- American doctrine, which, whatever in the end it may prove to be, should be the outcome of a Pan-American confer- ence and should have behind it the sanc- tion of Pan-American authority and' force. That is no new proposition. It was the dream of James G. Blaine when he was Secretary of State and before that when he was in Congress. It is coming to be the thought of many thoughtful Americans. It would be enthusiastic- ally received in Latin .America. It would compel the respect and recognition of Europe and Asia. It would be distasteful only to American jingoes. Incidentally, it would pay. — San Fran- cisco "Chronicle." WAR ON MEXICO. For the murders, outrages and r .li- beries in Mexico since the inaugur;'' I'.n of President Wilson the .\dministraM(/n is dire'ctly responsible to God, hum.i'nty and the na'.ion. This is not a party inci- ter, for President Taft began the trouble by e-xpelling from Mexico its legal ruler and the one man proved capable of keep- ing that tropical country in order. But the frightful ravages, rapes and worse than hellish warfare since Taft's time are due entirely to the personal and un- founded prejudice of Mr. Wilson against Huerta. Formally recognizing the de facto government of Provisional Presi- dent Huerta, as all other Powers have done, would have purified Mexico long" ago. Instead of this conventional diplo- matic recognition, Mr. Wilson has pre- ferred to carry on a stealthy war against our sister republic, blockading its ports, destroying its credit, forcing it into bankruptcy and giving aid and comfort to the brutal bandits who are marching to loot its capital. This secret, one-sided war is disguised under the pretentions phrase, "My policy of watching and wait- ing." One result is that Mexico has been compelled to default in the pay- ment of the interest upon its bonds, and claims amounting to millions of dollars have been filed already in our State De- partment. The L'nited States is respon- sible for every cent of this money and for the claims for other millions that will follow the destruction of .American and foreign business investments in Mexico, and our people will have to pay the im- men=;e debt incurred through pigheaded obstinacy. The talk about a war of intervention would be amusing if the jest were not so expensive. Mr. Wilson is making war upon Mexico now. and his freak is costinir the country as much as if we had declared war honorably, ex- cept that fewer American lives are sacri- ficed. Congress is the only authority that can declare war legally — but have we a Congress? Is the assembly of cowed and tongue-tied misrepresentatives. who cringe before Mr. Wilson and pass any measure he chooses to dictate, worthy to be called a Congress? The people condemned the imperialism of the Bull Moose, but the Wilson regime is worse, because it is more livpocritical. Now that the pockets of the world are touched by Mr. Wilson's forced default — J. P. Morgan & Co. alone held $60,000,- (Continued on next page.) Saturday, January 31. 1914 MEXICO 11 000 of Mexican bonds owned by for- eigners — Congress may be roused to as- sert its prerogative and rebuke and con- trol Mr. Wilson by a joint resolution of censure. If to the millions of claims' for which he has made us liable he add- ed the losses through the obstruction of the prosperity that is waiting to enrich the country, Mr. Wilson has cost us more than the whole national debt dur- ing the eleven montlis of his administra- tion. — "Town Topics." CALLS OUR POLICY "SCANDAL." Paris, Jan. 24. — Severe criticism of the policy of the United States toward Mex- ico was voiced to-day by Paul Raynaud, a leading lawyer, and by Andre Lebon, former Minister for the Colonies, at the monthly luncheon of the Association of French Manufacturers and Merchants. M. Reynaud asserted that the Ameri- can policy concealed under a puritanic exterior a financial scandal. He said the public opinion of the world must compel the United States to establish peace in Mexico by supporting Huerta or his successor and not allowing the revolution in Mexico to be financed by interests in the United States to the ruin of Mexico and the foreign interests there. AN ENGLISH VIEW. London. — Major .^rchershee, who has just returned from Mexico, has changed his mind regarding the problem facing the United States. He says that having studied the situation on the spot he fears the present chaos is likely to continue for months, if not for years, unless the United States either reverses its policy of non-recognition of a de facto govern- ment or intervenes by force. Asked what he thought the end of the problem would be, he replied that if no government stained with blood can en- dure a government established by the aid of a cruel, bloodthirsty scoundrel like Villa cannot endure, and it would appear that the only alternative left the United States is intervention. — New York "Herald," January 23. A GALVESTON MAN. Harry C. Archer, traffic representative of the Santa Fe lines in Mexico, arrived in Galveston yesterday on the City c( Mexico from Vera Cruz. Mr. Archer has been in Mexico City for about three weeks. He brought with him on his return Mrs. Archer and his niece. Miss Grace 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU IQIC MUNSEY BUILDING iqic laiO WASHINGTON. D. C. ' =" O Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the su9;ar legisla- tion. Cornell, who will remain in the States for a couple of months before going back to their home in Mexico City. "Everything is quiet in Mexico City," said Mr. Archer. "Huerta is still the strongest man in the republic, and, if he can secure money, will be able to control the situation. He is far prefer- able as a ruler to such men as Villa or Carranza. "The rebels have gained no substantial advan- tage in Mexico. They have won no real vic- tories, all of their successes being due to cow- ardice or lack of generalism on the part of the federal leaders. The only disturbance of any moment is along the Rio Grande; as for the rest of the country, there are only a few strag- gling bands of bandits here and there who do not amount to anything. I do not believe the rebels will ever get within striking distance of Mexico City, and they will accomplish nothing if they do, for Huerta has about him 10,000 well- equipped soldiers, most of them rurales, the very best in the country. Lack of money is the only thing that can destroy the Huerta regime." — Galveston "Tribune." President Wilson has shown in his Address to Business Men, delivered in the form of a lecture to Congress, that he can 'bout face when he finds that he is marching in the wrong direction. There is no more talk about hanging anybody as high as Haman ; all is good fellow- ship and mutual concessions, business and the Administration shoulder to shoulder in the pro- cession toward prosperity. The cordiality of the approval with which the new, reversed program has been received in all parts of this country, and in other countries, by the press, the stock exchanges, merchants and investors is remark- able, and seems to inaugurate an era of har- monious progress. The President himself must have been astonished by this prompt and unani- mous response to his declaration that the policy of the Administration is to help business, not to tear it up by the roots. I ask, therefore, a similar change of sentiment and policy concern- ing the Mexican question. In all the civilized world there is not a single person — except Chau- tauqua Bryan, who does not count — that is in favor of Mr. Wilson's scheme to assist the Mex- ican insurrectos, because of his personal preju- dice against Huerta. There is not a single na- tion, except the United States, that has refused to recognize diplomatically the Provisional Presi- dency of Huerta. There is not a single visitor to Mexico — American, English, French or Ger- man — who does not testify that the recognition of Huerta is the only way to rescue Mexico from chaos. It is Mr. Wilson against all the rest of the world.— "Town Topics." LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir ; — Puzzle over it as I do, I cannot make out why it is that newspaper editors and individuals who have professed horrified dis- approval of General Huerta should accept as a matter of fact the villianies of Villa and root for his success. It's beyond my comprehension en- tirely. I have received a letter from a friend of mine who lives in El Paso. In Juarez he has seen Villa, and this is how he described him: "Imagine a cross between a half-breed bad man and a rattler and you've got this fellow, Villa. The snake in him has given him a diabolical cunning. He's out for loot and noth- ing else. He has made a lot of money by sell- ing thousands of head of cattle which he has stolen from the big ranches of Chihuahua and shipped across the border. He gets his follow- ers by closing down the mines and forcing men out of work. Then there is nothing left for them to do but join him for all there is in it. He's killed and ordered killed hundreds of men, robbed and destroyed everything he can lay his hands on. There isn't a woman safe wher- ever he goes. He's a deified devil and don't let anybody tell you anything else." This is a pretty harsh picture of any man, but I have great faitli in my fj-iend's judgment, and Villa's record of crime is common knowledge, anyhow. Will you please tell me why Huerta is con- demned so unmercifully and this bandit is get- ting so much "moral" support from this side of the border? Yours very truly, F. G. New York, January 2."!. 101-J. CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GUIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY, PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CA.MPHELL 1214 Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO, 111. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1,500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Gracias Pot Office, Starr Connty, Texas $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. .$2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with - number MEXICO Saturday, January 31, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Matiaginc Sditor, Thoraaj O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 6c. By the year, |S.OO TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buy,ers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York CALL OFF THE VULTURES. Suspense is the elemental requisite of fiction writing. Without suspense, sus- tained to a climax, there can be no fic- tion. We respectfully suggest to the officials of the Administration who are embar- rassed in their good intentions by the newspaper publication of "interesting fic- tion" on the Mexican situation, that they themselves have created the atmosphere of suspense that has made such fiction possible. "Watchful waiting" is fictional suspense imder another name. It encourages speculation, excitation, fabrication. It suggests that almost anything may happen at any moment and creates an appetite for new surprises and complica- tions, which if they are not inherent in the situation must be concocted to sup- ply the demand for action until the sus- pense is ended. These are axioms to anybody who knows how to write fiction. Mexico is dynamite. Touch it, prick it, pound it — and the consequences are not hard to imagine. The Administration has been doing that and the suspense has been of its making. The atmosphere of suspense has given the opportunity to every force of destruc- tion that is rending Mexico, internal and external, anarchical and financial. It has forced all minds to look for the climax — an explosion of the dynamite. The explosion of Mexico. If that is not what the "embarrassed" Administration, deprecating the "interest- ing fiction" wants, then it is simply a child playing with dynamite. Which, under the circumstances, is ap- palling. The Adminialration has let it be knovsm that it considers irresponsible specula- tion on our foreign relations in the col- umns of the press as misrepresentative of the Administration's purposes and ac- tions and consequently dangerous. But all our misunderstandings and the speculation thereon to which the Admin- istration objects have been "muddled" by the merciless campaign of falsehood carried on by the press of this country against the government of Mexico, a campaign which the Administration has not only failed to discourage, but with which it has at times seemed to be mighty well pleased. It is but natural that nations other than Mexico, observing the Administra- tion's tacit approval of the press cam- paign of misrepresentation, distortion and biased speculation against Mexico, should attach Administration influence to press comments on ALL our foreign relations and see in them the same ul- terior purpose they see in the hostility toward Mexico. This, of course, has not been conducive to a growth of any particular friendliness on their part toward the United States. In seeking to placate them and assure them of our good intentions, might it not be an earnest of our sincerity if the Administration would now emphatically indicate to the press of the country its disapproval of the "fiction" published about Mexico? Call off the vultures. And nut an end to the suspense. It's the only way to clear the whole atmosphere of doubts and innuendos. If the Administration is so certain of the quick downfall of the Mexican Gov- ernment, why is it said to be considering giving arms to the rebels? * * • What a surprising solicitude the Ad- ministration shows for the murdering and ravishing Villa! * • • And how painfully shocked it is at everything Huerta does! * * « No wonder the members of the Sen- ate Foreign Relations Committee are amazed. * * « No wonder the people of the country are scratching their heads in puzzle- ment as to what it all means. * * * Everybody feels that a big game is being played behind the scenes. But it was not expected that the lead- ers of the Administration were the kind of men to take part in any such game. * * * Surely they would not have gone into it with their eyes open. They will be very lucky indeed to get out of it with clean hands. Not smelling of oil. LEST WE FORGET. Never before has the great United States warred upon another country in a sneaky, underhanded manner. That is not the American way. But none who is not blind can faU to see that it is the way of our moralists. * * * The Administration is carrying on an oblique war against Mexico and calls it "watchful waiting." * * * Every report that Mexico is gradually being ruined is received with great sat- isfaction by the peace-apostolic fighters in Washington. * * * Whose alUes are Big Business and Bandits — cutthroats. * * * Who talk peace and plot destruction. * * * The people have no quarrel with Mex- ico — but the Administration has. « * » The Mexican Executive wUl not yield to the Administration's prejudices and theories. * * * We do not know one real, red-blooded American who, if in President Huerta's position, would yield. * * * Would you? * * * No, no, no, we won't have any war in this Administration, but we will arm the thugs and riff-raff of Mexico to do our fighting. * m * The vicious and the ignorant of Mex- ico are the tools of our "moral" Admin- istration. * * * The Administration started by insist- ing that General Huerta is a naughty, naughty man. * « * It's policy since has been to goad Gen- eral Huerta into doing naughty things. * * ♦ So that it can say: "I told you so!" * « S Mental suggestion is a very powerful force, as the Administration knows full well. * * ♦ But, like hypnotic influence, it is an evil thing when used for certain pur- poses. * * * It would seem to any reasonable mind an evil thing to assist in destroying a country and its people for the satisfac- tion of saying "I told you so." * ♦ ♦ Not many folks would like to have that on their conscience. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion ol Mexican Alt airs VOL. 1— No. 25 Error Run* Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1914 FIVE CENTS IN THE OPEN No longer can it be said in justice that the Administration is conducting a sneaky, underhanded, un-American war against the Government of Mexico. It has been painful at times to be under the necessity of pointing out from week to week that while the Administration was professing the most distinterested motives, the most profound friendship for the Mexican people, the purest sen- timents in favor of constitutional gov- ernment (in Mexico, but not Guatemala or Venezuela) it was in fact a partisan of a particular group of Mexicans and aiding and abetting the continuance of conditions which it now seeks to end by letting those who have made these con- ditions have more arms! No longer will it be necessary to point out that the Administration was either ignorant of the most obvious facts or hypocritical. No longer need it be explained that undoubtedly the Administration started with a wrong conception of the motives of the rebels and bandits but would nat- urally in the course of time repudiate any sympathy for or encouragement o murdering and ravishing monsters whose deeds of lawlessness, barbarity and rapine have shocked the civilized world. No longer need we point out in this publication that the leaders of the Ad- ministration were not the kind of men who would enter into an alliance with the unspeakable Villa. No, the day of beautiful words an destructive acts is over. Behold the dawn of downright shame- lessness. WHY? Why did three thousand of the best people of Chihuahua City go on a per- ilous journey of hundreds of miles across the desert, deserting their homes but saving their women and children, in or- der not to be in the city when Villa's hordes entered? Were they afraid of "constitutional government"? THE COST Either the Administration has an un- derstanding with the Mexican rebels or it hasn't. If it has, then its professions of neu- trality and moral motives are simply pure hypocrisy. Then it is the ally of forces of destruction, not the friend of constitutional government. Then it is warring against Mexico, while profess- ing peaceable purposes. It is hasn't, then it is simply the tool of a Mexican faction. Then the United States is being used to play the game of political and financial interests. In either case, it is no honorable role for the Government of the United States, and therefore not representative of the American people. In order to have a free hand in oust- ing President Huerta the Administra- tion surrenders to England the benefit of the doubt on the Panama tolls ques- tion, a matter involving the future of an American merchant marine. Nonchalantly tosses $25,000,000 into the lap of Colombia, as an amend for the taking of Panama. It might justly have been millions less, but what of the millions of the American people when the Administration must, to save its face, "get Huerta"? Advertises to the world that it shows a disposition to yield hurriedly to for- eign nations on matters under discus- sion — and naturally those nations will press just a little bit harder on every point at issue. All so that the Administration may "Get Huerta." Is this economy? Is this statesmanship? Is this even good common sense? And what are the people of the Unit- ed States to get out of it? Nothing, absolutely nothing, except the ever-present possibility of war and daily dangerous complications. Everybody understands by this time that the Administration wants Carranza to be President of Mexico. It has absolutely not an iota of a right to say who should be or who should not be President of Mexico. But apart from that — If with the assistance of the Admin- ■ftration, Carranza should become Pres- ident of Mexico, what then? In the first place, would Villa, Zapata, Blanco, Aguilar, Urbina, Castillo, Con- treras, Genevievo de la C, or any of a score of rebel and bandit leaders, give up a profitable occupation, turn from Jeopards into lambs? The type has never acted that way before and the chances are one thou- sand to one that it never will. They would hire themselves out to the first trouble-maker with the price. In the second place, would the people of Mexico as a whole submit to a "Yankee-made President"? Not if he were a canonized saint. So with Carranza in power or any other Carranza, there would come an- other revolution, and the state of Mex- ico would be worse by far than now. There would be anarchy run mad. Then if the United States sought to sustain the "Yankee-made" government against the people of Mexico, that would mean war. So always it comes back to this: Either the United States should recog- nize the present Government of Mexico until such time as peace can be restored and an expression of the people's will, as far as that is ascertainable in Mexico, can be procured, or the United States will have to intervene by force of arms in Mexico. Which terrific job European nati^ would unselfishly, of course, like to see us undertake. (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, February 7, 1014 THE COST— Continued. And which would be most pleasing to Japan. Which would involve the entire fu- ture and destiny of the United States in a way that well might unlock a world of woe. If such a future, such a destiny were inevitable, then there might be no rea- son to cry out against it. But it is not inevitable. It can be avoided. And the people of the United States want it avoided. If the Administration does not avoid it then it is false to the standards of pure patriotisni. And it is crucifying the people of the United States on a cross of cant. Villa is spending a few hundred thou- sand dollars more for supplies and arms from El Paso dealers. It is about time for the El Paso "Times" to publish an- other editorial extolling the virtues of the High Executioner of Ciiihuahua, or another "Peace edition"! Perhaps the grateful El Paso merchants will have a medal struck in honor of Villa. Oh, our delightful, civilized, principled, high-minded, unmercenary brethren of the border town, how they honor the American Commonwealth! The El Pasogramists have invented a new Villa. One who really wears an olive-col- ored uniform and reads a "little book" on "The Ethics of International War- fare." And gives forth fine-sounding phrases on liberty, loyalty and patriotism. The Madero family and connections succeeded in overthrowing Porfirio Diaz by clever press-agent work in the United States. * * * They are using the same methods now against Huerta and cannot understand why they are not "putting it over" as be- fore. * * * There's a reason. The people can be fooled once, but never again I * » • The game is made entirely too ob- vious when such labored efforts are made to whitewash the murdering Villa. * * * Remember how Villa was to eat his Christmas dinner m Mexico City? No- tice he is still at Juarez, thirteen hundred miles away. The lifting of the embargo on arms to Mexico will go down in history as the second fatal step in the Mexican policy of the Administration. The first was the refusal under any circumstances to recognize the Provisional Govern- ment of Mexico. We have already at length expressed our opinion of the sig- nificance and consequences of what the world will regard as a disgraceful alli- ance. Probably the less said about it now the better. The fact that it pleases Villa so hugely ought to stamp it in- delibly for what it really is. It will be remembered that the fact that the embargo was to be raised was permitted to "leak out" some days in advance, and that it was cleverly associated with a Japanese scare. Whether the false story that the Japanese Government was secretly aiding Huerta served its purpose, or whether the newspapers and public thought that the Administration was merely bluffing, we do not know, but there was a general disposition on the part of public opinion to listen to the suggestion, although visibly dis- turbed. But since the official lifting of the embargo the voice of public opinion has been increasingly strong in its pro- tests and its concern for the future. We shall quote what some of the newspapers Irsve to say about it. SANCTIONING SLAUGHTER. Possibly the exigencies of the situa- tion warrant such a step, and it may be that the usage of nations justifies it, but to the layman Washington advices that President Wilson has decided to lift the embargo on exportation of fire arms to Mexico looks much as if he were sanc- tioning slaughter. For clearly that is the expectation as the immediate devel- ;ipment precedent to the overthrow of tliierta. This appears to be tantamount to a confession that President Wilson's pol- icy of pacification and patience has been a failure, if indeed it is not an admis- sion that refusal to recognize Huerta. and let Mexico be responsible for her own sins, was a mistake. In the asser- tion of a principle, that the United States would not be a party to installa- tion of government by assassination, the President undoubtedly took ground as admirable as it was lofty, but it has not been effective in hastening the day of peace. Evidently the time is at Jiand when peace must be had at any price short of a diplomatic triumph for Huerta. So arms are to go in, and fighting is to proceed, and it is to be dog cat dog, until Federalist or Consti- tutionalist is entrenched and stabilized. This information comes on the heels of a series of shockingly brutal "execu- tions" by the Constitutionalists and on the day after a cold-blooded murder committed by the amiable Villa. * * * There is concededly not even tacit recognition of Carranza and his followers, but if arms are to be passed over the border the impressio;'. is that the Constitutionalists and not Huerta will profit most greatly. The prospect, therefore, is for a new welter of horrors beside which all that has gone before will pale. What Mexico needs more than anything else is a man of dictator's stature and force, and even- tually, with the title of president and ostensibly that and nothing else, sucl one will appear if ever there is to be sustained peace. Meantimie the quality of statesmanship which has been oper- ating from the Washington end of the difficulty will be the subject of keenly critical review, and if Mr. Bryan does not find it necessary to establish a bu- reau of apology and explanation there will be surprise. — Pittsburgh "Gazette- Tirnes." BARBAROUS AND SUICIDAL. The almost incredible announcement comes from Washington that the Presi- dent has decided to raise the embargo on the shipment of arms and ammuni- tion into Mexico. There should be no misunderstanding about what this ac- tion will mean. If the embargo is lift- ed the American government will stand before the world as an active ally of the rebels under Villa, Carranza and Zapata. It becomes morally responsible for their actions. If they commit outrages it must bear the guilt that falls upon an accessory before the fact. President Wilson will believe he is doing the proper thing in favoring the rebels — we would not for a moment im"- pugn his motives — but if he finally takes action it will be because he has lost his perspective in this matter. His ex- cuse for raising the embargo as far as he has made it known is the plea of a casuist, not of a sober logician, and against it stands out the hard, cold fact that the raising of the embargo will foster barbarism and will place a pre- mium on outrage and assassination. It will place arms in the hands of men who in the past have shown themselves bandits, murderers and common thieves, and who have sworn to show no mercy to such perosns as may be opposed to them. These outlaws must henceforth be accounted friends and proteges of the United States. Saturday, February 7, 1914 MEXICO THE SECOND STEP -ARMS FOR BANDITS Another point — Villa, Carranza, Agui- lar, Zapata, et al., do not love America or American citizens. If they over- throw Huerta they will not submit to dictation by this country any more gracefully than has Huerta, and the dan- ger will always exist that the arms we have put into their hands will be ii later to shoot holes in the bodies American soldiers and marines. — De- troit "Free Press." It has taken President Wilson a long time to make up his mind to raise the embargo against the transportation of arms across the border into Mexico. Hereafter the so-called Constitutional- ists can obtain all the supplies that they can find the money to pay for. Carran- za and the professional bandit Villa are unquestionably aided by this new policy upon the part of the President. When the President decreed that Huer- ta must go he had no plan for en- forcing his order. That was the time to supply the revolutionists with arms, for Carranza was apparently taking as nearly a patriotic view of the situation as was possible for any Mexican revo- lutionist to take. But since then whole revolutionary movement has bo turned into one of plunder, murder and assassination. Carranza has proved be a disappointment, while his arm under "General" Villa has been fed on blood and has adopted the most bar- barous methods. When Huerta is assassinated or de- posed there will be no one in sight to control the destinies of Mexico except Villa himself, or Carranza, should Villa remain faithful to his chief. No more of a constitutional government will hv in authority then than there is now. It is a little late in the day for the President to come to the aid of the Villa forces. He refused them aid a time when they were weak. Now that they have developed into fiends und : the atrocious murderer Villa he changes his attitude. Surely the administration has made a mess of its whole Mexican policy. — Philadelphia "Inquirer." After montlis of a waiting aiid do- nothing policy President Wilson has decided to lift the embargo on exporta- tion of arms from the United States to Me.xico. Of course, he hopes by this to strengthen the constitutionalists and en able them to carry on a more successful campaign against the forces of Huerta. This rather startling action of President Wilson is a specific revocation of the proclamation issued by President Taft in March, two years ago, in the hope that such an embargo would better the con- ditions then existing in that troubled and troublesome republic. President Taft's action was cordially indorsed by the American people. Now President Wilson claims that since the Taft er; bargo circumstances have undergone a radical change. He declares that there is now no constitutional government i Mexico, and that the existence of this embargo hinders the very thing that the government of the United States is insisting upon — that Mexico shall be left free to settle her own affairs and as soon as possible put them upon a con- stitutional footing by her own force and counsel. This sounds well, but what does it all mean? Only that this administra- tion means to let the Mexican interne- cine scrap go on for an indefinite period, probably with more battles and heavier loss of life than ever. It cannot be regarded as an effort to bring about peace or to satisfy the nations inter ested that the United States is seeking to do its full duty in the matter. More arms and cheaper arms for the consti- tutionalists will also mean more arms and cheaper arms for the federalists. It will, in all probability, mean an in- definite extension of the fighting, with no end in sight. Having signally failed in its eflforts to cut off all credit from Huerta, it is far from likely that this new move on the part of President Wil- son will meet with any better success. No doubt the Mexican problem was a knotty one from the start, but after nearly a year of work upon it President Wilson is no nearer a solution of it than when he started. Lifting the arms em- bargo can only make matters worse. — Baltimore "American." INVIGORATING VILLA TO DE- STROY HUERTA. The -Administration, it seems, after sufficient hesitation, has decided to lift the embargo on exportation of arms and munitions of war from this country to Mexico. Technically this is not a rec- ognition of the belligerency of the Con- stitutionalists, but practically it is equivalent to such a declaration, inas- much as Huerta, being practically block- aded, cannot benefit from the open market, while Villa will be limited in purchases only to the extent of his exchequer or the willingness of mer- chants to accept his promise to pay. This action means that the .^dininis- tration lias despaired of substituting for Huerta some other responsible Mexican in the provisional presidency. It is a confession of the failure of the finan- cial blockade and of moral suasion. There is nothing left except open inter- vention or the semi-equivalent of inter- vention involved in the mental strength- ening of the rebel cause. The latter course is better than the former. The .'Administration's plan is, however, a palliative rather than a cure. Our munition factories will open for them the road to the capital, but there is no assurance that when they reach there their government will not be more in- tole-rahle than the one it displaces. Judging from Villa's barbarous warfare, murdering captives, killing hostages, looting, theft, brigandage, there seems small chance of improvement. — Phila- delphia "Public Ledger." * * * It is not so much the mere lifting of the embargo as the change that this may imply in the attitude of our Government, and the weighty con- sequences that we may soon have to confront, which must give us all pause. Americans cannot help, for example, re- gretting that any act of theirs should even seem to be provocative of more bloodshed and ferocity in Mexico. There is also the well-grounded fear lest, if armed intervention is at last forced upon us, the very weapons we are furnishing to the Mexicans may be turned against our own troops. But the most marked disquiet will be caused by the uncer- tainty which the Administration still displays in its dealings with the Mexi- can problem. The question will be asked wliether the ending of the em- bargo on the export of arms is anything more than one sign more of a mere wait- ing policy — one might almost call it a groping policy. Is the President acting under pressure of European Govern- ments? Has he the next step clearly in his mind? .After the rebels are sup- plied with arms, does he expect to rec- ognize their belligerency? These are the questions which are troubling many minds, and which ought to trouble them. The Mexican difficulty is not only ve.xing but threatening. An unlooked for collapse at Mexico City might afford temporary relief, but short of some such break in the situation, the prospect seems to be only of prolonged hostilities in Me.xico, attended by every kind of outrage and misery, with the country slowly bleeding to death. It is this view of the future of their country which, we know, fills intelligent Mexi- cans with despair. * * ♦ Should Villa fulfill his boast that he will end the war in three months, that might mean only the beginning of fresh troubles. President Wilson's action can be interpreted only as favorable to Car- ranza, but does he mean to back this up bj' open recognition of the revolution- ary chief? Or has he some plan of in- tervention going beyond the tacit in- tervention to which we are already com- mitted? * * * — New York "Evening Post." When towns like Juarez and Ojinagac were in the hands of Huerta's troops, Washington with fine impartiality de- manded that no arms be sent over our southern border. Presently Juarez fell by surprise to the Villa band, which had without diffi- culty succeeded in "smuggling" ammuni- tion, small arms, field pieces and such trifles in abundance over that very bor- der. Next Ojina.ga fell because its Huertist garrison, their ammunition ex- hausted, could obtain no more from our side of the line. Hundreds of defence- less soldiers of the established govern- ment were shot down after surrender by the very same American bullets that we had denied' them for their defence. .And now that no more Huertists re- main to benefit by a withdrawal of the embargo now that the Villists control the Mexican States on our border, free importation of arms is immediately ta be allowed, so that Mexico "shall be allowed to settle her own affairs and as soon as possible put them on a con- stitutional footing." The words are President Wilson's. Considering the ease with which the rebels obtained arms before, the removal of the embargo may not make any greaf material change in the militarv situa- tion : but what will President Wilson's (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Satitrdav, February ARMS FOR BANDITS— Continued. attitude be toward any future wholesale barbarisms committed by that unlettered and merciless bandit who tossed his sombrero in the air at news of the pres- ent decision? May we not be placed in a false posi- tion in relation to other nations with Mexican interests? There are to be fur- ther and more extensive or^es of blood- shed to the south, if that is possible. Shall we not be suspected throughout Latin America as deliberately engineer- ing the disintegration of Mexico in our own interests? At least the danger is plain. — N. Y. "Evening Sun." ARMS TO VILLA— FOR WHAT? The President's proclamation remov- intr the enilbargo on the shipment of arms to the Mexican Constitutionalists is, in effect, an admission of the failure of his Mexican policy thus far. * * * The President turns for aid to Car- ranza and Villa. Just what sort of a government he expects them to erect on the chaos which Huerta piled on top of the ruins of the Madero administration it is hard to foresee. — New York ".American." THE BASIC MISTAKE. To the Editor of the New York "Her- ald"— You say in 3'our editorial columns to- day that the .American people will in- dorse President Wilson's action in aid- ing- the Mexican rebels in their desire to obtain arms. Perhaps 3'ou are right. But to one who has always been a sin- cere admirer of the President I must confess my disappointment. In lifting the embargo President Wil- son admits that his policy of "watchful waiting" has been a failure. That ebing the case, why is not the President big enough and broad enough to admit that he has been wrong from the start and that his basic mistake was in not recog- nizing the only government there was, and is, in Me.xico — that of Huerta? P. J. K. New York City, Feb. 4, 1914. PLAYING TAG. It looks like playing tag the way the Government of the United States is holding no official intercourse with Huerta. It is remarkable that though we read every day of the inability of the Fed- erals in Mexico to pay their soldiers, we never read that Villa is unable to pay his rebel army. Who supplies Villa with the money? Is it the .American Oil interests who are subsidizing Villa against the Cowdray Company? Charges have been made again and again in the open by responsible persons that the revolutions in Mexico are the result of business ambitions and that a great American corporation is primarily involved; and yet there is no suggestion of an investigation by a Congress that hankers to investigate everything. — "Catholic Monitor." FAKE LOYALTY It has been iterated and reiterated in the press for many months past that there are not a few of the people's repre- sentatives in Washington who believe that the .Administration has made a monumental l)lunder in handling the Mexican situa- tion, ))ut that it is the part of loyalty and patriotism to acquiesce in this blunder be- cause it is a matter of foreign relations. "My country — right or wrong" is an ad- mirable sentiment in the presence of a na- tional catastrophe like war. It is a per- nicious sentiment when it helps to plunge the country into such a catastrophe, when, by pointing out the wrong such catastro- phe could be avoided. We venture to say that nine-tenths of the so-called loyal acquiescence of Congress, press and pul)lic in the Mexican policy of the Administration is based on a general lack of intimate acquaintance with Mexi- co, the Mexican people and Mexican af- fairs, which it is conceded the President and the State Department are in a posi- tion to have. We say "are in a position to have," but we insist that from the beginning of the .Administration, before it was possible to have that intimate acquaintance with the complex problems of Mexico, the Admin- istration had already made up its mind, was closed to all sources of information that might have given it pause to think, and has consistently and persistently con- tinued to handle the Mexican situation ac- cording to that first uninformed, precon- ceived idea. In these days of commission government, it seems about time for the suggestion that the foreign relations of the country, which are pregnant with weal or woe for the people, should not be guided by the dictatorial say-so of any one or two men, or any group of politicians, but should be in the hands of a non-political commis- sion of experienced diplomats, whose per- sonal feelings would not enter into their consideration of affairs of state. .As to loyalty and patriotism, we repeat that it is in our opinion more loyal and patriotic to place considerations of coun- try above the mere prestige of any Ad- ministration. Last September Secretary Daniels, speaking before the Indiana members of the .Associated Press, deplored the fact that many American newspapers have seen fit to criticize, even frankly and honestly, the stand taken by President Wilson toward Mexico. Such criticism of Administration policies should, he thought, be restricted to internal matters and should stop "at the water's edge." The world should know, he contended, that any stand taken by ' Read" M EX ICO " ONCE A WEEK LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. ll.e President in a matter of foreign re- lations is supported unquestioningly by an undivided people, who, if necessary, would execute it by force of arms. He intimated that the press or individuals giving any rlifferent impression to the world were dis- loyal and unpatriotic. In answer to Secretary Daniels we made a statement in the following words, which are just as true today as they were months ago and as they always will be : That frank and honest criticism of any stand taken by the President of the United States which involves the destiny of one hundred million people is necessary for the safe conduct of popular government and should be welcomed by a broad-gauged and well-intentioned Administration. That a national sense of justice demands free and frank discussion of our relations with other countries, and that this sense of justice is not incompatible vvdth the purest patriotism, the most intelligent loyalty. That any United States policy toward Me.xico affects directly the welfare and property of thousands of Americans in Mexico and other thousands who have commercial or social connections there. Therefore it cannot be altogether a for- eign policy and is in a large degree an in- ternal one. That although Secretary Daniels' point of view is that press criticisms iji interna- tional crises might on occasion make the avoidance of war _ most difficult for a peace-loving Administration, the fact is that much of the criticism directed against President Wilson's Mexican policy has come from those who, knowing Mexican conditions and the Mexican people, have firmly believed that his method of hand- ling the Mexican situation was most likely to result in an unnecessary, unjust and burdensome war. Also that many of those who have most enthusiastically supported the attitude of President Wilson have done so in the belief that it was impractical and the hope that it would finally bring about armed intervention. That Mexicans as a rule interpreted President Wilson's attitude toward the Mexican Government as unfriendly and as foreshadowing intervention. Under these circumstances it is perhaps well for the .Administration and for the country that .American papers and individuals have by their criticisms convinced the Mexicans that we as a people have no quarrel with them, that we are not their enemies. That in view of our increasingly rl.-.s> relations with the Latin-American 'mv.t tries it will help rather than hurt the 'n terests of the United States if at '■■■■'-■' ■■ portion of our press shows a disposuioi. 1 demand justice and reasonableness in .-.iiy stand that the Administration may deter- mine to take toward them or any one of them. Saturday, February 7, 1914 MEXICO INSULTING JAPAN. We urge those naive souls who not infrequently express wonder at our growing unpopularity in Japan to read and ponder the urbane remarks of Rep- resentative Curry of California, deliv- ered in a speech in the Congress of the United States: "Loose morals are universal among Japanese men and uncondemned among Japanese women; their daughters are sold without shame into immorality, and there are 3,000.000 professional immoral women in Japan. Strange to say, sensitiveness is not the e.xclusive attribute of the Caucasian race but exists even among Mongol- ians. Charges against the morals of their wives, daughters and sisters are no more relished by the men of Japan than they would be by our own hus- bands, fathers and brothers. Suppose that a German orator in the Reichstag made the sweeping accusation that the .-\merican nation was thor- oughly immoral: that immorality was universal among .-Vmerican men and was winked at in .American women; that common-law marriages were an estab- lished institution among us. and divorces on the most trivial pretexts a flimsy cloak for more hypocritical laxity; that systematized race suicide was a symp- tom of our degenerate morals, and that white slavery was a characteristic na- tional enterprise. Would we regard this malicious perverter of facts as the spokesman of a friendly nation? The sanctimonious patter. of one little priggish jingo like Curry can do more to inflame a nation toward war than can be undone by the labors of a hundred statesmen. It would 'be well if this could be brought to Mr. Curry's own immaculate realization and that of his vicious kin. — New York "World." The sanctimonious patter about Mex- ico by one little servile upholder of the Administration at all costs like the "World" can do more to bring about war with Mexico than can be undone by the labors of a hundred statesmen. It would be well if this could be brought to the "World's"' own immaculate reali- zation and that of its hypocritical kin. RIDICULES OUR POLICY. Henry Lane W ilson. e.\-.\nibassador to Mexico, said in an address before the Baptist Social Union of New York, that, in his opinion, a settled Government at the present time would be in charge of afTairs in Mexico and thousands of lives and millions of dollars' worth of prop- erty would have been saved if Huerta had been recognized by the United States even as late as .\ugust or Sep- tember of last year. "If the .\dministration does have its way and if a candidate, approved by it finally is elected as President of Mex- ico," said Mr. Wilson, "he will remain in power only so long as the army and navy of this country protect him. Prac- tically every man in Mexico will have a dagger out for the .\nglo-Saxon-select- ed President, and the minute that the American .^rmy and Navy cease to de- fend him will be his last. Mr. Wilson said that Mexican history could not produce a ruler who would mieasure up to the specifications of the present .\dministration. Before the rule of Diaz, he said, the hands ot practically every ruler had been dipped in blood. LEST WE FORGET Huerta stands for Mexican national- ity and all indications are that he real- izes his position patriotically. The Administration still insists that there is no "constitutional government" in Mexico. And makes that shibboleth cover a multitude of sins. There is no matter. There is no mat- ter. There is no matter. Repeat it of- ten enough and you may hypnotize yourself into believing it. * * » That's Christian Science statesnum- ship. But would the Administration attempt to bully an unconstitutional nation like, say, Russia on any such grounds? No? * * • Then might makes right, doesn't it? * * * Since when has the President of the United States been the sole interpreter of the Mexican Constitution? There is a Supreme Court in Mexico which has declared the Provisional Gov- ernment constitutional. But the Administration says it isn't. * * * Can you, can you beat it for per- verse egotism? * * * It's simply a shibboleth in the mouth of the Administration, an excuse for ev- ery high-handed interference in Mex- ico's affairs. * * * If "constitutional government" in Lat- in America is so dear to the heart of the Administration why does it not try to force out the Dictator of Guatemala and the Dictator of Venezuela? The Administration professes to dis- courage revolutions in Latin-American countries. But it encourages one in Mexico be- cause, forsooth, the Mexican Govern- ment is not constitutional. If that is not a standing invitation to any revolutionary group in any Latin- American country to overthrow any gov ernment with the approval of the Unit- ed States, what is it? All they have to do to have Washing- ton on their side is to use the shibbo- leth, "We are for constitutional govern- ment" and use the name "constitutional- ists." * * ♦ You will notice that Latin-American revolutions have been discoiu-aged re- cently. Yes, in Santo Domingo, Hayti, Peru, Brazil and a few others yet unheard from. » * * The Administration is in favor of revolution. It is arming one. * * * And now they say that Bryan is going to Chautauqua in Europe in the cause of universal peace. * * » That isn't nerve. That is simply bra- zen effrontery. * » * And hypocrisy that hasn't even the virtue of being intelligent * » * It is reported that Villa threw his sombrero in the air when he heard that the Administration was going to help him, and despatched a message of thanks to President Wilson. * * * Ask any Mexican in the north of Mexico whose wife or daughter or mother has been outraged by Villa or Villa's men — and there are thousands of them — what he thinks President Wilson should have felt when he received that message. * » * The Administration felt that the em- bargo ^n arms might work some injus- tice lo the rebels. * * * Ye gods! How solicitous, how scrup- ulously fair, how tenderly consideratel The New York "Evening Post" points out that the President has assumed full personal responsibility for the Adminis- tration's Mexican policy. But who will pay the price of war? * * * It might be a good idea to let the people know exactly what the policy is and let them share the responsibility. It cannot be that one or two men's pre- conceived ideas can have so much power for evil. More trouble! The Committee of Public Safety at Port au Prince has de- manded the withdrawal from the sacred soil of Hayti of our marines and blue- jackc'S. landed "to restore order," though the normal tranquility of the capital has not been disturbed. I am not yet informed who of the candidates in Hayti is personally disliked by Pres- ident Wilson, and therefore I am _ not able to take my customary patriotic stand for the President right or wrong — especially when he is wrong. But, as we have no business to interfere with the domestic affairs of the people of Hayti. it might be well to recall our brave boys before somebody gets hurt. — "Town Topics." MEXICO Saturday, February 7, 1914 President Wilson's so-called Mexican policy may eliminate Huerta, but it cannot be justified by the rules of in- ternational law and is an abrupt de- parture from the traditional foreign pol- icy of the United States. Huerta's right to recognition does not depend on his character or the charac- ter of his government. Whether it is a constitutional government or not is be- side the question. If it is the de facto government of Mexico, it is entitled to be recognized. In 1870 Secretary Fish wrote General Sickles, then Minister to Spain: "We have always accepted the gen- eral acquiescence of the people in a po- litical change of government as conclu- sive evidence of the will of the nation. When, however, there has not been such acquiescence and armed resistance has been shown to changes made or attempt- ed to be made under the form of law, the United States has applied to other nations the rule that the organization which has possession of the national archives and of the traditions of govern- ment, and which has been inducted to power under the forms of law, must be presumed to be the exponent of the de- sires of the people until a rival political organization shall have established the contrary." To refuse recognition to Huerta mere- ly because of the horror felt by the American people at the murder of Ma- dero, or because our government be- lieves that Huerta's government is not cons'.itutional, is to invent a novel for- eign policy which may return to plague the inventor. It is interference in the domestic con- cerns of a foreign nation, which is an offense against international law. For this offense Washington sent the French Minister home, Jackson recalled one Minister to Mexico and Cleveland sent the British Minister his passport. A private citizen may freely criticize foreign governments. .An officer of the government cannot do so witliout of- fense. The offense is the same, whe'.her com- Tnitted by an Ambassador, a Secretary of State or a President. .'Americans gen- erally think that the Czar ought to gov- ern Russia with the aid of legislative •douma and that Great Britain ought to grant home rule to Ireland, but if an American Secretary of State were to iirge these reforms upon Russia and Great Britain the act would be resented and would be derided as a specimen of raw American diplomacy. A rule which applies to these great European powers ought to apply to our nearest Southern neighbor, if we wish to win the confi- dence of Latin America. No one in the United States or in Europe can doul)l tlie generous motive of President Wilson. His aim is not to promote .American interests in Mexico but to help the Mexican people to a bet- ter government. If they appreciate his motive, his policy would not help them. As they do not appreciate it, his policy does them positive harm. What the Mexican people need today is a strong government, such as Diaz gave 'hem. What they will need here- after, and sooner or later will get, is a government such as Madero vainly hoped to give them. Under Diaz pub- lic order was maintained, brigandage put down, foreign capital attracted and labor and capital made as secure as govern- ment could make them. But Mexico under Diaz was not a real republic, because the people did not gen- erally vote. They were prevented not so much b}' force as by ignorance and in- difference. To advance from such a nominal republic to a real republic, as we understand the word, they need a political education. Their political edu- cation cannot precede but must follow their industrial development. Their in- dustrial development will be quickened by contact with American labor and capital. It will be retarded by the anti- American feeling, due to the position of our government, as it is misunderstood by the Mexican people. The recogni- tion of Huerta as the actual head of the Me.xican government does not imply ap- proval of his administration any more than the recognition of the Czar as the sovereign of Russia implies approval of the Russification of Finland. It is not to be expected that Presi- dent Wilson will now reverse the atti- tude which he has held for nearly a year and send an ambassador to the Huerta government. It is much to be desired that his refusal to do so shall be placed on safe and tenable grovmds. It is safer to say that without admit- ting or denying, or even discussing the title of Huerta to the Presidency, our government chooses not to send an am- bassador to Mexico, but prefers to leave the legation in charge of the secretary, in order to emphasize our condemnation of the palace revolution of last Feb- ruary, and the murder of Madero which followed. To put our refusal to recognize Huer- ta on another ground, as some able and powerful journals have done, by saying th?t Huerta is not President by force of Me.xican law, will be harmful to us in two ways: In the first place, the assumption by the Uniied States of the right to con- ;;true the constitution of a Latin-Amer- ican republic and decide against the title of a government which all other Latin- .American republics have recognized, will cause irritation and perhaps apprehen- sions in Argentina, Brazil and Chili, whose friendship we ought to cultivate. In the second place, it will make it harder, with any show of consistency, to recognize Huerta's successor after Huer- ta is eliminated. If Huerta is President and dies, resigns or quits the country, then, by force of Mexican law, some member of his Cabinet succeeds him. But if Huerta is not President he can have no Cabinet, and there will be no one who has the right to act as Pro- visional President and call an election of President and Congress. The result will be chaos, and a ferocious struggle of partisans for loot and power. We ought to be in a position where \\' deprecation from the hearers. Having such public opinion, how is Carranza .go- ing to do? Unfortunately for Mexico, the .American firms who are financing the revolution took sides with the wrong party; the one universally hated in Mex- ico; and the poor of Mexico, the 14,- 800,000 out of the 15,000,000 that Mexi- co has and who care only for peace, arc the worst suflfercrs. This is the plain truth, such as it is; and I believe I am not taking sides in saying what I say, that I believe Ameri- cans are helping the revolution, because it cannot be understood in any other way. Where do they get the hundreds of thousands of pesos a week, undoubt- edly needed for keeping their forces? No doubt they help themselves by con- fiscating property of some, because they are "Huerta's supporters," and of others because they are not. But that is not enough to keep the revolution going. I know well that you are a man, not only intelligent, but honest, and I hope that now you will explain to the Pre; dent the true situation of the country. I firmly believe that Mr. Wilson has been a victim, as well as the rest of the Amer- ican people, of the dirty conduct of some interests, and I earnestly hope that his eyes will be unblinded and that a big and wide satisfaction will be given to the Mexican nation which has lie the victim of American speculators. If this happens so, we who love the United States with its- great virtues will feel happy, and our people who do not know your country so well will get the id of blaming the Americans in general out of their heads, for we know t' : onlv a few are to be blamed. THE LOOTING OF DURANGO BY BRYAN'S FRIENDS OF THE CONSTITUTION. At 10 o'clock one beautiful morning Durango, a city of 50,000 population, sit- uated in a valley at the foot of Iron Mountain, in the heart of Mexico, pre- sented a fairly prosperous appearance. At 11 o'clock that summer night the busi- ness section of the city had been laid waste with fire and dynamite, houses and stores had been looted and the property loss amounted to 14,000,000 pesos, or $7,- 000,000 in American mone}'. In addition to this .$1,500,000 in cash and forced loans had been taken and the streets were full of refugees. The Mexican rebels or Constitutional- ists, did all this with 6,000 men in less tlian twelve hours. Not satisfied with simply looting, they destroyed nearly all of the better business blocks in the com- mercial district by means of dynamite. The rebels had begun to enter Du- rango just before midnight. Detachment after detachment had marched to the city by several routes and gathered at railroad stations. About 10.30 a. m. they began action. There was some armed re- sistance and during the day there were brief periods of sharp fighting and a rap- id exchange of shots. After it was all over some 150 men had Ijeen killed and as many more wounded. For the most part the citizens beat a hasty retreat to the outskirts of the city. Storekeepers who attempted to stand guard over their property were forced to leave the prem- ises and it was not long before the rebels were in sole possession of most of the city. Various detachments were ordered into the stores under able leaders in order to loot them. There were no expert safe crackers among these men, but whenever they found a safe they put enough dyna- mite under it to shatter it and, inci- dentally, a good share of the building. Further than this they destroyed many costly 1)uildin.gs apparently solely through revenge because they had met with armed resistance, even though it was slight. Many of the Alexican business blocks, especially in the older part of Durango, are noted for their portales, which con- sist of extensions of the second story over the sidewalk, and arcades of fine masonry. Wherever these were found the rebels seemed to. take delight in ex- ploding a few sticks of dynamite at in- tervals along the supporting columns of the arcade and watching the overhead structure fall into the street, much as a boy would knock the underpinning from his castle of blocks and laugh in glee to see it topple over. It was not necessary to destroy these beautiful portales, as the overhead stories were first looted and any property left in them would have been pretty much destroyed in the crash. While the rebels looted Durango be- cause they needed funds, provisions and other necessaries to carry on their cam- paign, there seemed to be no necessity for doing as much damage as they did. For example, in the case of Durango's most famous cafe — whatever good silver was in it was taken away, together with table linen for bandages, stores of canned food and other property, and then the rebels deliberately dynamited the place until only the outer shell remained. This was the celebrated "Cafe la Union." The rebels did exactly the same with other buildings. One clothing house, the "La Francia Maritima," over which the French flag was flying, was looted of its entire stock and everything else of value. The clothes were given out to the most rag- ged of the rebels, and then the building itself was dynamited until only the four outer walls remained. Iron Mountain, in the outskirts of Du- rango, is just what its name indicates, a great mountain of iron ore. More than three thousand men were employed there, but when the rebels got through with their visit in Durango all opera- tions were tied up because they had put the railroads out of commission. Several squads of rebels marched to the station and the freight yards, where they pro- ceeded to burn all the cars in sight; hun- dreds of them, mostly freight cars. The steel cars were taken by the rebels to use as traveling forts, but the wooden cars were burned on the tracks. Alto- gether in Durango and its vicinitj' $500,- 000 worth of rollirig stock was destroyed. The rebels got manj^ recruits, for since they had destroyed the railroad and put a stop to mining operations many of the miners had to join the army or starve. Durango's fate was the fate of many other ci.ies and towns throughout that portion of Mexico over which the rebels advanced. "On many occasions." declared a New York man, who has owned and operated a silver mine not far from Durango for ten years, "rebel leaders have come to me and to other .Americans either in mining or other business in that vicinity and demanded loans. There was nothing else to do except fork over. While re- fusal might not have meant death on the spot, any one stubborn enough to dis- regard this command was pretty certain to meet with serious so-called accidents a little later that might even result fatal- ly. Of course these levies are always de- clared to be loans and we were given re- ceipts or so-called notes for same, which were never worth the price of the ink used in the signature." Even if peace were declared in Mex- ico to-day, it would take several years and probably longer for Durango to re- gain her former prosperitj-. They do not rebuild in Mexico with the energy and rapidity of the United States. The same thing is true of the other cities laid waste bv the rebels. — New York "Sun." Saturday Fcbruarx MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles COLONEL HARVEY HAS HIS DOUBTS. We said the I'residciU's policy had failed. What was that policy? It was set forth clearly in the conditions pre- scribed by Mr. Wilson and made known to Huerta by Mr. John Lind. to wit: (a) to cease fighting; (b) to give security for an early and free election; (c) Huerta to bind himself not to be a candidate; and (d) all parties to agree to abide by the result. This virtual ultimatum was delivered in August. * * * No doubt the President gave the sub- ject his best thought and study, as he >hould have done, but the outcome re- lains the same. The fact is, as we point- e< out and as Dr. Theodore S. Woolsey, P»>fessor EmeHtus of International Law in Yale University, states more bluntly, tlie Administration "started wrong" and has elt obliged to persist in the course. "So Ir as the American public has been inforned," Dr. Woolsey continues, "this is the sum and substance of Wilson's policy— lever to recognize Huerta nor his Confess— and for the reason that Huerta i so bad a man. Meanwhile, the Admiistration, upheld by its good intentions.optimistic that Huerta. under the weigh\ of disapproval, will climb down fromhis high horse, is exposing itseit to the^erision of an uncharitable world * * *. Our policy should be to strengthen so,ebody in Mexico, not to weaken every>,dy; to build up, not to pull down. Ir.refusing ever to recog- nize Huerta, th>Administration has vio- lated our usage ^d the dictates of com- mon sense. Is t honest enough and strong enough t correct its blunder? There is an obstir^y ^f strength; there IS also an obstinac „{ weakness." These are the vig^ous words from our highest authoritj'. * * This fetches us to ^^ question now on everi'bodys lips! A„, Huerta. whrt? Or should we say, w.. Because such a thing as free goverij^nt ^y the ex- pressed will and consen.f jhe people of Mexico to-day is simpi inconceivable. Nobody understands this„„^,r than Mr. Wilson himself. Nobody,^^ expressed the fact more truly or mo.^.^^^j, ^,,^^ he did when he wrote son y^g^s ago- "Self-government is not ^j^j^ ^^j can be 'given' to any peopUbgcause it IS a form of character and iiOj form of constitution. No people can ^ viven' the self-control of maturity. Onlv long apprenticeship of obedienc- cure them the precious possessio. This is what the Mexican peoi_ ,„„,j have — "a long apprenticeship o'Kpdi- ence" to law and order. .\nd son. backed up by the United States, ' enforce that obedience for a peric r years. The President thinks that Uij fish leaders may spring up out of „ ground — men who "prefer the liberty'- their people to their own ambitions Maybe so, but we doubt it. * * * — Co George Harvey, in "North .'\merican Re view." THE MEXICAN PROGRESSIVE. .-Vccording to recent news ittms, Fran- cisco Villa, born criminal and one-time highway robber of the Mexican State of Zacatecas, is now preparing to "estab- lish a bank" in some place in the United States. This professional bandit has pros- pered considerably since he has lent his valuable services to Mr. Bryan's State Department in the capacity of defender of the Mexican Constitution in Chihuahua. His recent feats of arms and his efficacious disposal of prisoners have brought him political and social recognition on this side of the border, and he was even banqueted by .•\meri- can admirers in El Paso, Texas, and as a consequence his ideals have been extended. In former times he was quite satisfied with simple brigandage; now he aspires to be a bandit in the coun- try and be acclaimed as a "liberator" in the towns and to enjoy the opportunity to choose his personal victims from a higher society. In the files of the highest court of the State of Zacatecas it is recorded that on one occasion Pancho Villa dis- guised himself with a bridal veil in or- der to rob and murder a rich Spanish merchant, and as this trick succeeded so well he repeated it quite often. Even today we find him hiding under the bridal veil of "constitutionalists" and eagerly sought by the ardent suitors of the Democratic Administration in Wash- ington. To their eyes he is no longer the_ savage bandit, but a firm friend of a "constitution:" in fact, one of those grand leaders "who put the liberty of their fellow-citizens above their personal ambitions." described in a recent Presi- dential utterance. Pancho Villa, imbued with the preva- lent spirit of idealism now so general, has become a "forward-looking" bandit who wants to make his chosen profes- sion efficient, so he decides to enlarge his field and become a banker. Soon we may see installed in some .American city — say New Orleans or San Antonio, Texas— -new. spacious and well-appoint- ed offices bearing the simple legend "Frank Villa, banker." where this most estimable gentleman will lend his plun- dered hoard to a moral public. .\nd per- haps when he can spare the time he may make a little trip to Washington in or- der to shake hands with the uplifters there, who. like himself, have discovered the financial possibilities of democracy and the Constitution. Perhaps later on in recognition of his valuable services he might secure a booking on the premier Chautauqua circuit. Democracy is a great thing, Mr. Villa.— C. U. Mesta in the Baltimore "Evening Sun." ANOTHER SCHOLAR. Gen. Francisco Villa has seen a new light. For the first time in his career he has put his faith in a book. Hitherto he has despised persons who have played the war game according to book rules, ^-.ike.many golfers and billiard players, ,,^^^^^^^^^^^,^^^_^^^^^^_ e has insisted that his game can be irned only in actual practice; a book SUBSCRIBE TO MEXICO l"*" ^^^ seemed as contemptible to as a correspondence school warrior. But Fate, witli ilic assistance of some of the United States soldiers at Presidio, has placed in his hands a copy of "The Ethics of International Warfare," and it has aroused civilized sentiments in his hitherto savage breast. Hereafter, Gen. Villa promises, he will not have captured officers shot down unless some excuse can be found for the shooting. In his new mood Villa bursts into poetry of the Walt Whitman brand: "My alphabet has been the sight and trigger of my rifle, My books have been the movements of the enemy." He declares, moreover, that he will never be President of Mexico, thus indicating that his ambition is less aspiring than that of his friend and fellow-revolution- ist, Emiliano Zapata, who proposes to make himself President and drive all the foreigners out of Mexico, tear up the railroad tracks, and turn back the hands of the clock to the era of bridle paths and pack mules. Villa, however, is rather more in the public eye than Zapata, who seems to have no sort of constructive ability. Villa's ad- vance guard is now as far south as Esca- lon, which is very near the southern boundary of Chihuahua and too near Torreon for the comfort of the much- afflicted inhabitants of that once thriv- ing manufacturing center. But another battle is not imminent, and Villa's unex- pected confidences touching his change of heart indicate a desire to correct the evil impression of his character which has gone abroad rather than an intention to reopen hostilities at an early date. — Kew York "Times." THE VILLA AND ZAPATA PUBLIC- ITY BUREAUS. (jeneral Francisco ("Pancho") Villa, the victor of Juarez and Chihuahua, is surprising his critics by wearing a new oH.e green suit and giving out inter- views in good English and sonorous Spanish. He has acquired a tailor and a pres: agent, as befits his fame and dig- nity. There is nothing astonishing in the transloi mation. Even Emiliano Za- pata, who had a worse reputation than the outlawed Villa and looks it, employs a literary bureau, and one is conducted in his interests. \t Dai'as, Tex., any one may buy (price five cents) the "Emiliano Zapata," described as "the Paladin de la Revolu- cion Agraria Mexicana," and published in Spanish and English three times a week, Jesus Mora Aguirre "responsible editor." Five thousand copies are print- ed for distribution "all over America and Europe." The object of this personal organ is to sound the death knell of feu- dalism in Mexico and restore the great estates to the people. It is aggressively, incoherently radical, but contains no signed articles by the chief of the agra- rian revolution. If he is responsible for its fulminations General Carranza may aI)andon hope of ever placating him, for the "Emiliano Zapata," which has no MEXICO Saturday, February 7, 1914 kind words for the ill starred Madero, associating him with Huerta as a tool of the rich, declares that they "support and personally aid Carranza, of whom they expect another iro;n hand which will per- mit them to continue exploiting the poor." General Villa's loyalty to the leader of the revolution in the north has been un- der suspicion since the occupation of Chihuahua by the insurgents. Villa as- sumed so many purely civilian functions and Carranza has been so mute and in- conspicuous that want of harmony be- tween them seemed to be a warrantable conclusion. But at last General Villa has spoken. He says that he knows his limitations, and as a fighting man, not a diplomatist, he has "no aims or am- bitions to become the ruler of Mexico"; accordingly he swears allegiance to the constitutional cause "and to General Car- ranza as its recognized head." This is reassuring in that it sounds well, and it is to be said in the ex-out- law's favor that he was faithful to Ma- dero in days when obscurity and pov- erty were Villa's portion. He is now hailed as the strategist of the revolution and has displayed unsuspected executive talents. Whatever may be said of his past, Francisco Villa is something more than the brute force his enemies would have the world believe he is. Crude, un- couth and illiterate, he has won the op- portunity to set up for himself as a lead- er brooking no rival. If he resists the temptation he will be a remarkable Mex- ican; in fact, quite a historic character, assuming the success of the Constitu- tional cause. — New York "Sun." PUBLIC OPINION-Continued What is the use of shutting your eyes to such official facts? I know, of course, that one unarmed American soldier can whip a thousand Mexicans armed to the teeth, but this is in dime novels and moving pictures. Perhaps all the Mexi- can people would rally to Huerta's standard if he oflfered to lead them to Washington; perhaps, and probably, the Villas would prefer rapine and rape at home. But such an uprising would not be necessary, and neither would a seri- ous attempt to capture Washington. The mere declaration of war would suffice to bring all Europe, South America and Japan into the quarrel. Thanks to the Bryan diplomacy, we have not a single friend, except Russia. At first there would be a pretense of neutrality, but when the commercial and industrial in- terests of Europe were disturbed and the temptation to cripple this arrogant Republic was presented, could we face the whole world with "neither guns nor ammunition"? Let Congressmen con- sider the situation and act promptly. This — or intervention! — "Town Topics." MICAWBER. The Wilson-Micawber policy of watch- ing and waiting * * * has been endured long enough. Congress should end it by substituting a man's policy, an American policy, that will give Mexico a chance to restore peace and order. This may be done by a joint resolution recognizing the Provisional Presidency of Huerta and calling for all the papers relating to the arbitrary attempt to force the Mex- ican people to submit to the bandits. President Huerta has up his sleeve a card that will trump the Wilson waiting and watching trick. Last week I fore- shadowed the dangers that would arise from our armed intervention. But sup- pose that Huerta, tired of being grossly insulted and of the aid and encourage- ment openly given to the insurrectos, should refuse to await our intervention and boldly declare war against the United States, with the slogan, "On to Washington"? Absurd, you say? The Secretary of War and the Chief of Staff, whose duty is to keep fully informed upon military matters, do not agree with you. They tell you frankly, as they have told the House Military Committee, that "If you sent our troops into war as they are now, without guns or ammunition, it would be absolute slaughter. If called to fight suddenly we should have a very small allowance of ammunition, even for the guns in the hands of the troops, and we should have neither guns nor am- munition enough for our field artillery." of these companies put together. If it didn't own one side or the other, th» Standard would surely be in that fight. Naturally, Standard Oil covers it* tracks, but I venture to suggest that when American oil interests get what they want in Mexico the supply of am- munition to the Constitutionalist bandits- will be cut off and the so-called revolu- tion will die out. The United States can stop the fur- nishing of ammunition to the bandits any day the administration wants to. — Major Cassius E. Gillette, U. S.A., in the Phil- adelphia "Evening Bulletin." UNDER OATH. Testifying under oath on September 9, 1912, Lawrence F. Converse, an officer in Madero's party, and one of his clos- est friends, said: "Mr. Madero stated to me several times, as also did his other trusted offi- cers, that Standard Oil Company was back of them. He told me that several times for a positive fact. "Mr. Madero told me. as did his pro- visional Secretary of State, Braulio Her- nandez, that the Standard Oil Company interests had bought bonds of the pro- visional Government of Mexico (Made- ro's bonds to finance the revolution). "They (the Standard Oil people) were to have a high rate of interest, and there was a tentative agreement as to an oil concession in the Southern States of Mexico. "The three men, Abraham Gonzales (Madero's Governor of Chihuahua), Her- nandez and Madero himself said that Standard Oil would back them to the last ditch. I remember that expression for the reason that these gentlemen spoke broken English and they delighted in us- ing such foreign expressions as tha.t." The above evidence is available in the State Department, and I believe is on file there, so I am unable to understand why they give out that they have no such evidence. It was taken before the Senate Com- mittee on Foreign Relations. There is much other corroborative evidence to the same effect. S. G. Hopkins, as Washing- ton attorney, who from October, 1910, down to date has been legal adviser to the Maderos and their successors, the present so-called constitutional leaders, and who during at least a part of that time was counsel to H. Clay Pierce, pres- ident of the Waters-Pierce Oil Company, testified before the same committee that the Standard Oil Company owned a con- trolling interest in tlie Waters-Pierce Company when the Madero revolution broke out and that Pierce was fighting Lord Cowdray, who had oil concessions unfavorable to the Standard Oil. There is an empire of oil in Mexico. For several years I have seen a very bit- ter fight over the sale of kerosene i" Mexico between the Pierce Company ar the English company of Lord Cowdr They alone are doing the fighting, the Standard Oil, through the DoJ'-i Company, owns more oil land '^nd^.. larger investment in Mexico thar' SAYS U. S. FOMENTS REVOLT. (Special Cable Despatch to the New York "Sun.") Paris, Feb. 1. — The writer of the week- ly financial article in "Le Temps" is very much irritated against the United State- this week. He says only one definie thing stands out from the Mexican im- broglio, and that is the equivocal rolfof [he United States, or rather of Presi-ent Wilson. Europe, the writer says, ifsur- prised thrit this high, upright magii^rate, who is so severe on the great truts, al- lows himself to be dominated >y the Standard Oil Company. The article continues: "Graced that the Monroe Doctrine prevents -uropean intervention, where does it au-iorize the United States to foment reolution in South and Central Americr which the United States pretends toprotect, and that, too, for individual -aterial inter- eits?" THE MEXICAN -'RAGEDY. For the last three -ars I have been an observer at first and of that inost appalling of modern agedies— the Mex- ican situation. DurS these years it has been my lot to se and hear thmgs so horrible in charact that as I thmk back upon them it does'Ot seem possible that they could have IPPened in this enlight- ened age and so 'ose to our very doors without arousin a protest nalion-wide in scope and of "=" fo""" .'"at it would have demande^°™e definite action upon the part of oi government. It has be' repeatedly said that the averao-e Me-''" ^^^ "o appreciation nor qualifi°catio, foi" *« right of suffrage. Elections '" ^^ ^e have in this coun- j.j.y j^Q^. .tt our elections are conduct- ed on an*'^''y ''''?''' P'ane — are unknown inMexi'- Anything approaching a pop- ular ex~.^^'°" °^ ''''^ people at the polls is imr^''^'^' "^''^ election of Madero was pST'^^t ^ fiasco as that of Huerta. -p].jg exican does not vote; he is voted, -ppij.pathy toward politics is largely due ^^ teracy; only about 10 per cent, of j].|,.Iexicans can read and write. great many people in the United ctes have conceived the idea that there 'a great issue of principle existing be- vfeen the Carranzistas (Constitutional- its) and the Federalists, An analogy nas been drawn between Mexico and our own country. No one appreciates the value of this misconception better than the few shrewd individuals who are financing the Carranzista cause and the Carranzista representatives in Washing- ton. Nor am I prepared to say that all (Continued on next page.) Saturday, February 7, 1914 MEXICO •of the followers of Carranza are hypo- crites. It does seem that I have met some who were genuinely sincere in their ambition to better the conditions in Mex- ico. They were high class, cultured men ■who were staking their all in this strug- gle. On the other hand, the best men tkH I know in Mexico are all Federal- ists. Men upon whom Mexico depends for its prosperity and existence as a sorereign state are Federalists. And I «•( sure that no one appreciates this more iJian Mr. John Lind. At least 90 per cent, of the educated and intelligent Mex- icans, and more than that percentage of tie better foreign population, if not fully ia «ccord and sympathy with the manner in which Huerta came into power, at le«st recognized him as the man of the hour and the one most capable of bring- ias order out of the chaos which exist- ed. And all are strong in the belief that had he been recognized conditions would he normal and prosperous in Mexico to- J.y. I want to explain why Carranza has a following. Any man with the necessary ■teans can start a revolution in Mexico. Tliat Carranza is being financed from the outside is beyond a question of a doubt. In Mexico they say that the Standard Oil supplies him with the mon- ey. But as the Standard Oil is accused of everything this indictment stands for little. The fact remains that Carranza is getting all the money he needs, and from the United States. Carranza is a patriot to the extent that he wants to be President of Mexico. If Huerta is not accep'.able to Mr. Bryan and Mr. Wilson, surely Carranza and Villa should be less so. One is just as good and no better than the other. If Carranza should suc- ceed it will mean another revolution at once. If Carranza succeeds thousands of the best and most cultured Mexicans will become exiles. Where will it all end? Even now Car- ranza is losing prestige among the rene- gade Mexicans which composed his fol- lowing, and Villa, the outlaw, the bandit, is gaining the ascendancy. Surely the United States will not rec- ognize Villa in preference to Huerta. After committing itself to the colossal error of non-recognition of Huerta, of doing everything in its power to weaken and handicap him to the extent of jug- gling and interpreting international law as best suited its purpose, the adminis- tration now finds itself confronted with greater difficulties than ever before. It has made of Mexico a permanent and bit- ter enemy. Intervention in one form or another is nearer to-day than ever be- fore. .\nd let no man make the mistake 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU IQir MUNSEY BUILDING iqio 1310 WASHINGTON, D. C. ' ^ '" Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legisla- tion. in thinking when intervention comes, as it must come, that the Mexicans will not fight. As to their fighting qualities, be not deceived, either, in the thought that one American can whip ten Mexicans. They are the most indifferent people to death and danger on this continent. After having said all of this, have I a remedy to offer? Yes; here it is. While it is late, it is not too late to remedy the error. Acknowledge the mistake. Even Mr. Bryan and Mr. Wilson should not profess to be infallible. Recognize Huerta! Then what? Just this: Declare martial law in a zone ten miles wide along the Mexican boundary and tell our soldiers to stop the smuggling, and it will stop. This done, the Carranzista cause or any revolution will not endure a week, Peace will come to Mexico and conditions will become normal. J. D. B. Laredo, Tex., Jan. 14, 1914. Instead of deploring the pertinacity of the prei*, the President should applaud the papers for try- ing to get the Secretary of State to attend t» business. — New York "American." VILLA, MEXICO'S CAESAR. Villa, in the latest interview had with him, makes humble confession that he is without ambi- tion to rule the destinies of Mexico. He prefers to spotlight as the unaffected patriot, fighting for his country and with a single-eyed devotion to Carranza. With the dictatorship linked with his name as possible successor to the federal Huerta, he renounces any such prospects in advance and prefers to be the unambitious Caesar of his land, with the difference that what Villa renounces is not a crown and is something he probably never would have a chance actually to discard. Habilitated in his first custom-made uniform and seeking habilitation in the good esteem of this country, he wonders why he should have the repu- tation that has been given him in the United States. He states that in case of taking Torreon and Mexico City there would only be a court- martialing of the heads of the government and of the army. How many heads this would make in the total is another question. — Baltimore "Ameri- THE PRESS AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS. If we understand President Wilson's latest ob- jection to criticism, it is that newspaper com- ments rn our foreign policy often gfive foreign na- tions incorrect and hurtful impressions, which it is difficult for our diplomats to explain away. It m;i;' be noted that the Wilson selection of diplomats also often gives foreign nations incor- rect and hurtful impressions which it is most diffi- cult for our patriotic press to explain away. But perhaps this is one of those comments which the President so deprecates. Of course, the President is fundamentally wrong in this matter. Public interest in his foreign policy is the more keen because of the general public conviction that the State Department port- folio is the weakest point in his Cabinet. If any one thing had been settled by the State Depart- ment since the incoming of this Administration there would be less newspaper scrutiny of its pres- ent work. But the gradual accumulation there of unfinished business has given it an unusual news importance. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: This is too much. It is preM- agenting run wild. They have trotted out that unspeakable Villa in an olive-tinted khaki uni- form and pictured him reading a little book, pro- cured from United States Army officers, called "The Ethics of International Warfare I" Where- upon Villa is made to announce that hereafter civilized warfare would be "adopted by the rebels!" Of course the book idea was intended to impress our scholarly President, although we are not told who the author of the quaint volume is, or that Villa cannot read a word in Spanish* let alone English. In publishing such truck do the newspapers really do it for the fun of the thing or do they believe the people are consum- mate fools? Yours very truly, New York, N. Y., Jan. 31, 1914. F. G. CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GUIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY, PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAMPIJKLl. 1214 Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO, 111. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1 500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Gracias Post Office, Starr County, Texas $l.no FOR SIX MO.N'THS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) LNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ hir subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturday, February 7, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Kdiior, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York THE REAL SUFFERERS. Dr. Frank Crane writes in the New York "Globe": It would help a great deal toward clear think- ing if we would remember that there is a differ- ence between a nation and the people who com- pose a nation. A nation is an artificial affair. It is a device. It corresponds to a business company or a social club. It has no rights other than those drawn from its population. In Mexico one captain or another does not interest us. But we cannot stand and ought not to endure that outrage, barbarous cruelty, rapine, murder, and pillage take place in a country at our doorstep. It is the people who are getting the worst of it. Whili; we should not rush into war at the first call of indignation, while it is right to give a neighbor nation full time and opportunity to at- tend to its own troubles, the sentiment is rapidly crystallizing in the United States that by and by, if the chaos of inhumanity continues, we will owe it to the people of Me.xico to interfere suffi- ciently to insure to them some government that will mean law and order, justice, and the condi- tions of civilization. , It is the people of Me.xico who are getting the worst of it, and that is the tragedy which is constantly lost sight of in the Mexican situation. There is a government in Mexico, which whatever else may be said about it, really stands for law and order and the protection of life and property. Instead of giving that government tht moral support of the United States, the Washington Administration has done all in its power outside of actual warfare to overthrow that government. Because of a theoretical conception of what government in Mexico should be. Which hostile attitude has given pow- er to the forces of "outrage, barbarous cruelty, rapine, murder and pillage," to down which Dr. Crane naively suggests more strenuous United States inter- ence. He says further: "It is sometimes nec- essary to wrong a nation technically in order to help a people actually." But we are wronging a people actucd- ly in order to help a nation technically. Surely Dr. Crane can see this. Surely any fair-minded observer cannot help seeing that this is the actual situation as regards Me.xico, however it may be clouded with technical issues. It is the PEOPLE of Mexico who are getting the worst of it. SECRECY AND INTRIGUE. The New York "World" is an abject supporter of anything and everything Wilsonian. But even the "World" re- sented editorially the Administration's suggestion that the press should not dis- cuss speculatively the foreign policies of the Government. This is what the "World" had to say on the matter of press-muzzling: When the President expresses the hope that American newspapers will not speculate about for- eign relations, does he mean that they are to ex- press no opinions about foreign policies of the Government, or that they are to suppress all news that has- a bearing upon such policies? Musi Ihey refrain from publishing the fact that California Congressmen are demanding the exclu- sion of Japanese labor? Or that Hobson on the floor of the House of Representatives predicts a war with Japan within a year? Or that naval officers are clamoring for four new battleships? Or that Congress has violated the Hay-Pauncefote treaty *o subsidize the coastwise shipping mon- opoly? Or that Colombia's claims against the United States for the forcible seizure of the Canal Zone are still unsatisfied? Or that there is no longer a commercial treaty with Russia? Or that the United States Senate long refused to ratify the arbitration treaties? Foreign policies are no more sacred than do- mestic policies. In the long run tliey are much less important, and we do not quite see how discussion is to be prevented. Indeed, such dis- cussion is highly necessary, except in Russia, where the people are supposed to have no concern whatever with the doings of their Government. It is undoubtedly true that newspaper discussion of foreign policies is sometimes embarrassing, par- ticularly when it is based on false information: yet the injury done to international relations by such discussion is small in comparison with the injury done by vain, meddlesome and ambitious diplomacy. Most international misunderstandings arc brojght about by blundering diplomatists. Most wars are brought about by diplomatic and political intrigue. As a historian the President is doubtless well aware of this fact. If the President is well aware of the fact, then the "vain, meddlesome and ambitious diplomacy" which has mud- dled our relations with Mexico and en- couraged conditions that may lead to war, is inexplicable. Continuing, the "World" has the au- dacity to make the following statement: The President in his Mexican policy has had an illuminating example of the value of openness and frankness in dealing with foreign relations. He took the country into his confidence, and as a re- sult practically every newspaper of importance in the United States is holding up his hands. If he will take the country into his confidence in respect to his other foreign policies, he can reasonably expect a.i equal measure of support. Openness and frankness in the Mexi- can policy! Great Scott! The President himself would not claim that he has been open and frank about anything save his opposition to President Huerta, which personal opposition has accom- plished nothing of good for either Mex- ico or the United States and much of harm for both countries. The "World" concludes: Of all the myths of government the most ridicu- lous mvlh is that of diplomacy — the notion that international relations must be conducted in hide- and-seek behind closed doors test each side might miss an opportunity to cheat the other. There is nothing in it. The more nations know about the purposes of one another — provided their purposes are honest — the less room there is for suspicion and misunderstanding, which are ever twin causes of strife Let the President remember that pub- licity, not secrecy, is the great friend of peace, and that in a free country the people have always a right to know about the international agreements to whica their Government seeks to commit them. Very, very true. Let us have more publicity as to the Administration's pur- poses as regards Mexico. Let us brush away the atmosphere of secrecy and in- trigue. THE NEW FREEDOM. Why the Bandit Villa is Elated. As long as your shibboleth is "consti- tutional liberty" you may murder, loot and rape to your heart's content. But don't forget the shibboleth. No longer is it hands across the sea. It's arms across the border. * * * .V -^ The mask has been taken oflf, anyhow, and the moralists are shown in their true colors. Allies of Villa or Zapata or anybody who will help them to "get Huerta. " "Get Huerta" — that's all it means in the final analysis. * « * Isn't that a beautiful, ennobling spirit in which to handle a most delicate in- ternational problem? * * * They talk of the Constitution, but their acts are Prostitution. The best proof of the Administration's awful Mexican blunder would come if Carranza and Villa should ever reach Mexico City. The present state of Mexico would be heaven in comparison with what it would be then. And another revolution would be only a matter of months. All thinking Mexicans know this. * * * Which is why they see in the policy of the United States a deliberate attempt to destroy their country. * * * And why they will support Huerta against anarchy on the one hand and United States spoliation on the other. ■1^^ y MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. I— No. 26 Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Chmbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1914. FIVE CENTS The Destroyers The civilized world is still watchfully waiting for the slightest indication that the Administration has any constructive Mexican policy. So far the Washington policy as disclosed has been one of ne- gation and destruction. It has sought to tear down rather than to build up. Per- haps the policy has been based on a sin- cere belief that the destruction of Mexi- can nationality by United States inter- ference from without and fostered rebel- lion from within will in the end some- how be a good thing for Mexico. There really are nunds that can view human woe and national suffering in so cold and impersonal a manner. But Mexico and the rest of the world vitally concerned in Mexican conditions cannot be expected to acquiesce supine- ly in the personal belief or theory of any one man, no matter how powerful. And the people of the United States, as they realize the situation, cannot be expected to follow blindly a course of action that gets them nothing and gets them no- where, at the expense of their friendly relations with the rest of the world. Naturally, then, there is a universal impatience in the watchful waiting for an announcement of the Administration's constructive plans. There is a grave doubt whether the Administration has any such plans. Apart from a purely destructive cam- paign leveled at President Huerta, there has been no evidence of any plans for the future whatever. It has been suggested, however, by the Administration's apologists - that its attitude toward President Huerta was justified as a constructive measure to dis- courage revolutions not only in Mexico biit in all Latin America. But the Ad- ministration is morally supporting the present revolution in Mexico and there has been a recent outbreak of revolutions in five other Latin- American countries! So much for that apology. Other apologists have suggested that the constructive feature of the Adminis- tration's Mexican policy is the gradual extension of the sphere of American in- fluence over the countries from the Rio Grande to the Panama Canal, without resort to arms. If such is the Adminis- tration's purpose, its course toward Mex- ico has done more to alienate those countries and make them resent and re- pel American influence than would their conquest by American arms. There is no building up in that direction. On the contrary, we are destroying the work of a generation of earnest, far-seeing men who have promoted Pan-American friendship. It has also been said for the Adminis- tration that it is seeking to construct "constitutional government'' in Mexico and that this justifies its effort to de- stroy the present Government. Apart from any discussion as to the constitu- tionality of the present Mexican Govern- ment, apart from the truism that Mex- ico as well as every other country in the world, including the United States, must have and will have that form of govern- ment that is most workable and adapted to its needs — does the Administration see no other way of promoting the cause of constitutional government except through the encouragement of armed re- bellion? If those who are opposing the Mexican Government are actuated only by motives of political freedom, is there no other way to get it than by burning railroads, robbing, murdering, looting and raping? If the Administration dis- interestedly wants to see a certain kind of government in Mexico, is it necessary to work through such forces? Has it ex- hausted the possibilities of counsel, ad- vice, reason, study and conciliation? Has it made the slightest effort to use these methods of civilization? No, it has sim- ply truculently sat on its hind legs and bawled out that "Huerta must go," and gone to unbelievable extremities of un- compromising antagonism. The remaining alleged constructive feature of the Administration's Mexican policy is the exertion of pressure against the granting of concessions to foreign interests by the Mexican and other Latin-American governments. The only excuse for caUing this constructive is that to carry it to its logical conclu- sion we should have to administer Mex- ico and those other countries according to our own sweet will, that we should take over their economic and financial problems, that we should maintain this grand and noble attitude against not only the people of those countries hut against the combined armies and n; '-s of all the powers of Europe and . la! Yes, that is constructive. So is ^ iing a tower to reach the moon. It IS possible that all of these alleged constructive features are vaguely and nebulously at the back of the minds of those who are shaping our Mexican pol- icy. But their very vagueness and nebu- losity, their impractical, dream-like hazi- ness preclude their discussion in any sen- sible interchange of ideas as to the fu- ture of Mexico. The European diplo- matic representatives have been fed on this kind of pap for months past. The people of this country have to a great extent allowed themselves to be lulled to sleep under the spell of beautiful but meaningless phrases. But the question is daily becoming more insistent; "If you do not want Huerta as President of Mexico, what in the name of common sense do you want? "Do you want Carranza? They'd say in Mexico that he was a Yankee-made President and he would be lucky to last a m.onth. "Do you want Villa? Well, God help Mexico. "Do you want Zapata? He says he'U tear up all the railroads and send every foreigner out of Mexico. "Do you want any of a score or more of other rebel and bandit leaders, eve.'y one of whom is no better nor worse than Villa and Zapata? "Or do you just want to save your face somehow, and you don't care how, no matter what the results are for Mex- ico, the Mexican people or the destiny of the United States?" In the absence of any indication to the contrary in word or action the world, with every desire to credit the Adminis- tration vnth the highest motives, will be forced to conclude that the answer is "Yes" to the last question. MEXICO Saturday, February 14, 1914 AFTER ONE YEAR If Provisional President Huerta, when he accepted the job of pacifying Mexico, planned to entrench himself in power for an indefinite time he could have contem- plated no better assistance to that end than that which has been given him by the Washington Administration. If he -was ambitious to prove to Mexico and to the world that he and he alone could and s'.iould hold the reins of authority, Jhe must daily give thanks to President Wilson and Secretary Bryan for his op- portui>y. As one looks back over the eventful year since the fall of the Madero regime, no fact stands out more strikingly and ironically than this: Every attitude, ev- ery move, every action of the Washing- ton Administration directed to the end that President Huerta "must go" has •made it inevitable that Huerta must stay, "whether he wanted to or not. Perhaps in some subtle, subterranean ■waj- the Administration really wants to see General Huerta remain President of Mexico and has intended all along to strengthen his hands. How else can one explain the anomalous situation? Surely it cannot be said that the Administration was ignorant of the effect its policy would have. We do not profess to know whether President Huerta likes his job or not. It is not impossible that he may be tired of it. But if he really wants to remain President of Mexico, enjoying the con- sen; and support of tlie vast majority of the Mexican people, lif can — with the able assistance of the Washington .Ad- ministration. HUERTA'S YEAR. For a whole year and in the face of violent opposition Gen. Victoriano Huerta has held the Dictatorship of Mex- ico, and nothing beyond the low state of the governmental finances justifies the present belief that his power is waning. That a majority of the intelligent people of Mexico desire a constitutional govern- ment is not to be doubted, but that there is any man in sight to whom they can confidently look as the leader of such a Government is very doubtful. Felix Diaz has turned out to be a nonentity, a mere pawn in the Huerta game; they have been disappointed in de la Barra and Lascurain, and they distrust the remnant of the Cientificos. .\bout Villa they can have no illusions. As a military commander Huerta served Porfirio Diaz loyally in the later years of his rule, and he transferred his service to Madero when that unhappy leader became President. When Orozco rebelled. Huerta pursued him as far as Bachimba in Chihuahua, and seemingly crushed his rebellion, which, according to popularly accepted reports, had been financed by the bank of Terrazas, an adherent of Diaz. Anyhow, Orozco re- tired from the field. \t the very xnoment of his victory, however. Huerta was re- called to the capital by Madero, and was thereafter kept inactive. When the up- rising in tlic capital under Felix Diaz was checked a viiar ago. and Huerta as- sumed power, OTnzco emerged from re- tircnifiit and entered the service of the Provisional President. .\. review of the incidents of the last two years in the disturbed republic indi- cates that a strong and shrewd mind was in action long before the overthrow and the establishment of the Dictatorship. By attributing forethought and steadfast- ness of purpose to Huerta we are cer- tainly not belittling his character. The country was in a state of turmoil long before he asserted himself. Every step he has taken has tended to increase the measure of his personal authority. He has lacked the men and the money to suppress rebellion remote from the capi- tal, but in spite of armed resistance north and south, he has held the Federal Dis- trict and the seeming allegiance of the people in all the important cities. For a whole year he has maintained a rule which was not expected to last more than a few months, and has met all op- position with audacity, tact and remark- able self-control. That he is an extraordinary man, who has had few equals in ability in the whole history of Mexican leadership, the world must recognize. His bed is not made of roses, the outlook for him is not bright, and that he possesses qualities which would be useful in a period of peace and commercial and industrial prosperity may fairly be doubted, but it is certain that the whole character of Don Vic- toriano will not be comprehended until the last chapter of his history is com- pleted. — Xew York "Times." THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY. (By cable to the New York "Tribune.") Mexico . City, Feb. 8. — To-morrow is the first anniversary of the beginning of the military uprising headed by Felix Diaz, Bernardo Reyes and Manuel Mon- dragon, which ended ten days later in the overthrow of the Madero Government. The experience of the last year ought, it is thought by many, to be a lesson to Mexicans for the future, teaching them that the overthrow of constituted gov- ernment by violence is no joking matter and is likely to bring all sorts of evil in its train. It is generally agreed that now it is necessary to make the best of things as they are and to turn all efforts toward the restoration of peace and the coun- try's rehabilitation. A majority of the people of this section fail to see how the attainment of that object would be aided by the retirement of General Huerta. Lifting the arms embargo by the United States has increased Huerta's popularity in this part of Mexico and generally throughout the country, except in the states wholly or partly controlled by the rebels. Conversely, the disfavor with which General Carranza is regarded has been intensified. Impartial observers, here declare that Carranza would be an im- possibility were he to triumph as the result of Washington's recent decision enabling the rebels to procure muni- tions of war unrestricledl}' in the United States. He would, they say. be regarded as the protege of Americans and as a sort of Gringo President. It is thought doubtful that he could gov- ern in peace for a single week. Peace reigns in this city, despite the recurrent rumors of plots and con- spiracies. The people go about their business and pleasures unmolested, and the city continues to present all the manifestations of metropolitan life of the Latin type. INDEED! Catholics Take Notice. There is a deal of quiet talk among informed persons that the real task in Mexico rests with the American church rather than with the War or State de- partments. There will never be stable conditions below the Rio Grande until the people have become enlightened and educated and infused with the ideal of a free and intelligent nation. This is slow work. It will take at least a generation. The only agency now in sight for imparting the neces- sary training is the missionary and edu- cational propaganda of the American Protestant churches. All of the de- nominations that work in Mexico at the present time maintain schools for train- ing in secular education as well as for religious instruction. That this is no longer to be carried on in hit or miss style, but according to one coordinated plan, with a central cooperative direction, means more for Mexico than many of the battles fought. Missionary leaders declare that only the concerted action of all of them can arouse the American churches to the needs of Mexico. And only combined effort could economically administer the work that must quickly be done. — Re- ligious news of the New York "Even- ing Sun." EITHER WAY. Hei-ald Bureau, No. 1.502 H Street, N. W., Washington, D. C, Monday. The question of recognizing two revolution-made governments in Latin America, came before Mr. Bryan, Secretary of State, to-day. Cable de- spatches from the American Ministers at Lima and Port au Prince informed the State Department of the establishment of governments in Peru and Hayti. Both appear to be prototypes of the Huerta government in Mexico, except that the Presidents who were driven from office have not been harmed. But both are the direct results of "the appeal to arms," which President Wilson has de- clared must cease in Latin America. The indications are, however, that the United States will recognize both governments if it pos- sibly can do so without leaving President Wilson open to too severe arraignment in Latin America for -abandoning the positive stand he has taken against revolution-made governments. The Ad- ministration appears to be desirous of avoiding another Mexican situation, and that probably would be the result of non-recognition. If the Administration recognizes the new revolutionary governments of Peru and Hayti, it will be a confession that the theorj' on which it refused to recog- nize the government of Mexico is im- practicable, and if thereafter it still con- tinues not to recognize the Mexican Government it will lay itself open to a charge of maintaining a deliberately de- structive Mexican policy against the dic- tates of experience and humanity. (Continued on next page.) Saturday, February 14, 1914 MEXICO If the Administration, to be consis- tent, takes the same attitude toward the new governments of Hayti and Peru (and possibly Venezuela) as that it holds to- ward Mexico, our Government will sim- ply find itself more and more estranged from all Latin America at a time when we are seeking closer relations. And this is the kind of foreign policy it is intimated that none should criticize! The FLUSTERED "WORLD" HOW HISTORY IS WRITTEN. The author of an article in "World's Work" states erroneously that "Carranza went to Mexico City as Senator from Coahuila and remained there ten or fif- teen years, despite his independence of the Diaz political machine. "Instead of becoming subservient Sen- ator Carranza undertook to smash the Diaz ring. Carranza ran for the gover- norship himself against the Diaz-Reyes candidate." While this statement neither adds nor detracts from Carranza's character, viewed in the light of recent events, yet it is important to point out its falseness because this shows how history is re- corded even in a magazine like "World's Work." Any one that knows anything about the Diaz regime knows that no senator could endure ten or fifteen years in of- fice unless he was subservient to the Diaz political machinery. When Carranza first accepted a can- didacy as Governor of Coahuila, a place which he had coveted for many years, he did so at the instance of General Diaz, who feared the influence of Gen- eral Reyes in the Coahuila elections. Shortly before these took place, how- ever. General Diaz requested Carranza to give up the race and Carranza who, whatever his faults may be, is a man of character, refused to be an easy tool in Diaz's hands. He ran for governor and ran with the support of General Reyes, not against the Diaz-Reyes candidate as affirms the writer, evidently profoundly ignorant of Mexican politics. Carranza was a Reyista and became a Maderista only after General Reyes had lost his prestige and the success of the Madero revolution became assured. Thus to say that Carranza was the father of the Madero revolution is con- trary to the truth. Carranza is represented in this sketch as a total abstainer from liquor and to- bacco. Whether this is true or not the statement is evidently made to appeal to a portion of the American people. Some of the greatest scoundrels on earth have been abstainers from liquor and to- bacco, while some of the greatest men that this country has produced were men — like General Grant — who were not fa- mous for being abstainers. The New York "World," with char- acteristic maliciousness, takes occasion to criticize those newspapers which have accepted President Huerta's invita- tion to their correspondents to come to Mexico and report truthfully the condi- tions they see. The "World," which, since the death of Joseph Pultizer, has shown in its editorial policy the petti- ness and pettifogging manners of a shys- ter lawyer, has this to say: Will Hurt U. S. Policy. It is unfortunate that the American papers that have swallowed Huerta's bait seemingly do not understand to what extent they are aiding in making President Wilson's solution of the Mexican problem more difficult, Huerta has maintained, and still believes, that the press and a majority of the American public are with him against Mr. Wilson. This notion is carefully kept alive by his parasites among certain injudicious Americans, both in and out of Mexico, who are desirous of obtaining his favor for private gain. Evcrv news article and editorial which favors Huerta and criticizes Mr. Wilson in the slightest degree is reproduced on the front page of the official Government organ. So far as the correspondents who are coming here at Huerta's expense are concerned, it is unlikely that they will be successful in gaining any further insight behind the scenes of Gov- ernment, either in its administrative or military functions, than the correspondents who have been on the ground for months. Even Capt. William A. Burnside, United States Military Attache here, who has been trying for nearly two years to follow the Federal military operations, has not succeeded. His search for a battle worthy of being classed as more than a skirmish also has been vain. If what Huerta believes aljout the American press and public is untrue, why should either the Administration or the "World" worry about it? It isn't Huerta's notion in this respect that the "World" is so concerned about, but the obvious fact that the number of those who believe that the Administration's policy toward the Mexican Government is wrong is growing daily. .^s to the slur cast on "parasites among certain injudicious Americans, both in and out of Mexico, who are de- sirous of obtaining favor for private gain," it seems to be absolutely incon- ceivable to that small shyster mind that anybody would have the courage and hardihood to tell the truth except for a price. The "World" is entirely too self- conscious. As to parasitism, it has been remarked that there is no counterpart in modern journalism for the "World's" slavish, blind and slobbering support of anything, and everything Wilsonian, or its picayune, petulant peckings at every tendency that threatens to knock down the Wilson-"World" house of cards. "Every news article and editorial which favors Huerta and criticizes Mr. Wilson in the slightest degree is repro- duced on the front page of the official Government organ." In the first place, there is no official Government organ ex- cept "Diario Official," a small daily bul- letin of government orders and decrees and nothing else. The "World" prob- ably refers to the Mexico City news- papers, which in this country are in- variably referred to as Government or- gans when it is necessary to quote any- thing from them favorable to the Gov- ernment and as "the only independent newspaper in Mexico City" whenever they contain anything that might be con- strued here as against the Government. If all these papers devoted their first pages daily to editorials and news items frotn American papers favorable to Huerta and criticizing President Wil- son, they wouldn't have room for any- thing else. Why, MEXICO publishes weekly many pages of editorial criticism of the Administration's Mexican policy and it doesn't pretend to reproduce one- tenth of it. We haven't got enough space. Captain Burnside's searcli for a battle worthy of being classed as more than a skirmish is pathetic, but true. But how is it, then, that the "World" and other yellow journals have for the last year been regaling the American public from day to day with battle news that would lead anybody to think that Mexico was a shambles and the country in the throes of an organized and formidable civil war? Carefully, carefully, "World." In your petulance you may some day let the cat init of the bag. A WORRIED AND CARELESS NEIGHBOR. These are evidently flustered days in' tlie office of our neighbor the "World," and we have no desire to be captious in criticism. But in printing a column of "dope" un- der a Mexico City date line, for the ap- parent purpose of implying what it must know to be untrue, it seems to us to have merited a kindly word of advice. This piece of "news" carries throughout the suggestion that the "Tribune's" spe- cial representative in Mexico is traveling at General Huerta's expense. The direct contrary is the truth, as the "World" must know. If there could be any doubt of the "World's" knowledge it would be removed by the careful fashion in which the "World" avoids a direct charge against this paper while making the im- plication to the reader unmistakable. "."Accuracy, terseness, accuracy" used some time ago to be a five-foot sign in the "World" office. When our neighbor recovers its equilibrium we suggest that the sign have some fresh paint and be re- stored to a place of honor. — New York "Tribune." MEXICO Saturday, February 14, 1S14 Plain Words from the Border By C. F. Z. Caracristi, Ph.D., C.E. The lifting of the embargo on arms and munitions of war into bandit-strick- en Me.xico at least asserts our position squarely and openly. No longer are we operating through channels of hypocrit- ical subterfuge. Now we are open allies of Villa, Zapata and other noted high- waymen. It was indeed time that we should throw ofif the transparent mask that has been disgracing our political body cor- porate since tlie days when Madero, the Mad Mullah of Mexico, began a war of egotistic fanaticism against a friendly power from American soil. What surprises me most is that we have not folded these leaders of brigan- dage to our manly breasts and suckled them with material assistance from the golden nipples of the United States Treasury Department. It seems that we are developing a marked preference for the polecat element of the human race — that is, if men like Villa and Zapata can be classed as actually- human without insulting everything else that belongs to the biped type. I presume that it makes no difference to our national pride and self-esteem that the rest of the civilized world is looking upon us with horror mingled with contempt. The old saying that if you will let the Democratic Party alone it can be depended on to do the wrong this has again proved true in our Mex- ican imbroglio. Suspending the neutrality laws cer- tainly aids the Mexican Government side of the proposition, because, as the Presi- dent admits himself, the rebels were get- ting their only supply of arms and ammu- nition by smuggling it over the border, while the Government could not pur- chase in this country. He frankly admits that through subterfuge the rebels could not get quite enough war material; now he says, take all you can pay for and God help you in your crimes. It is probable that the Administration dis- covered what I have known since the embargo has been on, that certain so- called "constitutionalists" — mostly Amer- ican renegades and border greasers — were smuggling arms and war equip- ments for both the rebels and the Gov- ernment. But they could only pass it if they posed as Carrancistas, other- wise our noble officials would confis- cate the goods. It was a lucrative busi- ness. Thirty thousand cartridges, worth from $18 to $20, told to either Federals or rebels and by the same people at $50 per thousand. The rebels actually sold and delivered to the Federals 41,000 spe- cial cartridges for machine guns just a few days before a certain battle on the border in wliich the rebels were defeat- ed. I am just pointing to these facts to show the state of governmental preju- dice and partiality. Had the people who smuggled this ammunition been Federals ihey would have landed in an American jail. But the advantage that the lifting of the embargo on war materials will give the government of Mexico is the same that the United States gained over Eng- land in the noted Alabama claims case. I wonder how many of my good coun- trymen, who, like myself, have interests in Mexico, know that from the day that we openly allowed the craven hordes of Carranza to outfit with munitions of war from the United States we lost all rights to receive indemnity for loss of life or property in Mexico. England discovered this to the tune of $100,000,000 in prop- erty losses during the Civil War, and af- terward an international tribunal made that country pay us $30,000,000 in addi- tion. This bandit copartnership may be all right for those who feed on United States Government pap, but it's darned hard on us innocent Americans who have their little all staked down in dear old Mexico. No, we have not yet lost enough in Mexico, but that Mr. Wilson, a wise and great President no doubt, has to take it into that magnificent head of his to so arrange the matter that we can never be paid for our losses and invites more. "Run like hell," he says metaphorically, "and if you happen to get killed, why, old chappy, you really had no business in Mexico, don't you know! Also if you happen to be robbed of everything you have, dear me, or drop your valuables while you are run- ning, my friends Zapata and Villa will see that the money is well spent." Now what in the merry devil are you going to do with an insane proposition like this? Do? Why not a blessedless thing, except to grin and bear your bur- den; and be so glad, and then some, that you have a great and glorious Fourth of July, a Government that floats bat- tleships in grape juice while not occupy- ing the side-show stage with the lady snake charmer who, at least, "eats them alive," Big Willie "the ladies' man," and the mermaid chiropodist. Just think of the great blessing of being a free-born American citizen — to be robbed and murdered by bandits abroad, and these bandits tacit partners of our paternal and benevolent home government, be- sides being bulldozed and bullyragged by politicians at home — that is, if you amount to a "son of beans" and have opinions to boot. And President Wilson goes a little farther than other Presidents. He ad- vises the American press not to discuss our foreign policies, as if our thinking masses were wholly incapable of solv- ing those problems that confront our nation even as they attempt to solve them at the polls when they send gen- tlemen like President Wilson to the White House. Unfortunately for our country American intellectuality does not control politics — but the politicians do; and yet, we would not personally trust but a very few of these very men to attend to our individual business. President Wilson, when he attempt- ed to stop the discussion of the Mexican situation except as viewed by his gross- ly biased and wholly misinformed view- point, certainly paid no compliment to the learning of the American people. I fear that the President misunderstands our people if he believes that they will tacitly accept from any ruler a self-im- posed paternal attitude on any question that applies to our national welfare. There is quite a marked distinction be- tween the possibility of gag rule over college boys and the muzzling of the press and the thinking public. After having visited, in a profession- al capacity, nearly every country in the world, having learned to speak and write various languages and studied human- ity at close ranges, I have about con- cluded that we dearly beloved citizens of "God's country," of which we boast so much, are the most gullible set of hero- worshippers and servile followers of of- ficial mandates, right or wrong, of any civilized people. If you do not believe it just read the daily papers and magazines on the Mexican situation. If you do, you will be buried under an avalanche of palpable lies. But what is more is that our Government knows them to be libelous and baseless untruths, yet it promulgates these inventions by sup- pressing the truth that it daily receives from its diplomatic and consular agents in all parts of Mexico. Children can hardly have very great affection for parents who are known to habitually lie, and the subjects of a government that wilfully misleads its people on any vital public matter can hardly render that respect and support that honesty always commands. I want to predict that within sixty- days the American press will begin to expose true conditions in Mexico to the shame of the Democratic Party, and who knows what may happen at the next elections? It is time that the truly American spirit and the public conscience should awaken to the demands of its political duties, for we "hall reap through future generations ihe harvest of the wrongs inspired by malice or ignorance, in which we are allowing ourselves to drift. (Continued on next page.) Saturday, February 14, 1914 MEXICO A pistol-carrying frontier bully, whom Bryan's influence has placed in high Federal office, told me some weeks ago that Bryan had stated to him (he is openly helping Carranza) that if Car- ranza, Villa and Zapata could not win alone the United States would help them win to the extent of ititervention in their favor. The man may have been lying, but I am inclined to believe him. LEST WE FORGET When you see particularly virulent at- tacks in the newspapers directed against Sir Lionel Cardan you know that the American oil interests are showing their claws. * * ♦ It is reported that the British Ambas- sador is coming to Washington to talk with President Wilson. * * * We hope that he will tell him the source of the lies and calumnies con- cerning him and the Mexican Govern- ment. « * • It may surprise the Administration to find what company it is keeping in op- position to President Huerta. * * * The story of revolution in Mexico that Sir Lionel Garden might tell goes back to the time when Porfirio Diaz refused to do the bidding of Standard Oil. * « * That sealed his doom. * * * The Administration knows so well the ruthless methods of the American Trusts and has fought so valiantly against them, isn't it strange that it has not seen that same ruthless hand in Mexico? A newspaper cartoon pictured the President as ripping out the canal tolls plank of the Baltimore platform. What is a party platform when you must "get Huerta"? Surrender to England's contention may be a point of national honor and good faith, but would the surrender have been made so willingly if it weren't for the Mexican situation? » » » In other words, we are paying a price so that we may continue a policy that is tying our hands right and left. * * • And nobody must talk about this? What is this, a democracy or an autoc- racy? * * • Gomez is still dictating in Venezuela and Cabrera in Guatemala. No objec- tion from Washington. Why? Ask the Asphalt Trust — and some others. * * * It makes a whole lot of difference ac- cording to whose Constitution is being gored. Villa is going to prove to Bryan that he is not a bandit by hanging his broth- er bandit Castillo to "the nearest tree." * * • Oh, Castillo, you made a fatal mis- take. Before embarking on your recent career of crime you should have had a press agent in El Paso to announce to the world that you were fighting for the Constitution. * * * A terrible blunder. Notice that the Peruvian Minister in Washington, in his explanation of the overthrow of the Peruvian government, stated over and over again that the new government was constitutional, constitu- tional this, constitutional that. He's a wise Minister. He's learned the shibbo- leth all right. » * * Everybody with an axe to grind now in a Latin-American country will start something for the Constitution. * * * They have seen how easy it was for the Mexican malcontents to take in the Administration. » * • Gullibility in the State Department. Who was it said you can hand him any old kind of gold brick? This is a great week for the Mexico City correspondents of the papers — the anniversary of the Tragic Ten Days. * * ♦ They can manufacture rumors and plots and counterplots to their heart's content and everything will go. The read- ing public will gobble it up. * * * One day last week the papers scare- headed the fall of Mazatlan, a Pacific seaport. A downright lie. They gave the denial three or four inconspicuous lines. * * * And they continue to speak of Huer- ta's loss of the whole North of Mexico. The rich border States of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon are entirely under Federal control and the railroad is operating from Monterrey to the border of Nuevo Laredo. * * * And Villa still at Juarez, thirteen hun- dred miles away. Dollar diplomacy was, at least, open- faced. The present brand is star-chambered. * * ♦ Pitiful publicity! * * » Thousands and thousands of heads of cattle are sold across the border by Villa. * * * But he's fighting for a principle, he says, or his press agent has him say. * « * The principle of loot. * * * Whereas Castillo is just a plain bandit. * * * See the difference? * * * Carranza is still busy putting miles be- tween him and Villa. How that pre- cious pair love each other. And Villa invited him so cordially to come to Chi- huahua. * * * Anyhow, Carranza has the fun of forming paper cabinets and giving his hangers-on highfalutin titles, like Sec- retary of Fine Arts and Belles LettresI * * ♦ "Well," thinks Villa, "if the old gen- tleman likes to amuse himself that way, let him do it. He gets the glory but I get the swag." * ♦ * Meanwhile Villa says he is most happy to do anything that Bryan will teli him. * • * Nice little bandit! 'Oo are not a naughty, disobedient child like Huerta, are you? No, indeed, 'oo are a sweet little fellow. But, Pancho, my boy, whisper, don't forget the shibboleth. * * * The Constitution! * * ♦ The Protestant missionary organiza- tions are making great plans to "save Mexico." * ♦ » Some months ago Mrs. John Lind said the trouble with Mexico was the Catholic priests, who kept the poor people down. * • • She had been in the country only a short time, did not know the language of the people, had seen only Vera Cruz and Mexico City. * * * And yet she had the whole situation at her finger tips. « * * So like the Administration when it sets out to harry Huerta. MEXICO Saturday, February 14, 1914 LEST WE FORGET— Continued. Speaking of dictatorships and uncon- stitutionality, we are not aware of any provision in the Mexican Constitution which contemplates the dictation of Washington as to how Mexico shall gov- ern itself. On close reading of that formidable document we are convinced that the in- terpretation of the constitutionality of any Mexican Government is a preroga- tive of the Mexican Supreme Court. « * • The framers of the Constitution were very able men but somehow or other they did not designate the President of the United States as supreme arbiter of Mexico's internal affairs. Consequently the Administration's in- terference is unconstitutional. * * * And the Administration is a dictator of greater presumption than President Huerta would dream of being. » * * The word constitutional in the mouth of the Administration is simply a verbal excuse for a most flagrant violation of another nation's sovereignty. At latest reports Bryan's conscience is still undisturbed. Not the slightest perturbation as the result of Castillo's kilHng of fifteen Mexicans. His heart goes out to those noble Mex- icans who are heroically fighting to over- throw "the usurper." Villa? Oh, well. Villa's a pretty rough fellow but he's fighting in a good cause, bless his little heart. Castillo? Oh, yes, he's a bad one, but my friend Villa will see to him. 'You know you can't expect them all to be good friends of the Constitution. Zapata? Oh, we'll think about him af- terward. And so on. His mind can clear away all obstacles and his conscience is serene. STACKED CARDS BY ALFONSO L. JIMINEZ, Vice Consul of Mexico in New York, in New York "Press." At any rate the public has learned that the President formed his opinion months ago and that he positively will not listen to any suggestion opposed to his preconceived ideas as to what the situation ought to be. The first indi- cation of this was seen last summer ■when .'\mbassador Henry Lane Wilson was summoned to Washington and sum- marily dismissed as soon as it was seen that his opinion, formed by accurate in- side knowledge, did not coincide with that new diplomacy which is based on the ruin of a nation by bandits armed by selfish interests on this side of the bor- der, lauded by the-press and encouraged and recognized by the .Administration in Washington. Me.xico, a rich and beautiful country just south of this Republic, is hardly known by even a third of the citizens of this United States of North America. This assertion may seem absurd, and yet it is absolutely the truth, and no hon- est man who may have any knowledge, however small, of things beyond the borders of this country could deny this fact. This accounts for the ready accep- tance of the absurdities with which the press is filled daily, sometimes malic- iously, sometimes by incredible ignor- ance of the facts. The present state of revolution and strife is so little understood and so much magnified and maligned that the average .American has come to the conclusion that Mexicans are all a lot of cutthroats without a vestige of civilization. Of course everyone knows the truth — they are all well informed. I have known many an American who has gone down on a round trip of the Ward liners and stayed in Mexico between ship sailings, which means that he only remained in Mexi-co City two or three days; yet when he came back, only 15 days after having left New York, he knew all about Mexico and the present situation. In two days he had learned Mexican his- tory; he had investigated all the facts; he had talked with every man of note; he knew our religions, our traditions; he knew all. Isn't that simply wonder- ful? But let us return to Mexico. It has been said time and again that the pres- ent revolution is fostered and encouraged by American capital; and that is the absolute truth, but the press, that part of the press which thrives under the pres- ent trouble, discredits and ridicules this. What can be the object of the press in making the trouble worse, in malign- ing and distorting everything connected with the Federal Government, while all that relates to the rebels is painted in the most beautiful colors? I had always thought that one of the most beautiful purposes of the press was to enlighten the people, to promote the welfare, or, at least, the betterment of the already sad conditions of this hard struggle for life. .And is the American press doing this? No. This press is making every possible effort to foster the revolution, to magnify the trouble, to malign and vilify the Federal Government and glor- ify the rebels. Have you ever slopped to think how much more good could be accomplished by trying to instill in the minds of Mex- icans of either side that our only hope is in uniting? Has any one paper ever printed any story that may tend to show any sense of humanity and nobility of purpose? Has there been an instance in which our trouble has been discussed impartially or even lamenting our trou- ble? Has any one ever spoken words of peace and charity toward our mis- fortunes? No. It seems that they glory in our misery and our tragedies seem funny to them. The motives of the press are as dark as the purposes of President Wilson and Secretary Bryan. Mr. Wilson may have excellent reasons (perfect in his own mind) in pursuing his present policy, but how much more good he would have accomplished by openly trying to get at the bottom of the trouble, since he deemed it necessary to interfere against. all right and reason. But since he did interfere, why not have made an effort, openly and before the world, to impartially and, above all, humanely strive to bring the two factions together? If his purposes have been altruistic, why not prove this to the world by actions which would show that he was trying to better conditions instead of fostering trouble and desolation? Can there be any doubt yet that Presi- dent Wilson rejoices with Bryan in every rebel 'victory? When has the world witnessed the spectacle of the president of a civilized nation rejoicing in the misfortune of a weaker country? And supposing he was justified in his attitude toward President Huerta, what in the name of sense can justify the killing of thousands to avenge the death of two people? And has this been proven? One of the daily papers in New York said the other day that Henry Lane Wilson's lectures are becoming monoto- nous because he says the same thing over and over again. But the truth shall remain, and, sure as fate, history will record in its indelible pages that President Wilson's and Mr. Bryan's pol- icies have wrecked a country which has done nothing to the United States but give a royal welcome to thousands of her sons who have enriched themselves in Mexico, finding always the preference, and now, in return, receives the best wishes of this Administration for its de- struction and ruin. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. Saturday, February 14, 1914 MEXICO Mexico and the United States By Major Cassius E. GUlette, Formerly of the United States Engineering Corps In "The Trend" for February. Mexico City is to-day tlie greatest "rumor-factory" in existence. All sorts of fantastic yarns are put afloat and the newspaper men, hunting for "news" send them merrily on. For example, our papers have printed reams of telegrams from Carranza when he was 500 miles from the date line of the message and sometimes 200 miles from a telegraph office. There are not less than six "eye witness" tales of just how Madero died, all totally different. If there was ever a steadfast man it is General Huerta, yet our papers alternate daily with his defis, submissions, disappearances, and mind- changing fickleness generally. Barrels of rot have been printed on this subject. A wave of destructive savagery is gathering in all northern Mexico, and, unless checked, it will soon blot out civilization completely. It is appalling to contemplate the way in which the United States is helping this wave along. I believe we are the only civilized country that permits foreigners to plot insurrections against neighboring friend- ly nations. There is little doubt that the Madero revolution was planned in San Antonio, with the assistance and conniv- ance of American oil interests. Prac- tically all the arms used by the bandits, except a few that they captured from the federals, have come in from the United States and are mostly old style army guns, and Senator Bacon has for many months been sitting on a bill to prevent tliis kind of wrong-doing under the auspices of our country. There might be some justification of this if the struggling masses of Mexi- cans had any political capacity whatever, and could really make a free, self-gov- erning people, but this can never be ac- complished with the present population: such a thing is utterly preposterous. Only in Sonora and along the border where the natives are sufficiently mixed with intelligent Americans, and where tliey have learned the advantage of mak- ing a good showing is there any pretense made that the outbreak is anything but plain banditism, or the inevitable trend to chaos and savagery, rather than de- mocracy. The peon wants chaos and savagery. He knows nothing of democ- racy. Madero made no effective effort to control the savages he had armed and put on the warpath. He had promised them free land, as I have said, and when a very few of them came in to get it, he told them they would of course have to earn it, but that he would arrange for very favorable terms. Without excep- tion they scorned this proposition and returned to the vocation for which he had equipped them. It would be a per- fectly fair comparison, had some rich renegade in the south after the war started in arming the negroes, promising them forty acres of land and a mule each, if they would elect him governor — say, of Alabama, supposing that in that state the negroes outnumbered the whites four to one. How long do you imagine the Southern people would have been in lynching that ambitious individual, and what would they have done to him if he succeeded, and, if, after several months in office, with no attempt to curb his black cohorts, who were outraging and destroying everything, when they asked him to do soinething to stop the destruc- tion and halt the savages, establish peace and let business go on in the country, he blithely chattered in reply, "Well, if you haven't got peace, you've got liberty, haven't you?" Can you imagine him not being promptly strung up? Well, this is ex- actly what Madero did and the civilized people of Mexico patiently stood for it until conditions became entirely unendur- able. The question may be asked here, why all this hub bub to "oust Huerta," that seems to be much like the frenzied shriek of "mad dog" which has caused the death of so many innocent canines. Now let us review for a moment the action of the United States in connection with the outrageous conditions in Me.xico. Americans helped, and our government did not prevent them from helping, the initial outbreak. Under the Monroe doctrine we have arrogated to ourselves, and have suc- ceeded in "putting it over," that no Lat- in-American government shall be able to borrow inoney unless we recognize that government, the recognition of foreign governinents cutting no figure whatever. This is a situation different from any- thing else on earth and is fraught with pregnant possibilities for good or evil. Victoriano Huerta personally can bor- row little or no money; neither can Woodrow Wilson, as such, but when duly recognized by the United States as representing Mexico, President Huerta could borrow large sums. On March 7 last, President Wilson refused to give this recognition, and from that moment the feet of civilized Mexico were tied. Even patriotic Mexican citizens, if they lend money to their government, do so at their own risk, because President Wil- son has it in his power to recognize Villa or Carranza, and the papers are now seri- ously proposing the latter. What Villa or Carranza would do to bonds issued by General Huerta can be readily imagined. Our government has therefore not only permitted the arming of the savages, but has hobbled Mexico with the deliber- ate plan of making her helpless against the savage inroads. Carranza and Vill* do not have to borrow money; they loot banks, stores and individuals, and get their food supplies as bandits, whereas, General Huerta has to conduct a civilized warfare, which does not permit such out- rages. The Apaches of our Southwest, who are the same kind of people as the north- ern Mexico bandits, used to have a play- ful fashion of "staking out" on the plain a captured prisoner. They would tie the victim's hands and feet each to a stout stake, stretching him flat on his back so that he could not move, then cut off his eye-lids to give the sun and flics a good chance, and occasionally they varied the proceedings by building a small fire on the pit of his stomach. What the United States is doing to civilized Mexico is strikingly analogous. We have "staked her out" while the .A.pache-like "consti- tutionalists" are building the fire of de- struction and outrage upon the pit of the unfortunate national stomach, and unless checked, they will soon leave nothing but the blackened corpse. Everyone, perhaps, considers the ad- ministration's motive to be honest, but it has many things to explain. With calm complacency it continues to view the horrible things going on in Mexico. This complacency is hard to realize as being due to mere ignorance of the situa- tion, and yet it is difficult to conceive of a human being capable of planning any more diabolical scheme, and it is utterly impossible to conceive of such person having the nerve to call it "moral sua- sion." On August 27 last, the following statement was included in the President's message to the Congress: "The actual situation of the author- ities at Mexico City w'iU presently be revealed." Could anything be more callous than such remark from the principal author of that unfortunate situation? .A.fter six months of preventing those authorities from borrowing money, he then said: "We have waited many months, months full of peril and anxiety, for the con- ditions there to improve, and they have not improved. They have grown worse, rather." Surely, the American people at this late day are entitled to be enlightened if there is anything in secret diplomacy now possibly going on that will tend to justify those astounding conditions. On .August 27, the President gave what he called "very fully and without reserva- tion the facts concerning our present re- lations with Mexico." and the only fur- ther explanation of the reasons for the present awful mess vouchsafed in his message, Dec. 2, was a vague allusion to Huerta's "usurped" authority. Hereto- fore he has apparently assumed that Huerta is a traitor and an assassin as (■Continued on next page.) MEXICO ■Saturday, February 14, 1914 MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES-Continued well as a usurper. Now he merely as- sumes the last of these, but he has never given out anything whatever definite on the subject. The further bald statement that "Mex- ico has no government" is simply not a true statement of fact. The principal functions of government are to preserve order and have the executive, judicial and legislative departments in proper ac- tion. In the City of Mexico to-day, and in Guadalajara, Guanajuato, San Luis Po- tosi, Vera Cruz, Oaxaca, Pueblo, as well as in practically the whole of the large states in which these towns are located, there is absolute order. The courts are in session, the congress is in session, the streets are safer at night than are the streets of Philadelphia; bands, children and fountains play every Sunday in every large park, and there is as little sign of disturbance as there is in Wash- ington. Does this not constitute a gov- ernment? Then, is there "no govern- ment in Mexico?" There is disorder in Mexico, principally in the north. — awful disorder, sickening crimes are committed and horrible deeds far beyond what is known or ever will be known, are being perpetrated, and the two principal causes for that horrible condition are apparently the oil interests of the United States and the present administration, consciously or unconsciously working hand in hand. To what will this disorder lead? What will be the result of this "waiting policy?" After Huerta, what? The President gives only a "hope." He says, "and then when the end comes we shall hope to see constitutional order restored in distressed Mexico by the concert and energy of such of her leaders as prefer the liberty of her people to their own ambitions." Only a "hope," — a tin cup to put out a forest fire! Constitutional order is to be "re- stored." When did it exist? Not before Diaz. Not under Diaz, and not under Madero. The latter's "election" was exactly like those of Diaz. There was never any pretense that it was otherwise. Voting was always "free" tinder Diaz, but neither he nor Madero permitted more than one real candidate. Censor- ship and arbitrary actions were more rigorous under Madero than under Diaz. To what ideal previous "constitutional order" is the country to be restored?" By what "leaders' concert and energy" will the work of restoration be accom- plished? How are they going to be constitu- tionally elected? Are they to select themselves and then go though the same empty farce of an "election" that Huerta tried? As shown above, no real election is now possible. Who is going to con- trol the bandits while this self-consti- tuted committee of "concert and energy" are displacing and breaking up Huerta's well-organized military and civil forces? I have asked every American and every Mexican of prominence that I knew in Mexico, who could handle the situation except Huerta. Not a man has ever been suggested except Blanquet, Huer- ta's right hand man, and he would not take it. He says Huerta is the only man. How long would it take the "Com- mittee" to prove satisfactory to the United States? Gamboa was 3,000 miles away from Madero's demise for two years before and two years after, yet Mr. Bryan doubted if he were "sufficient- ly disassociated." If Huerta should resign to-day, after selecting his successor, this administra- tion would not recognize his selection. If he resigned without such selection, he would be a traitor to his country — be- cause he would leave his country de- moralized and at the mercy of the sav- ages, while various ambitious leaders struggled for the mastery — and even if Mexico gave up all her national dignity and let President Wilson select a suc- cessor — the savages might destroy her before the new man could get "orga- nized." While at such a crisis the rights of one man are small, yet what right have we to make General Huerta resign in disgrace, just because he is maligned by poisoned news? He's an honest old soldier who did nothing worse than to answer the call of his distracted country — a call perhaps technically imperfect be- cause we did not prevent Madero and American oil interests from fomenting revolts against a friendly nation. When the "waiting policy" has been carried out — when the savages have de- stroyed Mexico to help the administra- tion "get Huerta." what are we to do with Zapata, O, Villa and the other wolves? Recognize Villa? Think you that would establish "constitutional order" in Mexico? It is preposterous. And even then he would have exactly the same problem Huerta has now. Not one of the bandits started by Madero has come in or will come in until forced to or killed. When Villa "crumbles" Huerta, which of course may not be as soon as our yellow news dispatches and our Presi- dent's expressed hope may indicate, — and Mexico is a ruin, our Government will have just two horns of the dilemma to choose. Abandon the Monroe Doc- trine and let Europe pacify Mexico, and own it, — or intervene. The President has said we will "never" acquire land by conquest. He has not said we will not intervene. Bryan has abjectedly declared for "peace at any price." But McKinley opposed the war with Spain — could he stop it? Hearst, with his powerful bat- tery of newspapers is for intervention. Other big oil, mining, cattle and timber interests want intervention. Some of them are represented by President Wil- son's closest advisers and heaviest con- . ibutors to his campaign fund. Could he stop intervention if somebody sinks another Maine? The people have been systematically fed on wrong information through the press for many months. All atrocities are credited to Mexico and not to the savages we have started to de- stroying Mexico. A match may fire the magazine, but we must "get Huerta." We who may have to do the "interven- ing" in the deserts and jungles or sacri- fice our sons and brothers in that behalf, would like to know more of the situation than has been vouchsafed in any of the glittering generalities of the various presidential messages. Previous presi- dents have used more words, but they could be understood. We think we are in an awful mess and would like to see our way out. Our business men are los- ing all ot:r Latin-American trade, for all those people are turning against us. MEXICO WILL CARE FOR THE PRISONERS. From El Paso "Times," February 9. "Mexico will bear the expense of feeding and clothing the federal pris- oners and refugees now detained at Fort Bliss," said Miguel E. Diebold, in- spector of consulates, to a "Morning Times" reporter yesterday at his ofifices in the Caples building. Continuing, he said: "There will tfe no suffering, neither will it become necessary for the United States government to reach into its treasury or the good people of El Paso go into their pockets for funds with which to provide food and clothing for these people. General Huerta has pro- vided funds with which to bear this expense. Mr. Diebold stated that he had re- ceived orders from President Huerta to secure the release, if possible, of all wom- en and children and other refugees now detained with the prisoners at Fort Bliss and to return them to Mexico at the government's expense. He will take up with General Hugh I. Scott this matter of releasing the non-combatants at once. The Mexican inspector of consulates has received an estimate of the cost it would require to transport the refugees from the camp to points along the bor- der, where they could be safely trans- ferred to Mexico. The figures were fur- nished by the Southern Pacific Railroad and if he is allowed to transport them to Mexico the trains will be backed to the siding at Fort Bliss and the refugees loaded there to prevent any of them es- caping in EI Paso. The caring for the prisoners and refugees by the Mexican Government relieves the situation some- what and the expense of holding the federals by the United States will be materially lessened and it will not be necessary for the charitably inclined peo- ple of El Paso to come to the assistance of the men, women and children that are detained, as all their needs will be met by their own government. Saturday, February 14, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West smd All Angles. SOME WISDOM IN MEXICO. * * * The Mexicans probably com- prehend their own needs better than we do. All reports agree that the people quite generally would resent intervention by the United States, and in this ihey would probably be right. Self-government by consent of the governed, as that is understood in this country, is out of the question there. The people are incapable of working a constitution like ours. They hardly even know what it means. If we intervened it would be to set up a foreign military dictatorship — a government that is sup- ported by arms and deriving none of its powers from the active consent of the governed. Our intentions would be purely benevolent; but it by no means necessarily follows that our dictatorship would be superior to some native one. A benevolent Diaz could do much bet- ter by the country than we could, be- cause he could comprehend it much bet- ter and he could much better make him- self understood. Out of the chaotic welter down there a strong and wise man may emerge who will rule as firmly as Diaz did, but with a wider view to the ultimate good of the people. The ruin of the landholding caste may open the way to a tolerable economic constitution, with ownership of the soil allotted to its cultivators. That Mexico may work out her own salvation, in short, is entirely possible. That we or any other nation, however well disposed, can work out her salva- tion for her is very doub' ''uL It is entirely probable that our intervention in the long run would hinder rather than help. In preferring to be let alone the Mexicans are wise. — "Saturday Evening Post." A REAL DEMOCRAT. A few days ago the writer talked with a man recently from Mexico. He was sitting one evening in a cafe in Mexico City when a quietly dressed elderly citi- zen came in and sat by him, and, learn- ing that he had just made a journey across country, questioned him about his experiences. When he ha ' left, a waiter informed my acquaintance that this was President Huerta, who walks about the city like any other citizen. The general opinion of all foreigners in Me.xico, said the traveler (and I give his statement without prejudice), was that Huerta should be recognized by the United States, and that, whatever criticism could be leveled at his methods of accession to power, the section of the country under his control is the only center of anything like order and security. The excesses and brutalities of the followers of Car- ranza have alienated any symapthy that any person on the spot, or unblinded by interest, could have for this band of rebels. — "Pan-American Magazine." Though the removal of the embargo is not to be regarded as any special favor to Villa, nevertheless coming just as this time, with Villa in command of the whole international border, the ef- fect of the removal is greatly to strengthen Villas hand. The removal would not have been decided upon if President Wilson had not had so strong a hatred of the Huerta regime as to lead him to look with satisfaction upon any- thing Ukely to bring the Huerta govern- ment more quickly to ruin. It is a case where really being neutral satisfies his dearest desire as well as his Scotch Presbyterian conscience. — El Paso "Her- ald." A RESULT OF ENCOURAGING REVOLUTION. Maximo Castillo, a Mexican bandit who is practically on the same footing as Pancho Villa, except that Villa has a larger force under his orders, has committed one of the most horrible out- rages known to the history of outlawry. In fact, there is nothing on record quite so dastardly as this. Deliberately wreck- ing and setting fire to a freight train in the midst of the darkness of a long tunnel, so that the smoke obscures sig- nals and serves as a trap for any ap- proaching train, Castillo lies low with his gang and permits a passenger train to plunge into the wreck, and into what was worse, the suffocating fumes of the smoke. .'\11 the trainmen and passengers, including fifteen .Americans, perish in this direful trap. The bandit's motive for this abomina- ble crime is the fact that Pancho Villa, himself a bandit, has shot some of Cas- tilbi's men in trying to repress his rival banditry. Villa is profuse with his assurances that this horrible crime will be punished. How can he punish it? The mountains of Chihuahua are open to Castillo and his gang; and Villa's activities are cen- tered in the revolution against the Mex- ican federal government. So far as the United States is con- cerned, one of these bandits is as good as the other. Castillo sheds blood by the same right of the trigger and the dirk as that by which Villa sheds it. Revolutionism and anarchy in Mexico are responsible for the outrage, and rev- olutionism and anarchy in Mexico have been encouraged or kept alive by the temporizing policy of the United States Government. — New York "Evenmg Mail." THAT WASHINGTON LAWYER. Provisional President Huerta lets no day pass without producing evidence that nothing could be more "constitutional" than his government, but for him it is too late. That Washington lawyer who instructed his Mexican revolutionary clients to call themselves "constitution- alists" gave them too long a start. He knew what was to be might be expected under a democratic administration, and for the knowing deserves high place among the "profits." — New York "Herald." AN OMINOUS COMPARISON. Murry Nelson, doorkeeper of the con- vention that named Abraham Lincoln, in his eighty-fourth year chats delight- fully about the days since the birth of the Republican Party and compares pol- itics then and now, in a New York "Times" interview. Among the passing remarks of this old warhorse, his mind cleared of partisanship by his ripe old- age wisdom, the following is deeply sig- nificant: As for President Wilson, time alone will tell whether he is to be a success. Certainlj' his foreign policy is not what one would call either brilliant or suc- cessful. Curiously enough, one of the elements which contributed very largely to the discredit of the Democratic Party before 1S60 was its attitude towards a Latin-American country, Cuba, as ex- emplified in that amazing document, the Ostend Manifesto. The country has waited sixty years to see anything in the way of foreign policy which approaches that preposterous Democratic pronuncia- mento. But Mr. Wilson, in his commu- nication to President Huerta, has rivaled Gen. Pierce and raised himself a Frank- enstein's monster that may yet destroy him. WHITHER? But where is this idea of democratic government, as opposed to benevolent despotism for Mexico of the Diaz and Huerta type, taking President Wilson and his country? First of all it brings the United States into conflict, diplo- matically at least, with countries that have large interests in Mexico. Accord- ing to the "Saturday Review," English and French bondholders are the chief creditors of Mexico, and middle class folks have taken its bonds, Government and industrial, of enormous value. It would be impossible for "the British Government to remain inactive while Washington waits for chaos," we are told, and Huerta's financial policy leads to "eventual chaos." And again the progressive idea (the new democracy for the American continent south of the Can- adian line) must contend with the alter- native to the overthrow of Huerta, that is to say, with the capacity of Carranza, or possibly Villa, or some other Huerta, to rule, with the consent of the governed, a people who do not understand the first principles of democracy. That Mr. Wilson "cannot wait indefi- nitel}'" is the obvious conclusion of the "Saturday Review." If the right man who might solve all difficulties in Mexico does not come to the front within a reasonable time it sees intervention forced upon the President. There can be no disputing this view. The truth is that Carranza is Mr. Wilson's hope, and it is disquieting to know that the Con- stitutional chieftain has doomed Huerta to death, and with him his active sup- porters and fellow conspirators against porters. * * * Carranza must fight or make his way to the city of Mexico and set up a gov- ernment before Mr. Wilson can draw a free breath. And then there would have to be an interval of probation before the recognition of Carranza's provisional (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, February 14, 1914- government, unless all Mexico supported him, and that would be highly improb- able. But suppose Carranza were to fail? Into such a maze of perplexities has def- erence to the new tradition driven Mr. Wilson. — New York "Sun." DEPLORABLE LOCALISM. So far there is not the slightest evi- dence of any intelligent effort on the part of this Administration to promote opportunity for American commerce abroad. Instead of a sane and intelli- gent handling of foreign relations we see the Secretary of State absorbed in "piffle" treaties whose only result is to tie the hands of the United States in its dealings with those Latin American governments which the United States must "police." Of course, we have the gratification of knowing that Denmark and Switzerland have agreed to a breathing time before attacking the United States. Then there is "watchful waiting" whose only effect has been to encourage revolution on the part of a band of bandits in Mexico. What can any sane man say in defence of that policy? On top of this, a slap in the face of Russia in the Pindell incident and an almost as pointed slap at France in the juggling of the .Ambassadorship to that country. In diplomatic appoint- ments to South America, where we should have our best men, there has been disgraceful resort to the old spoils policy resulting in the inconsiderate throwing out of men trained to the dip- lomatic service — just the sort of men needed there. Not one of the appoint- ments made by this Administration to those important countries is defensible. For the outrage upon American com- mercial interests perpetrated in these ap- pointments, President Wilson must be held responsible, either directly or be- cause of his responsibility for Mr. Bryan. Japan has been inconsiderately treat- ed. No efTort has been made to pro- mote friendship with Russia. From ev- ery standpoint our foreign relations are in a truly chaotic state. What I am getting at is this. The condition that exists is due to the de- plorable localism, the almost criminal ignorance, of the present Democratic .Administration. Do you think the peo- ple are not beginning to understand this? You are sadly mistaken. From one end of the country to the other intelligent business men and intelligent working- men — for the American working man thinks — are coming to the conclusion that what this country most needs is a man in the White House who has world knowledge. — Harvester Champion in New York "Herald." PUBLIC OPINION-Continued able to obtain aid in the pursuance of its well-known desire for monopoly. Oil exists in many a new country of Latin America. Sooner or later that oil will be in such acute demand that no source can be neglected, and in the case where such a country cannot find the money for development for herself, a problem which Costa Rica has gallantly solved, outside help and outside manage- ment of the fields is sure to come. For Standard Oil, or any of its ramifications to gain possession of such fields would be disastrous for the consumer as well as for rivals in the oil market. — "Pan- American Ma.gazine." CRUDE PETROLEUM. It is absurd to suppose that capital will not continue to come from Europe as it has in the past to finance the New World, or that the owners of such capital will not direct its employment them- selves; the wishes of both Europe and Latin America will be placed before any academic utterance from politicians, whatever its interest as an "extension of the Monroe Doctrine." The second point is that any discour- agement of a rival of Standard Oil is en- couragement of Standard Oil, and when wc think upon the story of that com- pany in its birthplace, of its tyrannies, its dominance, it3 triumphs over the law in defiance of denouncements and com- mands and penalties, it is unfortunate that any action should lend color to the suggestion that its powerful influence is THE MEXICAN MUDDLE. Since the removal of the embargo on the shipment of arms into Mexico the situation in that unhappy country has taken on a new and more serious aspect. Both the rebels and the Federal Govern- ment have arranged for the shipment of arms and ammunition from this country, but as the insurrectionists control the whole of the northern border of the neighboring republic they are able to secure munitions of war with greater ease. In order to prevent the Huerta govern- ment from continuing the importation of arms through the Mexican seaports, the rebels are endeavoring to purchase and fit out suitable vessels for operations a,gainst the gunboats controlled by Huerta. Under the customs of interna- tional law there is no bar to the purchase even of war vessels, but when it comes to fitting such ships out for war pur- poses in the United States and provid- ing them with fighting crews, interna- tional law interposes a serious objection. It is to be assumed that in removing the embargo on the shipment of arms President Wilson had no intention of suspending all neutrality laws and cus- toms. There should never have been an embargo on the shipment of arms to any purchaser, but no country can permit the fitting out of armed expeditions within its borders or the commissioning of ships of war in its ports for hostile operations against a foreign power with which it is not at war. There are not lacking indications that the Huerta government is entering a pe- riod of severe stress. Mexican finances are at a very low ebb, and the refusal of the United States to recognize the pro- visional government, coupled with the recent successes of the revolutionists, render it difficult for Provisional Presi- dent Huerta to borrow money. There are also fears of a coup d'etat in the Mex- ican capital. Such an event might put a sudden end to Huerta, and as there is no other man of sufficient personal strength to dominate the situation, there is grave danger of a very serious condition of af- fairs developing at any moment. The sudden overthrow of Huerta would probably bring the revolutionary elements into immediate control, but as there is no bond of unity between the various factions at present in arms against the Federal authority, it is not unlikely that the collapse of the provi- sional government would render the sit- uation more complicated and delicate than ever. Such an outcome would cer- tainly make the position of foreigners re- siding in Mexico, and their interests, more precarious than ever. This is a danger that may well give our adminis- tration at Washington serious cause for reflection. — New Orleans "Picayune." THE LIFTING OF THE EMBARGO. The lifting of the embargo on arms to MexicO' is the most incomprehensible move so far in tht President's incomprehensible Mexican policy. It will not have any appreciable material result against Huerta, for the rebels have been able tO' get all the arms and munitions of war they wanted, while the Federals have not, as at Oji- ■naga. But morally it is putting the stamp of approval by President Wilson on the actions of the rebels and destroying Northern Mexico. That a man like President Wilson should offi- cially countenance such things is a disgrace to civilization, a blot on our national honor, and should make us hang our heads in shame. What does it mean? Has our President two standards of morals, one for home consumption and another in dealing with Mexico?— C. H. STAGUE, in New York "Tribune." A LETTER FROOM AN EYE-WIT- NESS OF REBEL ATROCITIES. On October 22nd the City of Mon- terrey was attacked by the rebels. Ow- ing to various circumstances the city hadl on the day of the attack only 500 sol- diers and with irregular forces, police- men and volunteers, did not have over 1,100. The rebels, amounting: to about 4,000 or 5,000, attacked the city all the 23rd and 24th. A heroic defense was made in spite of there being not enough troops to defend the whole city. The soldiers only defended about 20 blocks which make the down-town district. The 24th, at midday, and when we had lost all hopes of not falling into the hands of the Carranza people, a big garrison commanded by Generals Anaya Ocaranza and Pena, entered Monterrey scattering in about three hours of fight- ing all the rebels outside of the city. The joy of all the inhabitants when we knew that we were completely saved by the arrival of the Federal troops is not easy to describe. The ladies threw flowers on the Federal soldiers, the churches rung all the bells and every- body shouted. "Viva El Gobierno." The troops arrived in Monterrey about i o'clock in the evening and immedi- ately started fighting. Ne.xt day it was absolutely safe, to go in any part of the city. I went to the places that had been occupied by the rebels; the factory district where all the warehouses are located, depots and railroads. It was not until then that I full}' realized the big danger in which we had been in those two days. Many warehouses, lumber yards, stores and residences were all burnt out after they had been entirely looted. In the private residences lo- cated in that part of the city the rebels had opened doors with a.xes and abso- lutely cleaned out everything, leaving the houses absolutely empty. I had heard that the rebels used to do that, but I always thought it was exaggerated. Nevertheless. I am now absolutely convinced that everything I had heard and read was true, there being no exaggeration. The rebels after leaving Monterrey, went to several other towns in this State, such as Montemorelos and Linares, and also looted all the leading stores and burned them afterward. I have talked with some merchants from those places and they told me that the rebels had left them with only the clothes they had on and without any other thing in the world. Within the last few days I have had the opportunity of reading some Amer- ican papers and I have been greatly surprised how mistaken American opin- ion is regarding our country. It seems (Continued on next page) Saturday, February 14, 1914 MEXICO to me from the papers I read that Amer- ican opinion is much in favor of the rebels, who are nothing but bandits (and to-day I am not afraid to say it anywhere, after seeing what they have done in Monterrey). Indeed Mr. Wood- row Wilson does not realize the enor- mously big mistake he is making in not recognizing the actual Government. Public opinion in Mexico is with the Government and the attitude taken by Mr. Wilson is criticised by all Mexicans, .Americans and foreigners residing here. Mexico is very far from being a country with a democratic government, and the best proof of this is that it never has had one. When Gen. Huerta became President, we all looked on him as a man of good luck, but without believing he would some day be the man of the situation. The man of the day was then Fcli.x Diaz. The partido Felixista was composed of the best that Mexico had, not only in politics, but men of high financial standing. Nevertheless, very soon it was realized that Felix Diaz was not the man, and Huerta, little by little, was seen as a man of big energies and talent. Public opinion be- gan to forget Diaz and applaud Huerta until it was in the conscience of all of us that he was just the kind of man we needed. Mr. Wilson says he does not recognize the Mexican Government because it is a Government born of a revolution. Has ever been in Mexico a government that has not come from a revolution? Madero overthrew Diaz; Diaz could have resisted verj' much longer, but he was a man of talent and realized that the country did not want him any more. We wanted a change, so Madero tri- umphed by public opinion. De la Barra was only President by name. Every- body knew that Madero was then the real chief of the Republic, but Madero took the Government when Mexico was all mixed up by the same revolution he had made, and he also was swallowed. If Huerta should have taken the Gov- ernment when Madero did, I believe he also would have failed, but he has done it when the country has been suf- fering by a civil war of three years and when everybody wants peace before everything and he has found public opin- ion ready to approve everything he does to secure peace. Mexico is to-day so entirely against Maderism and Carrancism. which is the same thing, that there will never be _a government by these elements. This is why it is surprising how this revolution has increased so much, and this is why nobody can understand it, but by saying 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU IQic MUNSEY BUILDING IQIC 1310 WASHINGTON, D. C. '^'^ Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legi.sla- tion. that it has the help of some powerful concerns of your country. Mr. Wilson says he cannot recognize our Government on account of the il- legal act? it is committing and because the elections under Huerta were a farce. Has there been any time when elections have not been a farce in Mexico? Dur- ing Madero's Government, the Governor of our State was the father-in-law of Don Gustavo Madero, and all the dep- uties were placed by Madero. Don Por- firio simply elected himself for six times and the American Government had never anything to say about it. Why has Mr. Wilson become so partic- ular? The attitude taken by the United States Government has stirred the sym- pathy of all Europe and South America for Mexico, as I have read in papers of those countries and everybody agrees in one thing: "It is not the United States' business to tell us Mexicans what kind of government we ought to have," and everybody asks where is that spirit of justice of which the Americans boast so much. "Villa thinks he will adopt civilized warfare," says a news dispatch from O Ginger or O Pif- fle or some such Mexican flag station. He will have to adopt it if he uses it, for civ- ilized warfare is certainly not a child of his own brain. — New York "American." The Constitutionalists at El Paso were in such a hurry to realize on President Wilon's order opening up traffic in arms that in rushing a car- load of arms across the river they forgot to pay for it. Mere details like this are apt to be over- looked, but they are all included in the proclama- tion. According to advices from revolutionary sources in Peru, the President who is now in jail or in exile was a usurper, and the new junta which is to rule is proceeding strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the laws. Is this a bid for local support or is it intended to placate the severe constitutionalist who re- sides in the White House at Washington, D. C. ? —New York "World." ATTACKS BRYAN DIPLOMACY. (Special to the New York "Times.") Mobile, Feb. 6. — Americans and other for- eigners in Mexico City are disgusted with Bryan diplomacy, according to refugees from the Mex- ican capital passing through here. P. L. Echols, of Fort Smith, Ark., was outspoken in his de- nunciation of the Secretary. "Twelve months ago nearly all Americans in Mexico were pronounced Democrats," said Mr. Echols, "and there was general rejoicing in Presi- dent Wilson's election, particularly because it meant the end of the Knox dollar diplomacy. Bryan was popular among Americans in Mexico, and they were pleased with the announcement that he had been selected for Secretary of State. To-day they are disgusted with him. His dreams of world peace will not fit the present situation in Mexico." THE TRAGIC STATE OF MEXICO. The utter breakdown of our State Department in handling the Mexican crisis, combined with the European and Asiatic international compli- cations resulting therefrom, must now, more than ever, be a matter of grave concern to the whole American people, absolutely irrespective of political affiliation. To suppose that the substitution for Huerta of a man of the character and antecedents of Villa (for he and not Carranza, the idealist, is the man to be reckoned with) will bring peace to our distracted southern neighbor represents a most interesting and curious but, under the circumstances, tragic state of mind, for any one at all acquainted with Mexico and its political conditions must recognize that only a patriotic, vigorous and intelligent anned despot (at least as a preliminary condition, if Mexico, unassisted, is to work out her own salvation), and not a bloodstained and illiterate bandit, can bring order out of the present chaotic conditions existing in that unfortunate country. — SAMUEL L. PAR- RISH, in New York "Tribune." CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE OUIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY. PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAMPBELL 12H Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO. III. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1 500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Gracias Post Office, Starr Coanty, Texas .$1.00 FOR SIX MO.VTHS. .$2.00 FOR ONE YE.\R I Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ fur subscription lo "MEXICO." to be sent to Beginning with . . ; nuni!>f ' MEXICO Saturday, February 14, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managinr Editor, Thom»« O'ilalloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York CONSTITUTIONAL SOMETHING. There is one thing constitutional about those Mexicans who are using the Gov- ernment and the press of the United States to help their game — they are con- stitutional liars. The extent to which they will go is so appalling that one is almost forced to conclude that they have a peculiar kink of the brain, which like the Administration's Christian Science denial of the constitutionality of the Mexican Government, really produces a constant state of self-hypnosis. If it serves their purpose to say that black is white or vice versa they have not the slightest hesitancy in doing so. To show how this works out: Roberto V. Pesqueira, described by the New York "World" as "diplomatic agent of General Carranza" and the ac- tive head of the propaganda for the priv- ilege of importing arms "openly" from the United States, says in a prepared statement for last Sunday's "World": The talk of confiscating and dividing up the great estates among the poor is but idle gossip, indulged in, for the most part, by foreign news- papers having an imperfect understanding of conditions in Mexico. The real policy of our cause is to expropriate certain portions of these great estates, and to pay their owners the cor- responding value of the land taken, allowing the people to purchase small tracts for farming pur- poses, and granting them ample time within which to rcimlursc the Government. Mr. Pesqueira is one of lUc owners of those great estates — in Sonora. Natural- ly he wants a Government of his own cronies which will pay him his own price for the land and then sell it piecemeal to the poor Indians. With the proceeds from the sale to the Government, Mr. Pesqueira would not have to think about Mexico or its problems any longer. Broadway and Paris would be much more allurinp:. And we haven't the slightest doubt that his fervid enunciation of con- stitutional principles was music to Mr. Bryan's cars. There is one born every so often. Further on this young prevaricator with the freedom of the American press in his vest-pocket says: We have no fear of intervention on the part of the American Government, because, aside from the faith wc have in the policy of President Wil- son, we know that the thinking men of this coun- try, the great minds, realize that no great reform was ever brought about, no reign of corruption was ever destroyed, without bloodshed. They know that the abolition of slavery in the United States and the establishment of the supremacy of the Federal Government over the doctrine of States' rights was only accomplished through one of the greatest and bloodiest fratricidal wars the world has ever seen. They know that during the war certain of the powers of Europe were dispoied to intervene, and effect a compromise between the contending parties in order to impose peace, a peace that would have meant a disrupted union and an indefinite continuance of intermittent war- fare, suggestive only of an eventual national disin- tegration. During those dark days the Govern- ment of the United States valiantly resented even the suggestion of interference and threatened to withdraw its Ministers from London and Paris if even the slightest move was made in this direc- tion, notifying Great Britain and France that in- tervention under any pretext would be consid- ered by the American Government as an act of If the Government of the United States re- sented all suggestions of intervention during the devastating struggle of 1S61-65, who could im- agine that great republic interfering in the af- fairs of Mexico at the present time? What could justify such an inconsistency? We simply give it up. In the pres- ence of this evidence of the contagious character of the Washington self-hypno- sis we do not know whether or not to blame Mr. Pesqueira for asking, "Who could imagine the United States interfer- ing in the affairs of Mexico at the present time?" This thing is really getting us all mixed up. Who could imagine such a thing? Preposterous! President Wil- son never did send ex-Reverend Hale and John Lind down to Mexico City to snoop around and tell Huerta to get out. No, siree, they simply went down there to throw oil on the troubled Waters- Pierce. There is no matter. All is oil and grape juice. God bless us, it's a funny world! A BANDIT TO CATCH A BANDIT. It is really amusing to read that Pancho Villa, bandit (we beg Mr. Bry- an's pardon — it should be General Villa) turned white with rage when the report reached him in Chihuahua while he was reading "The Ethics of International Warfare" that Maximo Castillo, bandit, his old friend Max, was wrecking trains and incidentally killing fifteen Americans. There was nothing amusing about the grimly tragic fact, however, and coming on the heels of the lifting of the em- bargo on arms to the Mexican bandits, it must have touched the conscience of those who are responsible for the dis- graceful alliance with just such persons as Maximo Castillo. It is worthy of note that although fif- teen .Americans were killed by the dia- bolical act of the Mexican l^afidit the newspapers that have been supporting the .A.dministration's Mexican policy treated the awful crime with less empha- sis than many of iheni attached to the reported capture in San Luis Potosi of an American oil man, Dobson by name, by "Pluerta's men!" The Secretary of State blandly told the newspaper correspondents that "General" Villa had gladly complied with his re- quest for an armed escort for a rescuing party — who found nothing but charred bones — and that he was inclined to be- lieve that "General" Villa would see to it that the culprits were punished! It should make the blood of every true American boil to tliink that the Adminis- tration, in the beautiful name of consti- tutional government, has encouraged conditions in Mexico which make such monsters as Castillo and Villa powers of evil, that the Administration was actually concerned that they were not getting all the arms and ammunition they needed, that the newspapers and the Adminis- tration will make light of the death of fifteen Americans and plunge a whole country into distress because some con- spiring Mexican deputies are arrested, that the Secretary of State will enter into negotiations with a bandit like Villa to catch his brother bandit Castillo! Ugh! CALL OFF THE VULTURES. From private and official advices the Administration knows full well that nine- tenths of the rumors and insinuations against the Mexican Government in the press of this country are downright per- versions of fact. The Administration knows also that the worse the case made out against the Mexican Government the better bol- stered up is its own attitude toward that Government. The fear of foreign complications that has led the Administration to suggest to tlie press that it put the soft pedal on discussion of issues with countries more powerful than Mexico has not operated to dampen the creative ardor of writers of pernicious fiction about the country below the Rio Grande. On the contrary, the Administration has seemed to encourage the fiction, evincing smiling satisfaction on hearing any news concoction that would help it find an excuse for "getting Huerta." Is this the strictly honorable new free- dom? Or is it the new privateering? SIX LATIN-AMERICAN REVOLU- TIONS. "This makes six revolutions in Latin- America," says the "Herald's" Washing- ton correspondent in recording the out- break that has come to Ecuador, in which the town of Esmeraldas is pre- paring to be bombarded to-day by the rebels that are harassing it. Mexico, Hayti, Peru, Venezuela, Bra- zil and Ecuador are listed as the six bases of revolt, and Mr. Bryan's poor, bedraggled dove of peace is all a-flutter at the dismal outlook. Europe, it is recalled in Washington, predicted when Mr. Wilson entered office that Mr. Bryan's scheme of Latin-.\mer- ican amity and brotherhood would be welcomed with more bloodshed than ac- companied the tenure of anj' of his more militant predecessors. Is this a fulfil- ment of the prophecy? — New Yoi-k "Her- ald." SUBSCRIBE TO MEXICO MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. II— No. 27 Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly. ---Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1914. FIVE CENTS Blunderers How history is made. When the Wilson Administration came into power, March 4, 1913, enthusiastic- ally determined to carry out its platform pledges of tariff, financial and trust re- form, recking little or nothing of foreign affairs, it immediately ran into an area of unexpected high pressure. Concerning a matter that was for the time, at least, outside its program, and outside its intimate ken. Two areas of high pressure, to be ex- act. The first was an inheritance from the Taft Administration. The second was an adroit assault on the tempera- ment and character of the leaders of the new order. The inherited pressure was from those Americans and American interests who for purely material and selfish reasons wanted the United States to intervene by force of arms in Mexico. They had al- most brought the Taft Administration to the verge of this national crime. Only the Republican President's innate pat- riotism and his reluctance to take a step so momentous in the last days of his term could resist the pressure. When President Wilson and Secretary Bryan took over the reins of affairs they were advised and petitioned jmd briefed and buttonholed by American interests in Mexico after this fashion: "We have put our money into Mexico, upward of a billion. They've been fight- ing down there for nearly three years and we've lost millions. The country's rich. It's a gold mine. We ought to go in tllere and show them how to run it and make it pay. We ought to get some- thing out of it, too. There's Lower Cal- ifornia, with Magdalena Bay! The Northern tier of States, along our bor- der, are sparsely settled and they never will be fully developed until we take them over and put more of our people and capital in there under the stars and stripes. Here's your chance to put some- thing over for the old U. S. A. It's our destiny. It's evolution. Every strong nation absorbs its weaker neighbors. Don't waste any time trying to figure out who's who down there. They're all the same and the only solution is American intervention." To the credit of the Wilson Adminis- tration be it said that this disingenuous pressure was given short shrift. The pro- posed course was against the announced and well-known ideals of the Adminis- tration. Hearst's cry for intervention was given the quietus by Secretary Bry- an's characterization of those who thought in dollars and not in moral prin- ciples. Cleveland H. Dodge, of the Phelps-Dodge interests, with large hold- ings in Mexico, friend and adviser of the Administration, was constrained to admit that although American intervention in Mexico would be a good thing for him, he could view it from a broader, more patriotic standpoint, and consider the loss of American lives and money it would involve. So far the Administration followed the best traditions of American statesman- ship and represented the will of the mass of the American people, who no more wanted a war to benefit Big Business in Mexico than they wanted to take up arms against the Seven Seas of trouble. Now comes the second area of high pressure, an adroit assault on the tem- perament and character of the leaders of the new Administration. The Administration would not listen to such words as "intervention," "war," "material interests," "manifest destiny," "territorial acquisition," "imperialistic evolution." It was a Democratic Admin- istration striving to live up to Demo- cratic traditions. These things smacked too much of cold and heartless corpora- tions and dollar diplomacy, always re- pugnant to the minority that had be- come all-powerful. But these Administration leader", of fine ideals had been trained to love such words as "constitutional government," "consent of the governed," "free and fair elections" (outside of the South) and were filled with an ardent dislike for conditions represented by such words as "privileged classes," "usurpation of au- thority," "dictatorship," "military oli- garchy," etc. Into Washington swooped the Ma- deros and their cohorts, all well coached and primed by their clever adviser, the attorney of the Waters-Pierce Oil Com- pany, and the second area of high pres- sure on the Administration were the wailing cries of a widow and the equally well-calculated importunities of the de- structive tribe that had brought anarchy to Mexico and looted its treasury. These wily appliers of pressure were well aware of the words and phrases that would "catch the conscience of the king." Ev- ery one they worked to a frazzle — though it wasn't really necessary to be so stren- uous about it. The Administration bit — so gulpingly that it wasn't any sport at all for the fishers. A considerable part of the pressure was brought to bear against the American Ambassador to Mexico, because he knew the true status of affairs in Mexico. Hence the cam- paign to discredit him and get him out of the way. Thus, although the Administration held out righteously and earnestly against the pressure of those selfish and material interests who advised United States occupation of Mexico, it suc- cumbed without a struggle to the pres- sure of those who cleverly worked on its (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, February 21, 1914 righteousness and ideals — for equally sel- fish and material interests — and probably felt that it was the soul of everything noble when it refused to recognize the provisional Government of Mexico. Then upon this highly ideal Adminis- tration, with its mind made up self-sat- isfactorily against intervention in Mex- ico and against recognition of the Mex- ican Government came another area of pressure — THE PRESSURE OF FACTS. These facts are: The Administration's theories and preconceptions are not applicable to Mexican conditions. Those who sought to force the Ad- ministration to intervene in Mexico are just as well pleased with its present course, as it creates the very conditions that wUl make a plausible excuse for intervention. While professing to wish peace in Mexico the Administration has in fact encouraged rebellion and disorder. Foreign as well as American interests in Mexico have suffered and it is per- fecUy natural that foreign governments should have pertinently asked the Ad- ministration "What are you going to do about it?" The position assumed toward the Pro- visional Government of Mexico has proved untenable, as witness the pre- cipitate recognition of the revolutionary government of Peru, which came into power under precisely the same condi- tions as the present Government of Mex- ico. Despite the efforts of the Administra- tion to overthrow the Mexican Govern- ment, it has steadily gained in prestige and power with the Mexican people, principally because of the opposition and antagonism of the Administration. The bandit hordes whose paid agen' have prated of constitutional liberty an democracy for the benefit of the Admin- istration and the American people have been shown up in their true colors as the enemies of society under any gov- ernment. These are cold, hard facts which need •no propaganda to demonstrate thenv. They are obvious to the naked eye and the unclouded reason. Against the pressure of these indis- putable facts what has the Administra- tion done? It has simply postponed, hedged, manoeuvred obliquely, impul- sively grasped at straws, in desperation virtually formed an alliance with out- laws, battled by indirection and insinu- ation against the plain truth of the situ- ation, and seems ready to go to any ex- treme to escape the log^ical inevitable results of its first blunder. It would be a pity to see a promising Administration wrecked on the rocks of prejudice. When the chart is so plain except to those who will not see. Plain Words from the Border By C. F. Z. Caracristi, Ph.D., C.E. The other day an American Carran- cisla, who is mostly noted for the fact that he is getting stoop-shouldered from packing hand bags, suit cases and poodle dogs for the would-be and near great, and for his ability in packing American juries to throw out neutrality cases, stopped me on the street to protest against my last article on Mexico. He said ihat my comparison of the Mexi- can "patriots" that roam the country in search of loot under the banner of "con- stitutionalists," to the American negro was a libel; and embellished his opin- ion with the choicest collection of un- printable expressions that ever disturbed the border atmosphere in winter. It is fine to hear the other side of any argu- ment, as knowledge comes from com- parison, while the "sic him Towzer!" of a few more timid friends gave him courage to speak to me of the matter. I feel that there are others who would like to join his chorus, which compli- ment is gratefully acknowledged. Any- way, it gives me an opportunity to say a little more on the fallacy of our Govern- ment's attitude toward Mexico and to point out our inconsistencies; at least, some that are more glaring than others. While we sob and we weep for the past and establish splendid benevolent orders under the names of the North American Indians, we did not hesi- tate to kill poor Lo until we have just a few left to exhibit in the menageries and other shows. The brave Indian has been sent to the happy hunting ground by our equally brave fellow citizens who did it out of pure gratitude and because they wanted a billion acres of land or more. Yes, just pure philanthropy — we are just full of it! On the other hand the Spaniards, whom we so often con- demn without reason or knowledge of the people themselves, assimilated the Indian in Mexico and elsewhere. They attempted not to destroy him, but to civilize him, and make him an asset to their convenience and country. It was easier and less costly to the Spanish to enslave the Mexican Indian than to just kill him, as we did, and import Mr. Black Man. True, the Mexican Indian was not the warrior of the Indians further north, but was still a savage. Four hundred years of civilization and European vice and infirmities have not made the impression upon him that has been made upon the negro since 1865. The American Government maintains schools and colleges for the Indian but they are kept in reservations, not allowed to drink "booze," not allowed to vote and systematically and continuously robbed of what little they have left. They are wards of the nation, handed over to a set ci more or less, honest or dishonest Indian agents and kept uiulcr lock and key. Poor, dear Indians! The poets turn on the weep spigots when they write of tliem, but tlie "Great White Father" at the Wliite House does not issue many proclamations giving them freedom and a vote. Does he? But the same Great Father does tell General Huerta and those Mexicans who by thrift, applica- tion and intelligence have acquired wealth and influence that the Mexican Indian must be free — must vote and must be given back his land with equal so- cial, political, financial and moral rights. Hearken to that! Was there ever a case so well devel- oped in the world's political insane asy- lum as this proposition from our noble President? Not one-tenth of one per cent, of all the Carrancistas, their officers, men, of- ficials and sympathizers in Mexico are oi pure Spanish Caucasian blood. Not one per cent, are over one-quarter white, and not one-half of one per cent, are half white. The rest are just Inil . who can speak Indio-Mexican. Of course, there are great Indians in Mex- ico, men like Juarez and Diaz, but they belong to a different class of Indians; to the ancient ruling classes of prehis- toric times, and who are in no way re- flective of the vermin-covered riff-raff that goes to make the Villa-Zapata- Carranza brigands and cutthroat mobs. Why is it, to be logical, indeed, that President Wilson and Mr. Bryan do not turn our own Indians loose and give them the right to rob, to rape and to burn up all property in the States of Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona? Why do they not give them back the lands they claim, give them a vote and allow them to burn and destroy all the railroads in those States? If it is right in Mexico, why in the name of glorious fulminate of mercury and Jupiter Plu- vius, is it not right at home? If any man connected with this Administration can answer the questions that I ask, even with a fairly remote degree of logic, I will forever hold my peace. I am a Democrat and always have been one and always will be, but it is hard to teach a jackass his alphabet and harder still to reform a crook. Of course, I am speaking only of the Democratic em- blem, not the Government; vfhy, of course not. Who would dispute the Government? Not I! for I am ortho- dox in my Democracy and would not dare say what my real opinion is be- cause I might desire to run for office or do something equally disreputable some (Continued on next page.) Saturday, February tl, 1914 MEXICO PLAIN WORDS FROM THE BORDER-Continued day and I do not want this laid up against me. Have the American people ever stopped to think how very ridiculous we arc in the Mexican matter? Certainly not! But we get as angry as a muzzled lion in a butcher shop if any one tells us that the Rubeville "Gazette" or the "Scientific Impostor" furnishes us our prediges.ed opinions, but it is so just the same. I am not defending (jeneral Huerta. I am condemning our own imbecilic pol- icy, because we are practicing one thing at home and demanding another of Mex- ico. But our Great and Glorious Govern- ment, whose principal duty is to watch the s;ars and see that the stripes do not get away, spend the people's money and fight the Trusts in public and pat them on the safe deposit combination in private, says that Huerta is a terrible man and cannot be tolerated or synco- pated, etc. They say he killed a man or two or maybe three, and therefore he must retire to some far and distan. loneliness. In other words, that the pe- culiar style of landscape architecture on his piiysiognomy being incompatible and at variance with the moral ideals of President Wilson he, Huerta, should first consult the contract diplomatic agent purposely dug out of the ice palace of Minnesota lo thaw out at Vera Cruz, and then evacuate to some adjacent do- main, just like that or something worse. No; our great and glorious country could not stand Huerta. He must go, muy pronto, carramba! Has it ever occurred to the average reader that Mr. Wilson's misguided sense of morality is costing Mexico hun- dreds of lives, and ten million dollars per month and that this with the con- sent, approval and connivance of our Government has gone on since March 4th, 1913? I only wish that the American press was not muzzled on this greatest of all American crimes. If we were to admit the ridiculous probability (which competent judicial tri- bunals have disproved) that Huerta really did have the two disturbing ele- ments, Madero and Suarez, executed, are they not dead? Why should Mr. Wil- son in order to avenge a presumptive crime against two irresponsible agita- tors condemn a hundred thousand men, women and children to death by aiding a few ambitious bandits like Villa, Zapata and Carranza? Where is your precedent, Mr. Presi- dent? Let me just name a few: 1st. We helped to drive the French out of Mexico and were the cause of the murder of Emperor Maximilian. State Department records prove it. Did that prevent us from recognizing Juarez and Diaz? 2nd. Emperor Don Pedro of Brazil was driven out by force anil wc were the first to recognize the republic. 3rd. The King and Queen of Ser- via were murdered in cold blood and the facts never ever denied; we were among the first to recognize the new king. 4th. The Kingdom of Portugal was overthrown by murder and war. Ui< we refuse recognition? 5th. When it suited our convenience to steal the Panama Canal from Colom- bia we ourselves got up a fake revolution and recognized as Panama Minister ;i man who was a Frenchman and was the drummer who had the Panama Canal for sale. He never had been a Col bian. 6th. When the revolutionists in Ecua- dor dragged President Alfaro's pros- trate form through tthe streets of Quito until his head was practically knocked oflf against cobble stones, did we protest or fail to recognize the Ecuadorian Gov- ernment? Ttli. When Governor Goebel of Ken- tucky was shot to death why did the State of Indiana and the District of Columbia (United States) refuse extra- dition papers for ex-Governor Taylor when charged with responsibility in the alleged assassination? 8th. How about Wilson's recognition of China and Peru? I cannot believe that the President is responsible for his attitude toward Mex- ico. He is being misled by a litter of sinister co-partners in the Mexican Mur- der Syndicate. Of course, when the buffalo disap- peared from the American plains the In- dian had to surrender. When the Mexi- can leaders of the revolution have sold oflf all the available cattle to their Ameri- can partners (are there any border Con- gressmen interested in this ???) the Mexican Indian "peon" and "pelado," for they are nothing but a low grade of Indians, will find no food on the range and will surrender as the North .Amer- ican Indian did when the bison had been destroyed. . In conclusion, I would like to know upon what real or imaginary ground and upon what tangible or reflective halluci- nation our government is withholding rccognilion to Huerta. The fact is that the self-styled consti- tutionalists do not want Huerta, nor Villa, nor Carranza, nor anything on earth, over the earth or under it that really represents a government. They do not want any government and the leaders, mostlj' just common thieves and gentile renegades, are leading the semi- civilized Indian peon and city pelado to loot, for whom? Just for the leaders, so that if they should ever win they might ascend to the profession of Lagartijas on San Fra'ncisco avenue in Mexico City or in the States. The President savs that he will not support "The Interests" in Mexico be- cause I believe that outside of the Wa- ters-Pierce group all are clamoring for the recognition of Huerta. It is not be- cause any one has any personal interest in who is President but because nothing, short of a benevolent despotism and mild dictatorship can ever bring Mexico- back to peace and prosperity. Those of us who have interests in Mexico want a. government of force because the Mexi- can Indian masses in Mexico can no- more understand governmental paternity and affection than our Indians can. I am sorry to have to say it, but in Mexico a governmtnt without a club and willing- ness to use it is impossible. President Wilson and Mr. Bryan both have absolutely refused to listen to the facts sul)mitted through the diplomatic or consular corps in Mexico, to the re- ports of army officers stationed on the border, to the results of investigations nude by the agents of the Department of Justice and to reputable private ad- vices. I hardly know if it is politic ; ■ state that our attitude in Mexico is u ly due to the evil influences of a certain secret society, the individual members of which were promised vast concessions by Madero. These people are fighting Huerta and the Roman Catholic church in Mexico by using our government as the catspaw. Too well do I realize that this is a dangerous statement lo make, but it is nevertheless a true one and I make it so that the Catholics of the United States may know that our coun- try is lending itself to the nefarious machinations of private anti-Catholic so- cieties seeking to reap personal gain for its members in Mexico through star chamber devices and traitorous methods. Strange that the American Catholics have never discovered this infamous plot lo use our non-religious government against their creed. Of these facts I have absolute evi- dence. Does the President know ih t he is being made a tool of by a few men in Mexico City who want to dominate that Government as they dominated Ma- dero?' I hardly believe it possible. Some one will quote to me that "fools rush where angels fear to tread," but some one had to say this in order to reform American ignorance on the Mex- ican situation and in its place substitute intelligence. Loud hints of trouble between Car- ranza and Villa. Carranza reported moving to Juarez to attack Pancho. Don't believe it. Carranza will keep just as far away froi-n the bandit as he would from a rattlesnake. * * * But if Villa goes south to Torreon — well, he had better keep an eye for a metaphorical knife in his back. MEXICO Saturday, February 21, 1914 What Does it All Mean? By Saterios Nichelson. UNITED STATES POLICY AS IT AFFECTS MEXICO. That the Great Powers are becoming resuve under the conditions imposed by the "Watchful Waiting" attitude of President Wilson toward the abominable situation existing throughout Mexico to- day, is noi to be wondered. It is now fully understood that the Lind mission was a direct result of the simultaneous sending of an identical note, by the various members of the Diplomatic Corps in Mexico City to their respective governments, expressing the conviction that the "Non-recogni- tion" policy of the Wilson Adminisira- tion, was contributory cause of the cha- otic conditions then existing in Mexico. Courteously, but firmly requesting the United Sates government to give defi- nite information as to the results ex- pected from its attitude, and at the same time pointing out the responsibility the continuance of such a policy nec- essarily involved, the powers expressed the hope that the Washington Admin- istration would see its way clear to re- verse its decision, hus recognizing the sovereign right of the Mexican people to adjust their internal affairs as they saw fit. That the complacency of the Wilson Administration has experienced several severe shocks since the avowal of its pur- pose of adhering strictly and unalterably to the policy of "non-recognition" was natural and despite the transitory good effect of his Mobile speech by the Presi- ■ dent declaring that the traditions and principle of the Monroe Doctrine would be vigorously upheld and defended if necessary; still a fuller realization upon the part of the American public of the import of that responsibility, has awak- ened a feeling akin to anxious concern as to the goal toward which such a policy will inevitably commit the Amer- ican nation. It is now quite apparent that the Powers will not be content with the mere reiteration of the present policy and that they expect from this govern- ment an early and more definite state- ment as to just how Mr. Wilson con- ceives his present course will secure the much needed peace in Mexico, and as to how the duty incumbent upon the President as advocate of the Monroe Doctrine can be fulfilled to the satis- faction of all concerned. The important questions now con- fronting the Administration seem to be: "What is the government of the United States going to do to lift the grievous burdens now imposed upon foreign in- terests in Mexico and just when shall the Government set about securing the needed reliefs?" That European gov- ernments look to us as the paramount power in this hemisphere is natural and that no coercive action may be taken without our consent is beyond question. The "restiveness" however, is natural and pertinent because no one can fore- see what the result is to be.. Now, it is all very well to insist upon the elimi- nation of President Huerta, but what ■ if he is eliminated? Will the Wilson Administration recognize Carranza, or Villa or any,-other of tlie constitution- alist leaders who may happen to be more powerful than Carranza? Presi- dent Wilson's pronunciamento against Huerta, upon moral grounds solely, surely is likewise applicable to brigands ot the Villa and z.apa.a type as actual violators of all rules of civilized war- fare, whereas Carranza himself is in- dictable upon similar charges, at least a^ an accessory both before and after the fact, as the history of pillage, ra- pine and murder in many instances con- clusively proves. Truly then recogni- tion of Carranza would be a repudiation of the standard set up by our President to the effect that "not only consent of the governed" would be required, but that in any case no government founded upon blood would be recognized by the government. A fair-minded man is credited with having considered all available facts germane to the case, before committing himself to a final decision and it is to be assumed that the President not only has access to, but has carefully examined such facts in the Mexican controversy. It is assumed he became convinced that whe.her or not the leaders of the op- posing factions in Mexico are fighting for revenge and retaliation, their respec- tive foUowers are for the most part seeking either the paymaster's money or the "dinero" plus the grand opportu- nity to loo , pillage, etc., at will and with immunity. A less sagacious man than our President could not fail to foresee that the inevitable result of such a warfare must necessarily mean the mere replacing of one President by an- other, who, in turn, will be declared an usurper by the disgruntled force which has not profited by the change in leader- ship. That Mexico is overrun by pro- fessional revolution-organizers (the ma- jority of whom hail from other coun- tries) is an indispu able fact and that they would be satisfied merely by a change in the personnel of the govern- ment is not at all conceivable, unless they themselves should acquire the pow- er. Now, the American press and public have been most docile and patient, even in the face of the inaction imposed and enforced by the attitude of "watchful waiting" and this in itself is singular when the temperament of both is con- sidered. Then, too, the Powers have been at considerable pains in giving the Wilson policy a fair trial and ample op- portunity has been afforded the admin- istration to develop a definite plan serv- ing to terminate the intolerable situation existing in Mexico. Now that the sit- uation is no longer "a family affair," it is to be expected that foreign govern- ments will demand some form of action upon the part of the Wilson Adminis- tration, whether drastic or conciliatory does not so much concern these Powers as tha; something be done and done without loss of time. Thinking Amer- icans perceive the diplomatic advantage of these Powers over the United States, for whereas the Monroe Doctrine guar- intces protection of their interests, these powers are not pledged in the slightest degree to abstain from individuality or jointly securing the protection they may judge necessary for their subjects in Mexico. "Waiting." HOWEVER "Watchful" may eventually degenerate into procrastination and it does not in any case secure the desired results; h cnce it is conceivable that even thoiigh the United States Congress may tacitly agree to remain silent upon the subject it is highly probable an informed press supported by a citizenship that delights in fair play, and is apprehensive of the possibili.ies of complications with for- eign Powers may insist upon a full and impartial discussion of the Mexican sit- uation, if the present policy is not changed considerably. In view of the above facts it occurs to the writer that but one of two courses remain open for President Wilson to fol- low: namely, that of an immediate re- versal of his policy of "non-recognition of the de facto government of Mexico," by morally requesting the Provisional President Huena to designate the day for general elections irrespective of candidates; guaranteeing him in return that such persons as may be elected will be acceptable to the United States Gov- ernment. The only other course is that of intervention, actual, prompt and ef- fective. The former policy would be not only more humane, prudent and honorable to the nation as a whole, being in accord with the desire of our respected Secre- tary of State, who has so earnestly prayed for peace for the Mexican people, but it would meet the approval of the ma- jority of American citizens. Such an act of reversal of opinion would afford an enviable example for the magnanimity of the President himself. In any event as the present policy has borne no ef- fective results and is disapproved by well-informed Americans as it has been openly ridiculed by foreigners, and as this consensus of opinion should be re- spected by the President it is hoped he w 11 do hs manifest duty to all — for the wishes of the people, the honor of the nation, and the welfare of suffering Mexico, are of paramount importance. Alternately praised for the President's courageous advocacy of the Monroe Doctrine and censured for the injection of the personal element into the con- sideration of the Mexican situation, it occurs to the writer that due deliberation should be given to the following and it will lead to a conclusion different from that so persistently pursued by the present Administration. Grotius has, laid down the legal axiom that "non-interference in the internal af- fairs of a foreign power is a law" that should not be violated. The non-recogni- tion policy is in effect a violation of this law in that it has blocked financial aid from foreign Powers, morally pledged •o follow the initiative of the United States. Here was an act of intervention, morally at least, in the internal affairs of Mexico. That this slight to the sov- ereignty of the Mexican nation was re- sented in sundry and humiliating ways cannot be disputed and that it served .to cement the more or less disorganized lova! Federal Mexicans into one group and made more adhesive their factional opponents is not singular, so that the resentment evinced by all classes toward the American Administration was but natural. Secondly, it should be remembered that the Monroe Doctrine was not con- ceived in a desire to oppress, much less to dismember any of the Latin-American republics, but was formulated to protect them against European aggression. Now the "non-recognition" policy has indisputably and deliberately oppressed the de facto government of M^rxico and is a contributory cause to the continued strife and dismemberment of said gov- ernment, which is derogatory to the (Continued on next page.) Saturday, February 21, 1914 MEXICO WHAT DOES IT MEAN?— continued principles of the "non-interference law" and the Monroe Doctrine as well. This much the Mexican nation can charge the WilsonAdministration as being guilty of. Let us look at the situation from an- other, a more selfish, more practical, and more business-like angle. With the opening of the Panama Canal is it not conceivable that the protectorate policy in Mexico may lead to general distrust of the United States not alone in Mexico but throughout all Latin America? Up- on this broader viewpoint is the present Administration warranted in thus arous- ing the enmity of our sister Republics? Hardly. The proposed protectorate over the Central American countries and a sympathetic understanding at least by the Mexican Government as to the in- tents and purposes of such a policy is a "desideratum" President Wilson ought to appreciate. That protectorate should be extended so as to embrace such South American Republics as Argentine, Bra- zil and Chile into one grand Pan-Ameri- can Monroe Doctrine. That the Presi- dent should have formulated a policy that has awakened the distrust of our South American Sister Republics and has aroused a pronounced feeling of re- sentment against the Washington offi- cials responsible for that policy, upon the part of the Mexican nation, is sur- prising in the extreme. I am convinced, however, of the high motives of the President and confident that his loyalty to Democratic princi- ples is such that he will not permit the opportunity to pass without securing to his party the prestige consequent upon the fathering of the Pan-American Mon- roe Doctrine Protectorate; nor do I con- ceive it possible that he will forego the great opportunity of asserting his vigor- ous constructive statesmanship along this line. In view of the pressure from with- out and the incentives from within to prompt, effective and magnanimous ac- tion, I anticipate we may witness in the near future a complete reversal of the "non-recognition" policy. Now, such reversal of policy will se- cure to Mexico the needed aid from abroad that will determine the victor to the present struggle there in the shortest possible time. Nor will the raising of the embargo upon arms be inconsistent with such a policy of fair play. In any event, the recognition of de facto government will render un- necessary the only other solution of the Me-xican problem which is inter- vention, and which bleeding Mexico does not deserve, nor the American people desire, however much certain soulless corporations are striving for it. LEST WE FORGET Castillo says it was Villa's men who were responsible for the Cumbre tunnel outrage, in which fifteen Americans were killed. * * * Castillo or Villa — what difference does it make? They are all of the same breed. Friend Villa has to see that his rival Castillo is executed — after a trial, of course. * * * The Administration's efforts to draw a distinction between them are pitiful. You know, Castillo's a bandit, while Villa, why. Villa's a friend of the Con- stitution. « » * But Castillo was Madero's bodyguard. Then, of course, he was a noble pat- riot. When is a bandit not a bandit? * * * When he is playing the game of the Maderos, the American oil interests, and incidentally the Administration. When he is in partnership with Tex- ans for the disposal of stolen Mexican cattle. * * * When he can hire a press agent to whitewash him. * * ♦ Who through the gullible press corre- spondents outlines a millenium for Mex- ico when "Huerta falls." What would we think of a man in this country who would start to loot and de- stroy and murder and rape and incite the riff-raff of the country to do the same, because, according to his press agent, crime and poverty should not exist in the world. * * ♦ The man would be branded as either a blithering idiot or an arch-criminal. * * * But the pure-minded Administration in Washington is supporting that kind of thing in Mexico. * * * Why? * * * It cannot be through ignorance, be- cause no matter how conditions in Mex- ico were misrepresented to the Admin- istration in the beginning, it has since learned the truth. * * * Is it with the idea of helping Mexico destroy itself? * * * Is it simply pig-headedness? Is it blundering ineptitude? Or is there some ulterior purpose hid- den from the people? It appears now that the Administra- tion is no longer opposed to revolutions in Latin-American countries. But the revolutionists must say they are for constitutional government. How easyl * * * Why, they always say that * * ♦ What a terrible story that was about a naval lieutenant who bruised his hip on the seat of a carriage. * * * Which trivial incident was twisted by the nimble correspondents into a Mexi- can plot to assassinate our naval officers, blow up our ships, and all sorts of dire things. * * * Is it fair to distort the truth like that? * * * But why look for fciirness in the press of this country as regards anything Mex- ican? * * * Carranza has sent for Reverend Tap- per, according to press reports. * * * Remember he's the Peace Forum com- missioner who pleaded so piteously for the lifting of the embargo on arms so that his dear friends the Mexicans might kill one another more expeditious- ly. What does Carranza want him to do now? Get the Administration to send some- body down to assassinate Huerta? * * * Oh, these reverends and ex-reverends are an influential lot. * * * They can give more beautiful reasons for arming bandits and wholesale exe- cutions, not to speak of fouler crimes, than the devil's advocate. * * * This fellow Tupper says he had a very satisfactory talk with the President and Secretary Bryan. * * * Um-m, really! * * * The President asked Congress to re- verse itself on the Panama Canal tolls legislation. But the Administration will not re- verse itself on its Mexican policy. * * * Which more than anything else is re- sponsible for the foreign complications that threaten the peace and prestige of the United States. MEXICO Saturday, February 21, 1914 HE KNOWS Washington, D. C, Wednesday — Sen- ator William Alden Smitli, of Michigan, one of the Republican members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, ■which made an investigation of Mexican afifairs under the Nelson resolution, gave exclusively to the New York "Herald" of February 12 the first statement he has made in regard to the Administration's Mexican i;olicy. President Wilson's action in lifting the embargo on the shipment of arms from the United States into Mexico is con- demned by Senator Smith as "inhuman and barbarous." He strongly criticizes the administration for not having recog- nized President Huerta. While the Administration's policy was in the formative stage Senator Smith and other Republican Senators refrained from hostility and criticism. It has been generally understood this was in defer- ence to the President's wish to present abroad the appearance of united opposi- tion to President Huerta and thus force ■his early abdication. Assails Arms Policy. This having failed. Senator Smith feels that he may freely criticize the policy that has been adopted. In part he sa/s: ■"I think the lifting of the American embargo against the shipment of arms and ammunition to Mexico was a bar- barous proceeding. At the time the act of Congress was passed emphasizing a little more strongly the attitude of this government with reference to neutrality, I did not favor it. I feel that it was an attempt on the part of some one — I do not know whom — to strengthen the hands of the Mexican rebels who had at that moment become supreme in Mexico. But the forces of Madero disintegrated so rapidly that our attempt to strengthen Madero's tenure through greater vigi- lance in withholding arms and ammuni- tion from his former chiefs, who at that ■moment were engaged in rebellion against Madero, failed. "To arm bandits freely on this side of the border is, in my opinion, a crime. If the President had granted belligerent rights to the rebels upon the ground that a state of war existed and that a gov- ernment was sought to be erected in place of the established government there might have been some reason in such a course. To hand over to semi- savages and bandits American arms with ■which they may murder one another is barbarous and inhuman. Favors Recognition of Huerta. "Because our government had made a mistake in not recognizing the de facto government as had been done by other countries of the world having represen- tatives in Mexico, except Argentine, Chile and Brazil, was no good reason why we should continue to align our- selves with the disorderly prowling bands who preyed upon the property of American citizens at will and murdered American citizens when such a course seemed to them for their purposes to be necessary. "I have no hesitation whatever in say- ing that hundreds of American Uves have been sacrificed, American women have been attacked and the torch has been ap- plied time and again to the property of otir citizens. This condition will not be improved by the course which this gov- ernment is now taking. Instead, it wiU be aggravated. "All the leaders in arms against Huerta except Carranza, who is a feeble old man, are bandits and ruffians of the worst character. Zapata was execrated I)y public opinion when he was in re- bellion against Diaz. The world looked upon him as an irresponsible and ven- turesome half caste when he was in re- bellion against Madero. It is not sur- prising that he is now in rebellion against Huerta for he will be in rebel- tion against any government until he himself holds the reins. "Aguilar, who is second among the prominent leaders in the rebellion, fought against Diaz, then against Ma- dero and now against Huerta. His con- tribution to the cause of constitutional- ism was the massacre of soldiers and non-combatants after the capture of Vic- toria. Calls Villa Mere Bandit. "Villa has been a famous bandit in Northern Mexico for twenty-five years. His contribution to the cause of consti- tutionalism were the massacres at Jua- rez, Ojinaga and Chihuahua. "It will be no credit to our govern- ment if the time ever shall come when Villa, Zapata and Aguilar will govern Mexico. Their government would be a 'travesty and a disgrace to civilization and the officers of our government who shall be in any way helpful to them will not be excused for taking this horn of the dilemma as the lesser of the evils with which we are now confronted. "I cannot understand how treaties of peace and good will can literally be showered upon us from the Department of State, while at the very moment we are being urged to join in such a whole- some festival of peace we arc blindfold- ing our soldiers and tying the hands of tlie officials of the Department of Justice and permitting revolutionary juntas with headquarters in the United States to ob- tain arms and ammunition with which our neighbors are to be permitted to kill one another. "1 regret exceedingly that the circum- stances attending the death of Madero should have been permitted to influence the action of our government. "No single foreign Minister who was in thi Mexican capital at the time of Madero's death has reported to his gov- ernment that Huerta had anything to do with that unfortunate phase of Mexican affairs. It will not do to allow such a circumstance to so prejudice our govern- ment that further lives of Americans and Mexicans, as well as those of other for- eigners, shall be taken in revenge. Yet there has been abundant evidence that the attitude of our government under both the administrations of Taft and Wilson has been influenced more by the ghost of Madero than by consideration for the real situation as it now exists in our neighbor to the south." Villa will think twice and then some more about going far from the Ameri- can border. He has made his money and salted it away in El Paso and New York banks. « * * Why should he go so far away from it? * * i Or spend it to advance the interests of the Maderos and Carranzas? * ♦ • Extensive military operations cost piles of dinero. ^ * it It is so much easier and profitable to loot and "confiscate" in Chihuahua. * * * The New York "Tribune" sent a man down to Mexico to "write up" the situa- tion. * 4! * After forty-eight hours in Mexico he cabled a long story to his paper to the effect that the Mexicans want United States intervention. * * * He knew it all in forty-eight hours! * * * Why did he go to Mexico at all? He could have written as intelligently right on Park Row, without the slightest knowledge of Mexico. * * * The chances are that like John Lind he doesn't even speak Spanish. National Honor We must give in to England on the Panama Canal Tolls. We must continue to destroy Mexico. National Buncombe! Saturday, February 21, 1914 MEXICO A CHARITABLE VIEW Even those who are most impressed by Mr. Wilson's lofty moral standards, »nd who are most anxious to see him emerge safely from the new and grave responsibilities which he has brought upon his country in connection with the Mexican problem, and who admire his determination to avoid war if possible, frankly admit that they cannot see how he will find a way out of the situation when he is called upon, as he presently will be, to choose a stable constitutional and blood-guiltless government for a country that has never known peace in al! the centuries of its history except un- der the iron rule of a military master. The secrecy and silence of the Wilson Administration may do for the present. Democrats, Republicans and Progres- sives alike refuse to n.ake the Presi- dent's difficulties any greater than they are by public criticism. All seem to understand the impasse to which his uncompromising theories have brought the country. All feel that whatever mistakes he has made he is. after all, the President of the whole country and that party soirit and hostile judgments should remain mute while he attempts to grope in his own way for a solution that will avert the bloody and costly alternative of war. — New York "Evening Mail." THE FLAG OF PILLAGE From "El Independiente" of Mexico City. The Shibboleth for Bryan's Ears. If Joseph W. Bailey still takes interest in mundane affairs, what joy must fill his heart when he notes the rapid spread throughout this hemisphere of a faith of which he was once the sole custodian — that which has its feet firmly imbedded in the constitution! Down in Peru, by way of illustration, a "constitutional!" President is evicted, jailed and exiled by forces boasting a truer "constitutionalism." In Hayti sev- eral bands of sable patriots are fighting for domination, each trying to outcry the others in their demand for "constitu- tionalism." In Nicaragua American ma- rines are bolstering up a "constitutional" government and giving it protection against "constitutionalists" who would, if this protection were removed, get their "constitutional" hands on whatever is left of the treasury We are amuting Europe. * • * A laughing-stock to some, an invitation to others. * * • Nothing is impossible in ;hat lin^— to the would-be autocrats in Washinf- ton. * » * One would think he was U. S. presi agent for the "cause." * * * Which will get us nowhere. * * * Unless the Administration intervenes with an army. * * » Which is the very thing it professes not to want to do. * * * Huerta stands for Mexican nationality. * * • Whereas the Carranzas, the Villas, etc., don't give a hoot about their country, and deliberately sell it for their own selfish ends. * * • All of which will be revealed in due time as surely as right is right. A revolution does not simply mean that a group or various groups of armed outlaws declare themselves against au- thority in order to engage in sacking, homicide and violence. A revolution in order to deserve such a name must form a body and contain a spirit, be consistent cind diplomatic, be prudent and intelligent, employ force whenever it may be necessary; destroy its enemies, but only its enemies; be aggressive but must know how to arouse sympathy; and, above all have cohesion and know the direction in which it is going. Even the worst bandits, when they enter into a compact to fight the com- mon enemy, agree to a truce among themselves in order to realize their pur- pose. Never do they fight one against the other, while the spoils are in sight. The fighting among themselves is car- ried on after, when the spoils are to be divided. The "constitutionalists" are not even capable of having that patience which is favorable to their interests. These wolves are devouring them- selves. So it was before. President Madero never had worse enemies than his debts, relatives and favorites. His brother Gustavo used to attack him in the "Nueva Era", and tried in the last moments of his ephemeral power to make it appear that Francisco was ousted b}' Congress, in order to assume the presidency himself, by means of an in- trigue in which Pino Suarez figured. Pino Suarez also aspired to the supreme control, and exploited himself in "El Intransigente." Nor is it strange to those who know the workings of the press that Don Ernesto Madero was paying four thousand pesos monthly to a paper of greater circulation to cruelly attack the deceived Don Francisco. All of the wolfish band tried to make the weakness of Madero a stepping stone to power. Those who are still struggling to take root in the mire are the rotten branches of that polluted tree. They are those who are decorated with the pompous title of revolutionists. We have already dem- onstrated that they do not deserve that name and that they are not capable of triumph. Now, these very men are giving us new proof of the base passions that impel them to claw each other, even in the most anxious moments of the strife for power. Emiliano Zapata repudiates, detests and condemns Venustiano Carranza. Fra'ncisco Villa, in power in Chihuahua, forbids Carranza to approach that sec- tion; Maytorena, master of some ranches, is independent of the bearded "first chief." And if to-morrow Villa found himself in need of the help of Carranza or Maytorena, and asked for it, it would not be strange if they took him a pris- oner and shot him. And if Zapata, importuned, started toward the North, he would be destroyed by any one of his co-religionists. Each one of them wishes to have a territory of his own so that he may rule supreme over it without contradic- tion, and all coincide in one thought: that of getting to be President of the Republic and ruling the entire nation. If any one of them triumphed we would see unthought-of things: the "revolu- tion," instead of being united and trans- formed into the government, would be infinitely multiplied and sub-divided. Then we would not only have the plan of San Luis, of Tacubaya, of Villa Ayala, etc., but that of Huehuetoca, of Calera, of Cautillan, of Chupaderos, of Xochi- milco. Each infamous city would pro- duce its plan and its leader. On each ranch there would be a candidate, armed and mounted, who in expectancy of assuming the Presidency, would en- gage in robbing and raping. The "revolution" has got control of some places by force of arms, but never- theless, it does not triumph. Why? Because the organic resistance of so- ciety is superior to that superficial in- fection of brigandage; because the actual government is not supported by force of bayonets or the amount of the national treasury, almost exhausted; but the pub- lic conscience, the strong tendency to maintain order, peace and achievement, which is the one thought of all the in- telligent classes of progressivism. The great thought of the revolution is systematic robbing. And notwith- standing the theories which drop from the lips of the Washington Administra- tion and the resources which it offers the bands of brigands who pillage the coun- try, the revolution does not triumph. We do not think that we deserve the shame of being governed by bandits. Nobody Wants to See the Administration Confounded. It is Tying Its Own Hands by Its Blundering Mexican Policy. WHY? MEXICO Saturday, February 21, 1914 The Troubles of A Bandit (By Telegraph to the New York "Tri- bune.") El Paso, Tex., Feb. 13. — If reports re- ceived today from apparently authentic sources in Sonora are to be credited, General Pancho Villa is waiting on the border to greet Venustiano Carranza — but not as first chief of the revolution. Reports, unconfirmed but persistent, are that Carranza, with nearly three thou- sand men, who until to-day was sup- posed to be on the west coast of Mex- ico, planning a campaign against points still held bj' Federals there, in reality is in the hills of Eastern Sonora, await- ing an opportunity to come to Juarez. According to the reports, some of them from rebel secret service men. Carranza purposes to take Juarez peace- ably, if he can, but forcibly if neces- sary. In Juarez he plans to establish his provisional government until such time as it will be safe for him to go to Chihuahua City. The Sonora chief ex- pects to catch Villa unawares, and, with his three thousand men, he e.xpects that Villa will see the futility of opposing him, there being fewer than one thou- sand of Villa's men in Juarez or avail- able in Northern Chihuahua. Carranza hopes that Villa will hail ' -m as chief. If he does not, then Car- anza expects to use his three thousand iien in forcibly seizing Juarez. All of 'his is according to the reports coming Q from Sonora, where Carranza is su- jjreme. Villa Knows of Plans. That Villa has learned of the plans of Carranza and has known of them for days, and that he is remaining near the border to thwart the Sonora leader's ambitions, is admitted by rebels who are close to the Chihuahua rebel leader. Villa came to Juarez hurriedly and un- announced about the time Carranza gave out the report that he (Carranza) was going to the west coast. When advised about Carranza and his plans Villa has time and again said that he was not friendly with the Sonora chief, and he has often said that he knew nothing of Carranza. He has intimated that he cared little what Carranza did, provided he did not interfere with Vil- la's plans. The split between Villa and Carranza is believed to be real. Villa does not trust the Sonora chief, and is not will- ing to surrender to him any of the pres- tige which hard fighting has given to the ex-bandit in Chihuahua. Villa may leave Juarez at any time. He will not say when, but it is regarded as certain that if he goes it will be only to Chi- huahua City to strengthen his position there and not to Torreon, near which his army of nearly 12,000 men is anxiously awaiting him. The rumors say that Villa considers the movements of Carranza just now of vastly greater importance to tlie rebel cause than the campaign against Tor- reon. For a time Villa gave out the im- pression that he would recognize Car- ranza as chief and would welcome him to Chihuahua. That was before Presi- dent Wilson had lifted the embargo on arms to Mexico, and when Villa counted on receiving recognition for the rebels in AVashington" provided they presented a solid front. Even then it was said that the two factions were widely apart. Expect Battle at Juarez. That Juarez is again to be a bone of contention and the scene of a battle is becoming a settled conviction among those who are in touch with the situa- tion, and if Carranza is really in the hills of Eastern Sonora the battle may not be far distant. Federal soldiers operating in squads of fifty or sixty men and attempting to burn bridges and destroy tracks on the Mexi- can Central Railroad between Juarez and Chihuahua are proving a menace to Juarez. As a result of the renewed Fed- eral activity rebel troops are being sent up and down the railroad, and it has be- come necessary to station forces at var- ious points. Rebel oiTicials fear that the Federals are trying to isolate Villa at Juarez and make easy his capture in case a large Federal force reported moving from Sal- tillo to attack Chihuahua succeeds in ac- complishing its purpose. The Federals appearing at various points below Juarez to-day are t)elieved to be some of those who succeeded in crossing from the American side near El Paso on Wednesday night. (By Telegraph to the New York "Tri- bune.") El Paso, Tex., Feb. 13. — Federals at Torreon, to the number of twevle thou- sand, have started an aggressive cam- paign to drive back the rebel army of General Pancho Villa, and have won !,he first battle, according to official dis- patches received at the Mexican consul- ate here to-day. The dispatches say that the Federals have driven the rebels from Jiminez, where Villa had planned to establish a base for the Torreon campaign. The Federal commander, Generat Velasco. has moved his headquarters from Tor- reon to Gomez Palacio and has estab- lished outposts as far north as Jiminez. The reports also say that a Federal command is moving from Saltillo to at- tack Chihuahua and reclaim the State. To destroy rebel communication with Juarez and cut ofT Villa in the border city, 258 armed Mexican Federal sym- pathizers are moving into the interior of Eastern Mexico. The expedition is one of three which had planned to enter Mexico last night at three different places. One of the expeditions was headed ofT by American troops near Ysleta, Te.x., and a second was scared away from the border by knowledge that the plot had been discovered, but the third, compris- ing nearly 300 men, succeeded in getting into Mexico from Ysleta. FRANCISCO VILLA. No great man in the public eye at pres- ent understands the value of publicity to greatness better than Francisco Villa, sometimes a filibustering marauder, now General in Chief, and the only command- er actually in sight of the constitution- alist forces in Mexico. Villa is. fond of being interviewed. He has lately been picturing for the press the transformed Mexico which will follow his forthcom- ing successes on the field of batttle. A cliicken always in the pot in every peas- ant's home was the promise made by royal Henry of Navarre. Forty acres and a mule were promised to every lib- erated slave in the South in carpet-bag- ging days. Similarly, Villa promises to every poor Mexican a piece of land, and he also promises that he will establish schools for all the children. The army is to be abolished altogether, but mili- tary colonies are to be formed in which the men will be trained three days of every week for the wars which will never occur, and work on the other days. He will establish great industries throughout the country. In fact. Villa has a big programme in his mind, and while he declares that he recognizes Don Venustiano as his leader, until another leader is legally chosen by the people, it is clear that he expects Don Venustiano to take orders from Villa and proceed to the establishment of an industrial Utopia according to Villa's plans. Carranza, on the other hand, being a man of education, with some small knowledge of governmental practice, is doubtless wondering how he will be able, if he ever gains the upper hand in Mexico, to pajr the huge debt that has been incurred by nearly four years of continual rebellion. Meanwhile, Villa, though he promises to do wonders presently, lingers at Jua- rez, waiting for Carranza to make a move, and Carranza, though he is re- ported to be "advancing," is not yet dis- cernible to the naked eye. The rumors of disagreement between these two are doubtless greatly exaggerated. That is to say, they keep too many miles of al- most impassible territory between them to disagree very much. Nobody who knows Villa, or has watched his recent career closely, believes that submissive- ness is one of his qualities. Poor Madero had a number of aiders and abettors in his revolution, not one of whom ever in- tended to surrender any power whatever to the ostensible leader. The relations between Villa and Carranza are similar, except that Villa has done something be- sides talk. He has not yet shaken Huerta, however, and although the ru- mors from the neighborhood of the cap- ital are frequently alarming, there is still a chance that the soldiers of Huerta will overcome the rebels at Torreon. The contrast between the two important lead- ers in Mexico at present is impressive. The Dictator a stern, reticent, well-train- ed soldier, crafty, self-possessed and res- olute; the leader of the rebels in the field a very child in ignorance, with no comprehension of statesmanship, wholly self-satisfied, yet, it must be admitted, courageous and purposeful. — New York "Times." Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. Saturday, February 21, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. WHEN DIPLOMATISTS BECOME BUSY. Proper confounding of those Demo- crats at Washington who have been de- ploring the uselessness of diplomatists is furnished by important happenings at Mexico City. Who will dare say that our diplomatic corps is a needless ap- pendage upon the body politic now that Mr. O'Shaughnessy has so valorously bombarded the provisional government with "sharp notes" of protest against wicked Mexican newspapers that have permitted uncomplimen.ary references to President Wilson to appear in their col- umns? The possibility that this episode may spur President Huerta to retaliation in kind is, however, one that may well send cold shivers down the liacks of the Com- missioners of the District of Columbia. What if Senor Don A. Algara R. de Ter- reros, Mexican Charge d'.'Kffaires at Washington, were instructed to rush post-haste to the State Department with formal protest every time an .American newspaper said anything uncomplimen- tary of Provisional President Huerta? How long could the asphalt in the re- gion of McPherson and Lafayette squares stand the strain? — New York "Herald." SOME FEATURES OF THE MEXI- CAN SITUATION. There are some features in tlie Mexi- can situation entirely unsatisfactory. The only reason alleged by President Wilson for his rejection of Huerta is the participation of the latter in the kill- ing of Madero, the former President of Mexico. President Wilson declares that the time has come to refuse recognition to a ruler who has reached his high place through assassination. Whatever we may think of the prin- ciple, we have never yet heard any proof that Huerta was an accomplice in the murder of Madero. .Embassador Wil- son' — and he was on the spot and well situated for information — has publicly declared that it is his opinion that Huerta had nothing to do with the kill- ing of Madero and was in ignorance of it. Possibly President Wilson has authen- tic information that Huerta shared in the murder; but if he has, he has never communicated it to the .\merican people. Another distressing feature is the con- stant and public repetition of the charge that the series of Mexican revolutions has been promoted by great business interests in the United States. If such is the case — and most people believe it to be so — the crime of these trusts is unspeakable. Congress is every ready to investi- gate. Why is there such reticence about Mexico? Why do men who constantly announce they abhor bloodshed allow these ignorant victims of commercial rascality to butcher one another? Why not show them whose hand has set their bloody fratricidal strife in motion. War for commercial advantage is not a strange experience in the annals of Eng- land. We had hoped that our country had reached a higher standard. But perhaps war is war only when we are engaged in it. Mexican blood is of less value than Mexican oil. .An opinion that is nursed by some .\nicricans is that Carranza represents .■\mcrican ideals. This is far from the truth. Carranza. like Madero, belongs to the rich landlord class in Mexico. He pos- sesses thousands of acres and lords it like a feudal despot over the peons who live on his lands. He is an aristocrat and of Spanish blood. Huerta is half-Indian like the bulk of the Mexicans. He is a peon by birth and sympathizes with the peons. He is poor personally and has nothing in com- mon wi; h the wealthy landowners. We inust remember also that Huerta was strongly pro-.'\merican in his syin- pathies. He favored a close union with the L'nited States. Madero and Carranza looked toward Japan and favored intimate relations wi h the Japanese. Villa is a bandit drunk witli blood and eager for power. Fate has opened up a way before his ambition. Carranza would be a puppet in his strong, rough hands. It may be ultimate destiny that the L'nited Sta es shall set up a man to rule Mexico and uphold him for a time by .\merican bayonets. But it does not require the gift of prophecy to p-edict that as soon as the .\m..-rican bayonets disappear, that man, whoever he may be, will be slaughtered like a sheep in the shambles. Then revolution upon revolution and confusion worse confounded. — "Catholic Mirror." PRACTICAL IF NOT CONSISTENT. President Wilson is to be congratulat- ed, not commiserated, upon his recogni- tion of the provisional governinent set up in Peru by an army officer. Colonel Ben- avides, who displaced President Billing- hurst and put him in prison. It has been well said that "a foolish consistency is a hobgoblin of litttle minds." Consider how awkward and unavail- ing a refusal to recognize the unconsti- tutionality of Provisional President Ben- avides would be. No warships can be spared for concentration at Callao, and there is rather a dearth than a surplus of marines in the Caribbean for emergency duty at Vera Cruz and Tampico. The financial condition of Peru might be bet- ter, but her trade relations with England are so profitable to that country that even the averting of President Wilson's face at this juncture would not cause a restriction of credit at Lima. Bena- vides would not crumble. What in the world is to be gained or accomplished by reading the riot act to the Peruvians? Do we want all of Spanish America be- low the Rio Grande against us? Mr. Wilson's critics quote to confound him that lofty passage in which he said that "we can have no sympathy with those who seize the power of govern- ment to advance their own personal in- terests and ambitions," but at this dis- tance from Peru who can judge whether the cap fits Benavides? He, like Ores- tes Zamor, the new ruler of Hayti, may be a true patriot and a thoroughly prac- tical man. Very sensibly Mr. VVilson has decided that a sentiment, however well expressed, shall not tie his foreign pol- icy into a gordian knot that only the sword can sever. Furthermore, Mr. Wilson is not to be deceived by the myth of constitutional government in Peru. Fidelity to an ideal may have misled him in the case of Mex- ico, where constitutional government is a fetish to a few if it is not a fact; but everybody knows that nobody takes the Constitution seriously in Peru. The ousted Presiden' himself, Guillermo Bil- linghurst, was not elected by the people as that document requires, but by the na:ional Congress, which acted oppor- tunely when the popular choice could not be determined. There is no doubt that President Billinghurst did his best, and he was probably in advance of his time. Peru was not ripe for an econo- mist and financier who was also a re- former, and he fell. Mr. Wilson's decision not to apply the Mexican policy to Peru shows that he understands the situation perfectly. Perhaps it will turn out that the Mexi- can policsy is not so inflexible that it cannot be bent to suit conditions. — New York "Sun." OUR WEAK MEXICAN POLICY. The recent action of the Washington .Administration in removing the embargo on arms has further embittered the ele- ments supporting Huerta. through the encouragement it has given to the rebels, who by their control of the northern border are able to import arms and am- munition without trouble. .-Mthough the Federal Government has defaulted on the interest on the Mexican public debt, it would be a mistake to suppose that Huerta and his advisors have readied the end of their financial resources. Emis- saries have been sent to New York and Europe, whose avowed purpose is to ne- .gotiate fresh loans, which they are like- ly enough to secure on the plcd.ge of valuable concessions. While the revolu- tionists may refuse to recognize the va- lidity of these concessions, should they eventually come to power, the fact that all the European governments have rec- o.gnized the Huerta .Administration makes it certain that any future govern- ment that may be set up in Mexico will be compelled to recognize and respect any grants that Huerta may make. Thinking men will view with alarm the mere possibility that either Villa, the ex- bandit, or Carranza, the rebel leader, may eventually secure the presidency. Neither of these men would be regarded abroad with confidence, as aside from any plundering that they might individ- ually authorize, they will be compelled to provide out of the public treasury for the hungry hordes that make up their armies. .As the scene of fighting recedes from the border and goes inland our chance of successfully intervening grows daily less. — New Orleans "Picayune." MFXICO Saturday, February 21, 1914t STRANGE BEDFELLOWS. Uncle Sam has had some strange asso- ciates. But never before has he been in partnership with such a degraded and disgusting scoundrel as Villa of Me.xico. When President Taft laid an embargo upon the exportation of arms and ammu- nition into Mexico, he first consulted Congress and obtained due authority. This was his Constitutional dut3'. For- getting this dut}- in his bitter, personal prejudice against President Huerta, mis- led by the Ring in the State Department, and blind to facts and consequences. Mr. Wilson has raised the embargo with the .1 vowed inteniion of assisting the villain Villa. Henceforth the brigandage against the legitimate government of Mexico is to be conducted by the firm of Villa and Wilson. Although Mr. Wilson may not take the field in person and in- dulge in rape and rapine, he certainly will be morally responsible for whatever Villa does, and will be held legally re- sponsible for the damages when our ac- counts with Mexico are settled by a tri- bunal of arbitrators. The lengths to which prejudice, obstinacy and selfwill may lead an official have been illustrated before, but never more luridly and as- toundingly. Mr. Wilson might just as well order that all assassins be provided with sharpened knives and all burglars with automatic revolvers. Men of affairs know 'hat his scheme will work out ex- actly the opposite of his intention. Villa, with the connivance of our Administra- tion, has been .supplied secretly with all the arms and ammunit'on he could use, and raising the embargo will do him no good. But if proves to Mexico, to South America and to Europe the utter reck- lessness of the Bryan .Administration and the extent to which our President is be- fooled bv playing upon his personal whims. — "Town Topics." ASSISTING REBELS. The Alabama Case is Cited as a Warning ir. Mexico. Since President Wilson has announced that tho embargo against selling arms, etc., to the Mex icans will be raised my mind has gone back to the period of the Civil War, and it seems to me that we are creating conditions against which we vehemently and successfully protested at tha; time. During that war we contended that the South was in rebellion, and we protested to Englano against assisting the rebels, and subsequentlj claimed that she should respond for the damages our commerce had sustained by reason of hei assistance. We all know that she was obligeo to answer for her assistance in a large sum ol money. To-day there is a rebellion in Mexico. Huerta is de facto President of the Republic of Mexico, if not de jure President. At least he has a Con- gress with him and his government has been recognized by certain foreign governments. Does he not stand in the same position that Mr. Lin coin's government stood? If so, it would seem that the neutrality declared by Mr. Taft should be maintained if we are to escape from tha charge of inconsistency. But Mr. Wilson's rea sons for raising the embargo, if he is correcll) reported, arc that it will assist the rebels in overthrowing Hucrta's government. In othc> words, Mr. Wilson is proceeding openly to "do ex actly what we claimed England was guilty of. Have we not established a precedent in the matter of the Alabama's depredations that can most successfully be urged against us later? In other words, will not the raising of the embargo prove a very costly "boomerang"? — E. J. VAN ALSTYNE in New York "Tribune." PUBLIC OPINION-Continued PRESIDENT WILSON AND MEXICO. American diplomacy in its dealings with Mex- ico has adopted in the past ten months many strange expedients. It has declined to admit General Huerta officially to the international cir- cle. It has sought to extract from htm a pledge that he will not put himself forward as a Presi- dential candidate if and when the long-promised cl-ctions are held. It disputes alike his authority and his power to restore order. At the same time it announces its intention of holding him severely to acc.urit in the event of injury to American lives or property. It draws a picture ol a country uiable to fulfill its international obli- gations and ])!u;iging deeper and deeper into the morass of civil war, and it proposes a general election as a suitable remedy. It has demanded the immediate cessation of hostilities, but it has offered no inducements, financial or political, by way of loan or of diplomatic support to this desirable end. It has warned all American resi- dents to leave the country as speedily as may be, and it has officially assisted such few of them as listened to its injunctions. But it has done nothing more; and its determination neither to intervene itself nor to allow any other Power to do so is apparently as set as ever. N'ow, however. President Wilson is trying a new tack. He has decided to raise the embargo on the export of arms to Mexico. This means, of course, that the "rebels" will be still further strengthened for the work of burning, slaying, blackmailing and thrusting their country into a yet darker abyss of anarchy. Whether the device will succeed in ousting General Huerta remains to be seen. Even if it does, will Mexico thereby be brought any nearer to tranquility, or is any President likely to be evolved to whom the objec- tions urged against General Huerta will not apply with tenfold force '—London "Daily Mail." It would be fortunate if the United States were never called upon to recognize Central and South American governments resting solely upon force. But conditions in many Central and South American republics must be taken into account. Legitimacy and constitutional succession are ideals very imperfectly lived up to there. All the moral influence of this country should be exerted to encourage peaceful and orderly successions. But an administration at Washington would be hope- lessly handicapped and would defeat its own purposes by insisting upon breaking off relations with each country in which there had been an unconstitutional transfer of power. Practically we have no choice but to conduct diplomatic relations with our unrulier Southern neighbors on the old fashioned de facto basis.— New York "Tribune." LETTER FROM AN EYE WITNESS OF REBEL ATROCITIES. Corpus Christi, Tex., Dec. !), 191.3. On Tuesday, the 3rd, fearing another attack of the Carrancistas on Monterrey, I with most of my family, of about, thir- ty-five persons, left that city for this country. As you perhaps remember, I wrote you on Nov. 14th that until we saw how the city remained in the part occupied by the Carrancistas, we did not fully realize the danger in which we had been. The^ first thing they would have done in taking Monterrey would have been to ask us for money, and if we could not give it to them, shoot us. This you must not think is exaggerated. They have done the same everywhere, and that is the reason that since about twelve days ago four hundred persons daily, not only tlic wealthiest families, but all who can afford the trip, are leaving Monter- rey. I have been surprised reading news- papers here, how they are inclined to the rebels, giving only the news favorable to them. People here do not realize that the war in Mexico is the most barbarous and worthless there has been. It is not really war, but high brigandage against order. Don't the American people ever stop to think that if two thousand of the wealthiest families of Chihuahua, in which there must be many children, are taking a trip for .several days through a desert, in which there is no water, nothing to eat, and which is being done with carriages and mules, and they pre- fer that to remaining in a city which is in power of the rebels, does not any- body here realize that there must be a reason for that? I don't think there is a bigger in- justice done than that which is being done with Me.xico. How can the trouble finish in Mexico in this way? I have received from many other sources many details showing that the Government people are always getting in difficulties with the authorities in the State of Tex- as, while the rebels do everything they please, and have at least the indifference of the authorities. Right here in town a friend of mine, related to the Maderos, has been trying to collect money from some wealthy families of Monterrey who who are in this town. Of course he has not got a cent, because no one that has honor wants to become an accomplice of such brigandage. The Banco Mercantil has closed its doors and has placed all its securities in Laredo. But of course this will not interfere with our business with this- bank, since it is only temporarily closed down, and it is only made so as to save all the interests of this bank in case the Carrancistas should happen to take Monterrey. This will show you how everj'body, more or less, is suffei^ing from this revolution, and the worst of all is that we don't see any end to it, because even if Carranza should win, and take Me.xico Citv, though I hope it will not happen, I fear very much or rather I am sure a new revolution will come. There is already some newspaper rumor that Villa is not satisfied with Carranza, and that he was about to repudiate him as the leader. On the other side, Lucio Blanco is also dissatisfied, because they have taken him away from Matamoros, where he has been doing fine business, stealing the cattle from the State of Tamaulipas and selling them on this side of the river. I have a cousin who is just now in Brownsville and who is being obliged to buy his own cattle that have been taken from Lucio Blanco by some sort of Insurance Company, so with these people as our new Govern- ment what will become of us? On the o'ther hand, as I have very often written you. all the white people in Mexico, all the city people, all the peo- ple with whom you have to deal every day and speak to, including the foreigners, .Americans among them, absolutely hate Carranza. The army, of course hates Carranza also, and if when Madero was president, no matter that the army did not quite like him. they supported him because it was their duty, I hardly think they will do it now. .A.nd having all these people of this opinion against them, how are they going to govern? Mr. Wilson seems to be entirely de- cided not to recognize Huerta. So the future is every day darker, and we don't see any hope of it getting any better. Of course, if things remain the way they are, there will be no business at all, or very little business. If Carranza triumphs, there will be still less hope of doing any business. (Continued on next page.) iturday, February 21, 1914 MEXICO The only hope I have is that the American Government shall recognize Huerta, and absolutely not allow any arms and ammunition to pass into Mex- ico, and then the Revolution would be finished in two or three months. At the same time, Huerta would get money and the worth of the Mexican peso in- stead of 35 cents, would be as usual 50 cents. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: — In a most unforeseen way Mexico has risen in less than a decade to the position of second of the world's oil producing countries, and according to most careful and conservative esti- mates will, in another equal lapse of time, pass the United States, its only rival in oil production at the present day. This calculation is based on the extent of the oil producing zone on the Gulf of Mexico, which zone has an approxi- mate area of 25,000 square kilometres. This gives a slightly greater area than the oil producing zone of the United States, and there is a vast superiority in point of production in favor of the Mexican fields, for thousands of wells have been opened in the United States and as yet no more than a few hundred south of the Rio Grande, where the work of e.xploitation is not thoroughly developed. The Mexican wells have shown a remarkable flow, quite superior to that of wells in other parts of the -world. That this new source of wealth is des- tined to produce profound economic changes in Mexico was clearly foreseen by the notable parliamentary orator and present head of the Cabinet. Mr. Quer- ido Moheno, who is known as the Mex- ican Gambetta, and it was he who for- mulated and defended in the Chamber of Deputies and in the press the project for the nationalization of the oil in- dustry in Mexico. Political and finan- cial considerations of moment have held this plan in abeyance, but there are powerful reasons to believe that the oil problem will solve both the political and economic questions now at issue in Mex- ico. Until a short time ago the indus- trial wealth of a country was based on its deposits of coal, and this is still true, but only in respect to production of iron and steel, for in other branches coal is being displaced by mineral oil, for the following reasons: Greater heating efficiency, less space required for storage, greater facility in transpor- 1913 WASHINGTON SUGAR BUREAU 1914 1915 MUNSEY BUILDING Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legisla- tion. tation and handling, lower cost, espe- cially in Mexico, where coal costs $10 a ton Mex. at Tampico, and from $22 to $25 Mex. in the interior, as against $5.36 to $6.70 Mex. per ton for oil. As a practical result the National Railways have abandoned coal as a fuel, adopting oil in its place, thereby effect- ing a saving of 40 per cent, or about two million pesos annually. The Elec- tric Light and Power Company of No- noalco, Mexico, has effected a daily sav- ing of the wages of 100 laborers since adopting oil as a fuel, and so on down the list, but it is at sea that the great- est saving is evident, and calculations show that through the saving of bunk- er space, lower cost and fewer hands in the stoke-room there is a total econ- omy of something like sixty per cent, over a coal burning vessel, thus afford- ing the opportunity to lower freight rates very materially. The enormous industrial opportuni- ties of mineral oil show the motive for the ferocious intrigue instituted against the Mexican Government by certain well known .American industrial inter- ests, who seek a monopolistic control of the newly discovered sources of wealth and power. The conduct of the United States toward Colombia was a signal that no nation jealous of its territorial integrity could fail to heed. The fundamental facts, then, of the Mexican situation are not to be e.xpressed in terms of Villa and his bandits or in the hyprocritical mouthings and absurd demands of the Wilson administration. Neither the continual scolding of the Mexican Government by the constitutionalist- loving President Wilson, nor his unparalleled open support of blood- stained bandits will effect a solution of the question, nor will the childish re- fusal to return the salute of a Mexican gunboat suffice to close a single oil well. Perhaps the proposed concession to England in the matter of the Pana- ma Canal tolls may have as much to do with the naughty President Huerta as with the "high principle of justice" which suggests the repudiation of a plank of the Democratic platform. C. U. MESTA. Baltimore, Md., February 14, 1914. Editor of MEXICO: Dear Sir: Have been wondering who the John MacGregor is who has so glibly advocated armed intervention by the United States in the Mex- ican embroglio. As a rule, Scotchmen don't '*shoot off their mouth" without knowing where- of they speak. If Mr. MacGregor would care to hear from a namesake and possible relative who has spent ten years in Mexico, some very cogent reasons why the United States should not inter- vene, he may command me. It is a pity that those of us who could speak upon the matter authoritatively are tongue-tied for two reasons. First, because owing to the immoral partisan- ship of the American press, our statements would either not be published or would be garbled beyond recognition. Second, because we feel so deeply the horrible mess that has been made of Mexican affairs by the present Administration in Washington that it would be difficult to keep our indignation within bounds. And strong criticism would be interpreted as reckless abuse. We do, nowever, in out social relationships try to remedy the false ideas bred in the minds of so many Americans whose beliefs and views are largely moulded by the press. What a travesty upon the "power of the press for good" is the present condition. Men whom we know to be patriots, such as Huerta and Blanquet, being daily vilified by grafting scribblers. And men like Villa and Zapata, whose deeds are a stench tn tlie rostiils. deified. "Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad." Surely the destruction of the Demo- cratic party has been decided upon in the Olympian Halls. Sincerely, JOHN D. MACGREGOR. CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GLIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY, PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAMPBELL 1214 Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO, lU. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1 500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES GraciM Pod Office, Starr Coantj, Texts $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York Gty, Enclosed find $ for lubscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with » .- number MEXICO Saturday, February 21, 1914 ''MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York THE JEWEL OF INCONSISTENCY. The recognition of the revolutionary government of Peru by the Washington Administration was a confession of the impracticability and inapplicability of the Administration's previous declarations of policy in regard to revolutions in Latin America. It was a complete change of front, an absolute reversal based entirely on the expediency of the situation. Secretary Bryan was silent on the shift and had nothing to say about high moral principles for once in his life. The President explained that he con- sidered the new government of Peru as constitutional, thus setting himself up as the supreme arbiter and sage of the Western Hemisphere. • The Peruvian Government came into power when its present head. Colonel Benavides, led the garrison troops against the national palace, imprisoned President BiUinghurst and killed the Minister of War and others who opposed the attack. This was strictly according to the Constitution of Peru — as interpreted by the Washington Administration. Was there ever such blatant incon- sistency? The Mexican situation last February which resulted in the establishment of the present Provisional Government was practically identical with the recent situ- ation in Peru. President BiUinghurst was forcibly taken from the national palace and put in prison; his resignation was forced from him just as Madero and Pino Suarez, Mexico's Vice-President, were imprisoned and forced to resign. Huerta became President under provisions of the Constitution providing for the suc- cession of the Minister of Foreign Af- fairs upon the disability of the Presi- dent, and furthermore his accession as provisional President was confirmed by the Congress. In Peru the present Gov- ernment has no basis in the Constitution, consisting of a junta formed by repre- sentatives of several political parties, and its existence has never been authorized or confirmed by the Congress. President Wilson, in his Mobile speech, said: "It is our duty to make the Western Heniispliere the home of the free, gov- erned only as the people dictate. We must follow the course of high princi- ple, not expediency, no matter what the pressure; so to do otherwise would be untrue to ourselves." In his declaration of policy on March 4, President Wilson said: "Cooperation is possible only when supported at every turn by the orderly processes of just Government based upon law, not upon arbitrary or irregular force"; and: "We can have no sympathy with those who seek to seize the power of Govern- ment to advance their own personal in- terests or ambition. We are the friends of peace, but we know that there can be no lasting or stable peace in such cir- cumstances. As friends therefore we shall prefer those who act in the interest of peace and honor, who protect private rights and respect the restraints of con- stitutional provision." All these beautiful words have van- ished into thin air. Expediency is enthroned. But the fatal mistake of denying recog- nition to the Mexican Government is to be persisted in. No wonder the nations of the world look on our foreign policy with distrust and the countries of South America through their public men and the press cry out against the hypocrisy of the "Colossus of the North." THOSE WHO ARE BUSIEST. Pancho Villa tells the New York "Herald" that he is fighting for pat- riotic principles, which indicates that, though he can neither read nor write, he can coin new names. — Houston "Chronicle." More probably indicates that Pancho also has a busy press agent. — New York "Herald." Who has no trouble at all in "getting anything over" on the "Herald." Standard Oil is now financing China's mines and railroads and Washington is said be elated. * * ♦ Patriotic, philanthropic Standard Oil. * * m Villa is finding all kinds of excuses for remaining in Juarez. * ♦ * He is disappointing his Washington friends. * * ♦ But a cattle thief would rather steal cattle than please his moral allies. The revolutionary government of Peru has been recognized. The Washington Administration says it is constitutional. ♦ + » But that the Mexican Government, de- clared constitutional by the Mexican Congress, a Maderist Congress at that, and the Mexican. Supreme Court, is not constitutional! » * * The fact that the Administration de- liberately indulges in this casuistry — and shamelessly — ought in itself to arouse doubts in every frank mind as to the straightforwardness of the whole Mexi- can policy. • * * An Administration policy is no strong- er than its weakest manifestation and nothing more piflflingly weak than the Administration's attempted explanation of the recognition of the new Peruvian Government while refusing to recognize the Mexican Government has ever been known in our conduct of foreign rela- tions. It may deceive the dear public. But the Administration would not, of course, think of such a thing as deceiv- ing the public. • • * Congress is not deceived, intelligent observers are not deceived, foreign rep- resentatives are not deceived, Latin- American countries are not deceived. « • • The Administration is simply deceiving itself. What a national humiliation it will be when the unmasking comes! » * * How much more honorable and Ameri- can it would be to come right out and say: "Mexico is rich with oil beyond the dreams of avarice. Our oil companies want control of Mexican oil. The Gov- ernment is going to help them get it Whatever the methods necessary, what- ever the consequences." * * • This at least would not be hypocriti- cal. • • * But the Administration knows that the American people do not want a war for the benefit of American oil interests. ♦ * * So it fights Mexico according to the approved methods of the oil and other American Trusts when they made up their minds to get something. ♦ * ♦ While it condemns these very methods in our own country and proposes laws to curb them. * ♦ * If that is not outrageous hypocrisy, what is it? MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion ol Mexican Affairs VOL. II— No. 28 Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1914. FIVE CENTS The Only Way It is plain to the most casual observer or commentator that despite the yelp- ing of a few influential jingoes for in- tervention in Mexico there is among the people, who would pay the cost of war in lives and money, a distinct and for- midable opposition to any action by the United States that would make such a war unavoidable. There will not be any intervention in Mexico, which means war with Mexico, as long as it is not absolutely inevitable. As things are now, it is not inevitable, it can be avoided. The people know this. The Adminis- tration must know it. If in the future it becomes inevitable, unavoidable, the Administration vyill be responsible before God and men for plunging this country into a future of incalculable suffering. The recognition and support of the present Government in Mexico is a step to be taken before any one can con- scientiously say that war is unavoidable. For that very reason it is a step that will sooner or later have to be taken. For reasons of its own, which have been discredited by the opinion of the world and the logic of events, the Ad- ministration saw fit not only not to rec- ognize the present Government of Mex- ico, but openly and actively to seek to destroy it, in passionate futility even joining forces with a horde of barbarian bandits under a murderous Villa. The true character and motives of those who have been the allies of the Administration have been so clearly re- vealed that the shame of the alliance and the folly of those responsible for it have done more to destroy the prestige of the United States abroad than a humiliating military defeat. It has come to a point where the spec- tacle is presented to the world of a dig- nified Secretary of State dickering and threatening and bluffing virith his bandit ally for the right to dig up a grave. In this ghoulish proceeding it is not impossible that the Secretary is digging his own grave — politically. But it is too unpleasant to dwell on the ghastly consequences of a blunder from which so many sought in vain to save the self-will of the Administration. The bliuider has been made, the mis- take is so clear that the less said about it the better. Has the Administration the manhood, the bigness, the common decency to rec- tify it? Will it not suffer less by admitting it than by perversely persisting in it, while it gropes for ways out? The way out is clear, as we have so often pointed out. As all the other na- tions of the world have pointed out. As all decent Mexicans, who love their country, and all Americans in Mexico or who have come out of Mexico have pointed out. It is painful to a sense of fairness to realize that when the Bryan- Villa house of cards tumbled to the ground as a re- sult of the Benton tragedy, the cry for a change of policy came from those jin- goes who want intervention in Mexico, not, believe us, for the good of the Mex- ican people, but for their own selfish in- terests. As if this were the only way out of the debacle. Little or nothing was said about the other way — the support of the govern- ment of Mexico, which has shown the ability and the willingness to protect life and property and re-establish peace. They would destroy the Government of Mexico, fight the fifteen million or more of peaceable Mexican people, be- cause the very force the Washington Ad- ministration was using to hamper the government in its efforts to restore peace was used as it always has been used — in a lawless manner. Is this American fairness? Is this a square deal? Is it decent? Is it honor- able? The busy little bees who have been buzzing intervention since the Benton tragedy brought home the impossibility of the present Administration attitude have, according to their lights and pre- dilections, put forth three brands: Intervention by the United States alone. Intervention jointly with European na- tions. Intervention jointly with leading South American countries. Intervention by the United States means war with Mexico, with possible foreign complications that may align oth- er countries against this. Any one who thinks that under any pretext United States troops or marines could invade Mexico peaceably is a fit subject for an alienist. Or, more charitably, he knows nothing of the Mexican people, Mexican conditions, Mexican history, Mexican character, Mexican anything. It would be war against a united Mexico, even though a few individual Mexicans of the wealthier class might welcome it as they did the tragic Maximilian occupation, for property and other selfish advantage. A few influential men of this type are re- sponsible for a mistaken impression among some Americans that the Mexi- cans would welcome intervention. Any illusion as to this would be criminally fatal. It is not necessary to go into the ap- palling figures in lives and money it has (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, February 28, 1914 been authoritatively estimated such a war would entail, nor the police, racial and social problems with which it would bur- den the futiu-e of the American govern- ment and people. The most important fact is that the people do not want any such war. As to proposed joint intervention with European countries: In the first place, this would necessitate an abandonment of the Monroe Doctrine, which might or might not be a good thing. But Euro- pean intervention, even jointly with the United States, could not be directed to- ward the overthrow of the Mexican Gov- ernment, which they have recognized. It ■would have to be directed to helping that Government in putting down the rebels and bandits who are destroying life and property. And the United States alone, without any abandonment of the Monroe Doctrine, without any outside help, can do this much more simply, without the loss of a single American life, by the recognition and moral sup- port of the Government. Rebellion in Northern Mexico cotdd not exist three months without the connivance and sup- port of the United States authorities. Those who suggest intervention jointly with South American countries know they are only dealing in shadows. Those countries have little or no interests in Mexico. Their people would not coun- tenance a government which would en- ter into such an alliance with the United States against any Latin-American coun- try. Rightly or wrongly, there is as much distrust of the United States and its motives in those countries as in Mex- ico. To the Mexican people any such intervention, if it were possible, would be sensed as a Yankee subterfuge to throw a cloak of disinterestedness about intervention, and the result would be ex- actly the same as United States inter- vention alone, which would be war, in which no South American nation would conceivably want to share. No, all these propositions to end an intolerable situation are evading the real issue, which is this: The United States has in an underhand, oblique manner in- tervened in Mexico, to the extent of dic- tating what kind of government and what President Mexico must have. The Ad- ministration had absolutely no right in international law to do this. The Ad- ministration did have the right not to recognize the Mexican Government. But beyond that point it should not have gone. Having gone as far as it did, and not having been successful in imposing its will upon the Mexican nation, it re- sorted to a financial boycott and the en- coiu"agement of rebels and bandits. The result of which has been to create con- ditions in Mexico against which Mexico, Americans in Mexico, all foreign nations and a considerable portion of our pub- lic have protested. The Administration's interference with the work of pacification inaugurated by the Mexican Government has been the AN APPEAL TO REASON Whatever sympathy the Maderos, Vil- las, Carranzas and Zapatas of Mexico have received from the mass of the American people has been based on the carefully created impression that they were fighting for social reform, for ad- vanced ideals of government and living. By this time it has been pretty well established that such generous but mistaken sympathy and the moral sup- port of the Administration have been lavished on a precious crew of cut- throats and murderers, whose scheming representatives in Washington have mis- led the Administration and people of the United States to strengthen their sel- fish and conscienceless campaign for loot and power. But the fact remains, which we have frequently pointed out in this publica- tion, that in our opinion the people of Mexico have real grievances and cer- tain demands of social reform in Mex- ico are based on actual, crying needs. The Madero Government failed be- cause it did not give nor try to give the people the reforms they demanded. Those whose sympathies have been worked upon by the agents of destruc- tion in Mexico are fain to believe that rebellion has been justified by the fact that the Mexican people have suffered for many years under the oppression of a plutocracy of landlords and that they are seeking to obtain a political free- dom heretofore denied by a despotic government supported by these land- owners. In the abstract such principles of economical and political freedom can- not but appeal strongly to the people of the United States, who for more than a century have stood before the world as the sponsors of free government. In the concrete and in practice, how- ever, this phase of the Mexican situa- tion must be analyzed to determine whether it can serve as a justification for the Washington Administration's support of those who are laying waste the North of Mexico. Granted that the Mexican people have certain wrongs that should be righted, granted that in the course of a neces- sary evolution of the Mexican people certain social and economic reforms muBt be instituted, is there in these facts greatest single factor in creating these conditions. This factor must be withdrawn, if the Administration is to have any standing in court. Any other way lies madness. cause or justification for the policy of the Administration which, it is obvious to the whole world, has only served to make the ills of Mexico more poignaat and widespread? It may be contended that desperate cases require desperate remedies, but who will say that there can be any rem- edy for Mexico's ills in the prevalence of anarchy and the saturnalia of crime and pillage in which the so-called "con- stitutionalists" under such men as Villa have reveled? If the mere recognized necessity for social reform were an excuse and justi- fication for a destructive revolution, to be consistent Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bryan should resign from office and be- come the leaders of a revolution in the United States. For only a few will dispute the fact that social reform is greatly needed in the United States and has been demanded by the people for many years. A plutocracy, composed not of land- owners but of great captains of indus- try, has held sway over the people of this country for decades. Ownership of immense industrial combinations limited to a few individuals has made possible the existence of a plutocracy by far more powerful than that of Mex- ico. Its control of legislative bodies, of courts and of political organizations has been discussed and proven too often to require further demonstration. The grievances of the people of the United States are shown and known by the socialistic unrest which is becom- ing felt more and more every day. If such grievances can, in the opinion oi Washington officials, under any circum- stance justify a revolution, then we re- peat they should be the first ones to welcome in the United States a revolu- tion such as they are encouraging and supporting in Mexico. Likewise, if President Wilson and Mr. Bryan believe that the Mexican Indians are justified in rising up in arms to ob- tain more political freedom, then they should arm the American Indians and encourage them in rebelling against themselves, who have not granted the Indians any political freedom at all. Not even in form and appearance, as it is granted to the Southern negro. Likewise, if they believe that the Mex- ican peons are justified in fighting for a political freedom that they do not possess except in form and appearance, they — Wilson and Bryan — should arm and encourage the Southern negroes to rise up in arms against the State and Federal governments for they — the ne- groes — -like the Mexican peons, possess (Continued on next page.) Saturday, February 28. 1914 MEXICO AN APPEAL TO REASON— Continued a political freedom that is such only in name. And in fostering the rebellion of ne- groes, Indians and of all other Ameri- cans who demand just social reform, President Wilson and Mr. Bryan should induce them to conduct such a fight of destruction and rapine as is being con- ducted in Mexico by the rebels whom they support against the Huerta Gov- ernment. If this is deemed just and right in Mexico why should it not be deemed just and right in the United States? Here some one will answer: "Because in this country we can right our wrongs by the use of the ballot." Which an- swer would only be a platitude, as many years of unsuccessful struggle by the people of this country have amply de- monstrated. If, on the other hand, some one should say that the righting of social wrongs by the use of the ballot requires a thorough education of the voters and a long time, we would agree and add that (he same rule applies to Mexico. There, however, the time necessary would be longer, because the people have not reached the standard of edu- cation reached by the people of the United States. All of which would only go to prove that there can be found no justificat'on for the Mexican revolution or for the support it receives from the Wilson Administration. Much less when the character of the revolution is con- sidered. To be convinced of this one has but to listen to refugees from the States where the rebels hold sway and hear the horrible tales of wanton de- struction of property and life and the savage deeds committed by the rebels. We may add here that many reforms demanded by the people of Mexico have been recognized as just by the existing Government as well as by the rebels and that none of these reforms can be brought about until peace is restored in Mexico. From whichever angle we consider the Mexican struggle we are compelled to conclude that it is a struggle being con- ducted by a group of men to regain lost power. If the rebels were animated by the sole desire for reforms, then the rebel leaders should give an opportunity to the existing government to establish practicable reforms, which the Govern- ment is ready to do as soon as peace is restored. Should the Government fail to carry out the proposed reforms, then there would be some justification for the opposition leaders to try to over- throw the Government. As matters stand, even if the rebels should succeed in regaining power, the campaign of devastation and destruction they are waging will have rendered im- possible the carrying out successfully of LEST WE FORGET NAUGHTY VILLA! Wasn't he a friend of the Constitu- tion? * * « And hadn't General Scott told him all about the civilized methods of warfare, or the methods of civilized warfare? * • * And weren't Consul Edwards and Villa's old pal, Carothers, employed by the State Department, doing all they could to help the gentle bandit? * * • And weren't the Washington junta and Don Sherby telling him nice things about Villa and the dawn of constitu- tional liberty in Mexico? * * * And hadn't it all been made plain that Castillo was a bandit but Villa was a patriot? * ♦ * Then why would friend Villa go and kill a bally Britisher? * « * It was absurd, impossible, unbelievable, or else dear Pancho was cruelly irritated by that sharp-tongued Benton. * * * Perhaps the Englishman didn't speak softly enough. You know, my friends, "a soft answer turneth away wrath." any economical and consequently of any social reform. Conditions will be such that many years will have to elapse be- fore Mexico will be able to return to even a condition of relative prosperity. And while misery and poverty shall last there will be no hope of reforms for the Mexican masses. Besides, that very fact will make it impossible for any new Government to sustain itself in power for a long time, for it will be confronted by many revo- lutions fostered by hunger. As to ideals of political freedom: Dictatorial or extraordinary powers are necessary to a Government which seeks to re-establish peace. Anarchy has ever engendered despotism, for between the destruction of all property and many lives and the rule of a despot the think- ing elements of a nation will always select the latter. If the Huerta Gov- ernment faced no revolution and were not endeavoring to stem the tide of an- archy, it would have no excuse for as- suming dictatorial powers and we should be the last to approve its course. In any case, between the despotism of Gene.ral Huerta and the odious despot- ism of Villa any decent person, what- ever his political ideals, could but select the former. "My God," one Senator is quoted as saying, "this man Bryan is actually de- fending Villa's action!" * * * Well, Mr. Senator, he has been de- fending as bad and worse for the last six months. * • • He's only the same old Bill! * * » You are just getting a peep at the truth. * * * AH of which will be revealed in tb» course of nature. * • • Now the talk is of intervention. * * • Which means war against the Mexican nation. * • ♦ Fight the Mexican Government be- cause of an act of Villa's, or the anar- chical conditions he has created? * * • When all has been encouraged an« fomented by American money, Ameri- can arms and American moral support? * * * Despite all the evidences the Admin- istration has given, there is a deep and abiding sense of justice and fairness ia the American people. * * * They have been fooled for a long time * * • But those who are advocating inter- vention to overthrow the Mexican Gov- ernment because of the conditions i» Northern Mexico, for which the United States is largely responsible, are going too far. When the inevitable reaction in publir opinion became certain following tha. revelation of Villa's true character, did. you not notice how quickly the sugges- tion was thrown out, from obviously in- spired sources, that the Northern States might secede and form another Mexicait Republic? * * * If the hand that at this juncture put forth that suggestion were known to the people of this country we would know the most powerful source of the troubles of Mexico. * * * If it isn't to be all of Mexico, then half the loaf will do — for the present. « * * That seems to be the game now. * * • But some day those who are playing it will have to come out in the open. * * • Dies irae, dies ilia. MEXICO Saturday, February 38, li\i Mexico City, Feb. 26. — The Mexican Government this afternoon sent to all the diplomats here a memorandum deprecating the action of the Washing- ton Government in lifting the embargo on arms and asserting that the Benton incident was a natural result of such action. The memorandum says that Pre'sident Huerta's Government is doing every- thing it can to suppress the rebels by force of arms and to counteract at great sacrifice the work of the rebel chieftains, who, under the cloak of political ideals, commit all manner of excesses. "But," it adds, "the work of civiliza- tion, which in this respect the Govern- ment purposes to carry out, meets with serious difficulties, in view of the fact that the rebels receive pecuniary sup- port and arms from outside the repub- lic. The annulment by the Government of the United States of the decree pre- venting the exportation of arms and other assistance given the rebels in the North place the latter in a favorable position to continue the committing of excesses and prevent the constituted Government from stopping such out- rages as speedily and energetically as it desires. "This Government, without taking in consideration any right the United States may have to follow a policy which it thinks best in dealing with Mexico, be- lieves that the time has arrived to point out the fact that the rebels in question, wherever they have been able to domi- nate, far from insuring the establish- ment of even a fev^r institutions which characterize any Government, give plain demonstrations of their anarchistic .ten- dencies and absolute lack of respect for those interests which morality and in- ternational justice impose upon civilized nations. "The constituted Government, on the other hand, not only dictates such effi- cacious measures as are within its power in the effort to bring about the submis- sion of the rebels and to re-establish social and constitutional institutions in the territories now alienated from its jurisdiction, but also in all the towns where it exercises power, gives complete guarantees to the property and persons of its nationals and foreigners. "From this point of view it cannot be doubted that the Government of the United States will admit the right which the Government of Mexico has to ex- pect in its collaboration in the task in which the interests of civilization are involved and likewise to expect that it will fix its attentian upon the grave con- sequences which (low from the annul- ment of the decree that prohibited until recently the exportation of arms and the rendering of assistance to the rebels of the north. "This Government believes that it ful- fills its high humanitarian duty and its functions as the representative of a State which forms a part of international so- ciety when it asks, by means of this note, the careful consideration by the Government of a neighboring country, which also forms a part of the society of States, of the sad consequences which this action has brought already and will continue to bring with the facilitating of the giving of arms and other assist- ance to rebels who do not respect life, honor or property." The present Government of Mexico has been recognized as existent de facto and de jure by all the nations of the world except the United States and three Latin-American countries currying favor with the Washington Administration. All these powers have diplomatic rep- resentatives accredited to the Mexican Government, which in turn is diplomat- ically represented in those countries. All the functions of government for fifteen millions of people are performed in a regular and orderly manner by this Government. It protects life and property and ad- ministers courts of justice. It has been declared constitutional by the Congress and Supreme Court of the Republic, and it upholds the traditions and dignity of the nation. But V/ashington says Mexico has no government. Because that Government would not bow to the Administration's sweet, un- reasonable will. If it had, then truly Mexico would have no government. BARBARITY IN MEXICO. These recent acts of barbarism, for they are nothing else, are sure to arouse the indignation of Europe, and the Brit- ish Government, once satisfied that one of its subjects has been illegally done to death, will demand that the United States take prompt action or it will it- self take such steps as may be neces- sary to compel the punishment of those responsible for the murder, even if the main culprit be Villa himself, prisals and insisting upon full reparation and atonement. Having refused to rec- ognize Huerta, and having given aid and comfort to the revolutionists we are in no position to hold Huerta responsible for the acts of Villa and other men of the same kidney within the lines con- trolled by the revolutionists. There should be a demand for the immediate surrender of Villa for punishment and his removal as a rebel commander. — New Orleans "Picayune." EL PASO'S CHARGES AGAINST MR. BRYAN. .A.n El Paso "mass meeting" under the leadership of a professional Rough Rider, who was once a Democrat and is now a Republican, charges specifically that William J. Bryan, Secretary of State in President Wilson's cabinet, is guilty of the following named offenses: I. — That he has "persistently sup- pressed facts concerning the true con- ditions in Mexico." 2. — That he has "endeavored through inspired newspaper articles and by other means to mislead the American people." 3. — That he is trying to "form public opinion for political purposes in support of a policy that is ruinous to all foreign interests in Mexico and the Mexican people themselves." 4. — That he has made statements which "we know to be absolutely false." 5. — That "we believe there are reports on file in the State Department from our own consuls" which disprove Mr. Bry- an's statements to the American people. No more serious charges have ever been made against an American Secre- tary of State. If they were true it would be the duty of the House of Representa- tives to impeach Mr. Bryan at once and of the Senate to try him for the high crimes and misdemeanors charged against him. Anybody who believes these charges must also believe that Mr. Bryan should be removed from office forthwith. The man who presided at this El Paso mass meeting is an old political crony of Senator Fall of New Mexico, the distin- guished gentleman who is interested "in mining in Me.xico." He and his friends will be satisfied to have their charges against the Secretary of State "read into the Congressional Record," which is a favorite device of tricky politicians. That may be all they want, but it is not all that Congress should want. These men should be brought to Washington and made to substantiate their allegations un- der oath. The Mexican situation is the most deli- cate question that the United States Government has had to deal with in many years. It is impossible to exagger. ate its potentiality of evil, and the ability of the Administration to deal with it de- pends upon its success in commanding the confidence of the American people. There could be no public confidence in an Administration whose Secretary of State had done what the El Paso reso- lutions accuse Mr. Bryan of doing. Con- gress should take immediate steps to as- certain if the El Paso accusers are as well informed and patriotic under oath as thev are in a mass meeting. — New York "World." By all means let Congress take such steps! Despite the "World's" labored ef- fort to discount the El Paso charges, there are hundreds who could conscien- tiously swear to their truth. Members of Congress declared that the Administration policy of "watchful waiting" had become tiresome to many in Congress and that it was likely there would be lively debates on the subject this week in both branches of Con- gress. Members who are most familiar with the Mexican situation expressed the belief that the time had arrived when the Government must take its choice between intervention or recognizing Huerta. These men have given up hope that Villa and his army can work any improvement in the Mexican situation. — New York "Sun" Washington des- patch. Saturday, February 28, 1914 MEXICO HOPEFUL SIGNS IN PARIS. Mexican Shares Are Stronger on The Bourse. (Special Cable Despatch to N. Y. "Sun") Paris, Feb. 25. — While the Paris press continues to use the Benton incident to base attacks on the United States policy in Mexico, news from the republic south of the Rio Grande yesterday was re- garded in financial circles as giving ground for optimism. Mexican shares were stronger on the Bourse, where it is felt that any aggrava- tion of the situation in the troubled re- public is likely to hasten a permanent solution of the problem. The "Journal des Debats" said yester- day that the death of Benton illustrates the incoherence of President Wilson's policy. "This question." it says, "affects the whole of Europe. If Great Britain de- mands intervention on the part of the United States against Villa it is a recog- nition that the United States exercises a form of protection over Mexico. If a similar incident occurred again should Europe confer the same mandate on the United States?" The financial newspaper "L'lnforma- tion," said: "President Wilson's haughty, tortuous and clumsy diplomacy is doomed to lead him into a blind alley." LEGISLATORS GROWING IMPA- TIENT. The number of members of congress who are convinced that President Wil- son made an error in declining to rec- ognize Huerta, and who believe that the lifting of the embargo on arms was merely a case of following one bad blun- der with another, is increasing daily, al- though a majority of those who take is- sue with the White Huose have not yet arrived at a point where they believe good can be accomplished by expressing their views in public. — New York "Times." The frequent executions by the revo- lutionists stamp the leaders of the movement as practically outlaws entirely unworthy to control the affairs of Mex- ico in the event that they succeed in their efforts to overthrow the Huerta government. The latter is orderly and dignified in comparison with the forces in opposition, and it would have been much more dignified for our government to have recognized Huerta as de facto president than to have lent aid and en- couragement to his opponents, who ap- pear to be conducting warfare more like Apache Indians than like civilized men. It is utterly useless to hope for any improvement in the affairs of Mexico to result from the success of the revolu- tionists when such men as Villa and the outlaw who recently ran a whole train crowded with people into a tunnel and set fire to it, causing the cremation of fully fifty persons, are the '^'uiding spir- its. The interests and lives of foreign- ers would be in imminent peril at all times at the hands of such men should they succeed in securing a firm hold on power even for a brief period, THE QRAVE=DIQQERS Administration Resents Criticism of the Murdering Villa. The President asserted emphatically to-day that there was no change in his Mexican policy and that none was con- templated. He gave evidence of irrita- tion when it was suggested that Gen- eral Villa was an outlaw whose control could not be regarded as "constituted authority," and he intimated that pos- sibly the first construction put on Villa's apparent refusal to surrender the body of William S. Benton had been too hasty, as it was couched in polite language and intimated that the body would be surren- dered "in due time." Nothing further has been heard from Villa, which the administration explains as due to the fact that he is constantly traveling around, although there is sus- picion in some quarters that Villa has adroitly avoided receiving the communi- cations of this government. It is ad- mitted that nothing is known of the lo- cation of Benton's body, which Villa has said that he took to Chihuahua, an asser- tion the accuracy of which is questioned by Thomas D. Edwards, American Con- sul at Juarez. The suggestion that Villa is sparring for time, with the knowledge that suffi- cient delay will result in rendering the body of the Englishman unfit to afford evidence of the manner of his death, is dismissed with marked impatience at the White House, where every suggestion reflecting on Villa seems to cause annc ance. — New York "Tribune." VILLA AN INTERNATIONAL ISSUE. Leaving behind him toll of death that has stirred to deep resentment the peo- ple of two great nations, "Pancho" Villa has taken hasty departure from the vicin- ity of the American border. Discretion is sometimes the better part of valor. In the present state of feeling along the Rio Grande growing out of the murder of Benton and of apparently reliable re- ports that other foreigners have been killed by him or by his orders. Villa may be wise in concluding that the cli- mate of the extreme North is not par- ticularly good for his health. The zeal of those persons who have rushed to his defense may have Villa's approval, but their efforts are not at all convincing. In the explanation issued at Washington and the "report" of the al- leged court martial at Juarez the hand of the lawyer is plainly visible. Neither the one nor the other is able to conceal the fact that a British subject was shot down in cold blood. And for this mur- der Villa is responsible. British restiveness under conditions prevailing in Northern Mexico is natural. In so far as it is aimed at the feature of the policy of the United States that has made it possible for bandits of the Villa stripe to obtain arms with which to pur- sue their murderous way, British criti- cism finds a vulnerable spot. Such sym- pathy, official and non-official, as has been felt in this country for the persons styling themselves "constitutionalists" has, manifestly, been misplaced. * * * Carranza's approval of the Ben- ton murder either stamps the "benevolent old gentleman" as no better than Villa or proves that as "constitutionalist" leader Carranza is nothing more than a name to conjure with. Expressions from leading newspapers in all parts of the country show that an increasing proportion of the American press is tired of "watchful waiting." But what would they have? Certainly our contemporaries cannot differ with Presi- dent Wilson as to the undesirability of plunging this country into a war. That is what intervention would mean. No man understands better than the Presi- dent the difficulties of the situation. He v/antp to avoid war if he can, and the people of the United States want him to avoid it if he can. — New York "Herald." The lies and evasions manufactured by and for Villa are the most amazing fea- ture so far in what has been a revolution of lies. * * * Has anything in history been so un- dignified and humiliating as the Admin- istration's receptivity to the most pal- pable and contradictory falsehoods from a fellow of Villa's stamp. Even a child could detect the inten- tional deception of them alt and any real man would never stand for them. And Carranza? • * • He approves of the "execution" as per- fectly justifiable and legal. At least his agents do. « « * The doubt is growing daily whether there is or is not a Carranza at all, at alL • • • Many believe he's dead. * * • He is, at any rate, as far as having any influence over Villa is concerned. * * * Villa is the revolution and the revolu- tion is Villa. • * * And Bryan is his prophet? ♦ * « What? Not any longer? MEXICO Saturday, February 28, 1914 Plain Words from the Border 3y C. F. Z. Caracristi, Ph.D., C.E. The Administration, after having used the theoretically free press of the coun- try in a campaign of misrepresentation ■of the true facts relative to conditions in Mexico in order to educate the public mind and conscience to accept its for- eign policy, has stepped from behind the screen and exposed its plans to as- sist the noted bandits in overthrowing law and order in Mexico. What is to be our gain or our glory, and what will the nations of the world and history say of us in the future? Out- side of the jn (tice or injustice of Mexi- can polemics; outside of every consider- ation that h( nan ingenuity may con- ceive or intelli, ,ence moot on the question we can find n( possible present or future excuse for bei jming the champions and supporters of aen like Villa and Zapata, ihat the whol( ;ivilized world accepts as the arch-crimi als of modern times. I cannot ( e how the responsible heads of our Government, who must know what thb • are doing by instituting this damnable policy in behalf of our nation, can commune with their God, knowing that they have made a whole country but a vast shield of blood, and chat this blood is shed to satisfy the vainglorious ambitions and the spirit of 2 petty revenge of a few misguided theo- rists and politicians whose amateurish ■;fTorts at diplomacy would be ridiculous if they were not revolting and grotesque. President Wilson is defying every tra- dition of modern times by his action in supporting the semi-civilized and wholly barbarous savagery of the Mexican In- dian peon and pelado in their war against the wealth, intelligence, culture and responsibility of the Caucasian blood of the country. The President and his advisors go fur- ther and tacitly make us allies of vulgar bandits, brigands and uncivilized ghouls, to whom crime is a pleasurable pastime. There is no pretension on the part of these wholesale ravishers, murderers and robbers to carry on a civilized warfare. A state of inhuman atavism has grasped these organized anarchists and they have •everted to the primitive savagery that ♦Tie Spaniards had but slightly varnished •ver during four hundred years of ef- J*rts. Regardless of all the bombastic theor- izing and the preachings of our beloved ■president and his worthy Secretary of State, you can no more educate men like Villa, Zapata and their followers to stay educated in the modern precints of peace, fiappiness and Christianity than you can teach a rattlesnake to repeat the Ten Commandments. I am sometimes led to believe that the word "villainous" is derived from Villa, because the man has committed and is committing every crime in the category of infamy and a few unlisted. I know whereof I speak. On September ii, 1909, the man rode into the heart of the city of Chihuahua and shot and killed one of his former bandit companions who had reformed and became a Government secret service agent. I was at the time completing a survey of the subterranean water tables of Chihuahua as part of my general geo- logical survej' for the Government. My camp was located on the Fresno Ranch, thirteen miles west of Chihuahua. The night after the murder Villa and his gang stole six mules from my outfit which my son and a posse retook after a run- ning fight and many shots. During the Madero revolution Villa looted 185,000 pesos and he got Colonel Paul Mason to go with him to a bank in El Paso to have the money converted into American currency. When I asked him why he wanted American money he stated that he might have to take a trip to Europe or South America. He told me afterward that he had planned to murder an Italian carpenter named Gari- baldi who gave up his job on the U. S. Reclamation project at Elephant Butte, N. M., and joined the Madero army and was made a putty "general" for expert- ness in the art of adulation. Madero was honest but purchasable through the inexpensive price of idle flat- tery, and by the use of this commodity foreign adventurers and Mexican crooks held him in their power and led the na- tion to ruin. What remains of these hypo- critical idolaters and the riffraff and out- laws of every order of Mexican and for- eign society now make up the self-styled "Constitutionalist" party. They do not want Huerta, de la Barra, Lascurain nor Carranza; all they want is just plain loot and the right to desecrate the sanctity of any home that has a woman in it that appeals to their craven lust and the fancies of infamy! Such are our high-born and beloved al- lies, forced upon our great Christian na- tion by a satirical, misfit Government. What is the "White Man's Burden"? Is it not to bring enlightenment and pro- gress to the world at large, using the supreme instrumentality of the white man's dominion? Why, in the name of logic and self-protection, are we turning Mexico over to an Indian mutiny more horrible than the one that England sup- pressed in Asia? Have President Wilson and the Secre- tary of .State any valid reason to offer why they should use every available force at the command of our powerful Gov- ernment in order to oppress and enslave the respectable people of Mexico and turn them over to the savagery of the bandits? Why did we prevent the Cuban ne- groes and peons from gaining control of that Government and go so far as to up- hold this very principle by forcible inter- vention? Now, just because we have taken umbrage at a grape juice hallucina- tion and become obsessed of the idea, which evidence and competent courts in Mexico have disproved, that Huerta caused the assassination of Madero, we attempt to place all white men and wo- men in Mexico on the altar of a spiteful sacrifice. To satisfy whom? To gain what? To place in power a band of cut- throats and satisfy our exalted Govern- ment's greed for revenge. Do our people know what this terrible act means to the people of Mexico? We are helping to sell the better, no- bler, cleaner and only truly representative humans in Mexico into a damnable and revolting bondage. We are destroying in Mexico the principle of vested rights; we are legalizing and rendering moral support to anarchy, which we would not tolerate at home; we are denying the white man, the Caucasian, and the bet- ter class of Indians in Mexico the divine right of supremacy over an inferior mob of nondescripts who have not yet forgot- ten the Omego of the cave man nor learned the Alpha of civilization. Let it not be understood from what I have said that I am disparaging the In- dian race in Mexico, for I am only refer- ring to that proportion that for cen- turies will be incapable for performing the functions of intelligent and Chris- tian citizenship. Spain may have murdered the ancient rulers of Mexico, whose learning and chastity have been the world's wonder- ment, but they did not destroy the seed of the dynasty, for every now and then we see it spring forth, as was the case with Juarez, Diaz and other notables of that country. General Porfirio Diaz is unquestionably to-day the greatest of all living statesmen, although he is in exile from his country. These great men do not belong to the human vampire mobs that are now devastating Me.xico. The Government of the United States is aiding to suppress all that is good in Mexico, for property, consanguinity, mor- ality and learning are all but about two per cent, in favor of the present Gov- ernment. When Gladstone, out of a mistaken sense of duty and vaccillation, aban- doned Lord Gordon in Africa, when he with his troops were massacred at Khar- toum, he committed a crime against his race and placed a blot on his otherwise noble career. If President Wilson suc- ceeds in putting into power (even tem- porarily, for no such Government in Saturday, February 28, 1914 MEXICO PLAIN WORDS FROM THE BOR- DER— Continued. Mexico or elsewhere can last) the selt- styled Constitutionalists, he will deserve and receive the scornful condemnation of every white man who knows the facts as they really are, and not as the Admin- istration is having them painted by a nursing and servile press. If Mr. Wilson were right in his univer- sal suffrage policy for Mexico, majority rule, and all the rest of his theories, frapped buncombe and tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum, what on earth would be- come of England's and Europe's colonies in Asia and Africa? Does he really be- lieve that he has the support of Europe in this wild, though theoretically sancti- fied scheme of his? Posterity will demand of him a reck- oning — the American voter when he be- comes educated up to the facts, the cause and the results will demand a reckoning. God and humanity and the Caucasian people throughout the world will de- mand a reckoning for this political crime that is being committed under the guise or disguise of a new national mor- ality. My experience is that the President nor any other man can keep the Ameri- can people fooled very long at a time. Though President Wilson has hypno- tized himself into the belief that Secre- tary Bryan is the personification of hu- man infallibility and endows him with ultra-mundane attributes, it is neverthe- less a fact that Mr. Bryan's record proves him to have been politically the most colossal failure in American history. Of course Mr. Bryan is an excellent gentleman, even though he has been un- fortunate in his mental attitude on pub- lic issues. The lyric and hysteric stage missed a great actor when Mr. Bryan entered politics. If all his past public acts have been monumental failures, cen- sured by the .American voters, what rea- son have we to believe that his Mexican policy is any saner than the rest of his somnambulistic vagaries? The Administration's Mexican policy is born either of ignorance or perversity. I happen to know that the true facts on Mexico were laid before the Government by men of standing and supposed influ- ence with the Democratic Party — and I also know that the Administration re- fused to accept any advice that was not favorable to our dearly beloved and high- ly honored friends and allies, Zapata, Villa, Carranza and the rest of the devil's imps. I have been told that if I don't refrain from writing these articles the Villa- Bryan press would retaliate by entering a campaign of personal villification against me. Such is the freedom of thought and press in America. Let them get busy if they care to hear some truths that I am keeping in reserve. No clean man needs fear publicity. POOR JOHN! From article by James Creelman in N. Y. Evening "Mail" of February 26. AMERICA IN EXTRAORDINARY ROLE. The extraordinary part which the American government is playing as a supporter of the rebel cause and a se- cret negotiator with the ignorant bandit rebel leader is shown by Secretary Bry- an's "I have assurances from Villa, etc.," communicated to Mr. O'Shaughnessy, the American charge d'affaires in Mexico City, who is an intimate personal friend of Huerta, and calls him familiarly by his first name, and by the secret acts and utterances of Mr. Wilson's cloistered, paramount agent in Mexico. It is time that the careful curtain of silence that has surrounded Mr. Wilson's mysterious envoy should be raised. In a small, darkened room, with a red- tiled floor, opening on a shabby Mexi- can courtyard in the rear of the Ameri- can consul's office in Vera Cruz sits John Lind, the personal representative of the President of the United States, as he has sat for seven months, smilingly watching and waiting, while Mexico and her 15,000,000 men, women and children have moved to wreck and ruin. He Advises Mr. Bryan. Altogether a hale, dignified, old-farmer type of lawyer-politician, who loves to talk of the smell of burning brush, the cheeping of squirrels, the spring call of birds and the plowing of the soft brown furrows in distant Minnesota and who adores Mr. Bryan, with whom he served in Congress. This is President Wilson's personal representative in war-smitten, pillaged, despairing Mexico, the amiable, calm, comfortable, good-natured, philanthropic sentimentalist, who dreams away his days in his shadowy room in hot Vera Cruz, an easy rocking-chair hermit with brawny, white-clad American blue- jackets yawning on guard at his door. It is Mr. Lind's opinion that the north must conquer the south before there can be peace in Mexico. Admires Carranza. President Wilson's representative and confidential adviser never allows him- self to be quoted in the newspapers, but he talks freely to the Americans who call on him, and makes no secret of his admiration for Villa and Carranza and his hopes for their success. He has a poetic vision, embracing all human history, in which the north al- ways conquers the south, and sometime, somehow, when the rebels conquer Huerta, the victorious bandits, murder- ers and violators of women will suddenly turn patriots, statesmen and moralists and there will arise in riven Mexico a noble government — converted to the rule of the majority. At tlie heart of this sun-scorched cozy city, its venerable walls, church domes and roofs crowded with black vultures and its people largely indifferent to the fate of the nation, Mr. Lind, of Minne- sota, dreams his dreams and writes them to President Wilson. Undisturbed by Massacres. There is sometlung almost inexpressible in Mr. Lind's genial, imaginative calm. Nothing frets his sheltered, comfortable life. The widespread scenes of massacre, outrage of women and children, sacking and general misery and ruin mean little to him but that the north will conquer the south, and that the twentieth cen- tury, represented by Villa and Carranza, will take the place of the sixteenth cen- tury, represented by Huerta. Everything is going on all right. Of course. Villa is a murderous bandit and his followers are savage plunderers, who spare neither women nor young girls, but men grow better with responsibili- ties and, after all, there is such a thing as what might be called intellectual mor- ality. And when Villa's hordes at last get control of Mexico — a highly improbable event, the mention of which makes all who know the rebels shudder — the friendly countenance of the Wilson ad- ministration might result in a great loan of money. Has Idealized Rebels. With the cruel evidence of their char- acter and acts daily before his eyes Mr. Lind, in his gloomy little room in Vera Cruz, has idealized the bloody plunderers of the north to an almost unbelievable extent. But there is a graver side to Mr. Lind than his dreaming of an impossible Mex- ico. Take the single case of an American citizen appealing for protection to $2,- 500,000 of legitimate American property. Mr. Lind's answer should be known to the American people. This story throws a strong light on what is happening to our citizens in Mex- ico with the consent of the United States, and the moral, if not direct, relations of the Wilson administration with outright bandits and blackmailers. The Tezuitlan Copper Company is an American mining enterprise in the east- ern part of the state of Puebla. far from the scene of the northern rebellion. Last August there came into this re- gion of peaceful development, a former officer of rurales under Madero named Marquez, who, with a band of Indian raiders calling themselves "constitution- alists," began to overcome the tiny, scat- tered federal garrisons. The copper company carefully re- frained from taking sides in the situation and preserved an attitude of neutrality in politics. But when the company's manager, Mr. G. H. Carnahan, returned from a busi- ness trip, he was invited by Marquez_ to use his influence to assist in restoring peace. Medina Starts Trouble. In December, a young desperado of twenty-four years, named Medina, came from the north, representing Carranza and his forces. He is tall and thin and given to loud boasting and the robbery of plantations. One of his feats was the capture of the paymaster's car on the Inter-Oceanic Railroad, and the stealing of $14,000. About a month ago this plundering band went to the Tezuitlan Copper Com- pany's camp and announced that they (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, February 28, 1914 POOR JOHN— Continued intended to hang Manager Carnahan be- cause he had taken part in the peace negotiations. Uttering savage threats, they searched the buildings, but failed to find their American victim. Then they compelled the cashier to open his safe and robbed it of all the money it contained, fortunately only 3,- 000 pesos. The spokesman of the raiders was a renegade employee of the company, an Italian from New York, who shouted bloody threats and finally demanded $50,- 000, saying that the whole plant would be destroyed unless the money were paid. "These buildings will burn fine," he said. Medina Sends Letter. Three days afterward Medina repeated the blackmailing demand of his bandits in a letter, of which this is a translation: "Constitutionalist Army of the State of Puebia," "San Miguel Tenextatiloyan, Puebia, Feb. 7th, 1914. "To the Manager The Tezuitlan Copper Company, La Aurora, Puebia. "Respected Sir: "At a meeting held yesterday the following was determined: "In view of the reasons expressed by the citi- zens who have charge of the treasury of the Serdan Constitutionalist Brigade, and in view of the growing expenses which result from the daily increase in our ranks, it is to be determined, and we hereby do determine, that the principal indus- trial concerns of this vicinity must be asked for assistance of a pecuniary nature to sustain the heavy cost occasioned by the revolution, which has assumed the patriotic task of overthrowing the nefarious and traitorous party of Huerta, which has brought many evils to our country. "It must be taken into consideration that the important mining concern known as the Tezuitlan Copper Company can assist in obtaining our tri- umph over the usurpers with the sum of $50,000, fifty thousand pesos, and therefore a communica- tion should be directed to the representative of the said company making it known to them that within the term of eight days they must deliver the above mentioned sum to this general head- quarters, advising them of the energetic procedure of our forces if our demand is not satisfied. (Signed) Col. A. Medina, Col. Treasurer Adolfo Garcia, Lt. Col. Chief of Staff A. Pala- cio, Lt. Col. Dr. Gabino Beudelamata, J. L. Gomez, secretary (elaborate pen flourishes). "All of which I have the honor to communi- cate to you, not doubting that you will make answer, fixing the day on which your company will deliver the quota which has been assessed. "You will reflect on the serious consequences which will result from your disobedience to this order, and on the other hand you will consider the good and the guarantees that our army will afford your company, who with such dignity will have lent assistance to a cause so just and so sacred as that followed by the Constitutionalists. "Protesting to you my respect and awaiting your prompt and decisive reply, I remain The Colonel in Chief of the Movement, A. MEDINA." Lind Gives No Hope. Manager Carnahan hurried to Vera Cruz and saw Mr. Lind in his shadowy little room, explaining that he, an Ameri- can citizen, was threatened with death, and that $2,500,000 of American property was to be destroyed unless he paid $50,- 000 blackmail. President Wilson's direct representa- tive calmly advised Mr. Carnahan that the easiest and most sensible thing to do was to pay duplicate taxes to Medina's band. Mr. Carnahan said that his company could not aflford to be put in the posi- tion of submitting to blackmail levied by the men who had robbed their safe. Then Mr. Lind talked of the noble pol- itical ideals of the revolution and actu- ally offered to write a letter to Medina asking him not to carry out his threat. The manager patriotically protested that it would be beneath the dignity of the personal representative of the Presi- dent of the United States to address such a communication to robbers and black- mailers. Mr. Lind finally wrote a letter to Mr. Carnahan, authorizing him to show it to Medina. Envoy Sends Mild Request. It is interesting to consider the lan- guage of the supreme agent and adviser of President Wilson in Mexico intended for the eyes of robbers of trains, farm- houses and safes: Feb. 9, 1914. G. H. Carnahan, Manager Tezuitlan Copper Company, (Aire Libre) Tezuitlan, Puebia. I am grieved to learn that Col. Medina has given expression to threats against you and your company. * * • Say further to the colonel in my behalf that I sincerely hope that he may see his way clear to afford you and your property protection instead of menace through these troublous times. This is the attitude of the revolutionists of the north (meaning Villa and Carranza) and should be the attitude of the revolutionists of the south. Col. Medina need not be told that an injustice inflicted upon an American citizen is an injury that the American people and government will not ignore. Respectfully yours, JOHN LIND, Personal Representative of the President of the United States. This, and his advice to pay duplicate taxes to the raiders, was Mr. Lind's only answer to a demand for protection to American life and property. But it is only fair to Mr. Lind to say that he talked eloquently of the twentieth century spirit animating Villa's rebel cut- throats and looters and predicted peace and a constitutional democracy when the north should conquer the south. HUERTA'S PEACE PLANS. As Reported by Philip H. Patchin, Spe- cial Correspondent of the New York "Tribune" at Mexico City. First — He firmly intends to retain the office of President until he is removed by death, intervention or the rebels. He has health; he does not fear assassina- tion; he does not think any foreign na- tion will step in, and he laughs when one speaks of the rebels ousting him. Second — He counts on eventually pacifying the country. His confidence in this is extreme, and he is directing all his energies entirely in this direction. Third — He hopes to hold elections in July and show the United States that Mexico is well able to run itself. Fourth— He hopes to establish by a far-seeing policy, on which lie is vvork- ing, a true democracy. He is certain of his ability to accomplish this, even though every ruler since 1857 has failed, largely through the fact that the Indians, who constitute such a large part of the population, are totally incapable _ of grasping even the elementals of politics. When President Madero attempted this by testing the views of the Indians on the subject they wanted to know if "dem- ocracy was Mrs. Madero." Huerta thinks he can so enlighten the Indians that they will be fitted to participate in pacifying Mexico. Fifth — He intends when — or if — he has accomplished these things to effect a dis- tribution of government lands. About 10,000,000 acres would be disposed of to about that number of persons. The states that would be afifected are in the north, and the principal ones are Chi- huahua, Sonora, Sinaloa, Coahuila and Durango. Land in these five states brings now about $4 an acre. Huerta would have to condemn the land and fix the government purchase price by a com- mission and then place the land at auc- tion. It is on this feature that he counts much. The present struggle began be- cause of the land squabble, and Huerta thinks that if he promises to distribute the lands he can win the majority of Mexicans to his side. Sixth — Should every one of his plans work out successfully Huerta is confi- dent that President Wilson will recede from his present position and grant to Huerta the recognition for which he is fighting. Must Have U. S. Confidence. Huerta does not take the stand that Mexico can get along without recogni- tion from Washington. He is exceeding- ly eager to obtain it. He wants the support of the United States, but he con- tends that he has not received just treat- ment from President Wilson. That Washington holds aloof from a govern- ment that has not succeeded in stifling disorder would not, he thinks, be open to such severe criticism from the coun- try involved were the circumstances otherwise. President Wilson's theory is all right in the United States, he holds, but in the circumstances cannot be worked out in Mexico. Huerta's whole attitude is interesting. He is endeavoring to the utmost to main- tain the friendliest relations with the United States, and I have met no one who will admit that he heard Huerta in- dulge in any violent criticism of Presi- dent Wilson. He seems particularly eager to protect Americans. On more than one occasion he has ordered the release of imprisoned Americans merely on the unofficial request of Nelson O'Shaughnessy, the United States charge d'affaires here. Personally Huerta gives one the im- pression of great courage. Knowing as well as any other person that the city is full of Maderistas and others who hate him whole heartedly and would cheer- fully assassinate him were the opportun- ity to escape afforded, he goes about freely, visiting all the principal cafes and restaurants without the slightest appar- ent fear. His daring seems to be enough to awe his enemies. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. Saturday, February 28, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West amd All Angles. VILLA AND BRYAN. Texas has held a mass meeting to de- nounce Bryan for "misleading the Ameri- can people," "persistently suppressing facts about the Mexican situation" and "trying for political purposes to influ- ence public opinion in support of a pol- icy that is ruinous to all foreign inter- ests in Mexico." This is only a begin- ning. Similar mass meetings will be held in other States until Congress can no longer refuse to arrai.gn Bryan for incompetency and malfeasance in office. I have repeatedly given him good advice — he should resign from the Cabinet at once. Under the auspices of the Administra- tion, a plan is proposed to create a new Republic of Mexico out of five of the northern Mexican States. This is exactly parallel to the attempt to induce Great Britain to recognize the Confederate States as a separate Republic. We know what the people thought of the project in the 6o's; they have not changed their opinion since. Castillo, the brutal bandit, who has murdered more than fifty Americans and blackmailed all who would pay him, is in the custody of United States troops, and is said to be a puzzle to the Bryan Ad- ministration. Villa wants him, and prom- ises to shoot him first and give him a fair trial afterwards, or vice versa, but this would be simply handing over one bandit to another. Instead of a puzzle, Castillo ought to be a joy to the Admin- istration. Let President Wilson order him to be surrendered to Provisional President Huerta, the only legal author- ity in Mexico, and the Mexican muddle would settle itself at once without any formal renunciation by President Wilson of his former prejudices. He cannot try Castillo here for crimes committed in Mexico; he cannot turn him over to Vil- la, who is a rival bandit, and the legal, diplomatic, common-sense course is to deport him to Huerta. Incidentally, a few words might be said to the United States officers who put the Administra- tion in d hole by bringing Castillo into camp alive; but such vords should be said privately and confidentially. Villa & Bryan, the firm that has under- taken to manage Mexico and kill Presi- dent Huerta, made a fatal blunder in murdering an Englishman. So long as only American women were outraged and American residents blackmailed and as- sassinated the policy of watching and waiting and supplying the villains with arms worked beautifully. But plucking feathers from the patient American eagle is very different from pulling hairs from the mane of the British lion. The Eng- lish have a traditional habit of protect- ing or avenging their countrymen. Great Britain is marking time un- til the official reports of the mur- der of Benton are received, and will then proceed to act. Villa will be hunted down like the mad dog he is, and partner Bryan will be fortunate if he escapes by a prompt resignation from the Cabinet, to which he should never have been ad- mitted. If British marines are landed upon Mexican soil to avenge Benton, the Monroe Doctrine will go up in the smoke of the first rifle fired. Should the United States marines and sailors be ordered to act in concert with the British troops, the combined forces will be under the command of British officers by right of seniority and through the disgraceful de- lay of Congress in revising our Army and Navy ranks. This is a state of affairs upon which no .-American citizen can look without shame and indignation. We have been at war with Mexico — a mean, cowardly, underhand war — for over a year, on account of the personal preju- dice of one single individual against President Huerta. The talk of "dread- ing intervention" and "avoiding interven- tion" is nonsense. We have intervened already. We intervened when we sent our army to the Texas border to encour- age Villa and other bandits. We inter- vened when we insultingly refused to join all the other Powers in recognizing Huerta as Provisional President. We in- tervened when we imposed an embargo to prevent Huerta from obtaining arms and ammunition. We intervened when we raised the embargo at Villa's demand to supply him with weapons to kill Amer- icans. We have been fighting the con- stitutional government of Mexico for over twelve months, and have been watching and waiting for Mexico to re- taliate, so that open war might be de- clared. Now Villa & Bryan have gone too far, and Great Britain will take a hand in the fighting. If. before the firm is dissolved. Villa will kindly murder a German and a Japanese, we shall have the whole world to confront, and the hor- rible loss of blood and treasure will fall upon the American people, not upon the arrogant incompetents who subject inter- national affairs to their personal whims or ignorant blunders. — "The Saunterer" in "Town Topics." POLICY MAY BE BEGINNING OF PERIOD OF GRAVE DIFFI- CULTIES. I have no authority and no intention to judge the present Mexican policy of the United States. To do so would be in- discreet for many reasons, among others chiefly this — that I am ignorant of the motives which may have led the Wash- ington Government to adopt it. Now one cannot judge a policy with- out knowing motives. History teaches us that States and parties are often com- pelled by events and circumstances to decide on policies whose perils and ruin- ous consequences can be easily foreseen. It should be remembered that a states- man cannot always do what he believes best and most useful for his country, and that he is often forced to do the best he can. But if in the present circumstances it would be impossible to pass judgment on the policy of the United States, it is possible, and even easy, that this policy may be the beginning of a period of grave difficulties with Mexico. When a revolution breaks out in a neighboring country there are three pol- icies between which a State can choose. Either resolute armed intervention, to re-establish order quickly; or strict neu- trality, which leaves the hostile forces to fight out their fight alone; or masked in- tervention, by giving indirect support to one of the two parties at war — and usually to the weaker one. All these three policies have their drawbacks and their advantages. But it is certain that the greatest drawbacks and the least advantages are to be found in the third policy, that of indirect in- tervention, to which the United States are now committed. A policy of this kind leads to the pro- longation instead of the shortening of the conflict; heaping up ruins; exasperat- ing men's minds more even than direct intervention, and, almost always, earning for the State which adopts it the dislike of the winning side, whichever it may be. If the side which has been helped gains the victory it almost always turns against the State which has helped it, to make the nation forget that it has won its power thanks to the aid of foreigners. So, if things go on as they have be- gun, one may foresee that the relations between the United States and Mexico will for a time be very uncertain and un- pleasant. This revolution will leave be- hind it a long trail of hatreds, distrusts and fears. — Guglielmo Ferrero, famous Italian historian, in New York "Ameri- can." U. S. Aids Standard Oil in Berlin Fight. — Headline. Well, what's the United States Gov- ernment for if not to demand a reckon- ing for every drop of oil belonging to an American citizen? When speaking of the British Govern- ment amend by changing "oil" to "blood" and "American citizen" to "Brit- ish subject." — Don Marquis in New York "Evening Sun." CAN IT BE A "RED HERRING"? If it is true that "federals" hanged Clemente Vergara near Hidalgo the epi- sode only proves that the many bands of bandits now holding Mexico prostrate are "all tarred with the same stick." Vergara resented being robbed just as William S. Benton did. Such difference as there is between the two cases rests upon the fact that one was an American citizen and the other a British subject, and that Benton had the questionable distinction of falling victim to the big- gest bandit of the lot — of being sacrificed upon the altar of "constitutionalism." It is just possible, however, that the Vergara episode represents the efforts of Villa's busy agents to drag a "red herring" across the trail that leads to Benton's much sought grave. For it is not forgotten that these gentlemen have for some time been telling us that "con- stitutionalist" control over Northern Mexico was complete and that no fed- erals were left in the vicinity of Hidalgo. — New York "Herald." MEXICO Saturday, February 28, 1911 VILLA'S TACTICAL BLUNDER. The unspeakable Villa prides himself on being the friend and ally of Presi- dent Wilson and the instrument with which the latter hopes to overthrow Huerta. But Villa is a blundering ruf- fian whose regard for human life is so small that he loses sight of his own in- terests. He is continually bringing em- barrassment to President Wilson through his ignorance and native bru- tality. This most recent outrage laid at Villa's door is serious. Had William S. Benton been an American citizen his death would have been a mere incident — regrettable, of course, but without dip- lomatic significance. But Benton hap- pened to be a subject of Great Britam and the customary "aggressive attitude" of Great Britain in "pressing for repara- tion where her subjects have been wronged" calls for something more than renewed assurance of "watchful waiting." * * * Villa kills with little or no provo- cation, and impudently tells Americans that when he orders somebody to be shot it is "nobody's business" but his own. Yet Villa is the man upon whom President Wilson has pinned his hope. It appears that in all this terrible Mex- ican lawlessness and slaughter the Wash- ington administration has but a single definite purpose — to oust Huerta. It is a stubborn and unreasonable obsession based on the fact that Huerta refused to abdicate when called upon to do so. From the day that the usurper in the Mexican capital defied President Wilson there has been but one aspect of the case, so far as the general public in America could see, and that was the firm determination of President Wilson to force Huerta out. If the murder of William S. Benton results in an awakening of our own gov- ernment to a change of policy toward Mexico, it will have accomplished more than the sacrifice of scores of lives of .'\mericans heretofore, in that republic. We have assumed a kind of unofficial protectorate over Mexico. We have, in effect, assured other nations that we will afford adequate protection for their citi- zens. As long as only Americans suf- fered in Mexico foreign governments made no protests. But now that an Englishman has been killed, in the simple defense of his property against destruc- tion by Villa's soldiers, the United States government is inclined to think that the incident warrants attention. — Kansas City "Journal." AMERICAN AID FOR ASSASSINS. President Wilson has decided to fiddle no longer while the whole of Northern Me.xico is aflame; his ambition to rank as a Twentieth Century Nero carries, him further. Carnage has not been rampart enough of late; so to stimulate it he has taken oflf the embargo on the transit of arms across the American frontier to the rebels. The excuse is that this will hasten the "elimination" of Huerta. As all the more civilized portions of the Republic have quietly accepted General Huerta's sway, the new Washington pol- icy means that the peaceful and indus- trious among the population are to be exposed to the tender mercies of irreg- ular forces, mainly brigands by profes- sion, licensed by the United States to kill, burn and destroy. Of course, it is not merely lust -for blood or indifference to human life that inspires President Wilson. We must never overlook the commercial side of the American policy. PUBLIC OPINION-Continued The Japanese have been supplying the Provisional Government with arms; the United States is not on particularly good terms with Japan just now, and especi- ally resents that the Orientals should be making a profit in a trade forbidden to American citizens. Accordingly Messrs. Wilson and Bryan, professed mission- aries of the peace movement, hacten to open a market for American munitions, which will be paid for by the picceeds of forced levies on the wretched inhabi- tants of the Northern provinces of Mexi- co. Surely there must be an energetic pro- test from the European Powers against this support of rebellion aimed at the Government recognized by these Powers. No graver ofifense against the comity of Nations can be committed than the virtual subsidizing of banditti to over- run regions in which subjects of friendly Powers are settled. It is not only the right, but the duty, of the Powers to represent at Washington the danger to their nationals involved in this American encouragement of the rebels. While the United States Government is compass- ing the destruction of British lives and property in Mexico, we read with dis- gust and depression, that Mr. Bryan's precious proposals for deferring recourse to arms, even after arbitration has failed between two countries, are being con- sidered by the British cabinet. Such propositions might be listened to if they came from unsullied source. Mr. Bryan does not come forward with clean hands. While unofficial effort in Europe has been addressed to bringing the warring factions in Mexico into communication, in the hope that an accommodation might be reached, Mr. Bryan and his chief add fuel to the conflagration. If this country is not prepared to take strong action to protect our own sub- jects and the peaceful population in Mexico, at least the Government should adopt an attitude of polite frigidity tow- ards Washington. And we trust that until President Wilson mends his ways all respectable Britons will abstain from cotmtenancing public Anglo-American fraternisation in connection with the "hundred years of peace." We want no dealings with the open adherents of "messieurs les assassins" in Mexico or elsewhere. — London "Financial News." OUR SOUTH AMERICAN TRADE. We Seem to Be Losing Customers in the Southern Continent. The Department of Commerce reports a falling off of our exports to South American countries for the month of December, as compared with those of the corresponding month of 1912. At the same time our imports from those countries in- creased. There is not in itself any great significance in the trade movement of a single month, and it would hardly have been worth while for Washing- ton correspondents to single out the operations of those particular countries for that month for the dispatches had there not been in their en- vironment a feeling that in that particular case there is a special meaning in the figijres. There is no doubt that there is a growing feel- ing of dislike of us in all Latin-American coun- tries, which is becoming more and more extensive and fixed, and which is affecting trade. Some American observers say that this feeling is not serious among the educated, governing classes of the southern countries, who, they say, fully understand that the people of the United States have no desire to extend their territory or absorb into their body politic populations which bring new racial problems. But it is not the educated, governing classes who buy most goods. The valuable trade with any country is in the substantial staple products which are consumed by the masses, whose aggre- gate purchasing power is the main support of trade. It is they who have prejudices and who let their prejudices influence trade. Moreover, while such prejudices may be of rather slow growth, when once fixed, it is almost impossible to re- move them. When the Monroe doctrine was promulgated, Europe was making effort to occupy and colonize South America and control its political institu- tions, while we could not even be suspected of intent to do either. Consequently, Europe was hated and the United States exalted, and had we in those days manufactures to sell to those coun- tries we should have got their trade. To-day Europe does not meddle with the domestic institutions of any country on this dou- ble continent, while we are continually interfer- ing with many of them. Consequently, Europe is liked and we are hated by the mass of South American people, and the cause is the attitude of the Washington Government, together with many overt acts, not necessary to mention, which seem to South Americans to justify fear of us. — San Francisco "Chronicle." AN AMERICAN WOMAN IN TAM- PICO. Mrs. Harold H. Webber, of Tampico, Mexico, formerly of Denver, passed through the city last evening on her way to Portland, Ore. She is one of a party of thirteen that left Tampico last week at the urgent request of the American con- sul there, on the report that an attack by the rebel forces was imminent. Though Tampico has been on the edge of the disturbances for many months— more than a year— Mrs. Webber says there has been few alarms there. "The Ameri- can consul has been insistent in urging all women to depart," said Mrs. Webber, "and he has been obeyed until I suppose there are not more than five American women in Tampico. Last Decem- ber, when the rebel army advanced on the city, the consul hurried all American residents into the warships and we were kept at sea for five days. At the end of that time we returned. "I have found that the regular Mexican troops have not annoyed Americans at all. The only times of panic have been when raids were threat- ened, and then it has been pretty lively for a time. "In general everything moves along as usual. One instance of this is that the street railway is now being built and is about completed. An- other is that oil shipments go out almost as reg- ularly as at any other time. There were 18,000 barrels of oil on the ship that brought our party away. "A couple of times small parties of rebels raided the towns for provisions. They did not molest the population in general, going to a couple of stores and taking everything they could carry away. This put the storekeepers out of business, of course, though it had no other effect upon the city, except, that it gave us some mighty scares." —Denver "Times," February 21. CLEMENCEAU BLAMES U. S. (Special Cable to New York "American.") Paris, Feb. 25. — Georges Clemenceau, ex-Prime Minister of France, declared to-day that the United States has full responsibility for the peace of Europeans in Mexico. The former prem- ier, who is the greatest authority in France on international affairs, after reviewing the situation in "L*Homme Libre," says: "The application of the Monroe Doctrine in Central and South America has often troubled Saturday, February 38, 1914 MEXICO Europe, but in Mexico the difficulty is greatly aggravated by the fact that all the force of the rebellion is derived from the United States her- self. "I do not see what good can come from the inquiry into Benton's murder, what results are to be ejcpected or could be demanded. '"The United States' right of intervention in this affair is weakened by the fact that she her- self is responsible for the anarchy in Mexico. She does not wish England or any other Euro- pean power to intervene. Wilson in Bad Position. "The English press is perfectly just when it points out that the United States' claim to guarantee the American continent against for- eign interference cannot be reconciled with Presi- dent Wilson's course in permitting aid and arms to be sent rebels. He first opposed Huerta by dictating terms, which the dictator ignored. Then he endeavored to strengthen the rebels. This was intervention without responsibility. It results in attacks on the lives and property of foreigners. "President Wilson is in a bad position. I do not think a mere inquiry as to Benton's death will satisfy British opinion. The question is of interest to all European powers, and while they wish to avoid the necessity of armed intervention, they do not want their citizens to be delivered into the hands of bandits by the very people who profess to protect them." WOULD RECOGNIZE HUERTA. The murder of William S. Benton, coming on the heels of the Cumbre disaster, is a logical conclusion of America's Mexican policy. Right or wrong, if this Government had made the best of a bad job and recognized Huerta at once, the bottom would have dropped out, of the revolution. Any Mexican who has the price of a gun can steal a horse, declare himself a leader and sally forth to rob and pillage. Why not? With an unrecognized Government he is responsible to no one but himself. It may be too late to save the lives of the endangered foreigners, but it is not too late for the United State to reverse its policy of "watch- ful waiting" and recognize the one strong man in Mexico, Gen. Huerta.— WILLIAM WILL- IAMS in New York "World." From month to month during the entire year Mr. Wilson has said that Huerta was tottering on the brink and that he must soon fall. Yet Huerta has demonstrated a remarkable tenacity, and he is not only still in charge of the Mexican government, but is in no apparent acute distress. If by a stretch of the imagination anything humorous could be evolved out of the Mexican situation it would be in connection with the feud between Wilson and Huerta. The two came into their respective presidencies about the same 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU iqie MUNSEY BUILDING iqic l»IO WASHINGTON, D. C. '^'O Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sujar legisla- tion. lime. Wilson was elected by the fair and hon- estly counted votes of his countrymen and Huerta simply seized the power that was in his reach and made himself president by force of arms. From his own elevation Wilson looked over into Mexico and decided that Huerta was not prop- erly chosen. Wilson said: "I will not recognize you because you were not elected as I was." Huerta responded that it made no particular dif- ference what Wilson thought about it — that in Mexico they did things differently. It has been the -usual custom for Mexican presidents to secure their positions by force and maintain them by force. If that was not the American way, all well and good. In the year that has passed, it must be con- fessed. President Wilson has not made much progress in his efforts to overthrow Huerta. Even the lifting of the embargo against exporting arms into Mexico seems not to have altered the situa- tion materially. While it has practically amount- ed to backing the Villa-Carranza revolution, it is not accomplishing the intended purpose — the ousting of Huerta. The dictator is still doing business in defiance of Washington. But if Villa or Carranza finally reaches the capital and Huerta is forced to flee, will either Villa or Carranza be more legitimately entitled to the Mexican presi- dency than Huerta? And is he likely to make a better president or pacify the country? The American residents of Mexico are agreed that Huerta should be recognized and upheld. But, being on the ground, their vision may not be as clear and accurate as that of men looking through spy-glasses from the banks of the Potomac. — Kansas City "Journal." LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Dear Sir: — Day by day events in Mexico are proving that the "constitutionalists" are not in- spired by any patriotic motives, and that they are conducting their campaign solely for the purposes of loot. They are not fighting for any principle of government, because such ideas are beyond their mental capacity. The much-vaunted Carranza is in no sense of the word a leader and still manages to keep in mysterious seclusion far from the actual zone of operations. This foolish old man who has been set up as the figurehead of revolutionary move- ment has contented himself by playing at govern- ment, appointing "cabinets" — and keeping out of Villa's road. He has proven a serious disap- pointment to his American sponsors in Washing- ton (ask the ex-Rev. Hale), and has done nothing more wonderful than to issue a few absurd "manifestos." On the other hand. President Huerta is stead- fastly at his post, and despite the difficulties which the Wilson administration has unrightfully and unlawfully put in his path, is gaining ground daily against the odds of subsidized bandits, big business and Watchful Waiting. His government is affording protection to Mexicans, Americans and other foreigners alike. Federal troops are detailed to afford protection impartially to all, and large bodies of soldiers are guarding foreign mining and industrial interests in spite of the fact that such withholding of thousands of men from the revolutionary area makes it more diffi- cult to prosecute an active campaign against the subsidized bandits along the northern frontier. Months have passed and the press agencies still continue to announce a pending move of the "constitutionalists" against Mexico City, but loot is still plentiful in the north and the cause of the neo-Maderists has not advanced despite the alli- ance between the gentle Villa and the patient Watchful Waiting. For a year now President Huerta has put up a plucky fight against enemies within and pres- sure from without and in spite of all he is mak- ing good. For the sake of distressed Mexico he ought to be given a fairer show and not need- lessly harassed because the Mexican people chose to execute a vicious lunatic who had deceitfully secured the highest power only to allow his fam- ily and followers to loot the treasury and betray their country. A firm hand is needed to ter- minate the turmoil of the past four years, and General Huerta is the only man in Mexico to-day who is capable of the task. Give him a show and let up on the hypocritical talk of "constitutional- ism" and cut out the vicious alliances with Villa and his cutthroats. Baltimore, Md., Feb. 25, 1914. C. U. MESTA. READ CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GUIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY. PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CA.MPBELL 1214 Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO, 111. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1 500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Parriculars D. D. JONES Gracias Post Office, Starr County, Texas $l.no FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO." to be sent to Beginning with . . . . ■ number - MEXICO Saturday, February 28, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managini Editor, Thomu O'HillaraB 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York KICKING THE PATIENT. Nations have their periods of illness, sometimes severe, just as do individuals. Mexico as a nation is ill, critically ilL The pessimistic James Creelman after a hasty diagnosis shakes his head dole- fully and croaks that she is on her death- bed. The sincere well-wishers of the strick- en country, within and without, are long- ing and searching earnestly for quick and efficacious relief. The fakers and the quacks, native and foreign, are advertising their patent rem- edies and nostrums, seeing mean advan- tage in the nation's Uls. The resilient and optimistic Mexican President sees the natural cure in the in- herent virility and stoical resistance of the Mexican nation and people. The Washington Administration talks about theories of government — zmd kicks the patient out of bed. And a considerable portion of the press and the people, taking their cue from the heartlessness and cold-blooded inhumanity of the Administration, talk of going into Mexico and adding to its welter of woe. Where is our boasted civilization? Where is our human sympathy for suf- fering? There are fifteen million people in Mexico who are taking no part in the disorders that have been fomented from this side of the border and encouraged by a disgraceful and dishonorable Ad- ministration-Villa alliance. What of them? They are the ones who are suffering from the conditions created by the Ad- ministration's "financial boycott," and the Washington, encouragement of law- lessness and anarchy. They are suffering in the struggle of life, in body and in mind. Because a cold-blooded theorist in Washington must work out his theories, that have no more application to the ac- tual facts than the mouthings of a re- ligious maniac. Because the cut of one man is not agreeable to certain pure-minded individ- uals whose own unpleasant cut is slowly but surely being shown to an amazed world. A REVOLUTION OF LIES. There is one fundamental reason why the Administration's Mexican policy has been a failure. There is one fundamental reason why if that policy is persisted in it will result in a national and interna- tional calamity. It has been founded on Ues, plain, un- adulterated, unvarnished, downright lies. "Error runs swiftly down the hill, while Truth climbs slowly." Here are some of the most glaring lies on which the relations between the Unit- ed States and Mexico for the last year have been based. The lie that Victoriano Huerta became President of Mexico through the assas- sination of Madero and Suarez. The lie that President Huerta was re- sponsible for the murder of those men. The lie that the Mexican people either wanted or were fitted for a government like that of the United States. The lie that its opponents were fight- ing for such a government. The lie that the Administration sought only to restore peace in Mexico. The lie that the Administration was neutral as to all factions. The lie that the Mexican Government had authority only in the capital. The lie that all other nations were in sympathy with the attitude of the Unit- ed States. The lie that the lifting of the embargo on arms was in the interest of neutral- ity- The lie that Villa was subordinate to Carranza. The lie that there was any difference in the character of Villa and Castillo, or any of the other bandit leaders. The lie that foreign oil interests were seeking a Mexican monopoly. The lie that there is no government in Mexico. Is it any wonder that a policy built on such a foundation — a tissue of lies — should have crumbled till it has aroused the pity and contempt of the world? The whole thing is really too tragic for merriment, but Villa's statement that Benton was given a real funeral, with music, flowers and a "fine" coffin, and that it would be a sacrilege to open the grave blessed by the Church, is simply diabolical humor. Again the Administration has ex- pressed personal satisfaction on learn- ing (from private sources of informa- tion) that the Mexican Government is embarassed for money. Was there every anything so ghoulish? * * * And it was personally peeved when somebody asked if Villa were not an out and out outlaw. * * * Somebody has put over on the Ad- ministration one of the greatest flim-flam games in modern history. And like the hick who has been trimmed by a plausible confidence man, it goes back for more of the game. The people of the United States want to know exactly what the Administration is trying to do to Mexico. * * * They are entitled to know. They will know. * * » The Administration is reported as pro- fessing to be in the confidence of the "constitutionalists." If that is the case, the Administration is simply one of the plotters against the Mexican Government. Fooled by a clique, the tool of a fac- tion. * • • Ye gods! These amateur statesmen who have adroitly been led into a pol- itical plot may yet get their country into war. * * * Unless a halt, on their actions is called soon, by the people. Actually the Administration has made itself into an apologist and press-agent for the so-called "constitutionalists." And has tried to whitewash the un- speakable Villa. Quibbling over grave-digging. Ugh! It's disgusting. The Bryan- Villa alliance was doomed from the beginning. * * • But how touching was the loyalty shown to the last by the Apostle of Peace, the Great Commonizer. * * * He simply wouldn't believe that dear little Pancho, his sweet little bandit, would do such things. SUBSCRIBE TO MEXICO MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs Error Runs Swiftly Down th« Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. II— No. 29. NEW YORK, SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1914 FIVE CENTS Arc They Free? The Administration's Mexican policy has been defined by the President him- self as Watchful Waiting. Several Sen- ators and Congressmen have been as al- literative in qualifying it as Deadly Drifting. We prefer to call it Deliberate Destruction. Those who have been led to believe by the constant reiteration of the words Watchful Waiting that the Administra- tion was through caution or timidity keeping hands off a dangerous and com- plex situation in the belief that matters would somehow right themselves have been badly deceived. There has been much of watching, but little or no inaction or waiting save for results of deliberately planned offensive eflforts to destroy the Mexican Government. There has been no drifting save to the deadly conse- quences of a bitter and relentless war- fare to overthrow the only government that stands between Mexico and an- archy. Those who have been led to believe that the -Administration has been hesi- tant or supine or indifferent have not read the history of the last year in the true light. Never has an Administration been so determined, active and relent- less. It has been carrying on a persis- tent adroit war with all the power at its command and only the fact that it has been unsuccessful has created the impression of weakness in the Adminis- tration's policy. It is a policy of Deliberate Destruc- tion. Whether it was entered on ?s the expression of a personal obsession or whether it was initiated through the ef- forts of those who would destroy Mex- ico as a nation because Mexico as a nation would not be subservient to them, or whether it was a combination of both, time will tell. The Administration knows that it has taken every possible step to dominate Mexico short of sending troops across the border and it knows that if it does not abandon its policy of Destruction that such an eventuality is an inevitable detail. But the Administration takes pains to proclaim that it will not abandon its ef- forts to overthrow ihc Mexican Govern- ment. Has the Administration been a free agent in its relations with Mexico? This question is pertinent because of the remarkable discrepancy between the oft-expressed and well-known ideals of the leaders of the Administration and their acts in regard to Mexico. Secretary Bryan has been one of the world's most ardent apostles of peace and yet he now stands before the world as the apologist for armed rebellion and cold-blooded murder. Surely the Secre- tary would not have put himself in that position if he were a free agent. President Wilson came into the White House with a reputation for pos- sessing the finest qualities of a schol- arly gentleman and yet the world was amazed to see him come out openly with insults to the Mexican Government and people, even calling names with ob- vious personal animus. Would he have freely chosen to give a wrong impres- sion to the world? Secretary Bryan has always been a pronounced critic and opponent of im- perialistic tendencies in our Govern- ment and has made political capital of his convictions in this regard, and yet he is party to one of the most high- handed imperialistic acts of interference in the domestic affairs of a neighboring people. President Wilson's books have re- vealed him as a clear-headed master of logic and yet he attempted to draw a quibbling distinction to explain why the Administration recognized the new rev- olutionary government of Peru and yet would not recognize the government of Mexico which came into power under precisely the same conditions. Secretary Bryan has been universally believed to be a friend of the common people and the foe of predatory wealth, yet he enforces a policy toward Mexico which is bringing suffering to fifteen millions of poor, peaceable Mexicans and the success of which he is desired by the worst brand of Big Business in this country. President Wilson is the last man in the United States who would be expect- ed to have anything to do with a bri- gand and cutthroat of Pancho Villa's stamp, yet the President has been quot- ed without denial as having faith in him. Secretary Bryan, with all his faults, has enjoyed the distinction of being a man who would always come out in the open and explain his position on any- thing without evasion, yet in the hand- ling of the Mexican situation he has de- veloped a secretiveness and a resent- ment of publicity that have never be- fore been characteristic of the man. President Wilson as a deep student of history is, it was taken for granted, fa- miliar with the regular course of di- plomacy and the dangers of foreign com- plications and misunderstandings when the regular procedure among nations is abandoned, yet he deliberately ignored the advice of the State Department's au- thority on international law as to the recognition of the Mexican Government and the sending of irresponsible repre- sentatives like John Lind to negotiate in matters of extreme delicacy, involv- intr the fate of the nation. (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, March 7, ]«14 Secretary Bryan has time and timt again in feeling words shown that he appreciates fully the desirability, even the necessity of the friendship of Latin- American countries, and yet he has lent himself to a Mexican policy that any diplomat in Washington will tell him has done more to injure this country's prestige in Latin America and arouse the suspicion and antagonism of Latin- American peoples ,than would armed aggression. President Wilson knew and was fully alive to the strong moral repugnance aroused here and abroad by the Roose- velt method of fostering a revolution in Panama in order to get possession of the canal zone for the United States, and yet he has entered into even a more flagrant alliance with bandits in Mexico, to get what? Secretary Bryan could not heretofore have been regarded as a man who would have dealings with revolutionary factions who make Washington their headquar- ters and conspire against established governments on one pretext or another, and yet a Mexican faction of disgruntled politicians are as thick as thieves with Bryan and he seems to want to believe everything they tell him. President Wilson announced a pro- gram of pitiless publicity in the Admin- istration's conduct of affairs, and yet there has been every effort made to muzzle Congress and the press regard- ing Mexico. In view of all these startling "rever- sals of form," is it not reasonable and pertinent to ask: Is the Administration a free agent? Never since the dawn of the American Republic has this country been so cheap- ened and humiliated in the eyes of the world. Never has our prestige been so low- ered in the eyes of the civilized nations. We are almost without a friend among them. In desperation we are trying to bribe England to our side. This is what the combination of a demagogue and a pedagogue has brought us to. Because they m»tt "get Huerta!" Oh, the shame of it. We are arresting I. W. W. agitators and obstreperous unemployed in New York City. * * * If that happened in Mexico City what a howl would go up about the harsh dic- tatorship of President Huerta I * * * We have enough problems of our own in this country without going far afield to find others. * * * Get Huerta! Months ago we were stating in this publication that the Administration was morally responsible for the lives and property lost in Mexico because it was encouraging the lawless conditions in the North and that by its opposition to the Mexican Government it was really back- ing the Villas, Zapatas, and Carranzas. The lifting of the embargo on arms and the course of events following on the brutal murder of a British subject, made this as clear as daylight. It is openly admitted now that the Adminis- tration is actively backing the activities of the rebels and there are some who even go so far as to assert that United States agents along the border are directing the movements and statements of Carranza and his followers in their desperate ef- fort to becloud the actual situation and throw a cloak of respectability about the "revolution." Anything to "get Huerta." It is the most humiliating revelation of American responsibility for Mexican conditions and yet the Administration brazenly announces that it will continue its present policy. We say in all earnestness that this mo- ment is the turning point in the fortunes of the Administration. There are only two courses open to it. One is to de- clare in a big manly way that it was de- ceived as to the character and purposes of the Northern rebels and that with the best intentions it has placed itself in a position from which there can be no escape with honor unless the mis- take is admitted. The other is to continue bullying the Mexican Government, assisting the rebels and bandits, adding to the destruction of Mexico as a nation and moving inevi- tably to armed intervention. When the Administration says it shrinks from the idea of avoidable armed intervention it is not to be believed until it has adopted the only course that will make it avoidable — the recognition and moral support of the Mexican Govern- ment. The discussion of our humiliating po- sition in the world as a result of a stub- born and perverse Mexican policy is daily becoming more pointed and in- formed. Both houses of Congress are restive and many members are utterly disgusted. No doubt as a result of this feeling, which reflects the feeling of the people of the entire country, the truth about Mexico will gradually be revealed. The more we learn of the actual situation in Mexico the harder it will be for the Administration to maintain its policy of destruction and ruinaton. The only argument advanced in the public mind now against the recognition of the present Government of Mexico is based on the reported personal habits of the Mexican President. James Creelman, of the New York "Evening Mail," recently spent ten days in Mexico City, mostly in the American Embassy, and has written a series of articles in which he draws a hopeless picture of Mexico. Mr. Creelman makes it plain that he believes the Mexican Government should have been recog- nized in the beginning, but he tells the most amazing stories about the Mexican Executive. We do not know anything about Gen- eral Huerta's personal habits and we more than suspect that for graphic ef- fect Mr. Creelman seized on all the hear- say yarns that were related for his en- tertainment by not wholly disinterested Mexicans and Americans who came to the Embassy to tell him all about Mex- ico. And with a graphic writer's love of striking effects, Mr. Creelman did not hesitate to exaggerate all that he had heard, not for any other reason than to make a "good story." But Mexico City is a hotbed of irre- sponsible rumors and we are surprised that Mr. Creelman with all his wealth of knowledge about things Mexican did not instinctively know how to discount what was poured into his ready ears. However, if even a portion of what Mr. Creelman writes about the personal habits of General Huerta is true, it is very remarkable indeed that the rugged soldier should have maintained his poise and dignity so wonderfully in the strenu- ous year of locked horns with disciples of various fruit juices. He certainly has not so muddled up the foreign relations of his country that he must purchase the friendship of one of them so as not to risk being an "outlaw among the na- tions." Another thing. Be President Huerta's habits what, they may, since when have such things entered into consideration in determining what is right or wrong in the dealings of one nation with an- other? A metropolitan newspaper has been running a series called "Little Causes of Great Wars." * * * In these days it would seem alrr^ impossible that a war could be caused by personal prejudice. » * * Yet it is not at all unlikely. President Huerta could be all that his worst enemies have made him cut to be, but this would not justify a national at- titude toward him that may involve thou- sands of American lives and tremendous burdens. Saturday, March 7, 1914 MEXICO '•A CATASTROPHE LIKE THIS." The situation is in such a condition that it would be improper for me to comment on it except to say this, that those who lightly look forward to in- tervention are either utterly regardless of the loss of life and the expenditure of immense treasure or else they don't know what armed intervention on the part of this government in Mexico will mecm. "Those of us who have had exper- ience in the tranquillizing of a tropical country, with a people not very different from the Mexicans, who take naturally to guerilla warfare and who would rather fight than work — that is, would rather fight and run than work — know the dif- ficulties that an army would have to meet to accomplish the only purpose that we would have in going in — to wit, the bringing about of law and order. It would involve the garrisoning with a sufficient force of every town. "It would involve the organization of columns to chase the guerillas into their mountain fastnesses and across trackless desert plains and the subjugation of fifteen millions of people. "I don't know when we would get through; I don't know how many lives it would involve; I don't know how much it would cost, but I do know it would be a drag on us, and then when we had gotten the thing done the future would still be doubtful and still be a charge and a burden upon our gov- ernment and upon our treasury. I do not speak thvs postively without some knowledge of the subject. No effort ought to be omitted to prevent a catas- trophe like this." — William H. Taft. LEST WE FORGET REAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IN- TERVENTION. The humiliating and perilous position to which the United States has been brought in the Mexican question is in no way due to opponents of the Wilson- Bryan administration. If the United States must resort to armed intervention to meet the world- responsibilities we have assumed under the Monroe doctrine, the credit or the blame will belong alone to President Wilson arHJ his advisers. In spite of the fact that every other great nation recognized the Huerta gov- ernment at a time when it offered the only promise of peace in Mexico, Mr. Wilson deliberately chose to risk every- thing on his personal idea that "Huerta must go." Again and again the President had his attention called to the fact that he must choose between recognizing the then strong Huerta government or inevitable armed intervention. Every patriotic citizen must sympa- thize with Mr. Wilson in the grave em- barrassment which has come upon him, but if we are forced into war by the stern necessity of events he cannot es- cape full responsibility. No doubt when the President decided that he would not recognize the Huerta government he did not realize, as more inforiTi.-ri n-en did. that he was really committing his administration to ulti- mate forcible interference. — New York "Evening Mail." This inscription should be marked on the tombstone over the grave of a Demo- cratic Administration: HUERTA MUST GO! * * * It has become a sort of morbid obses- sion. * * * Defying reason, logic and truth. * * * Why? * * * When we get the answer to that ques- tion we shall wonder and ponder and finally come to the conclusion that Lin- coln was right: "You can fool all of the people some of the time." John Bassett Moore stood it as long as he could, against his judgment and con- victions. So have t'ne people stood it. But they are waking up to the facts which are so writ that he who runs may read. The fact that the State Department, or rather the Great Commonizer, has been simply the tool of an intriguing Mexican faction. That the Great Commonizer has swal- lowed all the guff handed to him by that faction, coached by a clever attorney of the Maderos and the Waters-Pierce oil interests. * • * That he, the Administration and the American people have been made a fool of. * * * That President Wilson has been per- niciously advised. * * • Or that he took only the kind of ad- vice that pleased him. What's the answer? * • • Watch and wait. * • • Will the Administration be big enough to admit its mistake? On the answer to that depends the future of the Administration, the Demo- cratic Party and the country. • * • If the United States is going to sur- render to every pressure from European nations so that the Administration may be free to destroy Mexico, then the peo- ple of the United State* have been badly misjudged. From now on the Administration's Mexican policy will have to stand the severest tests. * • • For the truth is out. The people can not be fooled any longer. It was easy to cover tracks when the manufactured sentiment prevailed that the trouble in Mexico was a fight for constitutional principles. It was too easy. * • • But Villa had to go and show what hw was made of. * * * And Carranza and his faction were re- vealed in their true light. * « * Watchful waiting! * » * There was not so much waiting about that policy as the public was led to be- lieve. * • * There was action. * * ♦ The "financial blockade," "mental sug- gestion," connivance and scheming with the representatives of Carranza, et al, lifting of the embargo on arms to as- sist them, direction of a virulent press campaign against the Mexican Govern- ment. * * * Was that waiting? * » * No, it was desperate, underhanded ac- tion. * * » Why? * * ♦ Watch and wait. * * * This has been, so far, only the first act of the drama. * * * Which is a tragedy. « * * In which there is a Hamlet. * * * Also a Macbeth and an lago. * * * Has anything so unjust and prepos- terously inconsistent ever been suggested in affairs of state as intervention di- rected against Mexico and the Mexican people because of conditions which have been made possible by the attitude of the Administration? * * ♦ If the Administration is looking for matters of national honor to straighten out, why not start with this? MEXICO Saturday, March 7, 1914 THE BIG GAME By Dr. Ledyard Smith The attitude of our Administration is but one act of a real tragedy, the dra- matic motive of which is to force a fight on an unfortified nation : nagging, nag- ging and harassing iliat nation with the hope that some accident of the Maine character will force Congress to declare war, when, to indemnify the expense ol that undertaking, the present territorial border will be shifted as far south as the new map-makers can arrange. The Administration of Porfirio Diaz saved Mexico's main-line-to-border rail- roads for Mexico, against the open rail- road-grabbing and oil monopoly scheme of her Norlhern neighbors. That slap in the face to a few men who had never been so humiliated roused an indignation in these individ- uals that called for retaliation. The chance came to these Wall Street in- terests with the entrance of Madero and his monumental crime in inciting the Mexican peons to armed rebellion. The value of these lawless elements in wrecking tracks, bridges — many hun- dreds — tunnels and rolling stock was quickly appreciated. Here was retalia- tion; here was a slap back at the man who dared to save Mexican railroads for Mexico. That they were nothing but bandits who did this devil's work so much ■, he better. The demoralization of Mexico's railway interests was the point. The point was being gained. Looting, robbing, outraging, murder — these were minor details — all necessary to create a disorder that would under~ mine Mexico's strength in her own rail- ways. If these disorders, this seeming general public opinion put in a differ- ent President, a pliable concession-giv- ing President, why then the point was the better gained. But the bone of the railway interests was not the only one that needed pick- ing with the Oaxaca Indian, the man who for thirty years had saved Mexico for Mexicans. It is notorious that cer- tain oil interests paid the Madero insur- rectos when in the field, and that after Madero assumed power the Mexican treasury reimbursed these oil interests at a fabulous advance. It is also a re- corded fact that Madero found 63 mil- lions in the Treasury; and the entire available fund in paper and otherwise swelled this to over two hundred mil- lions. And still another but sadder fact is that Huerta found less than two hun- dred thousand of that sum. Here was more retaliation for that oil slap of fif- teen years ago. A' come-back at the man who could ,-l>e deposed, primarily because of his age, but who could not be bought by an Oil King. Then came the Huerta Administration. A recognition of Huerta by the Unit- ed States would curtail the gross sum of bandit disorder. Such recognition would lend strength to this new Mex- ican power that is holding Mexico and Mexican interests for Mexico. A rec- ognition of Huerta would induce and practically guarantee foreign loans, and a large loan would supply a cash ac- count that would cripple not only the bandits, but their United States allies who are bent on map-making and con- cession grabbing. These allied interests form an octopus that has grown to far- reaching proportions. It is more than political; more than party. It entangles the press, which is no longer divided in party, for it stands almost solidly for this octopus. This commercial monster demands that anything that strengthens Mexico for Mexico must be put down. Anything that will disrupt Mexico and leave it open to pillage, grab and new map-mak- ing, must be encouraged and maintained. That "Huerta must go" is only a part of the game. That American citizens owning and occupying property on Mex- ican soil are robbed and murdered and their wives and daughters are outraged — as consular reports show and prove — this also is part of the game. It creates further disorder, further prejudice and helps to shorten the time before new map-making. The cry for redress when heard is only converted into press mat- ter that helps to bring closer this com- ing occupancy. Huerta will not be recognized. He cannot be. Simply cannot. It is against the whole game. It is the mandate of the Monster. The recognition of Peru recently, with governmental conditions similar to those of Mexico, proves that the antennae of this United States Big Game do not extend that far — that's all. The bandit part of Mexico's woes is an asset and a strong one. Without their murders, their lootings, their day- light bank breaking and their outrages on anything female over ten years of age, why, their part in the game would then fall short that much. They must, simply must, live up to their part. The bandit part in the play is an acci- dent, or at most, a coincidence. It was not only pounced upon as an important factor to use, but it has been nourished. Their chief, a cattle thief, who can't count his murders, nor yet his millions that he is stealing there and banking here in the United States, who has al- ways been an outlaw, is snatched up by the octopus and elevated by the press to the title of "General." The Administration of ninety millions of people openly bases its hopes on this cattle thief. It frankly, without shame, expresses its belief that Villa, the out- rager of women and girls, has become a patriot of high principles and noble ideals! The Secretary of State emphat- ically deprecates anything which might lead to a clash with Villa, the assassin. Here is open business partnership wi.h the vilest wretch in Mexico; but who, because of his acts and lawlessness be- comes at once an important asset in this Well Street game. The status of Mexico to-day in Uic eyes of her neighbor to the North is ev- erything that embraces theft, murder, blood. It is the result oi a deliberate press propaganda to foster this idea in the public mind. The public must be educated to the belief that Mexico is but a small patch of unclaimed land, un- governed and populated by a wild set of bloodthirsty savages. This press purpose is to cover up the fact that her territory is larger than the combined area of France, Germany, Aus- tria, Hungary and Italy. Larger by ex- actly 2,495 square miles. And it is this territory rich beyond conception, that is the secret attraction. Anything that will divert publicity from that fact must be done. Anytliing that will lessen Mex- ico's honor and integrity as a nation, anything that will compel her to repudi- ate her obligations on her bonds or debts, all this must be done and is being done by the invisible hand. It's the garne. This publicitj' campaign magnifies the strength of the bandits and tries to make their outrages national, as if the acts of a few hundred or even a few thousand misled degenerates with a leader who is openly referred to as the partner of Washington, marks what they do as hav- ing national intent and purpose. The hand of Big Money is showing finger marks on the Washington throat, strangling it into submission to its de- sires. But this is not the na-lional de- sire of ninety millions of honest people here. Nor does a bandit in Mexico even with considerable following — when well paid — represent the feelings, the wishes, pur- poses, honor and national spirit of six- teen millions of people there, who, for the most part are Indians; peaceful, con- tented and even happy, and who as a whole know nothing of Standard Oil or Big Railroads and would care less if they did know. But, as a whole people they come un- der the slander of a well-organized press campaign that besmirches the whole Mexican nation one day and follows it with cheap talk of peace, morality, neigh- borly love and other hypocritical rubbish the next. In reality, our part is that of the real robbers; the real murderers and disturbers, for this Mexican situation was born, bred and is still nourished in the United States. It never was and is not now an internal Mexican issue. (Continued on next page.) Saturday, March 7, 1914 MEXICO THE BIG GAME— Continued The Mexicans are the victims. Their nation is being stolen. The blood of a hundred thousand humans will write in red VICTORY TO A FEW, who are already fat with greed and power and whose address is Wall Street. This vic- tory, this gain, no matter in what de- gree, no matter how great, will be but a short victory for a few. Its shame, its disgrace, its deplorable lack of all honor will last out generations. Never will our victory over a weaker nation, with the consequent gain for a few and a national war expense to all, never will it offset our national loss of honor in this red-handed steal of a nation. Never will it compensate in this blood- stain for the loss of the Latin faith in the Northern Anglo-Saxon. CONGRESS BALKS DESIGNS ON MEXICO. To the Editor of the "Evening Post": Sir: — People who have known Mexico for years have been declaring for the last two years that behind the revolu- tionary movements there was a well- conceived plan to bring about the sepa- ration of the Northern States of Mex- ico from those of the South, and, ulti- mately, to secure their annexation to the United States. They have occasionally ventured an expression of this thought, and some have gone so far as to say that the United States were headed for a war and only the providence of God could prevent it. Of course, these peo- ple have been denounced as cynics and pessimists. Events are proving that they were merely able to see the ob- vious. The Washington "Post" of yesterday had an editorial under this heading: "The Plan to Split Mexico." To-day the same paper printed a communication of James Creelman from the City of Mex- ico, in which these words occur: "and it may be that in the end the north will separate from the south and there will be two Mexicos." These are referred to here to indicate what is in the minds of men. It is what the schemers intended from the begin- ning should be in the minds of men in general. That is the particular field which they have been cultivating and now they think it almost ripe for the harvest. It is inconceivable that Carranza, who keeps bad company but who is said to be a man of education, should be in a conspiracy to dismember the Mexican Republic. But he is co-operating with these schemers just as effectively as if he were a willing party to all their pro- jects. There are commercial interests along the northern border of Mexico which will gain enormously by the transfer of sovereignty from the Northern States of Mexico to the United States. One can- not help believing that the President and the Secretary of State have been misled Representative Frank W. Mondell, of Montana, spoke in the House of Repre- sentatives in criticism of the Wilson Administration. Mr. Mondell's speech was the third in as many days from the Republican side in opposition to the Ad- ministration's course. Representative Ainey of Pennsylvania and Representa- tive Kahn of California attacked the Ad- ministration's course, each describing the "watchful waiting" policy as one of "deadly drifting" that was leading to- ward armed intervention. In his speech Mr. Mondell referred to Mr. Bryan's Chautauqua lectures: "What we have needed was close at- tention and prompt and practical action by those charged with authority on for- eign affairs. On the contrary, our Sec- retary of State, while engaged in Chau- tauqua lectures and in speeches extoll- ing the 'new freedom,' is employing his spare moments in unwarranted inter- meddling with the local politics of peo- ple of the West Indies and in promoting treaties calculated to embroil and entan- gle us in the domestic affairs of Central American countries. I am very glad to credit the best intentions in the world to the President and to the Secretary of State'in connection with our foreign af- fairs, but good intentions cannot save us from disasters which amateurs, theorists, dreamers, acting on impulse when not on prejudice, are likely to bring upon us. When we compare the policy of re- treat in China, of aimless vacillating in Mexico, of meddling in the West In- dies, and of entanglements in Central America, with the Administration's plan of scoot and scuttle in the Philippines, where we have real interests and great responsibilities, we have a picture of ex- ternal affairs calculated to make fools laugh and wise men grieve." Thinks Silence Useless. Mr. Mondell thought the time had come when no good could be accom- plished by further support, "active or passive," of the attitude of the Wilson .Administration toward Mexico. He said he felt now that patriotism impelled the expression of his views in the hope that "wiser counsels" would prevail. He thought the policy of "watchful waiting" in many particulars in the handling of the Mexican question and in none more than in the skilful manner in which they have been made to play into the hands of certain selfish commercial interests. The project to annex the Northern States of Mexico is ripening. The prof- its to a few will be great. The cost to the many cannot yet be told either in blood or money. — X. Y. Z. in New York "Evening Post." had prolonged a lamentable condition of disorder and distress in Mexico and said: "The only features of our attitude to- ward Mexico that seem to have any ele- ments of fixity are the continued evi- dences of personal antipathy toward the individual at the head of the only Gov- ernment in Mexico which has ciny stand- ing among the nations; makes any pre- tense of protecting life and property or of conducting warfare in a civilized man- ner; a fatuous and fantastic theory that we should withhold recognition from Governments, however well established, which in their genesis and personnel do not measure up to the highest ideals of our executive authorities; an extraordi- nary obsession that any outlaw or bar- barian chieftain is a patriot entitled to our support and encouragement, regard- less of his aims and methods, providing he dubs himself a 'Constitutionalist.' "While the attitude of our Administra- tion is that of indirect intervention, we still maintain a tenuous and uncertain anchor to windward by sustaining, through various intermediaries, a pecu- liar and precarious, not to say humiliat- ing, semi-personal, semi-official relation- ship, with the head of that Government in Mexico the overthrow of which seems to be the principal aim and end of our endeavors. I can recall nothing in in- ternational relationship so unusual, and, it seems to me, so lacking in the dignity and rectitude which should characterize international relations as, on the one hand, the Administration's announced anxiety for the fall of the Government now established in the City of Mexico, and, on the other, the apparent determi- nation to hold that Government respon- sible for the lives and property of Amer- icans and other foreigners in Mexico. "Perhaps the most striking feature of this situation and condition of paradoxes is to be found in the generally perfectly correct attitude of that Government which our Administration is seeking to overthrow toward our Government and people. Situation Growing Worse. "The situation is bad enough as it is, but it might easily be worse, and will, in my opinion, be infinitely worse if the aims and objects apparently desired by our Administration shall be accom- plished with the aid of the arms, ammu- nition and encouragement obtained and received from us. "I have profound faith in the good in- tentions of our President. I approve most heartily his avowed and unques- tioned desire to save our people from the (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, March 1, 1914 CONGRESS BALKS— Continued loss and sacrifice which active interven- tion in the affairs of Mexico would en- tail. I regret most profoundly the lack of sound and sane advice which the Pres- ident should have had and to which he was entitled. I still hope that a change of attitude and policy may place us in a position where we can be of real ser- vice to the people of Mexico without im- properly intruding ourselves into their affairs." Senator Works of California, had this to say to his colleagues, and his speech made a deep impression. Mr. Works said that he believed the intentions of President Wilson and Sec- retary Bryan were good; but the course they have adopted, he declared, would be spoken of with "sorrow and shame" unless the American people had lost their courage and patriotism. Mr. Works said that the President's demand that Gen. Huerta bind himself not to be a candidate for re-election was "preposterous," and left the United States in the humiliating position of swallowing Gen. Huerta's sarcastic dis- obedience. The mission of John Lind was doomed to failure from the first, said Mr. Works, because negotiations with Carranza on one side and Huerta on the other would have no binding force on the great mass of the combat- ants, who were bandits pure and simple, recognizing no superior authority. The Senator's sharpest criticism wasi «0r the Administration's handling of th& ■"Benton incident. He made it plain that he thought the American course in that matter cowardly. The demand for the delivery of Benton's body should have been pressed vigorously, he said, and Vil- la's refusal should have been answered by sending an armed force to seize the body and bring it over the Rio Grande. PRETTY PANCHO! Apart from the right or wrong of Eng- land's contention as to the Panama Canal tolls, the fact remains that the surren- der of the Administration to the conten- tion was dictated by expediency. Blind expediency. * * ♦ In other words, rather than admit that it has made a mistake in not recognizing the Mexican Government, the Adminis- tration prefers to charge the country and Congress with a mistake in dealing with England. • « • England is a powerful nation. Mex- ico is smaUer than the United States. Who said might makes right? « * * Who said the' Administration would tully Mexico but show yellow to a Great Power? Mexico City, Feb. 18. — While of some small benefit to American manufacturers, President Wilson's removal of the em- bargo on arms has proved harmless as a measure aimed at Huerta. Huerta is stronger, both politically and in a military sense, than at any time since his accession to the Presidency; his army is larger and better organized, and he has just completed the payment to Japanese manufacturers for 50,000 rifles and 25,000 carbines of the most improved pattern, along with an ample supply of ammunition. While the rebels are rapidly exhaust- ing the sparsely populated region under their control and from which they must draw their resources, Huerta has ample means to prosecute the war. The appropriation foT war purposes- of the customs receipts, made available by suspending the payment of interest on the national debt, gives the Govern- ment $3,000,000 monthly, while the in- creased taxation on spirits, tobacco, mortgages, &c., and the heavy export duties on many articles help mightily to fill the war chest. Yet Huerta has scarcely scratchedi the surface of his resources. The gold and silver mines could easily support 3.n ad- ditional 10 per cent, tax on their pro- duction and the great haciendas can be levied upon for the defence they jaust Ihave from the Government against the irebeJs. Concentration o£ WeaMi. It is apt to escape the consideration, of the average American who sees on the map the vast area overrun by the liocdes of Villa and Carranza that the bulk, of Mexico's population and its most im- jjortant wealth producing area are con- tained within the region dominated by the Government. It is true that business is suffering,, that hundreds of millions of wealth have been lost and that a continuance of the civil war will ultimately bring about exhaustion. Mexico is so wonderfully productive and the people are so inured! to spoliation that the process, will be a cruelly long orse. "Kind Hearted Man and the Tiger." "There was a kind hearted man whose heart bled for the herbivores in his neighborhood, for a wicked tiger was preying upon them. He decided the tiger must go. He did not shoot the tiger. He set fire to the woods in which the tiger operated. The fire spread and burned the grass and the bushes and killed all the poor herbivores. The tiger had taken refuge in a cave and emerged uninjured, but the kind hearted man, nothing daunted, said: T am much en- couraged; now the tiger will starve to death,' " In the foregoing parable, however, the tiger is supposed to be Huerta, who is very gentle compared with Villa, whose claws the "kind hearted man" is sharp- ening, as may be gathered from the fol- lowing sketch of the reljel leader's ca- reer to date: "Many persons living in Durango, the rebel chieftain's birthplace, declare that his name is Dorotco Arango, not Fran- cisco V'lla, he having assumed the l^ttei: name to hid« himself from justice. At the age of 14 he was imprisoned in his native State for cattle stealing. "Later he went to the mines of Gnan- acevi, where he remained only four months before h« was again put in prison for cattle stealing and murder. Escaping, he went to Chihuahua, where he was hired to assassinate a man. "Having accomplished his crime, and! received his pay, he fled to the moun- tains, where he organized a band of brigands, devoting himself to wholesate cattle stealing. From that time on he made himself infamous by the boldness of his crimes. "In September, 1910» during the cele- bration of the republic's centenary, he rode into Chihuahua in broad daylight and on the main avenue in the heart of the city murdered Claro Reza, a former member of his band, who had offered to deliver him over to the au- thorities. Ambush of Rurales. "He ambushed the rurales who set out dn his pursuit, killing the sergeant com- ananding them. In November of the :same year (1910) he raised the Maderista standard, attacked the military train from San Andres, killing among others 1:he commanding officer, Lieut.-Col. Yepez. Entering the town of San An- rtiago. "Again making his escape, he reached El Paso,, where he remained until March of last year, wlien he recrossed the border, organized a band and attacked a passenger train near Madero, from which he took ninety-six bars of silver and two of gold, of an aggregate value of 300,000 pesos, "He took from the train a man and shot him because he fead been an au- thority in the city of Guerrero, Later he entered La Ascension, where he out- raged women. Thence he went to Cam- (ContinuQii Qa next page.) Saturday, March 7, 1914 MEXICO argo, where he imprisoned distinguished women to extort from them money and murdered the bookkeeper of Sordo & Blanco, Senor Montilla, a Spaniard, be- cause the latter refused to deliver the sum of money he demanded. Shoots and Burns Prisoners. "At the battle of San Andres he cap- tured 200 prisoners, whom he took to Bustillos, where he lined them up in ranks of five and had a volley fired upon them. While many still retained life he had them piled upon a pyre and burned, along with the bodies of their more for- tunate comrades. "His heartless atrocities at Torreon, Chihuahua and Juarez are still fresh in the minds of all. Such is the man who is striving to overturn the de facto Gov- ernment in the names of patriotism and the constitution." — New York "Sun." Plain Words from the Border By C. F. Z. Caracristi, Ph.D., C.E. FAILURE _ The greatest failure of the administra- tion has been in dealing with foreign afifairs. In this field its policy has been fitful and inconsistent. In the estimation of the rest of the world the United States has seldom appeared to less ad- vantage than it has in handling the Mex- ican situation. The President's pro- gramme has been one of drifting. He has set less store on the practical need of protecting life and property in Mexi- co and winning back order out of chaos than he has on holding the government and the people of Mexico up to ideals of constitutional action which are hardly realizable in periods of unrest and vio- lence Mr. Wilson's absorption in domestic questions may account for his inaptitude in dealing with foreign relations. But it is hard to find any excuse for his acqiiiescence in the looting of the diplo- matic service which has put the United States at a still further disadvantage in applying its foreign policy. It is equally hard to find an excuse for the compla- cency with which the President has ap- proved the various raids made by Con- gress on the merit system and the class- ified service. Good predominates in the administra- tion's record so far. It could be made to predominate still more if in the re- maining three years the President should draw counsel from his first year's indis- cretions and failures. — New York "Tri- bune." The responsibility for the sickening prostitution of the diplomatic service to the spoils appetite in its vulgarest juanifestations; for the abandonment of the American policy in the Far East inaugurated by Secretary John Hay and maintained by his successors down to the advent of Secretary Bryan; and, most grievous of all, for the amaz- ing initial blunder which has brought upon the country the ignominies and grave dangers of the Mexican situation — the responsibility for these things rests not less directly on the President because his subordinate may be in great measure also culpable. Why should a statesman of Mr. Wilson's high ideals and, we may add, remarkable power of adjusting those ideals to circum- stances, have lacked the essential qual- ity of common sense in this most im- portant particular? — New York "Sun." There are always some more or less amusing sidelights even to the most tragic of human events, and the Mexican situation offers no exception to the gen. eral rule. At a convivial little gathering the con- versation, as usual drifted off to the trouble across the Rio Grande. A United States Army captain stated that the troops had just captured four "constitu- tionalists" who had been driven across the river by the Federals at San Ignacio. "Funny," I remarked, "that the Army should arrest any one at that point when I know for a certainty that the rebel officers nightly cross into Texas territory for fear of being captured in a surprise and sleep in San Ignacio, frat- ernize with our soldiers and only one arrest has been made in six months and that at the request of the Carrancistas themselves out of spite and another rea- son that I will not name." "Yes, you are right," replied the cap- tain, "but you see these fools surren- dered to our troopers and we could not avoid this arrest." This is how unequally the neutrality farce — not law — is being enforced on the border. The conversation proceeded on these lines, when I offered to discuss the situ- ation before any body of intelligent gen- tlemen who would keep within parlia- mentary rules and forget border usage. Some one suggested a certain judge who was present, a gentleman of unusual re- finement and affable personality, as the chairman of such a meeting. I protested saying that he was not impartial, to which he retorted: "I certainly am im- partial. Don't I know that Huerta mur- dered Madero and that Washington is right?" In these two little accounts we have the true sentiment of the border vox populi, both official and profane. Of course there are exceptions. There are men who while officially affiliatea with the government and sympathizers with the Mexican Murder Syndicate are prone to insist upon justice. The Benton case has awakened the border, not to a sense of horror or re- vulsion, but in the direction of inventive genius in finding some suitable lie that would make Villa's act palatable to the American and English people. Let it be understood that outside of that grand and progressive town of El Paso and probably that equally advanced city, San Diego, Cal., the local sentiment along the international boundary at the horrible murder of Benton applauds and does not condemn. These two great cities, may they al- ways prosper, are wholly dominated by white men and women — people of high moral and intellectual standards, who have come out of the refined East, North and South and established a modern and clean civilization where ingorance and bastardy reigned before. In these cities foregather of the best of Mexico and the United States; exchange views and, in a business way, work together. Therefore, outside of the subsidized papers, one in each city, the views that reach the outside world through individ- ual sources are usually correct and reli- able. I am not now referring to the press stuff that a lot of poor devils have to send out because "it is the Govern- ment's policy," and which, at times, is sent to them either bodily or in brief form from Washington and New York and distributed to the American press. The Benton incident has demonstrated that El Paso wants fair play and desires the execution of Villa. The present Administration is the only human institution on earth that claims omniscience, infallibility and immunity for its sins of omission and commission, unanswerable to God aiid man. Had it been possible to have created itself, un- der the single cell or any other unfathom- able process of birth, it would be the only perfect thing in the Universe. I say these things because the Mexican situation was prejudged by the Admin- istration and since then they have re- fused all advices and educational infor- mation that would give them the facts. These people are the moral progenitors of all the infamy and suffering that to- day cries to Heaven for redress. Not only this, but it is understood here that William Jennings has warned certain consuls in Mexico that if they did not support his policy they would be re- moved. If I fail in respect to those responsi- ble for the present situation it is because they have placed themselves outside of the pale of respect by actions that I have for a long time accepted as the re- sult of ignorance but which I now know to be the result of a preplanned stubborn insincerity. I did not appeal to the forum of the press until after I had laid all of the facts that I have reviewed in these various articles before the Honorable President and Secretary Bryan through official channels, as the record of the De- partments and my correspondence will prove. Yes, not only what I am publish- ing but far more important data that will never come to light through me. As far back as last October I realized that the Administration had no idea of accepting, except as a matter of personal 8 MEXICO Saturday, March 7, 1914 courtesy, any advices that were not based upon villification of the Huerta Govern- ment and glorification of Villa, Carranza and Zapata. This proposition is one that cannot be mooted and this is proved because our Government's most zealous energies are devoted to the suppression of the truth and the fomenting in the public press and mind impressions that this Government knows to be false. Friction between Mr. Moore and the President and his Secretary of State is imderstood to date from a time shortly after he became counsellor. Mr. Moore firmly believed that the Huerta govern- ment in Mexico should be recognized, and when the President and the Secretary of State asked his advice he promptly told them that the United States would be following the proper course if it rec- ognized Huerta. Furthermore, Mr. Moore, it is understood, quoted numer- ous precedents to sustain his view, but the President and Mr. Bryan asserted that the precedents he had cited dealt with monarchies only, and as this was the case of a republic it required different treatment. In these circumstances Mr. Moore's friends say that it is surprising that he stayed in the State Department as long as he did. Holding diverse views from those of President Wilson and Mr. Bry- an, the situation in which Mr. Moore found himself was anything but a pleas- ant one. — New York "Tribune." The Wilson administration's foreign policy has been a dismal and sometimes disastrous failure. In sober truth it has amounted to an abandonment of the policy of protecting and encouraging American business in- terests abroad which has accompanied our magnificent and hitherto increasing international trade balance. How far President Wilson himself is responsible for a governmental attitude hased on the theory that all American citizens engaged in business in foreign ountries, particularly in undeveloped countries, are presumably unscrupulous adventurers who deserve no considera- tion or encouragement, it is impossible to say. The policy sounds like Mr. Bryan, but the power behind it feels like Mr. Wil- son. Every one familiar with the subject, and free to express an honest opinion, agrees that the sudden withdrawal of the United States from its support of the Chinese loan plan has proved to be a profound disaster to American in- fluence and American opportunity in the great markets of the Far East. This hasty reversal of a farseeing policy, to which the nation was solemnly committed by a year of negotiation with six great nations, actually was accom- plished through a newspaper paragraph issued from the White House when the s crctary of state was absent from Washington. STRAIGHT FACTS The Kind of Information the Administration Pays No Attention To. (Interview with Charles Von Brandis, Mining Engineer, a resident of Durango, Mexico, more than twenty years, in New York "Globe.") "The whole trouble started with a per- sonal grudge of the Maderos against Porfirio Diaz. Before the elections of 1909 Madero had been making himself objectionable to the Diazistas, and his action led to such an acute state of affairs that he had to be put in jail in Monterey. After Diaz once more was re-elected President Madero got out of jail. He met the revolutionist Orozco at San Lius Potosi, and there they framed the San Luis Potosi platform. "This was the platform upon which the Maderistas started their revolution. ^ In substance it called for better conditions for the peons." Mrs. von Brandis interrupted her hus- band. "Yes," she said, "and despite the fact that Francisco Madero made all these demands, he had done nothing to im- prove the conditions on his own haci- endas. His peons were as ill-used as any in northern Mexico. And to prove that there was no real demand on the part of these peons for better conditions, it is only necessary to say that at this very time the minimum wage for peons all through the northern Mexico was $3 a day in Mexican money." "That's only $1.50 in American mon- ey," put in Don Carlos (as she calls her husband, Charles), "but it will purchase as much as $3 American money will pur- chase here, so that it's a pretty good wage for wholly unskilled labor — especially as in central and southern Mexico, on the Guggenheim estates, the wages run all the way down to 3 pesos, 1^ pesos, and even 54 of ^ peso a day. The lowest wages are paid in the southern and central parts of the country, yet all revolutions have their genesis in the north. "But the main point about Madero was that he did not put his platform demands into practice on his own estates. Francisco Madero was an illusionist. His brother Gustavo was the brains of the Madero revolution, and he was the villain. He, with his glass eye, is thor- oughly hated by all Mexicans." "All that is needed to prove Francisco Madero's insincerity," said Mrs. yon Brandis, "is to note the very first thing that he did when he go: office. He voted himself and the members of his family $700,000, to reimburse^ them for their expenses in getting him into office. And practically the next thing he did was to give all the best positions for the col- lection of graft to the members of his own family. His brother Gustavo was hob-nobbing with the biggest financiers in New York, telling them that if they would lend him money they could have what concessions they pleased." "It was evident from the first," said Mr. von Brandis, "to every one who knew anything about Mexico, that Ma- dero could not last. When the break- up came all the best people in the coun- try got behind Huerta." "Well, what sort of a man is Huerta, anyway?" the reporter asked the en- gineer. But it was his wife who an- swered, as her eyes sparkled. "He is a well educated Mexican of the better class, who still has the sup- port of all the better elements of the country. I don't believe a word of all that stuff about his holding cabinet meet- ings in the Cafe Colon and being behind the scenes with three chorus women when the American consul was looking for him. It is utter nonsense. And I'll t^ll you why. Undoubtedly he is not all that could be desired in his personal habits but the Mexican people are very conventional, especially in the upper classes. They would assume a virtue if they have it not. Victoriano Huerta is of the upper classes, and he is not the kind who would openly flaunt his vices or indulge them in public for a moment. He couldn't. The only reason he is in office is because the better classes sup- port him, and that support would not continue from the better classes of Mex- ico if he were the sort of man he has been painted. The man who wrote that story did not know much about actual conditions in Mexico or in Mexican society, and was drawing upon his im- agination for details. "Huerta, from top to toe, is a soldier. His whole aspect is that of a field gen- eral and not a council chamber doctrin- aire. .. He is very much on the order of Porfirio Diaz — quick in thought and action, a great disciplinarian." "I am not criticizing Washington, and do not want you so to misunderstand me. I know that the greatest brains of the United States are concentrated at Washington, and have sources of infor- mation that are denied to me. I would not presume to question that they are doing right; but I do not find that any of their actions fit in at all with the impressions that I have gained from a twenty years' intimate knowledge of Mexican conditions. As I see it, it would be the best thing for humanity — the easiest way to restore peace and prosperity to Mexico — for the United States to ally itself with Huerta and the federal forces." While the Wilson government has recognized the brutal dictatorship of Yuan Shi Kai in the pretended Chinese republic, it has refused to recognize the Huerta government in Mexico, accepted by all other important nations, and has plainly encouraged the murderous and looting forces of the rebels, led by no- torious and savage bandits, in a hopeless and shameful chaos of destruction that means the complete devastation of a. rich and neighboring country or Ameri- can armed intervention. The dignity and authority of the United States as the protagonist of the American republics has been openly in- sulted and mocked in Mexico by the grafters of the south and the cutthroats of the north, and our national prestige in Latin America has been seriously damaged. Meantime the Wilson administration has made the United States responsible for Mexican conditions that must go from bad to worse until, apparently, the horrors and losses must end in bloody intervention. . . After the experience of a year it is not at all clear whether Mr. Wilson, who assumed power as a minority President, will yet become a majority President.— New York "Evening Mail." Saturday, March 7, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. CONSUL EDWARDS The Uniu-iJ States CuuMii a; Juarez, Thomas D. Edwards, does not seem to be honored in El Paso across the river by the enterprising newspapers of that town, where he is suspected of admiring General "Pancho" Villa and convincing Mr. Bryan that the (leneral is doing his best and ought to be trusted. Cer- tainly the Secretary of State has shown a most remarkable faith in the good in- tentions of General Villa and given him the benefit of every doubt. Whence do Mr. Bryan's inspiration and information come? In the Los Angeles "Times," which covers the frontier with its cor- respondents, we find an interview with the Hon. Thomas D. Edwards that may answer the question. It will be remem- bered that the American Consul al Juar- ez, at the request of General Villa, made a formal report of the death of William S. Benton without investigating it. In the interview referred to Mr. Edwards is quoted as saying: "I will not say that I am a Villacista, but I do say that he (General Villa") is doing the only thing possible under the circumstances. In my despatches to the Department all this has been explained, and I have been assured that my actions have received the approbation of the De- partment chiefs. "No American newspaper man whose newspaper criticises Villa can enter Mexico without danger of execution, and I cannot do anything to prevent it. I cannot depart from my fixed policy. "Villa cannot be bothered with petty complaints, and it would be imprudent for any one to pry into his affairs. "He is doing the best he can under the circumstances and all of these things have been reported to the Department at Washington, and thus far ha->'e r"pt with full approval." We are reluctant to believe that the American Consul at Juarez talked in this amazing fashion about the Con- stitutionalist General who bestrides Chihuahua like a Colossus, and if Mr. Edwards did nothing of the kind and values his reputation he cannot too soon deny the interview. We are not say- ing that the picture of "Pancho" Villa as an inflammable and dangerous swash- buckler who will not have his affairs pried into is not true to the life, but we assert that a consular officer who affirms, if Mr. Edwards did affirm it, that the arbiter of Benton's fate "is doing his best" and "cannot be bothered with petty complaints" betrays a sym- pathy with Villa's leadership that must be distasteful to thoughtful .'\mericans and misleading to the State Department. — New York "Sun." AVOID INTERVENTION. Ex-Gov. Curtis Guild's warning at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on the unpreparedness of this country to en- gage in war, coupled with his suggestion that such an event was not the most re- mote possibility, voices the opinion of nearly all students of the Mexican situ- ation. In rpite of the Administration's appar- ent disregard of our citizens in Mexico, intervention seems sooner or later inev- itable. Admirable as England's self-re- straint lias l)een she is not likely to wait indefinitely to secure redress for tlic mur- der of William S. Benton. Two weeks have already elapsed. Just what course the United States will take when the utter futility of "watchful waiting" becomes as apparent to its ex- ponents as it has to the rest of the world, remains to be seen. It is likely to lie vi ct armis. We may call it in- ervention. We may consider it a puni- tive expedition. But it will be war. And its cost in human lives and in money may run into high figures. Once entered up- on, national self-respect, to say nothing of our rapidly frazzling Monroe Doc- trine, will compel our going ahead sin- gle-handed. One way out of this calamitous course remains — with honor. There is still a chance to avert war. It is to recognize Huerta and further than that, to strengthen his hand. We should renew the embargo on arms to the bandits. It may be that this step would come too late, that our policy has so weakened Huerta that he can no longer restore order. But he deserves the chance. He has clearly established his claim as the de facto ruler of Mexico. And until we have given him the opportunity, we are not justified in making the sacrific-e that armed intervention would entail. President Wilson would do well to re- member that stout old Bismarck did not he^'tate to admit that he could to advan- tage change his mind. In one of his speeches to the Reichstag he said he would scorn to belong to the number of those who in their whole life main- tained certain definite opinions from which they never varied. The President would thus have the support of ample precedent in reversing his position on Huerta. And he has reversed his posi- tion on other men already — for instance, on Mr. Bryan, and on other issues — for instance, the Panama tolls. — Boston "Herald." CZAR TALKS. While we are engrossed with the snow- storm and the income tax returns, we must not forget that the rest of the world moves right on and there is no pause in the inexorable logic of events. Bandit Carranza has defied poor Piffle Bryan and asserted that he will tolerate no representations from foreign govern- ments unless they are addressed to him directly, not through the medium of the United States. In this shrewd move he has been coached, doubtless, by Japanese or German emissaries, for he has not brains enough to originate it. He aims at one fell swoop to secure official recog- nition and to kick a fatal hole in the Monroe Doctrine. Carranza is the scoun- drel selected by Professor Wilson as the next President of Mexico, and he has been supplied with arms and ammunition by Professor Wilson's connivance. Sir Lionel Garden, the British Minister to Mexico, blocks this game by asking, "Great Britain having recognized Presi- dent Huerta's government as the only constituted authority in Mexico, why should I request Carranza for a report on the killing of Mr. Benton?" Here, as I have pointed out repeatedly, is the crux of the situation — the recognition of President Huerta. All other nations have recognized him, and why should we refuse simply because of the personal prejudice of Professor Wilson? It is the duty of Congress to inform Professor Wilson that he is not a Czar; that his personal prejudices are of no conse- quence in the administration of the United States government, and that our recognition of the only constituted au- thority in Mexico must be announced at once. This information may be conveyed in a polite joint resolution or in a vote of censure. In either form it would be carried by a large majority of Congress- men, because they know that all their constituents are in favor of it and op- posed to a Mexican war. In the name of humanity, patriotism and economy the vote should not be delayed, for while Congress abjectly acquiesces in the Wil- son-Micawber policy we are morally re- sponsible for the rapine and rapes, mur- ders and misery in Mexico, and held pecuniarily responsible by the Powers of Europe. A vote of censure, offered by Senator O'Gorman and seconded by Senator Root, would clear the situation. There is no political partisanship in deal- ing with assassination, blackmail, robbery and outrages upon women and children. Professor Wilson, on Monday, "de- clared to the reporters, in tones whose finality left nothing to the imagination, that the present policy of the United States towards Mexico would be con- tinued, no matter what pressure from within or without is brought to bear to force a change." No real President of the United States ever talked like that. It is Czar talk. What does Congress think about it? — "Town Topics." Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. MEXICO Saturday, March. T, 1914 A TALK WITH CREELMAN "Could Huerta have pacilied Mexico if he had been recognized by the United States? "I think it is very probable, if not ab- solutely certain. The ignorant Indian revolutionarj' bands and their bandit allies and leaders in the north, such as Villa and Carranza, would soon have exhausted their strength. The country in which they were operating is, as a rule, thinly settled, and when the mines have been closed down, the cattle driven off and the towns, villages and plantations thoroughly looted, they would have had no means to carry on serious operations against ihe Govern- ment for any length of time. "The Huerta government simply needed money. The weak, . sentimental and calamitous Madero administration had resulted in the gutting of the over- flowing treasury left by the old Diaz ad- ministration. Huerta's government had control of the bulk of the country, in- cluding its richest and most productive lands, and all the great cities and ports. To put down the northern insurrection and to stamp out brigandage. Huerta needed a great loan of money with which to reorganize and equip an army great enough to restore peace and order. "Bankers of Europe and America were readj' to furnish these funds, but Presi- dent Wilson's refusal to recognize the Huerta government, his announcement that none of its acts would be recog- nized as valid, and his systematized eflo'rts to destroy Mexican public credit in Europe and the United States forced the bankers of the world to refuse to come to the assistance of Huerta's empty treasury. "When Huerta first seized the Presi- dency, he had nine-tenths of all the property owners and business men of the country behind him. It cannot be truthfully said that they admired or loved him, because they knew little about him but that he was a strong and determined man. They saw in him a force of character and the ability to command that promised peace. "Since then the open encouragement given to the murderous and plundering hordes in the north by the United States Government has strengthened them, not enough for victories that would bring peace to Mexico, but for a continuation >f the work of destruction." "If the Constitutionalists or rebels step into power, will Mexico be better off than she is under Huerta? "There is not an intelligent Mexican alive who does not shudder at the thought of what would happen to Mexi- co if the cut-throats and robbers who surround and follow them should get control of the country." control of the country." — Interview with James Creelman in \'ew York ".Ameri- can." All the activity of the Washington au- thorities seems to be directed against the Huerta provisional administration, yet the latter has been guilty of nothing like the atrocities which are of daily occur- rence among the rebels. It vifould be a menace to the lives of all foreigners still residing in Mexico were the followers of General Carranza and General Villa per- riitted o secure'confoi of Mexico City. To allow any such result as that would be little short of a crime. — New Orleans "Picayune." PUBLIC OPINION-Continued IT CONTINUES TO MOUNT It is to be regretted, as has been said, that in the face of all the ad- mirable and the successful record, the spectacle of a Mexican policy of drift and ineptitude of mistaken zeal followed by not less unhappy dallying, has brought to the Wilson Administration the only just criticism it has to face, criticism which continues to mount, to grow more and more severe as the sit- uation passes from internal disorder to international peril. For this single failure tlie responsi- bility will rest primarily upon the Sec- retary of Sta'.e. To that criticisny of the man, his methods, his unutterable cheapness, his greed, his shameless pur- suit of Chautauqua dollars at the cost of the dignity and even the success of Mr. Wilson's administration which has filled the press for well nigh a year — there is little that can be added. No critic of his appointment could have wished to have mournful forecasts so wholly realized as in Mr. Bryan's case they have been, and no well wisher of the Wilson Administration can fail to cherish the hope that Bryan and his yodellers may presently be sent packing. Few Presidents of the United States have gathered more well earned lau- rels in one year than Woodrow Wilson, and the "Evening Sun" joins its congratulations to those which from all sides, all shades of partisans, mark the passine of the first milestone. — New York "Evening Sun." Not to be Jingoed Into War. President Wilson very properly asks whether those congressmen and editors who are clamoring for instant war with Mexico realize the dreadful consequences of their agitation — the cost in blood and sorrow to thousands of American homes. The blare of trumpets, the martial tread of soldiers, the gay unfurling of flags, lose their joyous and inspiring note when merged in the roar of cannon, the shock of thousands of rifles, and the awful toll of death on the battlefield. No man should countenance a single step toward war who does not first contemplate the lives that will be sacri- ficed, the homes that will be desolated, and the almost endless miserj' that will follow. With such a picture in mind, no voice should be raised for war while there is the faintest hope of avoiding it. The serious tone of President Wilson's talk with the newspaper correspondents Monday shows that he is anxious to im- press this phase on warlike congressmen and editors. But the President over- looks the fact that these men are now discussing a situation which he — not they — created, and which to tliem is now in- tolerable for this nation with honor to endure. When President Wilson declared a year ago that Huerta must go he fi.^ed our attitude toward Mexico and our responsibility for its future as inevitably as Dewey's first shot in Manila Bay fixed our attitude and responsibility in the Philippines. We arc now in the midst of the peace- ful though irritating consequences of Mr. Wilson's declaration; we are draw- ing closer to the more dreadful conse- quences — those that come with war. — New York "Evening Mail." There seem to be but two alternatives — immediate intervention or immediate recognition of Huerta, far preferably the latter. The world has always recognized that moral courage is far greater than physical courage. Is President Wilson great enough and strong enough to say to Huerta: "I have opposed you from the beginning, because I thought I was right and that you were wrong. I now realize that I have been wrong and I am going to give you a chance to prove that you are right and can bring peace to Mexico. I am therefore willing to rec- ognize your government with the under- standing that you will bring peace to your country within the next three months. If you fail to accomplish this I shall recommend immediate intervention to Congress. The present conditions can- not continue; they are intolerable." If Woodrow Wilson is a big enough man to do this our people and the nations of the world will acclaim him the greatest man in the world. I can see no alterna- tive. — L. C. T. in New York "Tribune." A MESSAGE TO CARRANZA. Ab£ori.)ed in admiration for the squeak of cat- gut under the magic touch of his own trusty bow, Nero fiddled on. Absorbed in admiration of his own deftness in clanging the diplomatic lyre, Venustiano Car- ranza "fiddles" on. Rome burned itself to destruction while Nero listened contentedly and unconcernedly to his own music. Is not Carranza in danger of seeing his structure called "constitutionalism" swept to destruction while he, all ui, concerned of its im- pending fate, indulges himself in the delights of quibbling over diplomatic niceties? There was a "message to Garcia." There was a "message to Raisuli." There is a "message to Carranza" written in the hearts of the American people and the people of Great Britain. If it has not yet been trans- lated into official language it soon will be. For the benefit of Carranza and whomever else it may concern we give it here. It is: "Benton's body, or Villa— Villa alive— or Villa dead!"— New York "Herald." HUERTA OR INTERVENTION? To the Editor of "The World": In your editorial' "Truth as a Peacemaker" you say: "The President's motives are correct. Only on the part of those * * * who are' always wickedly clamorous for war is there any disposi- tion to force his hand." On Oct. 30 last I sent you very briefly my opinion in regard to the President's Mexican policy, and believe that events since then have proved the correctness of my views. I do not question the honesty of the President's motives, but believe he has made a terrible mistake in not having accorded 'diplomatic recognition to the head of the Government at the capital of Mex- ico, and that in the interests of humanity he should have put aside any repugnance he. felt as to the personal character of the person in power or to the means by which he obtained the power. The President has quite recently recognized diplomatically a small party of men who by armed force seized the Chief Magistrate of Peru and overthrew the legally constituted Government at the cost of life, and such recognition was given without inquiry as to "the will of the people" in regard to the revolt. Are the Presi- dent's actions consistent? I really should not blame Mr. Wilson except for having placed our Stale Department in the hands of such a would- be statesman as Mr. Bryan. Notwithstanding our strong official opposition to Huerta, that has prevented him from obtain- ing funds or augmenting his army, and your repealed assertions lliat he was on his last legs, he seems to have proved that he is the strongest leader in Mexico to-day, and that, had he been granted rccognitiqn in April last, his country Satuiday, March 7, I'JH MEXICO would have been peaceful long since, at least would have been free from the armed bands of such assassins and robbers as Villa, Castillo, Zapata and others. I do not mention Carranza, as he is apparently only a figurehead, with sufficient sense to keep him from coming in contact with Villa. It seems to me plain that those who have advo- cated recognition for Huerta are not clamorous for war, as you intimate, but firmly believe that such a step would have prevented any cause for intervention by having brought peace to Mexico and saved thousands of lives and millions of dol- lars' worth of property. Although our official treatment of Huerta has been such as to per fectly warrant him in ignoring completely any demands or requests made to him, he has in- variably given courteous attention to all repre- sentations from our unofficial Charge d'Affaires and acted promptly on all our complaints. Kindly note this: If we do not recognize Huerta and assist him in bringing his country out of anarchy (though very late for such a step and now attended with much greater difficulties than at an earlier date), intervention must surely take place, for even should we willingly continue our "watchful waiting" and look on quietly at a ter- rible state of affairs, other nations will not agree to hold aloof for a much longer period. — ■ Letter in New York "World." *'juntas" in most of our border towns, and that American citizenship and soil are being used THE CASE OF VERGARA. An attempt is being made to create a sensa- tion out of the alleged hanging by the Federals of an American citizen, Clcmente Vergara. Note well the typical American name, Clemente Ver- gara. It was established in the investigation made by Consul Garrett that Vergara had crossed the river and was on Mexican soil and was not kid- napped from an island in the middle of the river, as first reported. I am pretty thoroughly familiar with the conditions along the border from El Paso to Brownsville, and it is my opinion that if Vorgara was hanged, which has not been proved, he got what was due him. Ail our border towns are made up of about 90 per cent. Mexicans. The greater portion of these Mexicans are either partisans of Carranza or strong sympathizers. In many ways these Mex-Texans are more potential as adversaries than those in the nondescript armies operating in the field. They render to the Constitutionalists every possible assistance, even to fighting on the side, and when hard pressed they slip back to American soil and take refuge in what is very frequently a fictitious American citizenship. Any one at all familiar with the conditions along the border knows that a large number of the officers in the rebel army claim American citizenship and are normally residents of Ameri- can soil; that they visit frequently and freely on this side of the river. It is also well known that the Constitutionalists have headquarters or 1913 WASHINGTON I9I4 SUGAR BUREAU iqic MUNSEY BUILDING inic laiO WASHINGTON. D. C. ' = "> Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legisla- tion. No one will attempt to deny that Vergara was a rebel in sympathy ; that he and others of his kind were doing all that they could for the rebel cause and against the Federals. These are facts capable of easy proof, and being such why should this country interest itself in these traitors, too cowardly to go in the field openly, men that remain on American soil, take refuge in a citizenship which means nothing to them but a haven when in trouble brought about by their own pernicious meddling? It has been my observation that the Federals have, in the face of a thousand abuses and indig- nities, been most tolerant and honorable. Long life to theml They are good soldiers and pa- triots.— G. R. WILSON, in New York "Sun." San Antonio, Tex., Feb. 28. "FIGHTING SUBSIDES." Detroit "Tribune"— "The fighting, which was fast and furious in the northern States of Mex- ico before the embargo was raised, seems to have subsided since that action." "VILLA'S SCALP." Boston "Transcript"- "If the President thinks Carranza capable of setting up and maintaining a constitutional government throughout Mexico, then he should address to him as the constitu- tionalist leader this ultimatum: — 'Benton's body or Villa's scalp.' " "HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES." Providence "Journal"— "The responsibility shouldered by the administration when it branded Huerta as an outlaw and encouraged the activity of Villa was a heavy one." "ONLY ONE COURSE." Chicago "Inter-Ocean" — "There is only one possible course with 'Pancho.' He must be brought to obey with scrupulous exactness the demand for the surrender of the body of the unfortunate Benton." "STAINING MEXICO." Syracuse "Post-Standard" — "Villa and Car- ranza do not appear to be concerned about the staining of Mexico except that they wish to have charge of what staining is done." WOULD RECOGNIZE HUERTA. To the Editor of the "Herald": — * * • I would like to have you explain why the papers are talking about the intention of the authorities sending United States marines to Mexico City. • • • i am unable to see where there is any disturbance in the Mexican capital ; all the trouble appears to be along our Texas border. To me it seems as if our government had made a fatal mistake in not recognizing President Huerta, who was and is the strongest man in Mexico. * * • As it is now, in sending arms and ammunition to Mexico for the use of the rebels we are placed in a position where, when we do undertake to stop the slaughter, our troops will be met by a rain of American bul- lets. It is not too late to recognize General Huerta. —JOHN DONALD in New York "Herald." CARRANZA. CARAMBAI There's a horrible suspicion that some mis- creant has sneaked up on Senor Venustiano Car- ranza and jabbed him with a poison needle. Instead of the mild constitutionalist statesman. with weak eyes and weeping willow whiskers, sor- rowing for his country, he has suddenly become full of "pep" and perversity. He is in the saddle with Villa, to hear him tell it, at his stirrup doing homage. "It is true that Villa, at my order," says Senor Carranza, "recalled the invitation to investigate the body of Benton, and withdrew the permission he had given. He did this because I informed him that he was not to treat with any nation concerning international affairs. Villa and I are in perfect accord. lie obeys my orders, as he should obey them, and without question." There is much more. The Senor calls England "the bully of the world," and his column talk boasts as many cap I's as ever graced a document issuing from Oyster Bay. This attitude further complicates matters. The language doesn't sound like Carranza. Rather suggests that Villa is twins. Have to wait until the effects of the needle wear off. Or maybe General Villa will see him first. — New York "Evening Telegram." CAMPBELLS NEW REVISED COMPLETE GUIDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY, PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAMPBELL 1214 Westminster Bldg., CHICAGO, III. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1 500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Gracias Poit Office, Starr Connty, Texat $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York Gty, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with - number MEXICO Saturday, March 7, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Manigini Editor, Thomu O'Hallormn 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, Sc. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We oflfer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York WHAT IS IT? Who can believe that the Administra- tion's Mexican policy is founded on the principles of right and justice when the President of the United States and his Secretary of State are daily quoted in the press as offering excuses for Villa and Carranza whatever crimes they may be responsible for, and on the other hand inspiring the worst possible con- struction on every official action of the Mexican Provisional President? Do men who resort to such methods of saving their face expect to convince the world that they are sincere and hon- est in maintaining the attitude they do toward the Mexican Government? Do men who talk peace in glowing terms see no war in the disgraceful al- liance they have made with the outlaw VUla? How can anybody have faith when the Administration on the one hand is doing all in its power to encourage the elements in Mexico who are making armed intervention a possible necessity and on the other hand is protesting it is imalterably opposed to armed interven- tion? There is something far worse than inconsistency in this Mexican policy of destruction. What is it? MISGUIDED MEXICANS O Mexicanos, who through desire of power are playing into the hands of cleverer men this side of the border, do not deceive yourselves into the belief that you are patriotic. Do not think for a moment in your conceit that you are using an ingenuous Administration to serve your own ends or, if you will, the- ends of your country as you see them. You are being used! Where is your patriotism, where is your love of country? If you, responsi- ble men of Mexico, at least in the eyes of your neighbors of the North, place yourselves in so unpatriotic a light, what are those neighbors and the world at large going to think of the right of the Mexican people to independent na- tionality? The greatest source of danger to Mexican nationality are those misguided "patriots" and uncompromising partisans who are so blind that they reveal their unworthiness to those wolves who inter- pret it as the unworthiness of a nation and make capital of it. If such Mexicans are to come to the fore — soon there will be no Mexico. OPTIMISTIC While all the world is shaking its head dolefully about Mexico, we wish to strike a note of optimism. We firmly believe that sooner or later the present Government of Mexico will be recognized as such de facto and de jure by the United St&tes. We firmly believe that the inevitable logic of events will make that the most reasonable and necessary action of the Administration. We firmly believe that with United States recognition the present govern- ment of Mexico will speedily put an end to the intolerable conditions that are dis- gracing civilization. We firmly believe that the present Mexican government is alive to the necessity of certain social and economic reforms when peace has been restored, and that Mexico will enter into a hope- ful period of reconstruction. We firmly believe that the mass of the Mexican people are sick and tired of rev- olutions and that there will not be an- other with their approval. We firmly believe that Mexico is in riches of resources one of the most in- trinsically sound countries of the world, and that this inherent wealth will insure a long period of material prosperity. We firmly believe that the relations be- tween the United States and Mexico wUl grow more friendly and mutually advan- tageous with each passing year, as they come to understand each other better. We firmly believe that those particu- lar American interests who have caused the present troubles and misunderstand- ings through greed will be revealed as dangerous to our national peace and their power for evil in Mexico destroyed. IS IT SINCERE? Notwithstanding the fact that there is an almost universal wish to ascribe the best intentions and the purest motives to the Administration in dealing with Mex- ico, those well-informed as to Mexican affairs and conditions have at times been constrained to note a definite insincerity in the words and actions of the Admin- istration, if insincerity is a word strong enough to convey the impression. This note has been most marked on those- occasions when, under pressure of the inevitable consequences of its own acts, the Administration has represented itself as virtuously opposed to armed in- tervention, as if the avoidance of this were the object of its policy and the only alternative to its continuance. In other words, when the Administra- tion is confronted with facts which show that its antagonism to the Mexican Gov- ernment and its support of bandits are creating conditions that foreshadow in- tervention, the Administration, knowing that armed intervention is unpopular, takes the pious stand that it will resist to the last any such action, and talks feel- ingly of sons and brothers and sweet- hearts who would lose their lives from bullets and fever. There is another alternative and the Administration knows it. It is not in a spirit of innocence that the Administra- tion insists that its policy is directed against intervention, when that very pol- icy gives occasion for intervention de- mands and agitation. The obvious insincerity of this shifty maneuver is not calculated to inspire faith in the Administration's singleness of purpose even among those who are most inclined to wish it well. CAN YOU, NOW? The President told "callers" — meaning the Washington correspondents — that nobody can doubt for an instant that the Administration, with all the power of the United States behind it, can accom- plish what it wishes in Mexico. What does it want to accomplish in Mexico? I Its accomplishment so far ■ has been merely destructive. Is this strong, powerful, honorable na- tion seeking to destroy Me.xico? If the Admininstration is seeking to help Mexico it is certainly going about it in the worst way possible. And yet the genial, peace-loving Sec- retary of State says the Administration wants above everj^thing else to avoid war. Can you beat it? CARSON'S MEXICO REVISED AND ENLARGED. Mexico as it was and Mexico as it is is ably pictured in the new edition of W. E. Carson's Mexico: The Wonder- ful of the South, which is published this week. To his previous narrative of his wanderings in Me.xico, to his de- scriptions of the Mexican capital and other old cities, of the great haciendas, of the gold and silver mines, of the quaint health resorts and of his experi- ences in mountain climbing, tarpon fish- ing and ranchinfT, the author now adds chapters dealing with events since the retirement of General Diaz to the pres- ent day and with existing conditions. The volume is handsomely bound and contains forty-eight full-page half-tone ilhistrntions. SUBSCRIBE TO MEXICO MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. II— No. Ki Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly. — Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY, MARC H 14, 1914. FIVE CENTS So much has been taken for granted as to the disinterested, highly idealistic purposes of the Administration in the conception of its Mexican policy that we here take them for granted in their full- est significance. Let us for the purposes of discussion admit: 1. That the Administration leaders were profoundly shocked by the forcible overthrow of the Madero regime in Mexico almost simultaneously with their peaceable inauguration in Washington, the contrast in conditions between the two countries being painfully obvious. 2. That the Administration, unac- quainted with revolution and irrecon- cilably opposed to revolutionary meth- ods, to be honest and consistent with it- self would naturally frown upon revolu- tionary actions and tendencies in a near neighbor. 3. That to men of principles and ideals like the leaders of the Administration the killing of the unfortunate Madero and Suarez was a bloody deed that un- der no circumstances could be condoned. 4. That the representations and the pleas of the Madero family and their agents were effective because they were in harmony with the instinctive personal feeling of the Administration. 5. That, having these feelings, no fact presented to it as to Mexican conditions could excuse the revolting fact that Ma- dero and Suarez were killed. 6. That the Administration was led to believe honestly that the masses of the Mexican people were fighting for free- dom and constitutional government against a despotic military oligarchy. 7. That, enamored of this appealing idea, the facts to the contrary presented or brought forward by others than those who catered to this belief were looked upon with intense suspicion as the pres- sure of the foes of freedom. 8. That the Administration, receptive to the plans advanced by those who cleverly called themselves "constitution- alists," was idealistically impulsive when it interfered in their favor in the do- mestic aflairs of Mexico. 9. That the Administration sincerely believed, as the result of representations made to it ,that there could be no perma- nent peace in Mexico as long as General Huerta was in power. 10. That the Administration took its antagonistic attitude and put into effect its antagonistic program against the Mexican Provisional President because it was convinced that in the long run tlie best interests of the Me-xiran peo- ple and the United States would thus be served. 11. That the Administration closed its eyes and brain to anything and every- thing that might have disillusioned it, not because it did not want the truth, but because it could not conceive of truth that would run counter to its hon- estly predetermined ideas. 12. That the Administration, failing in other methods of eliminating the Presi- dent of Mexico, was left no other alter- native but to encourage those who had convinced it that they were patriotically fighting for "constitutionalism." 13. That the .Administration has been as deeply chragrined as anybody to learn that it has encouraged groups and men who are sadly lacking in the virtues the Administration had read into them. 14. That the Administration had no in- tention of creating and prolonging the condition of anarchy existing in certain parts of Mexico. On the contrary, that its course of action was dictated by an earnest belief that such conditions would speedily be put an end to. 15. That at all times armed in^VvCTl- lion in Mexico has been the last thought m the mind of the Administration, in- volving a war which it has, according to its lights, used every means to avoid. Let us admit all these ideals and in- tentions of the Administration and hope that they are representative. But let us look at the other side of the page: 1. Profoundly shocked by the forcible overthrow of the Madero regime, the Administration has encouraged openly a revolution to overthrow the present Government just as forcibly. Also it has since recognized the revolutionary gov- ernm.ent of Peru. 2. It has frowned upon revolutionary actions and tendencies in those who are persona non grata but not in those who aie ii; favor. 3. It can see no palliation for the kill- ing of two Mexicans who were respon- sible for the woe of Mexico, but it has shown marked favor to bandits and out- laws who have killed thousands — includ- ips iorcigners — and ravished women and girls by the wholesale. 4. The effective representations and pleas of the Madero family and their agents were born of a spirit of revenge and falsehood and nicely calculated to influence the impulsively sympathetic, unfamiliar with what the Maderos had done to Mexico. 5. The crimes of the Madero regime, its corruption and its plundering and ruination of Mexico, its murdering and persecution of individuals, were a thous- and times more revolting than the death of Madero and Suarez, which was and has been a source of profound indif- ference to the Mexican people, which was the act of revengeful individuals and not of the present Mexican Government, (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, March 14, 1914 BALANCE UP --Continued and abhorrence for which at any rate can not justify the enforced suffering of the whole Mexican nation and people. 6. The masses of the Mexican people are not fighting at all, have no desire to fight, want only peace and order. Some thousands of them, whose profit is in an- archy, and to whom the Constitution is not even a name, are opposing the forces of law, under the leadership of bandit chiefs, instigated and hired by unscrup- ulous politicians and moneyed interests, whose agents this side of the border have used the shibboleth of constitu- tionalism and liberty to get the sympa- thy and moral and material support of the people and the Administration. 7. The facts presented to the Adminis- tration to prove this condition, facts which have been ignored completely, have been made known by the former Ambassador to Mexico, the entire for- eign diplomatic corps in Me.xico, virtu- ally all Americans resident in Mexico, all other foreigners in Mexico, all in- telligent Mexicans not allied with the Madero-Carranza faction, and more strongly than all these, by the very char- acter and acts of the so-called revolu- tionists. S. The interference in the affairs of Mexico for the benefit of a faction, the first act of which was the sending of John Lind to the Mexican Executive with his preposterous demands, may have been idealistically impulsive but it was unwarranted in international law and the best possible proof of the Ad- ministration's ignorance or misinforma- tion as to Mexican affairs, which a few months have revealed. 9. If the Administration, as we have admitted for the purposes of discussion, sincerely believed that there could be no permanent peace in Mexico as long as General Huerta remained in power it has actually helped to keep him in power by making it impossible for him to resign without surrendering Mexican natonality and sovereignty and admitting the right of the President of the United States to dictate who shall or who shall not be the President of Mexico. 10. The interests of the Mexican peo- ple have not been served, for their country has been kept in a state of dis- order, their business functions have been terribly affected, their credit has been deliberately injured, their good name trailed in the dust. The interests of the United States have not been served, for it has been put in an isolated position among the nations of the world, its prestige lowered, its Latin-American re- lations prejudiced, its authority humil- iated, the lives and property of- its citi- zens lost. 11. If the Administration thought that there was only one conception of the truth as regards' Mexico the events of more than a year would have revealed to it the other side if it were honestly de- termined to do right and justice to all. 12. The outrageous alliance with band- its like Villa may have seemed to the Administration a necessary move in its purpose of overthrowing the Mexican Government, and the Administration may even at a late date have been plausibly fooled as to the character of the Northern rebels, but there is no ex- cuse for such an alliance now that no- body else in the world believes in the alleged "conslitutionalism" of these who have brought anarchy to the State of Chihuahua. 13. If the Administration is chagrined to learn that its confidence has been misplaced, its idealism flagrantly out- raged, why does it not face the truth in a manly, honorable way and withdraw its support by again placing the embar- go on arms and ammunition to cattle thieves and cutthroats instead of trying to whitewash them and obfuscate the issue? 14. The prolongation of disturbed con- ditions in Mexico has been caused by the Administration's Mexican policy as by no other single factor. It has been a source of inspiration to every bandit chief looking for loot and power, and the lives that have been lost and the property that has been destroyed might with perfect justice be charged up to those of the Administration who say they only want peace in Mexico. 15. The Administration may declare most solemnly that armed inter- vention, which means war with all its horrors, is the one thing that it wants to avoid, but it can not but see that even if it should overthrow the present Government of Mexico and put one in power after its heart's desire, it would be necessary to send an American army into Mexico to sustain it against the revolution that would break out al- most immediately against the "Gringo President." Facts are hard things. Here are two: The Administration has made a fatal blunder by not recognizing the Mexican Government. If it does not yield to the truth it vnW go down to destruction and carry the country with it. Imaginary Letters — No. 1 We still think the conduct of foreign affairs should be in the experienced hands of a permanent staff of tried and true diplomats with no political bias. « * * Not at the mercy of personal whims and prejudices. » * * Again we ask: "After Huerta, what?" * * * And they call it Watchful Waiting. My duar Little Pancho: I am sure you will bear with me when I tell you that you are making it very hard for me to explain to the cynical and un- righteous the beautiful dreams of liberty and fraternal love we have in common, the tie of human aspiration that binds us as brother to brother. Of course, my dear Pancho, when they tell me that you have killed an Englishman, and con- fiscated the property of the cientificos, and are holding young Terrazas for ran- som, that you do this and you do that, I feel like crying out to the world: "You don't understand my Pancho. You have not advanced to a degree of spirituality at which you can see these sporadic out- breaks of materialism as simply the mo- mentary lapses of a noble soul, freighted with noble purposes, sailing against the waves of buffeting facts into the peace- ful harbor of humanitarian achievement. I do not know whether I make myself clear, but you will know that I under- stand. Now the point is this, Pancho. Here- after when in your warm-hearted, im- pulsive way you find that you must do something that may be misunderstood by the grossly material, please tell my friend who will accompany you where- ever you'go, take counsel with him, and he will take counsel with me, and be- tween us it may not be so difficult to translate your actions into such mean- ing and significance as can readily be appreciated by our critic's matter-of- fact minds. Permit me to approach a delicate sub- ject, my dear Pancho. It may be neces- sary at times for the good of our right- eous cause to make the world think that you have been at fault, but that it was through excess of zeal and that you feel the need of a restraining hand to keep you from forcing the millenium out of chaos all in one day. Then we shall say that you yield to the mature wisdom of friend Venustiano and we shall have him seem for a time something more than a doddering old man. It won't hurt you, Pancho dear, for we all know that you are the real militant leader of the new order of civilization, but it is wise at times to yield to the prejudices of an unbelieving Philistinism. I shall be most happy if you will agree with me in my humble suggestions and so help bring nearer the day of joy and gladness. Your good friend and brother THE S.A.ME OLD BILL. BILL. Those who want armed intervention like the Administration's policy because it gives them just the opportunities they need to point out its inevitableness. * * » And the Administration piously sets it- s(If up as a foe to armed intervention. Saturday, Mur^h 14, 1914 MEXICO NAGGING WOMEN. Washington has persistently tried for many months to nag President Huerta into a display of temper or unbalanced action, like a woman trying to goad a man. The following from the New York "Herald's" Washington correspondence is a reflection of this very thing. Note how the wish of a change ot attitude by President Huera is father of the thought. Washington accepts the "Herald's" re- port irom Mex.co City stating thai the Mexican War OiTice ha.s information of Clemente vergaras association with the constitutionalists as evidence of General Huerta's intention to refuse reparation to the United States, if this proves true it will mark a decided change in the a^LUudL' of General Huerta toward such requests from the United States. Up to th.s time General Huerta has been exceed-njjiy ea^er lo make his rec- ord in this respect spotless. He has gone to great lengths to afford protection to Americans whenever Mr. O'Shaughnessy requested this of him. He has sought out ana i,Ul to dea.h those gu.lty of murder of Americans. Indeed, General Huerta's record for the pTotection of foreigners and for quick action in making reparation for such crimes, as d.d occur in federal terri- toy has been in strong contrast to the record of t'..e consntutionalists wiiom President W.lson .s supportmj lO drue General Huerta from office. It .s considered probable that General Huerta has :»t last heeded and accepted as final the repeated declaration of Presi- dent Wilson that he will not recognize him, and, realizing that he has nothing to hope for from Washinglcn, no matter how fine his record ;n t e protection of foreigners is, he has decid d to thwart the United States in its e.f ; ts to obtain reparation for the death of Mr. Vergara. But following Carranza's defiance to the United States in the matter of pro- tection to foreign lives and property we read this in the New York "Sun." Carranza has been persuaded to amend his late defiant attitude toward the United States. In an interview with .American Consul Simpich last night the "Supreme Chief" announced that in the future he would consider complaints of personal in- jury or property damage from all foreign- ers and that every such case would be rigidly investigated. Carranza said that if it were not possible for the aggrieved persons to appear before him or such against as he might designate to make the investigation that he would take the matter up with the diplomatic agents selected by the aggrieved persons. He made it plain that he would make strong endeavor to remedy any wrong that might be substantiated against the rebels in the future. On the one hand, not a stone left un- turned to place Huerta in a false posi- tion. On the other hand not a thing left undone to prop up Carranza. Even to the extent of swallowing his insults and then patting him on the back. How can any decent man stand for these petty methods of saving the Ad- ministration's face. Mexico is smaller than the United States. But England — ah! that's another mat- ter. LEST WE FORGET The inscription on the tomb of a Democratic Administration: HUERTA MUST GO. * * * The Administration has so decided a reputation for revolution-promoting in Mexico that every Mexican "partiot" who thinks he is the man who ought to be President of Mexico goes to Washington and puts in a bid for as- sistance. If it ail were not so tragically bad for the Mexican people and foreign inter- ests in Mexico it woixld be funny, this revolutionary business that the Admin- istration has taken up as a side line. Of course it has the best intentions in the world to discourage revolutions in Latin-American countries. Hasn't that been repeated often enough? * • * But the Latin mind is peculiar in that it looks beyond mere words to the real facts. And argues that if Carranza and Villa could get Administration support, why should it be denied to anybody with a plausible plan? The next thing you know they will be going to Washington with a proposi- tion to divide the spoils with the Ad- ministration. * * * Watchful Waiting! Why is it that those word's suggest the vulture? * • * There is certainly no heart of man in them. ♦ * * But we know that it isn't Watchful Waiting! * « * That phrase deceives only the super- ficial observer. * » • Is the support of the Northern rebels and bandits watchful waiting? ♦ ♦ ♦ The "financial blockade"? The activities of the border consuls • * * like Edwards of Juares and Carothers, attached to the person of Villa? » * » When Villa murders they try to white- wash him. When anything goes wrong in the re- motest section of Mexico under Fed- eral control a "demand" is made upon the Mexican Government. * • « Which, according to the Administra- tion, does not exist. * * * When wUl the farce end? To what limits will the Administration go to "save its face." Oscar Straus suggested that the Ad- ministration appoint a commission of such experienced and unbiased men as Elihu Root, Choate and Henry White to study the Mexican situation at first hand and inform the PreoiJent whether or no? the present Government should in theit judgment be recognized. Of cov-TGc it wou'dn't be necessary fot men of that stamp to go out of th« country to enable them to form an opin- ion. If the Administration would simply call them to Washington for a confer- ence there is little doubt that they would unanimously recommend recognition ot the present Government, perhaps makinf it conditional on certain definite under standings. But some "high ofTicii's" of the A'" ■ ministration are quoted as saying that such a commission would be impossible because it wou'd be an acknowledgmers«. that Watchful Waiting has failed. Well, what are they going to do? * * * Go on forever insisting that they ar Watchfully Waiting while they get deep- er into the mire of intrigue with an un- principled Mexican faction, which is only seeking loot and power? * * * While it is every day courting war. * * * It may imagine it is resisting clamor, but in reality it is creating clamor. * * ♦ Making the people of the coimtry rest- less for a solution. * ♦ ♦ That was the method used by the propagators of the Spanish - American War. * * » Every day come reports of Villa's "confiscations" and holding for ransom, showing him to be a plain bandit if there ever was one. * * * And the Admistration is "rooting" for Villa to take Torreon. All his bandit activities are referred to euphemistically. MEXICO Saijirday, March 14, 1914 THE BIG GAME By Dr. Ledyard Smith The "Watchful Waiting*" of President Wilson has been a minor part of his atti- tude toward Mexico. His activity of pur- pose has been intended to be as deadly to the Xlexican government and as ruin- ous to Mexico as thouTh Huerta had been killed and Mexico invaded by United State troops. This intent, this purpose has been covered with the cloak of soft, euphemistic wards calculated to mislead, while destructive measures of the most pro- nounced type have been used to bring about a condition that, in the nature of things, would throw the blame on other shoulders. Every act of the Administration toward Mexico suggests a plan to destroy that nation, or part of it. The first act was to discredit President Huerta. That, in it- seli, wrs destructi- e. The slandering of Huerta was the slandering of Mexico and it cheated her out of a just support at a most critical moment. The oily words of the Administration, words that bespoke friendship for Mexico, were made doubly hollow and insincere by slandering its head as an excuse for this one act of refusing recognition of the government. With a daily false picture of the real condition, the press has tried hard to create the imoression that President Wilson was watrhins and waitine only, while holding hands off an issue that was purely Mexi- can. Nothing is farther from the truth. The issue is not internally Mexican. It has its local phases there, but the thing itself was born, bred and fostered in the United States, but agitated in a manner that represented it as an internal bandit afTair. The press, in addition, has supported the entirely false idea that the Administration is only an onlooker. Instead, it lias been and is a prime destructive agent in a game that spells war — and occupation. But with well-covered finesse it has man- aged to throw the blame elsewhere and make it appear that a few border senators and governors want to force war — actual, live war. Whereas its own every act has made that coming war almost a real thing. President Wilson followed his non-recog- nition by a boycott on foreign loans — a starvation process, not only coldly, delib- erately planned, but executed vigorously. The Administration has several times pro- tected its game by unfurling the Monroe Doctrine banner whenever just foreign protection to investments and nationals seemed in sight. Taft's embargo on border arms became an open scandal under Wilson, who left the border as free as an open lot, until finally, to protect his name and aid his purpose more fully, the embargo was lifted. With the fall of Madero, Huerta was forced into the Bie Game. Here was an unlooked-for tactor to the American Big inieresLS. The first play was : "Huerta must „u. ■ iuen lolloweci the series of acts ...li. -..v,., ao p.aimy Li.e l.e that the Ad- HiiniouiaL.on is just "watching and wait- ing." it is not, nor has it been. It is act- ing ana has been, with constant destruc- tive vigor, .-^nd its every act is according to plan. Its insults have been — were MeXiCo on a war basis such as Germany or Lngland — intolerable. They have been most Oamnabie pieces of etfrontery from a nation that calls itself Big. 'ihese blots on the nation's honor have been followed by the cleared decks of a war neet in Mexico's two Gulf ports, an act ot over-povvenng buUyism, as senseless as uncalled lor, s.nce ail subsequent fail- ures to act and protect Americans m Mexi- co have proven the miss. on of warships Uiere lo be lor some other purpose than a protection to our citizens. The act of wuhdrawmg our Ambassa- dor was done Witn no otner reason than that our Ambassador was sane, honest and truthful. Another act, inhuman in pur- pose, warlike in its appl.cation, was to openly afford the border bandits the oppor- lUnity to procure arms that they might iuo., rob and ransom, that they might get casn wuh which to return to the border and expend fortunes in United States arms and aminuuitiuon. The purposely forgotten mu.ders and outrages on many Americans in Mexico, w.th Bryan sup- pressing all such news, toilowed by the great importance given to the murder of Benton, with the Wilson-Bryan partner- ship of dealing with Benton's murdere; s, asking Villa to investigate himself, the same as' when Becker was sent out to in- vestigate himself, all these acts and many more show that the Administration is ac- tive, terribly so. And all for what pur- pose? That Mexigo shall be disrupted — seemingly by herself — but, in truth, by the United States. But disrupted, broken, un- governed and in a position for Wilson to do the Napoleon-Maximilian act. It's a Wall Street game to break a market and then buy it in. This is a national Wall Street game — to break Mexico, and then take it. A few hotheads want to rush a war and take a country that can't be readily taken. The cool Wilson prefers to insult, starve, cut off loans, provide arms for internal disruption, and in other ways bring about a condition that will seemingly, just seem- ingly, appear clean. But it will be war and war he will get and when it comes he will try to place the blame on others, over- looking the sliamcful fact that all his acts liavc very largely brought about this condi- tion. .Any enumeration of tlie .Administration's Mexican efforts will serve to show at a glance the extreme contrast between its smooth words, assumed idealism and its acts. It has failed to show by act one sample of ideal. sm. It has failed by any act to show a moral spirit or lesson. By its non-recognition of Huerta it showed antagonism, hatred and revengeful force. By recall. Ui .Ambassador Wilson, it showed emnily and a stand against fairness and truth. The overwhelming and threatening war- ships .n Mexi-an waters represent the cow- ardly act oi a buliy o>er a nation without means of protection. The Administration's rush order to- Americans to leave Mexico was an outrage in itself to those who lost by doing so ; and an outrage in its spirit of fomenting hatred for Americans in the less intelli- gent Mexicans. By treating through the Secretary of State with the vilest wretch in Mexico, Wilson has lent his aid, his spirit of ac- quiescence and support to Villa in his mur- ders, lootings, outrages and other crimes. Months after records of Villa's crimes have been exposed to the Administration, it expresses confidence in Villa and hopes he will become a patriot of noble ideals. And when the Administration is voicing these silly expressions, it is affording Villa open, free means to acquire arms and am- munition with which to spread murder, not always singly, but by wholesale : not to hold up a man in the dark, but to rob a bank by daylight and hold sons and families for fabulous ransoms. Knowing this, dees the Administration care? Rather is it not a partner to it? The Administration recognizes Villa as a "General." It falsely, without evidence or truth, brands Huerta an assassin. Where is the Moralist? Where is the Idealist? Not in the Administration. Its every act toward Mexico has been immoral. Each act has created disorder. Each act has bred and spread the growth and feel- ing of hatred, vengeancce and retribution for bullying injustice. Each act has been the incentive and support of new crimes — and crime breeds crime. It was a wrong of extreme international importance, involving a billion dollars and the lives of many thousands of humans not to recognize Huerta. Its persistance is breeding the great wrong of a big nation stealing an unr protected one ; one that has had no ag- gressive part, nor yet, sadly, the means of protection. And whether the end comes about by actual force of arms or by the other route of questionable diplomacy, the route, which means war, will be strewn with blood, a bloody road that leads to the .Administration's door. There is now not the slightest effort to hide the fact that the Administration is backing Carranza and Villa. To get Huerta! Saturday, March 14, 1914 MEXICO AND THERE YOU ARE! It has never been said of the United States before that it would hire gunmen to do its fighting. » ♦ • Whenever the protest against Mexican conditions becomes too loud for the Ad- ministration's ear it sends another regi- ment to the border or a battleship to Vera Cruz. * * * Which accomplishes nothing and only adds to the general dissatisfaction, is menacing to the only power in Mexico that can restore order, and deceives no one. * ^ » The world is waiting watchfully to learn what the Administration has to propose after Huerta. * * * Presumably CarranzEU * * * But what guarantee has it that Villa would in the flush of victory be subser- vent? * * * Or that another revolution -would not be started to oust the Yankee - made President? * * » It is Huerta or anarchy. * * * Huerta or intervention. * * * Everybody in Mexico knows that. * ♦ * But the Administration deals with dynamic situations and dynamic person- alities as if they were problems of the class-room or unruly pupils. * * * The European nations know that the Administration is advocating the repeal of the Panama Canal tolls exemption for American coastwise ships as a matter of expediency. * * * Not of spontaneous friendship. * * « The Administration wOl win not their hearts but their indulgence. * ♦ * For the Mexican folly. * * * If they would only get a real man, a red-blooded man, a man of affairs and of mature judgment as Secretary of State, the atmosphere would clear at once. Nobody denies that this country stands in a humiliating position before other nations. <» * * The Mexican "policy" has done most of the damage. * * * But it seems that is to be persisted in through a long succession of other humiliations. LIFE AND THRILLS By Philip H. Patchin, in New York "Tribune." In a setting strikingly beautiful General Victoriano Huerta, President of Mexico, looking strong and forbidding in his regi- mentals, reviewed some three thousand or more Mexican soldiers of various kinds and decorated the regimental flag of the 29th Infantry with a bandelero of ribbon, which he kissed as he fastened it to the standard, and presented medals to sev- eral officers who have proved their loyal- ty and efficiency. It was picturesque to a degree and ex- ceedingly impressive. There were soldiers of many kinds, some in the most brilliant of uniforms. There were lancers and hus- sars, infantrymen and artillerymen, ordi- nary cavalry, and, best and most pictu- resque of all, a regiment of the far- famed rurales, garbed, some of them, in jackets of flaming yellow, with bright col- ored sombreros, riding prancing ponies with tremendous grace. They rode well and in perfect organization, presenting a splendid picture, which the populace ap- plauded enthusiastically. The ceremony was held at what is known as the Conseda Hippodrome, which is the racecourse of the Jockey Club of Mexi- co, a fashionable and exclusive organiza- tion. The course is on the outskirts of the town, not far from the new bull ring, which, on this day of fiesta, was topped with many fluttering flags, as was the grandstand at the racecourse. The hip- podrome is wonderfully beautiful, sur- rounded by a fringe of beautiful green trees, whose delicate color was accentuat- ed as they stood out against the back- ground of the dark and distant mountains. Off to one side were the beautiful moun- tains of Popocatepecl and ExtaccilinatI, known as the "Sleeping Lady," both cov- ered with perpetual snow. It was a wonderful morning as well — a cool May morning in the middle of Feb- ruary, and in this high altitude even the sunshine took on a new character un- known to more northerly climes. Even without the brilliant uniforms of officers and men the Conseda Hippodrome would be attractive, but adding to its ordinary features a perfect riot of blended colors of the military uniforms, the gleam of bayonets, sabres and lances and the boom of heavy guns firing salutes, the playing of the national anthem by splendidly trained military bands, and the scene be- came most impressively beautiful. In the grandstand there was another impressive sight, for there, seated in or- derly rows, to which they had marched two by two, were several hundred wom- en clad entirely in white, save for a red or lavender cross on the arm. They be- longed to the Red Cross and the Laven- der Cross. Once there was only the Red Cross, but there appears to have been some difficulty in the organization, and now there is a Lavender Cross, as well as a White Cross. From the outside it must be said that Huerta's troops looked mighty good. They were clean of uniform, their clothes fitted well, their equipment was shining and uni- form, their organization and marching were good. A remarkable thing about Huerta's troops as one looks at one or- ganization after another is the traces one can discern of the influence of armies of other nations. One sees an officer of the cavalry with a uniform that is distinctly German, even unto color. In the infantry the cap is typically French and the car- rying of the rifles is also from France. But most remarkable of all is the ap- pearance of the infantry, particularly the honored 29th. Were one to take off their uniforms of blue, throw away the high French cap and substitute one of lower crown, clad them in the khaki of Nippon, and they could be mistaken for Japanese soldiers. They are small of stature and have the Indian brown complexion which is much like the color of the Japanese. And many of them have even the same cast of features which is so typically Japanese, high cheek bones and slanting eyes. There is a tradition here, which some people believe and others laugh at, that the Indians are really from Asia. The troops arrived at the hippodrome at an early hour and arranged themselves in an extensive formation, awaiting the arrival of their chief. Every precaution \vas taken for the protection of Huerta. Probably this excess of zeal was on the part of officers, for Hierta himself seems to entertain no fear. The city is full of Maderistas, whose chief died a sudden death after he was deposed just a year ago today, but Huerta shows no worry about them. This ceremony was a cele- bration of the accession of Huerta. Huerta's coming was impressive and the mihtariness of the occasion might have characterized, on a small scale, the ar- rival of some war lord of Europe at a great camp. A dashing courier came in advance. An order was given and a bugle sounded. That bugle call was a thrilling thing, wierd and plantive, starting off on a low note and ascending in a curved tone, starting a supercilious chuckle over the bugler having struck a discord. But not so, as the remainder of the mysterious call showed, and as the calls of other bugles speedily demonstrated. Of all things the day produced, one thing was clearly brought out, that the Mexicans are musi- cians. Then came a string of carriages, mag- nificent in themselves and magnificently drawn by splendid horses, richly har- (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Ctalurday, March 14, 1914 LIFE AND THRILLS-Continued nessed. There were perhaps a dozen of them, filled with officials of the govern- ment, cabinet officers in conventional frock coats, generals and colonels and ma- jors in uniforms of blue and gold and tred, admirals with cocked hats. Finally •came Huerta, accompanied by the famous BlanqueL Here was Huerta. A figure of inter- national importance, a personality whose fame will long endure. The man who has defied the President of the United States, who is accused of a foul political murder, whom the government of the United States considers a pariah among Jieads of nations. His carriage was closely surrounded, fore and aft and on each side, by members of the Chapultepec Guard, magnificent looking fellows in their bril- iiant greenish uniforms, steel helmets sur- mounted by a waving white plume, riding well groomed and powerful horses splen- didly. The troops presented arms and the "bands played the national anthem. The military men stood at attention ; the civil- ians, every one, doffed their hats. Other bands took up the anthem and could be faintly heard from their stations in the Iroad field on the other side of the stand. ■The national air is as weird as the bugle •calls, but beautiful, and made all the more -effective by the pimctuation of a steady ■stream of drum-beats. And from 'way off in the midde of the racecource, the sound •dulled by the intervening grandstand, came the boom and thump of a battery of field artillery firing the Presidential salute. Hu- erta had removed his hat and stood at attention until the air was finished. A glimpse of Huerta brought new ideas concerning the man. One's impression from pictures was that he was a man of large stature. He is not. He is rather :small — five feet eight at a guess — and his shoulders are broad, but a bit stooped. He las not a great physique, but there is in 3iim an attitude of wiry strength such as Indians, of whom he is one, have. Even were his stature far less than it is, a glance at his face would dispel any thought that here was a weak man. It is .a strong face, almost too strong, if that .could be, and a rather hard face. It has a long, powerful jaw, which •would indicate plenty of obstinacy and tenacity of purpose, even if there were no other evidences of those qualities be- fore the world. Huerta is bronzed, not the deep bronze of the ordinary Indian, but more like the color of a darkly com- plexioned man well tanned by the sun. His is an inscrutable countenance, and one might call it sinister, but the glasses, which he always wears, somehow ' take away some of the hardness that may be there and add a reassuring aspect. Blanquet's, too, is a strong face, not so Mexican as many otficrs there, and hand- some after another than the Mexican style -of manly perfection. The 29th infantry, which was honored, was Blanquet's own regiment, and it was when Blanquet went over to the opposition that Madero's fall was made certain. So it was something of a day for Blanquet, too. Huerta and his following passed through to a stand which had been erected and which was decorated with the national col- ors and flowers. The bands continued to play, the guns boomed, the soldiers pre- sented arms and saluted their chief. Once in the stand Huerta bared his head and after a moment started to speak. His hair proved closely cropped and was gray in color. Were Huerta to permit his hair to grow long it would be seen that a consid- erable portion of his head is bald. Huerta addressed the vast number of troops before him: "Soldiers of the 29th Regiment: In the name of the republic and in recognition of the heroic conduct which you have ob- served the government is about to deco- rate the symbol of our love of country, of our dignity and all that we hold dear — • your flag, which waves above you. In the name of the republic I grant you this reward, which you will surely uphold worthily and respect as it deserves." Huerta paused for a moment and his eyes swept the ranks before rum. Then he suddenly cried: "Soldados, attencion!" The ranks stiffened, the color guard, which stood before him with the flag of the 29th, was rigid. Huerta commanded his soldiers to carry arms and then pre- sent arms. While they were in that po- sition he took the red streamer, which he touched to his lips, and attached it to the flag of the regiment. There was the call of a bugle. The national anthem again broke forth in all its glory, save that it was robbed of its beauty by the fact that so many bands were playing it at once. Once the business of decorating the flag was out of the way General Huerta ac- scended from the stand and took his place on the ground beside a table laden with small plush boxes containing medals and decorations for officers of the service who had in one way or another distinguished themselves in the service of Huerta. One after another, headed by Blanquet, to whom was given the decoration of the first class of constancy, officers with drawn sword presented and with hat re- moved stepped forward, and Huerta with his own hands pinned on the decorations. He had a word for each and an embrace for some. Generals, admirals, colonels, captains and lieutenants got their rewards. Some were evidently popular favorites. One young fellow on crutches was enthusias- tically applauded as he swung away. An- other who was cheered was a small, old man, evidently of little rank, but who was known and popular. He was once with President Diaz and a trusted suliordinate of Mexico's former President. From the point where he did the decorating Huerta went into the grandstand, there to review the troops. He and his Cabinet sat in the section reserved for dignitaries and diplomats. The parade was not long in starting, and when all is said and done it must be admitted that the ceremony was ac- complished with a great deal of military skill. The ranks were orderly, the equip- ment clean and the organization smooth and even. One or twice the line was compelled to halt momentarily. Even this disconcerting thing failed to break the formation, and the "march past" was cred- iable. It showed a lot of training. CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT! (By Telegraph to the New York "Tribune.") Chihuahua, Mexico, March 8. — Having failed to restore industrial activity in Chihuahua and finding his effort to oper- ate the big Chihuahua brewery, which he had seized, without satisfactory re- sults. General Pancho Villa, on the eve of his departure for the Torreon cam- paign, says that he will make all of Northern Mexico sober. General Villa let it be known today that, following the capture of Torreon, which would give the rebels control of • all of Me.xico north of and including the State of Coahuila, he would issue an order prohibiting the manufacture and sale of liquors. Villa says drunk- enness is the curse of Mexicans. He is accused of arriving at this conclusioa after he had found that Mexicans would not buy the beer his brewery made, pre- ferring instead the tequila, mescal and sotol. which they could more easily get. Efforts made by Villa more than a month ago to induce foreign and na- tive mine owners to reopen their prop- erties have proved failures. A few of the smaller properties were reopened, but most of these have since closed- down, there being no regular railway service and practically no labor that can be depended upon. No banks are operating in Chihuahua except the one Villa seized while money was still in the vaults — the Falomir Bank, in Chihuahua City. Federal cannor secured by rebels as tro- phies of war in the Ojinaca battle will not be u.sed in the battle at Torreon. General Villa has been unable to secure any shells for the big guns, and his efforts to make projectiles have proved fail- ures. Laree quantities of 70 millimetre shells havp been made here by Villa's order, pnd qunntities have been sent forward to Torreon, but when a test of the home- made shells was made today it was found that thev would not explode, and the nntnut of the local ammunition plant, *hp fruit nf more than a month's hard labor, has been ordered thrown away. SO THERE ARE! The State Department has advised Governor Colquitt how to proceed with Mexico under the treaty. From our viewpoint the affair is most embarrass- ing to the Administration, because it gives Huerta an opportunity to declare that there are lawless bands in the United States as well as in Mexico. — Statement of State Department official in New York "American." Saturday, March 14, 1914 MEXICO LOOT! LOOT! LOOT! By James Creelman, in N ew York "Evening Mail. * * * Even as long ago as Decem- ber 2, Mr. Wilson publicly confessed, when matters were better than now, that the Mexican situation "made it doubtful whether even the most elementary and fundamental rights either of her (Mexi- co's) own people or of the citizens of other countries resident within her ter- ritory can long be successfully safe- guarded. The lawless and scattered Indian forces led by Villa — for Carranza is a mere figurehead — control a great coun- try, measured in square miles, but it is largely desert or undeveloped land and is sparsely populated. These regions have been thoroughly looted by the rebels. Not only have the mines been plundered of their bul- rion, and residences, stores and banks sacked, but rich men who hid their mon- ey have been forced to pay blackmail ■under threats of immediate death. The rebel territory has been swept clear of its wealth. There are limits to an income pro- ■duced by murder and robbery. With the mines largely closed, the millions of cattle driven off, orchards wantonly destroyed, manufacturing brought to a standstill and crops seized, but not replanted, the rebels have few productive sources of wealth to draw from. Printing Fiat Money. The rebels are printing fiat money and are minting some coin with stolen bul- lion, but it is obvious that a paper cur- rency which has no security other than the words "provisional government of General Francisco Villa" — notice the sig- nificant omission of the weak Carranza's name — and a coinage that depends on the looting of mines, cannot furnish sup- port for a costly and prolonged military campaign. On the other hand, Huerta's territory contains about 13,000,000 inhabitants, four-fifths of the whole population of Me.xico. The Federal Government has in its jurisdiction rich cities like Mexico City, Puebla. Guadalajara. Vera Cruz and San Luis Potosi, to say nothing of scores of important cities and towns and the great sea trade of the Atlantic coast. Its income in the month of January, for instance, amounted to an aggregate of 9,000,000 pesos. While the rebel regions are wrecked and ruined, industry, agriculture and trade goes on, much reduced, in the pop- ulous country governed by Huerta; for the dictator, * * * has protected life, property and business, and, except in the zone of actual war, has raised his revenues by taxation and loans obtained in legal form. Huerta Has Great Resources. The truth is that while the hostility of the United States has broken down Huerta's efforts to secure funds in Europe, he has not done much more than scratch the surface of the vast do- mestic wealth in his control. Nor do the present revenues of the Huerta government represent his normal financial resources. For instance, although the import duties were doubled, importers were al- lowed to pay the excess in special gov- ernment certificates, and these, in the eagerness of the treasury officials to get money quickly, were at first hawked about at fifty cents on the dollar. The tax on alcohol was increased from fifteen cents to twenty-five cents. Taking advantage of the government's need for cash in advance, the great al- cohol interests bought $1,000,000 of tax stamps, with the privilege of dating them back to a time before the alcohol tax was raised, so that 40 per cent, of the new revenue was sacrificed, at the beginning. It is recognized by all that the 1 per cent, tax on mortgages which has yield- ed such a vast sum, could easily be raised to 5 per cent., and that the re- sulting revenue would, in addition to the existing income, support the government for at least six months. Huerta has also in reserve the power to issue hundreds of millions of fiat cur- rency. Have 1,000 Miles to Go. To reach Mexico City the compara- tively small and bankrupt rebel forces must advance more than 1,000 miles from Chihuahua, their stronghold in the west, and nearly 800 miles from their garri- son at Victoria, in the east. As the rebels and their bandit lead- ers and allies move southward they must become weaker because of the longer lines of communication with their base which they must protect. Meanwhile Huerta must become stronger as he draws his forces toward a common center. Should Villa take Torreon, which is 294 miles from Chihuahua, he would have to go 267 miles further to reach Zacatecas, and if he captured that place he would still be 439 miles from Mexico City. The scanty rebel forces in the east must go 422 miles from Victoria to reach San Luis Potosi, and it is 326 miles further to Mexico City. The revolt of Castillo against Villa and Carranza indicates the almost cer- tain prospect of a counter-revolution in the north should the rebels, in a south- ward movement, withdraw any consid- erable force from the country they have robbed and terrorized. Counter-Rebellion Certain. There are multitudes of men whose homes have been desolated, whose rela- tives and friends have been murdered, and whose wives, daughters and sisters have been dishonored, ready to rise in arms at the first opportunity. With the United States Government in open sympathy with the rebels it is clearly impossible for Huerta to estab- lish his authority in the distant and, to some extent, almost impassable desert and mountain territory in their hands. Nor have the rebels any prospect of ultimately overcoming the federal forces, whose lines of communication will grow less and whose resources will increase if they retreat toward the capi- tal. The slightest consideration of the ac- tual facts makes it plain that the rebels will continue to ravage the north and that the federals will continue to hold the south. It is probable that if President Wilson persists in his policy of "watchful wait- ing" the Mexican carnage will go on for years. THE FINANCIAL SITUATION. While it is true that Huerta is embar- rassed to the extent that he now needs ready cash to take care of his army's needs — especially to buy munitions, which are obtained abroad, where the manufac- turers insist on cash payments — his fin- ancial collapse is distant. A careful in- vestigation shows that, with proper man- agement, within the scope of the ability of Mexican financiers, Huerta can obtain all the money he needs without resort- ing to extraordinary taxation. If the or- dinary legitimate measures of taxation fail, Huerta can resort to the issuance of flat currency and then enforce unreasonable war taxes to obtain great sums sufficient to carry on the campaign indefinitely. Naturally, if Huerta were to oppress the people too heavily he would speedily be- come so unpopular that this would lead to his ultimate downfall, and at the same time bring ruin on the country. Neverthe- less, under any circumstances dealing with the financial question and not considering the possibility of assassination or a great rebel victory or any other unexpected event, Huerta is certain to hold on for a long time. It is the consensus of opinion among the best observers of the situation — expert financiers, diplomats and mer- chants — that Huerta has not yet struck the bottom of all his resources. The Minister of Finance, Senor de La Lama, is working on new plans' to take care of the future. The establishment of a Federal bank was recently proposed, with the view of issuing $400,000,000 in paper money, but this is temporarily in abeyance, De La Lama considering the question whether it might not be wiser to turn to other measures to raise money. (Continued on next page.) 8 MEXICO Saturday, March 14, 1914 THE FINANCIAL SITUATION— Continued. He is thinking of readjusting the pro- visions of tlie real estate tax, which is based on income. It is proposed to regu- late the tax according to the actual value of the property. With proper readjust- ment, such a tax would increase the reve- enue fully $15,000,000. Another source of legitimate taxation which would not be oppressive lies in an income tax at reasonable rates, and this would produce another $15,000,000. Most of the reports touching on the condition of the Huerta finances are true. His treasury is nearly empty and the gov- ernment is struggling to maKe both ends meet. However, this condition improves day by day because of the fact that it is not necescsary to lay out as much money as the situation required in the begin- ning. The government's chief sources of rev- enue are the customs, which bring in $27,- 000,000; the internal stamp taxes, which produce $11,000,000, and the federal taxes on the mining of gold and silver, and on tobacco, alcohol, cotton, petroleum, etc., which bring in $23,500,000. While this schedule seems to make the situation appear rosy, Mexico's financial state is really serious, but not so serious as to point to Huerta's downfall. At least, this is the opinion of persons who thor- oughly understand the situation. It is gen- erally believed here that Huerta will sure- ly last the year out, unless some new and strong move is taken against him by forces outside of Mexico. — Special correspondence of Philip H. Patchen in New York "Tribune." WILL HISTORY REPEAT? A SUGGESTION. Commending the suggestion of Oscar S. Straus that a commission of prominent Americans should be appointed by Pres- ident Wilson to investigate conditions in Mexico and to report which side should be recognized by this government, Al- fonso L. Jimenez, Vice Consul of Mexi- co in New York, yesterday expressed the opinion that much good could be ac- complished by such a commission. "I am convinced Mexico would wel- come such a commission," said Mr. Jimenez. "This would be especially the case were the commission to be headed by a man like Senator Elihu Root, who is much admired in Mexico and whose fame has reached to every section of Latin America. If Mr. Straus and Mr. Moore, who recently resigned from the State Department, could be induced to serve on this commission there would be absolutely no question that its judg- ment would have great weight in' Mexi- co and do much to settle the troubles there. "There is a disposition on the part of the jingo element in this country to force intervention, but such a course is not and will not be necessary for some time to come. President Huerta is •handling the situation as well as it is Mexico City, Feb. 25. — How fleeting was the hold of Francisco I. Madero on the people of Mexico was demonstrated last week, when the installation in the Presi- dency of General Huerta was celebrated. There was a brilliant review of troops and fifteen Maderista deputies were released from the prison in which they had been since Huerta's dissolution of Congress. The Spanish have a pitiful saying: "Que solos estan los rauertos !" (How lonely are the dead!) There were few to re- member Madero, who had been dead for a year. A few women went out to the cemetery and laid flowers on his grave. That was all. Notwithstanding the allegations of the Carranzas and the Villas that they took up arms to avenge the murder of Madero and vindicate the Constitution, the truth is that Madero is little missed by his country, which considers him much bet- ter dead. The puppet of the clever members of his family, he undertook to regenerate the country, only to bring up- on it greater ills, not the least of which was the shameless grafting of his rela- tives, with whom he surrounded himself in places of high power. Long before he was removed he had shown himself utterly incompetent to in- augurate any of the reforms he had prom- ised, as he was helpless to hold m check those who had made him a ruler that they might gratify the'r own cupidity. After but a year Francisco Madero is remem- bered, if he is remembered at all, only as a foolish visionary, who brought upon his country endless woe. For a year Huerta has maintained him- self in the Presidency in defiance of Pres- ident Vv'ilson's mandate and at the end of that year, during whirh President Wilson has sought to discredit and weaken him, he finds himself stronger than ever, more favorably regarded by the nafions of Eu- possible for any man to do in the cir- cumstances and had he been recognized by the government in Washington the revolution would have been ended long ago and such men as Villa would not have gained the ascendency they have achieved. That Secretary Bryan should have paid any attention to Villa is re- grettable, and it is certain that this course can in no manner bring about peace to Me.xico." Mr. Jimenez said that any commission of representative American citizens sent to Mexico by this government would be assured of the best possible treatment and that no efTort would be spared to present facts regarding condi- tions which would be available in no other way. He urged that a non-parti- san commission be appointed and that it be afforded every facility to get at all the facts. When these were made known, he said, there was little doubt that the commission would report that the better clement of the Mexican peo- ple was with the administration and that the revolution was not backed by the people themselves, but by hordes of irresponsible men wlio were affiliated with the revolutionary cause, not from prin- ciple, but because of what they might be able to make out of it. rope, with a larger, better equipped and better disciplined army, and by compari- son with an atrocious Villa and Zapata and the futile Carranza he has gained greatly in the esteem of his own country- men. In spite of the financial embargo, which has been the least ineffectual part of Presi- dent Wilson's policy of non-recognition, Huerta has been able to obtain funds with which to run his Government and increase his army, and although there may be no immediate prospect of his putting down the revolt there is still less prospect of the rebels triumphing. With the measure of Washington's approval, whatever meas- ure that may be, now enjoyed by the revo- lutionists they can prolong their barbarous warfare indefinitely, which they might not have done had it not been made easier for them to obtain arms and ammunition. It is for these reasons that Americans here, and Mexicans, too, are eager to snatch hope from Villa's stupid murder of Ben- ton, hope that it will force auandonment of the waiting and watching policy. For twelve months the United States has refused recognition to Huerta. For fourteen months it withheld its recogni- tion from Porfirio Diaz, and many are ask- ing if history is about to repeat itself. Huerta may not be as good a man or as able a man as Porfirio Diaz, but he ap- pears to be quite as good and quite as able as any who have presented them- selves in the arena here since the over- throw of the old dictator. He betrays none of the fatuity of Madero, the va- cillation of Felix Diaz, the futility of Car- ranza or the barbarity of Villa. Nothing in a long time has so strength- ened the position of Huerta as Villa's murder of Benton. Foreigners are con- trasting the perfect safety enjoyed by them under the orderly Huerta Govern- ment with the jeopardy in which their brethren live under the lawless rule of Villa's Constitutionalists. Naturally, the newspapers controlled by the Government make the most of the matter, dilating upon the care with which Huerta has protected foreigners in his anxiety alike to avoid international com- plications and to have his Government appear before the world as civilized and law abiding. They rehearse the many in- stances of Villa's barbarity. Some of the papers go to the extreme of declaring President Wilson responsible for the mur- der of Benton. Most striking of all, however, of the consequences of the rebel leader's latest crime is the unanimity with which Ameri- cans here welcome the killing of a Brit- ish subject for the promise it holds out of an enforced abandonment of the wait- ing policy. Everywhere they are heard to express themselves with grim satisfac- tion that at last something has occurred to arouse the ire of a nation that pro- tects its subjects wherever they are over all the surface of the globe. All bitterly assert that Washington will be more stirred by the killing of one Englishman than by the massacre of a hundred Americans. With the intimate knowledge due to long residence in Mexico they say Presi- dent Wilson is mistaken in his treatment of the situation, and they arc unable com- placently to see the businesses which they liavc built up by years of endeavor going to ruin and the fortunes won by their en- terprise slipping from them. — New York "Sun" Special Correspondence. Saturday, March 14, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. To a Man Who Has the Courage to Say "I Was Mistaken." If our President, who has proved him- self in some ways in this first year of his incumbency a very great President, could persuade himseif that the whole world is not in the wiong — that he is like the Irishman who informed his drill sergeant who told him that he was out of step, not at all, that he was in step and that all the rest of the co.Tipany were out of step — if he could be made to believe that he and his friends may possibly be wrong, since the whole world of Europe and America thinks concerning the advisability of Huerta's recognition exactly the reverse of his thinking, if he would come out frankly and answer that upon misinformation furnished him at the outset concerning General Huerta's resources and person- ality he declined to recognize him, but that now he perceives his mistake and will recognize him, then the President at one bound would become the most popular man in the United States, war would be averted and the v/ho!e prob- lem solved. It is the belief of those who have studied the situation and are on the ground that Huerta, if as well backed by this country as the so-called Con- stitutionalists have been, would make good in short order and restore peace and prosperity to distracted Mexico. — Junius in New York "Sun" of March 9. I sliall not as.';umc that the original "Junius" has come back, but this letter is so trenchantly true that I am wonder- ing if we may not look for a new series of "Junius" letters on the vital topics of the day quite as forecful and interesting as the immortal series. I have a slight suspicion that "Junius" must be a reader of "Town Topics" since his letter reflects the views I have urgently pressed these many months. Oh, that President Wilson had the courage to "become the most popular man in the United States!" — "Town Topics." THE JINGOES. Later news gives this morning's trum- peted exploit of the Texas Rangers a wholly different color, and makes it ap- pear that the pen of those warriors — or of their press agent — is mightier than their sword. The incident, as now ex- plained, has little of the threatening as- pect which the first headlines ascribed to it. What Governor Colquitt and his Rangers apparently ought to do is to place themselves under the command of Senator Penrose of Pennsylvania. For he has discovered the way to make war peacefully. In the statement which he issued yesterday, as at once his own bid for re-election and an attack upon Pres- ident Wilson, he lays down his position. He is opposed to war with Mexico. He lias "ncvLT advocated politional interven- tion 111 Mexico." All that he would do IS to notify ihc Mexican authorities, civil and mili ary, that they will be held re- sponsible for "depredat.ons to Ameri- cans or their property," and follow up this notice by "sending American troops to the threatened point to enforce the same." This beats the Texas Rangers hollow ; and if President Wilosn had a proper sense of patriotic duty, he would at once appoinf Boies Penrose eeneral in command of an invading armv that is aeainst intervention, and would scrup- ulously refrain from acts of war. — New York "Evening Post." QUIEN SABE? The commission appointed by "First Chief" Carranza to investigate and report upon the manner of William S. Benton's death accomplishes nothing as the days pass and is dropping out of public no- tice. General Frausto, the head of the commission, being asked to account lor a rumor that it had gone to Chihuahua when it was still drowsing at Juarez, shrugged his shoulders and said, "Quien sabe?" That is the stock question on the bor- der. Why does General Carranza dally at Agua Prieta when Genera! Villa is op- pressed with the cares of state at Chihua- hua and tlie world says that the real leader of the Const, tutionalists is the ex-outlaw? Quien sabe? How comes it that "Pancho" Villa has ceased to be a rude, unlettered, ragged bandit and has developed- into a suave, wise, self-reliant, and wel! in- formed administrator in a new General's uniform? Quien sabe? What has become of the military opera- tions to drive the Federals out of Tor- reon and carry the war to the gates of the capital? Quien sabe? Why doesn't Huer- ta crumble? Quien sabe? Why was it said that when the embargo upon arms was raised the Constitutionalists would take city after city and sweep the Federals like chaff before them? Quien sabe? Is there ever going to be a pitched battle between the insurgents and the Government troops? Quien sabe? Is the policy of both sides in Mexico one of "watchful waiting"? Quien sabe? — New York "Sun." INTERVENTION— WHAT IT MEANS, Senator Fall of New Mexico began yelling during the Taft administration for armed intervention in Mexico. He liked the Taft policy as little as he now likes the Wilson policy. He has been "break- ing out" about once a month for three years. Senator Fall, claiming to be greatly interested about the protection of the lives of Americans in Mexico, is even more concerned about the lack of profits from recent Mexican investments. The New Mexican senator represents the coterie of rich men who are anxious about dividends, * * * But in one respect Senator Fall ven- tures on something new. He is explicit as to the kind of intervention he would have. In advance of the movement of our land and naval forces he would make a solemn declaration, such as was made in regard to Cuba before the Span- ish war, that this country would not ac- quire territory; that it would withdraw as soon as the altruistic object of inter- vention was achieved. He would have the occupation of the Cuban kind rather tlian of the Philippine or Porto Rican kind. He would go in, but cjnly for the purpose of getting out again. Counting every American killed in Mexico during the last three years. Sena- tor Fall is able to make up a list of sixty- three, it is the opinion of those best qualified to judge that intervention would mean ihe immediate killing of several thousand Americans in Mexico. Prop- erty belonging to Americans to the value of several millions has been destroyed. Intervention would mean the destruc- tion of several hundred millions of Am- erican property. It would mean the sac- rifice of the lives of a hundred thousand young American soldiers. It would add easily a billion dollars to the national ex- penditure. It would mean anarchy all over Mexico ?s our troops wTestled with guerilla fighters. It look three years to "pacify" the Philippines. It would probably take ten years — and it might take twen'y years — to "pacify" Mexico, with its Indian population. Then, according to the New Mexican senator when what now remains of civ- ilization in Mexico was destroyed, we should get out. As soon as we were out the Mexicans would, of course, begin hghting again. The "watchful wailing" policy of the President is not one to arouse popular enthusiasm. But it is a beautiful and inspiring thing compared with the altru- istic intervention urged by the New Me.xican senator. — New York "Globe." WHAT A MESS! Mr. Wilson placed himself at a disad- vantage in his appeal to Congress last Thursday._ The Speech from the Throne ceremonial was ridiculous. His assertion that he was "charged by the Constitution itself in a peculiar degree with personal responsibility" was badly worded and er- roneous. The Constitution charges the President with no personal responsibility concerning treaties either in a peculiar or any other degree. * All his power is strictly limited by the concurrence of two- thirds of the Senators. There is no per- sonal responsibility in the Constitution. His reference to "my judgment, very fully considered and maturely formed," was egotistical and ineffective. What is his judgment, after three years of office-hold- ing, when compared with that of Con- gressmen prominent in public life before he was a political possibility? Had he based his appeal upon the fact that, a month previous to his nomination ,the New York Chamber of Commerce, in a resolu- tion drawn up by Senator Root, had asked the repeal of canal tolls exemption, he would have stood upon firm ground. At that time he was in favor of exempting .American shipping; the sacrosanct Balti- more Platform had pledged him to it. He did not explain why, after repeatedly in- structing Congress that the Baltimore Platform is the supreme law of the Demo- cratic party, he now repudiates and at- tempts to reverse this supreme law. He (Continued on next page.) MtXlCO Saturday, March 14, 1914 offered no arguments for the repeal ; his only reason was "My judgment." Then he emphatically condemned his own Mexi- can policy by contending that the United States ought to be governed by the opin- ions of Europe. This led up to the sonor- ous phrase, "The large thing to do is the only thing we can afford to do — a volun- tary withdrawal from a position every- where questioned." How perfectly this applies to his personal refusal to recoj- nl^e President Huerta, when all other na- tions have given the recognition, and how plainly it points to his duty to withdraw from a position everywhere questioned! Recognize Huerta! "The large thing to do is the only thing we can afford to do — a voluntary withdrawal from a position everywhere questioned." Therefore recog- nize Huerta ! John hiassett Moore's resignation de- pTives.the country of the experienced ser- vices of a very able man and shows how Bryan has demoralized the Administra- tion. It is impossible for anyone, no mat- ter how able, expert, conscientious and trustworth}', to remain in the State De- partment under the direction of ,3. titular Secretary, who knows nothing, and in his inordinate vanity is jealous of those who do know. Mr. Wilson can never conduct the executive branch of this government successfully while Bryan remains in the Cabinet and makes the Administration the laughing stock of the world. Oscar S. Straus, ex-Cabinet Minister, ex-Ambassador, scholar, student of world's problems, broad-minded exponent of hu- man riynts, has suggested a commission to promptly, intelligently, faithfully, with- out prejudice, investigate conditions in Mexico. Its work completed, the commis- sion is to advise the President as to the policy to be pursued, to the end that we may be spared the horrors of the war which would follow armed intervention, and that order, peace and prosperity may be brought to that ceuntry, now so sorely afflicted by revolution and devastated by gangs led by bandits indulging in rapine and murder and fattening on the spoils. Personally, I believe that the President is already convinced that his policy of non-recognition of Huerta is a mistake. It takes a good deal of moral courage for even a great man, who must needs re- gard consistency as generally a virtue, to come out and acknowledge his error and face squarely about on his previous posi- tion. I have before suggested that Con- gress, in view of the actual situation, should take the Mexican question into its own keeping, and by joint resolution set- tle the policy to be pursued by the Execu- tive. Possibly the Commission suggested by Mr. Straus, if composed of the right men, and if it should act promptly enough, might accomplish the same result, in cither case saving the .President's face. — The Saunterer in "Town Topics." SUBSCRIBE TO MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION -Continued IN MEXICO'S CAPITAL. From what can be learned here from those who have great interes.s at stake, it mat.ers litJe by what means Presi- dent Huerta has achieved his end. There is no doubt that his popularity is grow- ing day by day, and that the lifting of the embargo on arms has made him new friends. Every business man, both American and foreign, with whom I have come in contact, seems to regard him as the strongest man in the coun- try. His firm stand and dignified bear- ing in the face of overwhelming odds, has commanded the respect of the bet- ter element, and they seem to regard him as the only man through whom peace and order can ever come. All he needs, they say, is money — and he is evidently getting it from some myster- ious source. The success of the revolution in the North does not seem to worry him very much, and he has no fear of plots against him, going about the City of Mexico without a body guard or even Secret Service men. He will walk into a public restaurant, bowing to every one as he passes, hang up his hat and sword on a book, and sit down in a most dem- ocratic manner. If the United States is waiting for Villa to en'er the City of Mexico, hold a constitutional election for a president whom we intend to recognize and give a "try-out," I am afraid we will have to wait a long time. — W. Nephew King. Vera Cruz corespondent New York "World." AN ILLUSION DISPELLED. Senator Fall's return to his favorite sub- ject is not going to influence the President to assume a new and hostile attitude to- ward Mexico nor is the manner of the re- covery of Vergara's body likely to increase the perplexities of our Mexican relations. But those perplexities are formidable. Is there a gleam of hope in General Huerta's instructions to his commanders to assume the offensive hereafter and to begin vigor- ous action against the northern rebels? Surely, a definite victory of the Federal troops in the neighborhood of Torreon would have a wholesome result. The illu- sion that the influence of Carransa and Villa will ever be exerted to secure a sta- ble Government should be, by this time, effectually dispelled. — New York Times." probable as the only solution of a very difficult situation. — Collier's Weekly. GENERAL HUERTA. It is possible, however, for one who has followed events close at hand to say, at the end of a year of Mr. Wilson's Mexican policy, that its results are not now, and are not likely to be in the future, what he intended. Pres- ident Wilson has always had a most praiseworthy aversion to intervention, and yet many persons felt at the time of the adoption of his policy that the logical outcome of it would be interven- tion. .At the present moment some form of direct action, sooner or later, seems A Soldier of the Regular Army and No- "Bandit" To the editor of the "Sun" — Sir: There seems to be a disposition to view the Mexican question as a sort of Hob- son's choice between the recognition of one of two rebel leaders, both of whom. are ex-cattle thieves and bandits. On this point the public needs a little knowledge. General Victoriano Huerta, who has held down the job of dictator for more than a year, is a regular army officer and has never been anything else. He was graduated at Chapultepec, Mexico's mili- tary school, and has been a loyal soldier ever since, or until, finally finding himself under the orders of an incompetent dic- tator, he was obliged to engage in a fra- tricidal war in the capital city against a portion of the army of which he himself was a part. He never in all his life fig- ured as an irregular soldier, as is gener- ally supposed, and even stated by many who profess to be familiar with the- Mexican situation. He did not transfer his service to Madero with the ousting of Porfirio Diaz, as is generally stated. Madero having usurped the power of Diaz and becoming the recognized Exe- cutive of the Government, Huerta's only alternative as a soldier was to accept Madero as his commander in chief and' obey his orders implicitly, which he did, even after he was called upon to fight lbat portion of the army which had re- belled against Madero and his nepotic and incompetent sway. The situation dtirina; the street fighting in the City of Mexico, from the soldier's viewpoint, was graphically illustrated when a young artillery officer, being complimented for sending a well directed shot into the be- sieged citadel, which slaughtered a num- ber of men. replied with an oath, "Don't compliment me for killing my brother soldiers!" When Don Porfirio abdicated he took his farewell of General Huerta in a few words full of pathos. He said: "Mv one regret in leaving my coun- try is that mv successor is not a military man: but remember, General, that you are a soldier and that the duty of the soldier is to obey." And that General Huerta did not foreet his soldier training is shown by his im- plicit obedience to the Madero regime until after ten davs' battling in the streets of Mexico city with the obstinate dreamer determined to destroy the city itself rather than yield one iota of his. despotic sway. Huerta for the first time in his Innar and honorable career of loy- altv to his Government abandoned his soldierly principle of obedience to the powers that be. and in so manv words told Madero that he was done with him, that his rule was marked Kv incompe- tency from besyinning to end. and that he must get out; and he p'ut him out. It seems unfortunate indeed that Ma- dero was killed, but as our own Ameri- can soldiers declared when thev were rhasinp- Indians on our plain.s. the only "trond" Indian is a dead one, so the Mexican soldier's viewpoint is that the only "good" politician is a dead one. Conscqnentlv Madero's life was sacri- ficed: whether by order of Huerta or not never has been determined. Now comes Mr. Creelman's statement tb^*^ Hnerta is an Indian and that he drinks brandv to excess. Lest we for- (Continucd on next page.), -Saturday, March 14, 1914 MEXICO get, wasn't there a certain General ap- :Pointed to the command of our armies by President Lincoln who, it was al- leged, drank whiskey, and upon it being repor.ed to Lincoln he replied: "I wish you would find out what kind of whiskey he drinks, so that some of my other offi- cers may get the same brand?" That we as a nation should be held up by a murderer and bandit like Villa seems preposterous. He is a coward, a robber and an outlaw, and he rules mere hand- fuls of benighted people by inspiring them with fear at ihe terrible examples of bloodshed and cruelty he sets them. Were we to send a good cavalry force across the Rio Grande they would scatter like sheep, and by offering them a few bushels of corn to feed their hungry families and guarantee them protection against their brigand chief they would ■go to their homes and behave them- selves. — Thomas Robinson Dawley, Jr.. in New York "Sun." A COUNSEL OF PERFECTION Intervention means war, and war, especially in its earliest phrases, is so serious as to demanu the ownership and disposition of forces which through long seasons of preparedness will have a fighting chance to make its conduct successful. The raids of Texan Rangers over the border, tht despatch of a handful of marines to the City of Mexico may be magnificent, but it is not wai. This is merely playing with fire and inviting sac- rifice, an entrance into a game where the die. are loaded and the cards are stacked against us. Should, unfortunately, nothing but intervention be left, let us not take up the great burdei with any foolishness of ignorance, repeating the old cries of the "Promenade to Berlin!" the *'On to Richmond!" or the "March to Pekiny. aided or alone!" These are sad shibboleths. When we strike, if we are forced to strike, let it be with the assured strength that opens the way to the nerve centres and compels vic- tory. Where our people are counting on hun dreds, thousands must be reckoned with, for Heaven is still on the side of the heaviest battalions.— New York "Herald." The Gentle ViUa. Richard Harding Davis and "Junius" are right about Mexico. How our Secretary of State could treat witii a bloody villian like Villa is past comprehension. If the "Peerless One" would only go back to Nebraska and give his attention to the Commoner and the President could find another John Hay the American people would be spared the hu- miliation they have to endure. The load of Bryan will prove too heavy for the President. Our Mexican policy, if there IS one, is a shame in the yes o\ the world. 1913 WASHINGTON 19I4 SUGAR BUREAU 1915 5Ci(g^PrrGT^i',!,':?,'.^c^ 1916 Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the suj^ar legisla- tion. Our most astute doplimat, Mr. Bryan, a m£(n of peace at any price, should be sent to Mexico with a band of yodlers to try the effect of sweet music on the hearts and minds of the Mexican Indians. Now that the trained diplomat John Bassett Moore has quit in disgust, cannot the office-boy act as the Secretary of State during the absence of the great itinerant lecturer? — APEMANTUS in New York "World." The Mexican question is from day to day as- suming more formidable proportions and those who give it the most serious consideration are under the impression that one of the features of the aftermath will be a general attack upon the Monroe Doctrine. There is no indication of a ces- sation of hostilities in Mexico; however, no matter which party is triumphant the country will be saddled with countless claims. Foreigners have been great sufferers, their property has been con- fiscated and many have been killed. The Chinese and Orientals have come under the displeasure of Venustiano Carranza, who declares that the Chin- ese are "human leeches" and a menace to Mexico, and he has issued an ukase banishing all Mongols. The Constitutionalists assert that they will drive every Oriental out of Mexico. That includes the Japanese. The Chinese ambassador at Washington has entered a protest against the treatment of his countrymen in Mexico, and the Chinese resid- ing in the disturbed districts have been instructed to place themselves under the wings of the American consuls. Under the interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine it will be necessary for the United States to permit Japan and China to seek, reparation, or it will he our duty to compel Mex- ' ico to give satisfaction to Japan and China or else we would be obliged to assist Mexico in resisting pressure. It is said that since we can- not permit foreign powers to interfere in Mexico in their own interest that we are in duty bound to compel Mexico to protect foreigners. The Mexican situation has done much to alter the aspect of the Monroe Doctrine in foreign eyes. It look^ as though President Wilson is called for a show-down in the Mexican game. His has been a waiting game and doubtless he has achieved at Washington what would have been impossible had he been forced to intervene at any time since March 4. The danger to his policy has been the possibility that foreign de- mands would cause him to take decided measures in order to preserve the Monroe Doctrine. The crisis has come, at any rate it is very acute, brought about by the murder of the English sub- ject Benton. It is worthy of consideration that the newest trouble has been brought about, not by Huerta but by Villa, whom it is said Wilson is inclined to lean towards — "Pan-American Maga- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. To the Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: I think the almost universal idea that President Wilson and Secretary Bryan have been weak and wobbly in dealing with the Mex- ican situation is a mistaken conception of their year's persistent work to overthrow the Govern- ment of Mexico because they in their infinite wis- dom and virtue did not approve of it. I should say they have shown tremendous strength and purpose in setting their individual likes and dis- likes against the judgment of all other nations, that of our well-informed former Ambassador to Mexico, that of the State Department's recently resigned authority on international law, against the crying necessity for peace of millions of poor Mexicans, the opinion of ninety-nine out of every hundred Americans in Mexico, as well as all the lessons of experience and history. They have been strong and persistent to the point of per- versity. That they have been utterly wrong is another matter. That they have gone to the ex- treme of forming an alliance in effect with the bandits and I. W. W.'s of Northern Mexico and virtually handed them arms and bullets with which to prolong the conditions in Mexico they profess to abhor shows the strength and determination of their policy. Nothing weak and wobbly about it. It seems to me that everybody has been cleverly taken in by those innocent words, "watch- ful waiting." If inter\-ention, which is war, results it will be due not to the weakness of the Admin- istration, but to its hysterical strength misapplied to make intervention a probability. Yours very truly. New York City. C. H. STAGUE. CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GniDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY, PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAMPBELL 1214 Westminster BIdg., CHICAGO, 111. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1 500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Gracias Post Office, Starr Coanty, Texas $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with - number _ MEXICO Saturday, March 14, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran. 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York LOOKING FORWARD. ■ It has been truly said that the only trouble with Mexico is that it borders the United States and is a tremendously rich country. Here is something else for our states- men to think about : Suppose that in the name of "liberty" and "constitutional government" the reign of socialism and anarchy under Villa should spread over all Mexico. Suppose that as in Chihuahua, so in all sections of Mexico the masses with a grievance, real or imagined or worked up .by agi- tators, should "confiscate" and destroy the property of the rich and the responsible. Suppose that the financial success of Villa should inspire even more than it has a career of pillage and "confiscation" in many other unscrupulous bandits and ad- venturers, until the wealth of Mexico was destroyed or in the bloody hands of these men and their looting followers. It does not require a very long stretch of the imagination to appreciate the in- spirction that this state of affairs would give to ambitious men of the same stripe this side of the Rio Grande. Remember, we have our I. W. W. We have our East Side anarchists who are looking longingly at the piled-up wealth of Fifth Avenue. We have our Tannenbaums, incipient Villas. There is a subterranean rumble in the waves of unrest among the masses of u.-- employed, unskilled labor. We are appointing commissions to study such things in the year of Our Lord nine- teen hundred and fourteen. Maybe we shall have to teach them the speech of machine guns in the year of Our Lord nineteen hundred and thirty- nine. Quien sabe? And the Administration is watering the seed of this dangerous plant at tms very moment in our neighboring republic. Which may make the reverse of our first words true to historians of the future : "The trouble with the United States was that it bordered Mexico and was so tre- mendously rich." ALL HONORABLE MEN. The way the Administration seized upon the case of Vergara, the Texas Mexican, as the basis of a "demand" on President Huerta is only another indication of the fundamental unfairness of the Mexican "policy." It amounted to this : "We do not recognize your government, we do not credit you with the right to govern, we have done all in our power to limit your power and tie your hands of authority, we are openly preventing your control of the situation in your country, we are open- ly encouraging the very conditions that foster the destruction of foreign lives and property, but we intend to hold you re- sponsible for such destruction wherever and whenever we get the chance." How can such unfairness be without arousing indignation and, concern in the mind of every fair American ? Heaven knows where a "policy" conceived in that spirit will lead the country. They are all honorable men, but has anything been more dishonorable than the Administration's repeated protests of neu- trality while it brought every pressure to bear against the Mexican Government?" They are all honorable men, of course, but has there been anything honorable in the alliance of the State Department with Villa and his bandits? They are all honorable men, it is true, but has there been anything honorable in the State Department's frantic efforts to set the murdering Villa and the figure- head Carranza right before the world what- ever their crimes? They are all honorable men, beyond doubt, but do honorable men cloak a scheme of spoliation and domination in studied, honeyed phrases and call it mor- ality? They are all honorable men, you may be sure, but with the honor of the coun- try at stake, is it not disconcerting that their agents should be the negligible Lind, the snooping ex-Reverend Hale, the gulli- b'.", usable Tupper, and that a man like John Bassett Moore should repudiate the game? Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. THE DICTATOR. This truth is that, confronted by the daily increasing probability of being forced by the steady trend of circumstances into an invasion of Mexico, the United States finds itself without a single sympathetic friend among the other strong govern- ments of the earth ; and, further, that there is a strong possibility, if not prob- ability, of one aggressive nation seizing upon the moment when we are most deeply involved in Mexico to take reprisal for fancied injustice. — J. K. Ohl, Washington correspondence "Herald." There is the key to the whole situa- tion. The Administration is clearing the decks for action, for armed invasion .of Mexico. The Constitution of the United States places in Congress the power and the responsibility of declaring war against another country. But the framers of the Constitution did not foresee a situation where the President of the Nation in his handling of foreign affairs could individually shape a situation so that a declaration of war by Congress would be only an unnecessary formality. As far as guiding the affairs of State either toward or away from war is con- cerned, at the present time there might as well be no Congress. The fate of the Nation, the lives and the treasure of its people are in the palm of the hand of a Dictator. OF MEXICO. (By T. A. Daly in New York "Times.") What do you know of Of Mexico, You who, at ease tonight. By your hearth's peaceful light, Follow the far-off fight. Letting your penny paper Be your mind's guide and shaper? If to your alien eyes Truths and half truths and lies Blend in one wild surmise. What do you know Of Mexico? What do you know Of Mexico, You who have idly viewed Evil that throttles Good In your own neighborhood; Cold to the men about you Waging God's fight without you? You who have never seen Ills here at home, or e'en Kept your own doorstep clean, What do you know Of Mexico? For the last few days it was thought here that the administration's effort to force a change of front from General Carranza had been practically abandoned and that the attempts to keep General Carranza to the path of moral regenerator of Mexico had degenerated to the appeals of Dr. Tupper, of the International Peace Forum. Degenerated is good. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs Errsr Rubs Swiftly Dowa tka Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. II— No. 31. NEW YORK, SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1914. FIVE CENTS Word Tyranny Wlien il is authoritativelj' said»through inspired sources in Washington that un- der no circumstances will the Adminis- tration recognize the Mexican Provis- ional Government, an element is injected into the Mexican situation that is the most terrible and hopeless to the mind of all those who are working for a peace- ful solution. There is no qualification of the words "under no circumstances," and although it is possible that they are impulsively and bitterly uttered to convey a state of mind, in cold blood they can be ac- cepted only as an evidence of a perverse C!,<)tism of a kind that when responsible is pregnant with great evil in the affairs of nations. Under no circumstances! Let us care- fully analyze these uncompromising words. Under no circumstances? Were the circumstances such, as many now believe they are, that recognition would save the lives of tens of thousands of American young men, who would die of wounds and disease in the mountains of Mexico? Under no circumstances. Under no circumstances? Were the circumstances such, as many now be- lieve they are, that such recognition would mean speedy peace in Mexico? Under no circumstances. Under no circumstances? Were the circumstances such that such recognition would save hundreds of innocent Mexi- cans from barbarous slaughter, the honor of thousands of Mexican women from the bestiality of savage bandits? Under no circumstances. ITnder no circumstances? Were the circumstances such that such recognition would prevent the destruction of millions of dollars' worth of property belonging to Americans and Europeans? Under no circumstances. Under no circumstances? Were the circumstances such that such recognition would go a long way to promote this country's friendly and trade relations with the countries of Latin-America? Under no circumstances. Under no circumstances? If such rec- ognition, accorded by all the other great nations, would enable this countr}' to co-operate with them in a friendly spirit, and increase our sadly damaged prestige among them? Under no circumstances. Under no circumstances? If such rec- ognition were demanded by the spirit of riglit and justice of tlie American peo- ple? Under no circumstances. Under no circumstances? If such rec- ognition were shown beyond the shadow of a doubt to be not only the most ex- pedient but also the most moral move that could lie made? Under no circum- stances. L'nder no circumstances? If such rec- ognition were essential to the peace and prosperity of the L^nited States? Under no circumstances. Lender no circumstances? If such rec- ognition were advisable in order to avoid unwelcome and unnecessary complica- tions with another Power, involving war? Under no circumstances. Under no circumstances? If such rec- ognition would help powerfully to put an end to murder, rape, pillage, robbery, lilackmail, brigandage, tortures, unmen- tionable crimes? Under no circumstan- ces. It is difficult to believe that any man living, at least any man in a position of power, responsible to his fellow men, responsible to civilization, a servant of the people, would use such words in this connection, unless he be totally deaf to :;.l human appeal. In fact, we do not believe that they are the words of either the President or the Secretary of State. And yet not once but many times these words have been sent to the press of the country through authoritative chan- nels and they have been accepted as ir- revocable and never denied. It would be too much to e.xpect the Administration to repudiate such words, which suggest a personal despotism more tyrranical than any in the world. But in the interests of truth and hu- manity, ami 10 icassure millions of per- haps deluded citizens that they really do live in a democracy, it might be well for the Administration to see that those words are kept out of future communica- tions to the press. Some rather well-informed persons have said that the Administration will find occasion to intervene in Mexico if the Mexican Government routs Friend Pancho. * * * Rather thaa recognize the Mexican Provisional President. * » • As intervention means war, and as the tremendous price of that war will have to be paid in the lives and treasure of the American people, and as according to latest reports this country is not yet an autocracy, it is quite possible that those well-informed persons misinter- pret the intentions of the Administration. Or else the Administration does not know the people. MEXICO Saturday. March 21, 1914 Imaginary Letters==No. 2 Dear Doctor Hale; You made me what I am to-day — I hope j'ou boil in oil. You told me it was all fixed, that you were Woodrow "Wilson's biographer and knew that his anind was an open book, to be written jn red by us. You told me that Willie Witch Hazel Grape Juice would shed ■criticism like water sheds a duck. You told me that Don Sherby Hopkins would tend to the legal details and your Wall Street friends would supply the mazuma, -or dinero, as we saj' in our exquisite •Castilian. And now I am in the desert, strapped to a high-powered motor car. If I go too fast my respectable beard will fall off and be buried in the sand. If I go too slow thej', mj'- enemies the harpies, will point to my decrepitude. If I go back to Sonora they will flout me for dallying with Pancho Villa. If I go forward to Chihuahua, I put my plaster- of-paris head in the mouth of a lion. Wliat am I to do? Come and whisper in my ear or send friend Tupper with the consolation of the cloth. Ah, adversity has made be brother to oblivion. And I counted so faithfully on you and your Ardmorean morality to protect me with a cloak of self-right- eousness. I am an old man now, and I submit that I should not be subjected to the indignities that have been heaped upon me. Pancho is spreading his spider web to receive this old fly in his parloi . Pancho has been a good helper and server in our scheme of things but is now riding his horse to death. He has no gratitude for me who have made him a hero who was and is a cattle thief, nor for you who have gilded his gory past for the benefit of the White House. My soul is much troubled. Doc, and I wish you would tell your boss that I cannot stand the strain much longer. If you and he want somebody to present a respectable front for your celestial am- bitions, you will have to get some other chap. I am going to dig me a hole in the desert or fold my whiskers like the Arab and silently steal away. It would have been a good thing for you. Doc, if you had managed it. You were an optimistic child and thought nothing was impossible for you with your biographical connections, I)ut such is life, and we didn't put it over and our dream of a Northern Mexican Republic, in which wc would l>c tluol satraps, and your Democratic friend' would get con- cessions as high as tl j lilue sky, has proved a chimera, a thmg not to be. Damn Huerta. Doc, and don't blame me. 1 have used many boxes of cold cream, I have commandeered every wooden leg in siglit, I have drawn on all the hospital supplies of braces and bandages, not to mention hot water bags and trusses, but I must confess that you have set too hard a pace for me with your boss and your countrymen. I am a-weary of this great world. Commend me to the prof and Willie Grape Juice and tell them that I would not love them half so much loved they not this guy more. Yours in bad, VENUSTIANO. OUTRAGES ON PRIESTS AND NUNS Stories of the robbery, torture .ind even murder of Catholic priests by tiie rebels in northern Mexico were related liere yesterday by Father Ramon Gon- zalez and Jose Medina, a Carmelite stu- dent, who, penniless, arrived on their flight from Victoria, Mexico. They are being cared for by Dominican fathers of (be city. Young Medina was driven out when he failed to give the rebels money but Father Gonzalez, after being robbed and blackmailed out of all his posses- sions, disguised himself as a peon and fl(d across the border in fear of his life Rebels Wreck Churches. They tell of the raid by Carranza's ri'bels upon Catholic churches and a con- vent in Victoria three weeks ago. The sacraments, crosses and other articles of gcid and silver were taken and the church imeriors wrecked. Bibles were piled up in the center of the Victoria cathedral and burned. During the raid on the cathe- dral the American Sisters of the Incar- nation received warning at their con- vent and fled on the moment to various parts of the city to hide. The rebels visited the convent shortly after and looted it of everything of value and 1)urned Bibles, books and documents. Father Cecilia De Leon, pastor of the Victoria cathedral, and his two assist- ants were made prisoners and takeii off liy the rebel army. Their fate is un- known, but the refugees say it is proli- able that they were murdered — the same way that five other priests in various parts of Coahuila and Tamaulipas were punished by the rebels when they failed to give up money the raiders demanded. These depredations upon the Cath- olic churches by the rebels a,re at the orders nf Carranza. the revolutionary leader, the two refugees assert. He has instructed his men- to obtain money in any manner, and there is hardly a priest or head of a Catholic institution in rebel territory who has not been blackmailed. The priests are tortured when they fail to respond, it is claimed. Blackmail at Base. Voung Medina was a Carmelite stu- dent in Victoria. He was called into the street by a squad of Carranza sol- diers. They demanded money. He had none. They threw him into prison and kept liim there for two days and nights without water or food. Finally they were convinced that he had no money and took him from the jail, but did not release him. Instead, they deported him to the border and threatened hiin if he ever returned ■ to Mexico agairi. He wanted to go back to Mexico City to the headquarters of his order, but they refused him this permission. Dozens of priests are being forced across the bor- der after being robbed, the refugees say. - -New Orleans "Picayune." OUR POLICY IN MEXICO. From a friend of mine, a prominent American citizen, who has lived in Mexi- co City for over thirty years and is a leader in the American colony there, I received recently a letter regarding the situation in Mexico. The following is an extract from it: "Referring to our troubles here, I can only say that I am sorry that the United States Government has tak-en the stand it has in regard to the Mexican situation. As a matter of fact the greatest sufferers by President Wilson's policy, if it may be so called, are us foreigners and the poor people of the country. General Huerta has no intention of abdicating, and if he should do so, what, and who, is to take his place? I am not able to believe that President Wilson could, for a moment, think of replacing him with such outlaws and assassins as Carranza, or Villa, or Zapata, or any of the horde of so-called Constitutionalists (God save the mark!). "The mass of the people here may not think that Huerta is the only man for the place, but he has demonstrated a greater degree of fitness than any other. At the present what are we going to do; whom have we to put in his place? At the present time he is our only hope for a restoration of order: and remember, the deaths of Madero and Suarez cannot be fixed upon him. I am certain that he did not know of them for an hour after they occurred, and had he known that they were contemplated I am sure that he would have intervened. I know Gen- eral Huerta and I like him personally very much. He is not at all the man he is painted in the newspapers in the States. If President Wilson had let this country alone and given it a chance to work out its own salvation, we would have had peace long ago. I am an .\merican, and under all circumstances and conditions will stand by my country, but I cannot feel that anything like justice has been done to this country by Wilson or Bryan. "It lias occurred to me that this opinion of a man on the spot might be ot ni- terest. — .Mfred Muller in New York ".Sun." Saturday, March 21. 1914 MEXICO GOING UP! General Carranza is due at Guzman, eighty miles southwest of Juarez, Sun- day morning. If the Northwestern Rail- road is repaired in time General Car- ranza will be able to get to Juarez Sun- day afternoon. If not, he will have to come overland on horseback, which will take tlie liettcr part of two days. Gen- eral Villa's suggestion of an automobile was politely refused by General Car- ranza on the advice of members of his Cabinet, who are taking no chances on a gasoline or other explosion. — New York •■Herald." LEST WE FORGET MEXICAN PRESIDENT UPHELD IN LECTURE. "President Wilson made his biggest mistake when he failed to recognize Huerta at the outset," was tiie state- nienl niade by William E. Carson, news- paper correspondent, author and student of Mexico and its aflfairs. in a lecture on the Mexican situation before the Men's League of the Classon Avenue Presby- terian Church. Brooklyn. "The trouble with the Americans," said Mr. Carson, "is that you cannot interest them in Mexican affairs, and that they would rather laugh at the comic supplement!, than consider questions with intelli- gence. "The reports from Mexico are all one- sided," said the speaker, 'and Huerta isn't getting a square deal. Strange though it may sound to American ears, yet he holds the confidence of the peo- ple who recognize in him the only bar- rier between themselves and anarchy. Mexico needs a strong hand to govern it, and Huerta is the strongest man in the country. "While I was in Mexico I saw an im- pressive sight," continued Mr. Carson. "We were sitting in the national palace when suddenly the bugles sounded and a motley army of several thousands marched into the palace garden marshaled by sergeants from the regular army. Rich and poor marched shoulder to shoulder. Huerta turned to me and said: "These are volunteers whom I did not call out. No. they are not going out to fight the bandits in the north. They are the home guard, and together with thousands of others like them, they stand ready to fight any invader." Mr. Carson branded as absolute lies the published reports of Huerta's drunk- enness. "Huerta drinks like many other good men," he said, "but in all my acquaint- ance with him, that lasted for about six months. I have never seen him under the influence of liquor. This talk about nights of debauchery and revelry is un- founded falsehood." — From Brooklyn "Standard Union." MR. BRYAN AND MR. MOORE. Close observers at Washington have known for a long time that our foreign affairs are not well conducted ; that too many of our diplomatic ap- pointments have been personal and political, and that the machinery within the State Department has been very badly run. The resignation of Mr. Moore has merely called public attention to if. In such an office as Secretary of State no amount of good will or high purpose can take the place of intelligence. Moreover, nothing can excuse the partisan and personal character of some of Mr. Bryan's appointments. — "Collier's Weekly." Somebody has suggested that we have utterly misapprehended the purposes of the Administration's Mexican policy, which this apologist asserts have been: To strengthen the hand of President Huerta. To show up the Northern rebels in their true light as murderers and ban- dits to the world and the better classes of the Mexican people. * • • Perhaps our critic is right. If he is, then we congratulate the Administra- tion on the success of its policy. Referring to the commission sug- gested by Straus, the Secretary of State was reported as saying that his Depart- ment had given absolutely no considera- tion to this or any other plan to bring about peace in Mexico. * * * This from the Apostle of Peace, whose eyes glow with the fervor of humani- tarian impulse when he talks — at so much per talk — on the beauties of universal brotherhood. * * * Some critics of the Mexican Govern- ment, who have approved the relentless efforts of the Administration to tie the hands of that government, have the nerve now to say that President Huerta should not have been recognized be- cause he has not shown ability to ac- complish anything! » * * And yet the American President of the National Railways reports that sixty- five per cent, of the railroads are in oper- ation as the result of the assistance ot the Mexican Government. * * * And yet trains are running from the American border at Eagle Pass and Laredo to Torreon and Monterrey. * * * And yet the border States of Nuevo Leon and Coahuila have been virtually cleared of marauding bands and hundreds of miles of track are kept open. * * * And yet all of Mexico's tremendous area is under Federal control except the sparsely settled States of Sonora and Chihuahua, mountainous parts of Sina- loa and Durango, and two towns in Tamaulipas — Matamoras and Victoria. * • • And yet that Government has had the sources of credit to which it was en- titled cynically cut off by the Washing- ton Administration. As lovers of a good fighter we should respect the strength and courage of the present Mexican Government in its suc- cessful battle against tremendous odds. We often wonder what our respected leaders in Washington would do under similar circumstances. * • ■ Colquitt, the Conqueror! « « « He had his little strut upon the stage. We hope he's satisfied. * * * His is a hollow bark, and he has no fangs. « * • But the fact remains that the Admin- istration, it is impossible to say why, is giving the jingoes of the Colquitt breed every encouragement possible. « « « Because it seems to want to do the same thing to Mexico as Colquitt, but do it in its own way, which is war un- der another name. * • • As between the two there is something more honest and American about the Colquitt way. * * * Than the sly, underhanded, misrepre- senting, cold-blooded intervention that has been miscalled Watchful Waiting. * * « The spectacle the Administration pre- sents to a puzzled world is this: * * * On the one hand doing everything to provoke war with Mexico. * * * On the other hand doing everything ostensibly to avoid it. * * * Is that playing both ends against the middle? * « • Or is it burning Mexico at both ends? * * * Is it amateurishness or obliquity? The reported arrest by Carranza's people of two leading politicians of the Madero regime it another blow to the administration's theory of the Mexican situation. The great merit which Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bryan attached to the rebels' cause was that they were supposed to represent the democratic ideals of Madero. — Pittsburgh "Gazette-Times." Apparently, the State Department at Washing- ton recognizes the fact that the Huerta Admin- istration is the only responsible government in Mexico upon which formal demand may be made, and confesses the correlative fact that the Con- stitutionalist faction, which it would favor, is irresponsible and cannot be held to account foi its outlawry except by force of arms. — Philadel- I>hia "Bulletin." MLXl^U Salurdax, March 21, 1914 A STARTLING INDICTMENT By CASSIUS E. GILLETTE, Former Major of Engineers, U. S. A. For almost ;i j-ear the world has won- dered what President Wilson's poHcy toward Mexico really was. At first, owing to the skillful press- agent work of Sherburn G. Hopkins, carried on almost under the shadow of the White House, the world assumed it w.is simply a high-minded resolve not to recognize a man who had achieved the presidency of a Latin-American re- public by assassinating his predecessor. Later when Europe generally recog- nized General Huerta. and the truth De- gan to permeate that he was neither a traitor, assassin nor usurper, directly or indirectly, and the awful aspects of what non-recognition by the L'nited States, under the Monroe doctrine extended, really meant to Mexico, being partially appreciated, people attributed adherence to his remarkable attitude to a some- what enlarged determination, or ob- stinacy. Non-recognition prevented Mexico from borrowing money, while savages like Villa, who do not need to borrow money, since they loot, rob and extort ransoms like other bandits the world over, gradually destroyed the country. Then the mysteries of real diplomacy and the natural desire of public men and editors to uphold the hands of the President together with the deference almost necessarj' in connection with still undistributed patronage gave an ap- parent public sanction to a policy still unknown. Then the newspaper men, at least, came to the conclusion he had no policy at all, and never had had one, his un- swerving determination to "oust Huer- ta" bein' some wandering band of Zapatistas or other bandits, and have been kept in continuous operation. Does any one think that everybody interested in the peace of Mexico is going to subinit to another year of this sort of riot and ruin? All that is needed is for our gov- ernment to cease intervening in Mexico on the side of disorder, and to let those natural Mexican forces that make for .order and peace have fair play. — Hart- ford "Courant" To Him Alone Will Belong the Blame for Intervention if It Comes. From various quarters in these latter days come hints and anxious suggestions that certain sinister forces are hamper- ing the President in his Mexican policy and are rendering ineffective his wise and humane endeavors. .\t one moment a section of the press is to blame; at another, mysterious references are made to .great interests which seek selfishly to plunge the country into war. Pathetic pictures are drawn by these nervous supporters of the President of the horrors and atrocities of war. They re- A CONTRAST. The re|)orts that five priests have been slain in Tamaulipas, that cathedrals and churches have been burned and looted by the so-called Constitutionalists would seem almost incredible had not other evidence to show the character of Villa and his associates been accumulating through the last few weeks. It is foi these men that our government raised the embar.go on arms and enabled them the more easily to carry out their cam- paign of pillage and slaughter. What a difference in the state of af- fairs in Mexico City, under the rulership of Huerta. In spite of the liostility of our administration, not an .'\nierican ap- pears to have been molested. The busi- ness of the city seems nearlj' undisturbed. Life goes on as usual. Contrast the equations of Mexico City and Juarez. Huerta and American hos- tility afford protection to Americans and all other foreigners. Villa and .\merican friendship spell anarchy under which the lives of Americans and other for- eigners are forfeit, if it be the whim of the blood-thirsty bandit in power. — Bos- ton "Herald." OFFICIAL COQUETRY. We have liad over a year of official coquetry with Villa and Carranza. We have had over a year of robbery, murder and outra.ged women in Northern Mex- ico, where Villa and Carranza have been in control. We have had over a year of tolerable order and private safety in Southern and Middle Mexico, where Gen- eral Huerta has maintained the de facto government of Mexico. A distinguishing characteristic of the rebel administration in Northern Mexico has been the destruc- tion of railway communications, by blow- ing up bridges and tearing away tracks; MEXICAN POLICY CONDEMNED., Foreign Diplomacy Has Administration "Beaten to a Frazzle." With reference to President Vv"ilson's so-called Mexican policy, is there to be no limit to his personal dogmatism? There are occasions when such stubborn tenacity to one's own personal opinion, that brooks no interference and obstinate- ly refuses to admit that there may pos- sibly be others who know at least a little and whose judgment is deserving of some slight consideration, is jiistifi- able; but such occasions are exceedingly rare. * * * Is it not true that this .'Administration is just "watching and waiting:" to try to make the public believe that it is is most censurable. Too proud to reverse itself, it is actively straining itself to the ut- most to have the personal opinion of the President, previously expressed, pre- vail at any cost. It is willing to let .American and all other foreign interests suffer, to allow our citizens to be out- raged, the Mexican people themselves to be brutalized and sacrificed, and the time- honored Monroe Doctrine to be made a laughing stock, rather than admit its evident error and thus allow the Presi- dent's pride to suffer. * ♦ ♦ The .Administration declares that all the great Powers are in accord with it; (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, March 21, 1914 and yet all the great Powers have recog- nized Huerta! But if they are indeed in accord with it, it is most likely be- cause the Administration is steadily breaking down the Monroe Doctrine, which thing they have tried in vain to do for a century! Foreign diplomacy seems to have the Administration beaten to a frazzle. — Henry A. Bomberger, in Philadelphia "Public Ledger." OUR MEXICAN POLICY. It has become popular to describe the policy pursued towards Mexico by our Federal administration as weak and pusillanimous, yet there are not lacking some indications that, in so far as President Wilson is concerned, the at- titude assumed is anything but weak. The withdrawal of the embargo on the shipment of arms to Mexico was an open move in favor of the Constitutionalists, led by Carranza and the erstwhile ban- dit Villa. It was hoped that the rebels, with the aid of liberal purchases of arms and ammunition from the United States, would be able to drive the Federal forces before them and hurl Provisional President Huerta from power. According to some critics, the real motive behind the administration's pol- icy is the overthrow of Huerta and the triumph of the revolutionary cause, and in assuming that position it has become necessary to disagree with all the other powers that have recognized the Huerta regime. In order to overthrow the ex- isting government in the City of Mex- ico our administration has been willing to wink at the killing and maltreating of Americans and other foreigners in the northern part of Mexico, and it is this cowardly course that has misled so many into accepting the idea that the government's policy towards Mexico has been weak and pusillanimous. After the e.xhibitions of savagery which the Constitutionalists have given the world recently, it is difficult to un- derstand how President Wilson can wish for their ultimate success. Huerta is no doubt harsh and dictatorial, but he is infintely better qualified to rule in Mexico than Carranza or Villa. Think- ing people are rapidly reaching the con- clusion that our government has made a mistake when it declined to hold any relations with Huerta, even as the de facto executive of Mexico. Such recog- nition would not have committed the United States to an indorsement of his acts, but it would have put us in a much more favorable position for safe- guarding our citizens and their interests than we now occupy, and it would have saved us from the obloquy of having openly aided a set of revolutionists who have set aside all the accepted rules of civilized warfare and have resorted to rapine and pillage, as well as murder and summary execution ol prisoners. — New Orleans "Picayune." PUBLIC OPINION—Continued "FOOL BUSINESS." It was ■■fool businefs" not to recognize the de facto government, when every other civil- ized country did so on the advice of their rep- resentatives. It was ••fool business" to discredit our min- ister, Mr. H. L. Wilson, who knew at least as much of the Mexican situation as our Washing- ton government. It was "fool business" to recall him and at- tempt to deal with the situation through our charge, Mr. O'Shaughnessy, at the same time not allowing him to "recognize" Huerta. It was •■fool business" to sent" John Line to negotiate with a government that we did not ■'recognize." It was "fool business" for Mr. Lind to at- tempt to interfere with the internal politics of a sister republic. Would we have done it if Mexico had been as large and powerful as the United States? It was "fool business" to offer to promote a bank loan to Mexico if Huerta would resign. It was most insulting and brought a merited and dignified rebuke. It was "fool business," if not worse, to send personal envoy Hale to treat with Carranza and his fellow bandits on the northern border. It was "fool business" to order our nationals out of Mexico, instead of guaranteeing them the protection that Italy and Spain extend to theirs. It has been "fool business" all along, feeding the newspaper men with promises that the ad- ministration would ■ show "results," that Huerta was on the verge of collapse, that he was with- out money or friends, and that the "watching and waiting" policy was winning approval at home and abroad. It was "fool business" beyond expression, to lift the embargo. That the American people are opposed to "in- tervention," or ••war," there is no doubt. We have no quarrel with the Mexican people or gov- ernment. All that was needed was a firm, dig- nified demand for protection for the lives and property of our citizens. President Wilson says that he has nothing but praise for his secretary of state.- He indorses his action or non-action in every particular. Consequently they must stand or fall together, and with them will be judged their party in Con- gress, who have shown the same willingness to accept dictation in this respect as they did in the matters of tariff and currency legislation. — Joseph D. Holmes in New York "Evening Mail." to the standards of Chautauqua and of the per- sonal representatives who are the laughing stock of Europe and have so appealed to the sense of humor of the Mexicans that a comic paper named after the gentleman who is watchfully waiting in Vera Cruz is now being published in Mexico City. Is it in. keeping with the tra- ditionally benevolent attitude of the United States toward the weaker nations of this hemi- sphere that the President of this great nation should deliberately undertake to ruin and bank- rupt our unfortunate southern neighbor? The wisdom of Mr. Wilson and his advisers may be such that they feel qualified to judge of an alien country and of matters beyond their ken, but there is a Spanish proverb which bears repeating in this connection : •'Mas sabe el loco en su casa que el cuerdo en la ajena," "A fool in his own is wiser than a wise man in the home of another." General Huerta has lost no ground since a year ago. It is not too late even now for Presi- dent Wilson to pocket his pride and to recognize the only Government in Mexico which has any chance of stability.— Reynaldo in New York "Sun." GENERAL HUERTA. To the Editor of "The Sun": Sir — The letter of "Junius" stated very clearly what seems to be the main reason for the extra- ordinary "policy" of the present Administration toward Mexico, namely, the personal pride of the President. It would seem, however, that there is still hope for a reversal when one considers the attitude of Mr. Wilson in the canal tolls question, which called for courage of an order at least as high as that needed to acknowledge that a mis- take was made in refusing to recognize General Huerta a year ago. While no one doubts that the President's course, mistaken though it may be, has been dictated by an honest desire to avoid plunging the United States into a war of which the resultant gains could be in no way commensurate with the ex- penditures of lives and money involved, it seemed obvious from the first to any one having any knowledge of Mexico that that country should have had a chance to work out its own salvation. This it could only do by means of recognition by the great Powers and the financial credit ensuing therefrom. This recognition, granted by others, has been withheld by the United States for what reason? Because General Huerta's rise to power, his mornls and his appetites did not measure up WOES OF CARRANZA. fBy Direct Wire — Exclusive Dispatch to Los Angeles "Times.") Agua Prieta, March 10. — Like other diplomats, General Carranza- and his Cabinet talk officially and unofficially. Officially there is nothing but harmony within the ranks of the Constitutionalists and their immediate success is predicted. Un- officially both Carranza and his official family interestingly discuss their cause — its present, past .-ind future. The past is certain, the present and the future doubtful. Carranza is dissatisfied with his six months* stay in Sonora. The people of Sonora and its army have failed to understand the true principles of the revolution ; they have even told the aged leader that he is rapidly becoming the laughing stock of the State as well as of the American nation. Sonora has backed up its opinion of ^he "First Chief" by refusing to supply an army to continue the trip into Chihuahua. Carranza asked for an army of 5,0 Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sugar legisla- tion. Maine," it would make intervention cer- tain, and a scholarly but unwilling "war hero" would be born and maybe re- elected. Note the difference between the energy of the Administration today in the Ben- ton and Vergara cases. "General" Vil- la, the leader Mr. Wilson is supporting, undoubtedly foully murdered this well- known, prominent Englishman. The -Administration has pifiEled over the mat- ter until decomposition has destroyed the evidence. "On the other hand, Clem- ente Vergara, good old Yankee name, an American citizen whose picture does not look like it, is alleged to have been decoyed across the river by some horse- thieves, who posed as Federals, and "maybe" killed him. General Huerta is 1200 miles away and cannot exercise jurisdiction because we permitted a "re- volution" against his country by a man who said he got his money from Stan- dard Oil and because we are helping bandits to destroy his jurisdiction. Yet far more diplomatic energy has been spent to make General Huerta account for that farce than was put on Benton's real case right under our noses, while all the other Americans that Villa seems to have murdered in the last month are- almost in "innocuous desuetude." Have you not noticed that every time Villa does something unspeakable the press agent "coppers it" with something similar on Huerta? When Villa thought- lessly murdered every prisoner he cap- tured in Juarez, that just as soon as there was time to concoct the scheme, a written order was found in the same vicinity purporting to be an old order of Huerta to do the same thing? Gen- eral Huerta is a soldier and gentleman, trained at the West Point of Mexico, n he were brute enough to order such a thing, do you think he would be fool enough to put it in writing? Verily we are easily fooled. But do you think the President was fooled? With his sources of information he ought not to be, but such things help bring on intervention. After Huerta, What? Twenty-First — The very plans, or lack of plans, to answer the question, "After Huerta, What?" are illuminating. Presi- dent Wilson's only expressed plan is a "hope" — and a futile, queer hope at that. He said at Mobile some months ago, speaking of General Huerta: "By a little every day, his power and prestige are crumbling, and the collapse is not far away. We shall not, I believe, be obliged to alter our policy of watchful waiting, and then, when the time comes we shall hope to see constitutional order restored in distressed Mexico by the con- cert and energy of such of her leaders as prefer the liberty of their people to their own ambitions." This "crumbling," mind you, was to be done by the atrocious Villa. How many leaders of concert and energy, think you, would Villa leave to displace him in power? The only "concert" pos- sible would be the low bass rumble of revolvers fired into the stomachs of those energetic leaders, like poor Benton, but the only music aljout it would be to ears waiting to intervene, since armed force alone could then have any influence in that distracted land. Even today the President is "making it very plain" tliat drastic measures may soon be necessary. Has not enough ap- peared to justify the belief that if Huer- ta personally, instead of Villa, had shot into Benton's stomach, drastic measures would have been taken already? General Huerta is carefully guarding the American Club in Mexico City. He will not let fakers "sink the Maine" there. But the possibilities are poten- tial, and I earnestly entreat the Ameri- can people and our Representatives in Congress to take no action on anything that may be charged to the "Federals" in Mexico without the most calm and searching investigation. The Maine was blown up from the outside, but no sane person now believes Spain had anything to do with it. CAMPBELL'S NEW REVISED COMPLETE GniDE AND DESCRIPTIVE BOOK OF MEXICO By Reau Campbell —FIFTH EDITION- AUTHENTIC IN HISTORY, PEOPLE AND THEIR MANNERS AND CUSTOMS DELIGHTFUL IN SCENIC DESCRIPTION Beautifully Illustrated POSTPAID $1.50 Dealers Write for Wholesale Prices ASK YOUR DEALER or Address E. M. CAMPBKLL 1214 Westminster BIdg., CHICAGO, lU. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1,500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Gracias Pott Office, Starr Connty, Texas $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. 'Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for sub.cription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturday, March 31, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran. IS BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, fS-OO TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York THE HOUSE OF CARDS. The House of Cards is toppling. A good builder looks first to the solid- ity of the foundation. The Administration in formulating its attitude toward Mexico may have sin- cerely believed that it was founded on the rock of righteousness. Either there was something innately deceitful about that supposed rock, or a severe frost may have temporarily hard- ened the sand into the semblance of solid granite — whatever the cause of the in- itial mistake in planning the foundation, the fact --.mains that since the super- structure was reared it has been buf- feted by cruel winds, it has rocked on its foundations, and only the most frantic propping has saved it from collapse. But each day the giant task of upholding the false structure is more hopeless and the end of that building is in sight. WHAT IS THE ANSWER? Many good-hearted but misinformed souls are supporting the Administration Mindly in its Mexican policy because they believe that the Administration is seeking only to avoid war and all its hor- rors. The Administration may not want war with Mexico but for any one with peace- ful tendencies and aspirations it has done more to make war more than a possibil- ity than all the loud-voiced jingoes put to.tether. What is the answer? The Army and Navy expect war, the foreign chancelleries expect war, the stock market observers are sure it is coming, the majority of Congressmen and Senators cannot see any other out- come if the Administration persists in its present course, every editor of every Ifciiding newspaper will tell you that un- der the circumstances war will be un- avoidable — but Bryan prays to God thai- lie may save the country from such a calamity, and the President talks feeling- ly of the brothers and sons and sweet- heart." whose lives would pay the terri- iiic cost. \Vh:it is the answer? THE FINAL OUTCOME. What is to be the final outcome in Mexico and what are to be the future relations between Mexico and the United States? If the Administration would remove its hand from around the throat of the only responsible Government in Mexico, the answers to these questions would be comparatively easy. However difficult this throat-grip luakes such answers, it is almost univer- sally agreed by intelligent Mexicans and Americans who know Mexico intimately that if the present Mexican Government is overthrown there will ensue a reign of anarchy more appalling and hopeless than anything Mexico or any modern nation has known. It is admitted by even President Huerta's enemies that in the face of obstacles that would have overwhelmed a less able man he has restored order and protected the life and property of natives and foreigners to an extent that seemed for a time impossible. tt is admitted that he has built up an organization of government remarkable for its efficiency and discipline, as the result of a year's steady effort, which it would mean chaos to destroy. It is agreed by even President Huerta's enemies that a government of such men as Villa, Carranza and Zapata would not and could not exist. Those men are de- stroyers, not builders. The power of the present Government, whatever its faults, consists in this — it is the only strong, effective barrier against anarchy, the only constructive force in Mexico making for law and order and the civilized processes of responsible government. If the hand of the United States were taken from the throat of this govern- ment there would be no doubt that peace and order would soon be restored and that Mexico could set about the work of reconstruction and necessary re- form, in which all with the welfarf of the nation at heart could take part. If the Administration wants to see this outcome in Mexico and wants to see cordial and mutually advantageous rela- tions between the United States and Mexico, then it most unclutch its fingers. If it does not, it will be personally re sponsible in the eyes of God and man for the ensuing anarchy, if the Govern- ment cannot survive its enmity, and for the war that will then be inevitable. At any rate the events of the last month or so have served to clear the air somewhat and put an end to the out- rageous glorification of banditry and law- lessness that was disgracing our press. mm* There can be little or nothing more of that, which is good, because it re- moves one more obstacle to the revela- tion of the truth. Law, civilization and organization are sure to prevail against the anarchy and crime that are the fruits by which you know the so-called constitutionalist. * * H: Had not the Administration allied it- self with the forces of anarchy, they would have been overcome months ago. * * * Does not, can not the Administration feel its responsibility for the lives and property that have been lost and de- stroyed as the result of the prolongation' of conditions that could not possibly lead to anything but downright savagery? You can't make silk out of a sow's ear. You can't make civilized government out of the elements the Administration is openly supporting. The Administration has made a col- lossal blunder in thinking so for a mo- merit, contrary to the advice and first- hand information that was readily avail- able and as readily scorned. If the blunder is persisted in, what are we to think? It will be an inevitable conclusion that it was not acting in good faith, and that it has committed the people of the coun- try in an ulterior way. * * • Which nobody wants to believe. * * « But which will be the verdict of hu- manity and history. CARSON'S MEXICO REVISED AND ENLARGED. Mexico as it was and Mexico as it is is ably pictured in the new edition of W. E. Carson's Mexico: The Wonder- land of the South, which is published this week. To his previous narrative of his wanderings in Mexico, to his de- scriptions of the Mexican capital and other old cities, of the great haciendas, of the gold and silver mines, of the quaint health resorts and of his experi- ences in mountain climbing, tarpon fish- ing and ranching, the author now adds chapters dealing with events since thi retirement of General Diaz to the pres ent day and with existing conditions. The volume is handsomely bound and contains forty-eiglit full-page half-tone illustrations. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion ol Mexican Atlairs VOL. II— No. Error Ruas Swiftly Down tke Hill Wkile Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1914. FIVE CENTS The Shame! Uk^ The fight at Torreon is a fight between civilization and barbarism. It is a fight between responsible government and an- archy. Velasco is law. Villa is lawlessness. Velasco is order, organization. Villa is chaos, disorganization. In the end civilization, responsible government, law, order and organization are sure to conquer. To the shame of President Wilson and Secretary Bryan be it said, and history will say it more powerfully if not with more amazement, they are ranged on the side of barbarism, anarchy, lawlessness, chaos, disorganization. To the shame of a portion of the press it must be said it has willingly let itself be made a tool, a mouthpiece of these purely destructive elements. The Administration has with the most deliberate purpose, the most relentless drive, the most obvious animus sought to hamper, shackle and destroy the only power in Mexico that stands to protect the decent people of the country from murder, pillage and rape. The Administration has coldly, cal- ■ulatingly sought to tear down the only force in Mexico that stands for law and order, while it coldly and calculatingly entered into an alliance with the forces of destruction. With whatever theories the Adminis- tration may offer to palliate its atro- cious acts, with whatever adroit mental distinctions and reservations it may de- ceive itself, with whatever idealistic im- pulses it may credit itself, the fact, the glaring, damnable fact will always stand out in sharp relief that it consciously, aggressively and obstinately made war on the civilized, peaceable people of Mexico and as consciously, aggressively and obstinately encouraged and assisted the barbarous and savage elements, even after their true character had been re- vealed beyond a shadow of a doubt. The greatest proof of this accusation would lie in the triumph of the allies of the Administration. The God who orders all things well will never let such a triumph be. But God and the Administration are not working together. Why, in Heaven's name, will not Pres- ident Wilson and Secretary Bryan see the situation in this, its true, human light? You are a decent, law-abiding Mex- ican, living in Monterrey, let us say, or any Northern Mexico city. You have a little business, or a trade, or a profes- sion, or a job. You have a family grow- ing up around you. Your life may be a success or a struggle, as the case may be, according to your industry, connec- tions or opportunities. You are doing the best possible with your materials and trying to live in harmony with those around you. Politics and government concern you little or not at all. You know that there are conscienceless, am- bitious men who make a business of pol- itics and agitation. You want merely to be let alone to work, to build, to take care of your family. One day you hear that an outlaw, a bandit, a cattle thief, a bad man, a fugi- tive from justice has gathered around him some followers of his own kind and is robbing and raping wherever he can elude the authorities. You hear that the central government is in difficulties and that all the bandits and criminals of this fellow's type are taking advantage of the weakness of the authorities. You hear that the outlaw's band is growing in fierceness and boldness. Word of its criminal atrocities in outlying villages and towns comes to you and you trem- ble with apprehension for the safety of yourself, your little property, your fam- ily. The local authorities are troubled, anxious. It is reported that the government is sending more troops to protect the city and its environs, but that it is embar- rassed for lack of money. Then you and your fellow citizens are startled and amazed to hear that the outlaws are get- ting recruits and arms and ammunition from the United States with the con- •nivance of the United States authorities. The newspapers astonish you with re- potts from Washington that the Presi- dent of the United States looks with favor on the marauding and lawlessness of those you have known as outlaws and criminals all your life. You learn that he is trying to overthrow the govern- ment of your country and prevent it from putting down the conditions that are spreading because of the profit in loot and blackmail which the leader shares with every ignorant or vicious fellow who will join his band. The bands are getting richer and are emboldened by the fact that the United States Government is back of them. Finally you learn that the United States Government has openly permitted the arming and supplying of these outlaws and the leaders are growing so rich at the expense of the country that there is no telling where they will stop. The authorities are doing all in their power to protect your city, but every day there are rumors of a coming attack and the government is lacking in money. One day the bandits do swoop down on the town. They come, a horde of drunken, vermin-infested half-savages. They have cut telegraph and telephone (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, March 28, 1914 THE SHAME! wires and torn up the railroad tracks. They have dynamited a bridge and burned scores of cars. They set fire to the outskirts of the town and shoot down any one who stands in their path. You and your family huddle in your barred home. If you were armed and attempted to resist them they would kill not only you but your entire family after they had ravished the women and girls. You hear shots as they make their way from doorway to doorway to the center of the town. They outnumber the piti- fully small garrison. Finally it is forced to surrender. The savages line up officers and men against a wall and shoot down all the prisoners who will not join them. Then they separate with a savage yell. The town is theirs to do with as they will. The wealth of the shops is theirs. What they do not take they destroy. They drink, they dance, they murder for the sheer joy of killing. The women and girls are theirs. They take where they will. They beat down the door of your house. They demand your money. They torture you till you give it to them. They rape your wife and your daughter in front of your eyes and they leave you a pitiful, broken man. When all that the town holds has been appropriated and destroyed, or word of an advancing column of soldiers is received, they go, looking for another defenseless town to attack. Your life is ruined. With your broken family and your broken life you man- age to get out of the country, a refugee. You come across the border to the United States. You hear here that the attack on your city was a "constitutionalist" victory, that the newspapers of the United States have joyfully reported it as another evi- dence that the Huerta Government is crumbling, that President Wilson and Secrelary Bryan are elated and that they are satisfied that their policy is correct and that they are succeeding in their ef- forts to bring peace to Mexcio. What would you think of President Wilson? What would you think of Secretary Bryan? You would think exactly what millions of human beings are thinking to-day. And history v/ill record what you would think as the truth. of Durango and Sinaloa, which would be immediately recognized by the United States, which would then permit Presi- dent Huerta to go his own sweet way as regards the South of Mexico. This new "republic," according to the Hearst sheet, would not for the present in- clude the "richest oil fields." How nice! Carranza, it said, was agreeable to the scheme, although the original intention of the Carranzistas was to sell all this territory to the United States for $30,- 000,000. Of course this would come in time. Without entering into the subject, ex- cept en passant, we merely wish to re- mark that if the Mexicans and the peo- ple of all Latin-American countries d- trust Uncle Sam's smooth words of friendship, while he contemplates spolia- tion, they have mighty good reason for this feeling. PREMATURE. When, according to the dopesters of the press, it was all over at Torreon but the shouting, the New York "Evening Journal,'' in a burst of premature ela- tion, announced "on the highest author- ity" that the next step in the "pacifica- tion" of Mexico would be the formation of a Northern Republic, composed of "part" of Lower California, Sonora, Chi- huahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and part There is a bitter fight waging in Con- gress against the President's surrender to England in the matter of the Panama Canal tolls exemption. The attack is fierce and the attacking force is well supplied with ammunition. But the attack has been directed at the outposts of the enemy's position. It is weak because it has not concen- trated on the center! Which is the President's personal in- terference in Mexican internal affairs. Vv'hich, against the dictates of reason and experience, contrary to international law and American traditions, is respon- sible for the position in which the Ad- ministration finds itself helpless in hand- ling foreign relations. It is surrendering to England not to extricate itself, but to keep itself in this hole! Obstinately. England has used this obstinacy as a club. So will every other nation. There is the heart of the matter! DESTRUCTION! When all the smoke has cleared away it will be found that to "get Huerta" the Administration, with a promising first year of achievement: * * * Adopted the Big Business method of "financial starvation," one of the Trust tactics against which it had set its face in this country. * * « Encouraged armed revolution while professing to abhor violent methods of changing a government. * * * Entered into a virtual alliance with bandits like Villa, Urbina and Zapata, making itself resoonsible for their bar- baric outra°^es, while professing a policy of peace. Advocated the repeal of the Panama Canal tolls exemption to have a freer hand, despite the humiliation such ac- tion would bring to the people of the United States. Thereby caused a division in the Democratic party and placed it in a damaging position before the voters of the country. Supplied its opponents with ammuni- tion in the coming Congressional elec- tions. Imperilled its whole future success. Made war with Mexico the only al- ternative of action. Is it conceivable that the Administra- tion would do all these things to "get Huerta" unless obsessed by some strange necessity that has not seen the light of day? What is it? Certainly no one has shown how con- ditions in Mexico will be improved by the dictatorship of a Villa. No one has indicated that there would be anything but a dictatorship of the United States in Mexico if this country should intervene. Where is there any sign of a con- structive program as regards Mexico? The Administration should adopt as its motto the word the Anarchists of New York City flaunt on their black flag: Demolizione! Destruction! "WATCHFUL WAITING." To tlie Editor of the "Evening Mail": Sir — In your paper today you say President Wilson is in an untenable po- sition in regard to Mexico, but you do not say what he should do. Why not name definite things that he should do? So far as I can understand the situation, nothing that the United States or any other nation can do will settle their troubles inside of ten or twenty years. I am with j-ou on Progressive policies, but I do not understand 3'our position on tile Mexican question. Faithfuly, RICHARD T. WYCHE. President Wilson should have realized before he undertook to dominate Mexico hy "moral force" a year ago that "noth- ing that the United States or any other country can do will settle their troubles inside of ten or twenty' years." Every Government in the world except the United States promptly recognized Huerta. The charge that he permitted Madero to be killed did not justify our refusal. We are engaged in "watclifiil waiting" while thousands of men, women and children are butchered and their homes destroyed. A nation is being desolated wliile this great Government endeavors to thwart the only power in Mexico that has been a protector of life and property. -\c\v York "Evening Mail." Saturday, March 28, 1914 MEXICO HUERTA TO GET $33,000,000 GOLD. MEXICO CITY, March 24.— Presi- dent Huerta's financial stress will be re- lieved by a plan adopted today which will bring into the Treasury 100,000,000 pesos, approximately, at the present ex- change, which is practically three to one, $33,000,000 in gold. Fifty million pesos will be immediately available, the balance as required. The result will be the resumption on April 1 of the interest payments on the foreign debt, suspended on January 12, and the early revocation of the 50 per cent, advance in import duties recently imposed as a war measure, all of which will be set forth in a decree to be issued within a day or two. The plan involves the issuance of Treasury notes against the unsold bal- ance of bonds authorized in May, 1913, to the amount of $100,000,000, for a por- tion of which a Paris bank syndicate subscribed, but of which practically half remain unsold. These bonds are to be placed with the Mexican banks at 30 per cent, of their face value, the banks to issue currency against them at the legal ratio of 3 to 1. The bonds are secured by the pledge of 16 per cent. of the customs. The bankers have agreed to take the bonds in question, and the plan awaits only the signature of President Huerta to become efifective. In return for the assistance rendered by the banks President Huerta promises definitely to abandon the scheme for a Federal Bank and likewise the proposed 1 per cent, tax on the capital of cor- porations and individuals. The plan has been the subject of many conferences between the leading bankers and the Finance Minister, and before its final adoption was submitted to Jose de Limantour, the ex-Minister of Finance, who is now in Paris. He responded at great length, giving his approval of the project as a sound measure. Provision is made in the contract with the bankers subscribing that in the event that the Paris bankers determine to ex- ercise their option on the balance of the bonds the Mexican banks shall sur- render their holdings for cash. The London and Mexican Bank will subscribe $11 000,000, the National $4,000,- 000, and the rest will be distributed among State banks. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. LEST WE FORGET There are certain newspapers which one day will run a picture of General Huer- ta, labelled "The Butcher," while the rugged old soldier is fighting against tremendous odds to bring peace and order to his distracted country. The next day the same papers will describe picturesquely and heroically the career and activities of Pancho Villa, a self- confessed bandit, a fugitive from justice, a notorious murderer. * * * It is true that the opinion of the think- ing people of the country is against this manifest wrong and unfairness, to quali- fy it gently, but it is amazing and de- pressing to know that the Administra- tion depends for approval from the other element. * * ♦ In the newspapers that carry on the campaign of lies and misrepresentations designed ultimately to force intervention on Mexico, Villa's followers are always referred to as the "Constitutionalists" and the Federal troops are always "Huerta's men" and "Huertistas." Every "Constitutionalist" band be- comes the famous something "brigade" and every bandit chief is a "general." And so the great fiction is kept alive — that there is a tremendous civil war raging in Mexico for popular rights and constitutional liberty. * * * Whereas the truth is that outlawry, brigandage, organized blackmail and an- archy have been glorified and made profitable by the Washington Adminis- tration and the interests this side of the border that want control of Mexico and who must keep the game going by hook or by crook till they get what they want. Well, they have lighted the dry forest. Let us see how they will put out the fire without a tremendous sacrifice of American lives and treasure. Who knows but that the forest fire may be fanned by a wind that will blow the embers of anarchy in this direction? * * * Encouraging anarchy is playing with dynamite. Where does, now. Carranza come in en all this hero business? Every column of dope advertising Villa is a death war- rant to the hopes of Carranza, the would-be Supreme Chief. * * * He is hanging on the outskirts of events. Carranza maneuvres around, hoping to take advantage of the military perform- ances of Pancho Villa. Villa and his followers use the reputed respectabiUty of Carranza as a cloak for their nefarious deeds. It's a fight for publicity and the favor of Washington. * * * The shrewd politicians in the Carran- za clique can't do without Villa. * * * It remains to be seen whether Villa needs them as much as they need him. * * * If he doesn't — overboard they go. * * * Poor Carranza! And it always comes back to this: The success of the Villas and Carranza will be the success of anarchy, the suc- cess of Huerta will be the success ot law and order. * * * If anarchy succeeds then the arms ot the United States will have to put it down. But the Administration does not want war, it says. Yet it is encouraging the conditions that will make war inevitable. And there you are! He cannot induce the people to be- lieve that Mr. Hyde Wilson obstinately refuses to reco.gnize Huerta and pushes us towards a war with Mexico, while Dr. Jekyll Wilson loves Huerta, loves Mexico, loves everybody, and shudders at the thought of war. The Press Club comedy was well acted, but it did not humbug the spectators. Major Gillette. U. S. A. retiree, has the couraffe of his opinions. No man- knows Mexico and understands the Mexican question better, and in the Phil- adelphia "Ledger" he charges directly, without mincing words, that Mr. Wilson- is workine towards an open war in order tr- Dose as a War President and thus i.nlHfv the one-term plank of the Balti- t.iiivc platform. This seems to explain Iifs constant nagging of Huerta in the bor>f of forcin.g some such incident as fhc hlowins up of the "Maine." "No- President who has fought a war during hip first term has ever been refused a- second term." says Major Gillette. There mav be something in this theory, but Mr Wilson is so closely masked that he and the Lord only know what are his schemes and nurooses — and I some- times believe that he does not know him- self — "Town Topics." MEXICO Saturday, March 28, 1914 THE COST The criticism of President Wilson's Mexican policy which is set down on this page should not be confused with that other kind of criticism of which the end and purpose is intervention or some sort of war with Mexico. This latter kind of criticism, which looks to intervention and hopes for it, is a very deplorable incident of current political discussion. It conies partly from men and factions and newspapers that think war would be popular; partly from others who represent property interests in Mexico which they think would be helped by intervention; partly from others overeager to criticize anything that flows from a Democratic Adminis- tration. But the fear of being confused with these critics should not prevent free expression of a more disinterested criticism of President Wilson's Mexican policy. This criticism is based precisely on the fear that our present Mexican policy will lead us ultimately into in- tervention. War with Mexico or some other active use of our American troops is the logical end of our present atti- tude. This should be prevented. It should be prevented, if necessary, even by a certain amount of "backdown" on the Administration's part. Of course, to say now what thought- ful observers generally acknowledge — that President Wilson's Mexican policy has been a mistake from the start — is a matter of hind-sight. President Wil- son, in adopting his Mexican policy, could have had the benefit of a wise statesman familiar with diplomacy and international law at the head of the State Department. He did not have this aid. It is only fair also to say that at the beginning of his Administration, at the time Wilson adopted his policy, men experienced in international law were shocked, and predicted the very muddle that has now come to pass. The Ad- ministration's foreign policy at the be- ginning could fairly be summed up in one sentence: "Huerta is an assassin, and I do not like assassins." Let us all admit that at the time most Ameri- cans praised this policy and were rather proud of it. Morals — Private and Public. Let us be fair to Wilson. He refused .ecognition to Huerta because he be- lieved Huerta was an assassin, and he wished to express his disapprobation of a government founded on assassination. To take this position was the highest kind of personal morals. But to act as if this were the whole of a foreign policy had drawbacks. It failed to take into account a multitude of considerations which trained diplomats would have re- membered. In addition, it failed to take ip.io account the special nation we are dealing with in this case, and the special moral standards of that nation — stand- ards very different from our own. All Mexican politics is a matter of factions and leaders. Some of the rebels in the north call themselves Constitutionalists. This is a joke. There are about as many leal Constitutionalists in Mexico as there are monarchists in the United States. Few persons in the United States, the Administration least of all, seem to real- i/A- ihe composition of Mexico. There are less than half a million whites, less tiian one in thirty. About a million and a half are of mixed breed; the remaining thirteen millions are Indians. What the United States most needs in Mexico is a government that will maintain order. The way to secure this would have been to give a guarded recognition to the man who had a government and an army and was maintaining order. That -Huerta has been able to do so well under the appalling handicap of our disapproval shows what he could have done if we Iiad recognized his as a government de facto. The Cost of It. It must be admitted that a year of Mr. Wilson's mistaken policy has cost some things that can never be recovered. Of course, if we should reverse it or modify it now we might be able to avoid the intervention which is the logical end of such a policy. But, even so, a certain number of .\mericans have lost their lives in Mexico who would have been living today if Wilson had adopted a better policy. For the Mexicans themselves, civilization has been measurably set back by the turbulence which would have been restrained if Wilson had dealt dif- ferently with the de facto government which he found there when he came into office. Most serious of all, we have for- feited the confidence of Latin America as far south as Cape Horn to such a degree that we shall not be able to win it back until another generation grows •>p. They have seen us adopt toward Mexico a policy of which the logical end, to persons who know the situation, is intervention. Can they be blamed for suspecting — what is in fact preposter- ously untrue — that the policy was adopt- ed in order to bring about intervention? —"Collier's Weekly." We never heard of a more perplexing situation. Great Britain has recognized Huerta, but can get no satisfaction in the Benton case except by approaching Carranza through diplomatic chan- nels, which would be a recognition of his gov- ernment. President Wilson refuses to recognize Huerta, and yet undertakes to hold him and his Govern- ment responsible for injuries to Americans, and is constantly dealing with that Government by way of the back door. A PATRIOTIC MEXICAN WRITES The actual conditions of this country are better, the situation has improved a great deal in the last three weeks. I have decided not to read any more American papers. Every time I read them, I am nauseated. They have noth- ing about Mexico, but a bunch of stu- pendous lies. Most of the American pub- lic seems to be inclined to believe that the only thing necessary for peace in Mexico is the downfall of General Huer- ta. There is not a more enormous mis- take. General Huerta is enthusiastically applauded wherever he goes; he is con- sidered a victim of the Wilson Adminis- tration. The full knowledge that every- body has here that the revolution has been financed by American big business and the enmity that your President, Mr. Wilson, has shown to our President, has led all the white classes in Mexico to blame Americans in general as the cause of our troubles. I personally think, and am absolutely convinced, knowing what our conditions were, and the different political changes we have had, that this revolution, which has the strongest dis- approval of public opinion here, would have never become what it has been un- less with the powerful help of American money. At the time when I was m Texas, 1 saw the rebel chiefs traveling through the State of Te.xas without any trouble, while the Federal soldiers could not go across a bridge without being immedi- ately imprisoned. If you should have been in Mexico as I have, and would know that the Federal soldiers mean law and order, and that the rebels mean only the worst kind of brigandage, you would agree with me that it is a shame for the LInited States to do what it has been doing. You are standing before the eyes of the world as the supporters of liri- gandage and robbery. I have got papers of Paris (France), Germany and of England, saying that the attitude taken by the United States to Mexico is the biggest financial scandal and the most shameful act of modern times. The .American public reading every day about supposed crimes of General Huerta and atrocities committed by Fed- eral soldiers, perhaps think this is a slaughter house. There is nothing more untrue than that. In all the cities where the Government has control, life goes on as usual. Theatres, circus and all other amusements go on as usual, and things are as quiet and it is as safe as in any city in the United States, while any city under the hands of the Constitutional- ists (?) is in nothing else but anarch}'. Yesterday I was talking with a rich gentleman from Chihuahua. He told me that after the rebels have emptied all the banks and stores, having nothing else to steal there, they are taking all the furniture of the private homes in trains to Ciudad Juarez, to sell tTiem in tne States. His home has been so emptied. Of course his farms with all the cattle have been taken. He has nothing else but the lands, and when he thinks that these conditions have only been able to exist by the first underhand help of your Government, and afterwards open help, you will agree with me that it is a shame. Time is a good friend of Truth. Peace will soon be restored to Mexico, thanks to the iron character of General Huerta, and there is no doubt many Americans will come to Mexico to see this "bar- barous country." The day that these Americans come here to learn the truth and find out that Mexico has got its (Continued on next page) Saturday, March 28, 1914 MEXICO cities full of civilized people, just as civilized as the best in the United States, and they will hear from these people what they think about Carranza and Villa and all that bunch and wliat they think about your Government, these Americans will feel ashamed of what has happened in the last year. There is no excuse today, as there was some time ago, for President Wilson be- ing ill-informed; he ought to know by now the situation; he ought to know that public opinion is unanimously with the Government and it is time to stop help- ing brigandage against order in the name of morals. The indignation there is all over Mexico against the United States is very great, and it is shown in the theatres, in the papers and everywhere. You hear nothing today but the strong- est criticism about the disastrous policy that is starving and ruining Mexico in the name of morality, and everybody despairs at not being able to show the American public in general the colossal blunder of your President's policy and of your opinion as to Mexico. The condi- tions have improved a great deal, despite the big obstacles with which General Huerta has been compelled to struggle. Thousands of soldiers are bemg sent to the North continually and I hope that success will follow. GETTING WARM! POOR TIMBER. And again I say the residents, the better classes, the educated and promi- nent people do not care in what way his rule was ended. They all say — Ameri- cans and Mexicans — the instant his name is mentioned: "Oh, Maderol He was crazy, absolutely crazy." These same people like Huerta and feel the pity of his not having had the support he needs to right these condi- tions. They say he may not be all that they would have, but that he is the best man of the hour, and can control all outlawry with the justified loan and moral support. Francisco Madero was a Portuguese Jew. The name was spelled Madeiro and means wood, timber. He and his wife were spiritualists. His wife — who was sent post haste to Washington to get and hold the ear of the United States President after Madero's death — was his medium. He took no important step without first consulting her, who then consulted her spiritual; occult adviser. Mrs. Madero, it is claimed here, is in- telligent, very clever, very foxy — artful. It would be quite within understanding that our President Wilson and Secre- tary of State Bryan consider her version, clothed as it is now, or was, in such sor- row, as authentic and to hand informa- tion. I say "or was" because the rumor is current here that the sorrowing widow is married again. Mrs. Madero could have bet a one-sided view, but we all know that our President puts the bar- rier up to his decisions being changed by more information when once his stand is taken. This is understood also. A scholar, a head of a great college who stands to instruct, takes an authority that he considers reliable, and establishes it as the viewpoint that cannot be muddled or swayed, or disputed. So with the to WASHINGTON, March 25.— in a bit- ter speech in the House late this after- noon, condemning President Wilson's Mexican policy in the severest possible language and denouncing Gen. Villa as a "blustering bully" and "hideous mon- ster," Representative W. D. B. Ainey of Pennsylvania, a Republican candidate for the United States Senate, blamed the Standard Oil Company for the Constitu- tionalist rebellion. Mr. .\iney told the House tliat "There are those who claim that Villa and Car- ranza have been capitalized to foment war, that S. G. Hopkins, representative of Carranza in the Hibbs Building, Washington, D. C, could, if summoned before Congress, tell a story of interna- tional intrigue by which the illiterate Villa is made the head of a revolutionary army and his words clothed in classic English, according to press despatches; his common murders garbed as heroic acts of chivalry, that the Standard Oil may advance its Mexican interests through him. "Inasmuch as the Administration pins its hope on the Constitutionalists, and Gen. Carranza without Villa is as use- less as a locomotive without wheels," said Mr. Ainey, "one asks who is Villa? Villa neither reads nor writes, except as in jail he learned to write his first name, Francisco. To those who knew him as a vulgar, ignorant, and brutal specimen of humanity, the high-sound- ing phrases contained in dispatches pur- porting to repeat his words carry their own refutation. "An effort to depict him as a hero, driven to the hills by great wrongs in- flicted upon him, has failed in the light of truth. The glory with which an in- spired press sought to clothe him has been stripped away by the Benton and other gory incidents of his career. "The country could no longer Iilind its eyes," continued Mr. Ainey. " to the fact that Mexican conditions are grow- ing worse, and that the policy of the POOR TIMBER hand Mrs. Madero version, from the habit of years President Wilson perhaps has not received willingly versions that would have assisted him much in his de- ductions. Another thing, too, is the fine press work that somehow the Villa- Carranza combination has for backing. Former friends of Carranza — Mexicans who were with him in Congress here only two years ago — are much surprised at his "rebellion" being against the Fed- eral government. Villa they do not count; only as bandit. — The Widow in Mexico City in "Town Topics." President consists of sound rather than substance." Alluding to the President's message for the repeal of the Panama Canal tolls exemption clause, he said: "The President asks members of Con- gress to reverse themselves without a fact being divulged or a reason pre- sented other than the vague and dis- quieting suggestion of international com- plications. So grave and important and of nearer consequence are these interna- tional matters that members of this House must no longer act or think for themselves, but are called upon to aban- don principles and positions because an extreme condition has arisen in interna- tional affairs requiring this surrender of brain and heart. The tolls speech of the President has not borne full fruitage, but the complications have arisen, possibly involving Mexico's relations with Ger- many and Japan, requiring us to have the moral support of England, in pay- ment for which the American people are asked to repeal the toll provision ex- empting American ships engaged in coastwise trade." Mr. Ainey alleged that President Wil- son committed an act of war when he said that "Huerta must go," and when he sent John Lind to Mexico City to deliver "this ultimatum and seek its ac- complishment." He said the sending of Lind on such a mission was an act of war, not of peace, and would have been treated as such "had it been directed against any of the great nations of the world suffi- cient in power to have resented it." ".^t Durango. in spite of the protest of the .American consul, the city was given over by the Constitutiona'ist gen- eral to the unrestrained license of his soldiers for twenty-four hours, because it was said to be the only way of pay- ing them. Little girls scarcely ten years of age and women did not escape. "The cry of suffering coming up from Mexico uttered by American citizens, whose lives have been sacrificed, whose wives and daughters have been ravished, whose property has been confiscated, has not reached the sympathetic and re- spo.nsive ear of the Chief Executive. "The danger of war comes not from those who seek to know the truth, but from those who would conceal it. If war comes with Mexico: if Huerta, spurned by the Lfnited States, turns to Japan, and the price is Magdalena Bay; if the citizens of Germany are murdered in Mexico, and we are thereby involved the responsibility for the dire result rests upon a weak and obstinate policy, which has refused the pathway of safe and patriotic precedent." MEXICO Saturday, March 28, 1914 TRUTH CLIMBS SLOWLY By Managing Editor Splitstone in "Leslies Weekly." Two things here in Mexico City im- press the newlj' arrived American most forcibly. The first is that there are no outward indications of war in this city; the second that the American colony is not only favorable to President Huerta, but unanimously and aggressively so. The United States is blamed for the •continuance of the war. Well-informed American business men here nearly all saj' that had the present Government been recognized by the United States ten or eleven months ago, Mexico today would be pacified. The value of recog- nition lies in the fact that without it Gen. Huerta has been unable to borrow funds abroad, and consequently cannot prosecute a campaign against the rebels with vigor. So far as the immediate Tiecessities go tlie Government needs men and money. The former it gets as Mexico has alwaj's got recruits for its arm\- — b}' conscription. But money is not so easilj' to be had, and while it is -claimed with every appearance of truth that the financial situation is better now than it was a few months ago, the fact remains that the Governmeni is still ter- ribly handicapped for funds. This, of course, is exactly what Presi- dent Wilson planned. In doing so he accepted a very grave responsibility and the people of Mexico are not slow to put up to him the present imhappy con- dition of their country. Mexican politics, Mexican ideals and Mexican methods are not generally un- derstood in the United States. The two countries, though the closest of neigh- bors, have totally different civilizations. It is this that gives rise to the constant accusation that 'he press of the States does not print the tru'h about Mexico, and that the people are generally friendly to the rebels. "Only tell the truth abour things." is the constant cry from Mexicans and foreign residents alike, and generally speaking, this is not a plea to favor the Government. * * * The Government is General Huerta. While called President, he is really mili- tary dictator. His power is absolute, and even his enemies admit that he \-nows how to use it effectively. So well lias he enforced order and protected life and property in the region where he is supreme, that it is reasonable to sup- pose that if his actual control extended over all of Mexico, conditions would approach those of the times of the now greatly regretted Diaz. It is just a few days more than a year since the close of the bombardment — "the tragical ten days." as the English- speaking Mexicans love to term it. Out of that awful struggle General Huerta. then commander of the army, emerged as the strong man of the hour. And here it may be stated that he succeeded to the Presidency according to legal form. When Madero was forced to re- sign, the prime minister, Lascurain, be- came President according to the Consti- tution, and General Huerta succeeded Tiim when he resigned, after havin.g been President for only 3.5 minutes. Thus the letter of the Ia\X' was fulfilled, though General Huerta became President through the force of liis personality. The futile Madero administration had dissipated the national reserve of about $65,000,000, and had besides borrowed more than $100,000,000 abroad. And in addition to a bankrupt treasury he had a broken army, while rebellion was rife in many States. There is no question but when General Huerta assumed the Presi- dency he fully expected prompt recogni- tion by the powers, which would have made it possible to borrow money abroad. But when the United States re- fused him recognition the credit of his Government was destroyed and he found himself in the difficult position of hav- ing to carry on a war without funds. Most people thought he could not last more than a few weeks. * * * A year has passed. He is still the President. He indicates no intention of being starved out for want of funds. He has increased the army from less than 20,000 men to something more than five times that number. The war department gives the official strength of the army at 150,000 men, but it is highly improbable that there are that many effectives. Arms • and ammunition have been obtained abroad and ammunition factories estab- lished at home. Clothing and equipment are being made, and some attempts at the manufacture of small arms are un- der way. Life and property are reason- ably safe wherever the Government is in control and the rights of foreigners are protected. More than all this, General Huerta has demonstrated that he is a strong man. He has won the support of thousands who were hostile to him at the beginning of his Administration, and today he is considered by the most responsible men of the country as the only man in Mexico who is equal to the gigantic task of restoring peace. To the criticism that he has made no headway in crush- ing the rebels in the North his partisans reply that he has not had until recently the men or the means to prosecute an active campaign. But now it is claimed that he has an army large enough for the task and that the revenues of the Government will enable him to finance the campaign. The revenues are a little less tnan 10,000,000 pesos a month, and today the peso is worth 35 cents gold. Various war taxes have been levied, the latest of which was an export duty on coffee becoming effective tomorrow. An addi- tional export duly of one cent per kilo- gram on sisal fibre brought 2,000,000 pesos from Yucatan alone, and the sisal growers advanced the amount before it was due. A gambling concession in the larger cities has been sold, and a special tax on haciendas, or plantations, of .$5,000 each, is reported as bein.g imminent. Tliese indicate only a few of the means employed to raise funds at home. Whether General Huerta will be able to crush his enemies without help from abroad is doubtful. Help of a financial nature is not to be expected unless the United States changes its attitude. .'\nrt that is the only kind of help Mexicans want. Intervention of any kind is hate- ful to the mo.'it of them. By most American residents interven- tion is heartily dreaded. They feel that it would mean loss of their properties and perhaps endanger their lives. The lower class Mexicans are not very fond of Americans anyway, and the Govern- ment has been obliged to be very firm in restraining anti-American demonstra- tions. If American troops were to land on Mexican soil many fear an uprising against our countrymen that would mean much bloodshed. On the whole it seems most unfortun- ate that President Wilson does not like the man whom the Mexicans want for their President. If he felt otherwise than he does the Mexican situation might be well on its way to a satisfactory solu- tion by now. * * * What Mexico needs is peace; the op- portunity to plant and reap, and work her mines and build up her shattered trade. Reforms can wait. Any man who can establish peace would be a benefac- tor to his country. And peace can be established only by force of arms; by stern military rule. It could be estab- lished, no doubt, by an army of inter- vention, but at a fearful price. It could be better done by Mexicans if there were any competent for the task. There are some intelligent observers here who think that General Huerta could still do it if he had funds, while others say the time has passed. No one believes that Carranza and Villa can ever take Mexico City. So there is every prospect of a long struggle; of warfare that is wrecking one of the richeK and most beautiful countries in the world. AN ENGLISH VIEW. This is the party which the United States Government has elected to assist covertly, in the hope that they may win out and overthrow the Huerta party, and so save President Wilson from admit- ting the blunder he has made. President Wilson. having tried threats and bluff in vain, has now re- sorted to what he is pleased to call financial starvation. He is using all the influence he can bring to bear on all foreign countries to prevent Mexico raising a foreign loan, so as to try to starve old Huerta into submission. It is not fair, because if Huerta does not pay his army they won't fight, and naturally desert to the rebels, who steal themselves, and allow their men to steal. The financial starvation scheme hits the general business of the country much harder than it. hits the Government." Old Huerta is not the man to starve financially or otherwise. The Govern- ment just puts on more taxes, hence everyone is being ruined. What He Should Do Now. There are two or three ways open to Mr. Wilson: (1) He can recognize Huerta and stop the exportation of arms and ammunition to the retels; (2) He need not recognize Huerta. but he can give the tip to the bankers in the States that the financial blockade is off, and that they can co-operate to provide funds to Mexico, putting in as a consideration for supplying the cash a financial con- trol board, composed of foreigners, to see that the money is properly spent. This would be cheaper than interven- tion. — London "Morning Post." Saturday, March 28, 1914 MEXICO IN MEXICO. John Reed in April "Metropolitan." "What are you fighting for?" I asked. Juan Sanchez, the color-bearer, looked at me curiously. "Why, it is good, fighting. You don't have to work in the mines." * * * "We are fighting," said Isidro Amayo, "for Libertad." "What do you mean by Libertad?" "Libertad is when I can do what I want!" * * * Some time later— a good deal — we ah sat down to supper. There was Lieuten- ant-Colonel Pablo Seanes, a frank, en- gaging youth of twenty-six, with five bullets in him to pay for the three years' fighting. His conversation was sprinkled with soldierly curses, and his pronun- ciation was a little indistinct — the re- sult of a bullet on the jawbone and a tongue almost cut in two with a sword. He was a demon in the fight, they said, and a killer (muy matador) after it. At the first taking of Torreon. Pal)lo and two other oflficers. Major Fierro and Captain Borunda, had executed alone eighty unarmed prisoners, each man shooting them down with his revolver until his hand got tired pulling the trigger. IN NEW YORK. Plenty of dangerous recruits are near at hand. The whole lawless element of gangsters and gunmen, thieves and thugs, will join the L W. W. under the banner marked "Demolitione". when there is a clear chance of loot. The time to stop these depredations is now. This mob of Saturday had no other rea- son for its demonstration than the bur- glar has for housebreaking and murder, the pickpocket and the hold-up man for the pursuance of their chosen jobs. "The wealth of the nation belongs to you," said Emma Goldman. So the thief always argues. That incendiary woman should be placed under lock and key and kept there. Fit companions for her in her captivity would be the shallow-pated scribblers the object of whose existence seems to be to stir up strife. They have found it very profitable, thus far, but their careers should be checked. "Free speech" is not involved. Emma Goldman has no opinion to express. The whole anarchistic movement means mis- chief, and it should be no longer tolerat- ed. There is no room for anarchy in this country. There is no excuse for its existence here. We urge the Mayor to take action in this matter without delay and Commissioner McKay to order the police to break up such meetings as that of Saturday and enforce the law against all unlicensed parades and street demonstrations. All the trouble can be stopped now by a few determined police- men with heavy clubs who know that the will of the people is behind them. If it is allowed to develop, infantry, cav- alry, and artillery may be needed. — New York "Times." OIL AGAIN! CLOSE VIEW OF THE MEXICAN SITUATION. By Cassius E. Gillette, Formerly Major United States Engineering Corps. The fundamental cause of these awful conditions lies primarily with Madero, a half-baked devotee of spiritualism, who possibly seriously put forth the old prop- aganda of "free land" and a general democracy, with which fake shibboleth at least a hundred rebellions have been started in Mexico between the overthrow of Spain, in 1821, and the ascendance of Diaz, in 1876. The testimony of Sherburne G. Hop- kins, given before the sub-committee of the Senate Committee on Foreign Rela- tions, under oath, suggests a possible, and even probable, financial backing of Madero, such as may ultimately prove that the poor fellow was a mere cat's paw, a pawn sacrified to the greed of big American oil mterests. Mr. Hopkins admitted under oath that he was the legal representative of Ma- dero from the start, that he now repre- sents the present constitutionalists, and that he has been such representative con- tinuously. He also admitted that he had been a legal representative during at least a part of the period since the Ma- dero outbreak, of Henry Clay Pierce, the head of the Waters-Pierce Oil Com- pany, presumed to be one of the ten- tacles of Standard Oil. Long Fight Over Oil. There certainly has been an intense fight in Mexico for years between the Waters-Pierce Company and the Eng- lish Pearson Company of Lord Cow- dray. Yet Standard Oil appears to own. through the Doheny interest, more oil and more capital invested than all the other interests in Mexico put together. The question then, is, Why is Standard Oil not engaged in this fight for the trade of Mexico, as are the Pierce in- terests and the Pearson interests? The only logical answer is that it owns either one or the other. Mr. Hopkins admitted on the stand that his services to Henry Clay Pierce were for the purpose of fighting Lord Cowdray in Mexico. Lord Cowdray had some astonishingly favorable conces- sions and contracts under President Diaz, and about the onh' way Standard Oil or Mr. Pierce could reach him was to over- throw Diaz, the natural way to do which would be to finance Madero. That they did this financing is asserted by sworn testimony printed in the same report. Mr. Converse, an intelligent young American who fought for Madero from the start, and was his intimate friend, when questioned under oath, said that Madero had personally told him sev- eral times that he got his money from Standard Oil, and that Standard Oil would back him to "the last ditch." the witness remarking that his memory was strengthened by Madero's use of the Americanism, "the last ditch." He swore that Madero told him this several times, as also did Madero's staunch supporter and intimate friend. Braulio Hernandez, and Madero's Governor of the State of Chihuahua. Abraham Gonzalez. There is much other testimony in the printed volume to the same eflfect, yet our State Department a few weeks a,go gave out that it had no information to connect Standard Oil with the financing of Madero. This report must certainly be on file there. On the same day the Standard Oil of- ficials stated that the company had not financed Madero. They did not deny that Standard Oil money, however, had been used for the purpose. There is a pretty strong rumor that Madero got his original funds for the purpose by mortgaging his Guayule rub- ber land to the Continental Rubber Com- pany, whose president is John D. Rocke- feller, Jr. . . ■ . A somewhat curious coincidence is that the largest contributor to President Wilson's campaign fund, and apparently one of his closest advisers, is Cleveland H. Dodge, a director, I believe, in the Standard Oil National City Bank and a trustee of the Carnegie Peace Founda- tion, while the officials of his company in Arizona some months ago were under indictment for smuggling arms and am- munition to the Constitutionalists. In any event, Mr. Hopkins is admitted- ly the leader of the Constitutionalist representatives in Washington, and he is undoubtedly one of the most skillful press agents in the country. At times from what appears to be his press agent work, he seems to have a remarkable knowledge of the inner workings of our State Department, and a most re- markable ability to get news telegrams started from out-of-the-way places in Mexico, a tremendous percentage of which "news" is afterward contradicted. Beyond Villa's Ken. For example. General Villa, as is well known, can neither read nor write, and yet immediately after his recent murder of Benton, he gave out a statement in- volving an intimate knowledge of points of international law. with .\merican and English precedents in the matter, a knowledge of such things entirely be- yond the ken not only of Villa, but of anybody within 100 miles of his head- quarters in Chihuahua, at the time he gave it out. The ingenious internation moves made recently by Carranza indicate a knowledge of matters of which Carranza himself has doubtless never thought, while they are plainly beyond anybody whose pictures he has so far published as composing his alleged "cabinet." AN OPPORTUNITY. Checkmate! The fiat refusal of Gen- eral Carranza, the Constitutionalist lead- er in Mexico, to comply with Secretary Bryan's reasonable request for detailed information concerning t\],e assassination of Mr. Benton, a British subject. afTorded President Wilson a fine opportunity for a decisive turn that would have relieved the Mexican tension at once. Carranza is under many obligations to our Gov- ernment. He has even sought its recog- nition, but the moment our complicatinn arose with Great Britain, he sought to make matters worse by refusing to co- operate with the State Department. If President Wilson, in the face of this in- sult, had promptly recognized Huerta as the de facto President of Mexico, as (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, March 28, 1914 other nations have recognized him, Car- lanza would have been at the end of his r.,pe and Huerta would have been placed under obligation to our Government. All our present difficulties, not only with Mexico, but with other foreign govern- ments on Mexico's accovmt, and much of the terrible losses of life and property during the past year would have been avoided if. Huerta had been promptly recognized by our Government. In other matters, the President has not hesitated to reverse himself. It is time for de- cisive action with Mexico. At this crit- ical juncture the resignation of the Hon. John Bassett Moore, the able and ex- peri.-.Ticed adviser and counselor of the State Department, is a matter of most serious portent. It would have been otherwise if the resignation had been that of Secretary Bryan. — Leslie's Week- ly." COURTING WAR While Breathing Words of Peace HUERTA'S VICTORY. Woodrow Wilson, the professor of peace, is not the only man who has been pursumg the policy of watchful waiting m regard to Mexico. Victoriano Huerta the post graduate in war, has been doing the same, only with this important dif- lerence. While Wilson has been wait- i-g supinely for (as soon as heaven ^inks fit), something to turn up. Huerta l^as been watching like a hunter for an pportunitv to bring something down Now It begins to look as though the indomitable old Aztec fighter has found the opportunity for which he has been waitintr. The defeat of the rebels near Monterey, let us hope, is a start toward restoring that peace which miffht have t'een won nearly a vear ago had Presi- dent Wilson recognized Huerta instead of stimulating the partv of plunder in -Northern Mexico. Every .A.merican who desires to see peace re-established across our southern borders will pray that the Mexican Fed- erals mav be successful in putting down the rebellion and so ending the reign of anarchy and slaughter. Even those'' who do not approve of Huerta personally. 1- or really the approval or disapproval of the moral standards of one man is not so important as the moral and ma- terial welfare of a whole nation. The piety of Lot could not save Sodom iior need the ruthlessness of Huerta damn Mexico. Exen if his methods for overthrowing the Maderistas were as reprehensible as his enemies have claimed them to be, since seizing the reins of power he has at least maintained law and order over the territory that he controls. He has not countenanced a program of robbery and Dillaee such as has been used to enrich Villa and his fellow-bandits in Northern Mexico. Wilson has affronted this only compe- tent man in Mexico in every possible way. Under this treatment the dignified attitude of Victoriano Huerta. his reso- lute and successful protection for Ameri- can citizens in Mexico City, his evident determination to make Mexico alone his business and to stick to that business, his resourcefulness in combating circum- stances that woufd have crushed a man less strong and capable, cannot but com- mand some respect from all fair-minded men and women. — Los Angeles "Times." That American intervention in Mexico is a matter of the future no one in Mexi- co City doubts — that is, if the United States intends to insist upon constitu- tional government and the preservation of peace and order in this neighboring country. Huerta's elimination is not likely to settle the Mexican problem. There is no man in Mexico to take his place with the ability and strength to overcome the habit of revolution which has been so assiduously cultivated since the retirement of Don Porfirio Diaz. In- deed, there is no rr^an in the world. The fault lies not with Mexico's lead- ers and best men, but with Mexico's ignorant, unfit Indians, led into rev- olution and brigandage by the self- seeking politicians, the most trouble- some of whom are often unholy com- binations of Indian, Spanish and possibly African blood. So, even if Huerta goes and another takes his place there is bound to be further revolution and tur- moil and bloodshed. The country can- not stand much more of this sort of thing; the powers of the world with huge sums invested here probably will not stand for it. There is ample proof that one revolu- tion breeds another and that elections are almost invariably followed by out- breaks. After Madero took office there ■ were certain elections for Governors in various States. In half a dozen instances the defeated candidate took to the war- path without the slightest delay. It was the custom of the country and it was necessary for him to do so in order to demonstrate his true worth, his bravery and his superiority over the victorious candidate. There is one instance, said to be the only one in Mexican history, where a defeated candidate congratulated his victorious opponent. That man is politically dead in Mexico today. The people were completely incapable of un- derstanding his motives and considered his action only a show of weakness. That America's course of action does not meet with the approval of the Huer- tistas goes without saying. That it is disapproved by Americans who have made their residence here can be stated with emphatic emphasis. That portion of the American policy which directed Americans to leave Mexico has aroused an intensely bitter feeling among Ameri- cans. They feel themselves deserted by their own country. They consider their right to reside here and engage in busi- ness as inalienable as their right to tlie protection of their Government, and to be told, as they consider they were told, that if they remained in this country they would do so at their own risk, which becomes a tangible risk through the edict of recall, was a decided strain on their patriotism. Americans All in Doubt. There have been, and are, in Mexico, Americans of an undesirable class, trouble makers who arouse anti-Ameri- canism, but there are also men of the highest type of Americanism, mining en- gineers, merchants and farmers. Some of these have made their life work in Mexico. In this city there are many who have settled down, established what were flourishing businesses, bought their homes and have their families with them. To abandon their businesses is utterly impossible. Too old to establish themselves else- where they must remain here. Abandon- ment of Mexico means a ruined life to them and misery for their families. The Americans in Mexico City are better ofif than many elsewhere, particularly in those regions in the war zone, for here business continues after a fashion, while in other places it is utterly ruined. Also, there is little danger to American life and limb in Mexico City, save for acci- dents. One would little think here in Mexico City that the country is torn by strife. Externally everything is as peaceful as a May morn. Business goes on, although stumblingly; the shops are open, the cafes and restaurants seem to be doing a fair business and the many military bands give constant concerts in the pub- lic squares. The beauties of the city stand out in reassuring aspect. The broad asphalt streets are filled with carriages and automobiles. The people seem rather happy. Yesterday the fiesta of Mardi Gras was celebrated with more anima- tion than in recent years. The Avenida San Francisco was packed with motors, carriages and pedestrians. Some of the occupants of the carriages were in mask and costume. Confetti flew and the crowd laughed and jostled. — Philip H. Patchin, in New York "Tribune." The situation is the direct result of Presi- dent Wilson's attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of Mexico. His logical course was to recognize Huerta as President de facto — as he was — without inquiry as to how he got his power, which is none of our business. Our plain duty then would have been to pre- vent the use of our territory to in any way aid the cause of the rebels by supply of arras or otherwise. If, under such conditions, the Carranza outfit had succeeded in occupying a large part of Mex- ico and in maintaining therein an effective civil government adequate to the protection of life and property, it would have apparently been en- titled to recognition as a belligerent. The present situation is the consequence of poking our governmental nose into what is none of our business. — San Francisco "Chronicle." Saturday, March 28, 1914 MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angle*. Villa might take Torreon and still be further from the capital than Lee's army ever was from Boston. Villa has merely been touching the outskirts of Federal territory. — Philadelphia "Public Ledger." WHO IS MAKING THE OVER- TURES? There is considerable persistence in the rumors that Portillo y Rojas, Mexi- can Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Special Agent John Lind are negotiating for a settlement of the differences be- tween the .\merican .'Administration and the Huerta government, and the as- sumption in all t\}e dispatches is that it is Huerta who is asking terms from President Wilson. But granting that negotiations are actually in progress, why should there be such an assumption? The situation in Mexico City has not changed for a year. Huerta stands before the world just where he did when he first assumed office. If anything he is stronger than he was three months ago. Washington on the other hand has identified itself with Carranza and with Villa, two bandits w-hose misdeeds send a stench around the globe. It is being openly asserted in the national capital that the President and his Secretary of State have about given up hope of ex- pecting anything from the so-called constitutionalists and are at last begin- ning to swing around to the view of all the rest of the world, which is that Huerta should be recognized and given every possible assistance in pacifying Mexico. It is only a surmise, of course, but it these much heralded negotiations are in progress why is it unreasonable to sup- pose that perhaps the United States is trying to come to some accommodation with Huerta which the latter will be in- clined to accept? Whatever his faults, the Mexican President has shown him- self a man of vast self-restraint and generally willing to discuss any reason- able proposition with any person. — Detroit "Free Press," There is a steadily growing sentiment among the more conservative American people that our policy towards Mexico has been a grave mistake. Our govern- ment alone among the great powers has refused recognition of Huerta as Pro- visional President of Mexico, although he has now for more than a year con- trolled the central government and three- quarters of the entire territory of that country. As a result of this policy we have been utterly unable either to pro- tect our own citizens in Mexico or ex- ercise our duty under the Monroe Doc- trine to safeguard the subjects of Euro- pean powers. That there are indications that even President Wilson's confidence in the ap- propriateness of his course has been weakened, is not denied in official circles, hence the reopening of the negotiations with Huerta may mean a change in pol- icy that may have important results. That Mexico's Provisional President will agree to anything short of unqualified official recognition along the lines adopted by the European powers is un- likely. Such recognition, however, would be galling to the powers that be at Wash- ington and for that reason may be de- layed. — New Orleans "Picayune." OUR MEXICAN POLICY. According to the latest Washington advices. President Wilson is reopening unofficial negotiations with Provisional President Huerta through his agent in Mexico, ex-Governor Lind. Just what these negotiations will amount to or just what end it is desired to accomplish, has not been announced. It is evident, how- ever, that President Wilson is not satis- fied with the course of the rebels in northern Mexico, and there are not lack- ing hints that he would n'^t be adverse to some form ot recession from his hitherto inexorable insistence on the elimination of Huerta. O'SHAUGHNESSY'S REMOVAL WOULD BE A BLUNDER. Had the .Administration not piled blunder upon blunder in its treatment of the Mexican situation, the report that Mr. O'Shaughnessy is about to be re- tired would refute itself. The Admin- istration is on record as not changing the Consul at Juarez because the appoint- ment of a new one would require cre- dentials to some responsible Govern- ment, and we are not prepared to con- cede that any such Government exists. The appointment of Mr. Shanklin. there- fore, or any one to take Mr. O'Shaugh- nessy's place, would require that he be accredited to the Huerta Government, which would be recognition. Mr. Shank- lin. too. is a Republican, and the record of the State Department is not such as to warrant the belief that it would re- move a Republican and not utilize the vacancy to reward some Democratic politician. Mr. O'Shaughnessy received his de- gree at the L^niversity of Oxford for work in languages. He speaks French, German and Spanish fluently. He was stationed at Copenhagen. Berlin and Vi- enna from 1904 to 1911. when he was assigned to duty in Mexico. He is one of the few men remaining in the diplo- matic service who worked their way up and became skilled in diplomatic thought and duties. If there has been any creditable fea- ture of our diplomacy in Mexico it has been the tact and admirable conduct of Mr. O'Shaughnessy. In a position of extreme delicacy he has handled himself well and has reflected credit on the ser- vice. The public is aware of no fault that he has committed, and it is absurd to intimate that he may retire "under fire." If he retires at all it will probably he because his health has given way under the strain of work and domestic bereavement. The onh' other explana- tion of the report would be that the .-Vdministration has determined to recog- nize the Constitutionalists or take other aggressive action against ilie Huerta regime. The bloody trail of the Con- stitutionalists precludes all possibility, it may be hoped, of the former course. — Philadelphia "Public Ledger." "MANIACAL." Republicans must not stand back and chuckle over the Administration troubles in Mexico. The Republicans began the troubles when the Rubber Ring in their State Department forced President Diaz, the only man who could govern Mexico, into exile. Their President Taft in- creased the troubles when he ordered our little army to the Mexican border, without the advice or consent of Con- gress or of the War Department, be- cause, as he has explained, "there was nobody in Washington at that time for me to consult." Having begun and in- creased the troubles, the Republicans cannot rejoice over "putting the Demo- crats in a hole." There is no political partisanship in international affairs; all parties must support the Government. When open war follows the secret war now being waged against Mexico the Republicans will have to go to the front, as well as the Democrats, and the blood of Republicans will be shed, as well as Democratic blood. It is, therefore, the duty of the Republican leaders to use their utmost efforts to assist sane Demo- crats in overcoming the almost maniacal prejudice of the President against Pro- visional President Huerta, and to com- pel him by every means in their power to jcin the rest of the world in recog- nizing Huerta and giving him every pos- sible assistance in restoring order in Mexico. That one man in the American Republic can be able to cause the con- tinuance of murders, robberies and out- rages upon women in a neighboring country seems inconceivable. A czar, an emperor, a dictator, a tyrant could do no more — and yet Mr. Wilson is doing it! There should be a patriotic union of both parties in Congress to curb this madness by a vote of censure so em- phatic that personal prejudice shall never again rule at the White House. — "Town Topics." UNTENABLE POSITION. Unfortunately for the President's case, he has not made known, even in an indirect way, the matters of more serious import which, he said, justified his plea for repeal, nor is it apparent that the present unfortunate plight of our for- eign relations would be materially relieved by this one act. We are at outs with the nations of the world for other reasons than the exercise of our undoubted right to exempt our own ships from tolls for the use ot an American-built canal. Bryan, the Chautauqua orator, constitutes in himself a reason far more substantial than the tolls controversy. The President himself, par- ticularly in his wholly untenable position in Mex- ican matters, is another reason for the isolated position in which this nation finds itself. Nowhere is there the slightest indication that the President's tolls repeal bill has relieved our international situation, or promises to do so. It is not surprising, therefore, that those who at first regarded it as a patriotic duty to stand with the President, as he said, without inquiring whether right or wrong, are now feeling that Mr. Wilson's plea was based on a state of mind rather than an actual condition. — New York "Evening Mail." MEXICO Saturday, March 28. 1914 "THE WIDOW" IN MEXICO. A staggering astonishment struck me in the fact that these people — Americans, who should understand the situation — seemed to think that just back of our steamer might be transports loaded with marines and soldiers of the United States Army en route for immediate interven- tion! Sometimes these impressions took form in statements from newspaper cor- respondents who are close to the throne — the throne being the Consulate where Governor Lind holds sway. When I would ejaculate at the preposterousness of any immediate intervention; that it seemed much farther away than a few months ago; that the United States as a people were awakening to the fact that an egregious blunder was made in not recognizing the Mexican Government and Huerta — or anybody else — as repre- senting it, then arguments would come thick and fast, which bears out the old maxim that people believe what they want to believe — there are those who want, personally, intervention and so they believe the Army en route, and they cannot, will not, deduce the situation in any other way. The "egregious blunder" is wide- open talk, with now "intervention being the only way out." There are others, how- ever, who say differently — Americans, too, who have lived in Mexico twenty- five or thirty years. I might say, inci- dentally, that people talk freely, more openly away from Mexico City, I judge, than they would where there is danger of being quoted. The policy is to keep absolute silence and let "Our Woodrow" • — as President Wilson is invariably called — work out his own problem. It would be most unfair for me to betray confidences and quote from these men who know their Mexico like a book. One man said, and he has lived in Mexico thirty years: "If 'Woodrow' expects Carranza to overthrow Huerta, and help out in this mistake he made in not recog- nizing him as Provisional President, he is making another mistake. Huerta can without doubt hold out for a long time. The better classes of Mexicans and Americans believe in him and respect him much more than they did Madero. He has a power that is wonderful. Everything has been done to cripple him in the demand that he vacate the posi- tion, but he has, in his dignified bearing and forbearance, grown stronger every hour. When Woodrow recognizes the 'Constitutionalists' as people supporting the constitution of the country he shows more of the dense ignorance or of the great misunderstanding he has of not only Mexico, but all these countries where revolution is always on the qui vive. There are no 'Constitutionalists' excepting in times .of revolution. It is the peg they hang their rebellion on. This lack of knowledge made 'Woodrow' refuse recognition, and now he can't — PUBLIC OPINION-Continued cannot possibly so humiliate himself. He is certainly in a fix. His waiting looks as if he hopes and prays for the success of Carranza's and Villa's murderous methods in the North or for something to happen which will provide a peg for him on which he can be relieved from the embarrassing and heartrending sit- uation." It was strong talk, but based on the recent recognition of Peru. — "Town Topics." EVERYTHING MISCHIEVOUS. The following graphic description of the situation in Mexico is sent by a correspondent of the London "Morning Post," which has exceptionally intelli- gent foreign correspondents. Winston Churchill, present Lord of the Admiral- ty, was, for instance, its chief war cor- respondent in the last war. The "Morn- ing Post" correspondent writes from the City of Mexico: "Everything that President Wilson has done in Mexico has been mischievous. Nothing has been helpful or wise or strong. If there had been no Govern- ment in Washington for a year past (so far as Mexico is concerned), the people of Me.xico would now be better off. Foreign bankers would have financed Huerta and he would have maintained better order. Mr. Wilson prevented that. "Commissioner Lind, whom Mr. Wil- son sent to Me.xico. speaks no Spanish and does not know the Mexicans. When his mission failed. President Wilson 'threw his great bluff,' as the Americans say. He sent warships loaded with men and railroad material to Vera Cruz and advised all Americans to get out of Mexico City. The Americans bolted for Vera Cruz at once, and we who remained prepared to defend the British colony, because it was thought Huerta would retreat from Mexico City to the north, after cutting the railway line between here and Vera Cruz. "But old Huerta never turned a hair; he is not an easy one to bluff, and he plays better poker than either Wilson or Bryan. Every one waited breathlessly for Mr. Wilson's grand coup, but noth- ing came, and after four or five weeks the Americans began to drift back to Mexico City to look after their property. "I saw one prominent American, who had assured me before he went away that something was really to be done this time. I asked him what was going to happen. He said with bitterness: 'Noth- ing: I wish I was a Chinaman.'" A Policy of Weakness. People who wish to see law and order established won't buy land at any price from the banks, because it may be taken from them by the rebels. The whole situation is wrong, and the man who has done more to put it wrong than any one else is President Wilson. He may be a very good man for hand- ling the tariff and the currency, because his training has been that of a college professor. .A.s a man to direct foreign policy Mr. Wilson is. I think, a failure. He is a theorist, just as Madero was. If he had not attempted to dictate to Huerta his policy of non-interference would have been at least consistent and understandable. The Carranza party is really com- posed of bands of irreclaimable robbers, in the business for personal gain, .^nv- one who thinks the individual chiefs would obey the commands of Carranza is misinformed, just as much as anyone who thinks that, were Carranza elected President tomorrow, it would cause a cessation of fighting. There are not 2 per cent, of the chiefs now fighting as Carrancistas who Would sink their per- sonal ambitions for the good of the country. When Carranza himself was asked lately by the United States Government if he would stop fighting if Huerta were induced to resign, and an impartial in- dividual were named President, he em- phatically refused. He said he person- ally would shoot any President so named, and would only recognize himself as President. A LETTER FROM MEXICO. I write you to suggest that the Ameri- can President as far as possible send representatives to Mexico as requested by President Huerta. to observe the true conditions. In doing so I would sug- gest that they travel over the country and meet all foreigners and factions, especially those who have no axes to grind. If this were done I am convinced our people would materially change their minds and be in a better position to assist in finding a solution that would meet the approval of the majority of Mexicans and all the foreign powers as well as the American people. After visiting all the principal towns from Port of Mexico to Salina Cruz and meeting many representative people from all parts of the republic, I have changed my mind on all important matters, hav- ing satisfied myself that we have been misled in the states from start to pres- ent of this trouble, which is very re- grettable for Mexico, and is leading our country into an awkward and dangerous position. It must be understood that Madero put himself into the President's chair, not so much through the force of arms as through use of money and false prom- ises, which never were or could be ful- filled. He never was elected, as sup- posed, by a fair election. As an ex- ample, I can give you the name of a ranch that had 380 voters or men of age. All were notified to appear on the day of election and cast their ballot on penalty of arrest for failure. Four of the 380 could sign their names to the ballots, which were all for Ma- dero, with no choice whatever. The re- mainder were forced to pay 25 cents each to the officer in charge for sign- ing their names. Yet Madero has been held up as the only constitutional Presi- dent Mexico ever had. The facts are Mexico has had none unless the recogni- tion of powers made them such. As for consent of the governed, it is im- possible for some years to come. It would be well to investigate the fall of Madero. as to what led up to it. How many thieves and murderers he punished, how many bandits he pro- moted over army officers, with whom he "stood in," how much property he and his friends bought up after raids and where and whom he wen*^ to see when he took the auto ride before his fall. All of these things will throw (Continued on next page.l SUBSCRIBE TO MEXICO Saturday, March 28, 1914 MEXICO 11 light on President Huerta's popularity. Madero's decree that all railroad men must be able to read and write Spanish, his attempted confiscation of the Pear- sons properties will throw much light on the dark waves. It should not be forgot- ten that he liberated the murderers of a German family, the most brutal murder yet reported, yet he has been held up as a Christian and a model ruler, who lived 50 years ahead of his time. 1 find a few who regret his murder; many who say he got what was coming to him; none who are wearing crepe. It would also be well to investigate whether or not Carranza and his follow- ing were not preparing to revolt against Madero six months before his death. It should also be remembered Madero took office with $62,000,000 in the treasury, borrowed $40,000,000 more and had the recognition and good will of the United States and left the treasury empty. I came to this country to look after property I have here, was hurt on the boat coming over, so am spending my time visiting over the country to regain my health. There is good order wher- ever I have been. Some lines of busi- ness are adversely affected by exchange rates, while other lines are benefiting. Money seems plentiful, no distress in these parts. All are hoping that Wilson will either assist Huerta in establishing peace or take the job on his shoulders. While no one has accused President Huerta of having wings, he is by far the strongest political pow'er in Mexico. You are at liberty to use this letter as you see fit. The truth must come out somewhere in the wash. When I left home I was very much in sympathy with the rebels, but find they really represent the bandit class mainly, and a very small per cent, of foreigners or Mexicans. — Patrick Potosi, in "Houston Chronicle." LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: Isn't it strange that the respectable newspapers that decry and call a halt on the anarchical activities of Tannenbaura, Haywood, Emma Goldman, et al., are flaunting and ideal- izing the activities of armed I. W. W.'s and an- archists who are doing to Mexico exactly what their brothers in blood here plan to do to this country if they get half a chance. There are shallow-brained writers and agitators who are largely responsible for the anarchy in Northern Mexico. There are shallow-brained writers here who throw a glamour about the devil's work of a Villa, an Urbina, an Ortega and give the cue to a Tannenbaum and a "General" Kelly, out «9i3 WASHINGTON I9I4 SUGAR BUREAU IQ.IC MUNSEY BUILDING ini/; laiO WASHINGTON, D. C. '^'O Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the su^ar legisla- tion. in California, who threatens a revolution to over- turn the national Government. Of course such a threat seems utterly silly, but that is no rea- son why we should not consider the future. It is much easier to light a forest fire than to put it out. We are, or rather Mr. Wilson is, for some peculiar reason, encouraging forces in Mex- ico which if he had to deal with in this country he would be the first, I think, to take measures to suppress. Why is he doing this? It cannot be from ignorance — because he has been fully informed as to the actual conditions in Mexico. Is he carried away with an opportunity to test the possibilities of anarchy as a theory of "gov- ernment," test it out in a neighboring suffering country? Heaven knows why he is encouraging and helping murderers and worse in Mexico. And he smiles happily, they say, when he hears that Villa is getting along. Yours very truly, PUZZLED. The Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: The civiHzed world has experienced a feeling of horror and indignation on account of the murder of the English subject, Mr. William S. Benton at the hands of Francisco Villa, the main leader of the revolutionists in the north of Mexico. All of the circumstances of this case substan- tiate the charges of cruelty and blood-thirstiness against these rebels who have in every way and at every opportunity shown themselves to be the most inhuman of savages. The only fault of Mr. Benton was to make a just protest against the depredations committed by the "constitutionalists" against his property, and perhaps these protests were too much for the irresponsible wild beast who rejoiced not only in the support of the Chief Magistrate of a great nation, but in the daily plaudits of a large por- tion of the American press, which commended him as an able leader in a righteous cause. Thus this spoiled child of the White House has been brought to such a state of exaltation that he feels at liberty to murder any foreign subjects at will. Recently Senator Fall presented proofs to his colleagues that Benton was "killed like a dog" at Villa's hands, and thus it was necessary for the hyena to revel in foreign blood in order that for- eigners might learn with whom they have to deal. Now it is known abroad, principally in England, just how much damage is being done by the "watchful waiting" policy of Mr. Wilson which he adopted instead of the logical course of recog- nizing the Mexican Government. The world at large may now be expected to take a more in- timate notice of the effects of this ruinous vul- ture-like policy than it did when Americans only were the victims of Wilson and his "constitu- tionalists." Everyone can now see that whatever might be the defects of origin of the Huerta gov- ernment, it is certainly a "de facto" government which has received its sanction by Mexican law and at the hands of a Congress elected under the overthrown regime. Mr. Woodrow Wilson chose to refuse recognition to Mexico, and while declaring against intervention, has used every other means in his power to accomplish the downfall of the only constituted government — the unequal enforcement of the neutrality laws, the financial blockade, the lifting of the embargo on arms, the support of the "constitutionalists" have all ended equally disastrously for the Adminis- tration, and seem to be bringing the recourse to arms a nearer menace every day. As everything else has been tried to avoid such an unhappy contingency, why not do the most obvious thing and try recognition? Foreign powers are becoming restive at the acts of "General" Villa, as the American press calls him, and are casting accusing glances at the White House where sits his patron and ac- complice ! ! The Wilson Administration, rather than admit that it has made a mistake in not recog- nizing the Mexican Government, prefers to charge the country and Congress with a mistake in dealing with England. England is a power- ful, Mexico is a smaller than the United States. Who said might makes right? Who said the Wilson Administration would bully Mexico, but show yellow to a Great Power? In desperation the Wilson Administration is trying to bribe England to its side — so the Administration may be free to destroy Mexico. Baltimore, Md. C. U. MESTA. CARSON'S MEXICO REVISED AND ENLARGED. Mexico as it was and Mexico as it is is ably pictured in the new edition of W. E. Carson's Mexico: The Wonder- land of the South, which is published this week. To his previous narrative of his_ wanderings in Mexico, to his de- scriptions of the Mexican capital and other old cities, of the great haciendas, of the gold and silver mines, of the quaint health resorts and of his experi- ences in mountain climbing, tarpon fish- ing and ranching, the author now adds chapters dealing with events since the retirement of General Diaz to the pres- ent day and with e.xisting conditions. The volume is handsomely bound and contains forty-eight full-page half-tone illustrations. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1,500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Gracias Post Office, Starr Coanty, Texas $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YE.\R. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number for subscription MEXICO Saturday, March 28, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran. IS BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $S.OO TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York ATTITUDE OF WILSON. What the President emphasizes in his infor- mal discussions of the Mexican situation is that he, as President of the United States, has never sought to approve or disappiove of individuals who may aspire to the Presidency of Mexico and that he has no list of men whom he holds under the so-called ban for alleged complicity in the assassination of Madero. His refusal to recog- nize Huerta, it may be stated on the highest au- thority, was not based on any personal antag- onism to Hureta, but on the ground that the "constitutionalists" would never be reconciled to the man who had overthrown Madero and Suarez, and that governments set up by arbi- trary force and not reflecting the popular will should not be dealt with by the United States. — Associated Press Despatch. It is extremely difficult for an honest mind to have patience with the clever casuistry that emanates from the "high- est authority" in explanation or at- tempted explanation of the Administra- tion's Mexican policy. The above is char- acteristic of the facile stringing of words that totally misrepresent but which "get over" with the average reader. "Why, of course," he will say, "it has not been any personality to which the Administration has objected in Mexico. Of course not. It just wants to see popular government and peace there and there can't be any such while the "constitutionalists" op- pose Huerta. Therefore Huerta must go." There cannot be popular government and peace in Sing Sing while the crim- inals confined there oppose their jailers, or in any asylum where the inmates are not reconciled to their keepers. There can be no popular government and peace in this country while the L W. W., the anarchists and their leaders are not re- conciled to what they call the brutal and arbitrary police rule of the capitalistic classes, in which'they include President Wilson, mind you. Therefore the jailers and keepers and police and President must go! If the "highest authority" vyho passes out the above kind of twaddle is honest he is ignorant of Mexico and Mexican conditions. If not, then he is monumen- tally dishonest. We don't hear so much about oil these days in connection with the Mexican situation. * * * Did the octopus get nervous? Did it stretch out one of its long tentacles and put a damper on the speculations of the press? Or did the octopus get a tip from somebody that the intrusion of the oil ogre as a burning question was getting mighty embarrassing. Strange that it doesn't occur to any member of Congress to inquire where Villa is getting the money to arm, equip and support the twelve thousand men that are claimed for him. Of course we know that he has sold stolen cattle, issued fiat money and "con- fiscated" right and left, but it is pretty well known that the proceeds of these bandit operations have been spUt fifty- fifty with his men, fifty to Villa and fifty to his followers, and that Villa has salted away his share in El Paso and New York banks. * * * And it costs some millions to supply cannon, machine guns, rifles, ammuni- tion for all, and feed and pay twelve thousand men. The money is not coming from Mex- ico. The President has been reported as telling the correspondents in Washing- ton that he had looked into the charges that the disorders in Mexico have been financed on this side of the border and that he was satisfied that such has not been the case. * * * Of course, nobody had the knowledge or gumption to inquire further as to the testimony before the Senate Investigat- ing Committee that proved the contrary or to ask how and through what agents the President had looked into the charges. i^ y^ ■^ Some of these days Congress may see fit to "look in" a little deeper. * * * Remember sometime last October Vil- la was going to eat his Christmas dinner in Mexico City! * * * Whatever the outcome of the Torreon attack Villa will never eat his dinner in Mexico City, it is sate to say, unless he means bread and water in Belem Prison. * * * The rebels occupied Torreon almost a year ago. From which point they advanced back- ward. * * * History has a way of repeating itself. Tampico has been captured by the rebels several times in the course of the last year — in the newspapers. To show the extent to which the news- papers will go to get a story: Several days during the past week they would lead off by saying that not a line had come over the wire from the scene of battle and then follow this statement by columns of the most detailed account of "constitutionalist" victories. Of course, simply "doped out" in Juarez and El Paso. LUCK. Most of the wise and disinterested persons of our acquaintance think that the President's rec- ord contains nothing finer than his Mexican pol- icy. A leader in the Progressive Party said to us the other day that in the Mexican matter Wilson had seemed to him positively inspired. Yet he, like every one else, admits that chance will in- evitably play a part in deciding whether this policy shall have the fortunate termination it de- serves. If we get out of it without a war with Mexico, immense credit will be given to the President. If some folly by the Mexicans, backed up with narrow-mindedness from certain Ameri- cans, shall ultimately bring on a war, the Presi- dent will have deserved credit just as clearly, but he will not get it. The above remarkable editorial is from "Harper's Weekly," of which one Nor- man Hapgood is editor. All that we dare say about it is that somebody said to us the other day that when Hapgood wrote it he was "positively inspired." We wonder whether the inspiration is of -the same nature in both cases? A new and particularly interesting feature of some of the excellent lectures on Mexico being given under the aus- pices of the New York City Board of Education and before various prominent club's and societies, in neighboring cities and towns by Mrs. Ada Brown Talbot, in the presence of Sr. Alfonso L. Jime- nez, Mexican Vice Consul, who, at her request, answers an^r questions that members of the audience may ask re- garding political and commercial condi- tions in tihe republic, growing out of the revolution. The Vice Consul's sources of informa- tion, being official and absolutely up- to-date, lend to his statements the weight of authority, and render them a most convincing and important adjunct to Mrs. Talbot's splendid work in present- ing the real Mexico in her beautifully illustrated lectures — "Journeying in Southern Mexico," and "Journeying' in Northern Mexico." His defence of Pro- visional President Huerta's administra- tion, and his denounciation of the bandits trying to destroy the country cannot fail fo materially strengthen the cause of Mexico wherever he is heard. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. II— No. 33. Errw Runs Swiftly D«wb tke Hill WhU* Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1914. FIVE CENTS News Fakers It has been aptly said that the happiest nation is the one without a history, the word being used in the sense ol a chron- icling of wars, violent changes, revolu- tions and disasters. There is meagre food for the historian in the quiet, sober, matter-of-fact evolution of a people. History is the record of friction, con- flict, upheaval. In a certain sense the daily newspapers are the nervous re- corders of the world's conflict in its many phases. They thrive on violence, ca.astrophe, cataclysm. They are im- patient of prosaic peace and order, and non-contentious change. All of which may in a charitable mind suggest itself as a possible explanation of the extraordinary inventions and false- hoods that have been accepted or manu- factured by the newspapers in reference to the Torreon figliting during the last ten days, so long as those inventions and falsehoods would sustain the claims of the Mexican rebels. Mexico at peace under a strong government like that of President Huerta would offer few opportunities for these falsifying his- torians. Mexico torn and- destroyed by bandit chiefs of the Villa type — ah, there are all kinds of dynamic possibili- ties. There are "stories." It should not be thought for an instant that this predisposition of the news- paper instinct is the only reason for the press' false and distorted news of Mexican affairs. It is not so simple or impulsive as all that. There are several other explanations for the shameless coloring of Mexican news. They may be classified under the follow- ing heads: 1. The attitude of the Wilson Admin- istration. 2. Contamination at the sources of news. 3. More or less honest ignorance. 4. Deliberate misrepresentation by interested parties. Here it must be noted that within the last six months the editorial expressions in our newspapers have become more informed and fair, as the editorial in- telligence has vainly tried to reconcile its former preconception with the facts as they have been revealed. It is in the news columns that the spirit of American justice and fair play is woefully lacking. -\s to the explanations offered above: 1. The attitude of the Wilson Admin- istration. By this time it is almost universally recognized that the Administration made an egregious blunder when it refused to join with all the other Powers in recog- nizing the de facto and de jure govern- ment of Mexico. It is realized with fore- bodings for the future that it took a tremendously consequential step when it assumed the right to overthrow that government and put another in its place. The public is convinced and amazed that the .Administration in raising the em- bargo on arms and giving moral en- couragement to the rebels virtually en- tered into an alliance with nuirdcring, ravishing barbarians. Now the question in the minds of the people, who do not want war with Mexico, is. how is President Wilson going to avoid it? It is admitted that he can avoid it by acknowledging his mistake and repairing it. He can at least withdraw his virulent opposition to the Mexican Government, which has led him to unworthy extremes and has simply prolonged in Mexico conditions that he professed to wish to end. But it is also felt that this acknowledgment would go against the grain of his personal pride. In view of the human, heartrending issues at stake it would seem that one man's personal pride should not be taken into consideration, but the President is master. To help him out the public will grasp at every straw. The agents of the rebels have so often promised that they would bring peace to Mexico if permitted to import arms from the United States that, as "a way out" for the .Administration, their "cause" has been most falsely glorified in the news despatches even following the brutal crime and the outrageous lies of the Benton case. The fact that the success of the rebels at Torreon would not weaken the posi- tion of the Me.xican Government, but rather would strengthen it with the great mass of the Me.xican people who want its protection against the further advance of Villa's barbarians, has not been taken into consideration. The fact that the people of Central and Southern Mexico would rise en masse to check his army of looters if they tried to advance south of Torreon has not been taken into consideration. The fact that the Mexican people as a whole would not tolerate the governinenl of a Villa or any one who came into power with his assistance — or American assistance, for that matter — has not been taken inio consideration. To the news- papers the military success of the rebels might seem a "way out" for President Wilson. If anarchy in Mexico is what he desires, yes! Otherwise, no. and every unbiased intelligent Mexican and every American who has any knowledge of Mexico and the Mexican people will emphatically confirm this statement. 2. Contamination at the sources of news. Tliere are three principal sources of Mexican news: Mexico City, border towns, and Washington. In Mexico City the .Associated Press is represented by correspondents, also the MEXICO Saturday, April i, 1914 NEWS FAKERS— Continued. United Press and the leading newspapers of New York and other large American cities. Recently on invitation from President Huerta, there have been in Mexico City special correspondents from some American papers and magazines. We assume in all these correspondents a spirit of fairness, a desire to tell the truth and at the same time a good appe- tite for a stirring "story." We have known some of them who have deliber- ately lied with malice aforethought, but they have not the respect of their decent fellows and their lies are in time shown up. As to the general run of news from Mexico City: As long as there is a controversy between the Wilson .\dmin- istration and the Mexican Government the correspondents show a keen recep- tion to information or facts tending to discredit that government and vice versa. Then again, Mexico City is a breeding place of irresponsible rumors, probably more fertile in this respect than any other city in the world. In the American Club, in barrooms, in the cafes. on the streets, the American correspon- dent is buttonholed by rumor-mongers who mysteriously hint at portentous de- velopments which have their only foundation in their author's idle imagina- tion or lying propensity. Usually the American correspondent does not speak Spanish, or is in no posi- tion to learn the truth. The city has been full of thrills and surprises from time inmemorial and one feels in the air that anything may happen, anything may be true, at any time. That is the atmos- phere which . is the fascination of the capital, but which plays hob with the correspondent's sense of proportion. He accepts rumors and surmises as facts and cables them tD his office, hungry for sensations. Assertions are always scare- headed; denials are always inconspicuous. Americans in Mexico City, almost as a unit, condemn the .Administration's policy, but it is the business of the American Embassy to support it. The correspondents take their cue largely from the Embassy anl the Embassy gets its cue from Washington. So much for Mexico City. In the border towns, especialb' El Paso and Nogaies. the rebels of the North have their juntas, their press agents, secret agents, friends and rela- tives. Revolution in Mexico is profitable to the border tows. El Paso merchants, for example, have sold thousands of dollars' worth of supplies to Villa. The trade in arms and ammunition is profitable to border .Americans. More than a million head of cattle have been stolen by the rebels from the ranches of Sonora and Chihuahua and sold to American cattle dealers at less than value. The .American money interests in the North of Mexico find it necessary to ''stand in" witli 'lie rebels, n-id these big interests are influential with the border newspapers. Furthermore covetous eyes are cast on Mexican territory which through the contenance of disorder may some day become American! A newspaper man with Villa or Car- ranza must write the news as it is told him or he will get none at all — and his job depends on his getting "news." So he finds it to his advantage to write fiction in the absence of facts and glorify outlaws for whom as a self-respecting American he must have supreme con- tempt. The newspapers throughout the country know by experience that border news is frightfully colored, but they play it up, if only for its fiction thrills. The border newspaper men are simply press agents for whatever group of rebels may be in control and the medium through which they seek to deceive and bam- boozle the American people. In Washington the correspondents are governed b^- the wishes of the White House and the State Department in their speculation as to Mexican affairs, as well as by the pohcies of their respec- tive newspapers. The Hearst news- papers are hungry for anything that might bring about armed intervention. Ralph Pulitzer, an Administration cour- tier, directs the attitude of the "World's" Washington Bureau in support of Presi- dent Wilson, "right or wrong." and so on. The agents of the rebels in Wash- ington for months had free swing and any wild, fantastic yarn the}' concocted was good "copy," Their work became so obviously unscruplous and untruthful that they rode their horse to death and now their statements are taken with a hag of salt. The only person in Wash- ington who takes stock in them now is Secretary Bryan and he loves the gold brick with which they presented him. -As a matter of fact, the Washing- ton correspondents are personally sick nnd tired of the kind of Mexican "dope" iliey have been compelled against their own intelligence to foist on the public, and they would welcome a chance to tell what they really think. Meanwhile their hands are tied, Mo-f or less honest ignorance, Tliis is amazing and deplorable to all who know Mexico, but the excuse for It is less than formerly, because so much of truth about Mexico is available to those who are honestly desirous of learn- ing it. We are happy to hear from many enlightened quarters that "Mexico" has been largely instrumental in "pro- moting intelligent discussion of Mexican affairs," which from the beginning has been the announced purpose of this pub- lication, 4, Deliberate misrepresentation ,by interested parties. This has been covered to a great ex- tent by what has been said above in reference to the contamination of news at its sources, but it refers particularly to the campaign of misrepresentation that has been waged for the last three years by certain American interests in conjunction with the Madero family, and under the management of the present Washington attorney of the "Constitu- tionalists." This campaign was deter- mined upon when Porhrio Diaz refused to do the bidding of grasping American oil and railroad interests. It was con- ducted with the purpose of forcing Diaz outj it wa's continued to maintain the Maderos in power, it has been relentless in seeking to oust Huerta, and it will continue until those interests either get their grasping way in Mexico or are called off by the voice of a people whom they would plunge into war vnth Mexico if necessary to their ptirposes. NEWS FAKERS AT IT AGAIN. The "Times" yesterday, as on the day before and all days previous, was the only newspaper in Los Angeles that pre- sented the straight news of the Mexican situation. The "Times" yesterday stated in its headlines and in the text of its dispatches from Chihuahua and Juarez that fighting was still in progress near Torreon and that Villa's advance had been checked. The two other morning papers in Los Angeles falsely reported in glaring type that Torreon had fallen and that the Federals had been routed. The "Times' " dispatches were verified by new developments of last evening. The mendacious reports of the fall of Tor- reon, Tuesday night, were offered to The "Times" by the rebel news fakers in El Paso, Chicago and New York, but The "Times" refused to print them. — Los .Angeles "Times," SUFFERING MEXICO. Napoleon. Sherman. Sheridan, Lee. Washington. Cornwallis and all the other war heroes of the past have been proven the veriest tyros in their profession of war and the palm passes to the wielder of the blue pencil, the copyreader on the daity newspaper who reads and as- sorts the dispatches from Mexico and then conceives the glaring, thrilling headlines for the front page. Since Ma- dero first pronounced his provisional presidency and the rule of Porfirio Diaz first wavered, Mexico has lost more sol- diers, both privates and officers, than ever were enrolled in the combined armies of Diaz, Madero. Huerta and Villa. Scarceh- a day has passed in the last eighteen months or two years but the headline writer has chronicled tra- gically the deaths of from 10 to 10.000 Mexican troops. Federal or rebel. 'Tis indeed a terrible war and unless the headiirie writers' attacks arc stopped soon Mexico will be an .Adamless — well. not Eden: rifles and swords and daggers will be discarded and the fiery senoras and senoritas will be pulling and claw- ing and scratching in their final effort to restore peace and goodwill in the shadow of Popocatapetl. — Denver Times. Saturday, April 4, 1914 MEXICO THEIR BOSOM FRIENDS. Lind and Bryan pin their faith, their sublime, external faith, on the Mexican rebels. With the assistance of Lind and Bryan, Villa will save Mexico! The gentle bandits are their dearly beloved proteges. Here is a sample of the man- ners and methods of these friends of the Constitution: Mexico City. March SO.^How nve members of a crew of a National Railway train were tortured and killed and three terribly injured by rebels was told to-day in a report in the hands of the railroad officials. The report was sent in by Daniel M. Mier, the only survivor of the train crew. "Our freight train was between El Oro and El Sobre," reported Mier. "Suddenly we heard fir- ing, and in a few minutes came right into a battle between rebels and Federals. The Federals were being whipped. They stopped the train, climbed aboard and made a sort of a fort of the cars. They fought until every one of the Federals on our train was either killed or wounded. Then the rebels surrounded us. We tried to get away, jumping off the train and running up a creek. "Pena, brakeman ; Ortis, a fireman, and I, as well as a passenger, ran along the bed of the creek until overtaken by two rebels. They took us up the bank, where there were many rebels. They had a Federal prisoner, and one of the rebels said to us : " 'Here's how we kill Federal officers.* "He shot twice at the Federal from a distance of eighteen feet and missed. Then he swore, walked up to him and shot him through the fore- head, killing him. He turned to us and said: " 'As for you fellows, I won't waste ammuni- tion on you.' With that he hit Pena with the butt of a rifle and Pena fell stunned and bleeding to the ground. When Pena fell the rebel jticked up a big rock and dropped it on Pcna's head. When he saw Pena was not dead he called for other rocks and his men brought him three more. He dropped these on Pena until his head was crushed flat." H one asked Lind about this he would say that probably the dear rebels were a little unbalanced by too close study of the Constitution, but that they meant well. Bryan would say, if questioned about it. that it is a beautiful world. LEST WE FORGET When the agents of Carranza in Wash- ington were urging the removal of the embargo on arms, they asserted, cocksurely, that the rebels would be in possession of Mexico City in sixty days and would have established peace in Mexico in ninety days. After more than sixty days. Villa is fighting for his life eight hundred miles from Mexico City and peace will not come until he and his kind are destroyed or driven into their bandit fastnesses, in the mountains of Northern Mexico. * * * The attitude of the Administration has simply made the task of the forces of law and order more difficult. • * • If that is any satisfaction to the Presi- dent and Secretary Bryan, they may enjoy it. But the price they are paying for this satisfaction is tremendous. Nine-tenths of the reports of the fighting at Torreon has been Juarez guess work, with the wish father of the thought. * * * The only truth is that Villa went down to Torreon, boasting that the city would be his in twenty-four hours — or was it minutes? — and that at the end of twelve days, as we go to press, he has not succeeded in capturing it. * * * And they said the Federals were con- script soldiers, who could not and would not fight. * * * Notice that thousands of woiinded reb- els are straggling back to Chihuahua. One of them said: "We wedked into hell!" It is a barbarous, brutal conflict, from any angle. * * * A disgrace to civilization that such a shambles should be made possible by the moral support of the United States, or rather, the Wilson Administration. What of the thousands of peaceable Mexicans, men, women and children, in Gomez Palacio, Lerdo and Torreon? You read little or nothing of them in the false and exaggerated accounts of the doings of that noble patriot, Pancho Villa. * * * They do not count. Hundreds, thous- ands of them, may have been killed — but Huerta must go, and the Administra- tion save its face. Messages for Bryan from American consuls in Mexico go through the hands of the rebel agents in Juarez. Carranza gets a peek before they are sent on to Washington. * * * It is said that hereafter they will be sent in code. * * • Why have they not been in code here- tofore? * * * The papers reported the death of Colonel Victor Huerta, son of the Presi- dent, at Torreon. * * • Victor Huerta is not a colonel and he is in Mexico City. But why bother enumerating all the lies in the news? Villa's fight is for new fields to loot. * ♦ ♦ He and his men have about exhausted the available resources of the State of Chihuahua. * * * Since they are destroyers and not builders, they must now go elsewhere or find no profit in fighting. That is why the capture of Torreon is so important to them. They have denuded the Chihuahua ranches of cattle. The mines have been closed down. The fields have not been sown. It is easy to see the desperate state in which the rebels will soon find them- selves unless they can reach the rich cities of Central Mexico. » * * And they would, if they could, de- vastate the rest of the country as they have the State of Chihuahua. * * * Their triumph would be the triumph of destruction and anarchy. * * * And that is what would seemingly please Washington. * * * Then the Administration might "get Huerta?" * * * Is it any wonder that the world is amazed by this cold-blooded attitude? * » * Not reckoning human life or a na- tion's destruction rather than change its mind. It will not be long before the people of this country wUl rise as one to pro- test against this monstrous injustice. * * * If the Administration would only point out how the situation would be improved by the elimination of Huerta! * * * It is simply a case of obstinate dicta- tion, based on ignorance and misrepre- sentation. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. MEXICO Saturday, April 4, 1914 AT CLOSE RANGE By F. J. Splitstone in "Leslie's Weekly." The Huertas lived very modestly in Mexico. They have a little house in the suburbs which the general laughingly called his country home, and which he still retains and uses. It is only since he became President that he has owned his city home, and it is a most modest one on a quiet street. Chepultepec Castle has been the residence of the rulers of Mexico since the days of the Aztecs, but so far the Huertas have not occupied it. Mrs- Huerta has given one tea there in the year that she has been the first lady of the land. As for President Huerta, he is -a tire- less worker. Sometimes he sleeps at the National Palace, where the executive offices are. Sometimes he goes out to his little "country home." He is much annoyed by people who want favors and otherwise impose upon his time', and to avoid them he spends much of his time in an automobile. The coche of el Presi- dente is well known in the capital, and wherever you see it you may be pretty certain that another follows, and in it are the President's secretary and tele- graph operator. The business of the na- tion is done from the. automobile. .Almost any fine morning the President can be seen in the vicinity of Chepultepec at about half-past seven, transacting busi- ness with his cabinet members and their subordinates. The President's automo- bile stands at the side of one of the mag- nificent drives in the Bosque de Chepul- tepec, and the vehicles of the others come and go. Ministers and secretaries enter the executive coach, make reports, receive instructions and go their way, while the President acknowledges the salu'es of the casual passers-by with a simple raising of the forefinger to the brim of his hat. The President is the most democratic of men. He goes about the city now just as he did when he was a soldier unknown to fame. He dines at the res- taurants, drops in at the soda fountain for drinks and attends the theatres, bull- fights and even the moving picture .shows when he can find the time. His brown suit and soft hat pulled well down over his eyes are familiar to all the residents of the city, and wherever he goes there rises a little murmur of "el Presidente," and perhaps a ripple of applause. There can be no doubt that the Presi- dent is growing steadily in popularity in his capital. For one thing he is ab- solutely fearless. He goes about un- guarded, though scarcely a day passes in which he does not receive letters threatening his life. Then, too, his un- pretentious way of living makes a favor- able impression. The people of Mexico are not used to democracy on the part of their rulers, but they seem to like it. But most of all, Huerta has grown in popularity because he has shown himself to be a strong man, a man of blood and iron, a man with a will that nothing can break or bend. He is a personality that would command respect anywhere. Mexico accepts calmly his autocratic rule. It denies vigorously that he is an assassin and that he was in any way connected v/ith the killing of Madero. The best informed American residents here say that there is not the slightest evidence to connect President Huerta with that unfortunate affair; and thev say, further, that had he thought it neces- sary to have Madero killed he would have had him publicly executed instead of assassinated. President Huerta is popular with the foreign residents here. Almost with one voice they speak well of hnn. Many Americans have talked to me of him in words of affection. His is not a simple nature. He has an Indian mind, active, full of surprises and unexpected kinks, but his tastes are simple and he is cap- able of deep and sustained friendships. He has been severely criticised from the moral standpoint, and his enemies have charged him with almost every crime in the calendar, but the only charge that can be substantiated is that he is fond of brandy. He drinks the best and he drinks much, but I have not tound one person among the hundreds with whom I have talked and who know him inti- mately who will admit to have ever seen him show any signs of being under the influence of liquor. The charge that "^oneral Huerta is a drunkard can h" dismissed as a malicious slander. As a matter of fact, he is a plain, blunt man, whose life has been spent in military duties, a man of shrewdness and common sense and to all apearances of honesty and patriotism. Everywhere he is affectionately alluded to as "the old man," and that means a great deal to those who know Mexico. The Cost of It. Is there any price too large for the Administration to pay that it may per- sist in its obduracy? Seemingly not. * * * It is the Panama Canal tolls exemption for American ships now. It will be something else three months from now. And the country pays the bills! And national honor pays. * * * And human lives and millions in treas- ure are sacrificed. * * * But the Administration must not ad- mit it made a mistake! * * * Frankly, we think Colonel Harvey's masterly appeal will fall on sterile soil. * * * That kind of mind does not yield to a human appeal. * * * But it will yield to a demand — a de- mand from its master, the American people. * * * And that demand will soon come. PERU FOR PERUVIANS. When General Huerta assumed control of the Mexican Government on February 33, 1913, he telegraphed to President Taft: I have the honor to inform you that I have overthrown the Government. The forces are with me, and from now on peace and prosperity will reign. When Colonel Benavides assumed control of the Peruvian Government, eleven months later, Carlos Leguia tele- graphed to his brother, Robert Leguia, Vice-President of Peru, then in London, as follows. By the glorious action of the army we are free from Billinghurst, who is now in the penitentiary. The revolutions were oddly analogous. Like the Mexicans, the Peruvians are nearly sixty per cent. Indian, the re- mainder being approximately twenty-five per cent, mestizos, four per cent, negroes and Chinese, and less than fourteen per cent, whites. Like the Mexicans, too, they have a Constitution which provides for full, fair, and free elections, which are never held because, also as in Mexi- co, the smallest proportion imaginable can read or write. In 1912, there was no result whatever at the polls, for the simple reason that mobs burned the ballot-boxes; whereupon the Congress duly elected Guillermo Billinghurst President. He, like Madero, was a re- former and possessed the advantage of e.xceptional experience as soldier, diplo- mat, legislator, and administrator. That he tried earnestly to give his country an honest and efficient government is the common report. Indeed, the only accusation published against him is that he "ignored the better class of people and drew around him people without so- cial position who were ready to serve his will." Whereupon the "better," or ruling, class headed by the Legulas plot- ted to depose him. Colonel Benavides executed the plans formulated by Au- gusto Durand successfully, taking the capital by force of arms, putting the President in prison, and incidentally kill- ing the Minister of War. He thereupon declared himself Provisional President and sought recognition from the United States of his de facto government, pre- cisely as General Huerta had done. But there the parallel ends. Huerta was re- jected : Benavides is accepted. Tt would seem, therefore, that we have, not a foreign policy, but foreign policies of varying consistency. But is this the fact? The Administration's refusal to make explanation of any kind naturally has evoked much criticism from the Press, not of its action per se, with respect to Peru, but of its abrupt departure from the rule declared by the President to repudiate Governments "stained by blood or supported by anything but the consent of the .governed"; but for our- selves, we heartily applaud the Presi- dent's attitude toward Peru for the same (Continued on next page) Saturday, April 4, 1B14 MEXICO reason that we deplored his contrary position toward Mexico, viz., that it is no part of our business to say who shall or shall not be President of any country. If it be maintained, as of course it may be with semblance of reason, that recognition of Benavides implies con- fession of error in refusing to recognize Huerta, then so much greater is the credit, and so much higher the honor, due the President for courageous and conscientious performance of distasteful duty. — "North American Review." LIND EGGING ON CARRANZA! And He Is Tolerated By the Mexican Government. (By Mexican Cable to the New York "Herald.") VERA CRUZ, Mexico, via Galveston, Texas. Saturday.— In the event General Villa takes Torreon Mr. Lind considers it highly important to discourage Mexi- can bankers from negotiating further loans to prop the tottering Huerta Gov- ernment through the sale of old Gov- ernment bonds, as done recently, for an aggregate of fifty-four millions pesos, at Huerta's urgent solicitation. To that end Mr. Lind has cabled the State Department, recommending that should Torreon fall the department should urge General Carranza immedi- ately to issue a general proclamation unequivocally repudiating all contracts entered into by the Huerta Government since the assumption of dictatorial pow- ers and the incarceration of Congres- sional Deputies, whether for the pur- chase or sale of any Government prop- erty, including bonds and other securi- ties, and warning all prospective or ac- tual purchasers that after the Constitu- tional Government is installed all such contracts will be held null and void. Carranza is already on record with a general declaration of repudiation to that effect, but Mr. Lind believes the insur- gent position would be greatly strength- ened internationally if the specific dec- laration be restricted to acts consum- mated since the assumption of dictatorial powers. LONDON OPTIMISTIC (Special Cable Dispatch to Tlie New York "Evening Post.") LONDON, March 28.— .\s regards Mexico, the strongly hopeful view which now exists is caused by the belief that Huerta is really gaining ground in his campaign to restore order in Mexico, and is also encouraged by the feeling that, if it were to be proved to Wilson that negotiations with the Huerta fac- tion present the real solution of the problem, your President is sufficiently strong to reverse his previous policy and acknowledge that it was a mistake. There i« a highly interesting unanimity, in financial circles here, of respectful recog- nition of Wilson's character, even in quarters where his particular policies are entirely opposed. "THE CASE OF MEXICO" By R. de Zayas Enriquez. The Wilson policy has been con- demned by the entire world. The Americans residing in Mexico, who are well qualified to speak of what is taking place there, what is to be feared or hoped for, have protested against it. Prominent members of the American colony called upon Mr. Wilson in a body for the purpose of conferring with him and supplying him with accurate in- formation; those men told me, however, that the President refused to receive them, on the plea that he was not soli- citing opinions regarding Mexico. Many newspapers of the United States have published very illuminating articles showing the mistake which President Wilson is making. All over Latin America, from Cuba to the Straits of Magellan, the problem has been discussed from every angle, and the conclusions reached have been uni- formly adverse to the Wilson policy. The majority of the English, French, German and Spanish papers have con- demned it; some have even gone so far as to prefer grave charges, which I con- sider unfounded, if not slanderous, against Mr. Wilson, accusing him, for instance, of venality, an absolutely in- admissible charge. The conservative papers of all those countries are unanimous in stating that, considering the anomalous conditions through which our country is passing. General Huerta is the indispensible man of the hour; the only man, perhaps, who has the necessary qualifications to re- establish order; the only one, in any case, who can protect fully the lives and interests of foreign residents. I admit that every man should be guided in the accomplishment of his task by idealistic motives; his feet, however, should remain on the ground. I also believe that a faith which is not constructive is a negation, a delu- "sion, or a form of hypocrisy. The future does not belong to those who would impose their ideas through violent gestures, violent epithets, or vio- lent deeds; but to those who can reorgan. ize society on a better basis, and unite men in order and harmony. I cannot believe that President Wil- son is planning to precipitate a war be- tween the United States and Mexico. If the Wilson policy has not as its sole aim an armed intervention and the con- quest of Mexico, or of a section of it, Mr. Wilson should direct all his energies towards the resumption of an harmoni- ous modus viviendi with Mexico; he should abandon his hostile attitude and avail himself of the best diplomatic as- sistance. When Mr. Wilson sent Mr. Lind as his confidential agent, or in whatever capacity it may have been, a thing which has never been definitely ascertained, to present to President Huerta the inad- missible requests I have previously men- tioned. President Huerta was tactful enough to oflEer a counter proposition which, if it had been accepted, would have solved the difficulty. The perfectly dignified suggestion made by the Mexican statesman covered two points: 1. That the Mexican Ambassador to Washington be received. 2. That the United States send a new ambassador to Mexico without any prior conditions. Those two points encompassed a vast program; to enter into relations and to discuss the situation through diplomatic channels, with due regard for good form. Mr. Wilson must be aware of the fact that in international negotiations good form is indispensible for the arrival at a perfect understanding. Sympathies and prejudices should be set aside for the sake of convenience, reason, and justice. In politics there is no worse adviser than self-conceit It is high time an end should be put to the present situation, which is ano- malous, dangerous, and inexcusable, and greatly prejudicial to both Mexico and the United States. Mr. Wilson must not be blind to the facts. He must realize that, notwith- standing his attitude of hostility to President Huerta, the latter has re- mained in power and has by this time completed his first year in the Presi- dential chair. He must realize that, not- withstanding the boycott directed against the provisional Government, it has succeeded in supplying itself with arms and ammunition, enlisting men and raising money; money has been con- tributed voluntarily in Mexico and abroad, for the patriotic endeavors of President Huerta are inspiring rnore confidence than the inexplicable doings of the American Government. He must realize that notwithstanding the direct assistance the rcl)els have found in the United States, and the moral help the .American Government has given them indirectly, they are less than ever likely iri triumph: a few victories won in the frontier States where the American in- fiience is the most effective, mean little or nothing. In the rest of the country the Government retains the upper hand, and Huerta has succeeded in limiting and localizing the insurrection. Mr. Wil- son must realize that the triumph of the rebels would prove disastrous for Mexico and would imperil its institu- tions, its social order, and legitimate in- terests of all foreign residents, not ex- cluding the American residents. The Honorable Mr. Wilson has only one alternative ; either order an armed intervention, a course which he pretends he does not contemplate and which I contend he has neither the right nor the power to resort to; or rely entirely upon ,liplomat;c action. .'Vn attitude of watch- ful expectancy does not constitute a so- lution It constitutes a real danger; it is in the last analysis, inaction due to ignorance of whatever action should be taken. MEXICO Saturday, April 4, 1914 TO SENATOR FALL An Open Letter by Dr. Lara Pardo. Intervention — or conquest — is not jus- tified in Mexico. The armed invasion ■of a country, in modern times, is only justified in these instances; When miperatively needed to secure additional territory for an overcrowded population. To destroy a direct and imminent menace to the sovereignty or integrity ■of a countrv. It is obvious that the United States, •with her wonderful resources and ■enormous strength, needs no land and ■cannot fear an aggression from Mexico. As to obtaining redress from injuries to citizens, the international law gives ample means for a peaceful solution. Since the beginning of her relations with the United States, Mexico has never refused to give redress for injuries to American subjects. In fact, it is a mat- ter of record that not long ago an amount of money was returned to the Mexican Government, as a surplus left after paying all claims passed upon by an international committee. It is also a matter of record that in all the dif- ferent arbitration cases settled so far between Mexico and the United States, Mexico has accepted the decision of the arbiter, while the United States have refused to accept the only decision fav- orable to Mexico. This refers to the Chamizal case. There is an arbitration treat}' between Mexico and the United States covering .all claims for damages, and not before arbitration is tried in good faith would the United States have the right to use ■force to obtain redress from injuries to her citizens. This is according to the text of the treaty. But there is something very im- portant, besides. It is universally known that the present revolution in Mexico "has been openly fomented in American territory. It is a fact that from the Ma- dero original proclamation, prepared and issued in San Antonio, Texas, to the last shipments of rapid fire guns received by Pancho Villa, the rebellion has been planned, managed, organized and con- •ducted in American territory' by Ameri- ■can interests and their Mexican allies, -with the support of the American Gov- ernment. The Washington authorities have done everything in their power to overthrow Porfirio Diaz, first, and Vic- toriano Huerta now. The present sit- uation has been originated mainly by the firm decision of the President of the United States to plaee a man of his per- sonal choice in the Government of Mexico. President Wilson has done this in open violation of the universally ac- cepted principles of international law, and in spite of solemn pledges made by the United States. And now, if this situation, created by American interests, maintained and fo- mented by the Wilson Administration, is taken as a pretext for an armed in- vasion, the crime of such war would be unparalleled in the history of conquest, which is the history of international plunder and infamy. We Mexicans, however, should wel- come your stand in this matter. At least you come openly, you advocate military invasion which will bring American sup- remacy in Mexico, but at cost of Ameri- can money and lives. Your course, it not more just or fair, is at least more courageous and frank than arming brothers against brothers, using bandits and throwing them against peaceful vil- lages and ranches to sack, rob, kill and attack innocent women and children, and waiting- watchfully for the ruin of a for- merly prosperous country. At least you come openly as a foe. You do not, under the cover of MEXICO'S BIGGER BROTHER, conspire against her very existence. It is right for 3'ou to present the mat- ter squarely before the xAmerican peo- ple, provided that the Mexican side of the matter is also candidly stated. Your proposition means a foreign war in Mexico, grafted on the present do- mestic disturbances. Let the American people decide whether it is good for the honor, welfare and prestige of this country to foment disorder in Mexico, to impair her development, to create there an anarchic condition and then to invade her in a military conquest, cost- ing hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of lives, for the benefit of a few politicians and speculators. I feel sure that the American nation, if correctly informed about the facts, would repudiate the odious and disas- trous policy adopted by the Wilson Ad- ministration. But should the American people approve it and support the mili- tary invasion of Mexico, then the re- sponsibility would squarely fall on the LTnited States, and at least Mexico would be placed face to face to her real foe. An international war would win for us the sympathy never denied to those who struggle in self-defense against a strong- er enemy. That would be a thousand times better than the present inglorious struggle Mexico is having against gun- men, armed and supplied by speculators and politicians who lack the courage to assume the responsibility and the risk of militarj' conquest. — Dr. Lara Pardo in an open letter to Senator Fall of New Mexico. NO CONFIDENCE IN REBEL ABILITY. Huerta's staying qualities are of more importance in this situation than any- thing else. His achievements in this direction thus far have been little short of marvellous, and the prospect is that he will hang on for some time to come. This is said even in the face of a pos- sible severe defeat at Torreon. Such defeat will make a diflference, but prob- ably not to the extent of his elimination. Again, Huerta may win at Torreon. His " troops are assuredly putting up a splen- did defence. Looking at the situation from another angle — supposing that the rebels win and Huerta is deposed — there is no confi- dence in the ability of the Constitution- alists to govern, even if they take office. There is nothing to indicate that Zapata, the bandit rebel of Morelos, whose fol- lowing is growing while Huerta is oc- cupied in the north, will succumb to the rule of Carranza or Villa, or whoever else may become President. Zapata has aspirations of his own. He yielded not to Porfirio Diaz, to de la Barra, to Ma- dero or to Huerta. He is probably the most consistent man in Mexico — always a rebel. In consequence of these conditions, and considering the probability of inter- nal squabbling and almost immediate counter revolutions if the present rebel- lion succeeds, the situation following rebel victory will be one of chaos, with no prospect of peace being restored to Mexico. Unfortunate conditions which now prevail will continue and there will be as much need for a strong hand then as there is now. — Philip H. Patchin in New York "Tribune." LEADING TO ANARCHY. Regarding the situation at Torreon as re- vealed by the press despatches, which are so contradictory, Mr. Bennett expressed the belief that the stories of success coming from General Villa's camp are greatly exaggerated. From his knowledge of the topography of Torreon and the surrounding country, he said it was appar- ent to him that the fall of that city will be delayed for some time. "I think President Wilson's watching and waiting policy is wrong," said Mr. Bennett. "Had President Huerta been recognized the situation in Mexico would not be as horrible as it is to-day. General Villa, although a forceful character, who has made himself a factor to be reckoned with, is nevertheless a bandit, and were he to win in this revolution he would deem himself a con- queror deserving of all the rights and privileges of the man in power. With such a nature as his, this would mean endless war, if not absolute an- archy. —Interview with H. W. Bennett in New York ^-Herald." THE COLONEL IN CHILE. The fact that it was President Roose- velt who "took Panama'" and boasted of his act doubtless accounts for much of the hostility manifested against him per- sona^3^ but it is a significant circum- stance that the many "Vivas Mexico" and "Vivas Huerta" plainly indicated bit- ter disapproval of our present attitude toward our stricken neighbor. Alto- gether the story makes most unpleasant reading. — "North American Review " Saturday, April 4, 1914 MEXICO a WE APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT" To Save Mexico, to Save His Party, to Save Himself." By Col. George Harvey in North American Reviev "The large thing to do is the only thing we can afford to do — a voluntary withdrawal from a position everywhere questioned and misunderstood. We ought to reverse our action without rais- ing the question whether we were right 9r wrong, and so once more deserve our reputation for generosity and the redemption of every obligation without quibble or hesitation." Those words, Mr. President, spoken by you as the head of the nation to the Congress of the United States upon the first day of your second year in office were more than worthy, more than courageous; they were noble. They breathed the sense of national honor; they were shot through with patriotic feeling; they evinced the power of personal greatness to ac- knowledge and repair a fault. And they will serve the purpose for which they were uttered — never fear! Pending the accomplishment of that great triumph which is to be yours, may we not ask you to perform the more pressing duty of turning your eyes upon the stricken people of bleeding Mexico, and consider — consider in can- dor and with deep solicitude which we know you feel — whether you may not apply those words to them. Is not our attitude toward them also "everywhere questioned and misunderstood"? We think and presently shall try to convince your mind that it is. If we shall succeed in that endeavor, is not "the large thing to do the only thing we can afford to do" — a reversal of our action "without raising the question whether we were right or wrong, and so once more de- serve our reputation for generosity and the redemption of every ol)ligation with- out quibble or hesitation"? Four months have elapsed since we raised the questions — What legal or moral right has a Presi- dent of the United States to say who shall or shall not he President of Mex- ico? and Did not President Wilson imbed him- self in a practically inextricable position when he demanded the retirement ot Huerta? and the only answers forthcoming are to be found in a consensus of the world's opinion and in a hopelessly tangled diplomatic situation surcharged with peril. But nn! That is not strictly accurate. You answered the first ques- tion, Mr. President, when you recognize'^ the Huerta of Peru, and you answered the second when you urged so impres- sively uonn the Congress, as a primary reason for repudiating a pledge of j'our own party platform, the necessity of mollifying foreign powers. War Not Wanted. The partisan attacks in which you are now being increasingly subjected constitute, we suspect, the least of your anxieties. Senators and Representatives who demand "action" which would lead to armed intervention may reflect the opinion of their own restricted consti- tuencies, but they wholly misinterpret the wish of the country. Never was a war so unpopular, so hateful in the eyeS of the people, as would be a war now with distracted Mexico Whether avoidance thus far is fairly attributable to your sagacity and forbearance, or to mere good fortune, or to both, matters not at all: the country is grateful. .Sir. deeply grateful to you for sparing them the calamity which unhappily so many are coming to regard as inevitable. Nor does one whit of justice lie in the strident criticisms of your course as "inert" and "lifeless." You have done all that lay within your power to do in furtherance of the success of your programme. Never before to our knowl- edge, while their countries were at peace and resolved to continue in amicable relationship, has one President declared war upon another President. Yet that is what you did without a quiver ot hesitation. And you did not stop there. You certainly struck deep and hard in those days early in November when the following declaration was served upon Huerta as coming from the Presi- dent of the United States: First — That the First Magistrate is ot the opinion that the recent coup d'etat was a direct violation of the assurances which Huerta gave his Government. Second — That unless Huerta, volun- tarily and on his own initiative, retires at once from power and abandons every idea of controlling the organization of the Government and the conduct of ne- gotiations, the First Magistrate will find himself under the necessity of interven- ing by means of an ultimatum, and if this is not accepted he will be obliged to propose to the Congress of his coun- try the adoption of practical measures of a most serious nature. Third — That the Government of the First Magistrate sincerely desires to avoid extreme measures, as much for the sake of Mexico as for the sake of peace in America, and is of itself dis- posed to act reasonably in order not to wound Huerta's sense of dignity, and at the same time to give Huerta the per- sonal protection he might need. Fourth — That with this purpose in view it proposes the following: That there be selected some person, or small group of persons, which to the least pos- sible extent shall have been connected with the recent political disturbances, (for e-xaniple, men of mature age who have retired from the field of politics and who enjoy the confidence of the people), who shall form a constitutional Government and make whatever arrange- ments may be necessary for a general election. In these elections there shall be selected a new Congress and a new Chief Executive, to the end that the Government be established on a consti- tutional basis. Fifth — That such a course is absolutely necessary to the end that he (the Chief Executive) merit the approval of the First Magistrate for the reason that the Government of the Chief Magistrate has firmly and irrevocably decided, by one method or another, to eliminate completely all assistance that Huerta be- lieves he may receive from foreign sources, if he persists in his proposal to remain in power, it being a further fact that only for a few days longer "will he, Huerta. be free to select the course he chooses, to follow. His withdrawal, and consequent absolute liberty of action in the re-establishment of constitutional power, alone will be accepted by the Chief Magistrate. This Government cannot urge with too much insistence, now that the outcome is inevitable, that Huerta reach his decision wisely and at the same time giving full consideration to the terrible consequences which will follow his vacillation or refusal. Sixth — That the proposal to substitute Blanquet, or any other representative of the Government of Huerta, or any one connected with his coup d'etat, will con- duce to further irritation on the part of the First Magistrate, and inevitable and definite rupture. The same result will follow any effort to place in power the candidates chosen at the last election, be it for President or member of Congress. And when the old Indian coolly ig- nored this demand you did not shrink from inviting the criticism of your own countrymen by lifting the embargo upon guns which, like those in the Philippines, may at no distant day be turned upon our own soldiers. No, Mr. President, it is not from lack of energy or resolution that your attempt to apply political eu- genics to Mexico in a schoolmasterful way has failed. It is from the fatal de- fect within the policy itself — the futile threat which, as we declared in Novem- ber, "instead of eliminating Huerta from power, riveted him in his place, there to remain, in all probability, until he" shall be expelled by force of arms." This judgment, based upon certain logic, has now found general acceptance, and it is to that most important fact, Mr, Presi- dent, that we would direct j-our attention. What Papers Say. No writer has made it so clear as you that "the only force" that can con- trol a President in shaping his course with respect to large matters of public policy is "the force of public opinion." But public opinion is no less subject to change than individual judgment and, if it is to be accepted as a true guide, it must be examined and interpreted at frequent intervals. When, in November, we urged upon you mantui reversal of a policy which we then believed to be and which has since proved to have been untenable, we did not assume to reflect the common view. We could not but feel that much of the seeming approval was no more than natural and praise- worthy restraint: but there were few evidences to that effect, and you were quite justified in assuming that your at- titude had won general commendation. The newspaper press in particular was notably insistent and steadfast in sup- port of your determination to drive Huerta from his position of authority. But is it so now? Let us mark the in- dications afforded by our leading jour- nals. ( Here the writer quotes columns of editorial comment and public opinion, all concurring in stating that a mistake has been made in not recognizing Huer- ta.) A Policy Without Friends. The e.xtraordinary characteristic oi this gala.xy of editorial and individual pronouncements is its unanimity. There may have appeared somewhere a word of approval of "watchful waiting" since the embargo was lifted, but if so. despite our painstaking reading of many .Ameri- can newspapers, we have not seen it — not one word. Taking into further con- sideration the rapidly increasing disposi- tion of Senators and Representatives, who are most sensitive to the views of their constituents upon the eve of an election, what are we to infer? In your truly eloquent message to the Congress delivered in person on .-\ugust (^Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, April 4, 1914 "WE APPEAL TO THE PRESIDENT" -Continued 37 you attributed the Mexican Govern- ment's rejection of your proposals to your belief that "the authorities had been grossly misinformed and misled upon two points." First, they did not "realize the spirit" of "friendship" and "determ- ination" of the American people; and, secondly, "they did not believe that the present Administration spoke, through Mr. Lind, for the people of the United States." Consequently, you added in perfectly good faith, and we believe with full warrant as of the moment, "so long as the misunderstanding continues w^e can only await the time of their awakening to a realization of the actual facts." You concluded, if our memory is not at fault, with the comforting as- surance that "the steady pressure ol moral force will, before many days (after Aug. 27, 1913), break the barriers of pride and prejudice down and we shall triumph as Mexico's friends sooner than we could triumph as her enemies," etc. But that is beside the point. The question is, does the present Administra- tion now speak, through Mr. Lind or anybody else, for the people of the United States? In view of the indica- tions of the certain trend, if not indeed the definite formulation, of public opinion, is there not room for doubt — and occasion for very grave reflection? You spoke. Mr. President, in your latest message, of the difficulties which you are now experiencing in dealing with foreign Governments, especially with re- spect to "matters of even greater deli- cac}' and nearer consequence" than the canal-tolls dispute, and you pleaded with the Congress to empower you to adopt conciliatory measures. It is clear, there- fore, that you attach particular import- ance to foreign public opinion at this crucial time. What, then, is the con- sensus of that judgment upon your Mexican policy? The most consistent friends of Ameri- ca among the public journals of England are The London "Times" and The "Spec- tator." Both have deplored from the be- -"i'lnina- your refusal to recognize tlie de facto Government. While hoping for the best. The "Times" still cannot escape the conclusion that yon have "assumed re- sponsibilities that may well lead to armed intervention," * * -r The conservative "Morning Post" pro- nounces vour position "absolutely unin- telligible" and possessing "all the appear- ance of encouragement to anarchy, civil war. and murder of foreian residents in Mexico." * * * CFollow quotations from the European press,") Is it not now quite clear. Mr, Presi- dent, that vour attitude toward Mexico is "a position questioned and misunder- stood" in Europe? In your speech at Mob'lc you empha- •sized our friendliness for the South American republics. "We must prove ourselves," you declared, "their friends and champions, upon terms of equality and honor. We must show ourselves 'heir friends bv comprehendina their interest, whether it squares with our interest or not." What has ,been the effect upon these republics of your Mexi- can policy? What sis-nified the "Vivas Huerta" with which Mr. Roosevelt was areeted in Chile? What says the press of South Amepca? * * * (Here fol- low excerpts from leadin.g South .\meri- can journals.^ Can there be anv doubt. Mr. Presi- dent, that vour course has served only to intensifv the distrust and dislike of the verv neoples whose a-ood-will yow courted and wh'^se "friend and cham- pion" you sincerelv wish to bpr.-imr>' Ts not here again, where least of all we desire it, questioning and misunderstand- ing? It is not necessary to point the direc- tion of the sympathies of Japan, with whom we would maintain amicable re- lations ; it is not necessary to record the unanimous judgment of all foreign I residents of Mexico nor to recount the prayers of our own countrymen who feel that they have been abandoned; these are only too unhappily familiar. What to do? Why, Mr. President, there is but one thing to do. There never has been but one thing to do. That is to put under your feet the solid precedent that was established by this nation at the beginning of its career and that has been heeded by all other powers in this particular mstance: Extend to the de facto Government of Mexico offi- cial recognition. We pass no criticism upon your refusal to take this logical and sensible action originally. You erred, of course, as all the world now concludes, and as you yourself confessed when you acknowledged the validity of the "usurping" Governments of Peru and Haiti; but it was an excusable, possibly even a justifiable, error because it sprang from the best of intentions. What we do ask is that you do not persist in a course which leads straight- way to the undoing of all your good works, through the certain defeat of your party and the execration that just as surely will be visited upon yourself if, as a consequence of sheer obduracy, this country shall be dragged into a hateful war. It may or may not be a correct assumption that Huerta. unhampered, could have pacified his country, but there is and can be absolutely no question that you deprived him of the means of effective striving. Confronted at the outset by a hostile Congress such as he well knew had achieved the downfall of Madero, sur- rounded by a Cabinet of intriguers, re- fused recognition by the United States, branded rightfully or wrongfully, but without adduced evidence, as an acces- sory to assassination, deprived of the opportunity to borrow moneys through the desire of foreign Governments to curry favor with the nation which is now more commonly than before re- ferred to throughout Latin America as "the big bully," cajoled, threatened, cut off from aid wherever possible, while simultaneously, the hordes of opposing bandits and desperadoes were being sup- plied, furtively at first and then openly, witli arms and ammunition, and now — ■ at the end of thirteen months — he is conceded to be more strongly intrenched than ever! It is an amazing personal record. Mr. President, worthy surely of admiration, and remarkable especially for the consistent dignity, courtesy, and con- sideration exhibited by the old Indian himself in his dealinas with an Admin- istration which has been — shall we frankly admit? — not invariably tactful and perhaps upon occasion slightly dic- tatorial. It is not too late. It is never too late to do the right thing-. Moreover, the change in conditions affords you full warrant for reversing your position. Wliile you had faith in the sincerity and high purpose of the rebel leaders, there appeared at least a semblance of reason for taking their part, but now that they have dropped the mask and stand re- vealed in their true light as murdering marauders, their last claim upon your consideration has disappeared. You .s^ave them their chance, at great risk to voiir own reputation, when vou opened the doors for the delivery of arms, and they have shown their appre- ciation by ignoring your wishes, flouting your authority, and making you appear before the world as a virtual ally of a dastardly bandit. While Huerta has been earning your respect. Villa has been abusing your confidence. Clearly, the withdrawal of aid from the rebels now would be regarded everywhere not only as fully justified, but as a fitting response to the demands of humanity and civiliza- tion. But what, you may ask, is to be gained by recognizing Huerta at this late day? And we answer, everything. He may not be able under any circumstances to pacify Mexico, but all there whose lives and properties are at stake agree that he is rightfully, or wrongfully, Mexico's only hope. He is ours too, and yours, because he has come to be the only force capable of maintaining order and so possibly of averting the dreaded in- tervention which continuance of the ex- isting chaos is certain in time to produce. Practicability, no less than theory and tradition, calls for upholding of the de facto Government. There are other reasons, Mr. Presi- dent, more personal to yourself. You have no base now from which to act; no avenue through which to commu- nicate; no way of meeting the just de- mands of foreign powers except, as in the case of England, by proffering spe- cial favors. And you are under sus- picion. The mere fact that your policy is "unintelligible" has given rise to a growing conviction, especially in South America, as evidenced above, that it is insincere and is deliberately designed to engender war and conquest. You tio longer have at your back the mighty ■force of public opinion, as we have shown. Abroad, as you must realize, the com- mon attitude toward your watchful waiting is quite frankly contemptuous; at home it is one of grave dovibt and grave anxiety. To speak plainly. Mr. President, the feeling is growing strong- er daily that your persistence in a course which in common with everybodv else you must know to be wrong, is attribut- able to no kind of reasoning whatsoever, but to your own stubborn pride. For vour own sake. then, if for no other cause, it is of the utmost imoortance that, if there must be war. it shall come as an inevitable consequence, as demon- strablv impreventahle by any conceiv- able means and in strict conformity with ♦'ip customs and precedents fixed by in- ternational usage. Ts it not clear Mr. President, that this condition can never be realized until the onlv Government, however dis- creditable, that does exist and the only really strong man, however disreputable, who has appeared, shall have Keen ac- corded the full opportunitv which so manv believe thev could utilize even now with ultimate eflfectiveness? It is the onlv way. Sir. the only wa^'' out. the onlv way to save Mexico, to save your party, and to save yourself. It is. too, "the large thing to do." the "only thing" vou "can afford to do" to escape from a position "everywhere questioned and misunderstood." '^^V implore you. Mr. President, to take to heart your own splendid words — ■ "Wf ouaht to reverse our action with- out raising the ouestton whether we were right or wrong" — and then do it "with- out quibble or hesitation" and win for your country just honor and for Tourself the fine renown which the world inva- riablv accords a noble act nobly done. Saturday. April 4, 19H MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angle*. THE AVERAGE MEXICAN. E. Alexander Powell, a well-known and responsible writer, contributed to last Sunday's Xew York "Times" an account of an interview he has had with Villa at Juarez. He begins his interest- ing story with these words: In the outskirts of Juarez, where the poorer classes exist in wretched hovels of sun-baked clay and where, after the fighting was over, the dead lay thickest, the streets are as silent and deserted as those of Pompeii. It gave me the feeling of riding through a deserted city, for in many blocks 1 did not see a human face or hear a human voice. Refuse of every kind littered the unpaved streets and smelled to heaven; a dead dog here, the decaying carcass of a mule around the corner, and over them swarms of buzzing flies. There is scarce- ly a house wall in the place that is not pitted with bullets; in some of them there are apertures the size of a grand piano, such is the dreadful havoc caused by fighting at close range. The residences of the more conspic- uous Huerta sympathizers have been seized and converted into military bu- reaus and barracks and hospitals by the rebels. It was in such a house that I found Villa — "Pancho" Villa, (pro- nounced, not as though you were start- ing to say "villain," but as though it wxre spelled "vee-yah,") less than a year ago a hunted outlaw with a price on his head, but now. if you please. Gen. Francisco Villa, Commander in Chief of all the Constitutionalist forces in the field. This was the picture at that time in- side Juarez. Last Sunday V. Carranza reached Juarez, and was lodged in a "confiscated" hou^e filled with "confis- cated" furniture — "confiscate" being the rebel jargon for plain theft. The dis- patch from Juarez which we printed yesterday described the look of things outside Juarez, where the crowd was waiting for Carranza, as follows: The contryside spoke graphically of the years of revolution. Everywhere there were roofless and unoccupied houses, which had been the homes of the wealthy ranchers in the days of peace. Beside the railroad track lay a derailed and partly wrecked box car. In the hamlet of Ruente Del India, where Carranza was received by General Chao. not a house was occupied. Not a win- dow remained in any of them, and all showed signs of previous battle. These bullet-marked bouses in Juarez and the roofless and empty houses just outside of Juarez tell no stories of the horrible household tragedies that cer- tainly took place in some of them. Their occupants were quiet people, but thrifty, and many of them prosperous in their small and simple fashion. None of these people were of any earthly consequence in the large affairs of the world. But they were human beings, and as such are entitled to pity. They fell in the way of this mongrel blast of cupidity and ferocity; they took their medicine as the saying is, although quite mnoceut, and although it is easy to conjecture how frightful the dose was; and they have disappeared, broken and broken down, but so obscure that no one cares how they manage to live, or indeed whether they live or not. Of course Juarez, and Chihuahua, and a good part of all North Mexico, have been plun- dered out. Even a Villa cannot extract booty from a roofless and empty house. But the same work is being carried in- to the unplundered regions, so far as this is possible by means of the fresh supply of munitions of plunder which these fellows are now freely permitted to buy in the United States. There are those who think that thir- teen months of this sort of thing are long enough for the thrifty Mexican, and long enough for the reputation of the United States. Colonel Harvey speaks out for this opinion in the April number of the "North American Re- view." He writes directly to President Wilson. He cites American opinion, European opinion. South .American opin- ion, to the effect that our course has been wrong from the beginning. It seems very easy, as Colonel Harvey urges, to correct this Mexican error, now that President Wilson has taken the ground that our error in construing the Haj'-Pauncefote tre'aty, in the matter of the Panama Canal tollS) must be cor- rected. It is quite as disgraceful to be concerned in rapine and murder, even at long range and without intention, and even in the case of wholly obscure and unimportant people, as it is not to keep one's given word. The little weekly paper called "Mexico" has good reason to say that it would be a "shame" it the Government of this humane country should continue to throw its influence on the side of those Mexicans who are hewing their way to plunder and political power through the ruin and worse of these simple and decent Mexican homes. — Hartford "Courant." WHOLESALE MURDER, WITH OUR AID, IN MEXICO. The annals of modern warfare contain few accounts of horrors as barbarous as those that have reduced the streets of Torreon to a reeking shambles in the demoniac fighting of the Constitutional- ists and Federals. * * * In the per- sonal character of Pancho Villa there has not j-et appeared a single trait — ex- cept that of bravery — which suggests a comparison \vith great military com- manders who have drawn their sword in defense of their own strong faith in a righteous cause. His own statement is that he is fighting to avenge the mur- der by Huerta of his friend Madero. To say nothing of the machine guns spitting forth bullets as rapidly as a cinematograph operated at top speed, the doctrine that all is fair in war has been fulfilled by poisoning the water supply of the besiegers, the use of dy- namite hand grenades, and fusillade of shells and bombs directed at buildings where women and children were cow-er- ing. It has been an indiscriminate, red- handed massacre, with no respect nor pity for aged or wounded, women or infants. Prisoners who have been un- fortunate enough to fall into Villa's hands have been shot down like dogs because it was trouble to care for them. ♦ ♦ * These are the fighting men to whom we are deliberately permitting huge con- signments of the munitions of war to be sent, while we still maintain the fiction of "watchful waiting." Hundreds of thousands of rounds of rifle ammunition since the raising of the embargo have been shipped across the border at E! Paso and elsewhere, and in machine guns a thriving trade is driven. Under a pre- tense of benevolent aloofness in the name of humanity we are providing these fiends incarnate with everything they need to kill each other. "Let tliem fight it out among themselves," we say, and then from the side lines we deliber- ately arm them with the means of pro- tracting the most sanguinary struggle that Mexico has known. It is hard to reconcile the course of the Administra- tion with sincerity in the profession of the desire to see peace restored and vin- dictive passion allayed. The war will not end as long as we send guns and bullets to continue it, nor will Europe believe that we mean what we say when we reiterate the hypocritical pretense ot "watchful waiting." — Philadelphia "Pub- lic Ledger." THE FIGHTING IN MEXICO. .\ccording to the advices from the scene of fighting in northern Mexico neither side has yet secured a decisive advantage. The revolutionists under Pancho Villa have invested Torreon, an important point on the direct railroad line to the City of Mexico, and severe fighting has occurred at Gomez, Palacio, the result of which has not yet been determined. It is known that large num- bers of rebel wounded have reached points in northern Mexico, and it is re- ported from rebel sources that at least seven hundred Federal soldiers have been killed. Torreon is an important strategic point on the direct road to Mexico City, but is still a long way from that objec- tive. It is strongly garrisoned by the Federals, who are apparently determined to make a firm stand there. If they can be dislod.ged and forced to fall back, the rebels will continue their advance on the Mexican capital, hut if the rebels are unable to capture Torreon they will MEXICO Saturday, April 4, 1914 PUBLIC OPINION— Continued be in a bad way. Heretofore the revo- lutionists have been fighting in the nor- thern states of Mexico close to the American border; they have now pene- trated southward into Durango, and are, therefore, in a hostile country. The brief telegraphic accounts claim that the revolutionists have at least twice as many men attacking Torreon as the Federals have defending it. From a mili- tary standpoint this is no serious handicap, as it is generallly recognized that any army attacking a fortified position must bring to the assault at least three men for every one of the defenders. As Torreon is an important point, it is fair to assume that the Huerta govern- ment has provided a good garrison. While the fall of Torreon would add the State of Durango to the list owning rebel authority, the distance from the City of Mexico would still be great. It is only reasonable to suppose that the further south the invaders penetrate the stronger will be the resistance they will encounter. In the meantime our policy towards Mexico is being permitted to drift. Should the rebels under Villa take Tor- reon and be able to penetrate the coun- try south of that place the danger to Americans and other foreigners would be greatly increased. The final success of the revolution placing the destinies of the neighboring republic in the hands of such men as Carranza and Villa would be infinitely more damaging to interna- tional interests than the continuance of Huerta in power. The success of the revolutionists at Torreon would open up the possibility of their successful march on the Mexican capital. Such an eventuality would make American intervention more likely than ever, as control by a man like Villa in the Valley of Mexico could mean noth- ing else than anarchy. — New Orleans "Picayune." QUESTIONS ABOUT MEXICAN POLICY. Introducing myself as a man who has for ten years or more been deeply in- terested in our neighbors to the south, who has lived with them, traveled about in their country, mingled with high and low, and has learned much about them, but who has no financial interest in Mexico either directly or indirectly, 1 want to congratulate you on your arti- cle in the December "Review," which I have only just now read. If more men of prominence, whose voices can Tje heard and whose writings cannot be ignored, had the courage of speaking out, no doubt public opinion, which means well, but is uninformed, would soon compel a change of policy. I have for some weeks had lying in ray desk a number of questions which I should like to propound to President Wilson, but, knowing from experience that letters from private, unknown citi- zens find no hearing or probably never reach their destination, I have refrained from sending them. They touch in part a phase which is not receiving much attention, and I take the liberty of in- trusting them to you to use or not use, as you elect. "Do you ever stop to think that the horrible butcheries which are now be- ing enacted in a neighbormg country are only made possible by the failure of our government to enforce the neu- trality laws?" "Do you ever consider that it is en- tirely by means of war material made in this country that hundreds of poor deluded men are being murdered?" "Do you really believe that in a coun- try where nine-tenths of the people cannot read a ballot a fair and free election by all the people is possible?" "Do you think it fair to call a man guilty without trial, as done in the case of President Huerta?" "Do you believe that the notions of a foreigner should decide who is to be at the head of a nation's government rather than the laws of that land?" "Do you not know that Huerta is tne legal President of the United States of Mexico according to the law of that land just as much as you are the legal Presi- dent here?" "Does your conscience absolve you from all responsibility in the untold misery brought about by your refusal to recognize the only government existing in Mexico?" "Are the bandits and highwaymen de- vastating the sparsely settled portions of Mexico entitled to the sympathy and help of a people standing for law and order?" G. H. HINRICHS in "North Ameri- can Review." AFTER TORREON. A victory by Huerta would strengthen him throughout the country. He already has pretty thorough control in the more populous districts, although he has been troubled by bandits and by the revolutionists under Zapata, particularly in the State of Morelos. It is noteworthy that few reports of attacks on foreigners and destruc- tion of foreign property come from districts con- trolled by the Federals. . Huerta protects the alien. He doubtless does so because he thinks it good policy, but the point is, at least to the foreigners, that he does give this protection. If he wins at Torreon, Huerta will be stronger than at any time since he as- sumed the Presidency. People now on the fence will flock to his side. His army will become more loyal and more dependable, and he will be rid of the ever-present danger of disintegration of his troops in the face of defeat. Victory will make it more than ever clear that Huerta is not crumbling in the rapid fashion the administra- tion in Washington has fondly hoped. His finan- cial resources doubtless will be augmented. There is good reason for saying that Villa will be unable to conduct a victorious campaign south- ward. After recuperating from Torreon, should he capture that place, ' and turning his attention to the south, he will be confronted by wholly different conditions from those with which he has had to contend during the last few months. He has been operating in Coahuila, Chihuahua and Durango. These are thinly populated states. In Coahuila there are only 2.19 persons to every square kilometre of territory ; in Chihuahua, only 1.34, and in Durango, 3.98. So it is all through the northern tier of Mexican states, where the Constitutionalists have gained their greatest suc- cesses. From Torreon Villa must enter the states ot Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi. Here he will encounter more populous districts. Zacatecas has 8.12 persons to the square kilometre, and San Luis Potosi 10.11. In the northern sections of these states Villa has sympathizers, but as he proceeds southward he will find the people more in sympathy with the government in Mexico City, and they are by no means reluctant to fight the rebel invaders for their homes. In a word, south of Torreon Villa will enter hostile country. The way south to Mexico City is further barred by the states of Guanajuato, Queretaro and Hidalgo. Guanajuato is thickly populated, there being 38.14 inhabitants to the square kilometre. The figures drops to 5 in Queretaro, but reaches 28.90 in Hidalgo. In these districts the populace will stand by Huerta as against Villa.— Philip H. Patchin, Special Cor- respondent, in New York "Tribune." SOMETHING LACKING. With Villa still hammering at Torreon days after it was to have been taken, and with the aged Carranza entering Juarez tottering from the fatigue of a useless horseback journey, the for- tunes of the Mexican revolution do not shine brilliantly at the moment. it still suffers con- spicuously from a lack of leadership strong enough physically and aggressive enough in spirit to be present continuously at the main seat of action. Gen. Carranza has proved him- self a tireless celebrator of victories, but what is more wanted in his place is a tireless inspirer of victories.— New York "World." LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: It is hard to understand why the newspapers make so much of every wild, fantastic claim of victory or heroism advanced by the border agents of Villa concerning the fighting at Torreon. For one whole week now we have been told that Torreon has been taken or that its capture was a matter of minutes. Notwithstanding the daily proof that such re- ports have, to say the least, been unwarranted by the facts, every irresponsible statement from in- terested sources at Juarez has been accepted without question, every misrepresentation head- lined as a fact. Notwithstanding the many revelations of the true character of Villa, the newspapers persist in their efforts to make him out a picturesque hero. The impression is given or intended to be conveyed that Villa's men are fighting for a great cause and whatever their faults are repre- sentative of deep popular movement. We have been told that the soldiers of the Federal Gov- ernment are merely conscripts and are fighting against their principles because they are forced to. But still 0,000 of them have held off a vastly superior force with a determination and energy that are born only of a consciousness of right. Soldiers do not fight that way against a popular movement. In time the truth will appear that the soldiers of Velasco have fought so valiantly because they are the ones who are fighting for a cause — that cause the preservation of their country from the control of its barbarous elements, and from the thinly disguised intervention of the United States. It is a notorious fact that American adven- turers are serving the big guns of the rebels, that Carothers, agent of our State Department, is as well an agent of Villa, that all the arms and ammunition of the rebels are supplied from the United States, that John Lind, received with every courtesy by the Mexican Government, is virtually a guest of the government at Vera Cruz, where he openly proposes measures against that government, that Carranza unfurled an American flag in Juarez to signify the perfect understanding between him and the Washington Administration. They are fighting, are these Federals, in a great cause, a noble cause, the saving of their country from the dictatorship of Woodrow Wil- son. And I, as an American, wish them good luck, for I believe that an American President who hires and arms gunmen to do his dirty work is not entitled to patriotic support. Yours very truly, PUZZLED. To the Editor of MEXICO. The recent desperate fighting around Torreon has shown up several matters which heretofore have not been quite clear to the American pub- lic. In the first place, the valor of the Federal troops is unquestionable and although greatly out- numbered they still hold their position. News despatches in the American press have repeatedly recounted how these Federal soldiers could not be counted upon because they were recruited by press gangs, etc., but be tliis as it may, at any rate, it is clear that they can fight and fight des- perately. Saturday, April 4 1914 MEXICO The actual conflict is one between civilization and anarchy, and the final result must surely be a triumph of government over chaos. Even though the forces of loot and murder, headed by the atrocious Villa, should succeed in taking the city and pillaging and ravishing as is their cus- tom, it would not affect the final result. These bandits took Torreon a year ago, but they were driven out, as will happen should they succeed this time. The actual possession of this city would not aid the rebellion materially, as the distance from there to the capital is entirely through Federal territory, and every step southward would be of greater difficulty for these so-called "constitu- tionalists." I by no means think that Villa can take Tor- reon, or be able to hold it should by any chance General Velasco be overcome. The struggle be- tween these forces will "not permit the idea of surrender of the Federals because as their oppo- nents are not subject to the rules of civilized warfare proper soldiers have learned that sur- render means murder and torture, and thus pre fer lo fight to the last. In my opinion the Mexican government posi tion is much stronger every day, and the Ameri can public is not so enthusiastic over the cause of the savage barbarians who by an irony fate have managed to appropriate the name "constitutionalists." Perhaps now that events are being seen in their true light the American people will come to view the position of President Huerta with less prejudice and more justice, so that on sober second thought he will be accorded a 'fair deal and a better chance to restore the peace that he promised and that by outside han- dicaps he has been prevented from accomplishing. Baltimore, Md., April 1, 1914. M. CUESTA. BOOK REVIEW. ■THE CASE OF MEXICO AND THE POL- ICY OF PRESIDENT WILSON." After ail the "news" and speculations about Mexico by men who know nothing about the people or the conditions, it is good to read a book by a man who has lived through the events of the present decade and has observed them with the unbiased eyes of an historian. The book, which has just come off the press of Albert and Charles IBoni, is "The Case of Mexico and the Policy of President Wilson," by Senator Rafael de Zayas Enriquez. De Zayas' first book of his- tory was "The Rise and Fall of Porfirio Diaz," which stamped him immediately as a man of keen discernment, of clear political convictions, and a lover of liberty. He is a student of affairs and a statesman. He writes dispassionately, -judic- ially, without heat. His book is not a case of special pleading; it. is an unimpassioned analysis of political conditions in Mexico. It gives, prac- 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU iqie MUNSEY BUILDING iqic laiO WASHINGTON. D. C. '^'0 Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the sujar legisla- tion. tically for the first time, the real facts about those conditions. It shows very clearly that American public opinion has been misled by misrepresenta- tion of facts — much of it inspired and intentional, and much of it the work of incompetent journal- ists, who lack a large perspective and are out of touch and sympathy with the peculiar Mexican character. De Zayas states his position thus : "In writing this book I have not been prompted by patriotic motives, however justifiable and rea- sonable such motives might appear, nor have I yielded to any partisan bias. My primary, per- haps my sole object, has been to acquaint the world with the real causes of the convulsion which is now shaking Mexico, my native country, its intensity and its significance, and with the actual principles which are at stake in this hour of agony. I also wish to show what a distorted conception the President of the United States has formed of the Mexican situation and what harmful consequences his attitude in the matter may have, not only for Mexico, but for the United States as well." De Zayas does not believe that President Wil- son is not acting in good faith but that he has been misled by the false reports of conditions in the newspapers and magazines. "I believe, therefore, that President Wilson has been and is moved by perfectly honest mo- tives : he has started, however, from erroneous premises and he has failed to foresee the conse- quences of the system he has endeavored to ap- ply; he has failed to fathom the abyss towards which he is leading, two neighboring countries which have nothing to gain from an interna- tional conflict. "A war between the two nations would be an utter disgrace, and its baneful effects, which would be felt all over the American continent, would alienate the sympathy of all the nations south of the Rio Grande from the United States." De Zayas then describes the events that have happened from the time of Madero to the pres- ent. He shows how erroneous are the ideas Amer- icans entertain of these events. Madero he shows to have been very much of a demagogue. He does not declare that Madero was cruel or a tyrant or a thief; but he does show that Ma- dero was surrounded by vicious and dishonest people, who blinded him to the true conditions of the people, and who robbed and pillaged to their heart's content. Madero knew nothing of what was going on, and secure in the legality of his position, refused to alleviate the truly hor- rible conditions of the lower classes. He followed the counsel of his clique, consisting of his brother and several friends known as the Ma- derists. It was notorious that his brother was one of the worst blackguards in history. This brother succeeded in emptying the treasury of seventy and some odd million pesos and in put- ting the country into debt for many millions more. "In the few months during which Madero re- mained at the head of the administration, that is, from July 1, 1912, to February, 1913, he squan- dered fbesidcs the current receipts and the seventy and some odd million pesos President Diaz had left in the treasury when he relin- quished the presidency), $35,000,000 more than the budget called for." This clique surrounding Madero made his over- throw inevitable. "The whole country began anew to manifest its unrest. Revolutionary groups sprang up in the Northern, in the Southern, and in the Central i^tates ; they lacked coherence and leaders of prestige; the same desire, however, animated them all. They were all bent on overthrowing Madero." A committee of the Senate called Huerta to the Presidency. He reluctantly consented. Mexico's destiny has become the football of bandits. Industry is paralyzed. The nation's troubles are so complex that they seem insoluble. Whatever action is taken by this country — inter- vention or recognition of Huerta, or continued "watchful waiting" — a crop of problems arises that calls for the highest statesmanship. In this state of affairs, understanding of the problems is the first necessity. It is for this reason that de Zayas' book is practically indispensable to those who want to learn the rights and wrongs of our attitude toward Mexico.. (Albert and Charies Boni, 96 Fifth Avenue, New York. Il- lustrated. $1.35 net. Postpaid, $1.45.) CARSON'S MEXICO REVISED AND ENLARGED. Mexico as it was and Mexico as it is is ably pictured in the new edition of W. E. Carson's Mexico: The Wonder- land of the South, which is published this week. To his previous narrative of his wanderings in Mexico, to his de- scriptions of the Mexican capital and other old cities, of the great haciendas, of the gold and silver mines, of the quaint health resorts and of his experi- ences in mountain climbing, tarpon fish- ing and ranching, the author now adds chapters dealing with events since the retirement of General Diaz to the pres- ent day and with existing conditions. The volume is handsomely bound and contains forty-eight full-page half-tone illustrations. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1 ,500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Gracias Post Office, Starr Coanty, Texas $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subicription to "MEXICO," to be sent to Beginning with number MEXICO Saturday, April 4, 1914 "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran. 18 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, M-00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York AN ENDLESS CHAIN. The fight in the House agains^t the repeal of the Panama Canal tolls ex- emption for American coastwise ships had all the earmarks of real, spontaneous opposition to a humiliating surrender to England and the Canadian railroads. It failed because it did not have the sin- cerity to center on the Mexican attitude of the Administration, which is at tihe bottom of the President's pressing neces- sities in'dealing with foreign affairs. It need not be contended that the Ad- ministration has made a pact with Eng- land, made the tolls exemption a quid pro quo for England's non-interference with the Administration's course in Mexico, which is destructive of British as well as all other foreign interests. The President says there is no sudh pact. Sir Edward Grey says there is no such pact. Therefore, there is no such pact. That does not alter the fact that the Mexican policy of the Administration has met with the outspoken condemna- tion of the European nations and aroused to a high pitch the suspicion and dis- trust of the countries of Central and South America. British interests in Mexico are more considerable than those of any other country, and it stands to reason that under ordinary circumstances Enttlpnd would not stand idly by and submit to the President's persistence in a policy that is universally condemned as destructive. But the repeal of the exemption of the Panama Canal tolls woull certainly not be an ordinary cir- cumstance. It remains to be seen wheth- er Germany, France and Japan may not press for some extraordinary circum- stance of a similar nature. That, of course, would make it good policy on this country's part to have already pla- cated England and" got her on our side. But why have they started on this end- less chain of placation' Because the President of the United States has made a tragic blunder in Mexico and has persisted in it, whatever the cost, and has allied himself with the forces of destruction, against which the foreign interests in Mexico must, in self protection, protest. The Benton case is only one of many others and there will be more as long as the Ad- ministration encourages the Carranzas, Villas and Zapatas. We are paying for the Administra- tion's mistake already in our relations with other nations. If it is persisted in further we shall pay for it in thousands of American lives and a war bill for which even the taking of Mexico from its people will not compensate. It is time to call a halt on this tre- mendously expensive personal prejudice and obduracy — right now. good on paper, and seems plausible in the study under a library lamp. That is all. TOO AMATEURISH. It is apparent that the suggestions that come out of Washington every now and then that the outcome of the Mexican situation will be the formation of an independent Republic of the Northern States of Mexico originated with those who want to grab Mexican territory and find they can not work up any popular sentiment that would countenance a war of grab. These suggestions are seized on by the friends of the Administration — who can see no ultimate triumph for the rebels, but only further disorder and disaster ahead for the Administration — in the hope that the establishment of an independent Republic which could be recognized would open a "way out" from an unten- able position. These suggestions are secretly encour- aged by the agents of the rebels to arouse the cupidity of their Washington friends and openly disclaimed because they are unpatriotic and would tum> even Villa's followers against him. .Carranza was certainly not well-advised when he unfurled the American flag beside the Mexican eniblem when he entered Juarez. As a matter of fact, we believe that the class of men who are responsible for the rebellion in Northern Mexico would bar- ter their country, divide their country and destroy their country for profit. President Huerta, in Mexico City, is not that kind of Mexican. Destiny has placed him in a position where, for good or ill, he is Mexico. He represents Mexican nationality, Mexican independ- ence, Mexican autonomy. If he had yielded to the absurd demands of the Ad- ministration there would be today no Mexican nation. Mexico would not be independent. It would be governed by a — let us say — benevolent despot in Washington. It is safe to prophecy that there will be no division of Mexican territory while a patriot is President, and there is a Mexican people to fight against it. It is a nice little amateur scheme, that looks Mexico is and always has been dyna- mite — to be handled with care. * * * The Administration has handled it with the recklessness of ignorance. * • • If the thousands that have been slain at Torreon could speak from the other shore they would have something to say about horrors which no Administration theory of "Constitutional Government" can ever justify. * * * Secretary Bryan's conscience is still clear. * * * It is understood he still sleeps soimdly o' nights. * * • Some poor sensitive souls might have their slumber distiu-bed by the cries of the dying and the ghosts of the dead. « « « Not so the genial Secretsury of State. * * * He simply hypnotizes himself into the belief that he is an Apostle of Peace. * * • And prays that Villa and his barbarians may kill every Federal in Mexico. * * * The cries of the wounded, the curses of the dying reach him not. * • * Like John Lind, he sees in a vision Villa transformed and transfigiured, the bandit a saint, his savage followers angels of Ught, and a bearded old man doling out Chautauquaisms in Mexico City. * * ♦ Lind has been treated with the utmost courtesy in Mexico. He is abusing the hospitality of the Mexican Government by working in the interests of Villa and Carranza. * * * In the history of international relations has there ever been anything so brazen and dishonorable? He and Wilson and Bryan have simply put themselves in a position quite sug- gestive of that of conspirators, plotters against the constituted Government in Mexico. * * * And plotting against a Government is dangerous business. * * ♦ It is playing writh dynamite. * ♦ * Sir Edward Grey agreeably announces that he has made no dicker with Wilson on the Panama Canal tolls. « * * How nice of him to say so. Of course he hasn't. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican AM aiyS^ '$'■ Err»r Rub» Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb "^J^ ^ VOL. II— No. 34. NEW YORK, SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1914. -^^ THE PRICE PAID TO "GET HUERTA." Surrender to England. $26,000,000 and an apology to Colombia. The responsibility for Villa. The integrity of the Monroe Doctrine. Dissension in the Democratic party. Ammunition for its enemies. Loss of prestige in the eyes of the world. Universal questioning of our country's jnotives. MANHANDLING MEXICO. A college professor. The same old Bill. A Scandinavian dreamer whose idol is VUla. An ex-Ueverend biographer. Another D. D., yclept Tupper. A State Department agent who press- agents Villa. Put that combination at work on any real man's proposition and they would muddle it beyond repair. * * * The Administration lifted the embargo on arms to aid the rebels. * * * It maintains a strict financial blockade to hamper the Mexican Government. * * * It sent John Lind to Mexico to ask the Mexican Government to swallow it- self. * * * It has agents like Carothers to swallow everything from the rebels — lies and in- sults included. » * * Oh, yes, the Administration is neutral! * * « John Lind was finally a little bit too open-faced in his plotting against the Mexican Government. * * * John got the recall, but he should have got it months ago, if there was any self- respect in the State Department. * * * Carothers, a consular agent, draws money from the United States Treasury. * • * And his principal business is to act as press agent and white-washer-in-chief of the bandit. Villa. Builders The avalanche of what, for temporary lack of a better defining term, we must call "reports" of military operations around Torreon and Tampico, has buried out of the reader's view information re- garding most important measures taken by the Mexican Government to put Mexi- co's finances on an absolutely solid basis and tending to re-establish its credit abroad. From the beginning the Huerta Govern- ment found itself handicapped by an empty treasury left by the Madero Administra- tion. The loan of thirty million dollars obtained a year ago from French bankers served to pay various debts left by the preceding Government and practically ;!l'. the money remained abroad. Later, owing to the financial blockade effectively estab- lished by the Wilson Administration, with the acquiescence of the French Govern- ment, French bankers were forced to forego the option they held on fifty mil- lion more of the loan authorized by the Mexican Congress in May, 1913. Meanwhile the Mexican Government was compelled to make large expenditures, mainly to raise the army from a total of scarcely 20,000 men to 200,000. The usual revenues, which in spite of the revolution made a remarkable showing, thus demon- strating the great vitality of the country, were not sufficient to cover the expendi- tures and the Government was compelled in January last to declare a temporary sus- pension of payments of interest on the na- tional debt. During the absence of Finance Minister de 1.1 Lama, who had gone to Europe to confer with French bankers, various pro- jects were presented to alleviate the fi- nancial stringency and the one that found momentary favor with a few friends of the Administration was that of establish- ing a Government federal bank with the right of issuing currency. The mere an- nouncement that the establishment of such a bank was contemplated created great alarm among banking and commercial cir- cles. However, upon his return to Mexico at the end of February, Minister de la Lama proceeded to study several reforms and to negotiate with local bankers the placing of an interior loan. Negotiations were carried to a successful end, and a few days ago several decrees were is- sued which insure the stability of the Government finances. In the first place, the Department of Finance was authorized to issue Treas- ury notes against the bonds authorized by Congress in 1913. up to the comple- tion of the authorized issue of one hun- dred million dollars. The Department of Finance, by Presi- dential decree, was authorized to issue treasury notes bearing six per cent. in. tcrest against the fifty million dollars of the bonds authorized in 1913, but not taken by the French bankers. Mexican liankers agreed to take immediately one- half of the hundred million pesos issue of treasury notes (or fifty million gold at parity of exchange) and the other half as needed by the Government. -Another decree simultaneously promul- gated authorized the resumption of pay- ment of interest on the national debt. The usual amount of Custom House re- ceipts will be deposited in the National Bank of Mexico for the purpose. Owing to the high rate of exchange, however, the money will be kept in Mexico until such time as the exchange will have re- turned to normal rates. This in itself will have the effect of normalizing the rate of exchange, not only because there will be no immediate exportation of large sums in gold, but also because the Euro- pean bondholders will have a vital and direct interest in bringing to bear all possible influence in order that the ex- MEXICO Saturday, April 11, 1914. BUILDERS— Continued. change may make possible their receiv- ing the interest money deposited in the -National Bank of Mexico. At the same time the fact that the money is set aside ior the payment of interest fully rehabili- tates the government of Mexico and tends to re-establish its good credit abroad. A third decree authorized the issue of treasury bonds up to thirty million pesos, with which all floating indebtedness on the local market will be paid. These bonds bear six per cent, interest and certain rev- enues will be set aside to insure the pay- ment of this interest. The decree which had established an additional fifty per cent, on import duties was repealed and as a consequence imports which had been somewhat reduced by the increased duty will take new impulse as shown by great number of orders which were immediate- ly sent abroad upon the publication of the new decree. Likewise, a decree published in February 12 putting an export duty on vanilla was repealed. By these sweeping measures the Gov- ernment was able at a stroke to obtain sufficient money for extraordinary war expenses for a long time ; without mpos- ing new taxes, it re-established its credit abroad, rehabilitated itself in the eyes of its creditors. It also paid its floating local debt and gave new stimulus to the some- what paralyzed import trade. The good effects of all this are already apparent and a somewhat confused financial situation has been settled with advantage to the Government and to the people. The most significant phase of the finan- cial readjustment has been undoubtedly the confidence shown by the bankers of Mexi- co in the Huerta Government. If strong confidence and faith in its ability to con- trol a difficult situation had not existed on the part of all the bankers they would not have taken a loan of one hundred million pesos. Bankers are not known to lend a hundred millions unless they feel absolutely sure that they will be repaid. ABOUT TORREON KELLY'S PRIDE. The reports of Villa's expulsion of the Spaniards, of the killing of prisoners "en route" and in Torreon, of confiscation of property and a few other patriotic ex- ploits added to the now fogotten Benton murder, must have made Mayor Kelly, of El Paso, hold still dearer the photograph in which he and Villa appear together in brotherly and significant proximity. The photograph of the two supermen of the Mexican-American border undoubtedly will be preserved with jealous care by . Kelly's proud posterity. Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN^WHATS WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDE. Day after day for two weeks we were regaled by the press with columns of reports describing the fight around Tor- reon, the advance of the rebels, the • crushing defeat of the Federals under General Velasoo, and so on. Every night at the eleventh hour Juarez an- nounced that a message just received from Villa stated that he would have the whole city in a few minutes, that he held the greater part of it, and that the Federals — who had six thousand men at Torreon — had lost ten thousand in dead and wounded. The capture of Torreon was announced by some newspapers with no dearth of detail and eye-witness description as early as March 24. Final- ly, on April 2, at midnight, Juarez an- nounced that Villa had just taken Tor- reon by assault and that General Velasco had escaped with but a few men of his bodyguard, whatever that may be. Now the truth is slowly coming to the surface. Even from rebel sources it is admitted that the Federals held the whole of Torreon after having inflicted severe losses on the Villa forces up to the time they evacuated the city of Tor- reon proper. That the whole of the Federal forces sought a more advanta- geous position on the outside, moving in perfect order, taking away even their wounded, and their arms, ammunitions and supplies. With them went also a large number of citizens who preferred the hardships of moving with a military column rather than to remain to await the arrival of the men who, in the opin- ion of the Wilson Administration, are going to save the people of Mexico. It has now become evident that the move- ment of the Federals was made with strategic purposes and that much more will have to be written and published about the "victory of Villa." Newspaper correspondents with the Villa forces are now arriving at the bor- der and are beginning to tell different stories from those sent out from Juarez as authentic. They say that a strict censorship prevented them from sending true reports; that Villa was beaten three times before he was allowed to enter Torreon, and that there he found what may be called an empty shell. Also that Gen. Velasco has effected a successful junction with the other Federal forces and the rebels were beaten badly be- tween San Pedro and Sacramento, a railroad junction seventeen miles from Torreon. Another great victory like that of Tor- reon and Villa will be no more. Mean- while our readers must remember that it was not su..cient for the Federals to repulse Villa, even though inflicting severe losses as they did. To finish with Villa once for all, it is necessary to draw him away from his base af supplies and from territory where effective help from this side of the border can reach him. Tighter and tighter a net of responsi- bilities and complications is drawing around Wilson and Bryan as a conse- quence of their Mexican policy. The iron mesh, inexorable as fate, is beginning to sink into the flesh of the administration. That is it should begin to sink if the flesh were not covered by a corneous hide. Villa entered Torreon and, as he had done in Chihuahua, ex- pelled all Spaniards and confiscated their property. There is no longer doubt as to the confiscation, for carloads of cotton belonging to the Spaniards have already arrived at Ciudad Juarez. The cotton will be sent to Europe — in bond through this country — to avoid attachment by the despoiled owners. Eight hundred Span- iards, men, women, and children, have taken refuge in El Paso. Carranza, the supposed chief of the revolution, has sup- ported and approved Villa's actions. Car- ranza could not do otherwise. He has to approve all of Villa's actions because it would not make any difference to Villa if he did not. Because of the support given by the Adrninistration to Villa and because European Powers look to this country for the protection of their citizens in Mexico, Wilson-Bryan have the full re- sponsibility for the fate of those citizens. But the Spaniards failed to receive the protection they expected, and the acting Secretary of State in Washington went to the extent oi trying to justify Villa's actions, stating that the expulsion had been probably for the Spaniards' good, "as they are so hated by Mexicans that their lives might have been in dangr had they remained in Torreon.' In other words, the Acting Secretary of State merely repeated the reason given by Car- ranza for the Spaniards' expulsion. Spain will remonstrate and demand tha their citizens be protected, but it is too late — and what can Spain do? Undoubt- edly Mr. Bryan does not think Spain will either go to war with this country or send an army into Mexico to protect her citizens and restore to them the lost property. So Mr. Bryan will say — men- tally, "Well, Spain, what are you going to do about it?" Commenting on this latest phase of the Administration-Villa alliance, the New York "Times" of April 10th says edito- rially: The expulsion from Torreon by the triumphant Mexican Revolutionists of all the Spanish resi- dents is an incident likely to live long in history, as it may lead to serious complications. The ex- pulsion is incompatible with the laws of civilized (Continued on next page.) Salurdciy, April 11, 1914. MEXICO ABOUT TORREON warfare. The men among these Spaniards, many of whom were born in Mexico, have been non- com bai ants and are, therefore, entitled to protec- tion from the conquerors. Many Mexicans have professed to hale the S.janiards since the expul- sion of the Spanish rulers, and until comparatively recent years the phrase ''Death to the Spaniards" was retained in the Grito de Dolores, solemnly uttered by the President on the balcony of the National Palace every year on the night of Sept. 15. But the Spaniards in Mexico in these days are a peaceful and provident part of the popula- tion, not numerous enough to exert any appreci- able political iniluence, and there is no excuse whatever for Villa's ill-treatment of them except his knowledge that they disapprove of him and his methods. In this they differ very little from most of the foreign residents of the country. Sup- pose Villa should banish the English, French, or German residents and confiscate their property? Of course Spain will make formal protest against this treatment of her people, and it is not likely that the United States Government can avoid tak- ing notice of the matter ofhcially. Meanwhile we are forced o provide shelter and the means of living to TtKf newcomers in Southern Texas, where we are already caring for some thousands of Mexican refugees. Although Car- ranza denies that his Provisional Government will confiscate the property of the evicted Spaniards, they have been compelled to leave behind them in the Laguna district large quantities of cotton and all their other property not easily carried. They have lost their homes and their occupations. There is plenty of room for such people in Soulh- ern Texas and Arizona, to be sure, if they will set to work to make the best of their lot and become citizens of the country that has given them refuge. We beg to differ with the "Times" in regard to opinions expressed in the last paragraphs. The thousands of Mexicans held at Fort Bliss are no; refugees at all. They are prisoners held there against their will and in spite of demands made by the Mexican Government and by themselves that they be released and sent to their own country. They are held there because most of them are soldiers who, upon returning to Mexico, would again be incorporated by the Federal army. And that would be to Villa's dis- advantage. Therefore they are held. They are prevented from joining the ranks oi those who a e fighting Villa, while other refugees from rebel ranks who had crossed the border when too hard pressed by Federal forces were re- leased at Nuevo Laredo and other points on orders from Washington. This has been another example of Americati fairness as interpreted in these days by the Washington administration. All that the "Times" has to offer to the Spaniards who have taken refuge in EI Paso as a compensation for their losses is a kind invitation to remain in Southern Texas (sic) and Arizona and become citi- zens of the country that has given them refuge. We are inclined to think that the Spaniards will not be enthusiastic about the generous invitation to become citi- zens of a country to the government of which they owe the loss of all their property. LEST WE FORGET The "World" has not yet called Villa "the Washington of Mexico," but give it time and this will come.— "Town Topics." The Administration has staked every- thing on the success of Villa and Car- ranza with its assistance. But their success would only spread over a larger area the anarchy of the North. Loot, destruction and death, "confisca- tion," murder and revenge! For WUson's special benefit they have cloaked the sordid truth in high-sound- ing words. For Bryan's benefit, they have con- jured a dream of peon government — and issued fiat money at sixteen to one — six- teen of plain theft to one of graft. And the Administration has bitten — more than it can chew. They say to Spain, England and the other nations: "Leave it to us!" It is left to them. Benton is foully murdered. England gets a mass of lies. Hundreds of Spaniards are robbed, ruined and expelled from Mexico. Spain gets Carranza's statement that it was all for the Spsmiards' good! * * * How long, think you, can this last? Somehow or other an item favorable to the military movements of the Fed- eral troops was quoted as coming from Admiral Fletcher. * * * The Washington correspondents im- mediately got a Presidential lecture on newspaper accuracy, and a correction of what Admiral Fletcher did wire, the cor- rection making it less favorable for the Mexican Government. There were no lectures on accuracy given during the two weeks in which the newspapers were describing daily in de- tail the fall of Torreon. * * * The Administration is prone to talk glibly of national honor. There is more national honor soiled by the Administration in handling the Mexican situation than could result even from a broken treaty. ♦ * * There are two things that are likely to bring about war with Mexico: The spread of anarchy and continued provocation to the Mexican Government. The Administration is directly respon- sible for both. And yet the Administration protests that it wants to avoid war. * * * Carranza is not disposed to interfere with Villa's purpose to drive all the Spaniards out of Mexico. Which shows just where Carranza stands with Villa. They will go along in double harness just as long as Villa cares to tolerate Carranza. Which will be as long as there is no dispute about the division of the loot. The voters are going to ask some pertinent questions about Mexico this fall. * * * And they are going to be answered in a way that will prove mighty embar- la-^sing to the Administration. * « * The real dictator in this country — the voice of the people — will be heard. * * « Here are some of the questions that they will ask: * * * What right had President Wilson to say who should or who should not be President of Mexico? * * * Why did he send John Lind to make demands on the Mexican Government that were absurdly impossible of per- formance? ' Why has he let so much personal an- tagonism enter into the shaping of a foreign policy that may be responsible for an unnecessary and unjust war? * * * Why did he tell all Americans to get out of Mexico.? Why did he make it easy for the reb- els and bandits to get arms and am- munition that may be turned against our own soldiers? + * * Why did he employ so many special agents without experience to gtunsho* aroimd and befuddle the whole situation, when not actively working for the Mex- ican rebels? * * • Why did he make an offer to th« Mexican Government of a loan from bankers if President Huerta would kindly eliminate himself? (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, April 11, 1914.. Why did he try to starve Mexico fi- nancially, despite the suffering such ac- tion brought to the mass of the Mex- ican people? Why did he take the side of notorious bandits and outlaws against the fifteen million of decent, peaceable Mexican people? * * * V/hy did he overlook their atrocities and go out of his way to hold the Mex- ican President up to the scorn of the world? Why did he find it so necessary to take England's side of the dispute as to the Panama Canal tolls exemption for American coastwise ships? And a few others — equally pertinent. ANOTHER PROFESSOR MONROEISM AND PAN-AMERI- CANISM. Ethnologists have described a wide- spread custom of curing the sick among primitive peoples. This consists in changing the name by which the patient has always been known, on the theory that the evil spirits which are ac- customed to enter into the sick man, having, so to speak, lost the proper post ofifice address, will cease to haunt him. Something of the same attitude is revealed in a number of the speeches dealing with our Latin-American policies which were delivered at the recent meeting of the Academy of Political Science at Philadelphia. Assuming that something was radically wrong with that vague thing known as the Monroe Doc- trine, learned speakers suggested that the cure might be found by substituting the phrase Pan-Americanism for Mon- roeism, or the words "concert of action" for the words Monroe Doctrine, or by speaking of Iberic-America instead oi Latin-America. If the problem were one entirely ot Latin-American susceptibilities, it might be settled by conjuring with names. But if we are to believe much that is said and written about the subject, there are Latin-American fears to be taken into account. The people of South America are not only incensed by our bad man- ners; they are afraid. At an acute point in the discussion, the "Yankee peril" emerges. It is plain vAiy it should be to the fore today. The reason is Mexico, of course. Washington's attitude to- wards Huerta has been received in some quarters as an act of attempted Yankee domination. There is every reason why South Americans should so characterize our policy in Mexico when there are so many ^people within the United States ^viio fuiu in President 'Wilson's anti- Huerta policy an act of unwarranted in- terference in the internal affairs of an independent nation. From this point ot view it is the fashion to speak of the Monroe Doctrine as having been di- verted from its original purpose. From being^ a policy for the protection of the liberties of the Latin-American repub- lics, it is shaping into a policy looking towards their domination. It is only natural that nations like Argentina and Brazil, which have attained government- al stability and feel themselves in no danger of European aggression, should protest against a doctrine which is al- ways an irritant to national pride and may become a fiositive menace. — New York "Evening Post." Uninfluenced by the almost unanimous opinion of sane and responsible publi- cists that the Administration lias blun- dered in its attitude toward Mexico, Professor Albert Bushnell Hart, of Har- vard University, rises in vigorous de- fence of President Wilson's refusal to recognize President Huerta. His apolo- gy was published in last Sunday's New York "Times," in the nature of a reply to Colonel George Harvey's appeal to President Wilson to save himself, his party and the country by recognizing the Mexican President. Before pointing out the misstatements and misinformation about Mexico with which the Hart article fairly shrieks, on which lie bases the conclusion that Huer- ta is not entitled to recognition, it is pertinent to note that not a single argu- ment, statement or deduction that the Professor makes would, if true, in any measure justify the Administration's reprehensible conduct in trying to over- throw the Mexican Government and its open support of the Northern rebels. That is a matter entirely apart from recognition and is the cru.x of the whole Mexican situation. Heaven only knows where Professor Hart got his Mexican ideas. Certainly not from any familiarity with Mexican history or the Mexican people. He is described as a professor of government, but he makes it clear that he writes from the viewpoint of the "plain, uninstructed American public." This is a libel on the American public. His flippant manner of discussion would indicate that he wrote from the viewpoint of a "plain, uninstructed, irresponsible dabbler." No other could so airily dismiss the suffer- ings of Mexico, the pitiful butchery of the Mexican people, as he does in the following set terms: Thi! the I condition of Mexico which is likely to continue decades after Huerta is gathered to his victims. The plain uninstructed American public objects to the misconception on this point caused by the thirty years of apparent peace, order and good government under Diaz. Concerning old Porfirio Diaz he has this to say: Diaz understood that a quiet, thriving country was best for those who handled its finances. But what did he do to raise the conditions or standards of his people? Did he raise as many millions for public schools as went into his pri- vate fortune? Did he teach ideas of economy and saving? Did he attack the inhuman system of peonage? Did he gradually lead the Mexican people to share in their own government? Did he encourage able men to take responsibility in public affairs? What a terrible indictment of a man whose crime was to make his country quiet and thriving! Why, indeed, did not Porfirio Diaz in a generation work a metamorphosis of fifty-seven varieties of Indian tribes into nice, respectable Anglo-Saxon citizens with all the highly civilized qualities- that Professor Hart could conscientiously approve? As a matter of fact, Diaz did infinitely more to raise the conditions and stand- ards of his people than this country ever did for the Indians who once owned it. As to public schools. Professor Hart is again talking in the terms of his. own environment, thinking of Mexico in the rernis of Cambridge, Massachusetts. But Porfino Diaz did realize the necessity for educating a people indifferent to ed- ucation and did in every practicable way provide for education. Did he teach ideas of economy and saving? No, he did not try to change the Mexican char- acter overnight. Probably Professor Hart could do that, but it was too much for Diaz. Did he attack the inhuman system of peonage? How glibly the question can be asked, with all that it takes for granted! As well might we ask; "Did George Washington attack the inhuman system of negro slavery?" Did he gradually lead the Mexican peo- ple to share in their own Government? Not in the sense of Professor Hart, per- haps, but again, Mexico is not Cam- bridge, Mass., and democracy in that country will only come after long and patient evolution. Did he encourage able men to take responsibility in pub- lic affairs? He did, and he got and de- veloped many of the ablest men that Mexico or any other country has known in modern times. The Professor, searching for a reason for Wilson's recognizing President Huerta, asks : Recognize Huerta? What are the guarantees that if recognized Huerta will bear himself as a ruler? Has past experience prepared him? The uninstructed public beheves that Gen. Huerta is too little of a General and too much of a cutthroat. What has the "uninstructed American public" got to do with picking a Presi- dent of Mexico? What has it got ta say about the character or experience of a Mexican ruler? Ye gods! But any fair-minded American will admit that General Huerta has certainly born him- self- as a ruler. The patience and dig- nity with which he has met the nasty insults of Washington have certainly stamped him as not lacking in the qual- ities of a ruler. After lightly dismissing President Huerta's military history, Professor Hart says: The next mark of surpassing greatness was the . murder of his former friend and principal. He does not say that he believes this, that he has been led to understand this, or that it is even a general conception — he states it as a fact He makes a de-. (Continued on next page.) Saturday, April 11, 1914. MEXICO ANOTHER PROFESSOR-Continued liberate charge of murderj without proof and entirely on biased hearsay. Ex-Am- bassador Wilson, who was in Mexico City at the time that Madero was killed, says he is convinced that General Huerta had nothing to do with the death of Ma- dero and did not even contemplate such a thing. But Professor Hart knows bet- ter Again the Professor in his irrespon- sible generalities: Somehow the uninstructed American public looks upon liuerta as a legitimate descendant of twenty previous dictators of Mexico — false to his friends, cruel to his enemies, and cowering before the fear that his countrymen might be aroused to depose him. Again, what has the "uninstructed American public" got to do with Mexico? In Mexico City President Huerta has the reputation of being more than loy- al to his friends, a frank foe of treachery in his enemies, and absolutely without fear. Huerta cowering? The history of the last year refutes the falsity of such a statement. Professor Hart says: The personal character of Huerta or of Villa is a factor in forming a judgment as to the realities of the Mexican situation, but ought not to be a determining reason for refusing to recog- nize one or the other. Our Government has never been over-solicitous about the private char- acter of the heads of other Governments. But virtually every argument he ad- vances against the recognition of Presi- dent Huerta is based on his gratuitous judgment of President Huerta's personal character. No, it is not inconsistency on the Professor's part. It is just shame- less tomfoolery. But then the Professor adds: The palpable and sufficient reason for not rec- ognizing Huerta as President of the Mexican Republic is that he has never given evidence of being President of the Mexican Republic, or that he is the choice of the Mexican nation for any office or dignity. Who declared him to be "provisional President" on 'Feb. 19, 1913? Gen. Victoriano Huerta. President Huerta became provisional ad interim President of Mexico in ac- cordance with the provisions of the Mex- ican Constitution, his succession was ap- proved by the Congress elected during the previous Administration, and by the Supreme Court of the republic. But nothing will convince Professor Hart that General H^terta is President of Mex- ico. He and Woodrow Wilson know better. .A.gain the Professor: He makes the plea that all he needs to secure his power is recognition by the United States ; what better proof could there be that his power is feeble, unstable, and temporary? He does not make any such plea. He does contend that he is entitled to recog- nition by the United States according to international law and all precedents. He does contend that in refusing recognition the Administration has encouraged re- bellion in his country. He does contend that the .Administration has openly en- couraged and assisted the enemies of the Mexican Government and that this is un- warranted, unjust, and destructive. Getting quite warmed up to his sub- ject, the Professor throws consideration of facts and truth to the winds and dashes off the following amazing generalization: Hence the only question of international law and practice which the Department of State has been called upon to decide is whether the man who calls himself President of Mexico is either dc jure or de facto the President of Mexico. Geographically he is plainly not the President of all Mexico, for at least a third of its area is outside of his authority. From a military point of view he is not the head of the Mexican Re- public, because his forces have been defeated by rebel armies in every pitched battle for many months. Constitutionally he is not President of Mexico, for he should be flanked by a Congress chosen in an open election. As the wielder of supreme authority for the time being he is not entitled to recognition, because he is visibly afraid to leave his capital even to defend his Government against armed enemies. Geographically a considerable portion of the United States was outside tlie au- thority of President Lincoln during the Civil War. Therefore he was not Presi- dent of the United States. From a mili- tary point of view he was not President of the United Sta'.es because the Union forces were beaten in every pitched bat- tle for many months. Because he did not lead the Union armies he was "vis- ibly afraid to leave his capital to defend his Government against armed enemies." How awfully absurd! As to being "flanked by a Congress," President Huerta is "flanked" by a Con- gress chosen as constitutionally as any has ever been chosen in Mexico, which, we repeat, is not Cambridge, Mass. Another "argument" of the Professor: The most frequent plea for the recognition of Huerta is that he is "the strong man," who, if recognized by the United States, will bring about order and good government. Of course, if he is not strong enough to recover the north it is hard to believe that he will long hold the south. Great Scott! We arm his foes, give them moral support, man their guns, let an .American consular agent act as their press agent, weaken him financially, ham- per him in every way possible, and then use any temporary weakness as an excuse for not recognizing him. Is that Ameri- can fair play? But when it comes to suggest doing something about it, the Professor is all at sea. He deprecates intervention and remarks naively: For, strange as it may seem, the Mexicans, who have never learned how to develop the re- sources of their country, or to give it dignity among nations, have an inveterate love of their own land, a furious hatred of those who attempt to diminish their territory, and a willingness to die in its defense which, among more highly organized nations, might be called patriotism. .How strange! How patronizing you are. Professor! Well, the Professor offers no solution of Mexico's woes, but says President Wilson was perfectly right in not recog- nizing Huerta. So there you are. If the Professors, incUiding the one in the White House, would stop their ama- teurish dabbling in a Mexico they do not know and never can understand, there might be a chance for Mexico. But that would involve recognition for Huerta. So Mexico must go to the dogs. So say the Professors. We shall see. By the way, how can a man be "profes- sor of government" at one of our great universities and write such arrant stuff and nonsense? THE CIENTIFICOS. We are still forced to wonder, by the weight of crushing evidence, whether it is absolutely indispensable to be an ass to write an editorial on Mexican affairs. One of the latest exhibits of the men- tioned crushing evidence was obtained in an editorial published by the N. Y. "Eve- nng Sun" a few days ago. With the usual glibness, the democratic writer (democratic because of his unmis- takable affinity to the braying quadruped symbolic of the Democratic Party) dis- coursed on some phases of the Mexican revolution and, taking his cue from the wily patriots, told us that the fight was still waged against the Cientificos. When they can't say anything else, the rebels say they are fighting the Cientificos. But everyone who knows anything about Mex- ican politicians knows that the Cientificos no longer exist as a political group. The Cientificos so-called were several men that cultivated close friendship with Limantour and supported him politically. They were limited in number and in the last few years of the Diaz regime practi- cally held the reins of power. But since the fall of Diaz the group has been broken up, many of the men forming it have died, others have been made poor by the revolu- tion, others have taken residence in Europe — new allignments have taken place in the Mexican political field and the Cien- tificos may be said to have disappeared forever. The first cry of the Madero rebellion was against the Cientificos and rebels of the present day have found it convenient for lack of better explanation to say that they are fighting the Cientificos. Their ap- plication of the terra, however, is vague and indefinite. If Cientificos are those who were friendy with Limantour, then Madero himself and his uncle Ernesto and his cousin Rafael Hernadez are Cientificos. Madero requested Limantour to remain at the head of the Department of Finance, which Limantour refused to do and both Rafael Hernandez and Ernesto Madero were closely identified with the then ex- isting Cientificos. But it has become the rebels habit to call all who oppose them Cientificos, for the name still awakens the old hatred. None of the men surrounding Huerta be- longed to the Cientifico group. The name as now applied by the rebels is tlie qualificative of any one in Mexico who happens to own a cent of property or who is not in favor of the rebels. MEXICO Saturday, April 11, 1914. Government by Headline By Major Cassius E. Gillette, in "Trend Magazine" for April. So it comes about that any wealthy individual or corporation can, by skillful press-agent work, mould public opinion on almost any subject without much re- gard to the true situation. This is es- pecially true if the matter concerns things with which few people are fa- miliar. Publicity for the facts and ar- guments in favor of any propaganda can be purchased as readily as groceries, and the skillful publicity agent can so dis- tribute the news that the unwary head- liner, who of necessity works in haste, will give undue prominence to almost any facts or ideas the press agent wishes. When the owners of the paper, or tnose who manage its "policy," wish to de- velop public opinion along a particular line the possibilities are even more re- markable. * * * Editors write glibly of the Huerta- Diaz conspiracy against Madero. Curi- ously enough there was a conspiracy fully justified, to arrest him by a coup d'etat, but neither Felix Diaz nor Gen- eral Huerta knew anything about it. Both were brought into the resulting fight later and on opposide sides. From the time Madero started out on his career of colossal blunder, or colos- sal crime, he and his clique have main- tained in the Hibbs Building, Washing- ton, a junta of Mexicans and a press- agency of great ability and unliniited imagination, which has wholly misled American sentiment. That this misleading of public senti- ment is at the behest of the Great American Oil Monopoly is strongly in- dicated. Whether the President was sub-consciously moved by this probabil- ity to skip with abnormal alacrity to the leadership must be left to the read- er's own conclusion. Unpopular, power- ful interests fought in public may some- times be secretly friendly to a public official who aids them "unconsciously" in matters treated altruistically. But the news of the day show the un- fortunate plight in which the Wilson Ad- ministration has placed itself by acting suddenly on misinformation when it re- fused recognition to the Huerta Govern- ment. This has driven the Administra- tion, into the astounding position of en- couraging, apparently with a view to recognition, the unspeakable Villa, whose recent statements and actions have satis- fied the American people that he, per- ■ sonally, foully murdered William S. Benton, a very prominent subject of Great Britain, by thrusting a revolver into the pit of his stomach and pulling the trigger, Benton being undoubtedly unarmed at the time. At the present time this headline prin- ciple is more than usually potent in na- tional affairs. While Secretary Bryan pushes his own ideas with vigor, albeit most of those ideas seem based on gal- lery play, President Wilson works on a totally different plan. What his personal convictions really are nobody knows. He has written profusely on almost every Icnown subject and a co-ordination ot what he has said at different times puts him not on two sides of every question, but generally on three or more, the net result being a sort of nebulous straddle "where it generally takes an analytical astronomical observer to distinguish the nebula from the halo of glittering gen- eralities that surrounds it. But a critical examination of his acts as an executive and the verbiage with which he accom- panies them will show that he never pushes his own ideas at all, but waits till he finds out what he thinks will "go" and then backs it to the limit, throwing consistency to the winds if necessary to land the proposition on which he has embarked. Even if he mistakes public opinion, he never reverses the lever. These ideas explain all his palpably in- consistent actions, and no other expla- nation will cover them. A striking example of almost unbe- lievable press-agenting, which started the Presidency marching with set visage in the wrong direction, is the present awful struggle in Mexico. Mexico has about 3,000,000 highly civilized people, a high grade Latin race, and something like 12,000,000 uncouth savages of about the grade and with no more political capacity than our reserva- tion Apaches, and not so much as our Southern plantation negroes. These savages are at heart but little more civi- lized than they were when Cortez con- quered the country. Their highest ideal is to ride a horse, carry a gun and live on corn and beans, earned by the "swear of their squaws," and preferring looting and raping to other amusements. They are generally ignorant and superstitious, and when not under restraint are cruel and blood-thirsty. Millions of them have no home but a blanket. I have seen thousands of their habitations, never one with a chimney — the smoke gets out as best it can. Left to them- selves, or put in control of the country, they would revert to banditism and sav- agery in a short time. They own no land, and a bad land system fastened upon the country by the early Spaniards has obstructed whatever little tendency they may ever have had to develop into something better than savages. From 1831 down to Diaz's time m 1876, the country was always in a state of semi- anarchy, rebellion, and destruction; any renegade man of wealth could start an uprising by simply promising free land to the peons, which would give the squaws a better chance to work. Hun- dreds of such rebellions were started on this same pretext, which was never car- ried out. The mentally unbalanced Ma- dero lacked even the virtue of originality when he worked the time-honored scheme, and he made only one feeble effort to carry it out. This was made through his brother Gustav, who boug'ht a large hacienda down in Morelos at $13 an hectara and sold it to his brother's Government at $36 for issue to the peons. The old fake had worked be- cause in the long period of peace which Diaz started before Madero was born, people had forgotten the former history and Madero's revival of it fired a few minds beyond the peons. Madero made no effective step to stop the conflagration he had begun. Every bandit he started on the warpath, and that means 90 per cent, of his followers, stayed right on in "rebellion" against Madero and on down to the present mo- ment. That General Huerta is an honest old soldier, and not an assassin, traitor, ban- dit, or usurper in any sense of those words, is easily demonstrated. I have challenged all comers to a public debate on that subject and I can get no takers. A schedule of the Hopkins (Hibbs Building) type of news reports from Mexico with the explanation of the real facts would be very illuminating. The New York "Herald" some months ago published a map of the country "con- trolled" by the rebels in black and that by the Federals in white. All North Mexico was jet blaclc with little white squares about the large cities; they omitted to explain that the white squares covered nine-tenths of the population and were protected by Federal garri- sons; while the black rebel area was the semi-desert and mountain regions over- run by bandits, who have since more or less coalesced into a mob, called an army, under the atrocious Villa. The rebels have never captured a sea- port except in the Hopkins type of news. There we have seen Mazatlan captured at least a dozen times. The press-agent banks heavily on our small knowledge of Mexican geography and Mexican dis- tances. A large picture showing troops "Guarding the Usurper in His Palace" turned out, on close examination, to be a part of a parade waiting in front ot the Mutual Life Insurance Building about a mile from the Palace. Mrs. Huerta gives a reception at Chapultepec, the President's summer home, their town house being too small. It is heralded, Hopkins-wise, as "Usurp- er Hides at Chapultepec." All through, everything that can in- jure Huerta is published as a fact, though close reading generally shows it as a rumor. Huerta's financial condition in the press is one of astonishing ups and downs ; in fact, he seems to stay up, but in the news despatches he is constantly falling down; he has also stated posi- tively several times that he will die be- fore resigning. The New York "World" has for its guiding principle "accuracy and terse- ness." The following are some excerpts from its headlines and editorials. Allow- ing for its extra attempts at accuracy, headlines of the less careful papers can be readily imagined. I take the "World" as an example because of its aim -for accuracy; at the same time it does not indicate any strong antipathy to Presi- dent Wilson and his policies. So it is not an exaggerating example of "Gov- ernment by Headlines." September 1st: "General Agramonte, Mr. Henry Diffenbach, C. A. Hamilton and Others Appear to Have Been Charged with Poisoning the Mind of W. B. Hale Against Huerta." On October 11th, the same people with others were charged in the "World" with being Bene- dict Arnolds working for Huerta against their own country. September 13th: "Report That Huerta Will Resign Soon." September 30th: "Huerta on Wednes- day Arrived at a Detern.ination to Elim- inate Himself." September 24th: "Serftir Espinoza Said That Huerta's Overthrow Might Be Expected at Any Time." October 20th: "Huerta Hid Plot to Sell Mexico by Arrest of Deputies." This is worthy of reproducing in full: "Leak in private code messages re- veals fact that dictator has offered the Presidency to the highest bidder and tried to kill Minister Reyes when the latter faced him with disclosures." "Root said to be backing Calero with $3,000,000." "Report says that Senator is repre- senting American oil and railroad in- terests." "Senator Call accused of aiding Car- ranza to form Northern Republic." "English interests, it is asserted, of- fered millions for aid of Gamboa." "Laredo, Texas, Oct. 19. — Advices re- ceived here by agents of the Constitu- Saturday, April IX, 1914. MEXICO tionalists and made piublic today through a leak in the transmission despatches to New York and Washington — Rodolpho Reyes told Huerta that Diaz would ac- complish his overthrow within ten days, whereupon Huerta in a frenzy attacked Reyes and tried to kill him. He was prevented, but the same night had the Minister of Justice thrown into prison where he remains." It would be interesting to know what comment Senator Root would make on the above assertion. It is also interest- ing to note that Rodolpho Reyes re- signed as Minister of Justice and re- turned to his seat in Congress. Some weeks later, he, with many others, was imprisoned by President Huerta, but certainly the Minister of Justice was not thrown into prison. October 20th: "Huerta and Blanquet Will Be Declared Victors at the Presi- dential Election on Sunda)'." October 24th: Despatch from Wash- ington: "General Huerta Has Directed His Followers to Make Sure of His Elec- tion Next Sunday." October 29th: "Reported Huerta Will Quit Office." November 1st: "Huerta Reported in Need of Money." November 4th: "Wilson Demands That Huerta Quit Oflfice at Once. Final Ultimatum." November 7th. "Huerta May Shift Power to Diplomatic Henchmen." November 9th: "Huerta May Quit on November 15." November 10th: "U. S. to Strike Huerta in 48 Hours." November 11th: "President Gets Word That Dictator Will 'Save His Face' by Voluntarily Quitting." November 12th: "President Believes Mexican Dictator Must Fall Within 30 Days." November 15th: "President Huerta's Last Prop Fell Today." November 15th: "It Is Understood That if Huerta Will Withdraw in a Be- lated Effort to Clear the Situation, the U. S. Will Approve of the Provisional Presidency of Pedro Lascurain." November 18th: "President Wilson Believes Dictator's Funds Will Last Only .^bout Two Weeks." November ISth: "Rumors That Huer- ta Plans to Destroy Railroad Between Mexico City and Vera Cruz." As this would have been committing military suicide, the ink used to print it might well have been saved. November 19th: "Huerta Out Soon Is General Belief." November 23rd- "Huerta Is Near End of Rope Financially." November 24th: "Calderon for Presi- dency Is Wilson Plan." November 24th: "Huerta Treasury Is Nearly Empty." November 2nth: "Financial Panic In- dicates Crisis of Huerta Rule." November 30th: 'Huerta Will Quit if Price Is Right. Declare Reports." December 1st: "Huerta Has Lost the Support of All Classes of Mexicans." December 4th: The "World" pub- lished a picture of stacked arms labeled, "Huerta's Soldiers -Abandon .\rms in Mexico Because Thev Have Not Been Paid or Fed." This is certainly a most remarkalile way of abandoning arms. 1 have seen a large part of the army of the U. S. abandon its arms the same way; in fact, it is a military custom so universal that it is astonishing to think that the "World" should take its label serinusly. The arms in the picture are regularly stacked and a sentinel walks in front of them, as is probably done every dav by everv company of infantry in the U. S. ' Scientists Assail Wilson At Meeting of the Academy of Political and Social Science in Philadelphia, PHILADELPHIA, Pa., April 3.— Violent attacks on President Wilson's Mexican policy by Henry Lane Wilson, former Ambassador to Mexico, and Rep- resentative Frank W. Mondell of Wy- oming aroused prolonged applause at the meeting of the Academy of Political and Social Science held here tonight. Mr. Mondell charged that President Wilson had shown a personal prejudice and individual ill-wiU toward Huerta such as had never been equaled in the world's history. He prophesied that if the American Government persisted in weakening the Mexican Government in this way the point would be reached when we must use the strong arm to restore order. Ex-.\mbassador Wilson contended that recognition of Huerta was the only feas- ible solution of the problem. If this was done, peace would be restored with- in ninety days, he said. He continued: "Intervention might be tried, but the people are rightly opposed to this. We might also advocate and assist in the creation of a new republic in the trouble- some district of North Mexico, but this will not relieve the situation permanent- ly. Huerta is as much 'President' among the Mexican people as Woodrow Wilson is possessor of the American title." Expressing his belief that the Presi- dent was actuated only by the best of motives, Mr. Wilson added: "He thinks he is right, but I know he is wrong. The Government expects to overthrow Huerta by means of Villa, a bandit whom I had arrested, tried, and sent to prison for one year on charges of pillaging the homes cf American resi- dents. "Gen. Carranza is a man who turns his back while things are being done. These are the men with whom idealism must walk hand in hand to get Constitution- alism in Mexico. Such a success will re- sult only in failure; the Government under Villa would stand just as long as we stay back of it, and when we de- cide to let Mexico assume her own Gov- ernment we would have the task to do over again. "In refusing to recognize the provi- sional Government of Gen. Huerta and by withholding moral assistance enab- ling it to restore peace and order in Mexico this Government contributed to the discredit of a Government which was endeavoring to restore peace and order to Mexico, and which had the support of 98 per cent, of Mexican public opinion and .of American and all other foreign colonies as well as of European Govern- ments. "Other errors of the Washington Ad- ministration," he said, "were the dis- patch of the Lind mission- the attempt to discredit European nations accredited in Mexico, and to misrepresent their attitude with reference to recognition; attempting to destroy the financial credit and standing in Mexico; lifting the em- bcirgo on the importation of arms and ammunition into Mexico, and in the as- sumption that Constitutional elections could be held in Mexico." President Wilson's announcement of the new doctrine that Governments ow- ing their origin to violence would not be recognized by this Government, he said, was also an error for the following reasons: (a) It was announced before the President had access to the records of the Department of State and the history of our foreign relations, which should have served as his guidance. (b) It was purely an expression of the President's personal views, being contrary to the traditions and precedents of this Government since its existence. (c) It was uttered without foresight and without that comprehensive view of its effect in our foreign relations which should have obtained. This is made evi- dent by the inconsistent attitude of the .Administration in refusing to recognize the Administration of Huerta, and sub- sequently recognizing the new Govern- ment of Peru, where the President had been deposed by violence and was in jail, and the Minister of War had been assassinated, and by the recognition of the Government of Haiti. These incon- sistencies subject the Administration to the charge of insincerity. Regarding the murder of Madero, of which President Huerta has been ac- cused, the ex-Ambassador said: "The most that may be said of Huerta in connection with this crime, so re- pugnant to civilization, was that he did not take sufficient precautions to guard agrainst it. Madero was killed in pre- cisely the way it was related, namely, by his guards after an attack had been made upon the automobile, and it may be mentioned here that Madero was be- ing transferred from the guard house in the palace to the penitentiary at the request of the American Embassy, which acted in the matter in response to Mrs. Madero's prayers that more comfortable quarters should be assigned to the ex- President "It is believed by a great many honest people that Huerta slew Madero for the purpose of succeeding him in the Presidency. This is a chronological er- ror. Madero had resigned and Huerta had succeeded to the provisional Presi- dency before Madero was killed. Thus, while Madero was violently overthrown. MEXICO Saturday. April 11, 1»14. SCIENTISTS ASSAIL WILSON-Continued his death did net occur until after his successor had been chosen." Major Gillette's vigorous description of the inadequacy of any Government under bandits like Carranza and Villa was loudly applauded. He said: "If Villa were to be elected tomorrow, as President Wilson thinks he should be, he would have exactly the same problem on his hands that Huerta now has. We are the only nation in the world that permits the organization of armed forces within its borders to be used in warfare against a foreign nation. The great trouble in Mexico rests in the savagery of the rebels, their inability to handle the ballot and the fact that the rich lands are owned by a few peo- ple, while the peons starve. The rebel- lion is financed by capitalists seeking to destroy Mexican civilization, regardless of the effect this will have on our com- merce from that country. The only so- lution is in a graduated tax on all lands and giving the peons an opportunity to purchase a few hectares." Dr. Leo S. Rowe, Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsyl- vania, discussed what he termed the "idealism" of President Wilson. The President's policies, however, are inspir- ing, but untenable, and no solution of the Mexican problem can be expected so long as the President of Mexico is held up to the scorn and condemnation of the civilized world, Doctor Rowe thought. He added that he would not undertake making any psychological analysis of the President's motives and believed them to be of the utmost purity. "President Wilson's constitutional standards mean either a prolonging of the state of anarchy in Mexico, the out- come of which must be the complete disappearance of every vestige of civi- lization, or armed intervention by the United States," said the educator. "The real solution is the elimination of de- mands for a Constitutional election, and this does not, of necessity, mean the formal recognition of President Huerta." Believes War Is Inevitable. That war with Mexico is inevitable is the belief of Louis Livington Seaman, U. S. A., retired, who scored the Presi- dent for lifting the embargo on arms. "It was the first step toward co-operation with vicious characters like Villa," he said. "President Wilson's attitude is not consistent. He refuses to recognize a Mexican dictator, yet he jumps across the border and dictates to the Mexican people what sort of Government it must have." Economic and social aspects of the Mexican rebellion were discussed by Dr. Simon N. Patten, of the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Leslie C. Wells, of Clark College, Worcester, Mass. Both agreed that the United States had no right to interfere in the question, and suggested that America had plenty of work to do within its own borders, with- out fomenting trouble among 12,000,000 of Mexican savages. "Freedom isn't worth anything to a starving man like the Mexican peon," commented Doctor Patten. "The eco- nomic principles of Mexico are the ones that need attention, rather than the de- velopment of a Constitutional Govern- ment." He added that possibly United States capital had been instrumental in dislo- cating Mexican industry, and thus was responsible for the prevailing disorder. "At any rate, we are told that the fight- ing today is being carried on by Ameri- can money," he added. MEXICO'S VITALITY INCREASE IN FOREIGN TRADE. Washington, April 5. — Greatly in- creased exports of crude mineral oil, somewhat increased exports of cattle and coffee, and diminished exports of rubber and metallic mii erals from Mex- ico during the last year are conspicuous features of reports on the declared ex- ports from that republic, transmitted by American consular officers to the bureau of foreign and domestic commerce. De- partment of Commerce. These reports are corroborated, in a general way, by the official statistics of that bureau, which indicate greatly in- creased arrivals of oil, coffee, sisal, and cattle, and smaller receipts of pig cop- per, lead ore, gold, and silver from Mexico. Mexico's foreign trade in the fiscal year 1913, the latest year for which com- plete official data are at hand, amounted to $248,000,000, $150,000,000 of which rep- resented exports and $98,000,000 imports. The United States took in that year 77 per cent, of the exports and supplied 50 per cent, of the imports. Comparing the figure^ of the calendar year 1913, with those of the preceding year, increased exports to Mexico from the United States occurred in cotton, bi- tuminous coal, structural iron and steel, and pipes and fittings; while decreased exports are noted in boots and shoes, farming tools and machinery, railway equipment, automobiles, sewing machines, wire, lumber, talking machines, corn, wheat and lard. Raw cotton amounted to 22,500,000 pounds, or treble the fig- ures of 1912; structural iron and steel increased from 3,250 tons in 1912 to 11,250 tons in 1913; and pipes and fittings from 61,000,000 to 90,000,000 pounds; while steel rails decreased from 32,000 to 14,- 000 tons; passenger and freight cars, from $840,000 to $559,000 value; agricul- tural implements, from $767,000 to $369,- 000; wire, from 26,250,000 to 14,375,000 pounds; and boots and shoes, from 885,- 009 to 737,706 pairs. Mineral Oil Imports Advance. Imports of crude mineral oil from Mexico scored a remarkable advance, from 273,000,000 gallons, valued at $4,- 000,000, in 1912, to 683,000,000 gallons, valued at $10,000,000, last year. Most of this oil is refined at Bayonne, N J.; par- tial refining operations are also carried on at Baltimore and in Texas. A large increase also occurred in imports of Mexican cattle, from $4,125,000 worth in 1912, to nearly $8,000,000 in 1913. Coffee rose from $5,000,000 to $6,000,000 and sisal from $5,250,000 to $17,000,000; but pig copper decreased from $18,000,000 to $14,000,000; lead in ore, from $3,500,000 to $2,500,000, and crude rubber, from $1,375,000 to $1,000,000. A slight falling off occurred in cattle hides. Other im- portant articles imported from Mexico include goat skins, copper ore and ma- hogany, the figures in each case being slightly above those of 1912. An interesting survey of Mexico's trade is obtained by analyzing consular re- ports on the value of exports declared for the United States during 1913, from leading points in that republic. Large increases in exports of oil are reported from Tampico and Tuxpam, on the low- er gulf coast; the former from $3,500,000 to $7,000,000, and the latter from less than $1,000,000 to nearly $5,000,000 in the period from 1912 to 1913. Exports from Nuevo Laredo amounted to $3,250,- 000, or six times as much as in 1912, cattle, sheep, goats, corn and pecans con- tributing to the growth. Monterey Loses Export Trade. Cananea a little more than held its own in exports of copper, gold, and silver, the total of these and other less important articles being $17,750,000, or $500,000 more than in the preceding year. Monterey, located i the heart of Mexico, sustained a considerable loss, $6,500,000, argentiferous lead and in export trade — from $11,750,000 to fine silver being the chief factors in the decline in shipments to the United States. Calamine, rubber and istle also de- creased, while cattle and cattle products, in common with the movements at most other districts, increased. Chihuahua and Juarez held their own, the former doubling its exports of gold-silver-lead bullion, slightly increasing those of cop- per-gold-silver bullion, decreasing by about 70 per cent, its exports of gold- silver bullion, and practically suspending shipments of copper bullion. At Juarez the notable feature was the large increase in exports of cattle and hides. Increased shipments of hides at that point and at Mazatlan are explained as being inci- dental to the large number of cattle slaughtered for army use. At San Luis Potosi base bullion and rubber were con- tributory factors in a loss of $700,000 compared with the preceding year, and rubber was a diminishing factor in ex- ports from Saltillo. Nogales fell off about 50 per cent., chiefly in silver ore. Saturday, April 11, 1914. MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. HUERTA AND RECOGNITION BY UNITED STATES. Huer'.a was President of Mexico be- fore Madero was killed. He was elected unanimouslj- according to the most rigid requirements of the Constitution. The Government itself did not lapse, but re- tained its continuity. .^.11 departments acquiesced in the change. The respon- sible elemenis of the population, nine- tenths of those capable of comprehend- ing what was going on, were m agree- ment. In fact, a week after the coup d'etat the Huerta Government was more generally recognized throughout the length and breadth oi Mexico than the Madero Government had been. Poten- tial revolutionists in Chihuahua and the North were vociferous, but hesitant in action. Recognition of Huerta then would have discouraged any formidable armed revolt. Tlie so-called Constitutionalist cause has now passed into the hands of ban- dits. Recrui.ing has been easy in a territory where brigandage is the prin- cipal means of livelihood. While Huerta has been harassed by all sorts of de- mands on our part, and especially by a financial blockade, these men, irre- sponsible and lawless, were able to make some progress. They only became real- ly formidable when our diplomacy opened to them an inexhaustible supply of war material. Whatever news has come from Tor- reon lias come over the wires controlled by Constitutionalists, yet even the cen- sored reports show that Federal resist- ance was valorous and determined, not the kind of resistance usually offered by soldiers who have to be driven to battle by the swords of their officers. Every town between Torreon and the capital is a Federal stronghold that will be de- fended heroically. It is improbable, therefore, that Villa will do no more than strive to capture Tampico. The resources of the Xorth will be sufficient to satisfy him for a time. This means an interminable conflict. .Assuming, however, that Villa should reach the capital, there are a dozen ban- dit movements that do not recognize him. Zapata is for Zapata and General O. is for General O. Nor is it possible that this nation could recognize a Villa as President. We have cried hands off to Europe. Torreon has been looted. From one to two billions of dollars in foreign invest- ments are endangered. Our attitude practically guarantees to these foreigners redress, which means that a debt of mil- lions of dollars is beiu.g loaded, by our "watchful waiting" on the Mexican peo- ple, present and future, as the price of the rapine and murder in which the com- batants indulge. If there is no Government in Mexico shall that condition continue indefinite- ly? Shall neither the de facto Govern- ment nor the chief revolutionary cause be held responsible for outrages? Huerta stands for law and order as Diaz tau.ght both. He is the representa- tive of Mexican civilization. Whether he lives or dies, is recognized or not recognized, the elements behind him are the elements which must eventually di- rect pacification of the coimtry. Without them Mexico will become a number of Balkan States, with less than Balkan civilization, and chaos there will be per- manent instead of transitory. Why then is Huerta not recognized? The main reason, says the Springfield "Republican" (.answered elsewhere in this issue by Mr. Wilson), "is the evi- dence that our Ambassador, Henry Lane Wilson, in effect conspired with Huerta and Feli.x D.az for the overthrow of President Madero, recognized by our Government only two or three days be- fore his downfall as the Constitutional executive of Mexico, a friendly nation." The fact is that on February IS, Gen- eral Huerta reported to the diplomatic corps that he had arrested the Presi- dent in the interest of humanity ana wished the corps to arrange an inter- view with Diaz. This was four days after Che Senate had requested Madero' to resign. Diaz agreed to meet Huerta in the American Embassy only. There he did meet him in the presence of the .\merican and German .Ambassadors, and after several hours of negotiation an agreement for the restoration ot peace was made. It is not true, there- fore, that "Ambassador Wilson pro- moted a treasonable plot against the head of a friendly Government," as .he logic and chronology of events shows. But if he had done so, should the error of our Ambassador be made by us the reason for a second and even graver in- justice to a neig'hborine people.' It may be that the military success ot Villa justifies lifting the embargo on arms, but is there any good reason why the financial blockade of the Huerta Government should not also be lifted? It is true that Huerta has survived a year of our baneful blundering and maintained order in the territnry in his control. Nothing better could happen for Mexico than our recognition of his Government even at this late date, and nothing would be so likely to assure permanent avoidance of intervention by us. Professor .Albert Bushnell Hart's an- swer to Colonel George Harvey's force- ful argument in favor of recognition is published elsewhere in this issue of the "Public Ledger." Prof. Hart's conclusion is that the Mexican character is so un- stable that it makes good government impossible, that Mexicans are worthless people anyhow, and the proper thing to do is to watch the common slaughter from afar, although our Government must be sure not to allow any other Government to interfere. The whole situation, however, as a matter of fact, is much more serious and is entitled to more serious consideration than Profes- sor Hart gives it. Unless active meas- ures to prevent intervention take the place of passive "watchful waiting" the tragedy of it will be the loss of hundreds of thouusands of lives of .American boys and the waste of millions of our public treasure, with no conceivable good but a perfect Pandora's bo.x of calamitous ills. — Philadelphia "Public Ledger." praised for his noble actions in blockad- ing Mexican ports, holding thousands of Federal soldiers as prisoners in Texas and supplying Villa with arms and am- munition, but Villa was described and depicted as the grand hero, leaping his horse over battered buildings, brushing away cannon-balls as if they were mos- quitoes, and lighting his cigarettes from the fuses of bursting bombs. His su- periority to Napoleon as a stategist — for Napoleon never smoked cigarettes — and to Grant as a military mastiff — for Villa had continued his attack for thirteen days — were pointed out in detail. Every- body knew that all this stuff had been written up in advance; that there was no way of getting it from Mexico by tele- graph, cable or wireless. But the edi- tors thought that it might possibly be correct, and, anyhow, it would please the folks at Washington. Then they turned round and read the plain truth in the real telegrams in the "Herald" of Sunday. Torreon had not been stormed; for days Villa had been firing upon an empty town, evacuated by General Ve- lasco because his ammunition was bad, and because he desired to put his army in a better strategical position. Since then Villa has not been playing with cannon-balls and lighting cigarettes by bomb explosions. He is resting — with a rope around his neck, for the Mexican and the British Governments will hang '.his murderer and utter scoundrel where- ever he is caught. Meantime his news- paper eulog^ists cannot take back what they have said, but are inclined to be- lieve that on the whole piffling Bryan is more of a hero than Villa, has a stronger imagination and works it harder. Besides, though Bryan has thousands of unneces- sary Mexican murders upon his tough- ened conscience, he is in no danger ot being hanged, except in effigy, while he crouches behind a seat in the Cabinet. — "Town Topics." ALLEGED NEWS. Within an hour after the arrival in New York of the alleged news that Bryan, Villa & Co. had stormed and captured Torreon, some of our daily pa- pers, published columns of description of the titanic conflict and the unprecedent- ed victory. Bryan, the peace piffler, was THE OPENING GUNS. _ The presiding officer at Maine's Repub- lican State Convention was Congress- man John A. Peters, who made an at- tack on President Wilson's Mexican and Panama Canal tolls policies. "I have great admiration and respect for Presi- dent Wilson," said Mr. Peters. "But no one but the blindest partisan or one who has given the matter no thought can have the slightest respect for the for- eign policy of his Administration, espe- cially in Mexico. Indeed, it cannot prop- erly be called a policy at all, because it is unintelligible and aimless." He de- clared that by refusing to recognize Huerta, the President "lost his greatest opportunity to establish some kind of order in Mexico and save thousands of lives and countless treasure. During this watchful waiting process of the .Adminis- tration," Mr. Peters continued, "lives and (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, April 11, 1914. property of our own and other citizens are being destroyed. England and other countries have acted with extraordinary forbearance, but the limit must be reached some time. The Mexican policy of the Administration has excited the surprise and con.empt of European coun- tries. It lool $1.00 FOR SIX MONTHS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find % for aukacriptiAii to "MEXICO." to be tent to Begrinning with - . - ntiMber MEXICO Saturday, April 11, 1914. "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran. 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York WITH THE AID OF A GUNMAN. Again we repeat that those Senators and Congressmen who are opposed to the President's proposed repeal of the Canal tolls exemption have not struck with sufficient vigor at the very center and the weakest point of the President's position. All their efforts to find out why the President demands surrender to Great Britain's contention have revealed noth- ing except that the President wants to give to the world a distinct evidence of our fairness and generosity so that he will not be handicapped in dealing with foreign matters of near import. This is very vague and it is not at all informing. It is more than possible that the Sen- ate and House would somehow get more information from the White House if either adopted a resolution asking the President directly whether he had urged the repeal of the tolls exemption so as to hold off England while he works through a notorious gunman toward the destruction of Mexico? WHAT IS PRESIDENT WILSON GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS? "The police brutality shown yesterday in Union Square was equal to that shown in Rus- sia. The police and Mayor Mitchel, working through fakirs who represented themselves as representatives of labor organizations, gathered a crowd for yesterday's meeting. When the police saw there was no riot or bloodshed they created riot and caused bloodshed themselves. They rode into the throng on horseback, tramp- ling down women and children. "But if the police think they can stop this movement by splitting our heads, they have an- other thought coming to them. The movement will go on until there are no more parasites — no more capitalists. They can kill, bang, jail, or club us, but can't kill our spirits, and the harder they fight the harder we'll fight back. "If the Americair- police think they can silence us by beating, then we will have to carry on our propaganda in secret, as is done in Russia. Con- ditions here are becoming as bad as in Russia, and the same measures to remedy them as are in vogue in Russia will have to be adopted, for where free speech is not allowed, other modes of expression must be resorted to." — Statement by Reba Edelson, I. W. W. leader, in New York •■Times." Is the President going to see that those who talk and act this way are well supplied with arms and ammuni- tion? Is he going to interfere in their favor with the difficult task of the New York authorities in maintaining order? It is interesting to read what the New York "World," champion of Villa, has to say about these violent members of the I. W. W., who are infinitely more intelli.gent than that bandit's followers and certainly, if mistakenly, inspired with some ideas, rather than a barbaric instinct to loot and destroy: Because of the encouragement they have re- ceived, leaders of the I. W. W. for several days have openly been preaching disorder and urging their followers to defy all city authority. At one meeting, O'Carroll, an agitator who has been in this country only a few months and for whose arrest last Saturday Magistrate Freschi scored the police, told an east side audience : "We are the predatory powers. We intend to get the goods — the plunder, if you want to call it that." Another speaker, Alexander Berkman, the Anarchist, said : "I believe in resistance. * * * I claim the right to preach riot if I want to." There has been a good deal of this kind of talk the last few days. Behind it is the deliberate purpose to provoke trouble with the police to- morrow. Certain muddled sentimantalists have treated he I. W. W. and their fellow-workers, the Anarchists, as persons having rights superior to those of ordinary citizens. They are largely re- sponsible for the O'Carrols and Berkmans. — New York "World." FALL GUYS. It is common knowledge in Washing- ton that Bryan has been the easiest kind of a "fall guy," the victim of the "con- stitutionalist" con men, operating under the clever direction of their oily Wash- ington attorney. They have sized up his character and limitations better than he knows himself and have fed him with the kind of "dope" for which he has an amiable failing. Certainly they must have very little respect for his brains a I'd judgment. Imagine a child in arms who could be fooled by the following obvious play on Bryan's well-known pro- hibition leanings: It is rather interesting that the ground upon which the Constitutionalists place Villa's enmity to the Spaniards is his strong temperance inclina- tion. Villa, they say, has an almost fanatical opposition to alcoholic liquors, and these Span- iards are engaged chiefly in the liquor traffic. A statement given out by the Constitutionalists here emphasizes the steps which Villa has taken to prevent the sale of alcoholic liquor to his sol- diers. On April 2, say Villa's press representa- tives here, he ordered the destruction of every receptacle for liquor in Torreon, which caused the Spaniards heavy losses. The Constitutionalist statement says : "These Spaniards are the keepers of saloons, low dance halls, pawnshops and disreputable re- sorts in Torreon. As Gen. Villa is almost fan- atically opposed to the use or sale of liquors in any form, he entertains a particular enmity to- wards those who engage in this traffic. — Press despatch from Washington. These "constitutional" liars are clever, there is no question. They have learned that the leaders of the Administration will swallow anything, no matter how ridiculous, that will seem to bolster up their position. But it is certainly humil- iating to Americans to know that a bunch of unprincipled Mexicans can make fools of those who guide the destinies of our country. THE REAL INSPIRATION. El Paso, Texas, April 3.— The effect of the rebel victory at Torreon was felt here in a stif- fening of the market for Constitutionalist nioney, and the beginning of a movement to organize foreigners owning property in Mexico to appeal to Washington to recognize the Carranza Gov- ernment. "The fall of Torreon puts the dollar mark on Villa and Monclova money," said J. S. Curtis, of this city. "The value of paper money lies in the promise to pay, and the fall of Torreon has marked the culmination of a long series of events which promise to establish and make good Villa's and Carranza's written guarantee, which is signed at the bottom of all paper money they have issued. "To date the Mexican Constitutionalist Govern- ment for their joint account have issued $60- 000.000 of paper fiat currency and for eight months the merchants along the United States border and Northern Mexico have gambled on the promises of Villa and Carranza to pay." The Constitution or the $60,000,000? Which do you think they are fighting for? No wonder the rebels have "sym- pathizers" on the border. Scratch the sympathizers and you'll find a holder of fiat money. THE CLOAK OF CONSTITUTION- ALISM. Any one who pricks the bubble of millenium-promising adventurers is a Bourbon. Who picks the latest slogan — "Consti- tutionalism," "uplift," or what not — gets the crowd. At least in the old U. S. A. Revolution in Mexico is siipply a mat- ter of money and organization. * * * Money to hire mercenaries and equip them, organization to draw up and ad- vertise a high-sounding program. * * * Porfirio Diaz gave Mexico a quarter of a century of peace and material prog- ress. * * * Madero has given Mexico more than three years of ruination. * * * All the fine-sounding programs in the world will not change that fact. * * * There is nothing for which the rebel agents profess they are fighting that is not contemplated by the Mexican Gov- ernment or already put in practice. * * * Then what are they fighting for? * * * For loot and power and offices. [ MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion ol Mexican Affairs Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb VOL. II— No. 35. NEW YORK, SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 1914. FIVE CENTS WAR? As we go to press ominous black clouds are gathering on the national ho- rizon. One of the most powerful fleets ever assembled by any nation has been ordered to Mexican ports, to ports which have no sufficient means of defense against the attack of one battleship, much less against a formidable array of twenty modern dreadnoughts. It was not necessary to be a political meteorologist to have prognosticated the coming of these storm clouds. When President Wilson in December told Con- gress that no clouds appeared on our horizon but that a dark one hung over Mexico he evidently forgot that clouds move. If we are to judge the first impulse of the people by newspaper opinions, what is considered as the first move to- ward an inevitable war has aroused the enthusiasm of young blood, always ready for a "scrap," regardless of its cost or its justice. And at the risk of ours being the only dissenting voice at the moment, but firm in our conviction that the sanest elements in this country will presently concur in our opinion if, indeed, they do not already do so, we shall raise a voice of protest. Let no one mistake our protest for lack of patriotism. We yield in this to no one but we feel that real patriotism must be founded on fairness, justice and truth. If the flag of the United States has been insulted, repair for the insult must be forthcoming, whatever the cost may be to us or to Mexico. But we have failed so far to dis- cover any evidence that the inadvertent arrest of several bluejackets in Tampico constituted an insult to the flag of the United States. No authentic statement regarding the incident at Tampico has been made. The Administration has kept absolutely silent and this strange silence has been interpreted as indicating lack of justification for the demand made by Admiral Mayo. Inspired Washing- ton dispatches have harped on the "ne- cessity of defending the national honor," but before the people arrive at the con- clusion that the national honor has been attacked a thorough investigation should be made and the full facts given to the public. If they reveal that no insult was either intended or offered to the flag and that the arrest of the sailors who landed within established firing lines was due to the unintentional error of a sub- ordinate Mexican officer, or was justified by international law, the prompt apology offered by the Federal commander and by President Huerta himself should be sufficient redress. It may be true that, according to pre- vailing ideas, the Administration must support the admiral's demand, even though unjust, at the cost of war. in order to uphold its prestige, but in this case President Wilson and Secretary Bryan are acting contrary to their oft- repeated profession of peaceful faith. No man can know other men's secret thoughts, but for well-nigh eight months we have been pointing out to our readers the fact that, whether intentionally or not, the Administration was courting war. We do not know whether the black clouds now gathering will dissolve them- selves into a harmless drizzle or whether they are the forerunners of a storm — but we do know that war with Mexico is dangerously near. We say dangerously advisedly. Not a dangerous war, as far as the success of American arms is concerned, but danger- ous because of its incalculable conse- quences ; dangerous to the cause of humanity and justice, and dangerous to our reputation as a nation of good faith. Whatever the merits of the Tampico incident, the events of the past year will clearly demonstrate that if war en- sues from this late phase of our rela- tions with Mexico, the full responsibility will rest with the Administration. Whatever the efforts made by a biased press, history will record that the Huer- ta Government has conducted itself with equanimity and has not only respected the rights of this country, but has of- fered, wherever it has been in control, full protection to Americans and other foreigners. Both the American Charge d'Affaires and the Consul in Mexico City will bear testimony to the fact that their demands have always been promptly met by the Huerta Government, that in fact President Huerta himself has often done more than he had been asked to do, in order to show his good will and respect toward the people of this country. To say that Huerta has refused to comply with the demands of this coun- try is to misrepresent the facts wilfully. The only demands to which President Huerta refused to accede were those of Lind, which concerned political matters in his own country. .No fair-minded man, no court of arbitration, could ever find a justification for such demands made by the Administration upon the Govern- ment of another sovereign State, even though it had not recognized that Gov- ernment. Representative Mondell told Congress only a few days ago that the Govern- ment of the United States would never have made the same unwarranted de- mands upon a stronger nation than Mexico. As far back as October 18 we pub- lished an article showing how the peace- (Continued on next page.) MEXICO Saturday, April IS, 1914. professing Administration was courting war. Exactly six months have elapsed since then and never so much as at the present moment have our arguments been so supported by the evidence of facts. We reproduce that article here, but we are compelled to preface it with the statement that our belief has been modi- fied and that if six months ago we were convinced that the Administration was courting war, now we are convinced that the Administration has been pro- voking war. Strengthening this conviction is a re- port made to us by one of our corres- pondents, who has just returned trom Mexico. He has assured us that the opinion prevailed both in Mexico City and in Vera Cruz that the American Government was seeking to provoke war and that it would seize the first pretext to bring about a conflict. Mexicans and foreigners, he said, can- not interpret but as a desire to provoke a conflict the impossible demands fre- quently made on the Huerta Govern- ment and the pernicious activities of John Lind, who while in Vera Cruz cor- responded with rebel leaders and advised the Washington Administration to take measures which would tend to discredit the Huerta Government. John Lind, the gaunt, sinister figure of the Mexican imbroglio, whose rancor and animosity against Huerta knows no bounds, because Huerta refused to ac- cept him as an all-powerful adviser, re- fused to kow-tow before his august pres- ence and to commit hara-kari at his be- hest. John Lind, "the Swede," who despises Mexicans because they are Catholics and has injected into the Mexican question a fanaticism of hatred against the Catho- lie Church, suggesting as a remedy the invasion of Mexico by an army of mis- sionaries. John Lind, upon whose re- turn from Mexico the entire Atlantic fleet was ordered to Mexican ports! We have but to review the incidents of the past year to understand why in Mexico there prevails the opinion that the Wilson Administration has been seeking to provoke a conflict. We have but to analyze public opinion in this country to become convinced that the opinion prevailing in Mexico is well founded. For we know, and everyone knows that no sentiment exists in this country favorable to intervention in poor beset Mexico and that if the Government had declared war with no other excuse than that of restoring order or estab- lishing a "Government by the people" in Mexico there would have been no response trom the people here. For the people would have known, whatever the excuse, that war was declared merely to satisfy the animosity of one man against another man. But if the Administration can convince WAR— Continued the people that war is necessary to up- hold the national honor, attacked by the MEXICANS themselves, then the Administration is sure of all the support it needs, of all the men it wants. The logic of events and the logic of actions cannot be destroyed by any statement to the contrary. ARTICLE FROM "MEXICO" OF OCTOBER 18, 1913 — UNITED STATES COURTING WAR. Viewed in the light of past historical events the present status of relations be- tween the United States and Mexico must be regarded as foreshadowing war. Ever since the first appearance of MEXICO we have been showing that the situation as created by the policy of our Administration was fraught with great dangers. That non-recognition of the Huerta Government, meddling in the politics of Mexico with the consequent encouragement to the lawless elements of that Republic, were bringing about such conditions as would draw this coun- try into a war which the people do not want and which could not be justified in the eyes of the world. Before us and with us hundreds of men familiar with Mexican affairs have voiced these views. We have now arrived at the breaking- point and responsibilities must be fixed. It is with gravest concern that the people of this country are viewing the present situation, because there exists a profound conviction that the danger could have been honorably and justly avoided. The truth is that the Administration has been courting war while professing a policy of peace. That this has been done unintentional- ly and in good faith is generally believed, but it must be admitted that the Admin- istration has refused to take into con- sideration any evidence which would have proved its course wrong and has rejected the advice of men who knew. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Americans who have lived in Mexico and know its people and conditions have either personally or in writing made representations to the State Department advising recognition of the Huerta Gov- ernment as the only step that could as- sist in the re-establishment of peace in Mexico and eventually make possible the elections of new magistrates representing the popular will as much as popular will can be expressed in Mexico. Not one of those men received a satis- factory hearing. They were considered unscrupulous persons who had no thought for high moral principles, but only for their own selfish interests. Demands were made upon the Huerta Government which no Government in the world, bad or good, could have accepted. They constituted the most flagrant inter- ference in the internal affairs of another country and an unwarranted affront to the man who was at the head of the Government of that country. The newspapers supporting the Ad- ministration have emptied their vocabu- lary of insults on the Mexican Govern- ment and have encouraged the forces of rebellion and brigandage. Neither tact nor consideration for the feelings of Mexicans nor again even the most elementary proprieties which are usually observed by civilized peoples in dealing vyith other nations, have been ob- served even by high officials of the Ad- ministration. Whatever the opinion of the Admin- istration in regard to the legality of the Huerta Government this has been ac- knowledged as the Constitutional Pro- visional Government of Mexico by the great majority of Mexicans. Therefore the affronts piled on that Government have been resented by those who have supported it. There has been hardly a foreigner in Mexico who has not as- serted of late that if the Huerta Govern- ment had been recognized peace would now reign in Mexico. There is not one foreigner in Mexico, whether in sympathy or not with the Government, who will not admit that no revolutions would long ex- ist in Mexico if it were not for the moral and material help which they receive from the American side of the Rio Grande. Moral and material help has been openly given to rebels and bandits and their cause has been espoused even by members of the United States Senate. Is it not natural that in view of all this Mexicans are becoming convinced that this country has sinister designs up- on their independent life and territory? They — and with them all foreigners who know Mexico — cannot believe that such support is given to rebels and bandits be- cause of a desire on the part of this country to encourage democracy in Mexico. Rebel leaders of today were the Government officials of yesterday and as such they gave ample proof of their self-seeking ambitions and of their ability to make a travesty of democracy. General Huerta had set upon his Gov- ernment the task of restoring peace in Meixico. Had hoped to receive at least the moral support of this country in doing so. Every step that the Administration has taken in regard to Mexico has been one to goad President Huerta into doing what he had not intended to do. A sit- uation has been brought about that has compelled him to take the reins into his own hands or let Mexico perish in the throes of anarchy. Secretary Bryan in a recent article on peace published in the "Independent" says that history will show us that trivial causes have been responsible for some of our bitterest wars. (■Continued on next page.) Saliirday, April IS, 1914. MEXICO WAR— Continued How can he be blind to the dangers lurking in the present situation brought about by his own policy? Ignorance of Mexican conditions and Mexican character is the most charitable interpretation which can be put on the Administration's attitude toward Mexico. But it was just such ignorance that finally determined the war of 1848. Lock- hardt Rives, in his admirable book just published, "The United States and Mex- ico," interprets the policy of the Polk Ad- ministration as due to ignorance. Re- ferring to the demands made upon the Mexican Government shortly before the war broke out and just after the Oregon question had been settled with England, he says : "That this display of force provoked the Mexicans, and induced them to fight rather than to bargain, proves nothing as to the intentions of the American cabinet. It shows, perhaps, nothing more than their ignorance of Mexican nature. John Bull might be looked straight in the eye, and spoken to firmly and boldly to some advantage; but John Bull had a good deal to lose, while Mexico had nothing except her dignity. But she valued dignity above money or land. 'The Mexican,* said Henry Addington, who was Under- Secretary in the British Foreign Office, and knew the Spanish character well, 'the Mexican is like a mule — if you spur him too much he will back off the precipice with you'; and Polk and his advisers had yet a good deal to learn both of mules and men." These words fit the present situation perfectly. It must be remarked, however, that President Polk's policy was frankly and avowedly one of expansion to the Pacific Coast. That it was probably his inten- tion of acquiring the Western territory by purchase and not by a war of con- quest. That viewed in the light of prac- tical events some justification may per- haps be found for the war of 1848 in the fact that the territory then acquired was occupied by a far larger number of Americans than Mexicans. But President Wilson and Secretary Bryan have declared themselves in favor of peace; have made it clear that the United States is not seeking acquisition of new territory and have protested their great friendship for the Mexican people. Secretary Bryan has gone to, the extent of saying at the banquet of the Pan- American Society a few months ago that there will not be war during the Wilson Administration. However, we repeat, he has been courting war. Only a man completely blind to the real situation could deny this. And Secretary Bryan at least could not even plead ignorance of the Latin-American characteristics, for he has traveled extensively in all Latin- America and he has come into personal contact with many Latin-Americans. Friends of the Administration state LEST WE FORGET The Administration's conception of national honor: Surrender to a big and powerful nation, dictation to a smaller one. * * * That is not the American people's brand of national honor. * * • England expresses her displeasure at the exemption of American coastwise ships from payment of Canal tolls. « • • The Administration says: "Why, of course, John, anything you say, old top." And orders Congress to reverse itself. And splinters a plank of the sacrosanct Baltimore platform. Mexico's Government refuses to be the plaything of the personal prejudices and theories of Wilson, Bryan, Hale, Lind, Tupper, et al. What does the brave Administration do? Cuts off all foreign aid from the Mex- ican Government, brings ruination to thousands of Americans in Mexico, en- courages rebellion costing thousands of lives, forms an alliance with the most villainous of the Mexican bandits, harries and goads the Mexican President — and hasn't finished yet. They used to call Roosevelt a bully. If he were, he would bully the whole world if necessary. But as a real American he wouldn't pick on a little fellow. He believed in a square deal. And never nagged, old-ladylike. * • * Villa and Carranza could flout, de- ceive and lie — break their promises — commit damnable outrages against all laws of civilization. ^Continued on next page.) that it is justified in the course it has taken because it does not consider that the Huerta Government has the support of the people. Here is where the most dangerous mistake is made. As another mistake is made when it is asserted that the majority of Mexicans would welcome American intervention. It is sufficient to look back only a few years in Mexican history to the time of the French intervention in Mexico to understand the import of these mistakes. The support enjoyed by Benito Juarez at that time was limited to a few Liberals and the masses were, in fact, against him because he had against him the Catholic Party, then the most numerous. Before and during the period of in- tervention the French authorities issued numerous proclamations declaring that their presence in Mexico was solely for the purpose of helping the establishment of a strong Government acceptable to the people. Also that they were not seek- ing territorial aggrandizement and would withdraw as soon as the Government was established. Benito Juarez headed the armed resist- ance against the French and the people flocked to his ranks. In this connection, the "Imparcial" of Mexico City said editorially some time ago: "The truth is that President Wilson has shown himself to be as weak polit- ically as he is psychologically in dealing with national sentiments. "Facing a foreign demand, any people will rally to the support of their Govern- ment. This is in the heart of every peo- ple of the earth, and explains why a Government or party becomes converted into a national cause when menaced by destruction or overthrow from beyond the boundaries of the homeland. The banner of Juarez spread until it covered the whole territory when a European monarch attempted to pull down the hands that sustained it, and from that moment it ceased to be the banner of a party, becoming, instead, that of a na» tion. "But the President of the United States is not familiar with these solidarities of peoples, he has no precise knowledge of international relations, and is not aware that he cannot touch the highest per- sonality of a State without touching also each unit of which that State is com- posed. The distinction which he makes between the Mexican Government and Mexicans is humiliating. That is the rea- son why acceptance was impossible. Be- fore the menace of a violation of our sovereignty, the Government of Mexico is Mexico; we are all Mexicans. "How could this sentiment have es- caped the men at Washington? Why is it that they did not understand that the greatest support they could have given this Government, which they would not recognize, was to turn to its assistance those who. heretofore, have been its most vehement and active opponents, but who, nevertheless, have not lost the desire to pass for good Mexicans?" We do not want war with Mexico. But to him with eyes to see it is more than a possibility that we shall be forced into one by a peace-loving Administration. MEXICO Saturday, April IS, 19l4.- LEST WE FORGET— Continued They were helped — they were the dear friends of the Administration. But a technical mistake made by one subordinate officer of the Mexican Gov- ernment, involving no loss of life, no loss of property, for which the Mexican Government freely gave a frank and full apology, is suificient to cause the send- ing of the entire Atlantic fleet to force a national humiliation from Huerta. Of course every American will back up his country, right or wrong, but even now there is the last alternative to war, the swift recognition by the American public of the Administration's shameful unfairness, and the solution of the un- fortunate situation by peaceable methods. * * * The Administration's course has been so untenable all along that every in- evitable complication is seized upon as ammimition by the enemies of the Ad- ministration, for partisan, political and personal purposes. But the fault is all the Administration's own. :(= * * It has set its personal prejudices and theories up against the unbiased opinion of the whole world. * * * By provoking crises and meeting them pusillanimously it stirs up the jingoes who would force this country into war. It gives them opportunities and argu- ments for their clamor. * * * Its actions are so opposed to its pro- fessions that it arouses the distrust of all Latin-American countries, who can see nothing but cheap hypocrisy trying to cover base motives. * * * In Mexico it has taken an isolated position among the nations, and by im- plication impugned the judgment and honesty of all countries that have recog- nized the Mexican Government. * * * When its political opponents urge ac- tion, it cries that they are trying to drive it into war. * * * When they point out that it is pro- voking war, by creating intolerable con- ditions in Mexico and encouraging an. archy, it says: "Huerta must go!" Read "MEXICO" ONCE A WEEK AND LEARN WHAT'S WHAT BELOW THE RIO GRANDB. A PRETEXT— WHY? The flurry of excitement caused by the announcement that the whole Atlan- tic fleet had been ordered to Tampico has not entirely subsided, when already from many quarters comes the question: "Why this warlike movement at this time?" The question is prompted by suspicion. A suspicion that the move is a pretext either to provoke war with Mexico in 'order to save the Wilson Democrats from a downfall, or to weaken the power of the Huerta Government. A well-founded suspicion if various re- cent incidents are considered in their true light. The inadvertent arrest of some blue- jackets by a Mexican officer in Tampico does not constitute sufficient reason for exacting a national salute to the flag un- less an affront was offered to the flag. Scarcely a line has been printed as to the actual facts involved in the Tampico in- cident. The Navy Department must have a full report, but nothing has been given out. Why? If the flag had been in- sulted, what better opportunity was af- forded to the Administration than that of publishing the full details and thus receive the unanimous support of the people in its warlike movement? On the other hand, if the movement merely signifies the abandonment of the "watchful waiting" policy, why did not the Administration abandon such policy when offered ample reasons by the re- fusal of rebel leaders to accede to its just demands? Why did it not stop to wait watchfully when Villa knowingl> /nade an abso- lutely false report of the Benton murder, thus putting the Washington Adminis- tration in a ridiculous position before the whole world? Why did not the Admin- istration abandon its watchful waiting when Villa and Carranza deliberately re- fused to comply with the request that Spaniards and other foreigners which this country had undertaken to protect be properly safeguarded in their human rights? Why did not the Administration give up waiting when in spite of the fact that it maintained a representative near Villa to advise and guide him, the bandit wil- fully and wantonly killed two Spaniards, the Gonzales brothers, in Chihuahua? Why did not the Administration change its policy when American citi- zens, men and women, were killed, robbed and outraged by the rebels? Why wait watchfully until there oc- curs an incident the details of which are purposely kept shrouded in mystery, but which from all meagre accounts appears to have been due entirely to an error of judgment on the part of a subordinate Federal officer? Why make a movement directed against the Huerta Government, giving to understand that the national dignity must be upheld, when the Administra- tion had been repeatedly flouted by the rebels? Is it because the Huerta Government has shown wonderful endurance and power in the face of all the obstacles put in its way by the Administration, or is it because the tottering Wilson Demo- crats had to make a desperate move to maintain themselves in power, even though Mexico and the people of this country have to pay the price? Presently we shall have the answer. Meanwhile, whichever the reason, it must be evident to all thinking persons that the fairness of which the American people have always been so justly proud has not guided the Administration in its- dealings with Mexico. While on one hand the rebels have destroyed American lives and property and have flouted in every possible way a Government to which, however, they owe their strength, on the other the Mexican Government has afforded ample- protection to the citizens of a country the government of which has been its avowed enemy. Is it a wonder that from all quarters comes the question: Why this warlike move against the Huerta Government at this time? THE POLITICAL ASPECT OF THE MEXICAN IMBROGLIO. Not the least interesting phase of the present tense situation is the rush of the Wilson Democrats to wave the American flag as the only salvation of a party po- litically doomed. Their destructive pounding and nag- ging of the business interests, on whose success in the last analysis depends the prosperity of the country; the wide- spread depression of industry; the army of unemployed ■ the unpopular surren- der to England, the inefficiency of many of the Cabinet officers; the shameless extravagance of a Democratic Congress that had promised economy; the awful muddle in which the Administration has brought our foreign relations^all in un- answerable combination have pointed to inevitable defeat of the party at the polls in November. The contemplation of the mess they have made of things has caused a panic among the leaders of the party, and they see the rugged figure of Roosevelt looming out of the jungle seeking whom he may devour. The Wilson Democrats are doomed — in fact, they are already lost — they have read the handwriting on the wall. (Continued on next page) Saturday, April 18, 1914. MEXICO The black night of self-conceit in which they have dwelt has been pierced by ominous flashes. They hear the ap- proaching thunder of popular disap- proval. What are they to do? Ah, they can stir up a storm of their own. It may out- roar this storm that is threatening them. "Rule or ruin" is their motto. Mark the following from the Wash- ington correspondence of the New York "Herald," the day following the ordering of the Atlantic fleet to Tampico: Another phase which makes strong appeal to the Democratic leaders is the complete answei the President's action furnishes to the charge of bis Democratic opponents that in the tolls ques- tion he has failed to demonstrate a true American- ism. In the light of the effect his sending the Atlantic fleet to Mexico will have upon the pub- lic, the cry that he has "surrendered** on the tolls question can have no other, result than to bring down upon those who raise- it a storm of ridicule. That shows how deep is the American- ism of the Wilson type of Democrat. Is it American to bully a weaker nation? Not in a thousand years. The following from the pen of William R. Hearst, in the New York "American," is also significant. He says: Map Showing the Distribution of the Population of Mexico nn 2 to 6 6 to 10 10 to 20 Inhabitants Per Square Kilometer. 20 to 30 and more Last week, after the New Jersey election, on« of President \Vilson*s most intimate friends and advisors told me that he and others had warnea the President that his policy of the repeal of free tolls for American coastwise traffic through the Panama Canal was regarded as unpatriotic. My informant said that the President was un willing to abandon his Canal policy, but had decided to make a notable patriotic move in some other direction. In this way the President hoped to regain his prestige and at the same time to carry through his free tolls repeal bill. This demonstration at Tampico is probably the move which the President has decided to make. Mexico, then, is to pay the price for the Administration's blunders. Mexico may pay the price, but the Wilson Dem- ocrats who are now waving the Ameri- can flag to distract the wrath of the peo- ple will also pay the price. It will be remembered that in the be- ginning of the Me-xican imbroglio the Republicans were shouting for interven- tion, because they wanted to embarrass the .Administration and hold up the tar- iff and currency reforms. Now it is the Wilson Democrats who want interven- tion, because they hope to stay the ava- lanche of opposition to the Administra- tion which has started rolling and prom- ises to sweep them out of power. Since intervention in Mexico means war — and a brutal, unjust and unneces- sary war — it is appalling to what ex- tremes politicians will go to hold their jobs. And they will not be the ones who will be the food for guns. Oh, no, it will be the flower of the young men of the country. Federal District State of Mexico Tlaxcala Morelos Guanajuato Puebla Hidalgo Oueretaro KEY: Vera Cruz Colima Oaxaca Jalisco San Luis Poto Guerrero Zacatecas Chiapas Leon 10, Michoacan 2e juice to straighten out. — T. Philip Terry, in Bos- ton "Herald." Saturday, April 18, 1914. MEXICO NONE SO BLIND Senator Boies Penrose, of Pennsyl- vania, speaking before a Philadelphia church congregation, said: "President Wilson wrote in one of his books that constitutional government was not a thing which could be given to a people. A very great part of the diffi- culties of our present situation with Mex- ico is due to his attempts to give con- stitutional government, not even to a people, but to a collection of Indian tribes whose racial characteristics are still painfully in evidence. "When the homes of American citi- zens are raided by bandits, and Ameri- can men bound to trees in the good old Indian way of binding the victim to the stake, and the daughters of the house are assaulted, it is hard to restrain our human instincts as men and brothers, and subordinate them to the political ex- pediency which is demanded to uphold a course avowedly based on the highest principles of political morality. Long Score of Barbarities. "This is no composite picture, no ex- aggeration, of merely disagreeable inci- dents. I have referred to an actual case in the terms in which it actually occurred, and in which it is actually on record with the Government at Washington. There is a long score of barbarities of this and other kinds, some of which can- not be even mentioned in this presence — most of them fully recorded in re- ports in Washington; and it seems to me that not only the expediency, but also the morality which it has been an- nounced is to be the basis of our policy toward our neighbors to the south, has not only failed to demonstrate its ex- pediency, but what the ordinary citizen understands as morality, both of object and of procedure, has been more dis- torted than one sliould expect from such high professions. A policy which re- quires constant suppression of fact in order to retain even the possibility of public support is not conducive to the spread of ideas of public morality. "An incidental feature of our Govern- ment's policy, which finds it necessary to furnish weapons and ammunition to a bandit chieftain who has been clever enough to label himself a 'Constitution- alist,' is the loss and personal peril in- curred by the faithful missionaries who have been laboring in the field of Mex- ico. "It is a curious commentary on the morality of our policy that it has been vigorously protested against by these very missionaries and ministers of the gospel as contrary to humanity and sub- Torsive of order and civilization. "These men. wrho have lived in that country, know that the pretensions of bandits and the political spoilsmen mas- querading together as prophets of a new freedom for the down-trodden« Mexican, by which the President has been misled, are nothing but the veriest farce. Exhibitions of Curming. "In the recent campaign the outward manifestation of these habits has been largely checked by the constant admoni- tions of the authorized representatives of this Government who have accom- panied the leaders of the Constitutional- ists in their campaign about Torreon. Constant reiteration of 'Don't do this,' 'Don't do that,' 'Washington will not ap- prove of this,' 'Washington will not stand for that,' has produced a modification of the outward usual demonstrations of na- tive instinct. With the cunning which we have also come to know is a racial characteristic the lesson has been easily learned that professions of love and de- votion to the principles of justice, mo- rality and freedom are absolutlely neces- sary to retain the support of the great neighbor to the north. "Promises to reform and be good are the payment for rifles and ammunition with which to be brutal. It seems to me that our heroes of the Indian wars — Crook, Miles and others — could furnish us with some parallels from the history of their own Indian campaigns. There is something that would be humorous, if the whole situation were not so fraught with danger, in the picture of the head of this nation, who has possibly never seen an Indian except on full-dress ex- hibition, lecturing a nation which has ruled some 14.000.000 of them with at least sufficient success to keep them alive and most of them doing some little use- ful agricultural work. "As a matter of fact, it is not seemly for us to give many instructions to the Mexicans on the theory and practice ot handling Indians, unless it be considered of greater morality to exterminate them than it is to subjugate them and mold them into some participation, however imperfect, in the machinery of social and industrial life. Most Pressing Problem. "I have referred to the danger of the situation. I am not referring to the suf- fering or loss of American citizens in Mexico, nor to the danger of incidental complications on our southern frontier. I have in mind the fact that Mexico is not the only troublesome question in our foreign relations. There is a serious question confronting us on the Pacific Ocean. There are other questions con- fronting us on the south, though none so pressing as those of Mexico. "It is a maxim of ordinary common sense that if a man or a nation has a difficult and delicate problem to handle with a neighbor he can give it more in- telligent attention and secure better re- sults in his negotiations if he is free to devote his attention to the matter in hand. If he is embarrassed at the same time by complications in other direc- tions, he is not in as good a position. If complications can be tangled up with the first question, so that he is encom- passed on all sides with difficulties, the prospect of a satisfactory result are con- siderably diminished. "If we were to be forced into interven- tion in Mexico, it is perfectly clear that other countries who had any questions at issue with us, whether in Europe or Asia, would find it an opportune time to press their claims. It is only a step further to the conclusion that some one of these countries might undertake to assist Providence to modify the course of events to such an extent that we would be driven into intervention, not- withstanding our reluctance. "It is because we want to eliminate this danger and alter a course which is so likely to drag us into a costly inter- vention and possible war that the real facts about Mexican problems should have the greatest publicity. True con- structive statesmanship will seek for a way to restore order in a country in which its own mistaken policy has fos- tered anarchy and bloodshed. "The imposition of inapplicable stan- dards of government to a people who have not even the word 'government' in the language of a large number of them is so preposterous an error that com- mon intellectual honesty demands its ac- knowledgment and retraction. "The theory that the chiefs of the Constitutionalists are a saving remnant in Israel to lead their people out of the wilderness of oppression and barbarism and that Villa is the prophet, is about as true as that the gunmen of the East Side of New York are the bulwarks of law and order. "There has been much land allotted to the Indian and sold for a mess of pot- tage. And the land problem in Mexico does exist. But if all the great estates were wiped out today, and the land di- vided at the rate of three acres and a mule to every patriot who has fought in the Constitutionalists' army, the problem would be no nearer solution by that act than it is today. On the contrary, it would be setting back progress for half a generation, for the land, inside of five or ten years, would all be in the hands of a new group of harpies and specula- tors, and in the meantime such organiza- tion of the forces of production as there is in the country w-ould have utterly dis- appeared. "This is no place nor time to enter into a discussion of the extremely diffi- cult and complex problem presented by land tenures in Mexico. But the vit«l and pressing feature of the situation to- day is the restoration of order and the re-establishment of a condition which (Continued on next page'^ MEXICO Saturday, April 18, 1914. will permit these problems to be dealt with with some intelligence, instead ot great passion. "An assertion frequently made by the President is that the clamor for inter- vention comes from the 'interests' which have large investments in Mexico. This is wholly untrue. The large corporations would prefer to deal with a less highly organized Government than that of the United States and with one also that dis- plays a livelier appreciation of efforts for the development of an enormously rich and industrially backward country. "The Administration involves itself in a contradiction on this point. In one breath it charges that the Governments of these countries to the south of us are weak and unsophisticated in their deal- ings with the wily representatives of large foreign investors, and it alleges that these foreign interests make large and improper profits out of this condi- tion. Then when a clamor arises at the ineffective and badly conceived policy of the Administration in Mexico, and many calls are heard for interven- tion, the Administration promptly ac- cuses the interests just referred to of being responsible for this agitation. "Both charges cannot be true, although they are both as true and as consistent as most of the positions taken by the Administration about Mexico. If it is true that the Mexican Government is granting improper favors to capitalists, certainly the capitalists who are profiting by them are not clamoring for interven- tion to put an end to this satisfactory condition. On the other hand, if this charge is not true, the alternative is that the Mexicans are intelligently administer- ing their own affairs and our dictation to them and interference with them is an unwarranted piece of intrusion in the affairs of a neighbor. Call for Intervention. "Where the call for intervention real- ly comes irotn, when it comes at all, is from the individual American citizen whose little all is at stake. • "If the big interests suffer in Mexico they can recoup in South Africa or other mining countries, or in Canada on power plants, as is actually happening to two of the principal so-called 'interests' in Mexico. But take the specific cases ot one or two American citizens that have come to my knowledge. "One was a dentist, a man of perhaps 45, who had lived in Mexico long enough to build up an excellent practice. Severe illness and expensive surgical treatment had encroached heavily on his savings. On his recovery, just as he was about to get back his losses from his practice, this Administration warned all Ameri- cans to leave Mexico and emphasized it by sending Government transportation for them. This man left in obedience to the orders of his Government. When he went he left his all. You cannot car- NONE SO BLIND-Continued ry a professional practice with you from one country to another. It is hard to have to start in at middle life to build up a new practice in a community from which one f;as been absent for many years. This would be hard under any circumstances, even were the cause the act of God. It is doubly hard when the cause is the weakness and lack of wis- dom of high officials of one's own Gov- ernment. "I cite this case because it is typical. There are hundreds of Americans who have lost their all in the same way, doc- tors, professional men, planters, farmers, electricians with small repair shops, min- ers with promising and paying little mines, tie contractors, engineers, me- chanics — these are the great body of Americans in Mexico. "Many of these have been ruined at one blow by the action of their own 'home government. Who will pay them indemnity? Not Mexico. She has no responsibility. She did not turn them out. Does this Administration expect to reimburse all these Americans that it has ordered out of Mexico? "Take the case of a small planter in the State of Vera Cruz. After working for other people as employe and man- ager for some years, he got hold of a piece of land. It was not clear of debt, but he got enough out of his first crop on it to increase his area under cultiva- tion, and this present crop would have put him fairly out of debt on 'his land. The attitude of this Administration has forced him to abandon his place, and unless he can make some apparently im- possible arrangement he loses all he had put in. Plain Citizens Ruined. "These are the people who are suffer- ing by the policy of this Administration — not the interests. For every American hurt who is working for the big financial corporations in Mexico there are scores of plain citizens who have been almost quite ruined. This condition breeds re- sentment. "This resentment extends to foreign Powers. Great Britain may remain quiet during one Benton affair. Will she during four or five? And the result of the present policy of the Administra- tion is to foster conditions which tend daily more and more to increase the danger and the probability of more Ben- ton affairs. "And there will be German Bentons and French Bentons. The Spaniards are being treated more tenderly. They are sent out of the country. "This condition is what makes forced intervention loom up as a probable re- sult. The only way to insure its not happening is to change the conditions. "Anything that can be done to hasten this change is a patriotic step, as it removes by just so much the danger of costly and maybe bloody intervention. "An unprejudiced review of the sit- uation warrants the conclusion that there would today be no organized revolution, at least outside the Pacific States of Sonora and Sinaloa in the extreme northwestern corner of Mexico, across the mountains, had Huerta been recog. nized. "There are sound reasons for this opinion. Consider what Huerta did in four months of last year, after taking possession. Starting with half the States of the country in the hands of hostile Governors and Administrations, he had established order in more than half of those and put his military provisional governments in nearly all the rest. His Generals had marched straight through the middle of North Mexico and rolled the revolutionary forces back against the Chihuahua Mountains in the west, and scattered them entirely in the east. "Had it not been for the moral support given the revolutionists by this Admin- istration and the hope of material sup- port in arms and munitions (which they a'fterward actually got), is there any rea- son to suppose they could have kept up an important organized military force? Huerta's Task. "Is it not a reasonable conclusion that there would have been a fair meas- ure of peace and order in the country if Huerta had been given the support which was given to Mr. Villa, inasmuch as Huerta has been able to maintain himself for over a year, not only vnth- out such support, but actually in the face of, just the moral disapproval of our Administration,- then the active and successful financial boycott, which has prevented it from raising any money abroad; and lastly, an open source of supply of arms and ammunition for his enemies. "The mistake was made doubtless from high motives. But it is fairly ob- vious now, even to a partisan supporter, that the man most likely to secure peace in Mexico was the one who was rejected. "And it also seems clear that the price we are forcing Mexico to pay in blood- shed, rapine, pillage and anarchy is not warranted by the reasonable expectation of the establishment of social justice and free government through the instrumen- tality of the man who has lied brazenly and officially to the Government of the United States in the matter of the Ben- ton murder, flouting not only our Gov- ernment, but ordinary human honesty, and illustrates his sense of economic justice by the wholesale deportation of hundreds of residents of Mexico with- out a fair hearing or any trial, even a farce, simply because they are members of a given race." Subscribe to MEXICO Saturday, Afril IS, 1914. MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and AU Angles. CAN THEY READ? May it be permitted to an ardent lover of peace, to a man grown gray in the service of his country, once more to beg our President to abandon his Mexican policy, to recognize Huerta before it is too late? His recent treatment at the hands of Carranza, Villa and Company affords him ample grounds for any action that he may take in abandoning his chosen allies in favor of a man of whom he may disapprove but who has scrupulous- ly safeguarded the lives and property ot all foreigners since his accession to power. Should long suffering Spain now take the course that a self-respecting Power would naturally pursue she will have the sympathy, more or less active, of every Power in Europe, ^d alas! that it should be so, of every right thinking man in the United States. For who has committed this monu- mental, this insane, this in modern times unheard of outrage on international rights? Why, our allies. Carranza, Villa and Company, the active agent of which combination Villa is, and is by Mr. Wilson known to be, an ex-convict, a wholesale dishonorer of women, a butcher of prisoners, a vulgar thief. These are our allies. Are we going to cleave to them? Are we going to be forced into a war through their actions, on their account, their filthy account? Or will the President acknowledge his error before it is too late, thereby saving his face, his Admin- istration and his party? The President has reversed himself and is seeking to reverse his party, his platform, his constituency, the nation, in the matter of the Panama Canal. Let him reverse himself in this case also. It would be wise to do so. There is handwriting on the wall. It would be gravely unpleasant for this Ad- ministration should the American people begin to cry aloud what they are now whispering to one another: "We will not have a war in order to vindicate the policy of one man, be his intentions never so good." — Junius,' in New York "Sun." the murder of Benton and Villa's point- blank refusal to hand over the body for autopsy. The incident is surely less of an offence than Carranza's and Villa's utter disregard of our efforts in behalf of the Spaniards, exiled in spite of the promise to treat all foreigners alike. — Boston "Herald." THE TAMPICO INCIDENT. While the President's course is thus thoroughly admirable, it is significant that the initiative was taken at the front, and not in Washington. It is incidental- ly regrettable that the affair arises over one of the least serious affronts of the entire Mexican situation. The arrest of marines by an officer of low rank, promptly followed by the explanation from headquarters that it was all a mis- take, is surely less of an offence than GLORIFICATION OF INCOM- PETENCE. One of the strange phenomena of the day is the unusual strength of the prev- alent tendency to be content with im- pressionistic conclusions and to turn away with contempt and distrust from any one possessing exact knowledge or practical ideas. Ignorance and emo- tionalism have always been prone to fol- low the demagogue rather than the statesman, but the ease with \yhich the four-flusher gathers in his victims in these days indicates that the public is just now suffering from an acute mad- ness. The trouble was probably begun bV the rtnickraker, who laid down the (licUim that all responsible men of af- fairs are per se crooks, and he in turn was ably seconded, particularly in the business world, by that strange creature the "efficiency expert," who in his full flower is often everything except what his name indicates. The impulse to grab up anything that sounds well or that is labeled "reform" is evident in every activity of life. It has even invaded philosophy, but no- where is it more obtrusive than in gov- ernmental matters. In dealing with the Mexican and Philippine questions the .Administration has been particularly its victim. It has almost uniformly turned a deaf ear to .\merican men familiar with the countries affected and with their peoples — sometimes it seems for no other reason than that they are reliable authorities on the subjects in hand — and it has preferred to listen to novices, to irresponsibles or to those who are ob- viously prejudiced and partisan. Because he was a Republican and be- cause he stood for what he believed right. Henry Lane Wilson was thrown out of the diplomatic service in favor of John Lind. an ignoramus in diploma- cy, w'ho went to Mexico with his verdict already mapped out for him. .Americans in Mexico who knew the situation in that country and were in position where they could speak authoritatively were passed over, presumably for that very reason, their advice was discounted be- cause they had "dirty dollars" at stake, and men like William Bayard Hale and wholly untrustworthy and prejudiced witnesses like Mrs. Madero were re- ceived gladly in Washington, w'hile rep- utable citizens of the LTnited States, who had only the general good at heart, cooled their heels on the White House steps. They were under suspicion be- cause they were "interested" in bring- ing order out of chaos, cared nothing about theories and political axes and had no pet theories to put forward. * * ♦ The same tendency to discount and despise the words of knowledge is in evidence practically every time there is a congressional hearing in Washington. Matters have reached such a pass that business men are loath to go to the na- tional capital and submit to gross insult because they are honest enoug'h to an- swer questions according to their best knowledge. They are wearied of being accused of trickery because they know their subjects, and tell the truth rather than that which is pleasant to their interrogators. It is only the blind parti- san, or the wild-eyed idealist, or the ig- norant dreamer, who is really welcomed in Washington today. The wisdom and probity of genuine experts are almost in- variably questioned because they are ex- perts, and perhaps personally interested in the subject in hand. To be a fully competent advisor in national affairs one must be badly informed, a sycophant and a pauper. The man of knowledge and affairs is ipso facto a crook. — Detroit "Free Press." MEXICAN REVOLT FOSTERED BY UNITED STATES. How an American Business Man in the Troubled Republic Views the De- position of Madero and the Policy of Wilson. To the Editor of the "Public Ledger:" Sir — Notwithstanding the beliefs of the American Governments, past and pres- ent, foreigners in Mexico believed that Madero was a failure, and his personal ideas not practicable with Mexicans, and that his Government came to be rotten to the core; and they could see nothing but ill results to come out of it. We had been living under a constant fear of intervention; we had been warned to leave the country by President Taft. There was constant turmoil throughout the country. The inevitable thing hap- pened and the Federals turned against Madero. Almost all of his former lieu- tenants when he himself was in the field against Diaz had been turned against him for some time, and thej' now united with the Federals. Was it not proof enough that the country at large was tired of revolution, and a feeling gen- erally existent that they should all pull together when every revolutionary chief that had ever acquired a name — except Zapata, the irrepressible — came in and joined with the Federals' But when the American Government began its policy of opposition to Huerta and so embar- rassed the new Government, a new crop of rebels sprang up like weeds, and this time they were pure bandits, except the secessionists of Sonora and Coahuila. That secessionist movement up north has been fostered by .Americans, to our personal knowledge, for years. We lived in Chihuahua three years, and in northern Sonora three years, and we know that the Americans in general that live along the border and that live in the belt of northern States have looked forward to and have talked and urged the secession of those four or five States. _ It really is the only "foreign policy" that we know of having been consistently fol- lowed by any part of the American peo- ple. .At first everybody thought that the moral effect would cause Huerta to step down and out; that he ought to for the good of his country; then, when he did not do so, he lost sympathy for quite a while: but when he stuck on. chased the whole Diaz crowd out of the country and maintained himself in spite of the efforts of the .American Government to oust him. and has continued to do so in (Continued on next page) MEXICO Saturday, April IS, 1914. spite of oft-repeated declarations ot President Wilson that he has good rea- sons to believe that Huerta will soon get out, most foreigners have been com- pelled to admire his nerve, his strength, and to concede to him the possession ot most of the faculties necessary to' gov- ern this illogical Mexican people. We all have had the feeling that it Americans had given Huerta recognition without question at the start, the United States would have had the best chance it will ever have to get a closer, friend- lier feeling from Mexicans. We have been trying for years to overcome the antipathy the Mexicans have for us, and that was the chance of a lifetime to get it. We have lost it now, and a lifetime will not suffice in which to win it. Mex- icans favorable to Huerta now have a contempt for us that will not die out during their lives, and considerable hatred goes with it. Me-xicans living in Federal territory, but not favorable to Huerta nor to the Northern rebels, detest us for having presumed to med- dle in their sovereign affairs. Rebels up north — like Villa, saying that Ije loves the Americans now that they have raised the embargo on arms — detest the Ameri- can body and soul. And President Wil- son might just as well go around the corner and beat on a tin can as to try to convince one solitary Mexican that the American Government meant well b'y Mexico by trying to exercise a voice in her internal affairs. — Phila. "Ledger." PUBLIC OPINION-Continued tionalists of Mexico. Spain's attitude is not regarded as of so much import- ance as that of England, but it is felt that Spain has a good case against the Constitutionalists and could enlist the sympathy and support of other European countries. — Washington correspondence. New York "Tribune." THE MUDDLE. There is no question that the situation is at the moment more serious than at any time in recent months. Not only has the Tampico incident served to bring the whole problem sha ply to the front, but the persistent refusal of the Con- stitutionalists in the north to meet American demands concerning the treat- ment of Spaniards and other foreigners has emphasized the 'hopelessness of the United States relying on that faction to adjust matters. The Administration's hopes of finding a solution of the Mexican problem in rebel victory have been practically blasted. The Administration is beginning to see that the rebels are not likely to establish a satisfactory Government, even should General Villa take his forces down to Mexico City, which most people consider highly improbable. There is the added complication that even should Genreal Villa take his forces southward on a triumphant campaign, ending with the complete overthrow of Huerta, any Government which is es- tablished will not meet with the satis- faction of Europe so long as Villa is connected with it. It is certain that England will not approve a Govern- ment in which Villa, who is held per- sonally responsible for the death of the Englishman Benton, takes a prominent part. The impossibility of General Carran- za or any other revolutionary leader putting up a Government in V7hich Villa will not demand and" take a leading part is recognized. It is equally certain that Spain will never recognize the Constitu- HAS HE NO HEART? "Woodrow Wilson is morally respon- sible for every drop of blood that is being shed and every dollar that is be- ing lost today in looted and devastated Mexico." A little, gray-haired, bearded man, sitting in a downtown office Saturday, spoke in firm and deliberate tones, born of suffering in the revolutionary country. After 25 years of peace and prosperity in the central part of Mexico, he is in Detroit, robbed of nearly $250,000 and without a home — the victim of the rav- ages of war and, he believes, of the dila- tory policy of the American Government. "If my name will not appear I will tell what I can. "When I say that Woodrow Wilson is morally responsible for the loss of life in Mexico and for the pillage, I mean not only that which affects American property, but all of the country. Had Huerta been recognized bv the United States, we should be peacefully running our ranches, and the country would be prosperous. "Carranza. friend of Madero, did not move until he saw that the United States was not going to recognize Huer- ta. Then he decided to dabble in the pie and try for the plum. The result has been more bloodshed and a condi- tion in the country that bids fair to ruin not only the American citizens who have spent their lives and money in try- ing to develop the country and bring commerce to their native land, but also the lives of thousands of natives. Mexico Cropless This Year. "It is doubtful whether conditions will permit the people of Mexico to plant crops this spring. Their seeds and their money have been taken by the Consti- tutionalists and they have little resources. No crops in Mexico will mean starva-- tion to the masses. It will mean that a famine comparable to those of India and Egypt wiU sweep over tlie country, and that men, women and children will die like fliies. For every one of these deaths, the school teacher President is responsible. You can not feed a nation on grape juice and ultimatums. "I went to Mexico 25 years ago and I own a big ranch down there, as well as a lot of other property. The Ameri- can Government says to me that I ought to lose my property because I risked my money in an unsettled and revolu- tionary land, yet I lived there for 22 years without trouble and in prosperous times. "The argument that in-vestment in Mexico by Americans is a big gamble is faulty, because as long as Diaz was in power, and it is the fault of the United States that his follower Huerta is not in complete rule, Mexico was quiet. I had built up a good business and was realizing on the years of hard work I put in to get my ranch going. Then came the revolution. "Two years ago I spent six weeks in a barricaded schoolhouse along with 40 other Americans, while the rebels plun- dered our ranches. Last spring my son went throug'h the same experience, only he was in the home of the .\merican Consul. What happened? "Villa and his gang of cut-throats ■ burned the town and riddled the Con- sul's home with bullets, sending shot after shot through the American flag that hung above the house. Then they dynamited the doors and robbed the Americans, who had taken refuge there. Two people were wounded in this affair — and not an American shot was fired. Denied Money; Bandits Shoot. "The foreman of my own ranch was murdered by a party of Constitutional- ists who demanded money from him. They robbed the ranch of its cattle and horses and they wanted $500. My man sent 20 miles for $200 and gave it to the bandits. Three hours later, they came back for more and when he told them that he did not have it, they shot him down. — Detroit "Free Press." THE LITTLE "GLOBE." Editor of "The Globe," Sir — In your editorial o'f April 4 you wrote by way of assailing the character and utterances of Henry L. Wilson as follows: "For- mer Ambassador Wilson, whose mis- takes aggravated, if they did not cause, Mexico's troubles, again has the impu- dence to assail the Administration's re- fusal to recognize Huerta. Mr, Wilson totally lacks sympathy with democratic ideals." Further: "The success of the Constitutionalist campaign against Tor- reon destroys the possibility of getting peace through Huerta or any one of his kind. Though we recognized Huerta the contest would go on. Without money or soldiers or organization a year ago, the Constitutionalists now hold a third of the republic. If Huerta has not been able to suppress the revolt in the past he is not likely to suppress it in the future." Will you kindly explain what you mean by former Ambassador Wilson's mistakes? What were they and how did they aggravate Mexico's troubles? Does not an American ambassador act under orders from the State Department? And were not H. L. Wilson's actions during February, 1913. commended by the then President Taft and Secretary of State Kno.x? If so, why not lay the blame of Mexico's troubles at the door of W. H. Taft and Philander Knox? About a week ago there appeared in "The Globe" an editorial in which the "Bandits of Mexico" were exalted and placed on a pedestal by the versatile pen of one of "The Globe" editors. In view of the fact that "the full story o'f Torreon has not been written" do you not think "the success of the Con- stitutionalists' campaign against Tor- reon" is somewhat previous? But presuming the successful cam- paign . against Torreon, how does that destroy the possibility of .getting peace through HuQrta or any one of his kind? "The Globe" seems to entertain pro- phetic pretensions when remarking that though we recognized Huerta the con- test would go on. It is a verv safe remark to make, as the recognition ot Huerta at the present time could hardly be done without sacrificing the national dignity. Could we imagine our magnan- imous President to confess having withheld recognition owing to a misun- derstanding? Without knowing the facts it does seem wonderful that "the Constitution- alists who a year ago had neither money, soldiers, nor organization should now hold a third of the republic." Have you ever stopped to consider how the Con- stitutionalists raise money and enlist Saturday, April 18, 1914. MEXICO troops? The troops are enlisted, through promises of privilege to loot. It is on this basis the "army" is maintained. You cannot promise your Mexican soldiers anything as intangible or little alluring as democracy, free elections, or honest government. Whatever other money is needed for maintaining the Constitution, al organization is raised by <;onfiscating the property of wealthy Mexicans, forc- ing bribes from foreign residents and mine owners, and receiving help from sympathizers on the American side ol the border, who are willing to take a chance on the ultimate success of the Constitutionalists that they might reai. future benefits. There are also a num- ber of Americans fighting with the Con- stitutionalist forces. Why? "The Globe" takes for granted that because Huerta has not been able to suppress the revolt in the past he is not likely to suppress it in the future. The wonder is that he has been able to hold his place as long as he has. You must remember that Huerta has been fighting against overwhelming odds. The United States Government has opposed him from the very beginning and every ob- stacle has been laid in his path. He was doomed to crumble by last June or July. It is now April. The Ameri- can press has taken sides with the Ad- ministration at Washington in favor of the Constitutionalists without knowing, or wilfullj' withholding, all the facts. It seems as if the American press, like many members of the House of Repre- sentatives, fear to oppose any measure taken by the Chief Executive and Secre- tary of State; and the Congressmen for fear of withheld patronage and party politics, but why the press? If the press has been unwittingly deceived, should it then in turn unwittingly deceive the people, and persistingly do so' There should be such a thing as "press ethics," the golden rule of which should be to present the reading public the conten- tions of any two opposing sides. — Einar R. Stolpe. in New York "Globe." YET TO BE FOUND. To the American it seems that Diaz moved slowly in the improvement of his people, but I personally am not sufficiently familiar with con- ditions when he first became President to criti- cise. These people do not move rapidly at best. To induce the people to accept these changes and to accomplish what Diaz did, all without revolt, must have ref|uired marvellous executive ability. The trouble with Prof. Hart is that he brings no solution. He admits the loss of American 1913 WASHINGTON I9i4 SUGAR BUREAU iqie MUNSEY BUILDING inic 1310 WASHINGTON, D. C. ' ^ "> Invites correspondence from all who are professionally in- terested in the su^^ar legisla- tion. lives and property, and he appears to be willing that this should continue indefinitely. Only three weeks ago an engineer who had lived in Mexico for years told in Boston the story of the loss o£ all his property, of his appeal to the department of state, and the reply that it would be years before he could hope to recover anything He could find no work and was actually suffering for food. Meartwhile a German neighbor who lost his property at the same time had entered claim through the German consul and had been paid. I have yet to meet the man who has lived in Mexico and is familiar with Mexican conditions who does not believe a great mistake was made in the failure to recognize Huerta. — GEO. A. PACKARD in Boston "Herald." HEROES IN MEXICO. To the Editor of the "Evening Sun":— Sir: To a letter published April 7 in your columns signed by F. C. Locke you give the title "His Hero." He has a mighty poor one in Villa, bandit, horse thief and a creature of unspeakable horror, "who during the time of the Diaz gov- ernment had a price upon his head. He describes in one long, pathetic sentence the bravery of Villa's followers, those human derelicts who love excitement and the chance of a little plunder; a sombrero, a pair of shoes and a suit of overalls is their ambition. Villa no doubt is a master of men, but any one who has had experience handling Mexican workmen will admit that by nature they are the most polite and meek of men, but rouse them, give them a leader with a flag and they become the most ferocious and depraved beings on earth. Villa promises each of his army an acre of land — maybe it is five — I am not quite sure — a cow* and a little money. The bait is dangling in front of them and they are there to get it, providing, ol course, Villa keeps his word. If we had not a professor President, a grape juice loving Secretary of State, things might he different. The Mexican President is good enough for the great Powers of Europe, why then is he not good enough for the American people? There are over $1,500,000,000 of foreign capital invested in Mexico today and at the present time hardly any return. Its credit is now gone and in a few months Mexico will be in financial chaos. Huerta while under Madero was successful in dealing with the Zapatista bandits and would have annihilated them but for Madero*s mysterious in- tervention. A despatch told of Zapata holding a bishop for $25,000 and if not forthcoming by Good Friday he was to be crucified. Imagine in the twentieth century a next door neighbor being crucified while a big man who sits in Washington watches and waits. — JAMES T. FORD in New York "Evening Sun." LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Editor of MEXICO. Dear Sir: If the American flag was outraged by the Mexicans who arrested our marines at Tampico, it is certainly in order for President Huerta to comply with Admiral Mayo's demand for a salute to that flag, no matter how humiliat- ing this action may be. Of course the incident should first be thoroughly investigated to estab- lish the facts of the matter, especially whether there really was any outrage to our flag. A Mexican officer's arrest of marines who had with- out notification entered within definitely estab- lished military lines, innocent though their pur- poses may have been, should not in itself be the basis of a demand for a national humiliation. The prompt and full apology of President Huerta for the over-zealousness of the Tampico officials would seem to be sufficient redress. If under tliese circumstances a demand for a flag salute is persisted in it will be taken to indicate one of two things, either that the Administration in its enmity for Huerta is still determined to go to extremes to embarrass him while daily swallow- ing insults and defiances from its bandit allies, which is unfair, unAmerican, or that it is trying deliberately to provoke war with Mexico, which the people of this country do not want. It will indicate, besides, that the Administration is pre- pared to act the bully toward a smaller nation while disposed to yield with amazing "generosity" to the representatives of a powerful nation. Great Britain, for instance. Yours very truly, Richmond Hill, L. I. OLIVER H. THOMAS. CARSON'S MEXICO REVISED AND ENLARGED. Mexico as it was and Mexico as it is is ably pictured in the new edition of W. E. Carson's Mexico: The Wonder- land of the South, which is published this week. To his previous narrative of his wanderings in Mexico, to his de- scriptions of the Mexican capital and other old cities, of the great haciendas, of the gold and silver mines, of the quaint health resorts and of his experi- ences in mountain climbing, tarpon fish- ing and ranching, the author now adds chapters dealing with events since the retirement of General Diaz to the pres- ent day and with existing conditions. The volume is handsomely bound and contains forty-eight full-page half-tone illustrations. For Sale at a Bargain an Irrigated Farm of 1 500 acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with Irriga- tion Plant. Terms and Particulars D. D. JONES Gracias Post Office, Starr County, Texas $l.nn FOR SIX MON'THS. $2.00 FOR ONE YEAR. (Cut out this order and mail it to-day.) UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE, 15 Broad Street, New York City, Enclosed find $ for subscription to "MEXICO." to be sent to Beginning- with . . nuralxT MEXICO Saturday, April 18, 1914. "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran. 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK 'Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $3.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York APOLOGIZING ALREADY. The New York "World" apologist-in- chief for the Administration's mistakes, inspired by past experience and a trou- bled conscience, begins its apologies even' before the action of the Administration is challenged, as follows: The Administration's real reasons for ordering the Atlantic fleet to Mexico have not been offi- cially made public. They never will be! In the light of the President's policy, record and character, it may be taken for granted that he is not seeking to force intervention or to bully Mexico into war. It may be taken for granted, likewise, that a display of all the naval strength of the United States is not necessary to convince Huerta that this Nation is able to enforce its demands. The President's policy, record and character show that he would arm the Villa gunmen to "get Huerta." It is fair to assume that the whole Atlantic fleet has not been sent to Tampico to compel a recalcitrant Mexican commander to iire a salute of twenty-one guns to the American flag. There are already enough warships in those waters to blow Tampico off the map. But it has been sent. Like everybody else, "The World" is in the dark, but it assumes that the President has important information as to conditions in the City of Mexico and that he is taking intelligent pre- cautions. What is going on in the Mexican capital the world at large does not know. The censorship, which was established by Huerta April 11, is strict and no news is leaking out. The "World" is not as much in the dark as it proft;sses to be, and it knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that con- ditions in the capital are perfectly nor- mal. But this much is certain: With the whole American fleet in Mexican waters, the United States could send 10,000 marines and sailors instantly to the City of Mexico if they should be needed to protect the lives and property of foreigners and the foreign legations. The fleet is the best possible insurance against anarchy in the Mexican capital, no matter what may happen there. It is the best-possible assurance to other nations that the United States is master of the situation. The schoolmaster of the situation. There has never been the suspicion of jingoism in President Wilson's political writings or record. He is not the kind of President who is likely to be careless about firearms. It is inconceivable that he is playing politics with so momentous an issue, or that he is making a demonstration in force to silence our vociferous jingoes. There- fore, the weight of evidence is all on the side of the theory that in ordering the fleet to Tampico the President has sent it on an errand of civiliza- tion, not on an errand of bluff and aggression. The weight of evidence is just the other way, and that is why the "World" tries to discount it. MORE EXPLANATIONS. The New York "Tribune's" Washing- ton correspondent enumerates certain well-defined elements which have served to bring about action by the Adminis- tration. They are: 1. The growing intolerability of the whole Mexican situation, including the prospect that neither Huerta nor the Constitutionalists can completely triumph. Any fair-minded observer will admit that this "growing intolerability" had its inception in the Administration's dicta- torial meddling in Mexico's affairs and its encouragement of anarchy to "get Huerta." '- 2. The unsatisfactory attitude of the Consti- tutionalists regarding the deportation of Span- iards after the battle of Torreon and in the face of American protests, indicating that the rebels of the North are not inclined to meet America's demands, which fact has led to a disbelief in their ability to establish a satisfactory govern- ment in the event of their victory. This which should be a reason for ad- mitting a mistake in supporting the so- called "constitutionalists" is used as an excuse for attacking Huerta. 3. The fact that Huerta has recently obtained from local bankers a loan of $45,000,000 Mexi- can, to be paid in five instalments of $9,000,000 Mexican every twenty days. All the more reason why he should be supported, if this money, procured despite the unwarranted financial block- ade, should enable Huerta to pacify Mexico! 4. News received to-day of an impending rebel victory on the outskirts of Torreon, which would open an easy road to the capture of Saltillo and Monterey, where the Spanish subjects would suf- fer just as at Torreon. But the action of the Administration, then, is directed at Huerta for the crimes of the rebels! .5. Huerta's refusal to fire the salute which Rear-Admiral Mayo demanded. Was the demand justified? Is the re- fusal warranted in international law? Those points should be determined be- fore committing this country to warlike measures — over a possibly petty inci- dent. 6. The belief that Huerta has reached the conclusion that in its every threat the United States is merely "bluffing" and the necessity of convincing the Mexican President that President Wilson is in deadly earnest regarding his elim- ination. By what right does President Wilson demand the elimination of President Huerta? How, as a Mexican President, could Huerta yield to such a demand without surrendering the independence of Mexico as a nation? 7. John Lind's counsel for action. John Lind is not a sworn official of the American people. In Mexico they consider him a spy. Here he is known simply as a nice old gentleinan. 8. The prospect of increasing European irri- tation over the contintiation of conditions, par- ticularly the resentment aroused in Europe by the maltreatment of Spaniards. Again, this is due to conditions which the Administration has directly fos- tered. S. Reports from Mr. O'Shaughnessy that an- archy would reign in Mexico City if the Con- stitutionalists approached the capital. Therefore Huerta, a bulwark against anarchy, must go! 9. The growing conviction that action is ul- timately inevitable, and that intervention, if neces- sary, would be far more difficult during the rainy season, which begins soon, than now. Simply silly. 10. The fact that the Tampico incident af- fords an opportunity for action. The President can now go before the country and give justifi- cation for action. A month ago, before the battle of Torreon and on top of a long period of "watchful waiting," such action as has now been taken would have been gratuitous on its face. It may be gratuitous, but it must not be gratuitous on its face. An Interesting Parallel from "The United States and Mexico," by George Lockhardt Rives, j "The order directing Taylor to ad- vance to the Rio Grande was not then known to the American public, but at a later day Polk and his Administration were bitterly blamed for giving it. Their purpose, it was said, was to bring about a collision, to try to bring on a war, and the Administration was accused of wishing to provoke the Mexicans to at- tack the American forces, so that it might appear to the world — and es- pecially to so much of it as sat in Con- gress — that the war, if war ensued — was one of defense aiid not aggression. No direct contemporaneous evidence was then produced in support of this asser- tion, and none seems to be now avail- able. All the public utterances of the party in power were in favor of peace; and to the inquiry whether the executive officers of the United States were se- cretly trying to bring about a war, no positive answer can be given. Conclu- sions more or less plausible may be reached from a consideration of the gen-, eral situation in the winter of 1846-1847, and of the character and the wishes and policy, at that time, of Polk and his Cabinet. "The President himself was a man without wide culture or knowledge, wholly devoid of imagination, untrav- elled, unacquainted with either the Span- ish or the Mexican character and with little experience in the conduct of for- eign affairs. To a strong intelligence he added a dogged strength of will, such as few of his contemporaries possessed; and with all the obstinacy and persist- ence of his nature he desired to acquire California." MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. II— No. 36. Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.-— Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1914. FIVE CENTS Commenting upon the sending of the entire Atlantic fleet to Mexico — the first war move made by our peace-loving Ad- ministration — we said in our last num- ber: And at the risk of ours being the only dissenting voice at the moment, but firm in our conviction that the sanest elements in this country will presently concur in our opinion if, indeed, they do not already do so, we shall raise a voice of protest. Little MEXICO had no sooner left the printing-press than the mighty roar of surging public opinion, condemning the Administration, could be heard roll- ing on from all sides and drowning the piping voices of puny adherents that tried to work on their readers the old cant: "We shall stand by the Presi- dent." Not all opinions reach the same con- clusions, it is true, but invariably all are against the Mexican policy of the President. We must except, however, those expressed by Bryan, Marshall and Daniels. Were we to reproduce here all editorials published in the last ten days sustaining the contentions we have emphasized for well-nigh nine months, we should have to publish a five-hundred- page volume. Public sentiment as forc- ibly and unmistakably expressed since the obvious, although disclaimed, war- like attitude of the Administration may be analyzed thus: 1. Unanimous opposition to a war with Mexico. 2. If there MUST be armed action as a consequence of the blundering policy of the Administration, it must be based on justifiable grounds — those of human- ity — and action must be directed against all factions in Mexico, but in the interest of all Mexico. The American people will never consent to send their soldiers .u Le kii.ed in order thac tne p;t iriends o. ill y an, the Northern rete.s, may be Oiced upon the Mexican people. The American people will never consent to send the flower of its youth to be killed ■.r. Me.iico to satisfy the personal anim- osity, the relentless hatred of President W.lson, Lind and Hale, directed against one man: Huerta. President Wilson left no doubt in any one's mind as to the inner motive of his actions when he declared before Con- gress that the war was directed against one man, and he confirmed thus a'l that we have been repeating for months. That President Wilson has been sadly misinformed is now gexierally accepted and we shall produce more evidence of this further on, when reference will be made to the pernicious activities of Hale and Lind in Mexico and to their attitude toward the Mexican situation. There can be little extenuation, how- ever, for President Wilson in the fact that he has been sorrily and wilfully mis- informed, since it is well known that information which would tend to dis- prove the Wilson-Bryan theories was steadily and persistently refused by Wil- son, Lind, Bryan and Hale. We do not need to review in detail the events of the past fourteen months that have led to the present situation They are known to most of our readers We must refer again, however, to the circumstances which precipitated the landing of American forces on Mexican soil. Although the praiseworthy efforts of Senators Root and Lodge to justify be- fore the world an aggressive move by the United States on broad grounds of humanity failed because opposed by a narrow, partisan majority in the Senate, the people have raised their voice pro- testing in shame against a policy that ;..a^es tnem the aliies o. Mexicans who, in the name of liberty, have committed tiie most norrible crimes that human- kind has registered in many a day. Let Us try in this period of passion, to brush away the thin shroud clumsily hung around the disastrous Mexican policy by the Bryan crowd and let us look at the naked, miserable truth. It is now apparent to every one thai the Tampico incident was but a pretext lacking even solid basis to be a plausible one. What were the hidden motives? Simply that upon information furnished by Lind, the Administration became con- vinced that Huerta, IN SPITE OF ALL, was more hrmly planted in his place than he had been at any previous time since his ascent to power. That only the armed intervention of the United States could dislodge him. That the Huerta Goverrmient, in the face of a financial blockade, had been able to re- adjust its finances on a solid basis, through obtaining a loan of one hundred million pesos and resuming the payment of interest on the national debt. That the loss of Torreon was not as signifi- cant as it might have been and would in no way make possible the final over- throw of the Huerta Government by \'i'la. whose Pyrrhic victories had cost him enormous losses in men and munitions of war and weakened him mo'-e than the Federal-;. That the moral efF-'-: rroduced by the fa'lure of the Fed- """^1=; to r-ain a dec'^i'-e victory around Torreon h-'d been to the detriment of the Huerta Government undoubtedly, but not Eufficientlv so to <^h-'l"' '* to its roots. Finally, that the enormous ad- vantage pained by the rebels in obtain- inp- ):>rFe ruantities of arms and am- -1 r-.>:o-i from thistrous red ants. Saturday, April 25, 1914. MEXICO AS OTHERS SEE US By Count Ernst Reventlow. (Famous German authority on mili- tary subjects and acknowledged expert on political problems of world interest.) BERLIN, April 18. — In responding to the kind invitation of the New York "American" to present my view of the Mexican situation I do so with a cer- tain hesitation. For I can see things only from a German standpoint, while the United States of America can judge them only from the standpoint of their own interest, especially as those inter- ests are extraordinarily large. Nor can I judge the American interest except with German eyes. The chief German interest in Mexico concerns commerce. In Germany the wish is to see peace and order reign in Mexico; conditions which assure the Germans in Mexico safety and pros- perity and will give to German trade a free open market, to which all nations are alike entitled. The more peace and order reign in Mexico, the more able will its inhabitants be to buy goods, and therefore the more favorable will conditions be, not only for Germany, but for all countries. In the more recent history of Mexico, the time in which Porfirio Diaz ruled, was most favorable to the desired ends just named. It is a fact that peace and order then reigned more than either be- fore or since. We knew in Germany that even in Porfirio Diaz's time conditions in Mex- ico were not paradisical, and we knew also that the Government of that period often resorted to measures not usually employed in civilized States. Madero, who led the revolution that overthrew Diaz, received aid from the United States. We in Germany under- stood that your Government disliked Diaz. Perhaps the cause was the budding re- lationship between the Mexico of Diaz and Japan; a weighty and permanent factor in the foreign policy of the United States. It exists today as then, and it will endure. Supported by the United States. After Porfirio Diaz. Francesco Madero rose to power. He was the man of the United States of America, set up by them and supported as a pretender aea'nst Diaz. Madero was and remained the tool of the United States and proved personally incapable of fulfilling his task as President of Mexico. He was weak and unable to assure peace and order. Under him corruption spread, while his relations sucked the country dry. American financial groups began to con- quer Mexico commercially. Thus, from the Mexican point of view, conditions had changed greatly for the worse. They had not been good under Diaz. But the policy of the United States had re- placed them by something much worse. During the struggles of Madero it was pre'ty generally thought in Germany that, soon or late, in some way or an- other, the United States meant to get hold of Mexico and were only waiting for a favorable moment, when Mexico would have been more or less complete- l«f 5tew«d id her own juice. Mr. Wilson assurned the attitude tba' Huerta had att?iin»d power illcally n-'' was also the assassin of Madero, for which reasons he neither coul I nor should be recognized by the United States. The other Powers, without exception, recognized Huerta; not because they were less moral, or at all events believed themselves less moral than Mr. Wilson, but because trusting to unanimous opin- ion of their diplomatic agents in Mexico, they were and are convinced that Huerta is the only man capable of coping wita the Mexican situation, and, with time, restoring peace and order. Today many Americans will, surely, not deny that the situation in Mexico as to that country and its people would be much bett»r than it is if the United States had, at the outset, either recog- nized Huerta or at least not worked against him. As a matter of fact, however, Mr. Wil- son did all that could be done "peace- fully" to get rid of Huerta. For many months past he has tried to "starve him out" and, on ihe other hand, to strengthen and support the rebels un- der Carranza and his "generals." In Germany we have long been ask- ing ourselves whether this policy and course, and more especially its results, are quite in accord with Mr. Wilson's lofty morality. The continued persecutions of natives and foreigners in Mexico by the rebels, the laying was'e of Mexican and foreign property, are surely not practical con- firmations of moral principles. W«, in Germany, have also wondered at the calm with which the United States have looked on while, during the last two years, hundreds of Americans were be- ing murdered in Mexico. But quite apart from this, we ask our- selves in Germany what are the aims of Mr. Wilson's policy. .\\\ we know is — and thus far he has vouchsafed no other information — that he does not wish Huerta to be President. Insurgents Go On Killing. Meanwhile the insurgents, whom Mr. Wilson supports in the name of morality, go on murdering and burning and, through the assassination of Benton, have already caused unpleasantness with Great Britain. .\t any day similar un- nleasantnesses may arise with Great Britain or other Powers; and each new case will intensify the difficulties. Some people say that President Wl son might after all prove right if only Huerta were "starved out" and swept away. That this is possible can ce-- tainly not be denied, though President Wilson's confident prophecies last August that Huerta would soon retisc have not yet been verified. But even if Huerta were to retire to- morrow, what would be the conH't o- of aflfairs in Mexico? Who would and could then rule in Mexico — who co- re-itore peace and order? European statesmen have not been able to discover such a man in Mexico. Their envoys have discovered none. Nor has President Wilson been more for- tunate. Should Huerta withdraw or be murdered tomorrow, anarchy in Mexico would become limitless and chron'*- T take it for gran'ed that President V.'-lso-i Hoes not contemplate seating But as things stand, we ask ourselves in oermaiiy; What does tne United S^a.es mteim to do in Mexico?' And we can ge^ no answer. For all these reasons the sympathy of Europe with Huerta, as President ot Mexico, has grown and deepened. io these long, and for him, nard time* Huerta has revealed qualities which be- yond question fit him for the Mexican Presidency. They are energy, con- .stancy, readiness, ruthlessness, endur* ance and influence over men. We, in Europe, cannot understand why the United Sta.es wants to destroy a man so useful to Me.xico and seeming- ly so unreplaceable, and why a country should be given np to anarchy on pre- tense of a moral principle. Nor can we comprehend the morality of this prin- ciple. Yet we might swallow this if, behind the hostility of Mr. Wilson's policy with regard to Huerta. we saw the intention to take possession of Mexico. In Eu- rope we have long believed in this in- tention, although, for my part, I have been less sure, because the military and political cost of conquering Mexico would probably be great. Uu the other hand, it would be in- telligible if, with the Panama Canal in mind, the United States had the wish and the idea to see the Stars and Stripes wave 'over every land north of the Canai. Military, political and commercial reasons for the regulation of this wish could easily be lound in the United States. But neither the repeated decla- rations nor the general attitude of Mr. Wilson lead one to suppose that he has yet conceived a great act of this kind. Americans haye often said to me: "Even if such a course seemed necessary, the United States would not seize Mex- ico, but merely Cubanize it." Well, the difference in eflfect would not be very great. In one or the other case, the United States would have to pacify the country, keep troops of oc- cupation in it permanently, reorganize the administration and everything else, and spend money for which they would seek security and indemnity on Mexican soil. Whether or not an apparently inde- pendent Mexican, appointed by the United States, sat in the Presidential chair of Mexico, would matter little. In Europe it is rather widely thought that moral principles would not prevent the United .States from occupying Mexico so much as the fear that this under- taking would, as I said just now, entail serious fyiancial. military and political expense. .\gainst this, it mi.ght be argued that the political losses of the United States have already been swollen by the past and present policy of Mr. Wilson, and mav soon be much more swollen. The plan of Mr. Wilson for the re- peal of a clause in the Panama Canal ■rrangement shows plainly how uncom- fortable is the position of the Wash- ington Government. As is known, Ger-- many's interest in the shaping of the Panama Canal tolls is not very great. So we in Germany i.re watching the progress of events cold-bloodedly, though with great political interest. It lips not been usual in the United States for the President to question the stand- pnin' and measures of his immediate D-edecessor. on the ground as he says,. thit both are contrary to the self-respect of 'lie United States. Tt is said in Germany tha' T>">sident WiI<:on must think the pol'ticl 3"H dip- loma'ic condition of th'e Un-'e-" States (Contintied on next pa^e) MEXICO Saturday, April 25, 1914. AS OTHERS SEE US-Continued very difficult and disturbing if he pro- poses such a step, in terms so calculated to attract attention. It may be added that this step can only have been in- tended to make the feeling of Greai Britain more favorable to the United States. For a long number of decades the rec- ord of Anglo-American reilations ,'has shown an unbroken series of diplomatic and political American victories over England, and in all instances a retreat in English policy. Mr. Wilson's attitude in regard to the Canal tolls question may have been the beginning of another epoch, an epoch of American retreats and British vic- tories. If we inquire what can nave led Mr. Wilson to this policy of concessions to Great Britain, the only answer lies in Mr. Wilson's Mexican policy. Far be it, of course, from me, a for- eigner, to venture on personal criticism of Mr. Wilson. Nor would I in any way ignore the heavy legacies be- quethed to him by his predecessor in the Mexican question, the Canal tolls question in its relationship to Great Britain and the American-Japanese ques- tion. Yet it cannot be denied that the un- readiness and indecision of Washington policy in regard to Mexico during the past year have made those issues more serious and more perilous, while the po- sition of the United States has become less favorable. A Fault in Wilson's Policy. As things now stanj, much t.me has been lost, and neither Huerta nor Japan can any longer doubt that President Wil- son regards armed intervention in Mex- ico a very risky and difficult enterprise, which, if anyhow possible, should be avoided. It was certainly not profitable to reveal these facts so clearly by words and deeds. One of the consequences of these facts may probably be the new and conciliat- ing attitude of the Washington Govern- ment with regard to the Japanese im- migration question; a question which cannot, of course, thereby be settled. The apprehensions which Mr. Wilson has expressed as to the international po- sition of he United States made a quite unusual and amazing impression in Er.- rope. Till then, we had been accustomed to hearing utterances in Washington which voiced a very firm self-confidence — in- deed, a self-confidence which I have sometimes thought excessive. And so the change was astonishing, especially as Mr. Wilson confirmed his anxious ad- dress by the attitude of Washington diplomacy toward Great Britain. In -he United States you have long "been in the habit of looking distrustfully at the German Empire. At one time it •has been assumed that Germany had de- signs on islands in the neighborhood of the American Continent. At other times she was supposed to hanker after Brazil or some other part of South America, or the moon, which shed its light on the United States, .^^nd in the past year. German comments on Mexico have, here and there in the United States, been viewed suspiciously. I should like to take this opportunity, as we are discnssing the Mexican ques- tion, of stating that neither the Gov- ernment of the German Empire nor any popular German movement thinks of such plans. As I said at the outset, in Germany all that we want of Mexico is peace and order. We are convinced that only a strong hand can restore peace and order. And we believe that this strong hand is Huerta. So we regard the Mexican policy of the United States thus far as harmful to the German trade interest and to Ger- man industrials settled in Mexico. But we have always been ready to approve any such other course of the United States as could restore peace and order. We do not regard the waiting inaction of the Washington Government as right. "Much Time Spent in Vain." Were President Wilson now to recog- nize Huerta, we should be glad. But we would say: "Much time has been spent in vain." Were the United States now to try in- tervention, we would say: "Well and good. But from every point of view it would have been more sensible to in- tervene a year ago. Much valuable time has been wasted, greatly to the detri- ment of Mexico and of German inter- ests." Nor would the case seem different, if Huerta fell from power. For then, again, American intervention would become necessary. In Germany the opinion is widespread that not only do we not know the in- tentions of the men in charge at Wash- ington, but also that the men at Wash- ington are not clear in their own minds as to their purpose. Bismarck said of'en that it was not nearly so important to adopt the un- doubtedly right course in politics off- hand as to move steadily and firmly to ^'le erd in some direction. FINANCING VILLA BY POLLY PRY IN DENVER "TIMES." (Copyright by John C. Shaffer — All Rights Reserved.) It was early morning when I arrived at the Paso del Norte hotel. El Paso, and before nightfall I knew that I stood in the an e-chamber to the revolution- ists' headquarters. The interests, all the big interests, the oil companies, the smelters, the vast lumber companies, the multimillionaire land owners, the big mine owners and the Mexican capitalists who have fled before the s'orm — which their greed and avarice have helped to raise — are there. They fill the lobby and have suites of rooms above, where the merry little game of bribery and barter goes blithely forward. The chief of the Constitutionalists' trusted agents is Felix Summerfield, a German Jew, with the oily sycophancy of an old clo'hes dealer and the far- seeing vision of his race, where money is concerned. He came as a typical Chevalier d'lndustrie into Chihuahua four years ago and by his chance em- ployment by an Associated Press man came in contact with Madero, in whose cause he saw not only a rich meal ticket, but a stepping stone to the fortune he sought. In his swift climb from the obscurity of a budding revolutionist in northern Chihuahua to the dizzy heights at Cha- pultepec. Madero lost many things, but he never lost Herr Summerfield; that is, until danger loomed large. Then, in- deed, the stout little gentleman with the bland face and the ingratiating manner faded with magical suddenness and was lost to fame until Governor Venustiano Carranza, down in Coahuila, found it inconvenient to explain what had become of the $1,200,000 that had just been sent him by Madero for Government pur- poses, and to hide his embarrassment started a little revolution of his own. The first man to bow to the new chief, who promptly blossomed forth as "General" Carranza, was practical little Mr. Summerfield, who is today the go- between, who fetches and carries, and gathers the crumbs that fall 'twixt the graft-hunting Carranza and the protec- tion-seeking interests. And be it said with all admiration he has become a real power, a personage to reckon with; also, quite incidentally, he has become rich. $50,000,000 for Rebel Chiefs on Day They Take Saltillo and Monterey. There is one thing, however — any per- son in search of truth does well to steer clear of this peculiarly well-informed individual. Also it is an excellent plan to treasure up all the tales you hear in the Paso del Norte, if only for the pleas- ure of finding out their entire falsity when you get across the border. However, I heard one story from an absolutely disinterested but well-in- formed man that not only bore all the ear-marks of truth on its face, but had so many corroborative symptoms in its favor that without positive proof I still believe it to be true — not the least strong factor in that belief being the frantic earnestness and stern disfavor with which it was denied by he various in- terested factions. It is claimed that the Waters-Pierce and the Standard Oil companies have combined with the smelter interests and have pledged themselves to raise a sum of $60,0001,000 gold, which has already been contracted for, and v^hich is f" Fo to General Carranza and General Villa the day that sees ViUa in pos- session of all the country he holds to- day, together with Saltillo and Mon- terey. The capture of the last two places gives the Constitutionalists more than one-third of the republic, a third which, under Villa's policy of deportation, extermina- tion and confiscation, is being secured to him in a manner that makes him al- most invincible — so far as Mexico is concerned. A man of the lowest order himself, he knows his following down to their last elemental fiber, and nlays upon his knowledge. In his victorious march across the country, with his constantly growing horde of tatterdemalion men and half-grown boys at his heels, he rides and sits and lives like a medieval bandit of romance among his men, his great, coarse voice bellowing orders, roaring with laughter and shouting vile pleasantries to everybody of the loot and worhen who are waitin,g in the towns beyond — waiting, not alone for Villa and the officers, but for the last barefooted, half-naked pelado in the command, who moistens his dry lips, hitches his double cartridge belt about to ease his shoul- ders, looks with flaming eyes at his comrades and screams "Viva Villa!" or "Viva el Lobo!" until his voice cracks, and redoubles his devotion to his "Lo- bo," or Wolf, who knows what a man who carries a gun wants, and gives it. Saturday, April 25, 1914. MEXICO PUBLIC OPINION From North, South, East, West and All Angles. PRESIDENT WILSON'S WAR BEGINS. (Philadelphia "Inquirer," April 22, 1914.) Blood has been spilled in Mexico. American marines fought with Mexican troops yesterday over the possession of the custom house at Vera Cruz. This is the first step in the policy that the Presi- dent was so sure was to be a peace meas- ure because it was aimed only at an individual — Huerta. It does not bring peace. It brings war. According to the theory of the President we are not going to war with Mexico. According to the dictates of plain common sense that is precisely what we are doing. While the first gun was fired by Mex- ico, thus technically placing Mexico in the position of declaring war, the moral declaration rests with us. A formal dec- laration is not necessary to establish an actual state of war. When our marines were landed with the hostile intent of seizing the custom house for the purpose of confiscating an expected cargo of am- munition, that was to all practical pur- poses a warlike invasion. The President may consider it a war on Huerta alone. But ic is more than that. It is war on the only established government that exists in Mexico; a government that has been duly recognized by all nations save that of the United States. Let us be entirely honest with our- selves. ,The President thinks the time has come when we should teach Huerta a lesson, and so the United States will be back of him. as the United States is always back of its President when he calls for troops. If it shall become neces- sary, the regular army will be landed on Mexican soil and the national guardsmen will be summoned to active service. We shall levy special taxes and expend mil- lions upon millions — but what for? Come, let us not quibble over this matter. We are going to war — we are actually at war — in support of a policy of the adminis- tration — a policy which began with the practical ordering of Huerta to quit the Presidency of Mexico a year ago. IN BRIEF, THIS IS PRESIDENT WIL- SON'S PERSONAL WAR ON HUERTA. For many a long month Huerta has refused to acquiesce in the views of President Wilson concerning the man- ner in which Mexico should be run. With his army he has sustained himself throughout a time when property has been destroyed, lives have been taken, murders have been committed, Ameri- cans and other foreigners have been driven out of the country. But we are not going to war because of these murders and confiscations. Not at all. The murders and the atrocities have been committed mostly by the forces of the so-called Constitutionalists, who are led by a bandit, one Villa, with a weak figurehead loafing somewhere in the background who styles himself Car- ranza — a poor, shivering specimen of a man who dares not call his soul his own and who is controlled absolutely by Villa. But we are not calling Villa to account. Far from it. We need him in our business. For President Wilson or- dered Huerta out of office long ago, and Villa is a very helpful person in carry- ing out the administration's policy. SO WE ARE GOING TO WAR WITH THE OBJECT OF DRIVING HUERTA FROM POWER AND PLACING THE UNSPEAKABLE VILLA OR HIS SHADOW CAR- RANZA IN POWER. WE HAVE SEIZED UPON THE INCIDENT OF THE ARREST OF THE BLUEJACK- ETS AT TAMPICO FOR THE PUR- POSE OF PUTTING THE SCREWS ON HUERTA. In his message the Pres- ident constantly mentioned Huerta. Huerta must apologize. Huerta has in- sulted the flag and must salute it or pay the penalty. "If armed conflict should unhappily come as a result of his (Huerta's) attitude of personal resent- ment toward this government, we should be fighting only General Huerta and those who adhere to him and give him their support." Those are the President's own words. But unhappily, "those who adhere" to Huerta constitute a large body of the best citizens of Mexico. He has back of him still a considerable army — somethin like 40,000 men, according to this govern- ment's own estimates. And in fighting Huerta, we fight his army and his "ad- herents." We fight his cabinet, his con- gress. We fight the only established government in Mexico. So let us have done with theories. They are unworthy of the President of the United States. Since the President considers that it is necessary to punish Huerta, and since he has sept his fleet of battleships with thous.ands of marines and bluejackets to do the punishing, the country must sustain him, although it be led into a long and costly war involv- ing tens of thousands of troops and mil- lions upon millions of dollars. The time for argument has gone by. Shots in anger have been fired. Ameri- can blood stains the streets of Vera Cruz. The war — the war that was to be peace- ful and that was aimed at Huerta alone — has begun. None but thoroughly im- practicable persons could see any other end. However, discussion must now merge into action. The appeal is now to patriotism, and from border to border there wiU be a response to any call that may issue for sufficient troops to see the war to a finish, no matter where it may lead. Only let us go into this war with our eyes wide open to what it means. WE ARE FIGHTING TO SUSTAIN A MISTAKEN ADMINISTRATION POLICY ADOPTED A YEAR AGO— AND FOR VERY LITTLE ELSE. FREE TO CRITICIZE In time of acknowledged warfare there is only one course open to a good citi- zen. He must stand behind his govern- ment and support it in its fight. This obligation does not as yet obtain in the present Mexican tangle, at least not so far as President Wilson is concerned, because the President himself has given solemn assurance that the country is not at war with Mexico and it is not going to war with that country. It is merely going to hunt down one man. Mr. Wilson expresses regret and chagrin and surprise that any one should talk about war. Consequently the belligerent attitude of the President toward Huerta and the movements of the fleet on Tampico and Vera Cruz and the seizure of the latter port and the request that Congress give the executive authority 'o use the land and naval forces of the country in order to crush the Mexica.. President are mere incidents of a foreign policy, and as such are open to criticism and dis- cussion. Theoretically at least there is no vital crisis in the nation's affairs. So we consider it quite proper to call attention to the fact that the command sent Admiral Fletcher to take possession of the custom house at Vera Cruz in order to prevent the delivery of fifteen million rounds of ammunition to Huerta is a direct violation of neutrality, as de- fined in the President's own recent order raising the embargo on arms. This em- bargo was raised at the frontier because, as Mr. Wilson argued, discrimination against the rebels existed, Huerta bemg able to secure supplies from Europe, whereas Villa et al. were entirely de- pendent upon the United States which had closed its frontier to them. Mr. Wilson held that all Mexican belligerents should have equal opportunity so far as the American Government is con- cerned. But now the President deliber- ately removes that equal opportunity and places himself on the side of the north- ern rebels. "But," says the supporter of the Ad- ministration, "Huerta has insulted us." We believe Minority Leader Mann went very well into the heart of that matter when he declared on the floor of the House: MEXICO Saturday, April 25, 1914. Public Opinion -"HELPERS OF OUTLAW MURDERERS, HIGHWAYMEN AND RAPISTS' "If the incidents mentioned by the President in his message to-day had oc- curred in England or Germany or France or any great nation of the world no resolution like this would now be pending. Because Mexico is weak we think we have the right to declare war against her in the hope that success will be easily accomplished. We ought not to take a step under the plea that we are supporting the flag that we would not take with a country like Great Britian or Germany." Mr. Mann also spoke very truly when in opposing the resolution in the House he said: "It is more than a declaration of war. It is a declaration that the United States has become an ally to the murderous crew in northern Mexico en- gaged in murdering men and outraging women." Unquestionably this is the im- mediate effect of the resolution. That this is not only the effect but also the secret aim has been rnade only too plain by the fevered opposition which has developed in the Senate against Senator Lodge's amendment committing the United States to a gen- eral clean up of Mexico north and south without regard to who may be the military chieftain affected. Senator Lodge's speech in defense of his amend- ment may have been fiery but it was logical. It suggested the only plan for intervention in Mexico which is morally Jefensible. How can the United States with any show of fairness proceed to punish Huerta for the act of a subordinate who has already been disciplined and for whose misdeeds at least a partial apolo- gy has been offered, and at the same time condone or ignore the wholesale outrages and murders and robberies and impudent defiances and insults of Villa and Carranza and their men? How can we destroy the one and cherish the others? If Huerta has insulted us, Villa and Carranza have committed unspeak- able and unmentionable crimes against us. It is monstrous that we should pro- ceed against Huerta and grant them im- munity. It is hideous that we should attempt to sacrifice the one on the altar of personal prejudice and reward and protect those others who have made the American flag and American citizenship objects of contempt and ridicule and treated American citizens as though they were lower than the dogs. If we feel we must go into Mexico let us at least avoid the stigma of inter- vening as the friends and helpers of out- law murderers, highwaymen and rapists, — Detroit "Free Press." "HUERTA MUST GO" "Our feeling for the' people of Mexico is one of deep and sincere friend-ship," and "we would not wish even to exer- eise the good offices of friendship with- out their welcome and consent." No- body in Mexico has asked the interposi- tion of the United States in the affairs of that country. "The people of Mexico are entitled to settle their own domestic affairs in their own way." Therefore, the United States has told them how they shall manage their affairs, whom they shall select for their chief offices, that neither Huerta nor any of his sup- porters would be acceptable to the United States, and that the elections must be conducted practically under the supervision of commissioners named by the Government at Washington, to pass not only upon the availability of the can- didates, but upon the manner in which the elections shall be conducted. And, therefore, again, the United States Con- gress has been asked by the President for its approval and co-operation in measures "short of war" "to obtain from General Huerta and his adherents the fullest recognition of the rights and dig- nity of the United States, even amidst the distressing conditions now unhap- pily obtaining in Mexico." "Right or wrong," of course the Con- gress and the American people, and without regard to political or sectional differences, wiH stand by the President. He can make whatever use of the armed forces of the United States he may deem necessary to fight, not Mexico or the people of Mexico, but Huerta and such of the people of Mexico as adhere to Huerta. It is to be a strictly "per- sonal" war — the entire fleet of Ameri- can battleships, cruisers, torpedo boats,- torpedo boat destroyers, hydroaero- planes. General Leonard Wood, field ar- tillery, coast artillery, marines, regular and volunteer soldiers, numbering some- thing like half a million fighting men of all branches of the land and naval forces, are to make Huerta acknowledge and re- spect the rights and dignity of the Uni- ted States. It is a great undertaking. Huerta must prove his respect for the United States by firing a salute to the American flag, because a whaleboat load of United States sailors was arrested by one of his subordinate officers and im- mediately released by command of his superior with apology for their detention and with the regrets of Huerta for their apprehension* Several months ago a British subject by the name of Benton was brutally murdered by Villa, the commander-in- chief of the Constitutionalists in the field, and no satisfactory reparation has been made for this crime. Benton was supposed to be under the protection of the United States, and the United States has not demanded that there should be a salute to the British flag as assurance that the rights and dignity of the United States in the protection of British sub- jects supposed to be under tha Ameri- can eagle should be regarded by the Constitutionalists. Hundreds of millions of United States and other property owned by foreigners in that part of Mexico controlled by the Constitution- alists have been destroyed or stolen, hundreds of men and women have been killed and hundreds of women have been outraged without reparation or apology of any sort. The only semblance of orderly government has been in that part of Mexico controlled by Huerta, all of whose communications with the United States have been of the most respectful character, and Huerta must go. It is one of the most remarkable incidents in the history of the United States. It can- not be explained by any of the ordinary methods of diplomatic usage. But, "right or wrong," the American people will stand by the American President. — J. C. Hemphill, Washington Correspond- ent, Philadelphia ''Public Ledger." HOLD ON! To armsl Your country calls — but hold on a moment. Mr. Wilson says that he does not want the country to call; that his war is not going to be that kind of a war. All that he purposes is to blockade all Mexican ports, land a few thousands of Marines to keep com- munications open, and supply Villa, Car- ranza and their bandits with arms, am- munition and supplies sufficient for the capture of the Mexican capital. Tkis, he explains elaborately, would not be war, but only friendly mediation. Mr. Wil- son knows best — he knows everything — but, if his definition be accepted, the laws will have to be changed. Tying a man hand and foot, emptying his pockets, hiring gangsters to blackjack him, and ordering everybody else to stand back, so that the crime may be committed with impunity, will no longer be classed as assault and battery, but as neighborly argument! Congressmen listen credulously, like a herd of yokels, to this balderdash, and vote, "Go as far as you like; we leave it all to you." Mr. Wilson has waged a private, personal war against Mexico ever since his in- auguration. He has insulted, injured, goaded and provoked the Mexicans in every possible manner, robbing them of their money and arms and assisting and supplying the murderers and blackmail- ers who are attacking them. His only reason for this extraordinary conduct is his dislike of President Huerta. He could have ended the trouble at any mo- ment by recognizing the Provisional Government of Mexico, as all other na- tions have done. Now he pretends to be shocked by the discovery that Mexi- can patience is exhausted, and that Huerta will not order, guns fired at the precise moment and in the exact order that Mr. Wilson dictates. Not a word about the hundreds of American resi- dents killed or driven from their homes. Not a word about the millions of Amer- ican investments in Mexico. There have (Continued on next page.) Saturday, April 25, 1914. MEXICO 11 Public Opinion — ' 'STATESMANSHIP SHOULD HAVE A MORE ACCURATE FOUNDATION" | been small causes for great wars — a woman's kiss, the flirt of a flybrush, a mislaid letter, the shape of a man's nose — but none so silly as that of Mr. Wil- son's war. Nevertheless, I shall be glad to have it fought in the open. .It would be more honest, more manly, more American to declare war against Mexi- co at once than to continue the cowardly system of poisoned pin pricks. Did you notice this? Mr. Wilson said in his Monday talk, "No doubt I could do what is necessary in the circum- stances to enforce respect for our Gov- ernment without recourse to the Con- gress." No doubt? There is not a word in the Constitution that empowers, or can be twisted to authorize a Presi- dent to make war without the advice and consent of Congress. Representative Mann, in his arraign- ment of the President for practically in- augurating war with Mexico, used strong and incisive words: Who would think that the incidents that have been narrated would be cause for war between two great Powers? The President is not asking the advice of Congress; he is giving his orders to Congress to sustain him in what he is about to undertake. The resolution is a declaration of war, aye, more than that, it is a derlaration that we are the allies of the murderous crew in North- ern Me.xico. I fear that the personal resentment of Huerta is largely the per- sonal resentment of the President of the United States. I am not willing to de- clare war because the Presideni of the United States does not like Victoriano Huerta. Distinctly this endorses the position I have steadily maintained. Repeatedly I have urged the President to forego, to forget, the animus he has conceived against Huerta, and to acknowledge the de facto government seated at the capi- tal of the country. Precedents for rec- ognizing an existing condition in gov- ernment, without inquiry as to how those conditions were brought about, is found in innumerable instances. The other great nations, in dealing with Provisional President Huerta, followed these prece- dents. Alone President Wilson refused a recognition that would have so strengthened Huerta's power that, long ere this, he would have utterly dispersed the brigand bands in the north of his country and hung the desperados lead- ing them. Recognition of Huerta's government a year ago would have giv- en peace to Mexico and prosperity to the vast American and foreign interests in that land. Largely those interests are now in a state of ruin and the people well-nigh impoverished to starvation point. In the course of his speech Mr. Mann said: I do not believe it is possible for us to have war with Mexico and ever leave Mexico. When we shall have finished we shall own Mexico. I am not willing to acquire the responsibility of that un- dertaking. When American soldiers shall have been killed in Mexico there will be a demand that our flag never come down on that soil. These are words of fearfully true import. In God's name, did we not take enough responsibility when we ac- quired the Philippines? Do we want Mexico at any price? Do we want it at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars of treasure and thousands upon thousands oi the lives of our young citi- zenry? Oh, that the great over-ruling Providence may prompt President Huer- ta to yield to the United States the apol- ogy demanded and fairly due under in- ternational comity, and then prompt our President in return to recognize Huerta's government and save our people from a war compared with which in dread- fulness our previous foreign wars sink to insignifiance! But American blood has been shed — the die is cast! — The Saunterer in "Town Topics. MORE MAKE BELIEVE. President Wilson does not call it war with Mexico, but, as he said to the Wash- ington correspondents yesterday "only an issue between this (our) government and a person calling himself the Provi- sional President of Mexico (Huerta), whose right to call himself such we have never recognized in any way." In his address to the joint session of Congress yesterday President Wilson made the same point, but more politely, as fol- lows: This government can, I earnestly hope, in no circumstances be forced into war with the people of Mexico. Mexico is torn by civil strife. If we are to accept the tests of its own constitu- tion, it has no government. General Huerta has set his power up in the city of Mexico, such ai it is, without right, and by methods for which there can be no justification. Only part of the country is under his control. If armed conflict should unhappily come as a result of his attitude of personal resentment toward this government, we should be fighting only General Huerta and those who adhere to him and give him their support, and our object would be only to restore to the people of the distracted republic the oppor- tunity to set up again their own laws, and their own government. The Republic of Mexico consists of 27 States, one Federal District and three Territories, with a total area of 765,535 square miles, and a population (1910) of 15.063,207. Two of these Mexican States, Sonora and Chihuahua, are under the control of the rebel forces, led by Villa, the man who forged an entire set of court-martial proceedings in order to carry off his lie to our government in regard to the murder of William S. Benton, a British subject. The same rebel forces also hold a good part of the State of Sinaloa, a part of the State of Coahuila, and have detached bands oper- ating in the States of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. Their practical power to- day in Mexico may therefore be fairly measured by ascribing to them full con- trol in the four States of Sonora, Chi- huahua, Sinaloa and Coahuila. These four States have an area of 257,874 square miles, leaving 507,661 square miles under the authority of General Huerta, and a population of 1,358,961, leaving a popu- lation of 13,704,246 who acknowledge the rule of the present provisional govern- ment of Mexico. Let us assume that the Zapatistas, a mere robber band down in the little State of Morelos, and all the other robber bands who steal for their living in various parts of Southern Mex- ico, are equal in number to the odd 704,- 000, and we then find that the Mexican opponents of General Huerta number only 2.063,207 as against a full 13,000,000 of industrious and law-abiding people who recognize his constitutional author- ity. This is the substantial state of facts which President Wilson glossed over in his address to Congress yesterday with the indefinite remark that "only part of the country under his (Huerta's) con- trol." We submit that responsible states- manship, at which all the world is look- ing with eager eyes, should have a more accurate — not to say intelligent — founda- tion than that. In the light of these figures, which we have roughly assembled, and which we invite anybody who distrusts them to verify for himself in the light of all the current reports from Mexico — President Wilson's considered view, that if an "armed conflict" breaks out "we should be fighting only General Huerta and those who adhere to him and give him their support," takes on a wholly diflfer- ent color from that which he gave to it. Mr. Gladstone, who also was a master hand at subtle definitions, once drew the line between "military operations" and what the man in the street calls war; and in the same way President Wilson undertakes to make it appear to be pos- sible for the United States to carry on some sort of disciplinary proceedings by armed force against General Huerta without in any manner molesting Mexico or disturbing the Mexican people. The conclusive answer to this is that Huerta is a nobody when taken by himself, and that the only reason for caring for what he says or what he does is that in fact he does represent the larger part of the territory of Mexico and an immense majority of the Mexican people. Huerta's entire value and importance lie in his representative position. If President Wilson had received any request from the Mexican people who are obedient to Huerta's administration of the Mexican government that the United States should intervene in their behalf against him, there would be at least a peg on which to hang the theory that our warships can take possession of Mexican ports and in- terrupt Mexican trade to the sole injury of Huerta and without any injury to the Mexican people. It would not be true in that case, but the public injury would be welcomed. But aside from the rebels in the north no Mexican complaint is made about Huerta and no matter how smoothly the definition may run, as be- tween him and an overwhelming ma- jority of the people of Mexico, it is not possible for all the warships of the United States to give him a moment's anxiety except by breaking into and breaking down the fabric of Mexican in- dustry and Mexican trade of which he is the representative head. It is nothing but make believe to say otherwise. — Hartford "Courant." WILSON'S RESPONSIBILITY. President Wilson has brought the country into war. To Congress is re- served by the Constitution the right to declare war, but the real war-making powe-r in the United States is the Presi- dent. He can at any moment force Con- gress into a war. The nation is at his mercy. He has the exclusive con- duct of foreign relations, and can so or- (Continued on next page) 13 MEXICO Saturday, ApHl 25, 1914. Public Opinion-"A BLUNDER OF THE FIRST MAGNITUDE" der them at any time as to make war inevitable. He cannot declare war, but he can do things which are either war in themselves or which make war un- escapable. Congress cannot possibly re- sist him. Hence it is a mere form to say that Congress declares war. It is the President who really does it President Wilson would not deny this. He shows no desire to shirk the fearful responsibility which he has incurred. It is as a direct consequence of his own orders that Americans were killed in Vera Cruz yesterday. To say that the seizure of that port was not an act of war is to say that a blow in the face is a love-token. .The Mexicans in Vera Cruz, both soldiers and civilians, in- stantly and justly considered the land- ing of our marines as a deliberate ag- gression, to be resisted with arms. For anybody in Washington or anywhere else to have expected any other result would have been insensate folly. The provocation was ours, and the moral consequences of being the aggressor are also ours. It is clear that the President has al- ready gone far beyond his original basis for action. He mobilized the fleet, he sent an ultimatum to Huerta, he ap- pealed to Congress, solely for the pur- pose, he asserted, of demanding repara- tion for an insult to our flag. That reparation, it must not be forgotten, was duly offered, and in a way which the President could have hailed, if he had chosen, as completely satisfactory and a great triumph for himself. But while stickling over minor details in the form of apology proposed by Huer- ta, he pressed steadily on to what is now his obvious and even acknowledged purpose. This is nothing less than arm- ed intervention to force Huerta to sur- render the Mexican Presidency. The first ostensible reasons for hostile mea- sures are to-day swept aside. If Huerta were at present to offer the most abject apologies and the fullest reparation, President Wilson would not stay his hand. The war is now definitely in or- der to eliminate Huerta. That grim old Indian, if he were as familiar with the Bible as Mr. Wilson is might well be saying to his Cabinet to-day: "Consid- er, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me." The march of events has made the ac- tion of Congress appear of small impor- tance. Little does it matter in what precise form the resolutions of war are drawn, after the war has begun. The drumming of the guns is now the only oratory that counts. The Senate reso- lution disclaims all hostility to the Mexican people or "any purpose to make war upon them ;" but if the Mexican people, or any considerable portion of them, believe that we are, in fact, wan- tonly making war upon them, and pro- ceed to fight us to the death, then the Senate resolution, with all the debating of it, might as well be thrown into one of those receptacles near the Capitol marked "For Trash." — New York "Evening Post." THE EMBARGO In his treatment of this Mexican situa- tion Mr. Wilson has made one mistake after anothet,- and one great mistake was committed when he let down the bars and made it possible for the brig- ands and bandits who masquerade as ""Constitutionalists" to replenish their depleted stores from American sources. That was a blunder of the first magni- tude. It was one of those blunders which have been described as worse than crimes. It gave, and it apparently was intended to give, aid and comfort to a gang of cut-throats, outlaws and des- peradoes whose activities are exclusive- ly destructive and whose impulses are cruel, degraded and debased. Bad as Huerta may be, that he is less black than he has been painted, com- pared with Villa, to whom this assistance was extended, he is a patriot and a statesman, and it was deplorable and humiliating that the United States Gov- ernment by the action that was taken in the matter of the embargo should have incurred the suspicion of being in sympathy with Villa's designs and of desiring Villa's success. Yet the course which Mr. Wilson pursued hardly ad- mitted of any other construction. It has been urged in his defense that the attitude assumed by him was one of strict neutrality, that the raising of the embarge applied no less and no more to one side than to the other. It was a specious plea. Holding the sea ports as he did, Huerta was able to obtain supplies of war material from abroad. Villa could only get them from across the border. He had complained of this handicap and had declared that if he were enabled to secure arms and ammuni- tion he would quickly overrun the coun- try and capture the capital. The lifting of the embargo looked very much like a response to this representation and it is probably not a mere coincidence that Villa's greatest successes followed. If sanction for the transmission into Mexi- co of guns and stores were given for the purpose of helping Villa along and increasing the difificulty of Huerta's task, its object seems to have been accom- plished. Under the changed conditions which now exist it is, however, essential that this sanction should at the earliest mo- ment be withdrawn. One of the strong- est reasons given against raising the embargo was the fact that the Mexicans were thereby being supplied with wea- pons which would upon occasion be used against the United States. The contin- gency thus anticipated has now arisen. No one can foresee the end of the con- flict which has just begun. It is far from improbable that before it has lasted very long the Mexicans who have been fighting each other will be found making common cause against this country, and for us to continue providing them with the fighting means would be the height of folly. There is indeed a current story that a plan proposed by Mr John Lind and accepted by the President contem- plates a quasi-alliance with the "Con- stitutionalists;" that the Tampico inci- dent was eagerly seized upon as a pre- text for the intervention that is pro- ceeding; that the shceme is to co-oper- ate with the Villa-Carranza oufit and to install one or other of these adven- turers in the seat from which Huerta is by our superior strength to be forcibly ■ ejected. The "Inquirer" refuses to believe that any such fantastic program is seriously entertained. That the United States should constitute itself the champion of Villa and undertake to place the con- trol of the Mexican Government in the hands of that blood-stained bravo is quite inconceivable. Public sentiment, aroused and indignant, would not permit it. Americans prefer to pick their com- pany. They are not intending to con- sort with miscreants of the Villa kind, and the importation of war munitions across the Rio Grande, great quanities of which are reported in transit, should be incontinently stopped. — Philadelphia "Inquirer." WE ARE AT WAR— THE COUNTRY AND THE WORLD REALIZE IT, IF WILSON AND BRYAN DO NOT. The crime against humanity in which two nations are now engaged — for war in these days is nothing else than such a crime— had its origin in the pallid pur- pose of these two men to sway and shape by "moral" force the destiny of Mexico. They brought the theories and dreams of the student's closet and the vaporings of the demagogue into the arena of stern realities, and, alone among the statesmen of the world, insisted that the mere in- dication of their personal displeasure would place one murderous Mexican above another in control of that distract- ed land. The long list of murders of American citizens, the destruction of millions of American property, tell a tragic story Oi this futile endeavor. Still more tragfic war is now its inevitable end. Yet the President's policy of piffle is persisted in at the White House, and only yes- terday afternoon, while our sailors were falling dead and wounded in Vera Cruz, our Secretary of State was assuring the assembled representatives of foreign countries that this country did not con- template war! — New York "Evening Mail." INFLEXIBLE RESOLUTION MUST SUPERSEDE PEDANTRY. The Mexican situation has passed from the arena of diplomacy into the field of action. It can do little good now to rehearse the long series of blunders, stubbornly persisted in, which led up to, if they did not induce, the lamentable con- dition which now exists. In vain publicists urged the administration to forsake its fatuous policy, to abandon its untenable position, looking to- ward the avoidance of intervention and the re- habilitation of Mexico by Mexicans without ob- struction by this nation. Futilely this newspaper, in common with others, for months deplored the program of drifting toward the inevitable, the academic phrase-making of those responsible for our conduct, the sophomoric endeavor to apply ideal international ehtics to a very real and prac- tical problem. Without result the Administration was besought on all sides to withdraw from its inexplicable support of the brigands operating in the North, into whose vengeful hands have been put American weapons. In vain the Secretary of State was called on to come down out of the clouds and stand on solid ground, that this nation might be saved from the fearful obligation which threatened. The peacemakers were too intent on explanation of their purpose to put it into execu- tion. While they talked the situation ran away from them. — Philadelphia "Public Ledger." A PERSONAL MATTER. To the Editor of the New York "Sun" — Sir: As this Mexican imbroglio seems to be a personal matter, why not let Huerta and Wilson fight it out in the back yard? I will back Huerta for a thousand. New York, April 22. O. H. K. Saturday, April 25, 1914. MEXICO Public Opinion -."HUERTA DEMOCRATIC-WILSON NOT" President Wilson's message did not clear up a confused situation. Rather, it introduced new elements of doubt and uncertainty. If Congress listened to the President expecting to be fired by glow- ing appeals, it was disappointed. If anybody thought that the country would be set aflame by the message, he must have been surprised by the actual re- sult. People are more puzzled than ever. They hear talk of war, and see preparations for war going on, but can't tell for the life of them what it is all about. The President was to set their patriotic emotions ablaze, but somehow he did little more than give them new problems on which to exercise their minds. He was to make their hearts burn, but in reality only made their heads ache. This follows inevitably on the inabil- ity, or unwillingness, of the Adminis- tration to give the nation a clear-cut issue — something to shout for, to fight for, to die for, if need be. Our whole quarrel seems to be based on distinc- tions too nice for the ordinary man to draw; and to be with shadows rather than with corporeal enemies. * * ♦ The United States has never before been called upon to go to war with a person. It is not strange that Congress was perplexed over the terms of the joint resolution authorizing the Presi- dent to use the armed forces of the United States to exact reparation from Huerta. War is not made on an in- dividual. The whole thing is queer and irregular. There might be, indeed, justi- fication of Mr. Wilson's solicitous de- sire to isolate Huerta in this formal way, and that would be action by the Mexicans themselves showing that they, ton, believe Huerta to be their great danger, and trying to get rid of him. But at present there is no sign of this. * * • The Mexicans have their proverb cor- responding to our "fine words butter no parsnips." .And behind the multitude of "buenas razones" which President Wil- son has used, they may be excused if they see but a single purpose in fact. This is to intervene with arms in order to hasten the fall and elimination of Gen. Huerta. Nothing else so reason- ably explains the course which the Presi- dent has pursued for the past week. His demand for reparation was virtually granted. Though he did not in his mes- sage refer to Huerta's final oflfer. This was, in eflfect, a compliance with the ul- timatum sent to him. He agreed to salute the flag, in order to wipe out the "insult" to it. But the Administration has apparently determined to make use of the incident to oust Huerta by force. If this is so, there is no use in beating about the bush. The country has been fed with words; it is entitled to the realities; and it is time that the Presi- dent frankly stated them. — New York "Evening Post." One cannot avoid seeing that there is a difference in kind between President Wilson and President Huerta. Huerta is an Indian, while Wilson is a white Virginian. Huerta was trained as a sol- dier, and has gone through the rough and tumble and dirt of battle, while Wil- son was trained for a lawyer, and has become learned in books, and his hands have never been soiled with anything more dangerous than ink. Huerta is democratic in his habits, too, while Wil- son is not. Wilson has the select and fastidious feelings of the educated man who has always been an acknowledged authority in the little orderly circle in which he has moved. Fundamentally these fastidious feelings are aristocratic, although in the large sense, and in all that wide range where there can be no personal contact. Wilson tries hard to be democratic. Theoretically he makes out to be a fairly good democrat, that is to saj-, so long as it does not come to an actual rubbing of shoulders, or any abrupt interference with his per- sonal dignity and control. Huerta is a democrat because he is built that way. He goes about among the common peo- ple of Mexico City as if he were one of them, as he socially is; he dines by preference at a public restaurant, where he can see the faces of his neighbors and hear the hum of their voices; and he goes out and seeks human compan- ionship at the hour when Wilson goes to bed. Huerta is the real democrat, in the European social sense; Wilson is the theoretical democrat, in the village social sense of educated superiority and authority. Wilson's democracy has a touch of the Puritan back of the habitual sense of superiority of the great Vir- ginian land holder; he thinks democracy for other people rather than is a demo- crat himself. Huerta needs to see the faces of other people and hear their voices every day — he would fall into a melancholy if he were forced to abide by himself for long; while Wilson needs only a few favorite books and himself, and all strange faces shut out, in order to have his happiest hours. These different personal qualities are not the sole basis of the social feud between our President and the Mexican President, but no doubt they intensify this feud. They help to explain why Huerta is personally offensive to Wil- son and why Wilson appears as not much more than a metaphysical abstrac- tion to Huerta. The unaccountable thing is in regard to Villa. Huerta is a highlv educated man as compared with the i"-- norance of Villa, and Villa manifests in his dailv life the bloodthirstv determina- tion which Wilson without proof as- cribes to Huerta; yet Villa has won Wil- son's favor. — Hartford "Courart." their conception of "Governors'* would be changed. Carranza has been twice on each side of the fence on eoery matter of politics that has ever come up. He had the secession movement pretty well under way while yet under Madero. Under the guise of equipping State troops to help the Federal Government he obtained money from Madero, and was about ready to take the field when the deposing of Madero occurred. He seized the opportunity to hide his real motive, and so declared his movement as revolutionary and against Huerta, where he would have had to soon declare it secessionist and against Ma- dero if there had been no uprising in Mexico City. The Sonora people also had used the same tac- tics, but were more outspoken than was Car- ranza in regard to secession. We, ourselves, used to hear plenty of secession talk in the years 1906, 1907, 190S, when we lived in Sonora; and we can say frankly that we thought that the Sonora people had many good reasons for feeling as they did. The State of Sonora is geographically isolated from the rest of Mexico. There are no railwaya connecting across, except through American ter- ritory. Ramon Corral and his intimates exploited the State in every possible way for their own benefit ; and it being so far distant and so hard to get into, the great part of Mexicans know nothing about the State. Of the local population almost all that could afford pleasure trips went to the United States for them. Those that could afford to educate their children always sent them to the United States. So many of the ordinary day laborers had worked along the border on the American farms, railways and in the mines, that they, too, had tlieir mite of education from close contact with civilized people. The final result was that there existed a larger proportion of the native population that had education, had traveled some and were all-around broader and deeper thinkers than could apply to any other part of Mexico. And it was to be expected that there the people at large should have resented more the methods of Porfirio Diaz, have tired quicker of the Ma- dero experiment and should seize the first oppor- tunity that presented itself to declare for them- selves. The revolution in Sonora is the only one of the many to-day declared that is entitled to respect of outsiders. But, unhappily, we have the usual state of affairs in Mexico — they are not stable enough and patriotic to sink their personal differences and unite firmly for the common good. The Unspeakable ViUa And that fellow Villa is unspeakable. It is the wonder of the civilized world that President Wilson should so far have lowered himself to have ever countenanced him as an clement of American opposition to Huerta. The American Government should at least have restricted itself FROM AN AMERICAN BUSINESS MAN (Herewith is presented a bona fide communi- cation to the "Public Ledger" from an Ameri- can business man resident in Mexico. His name and address are withheld to prevent possibility of reprisal for his frank declarations. — Editor Phila- delphia "Public Ledger." Americans seem to think that Carranza is a man of high character and worthy of respect. They really have not much information, on which to base their opinions ; but as he is known to have been Governor of a State, it is assumed he is a good man. Well, if Americans could but see and know all the kinds and sizes of Gover- nors of States that Madero had put in power, to dignified methods in keeping honor. To us that have lived know these people, it has bei humiliating to endure the taunt eigners here, and the respectful c better class Mexicans, occasioned by tions between American Government i Villa, than to times over of endu the supporting ■itici; 'ith American the country, much more of other for- nments of the the rela- and Bandit a thousand Huerta. lik A POLICY WRECKED BY ITS "FRIENDS." General Carranza has rendered his verdict and the verdict of those asso- ciated with him upon the action of the United States in landing troops upon Mexican soil. Whatever the motives in- spiring it, however clearly the purpose of the administration may have been set forth in the pronunciamentos and resolu- tions of Congress, this act is pronounced bv the recognized head of the "consti- (Continued on next page) 14 MEXICO Saturday, April 25, 1914. Public Opinion-" WHAT A PITIFUL CULMINATION!" | tutionalist" movement to be war upon the people of Mexico. Whatever this may mean for Mexico it means the utter wreck of President Wilson's policy of which co-operation with the "constitutionalists" has been the cornerstone. President Wilson and his advisers have seemed to think the military forces of the United States could enter Mexico for the avowed purpose of driving one man from office and that the Mexican people would be able to draw a distinc- tion between such "invasion" and a war upon Mexico. It is a distinction they could not be expec.ed to draw, a dis- tinction, that no other people have ever been able to draw in similar circum- stances. Who is responsible for the policy that has been wrecked? If, as has been strongly intimated, this responsibility lies with the present Secretary of State, the best thing that can happen to the administration and to the country is that he be thrown overboard. If the re- sponsibility lies with President Wilson, he alone must bear the humiliation and the defeat. — New York "Herald." AND WHAT NEXT? What is to come next? Does it mean a war between the United States and a united Mexico? If not war to the end, what then? Are we to withdraw our troops from Mexican soil? Are we to surrender control of Vera Cruz, which we have taken at a sacrifice of American blood, stopping short of the purpose that took us there? If the administration is lo stay its hand; if, having plunged the country into war, it can by any possibility con- template abandonment of a march to Mexico City, why not blockade all Mexi- can ports and the northern border, seize al other cuslom houses as well as that at Vera Cruz, cut ofl all sources of supplies and let the Mexicans fight it out among themselves to the bitter end, no matter how bitter that may be? One thing is certain. Now that our "constitutionalist" allies have shown their unreliability and their ingratitude, there should be prompt re-establishment of the embargo against the shipment of arms to them. The lifting of that em- bargo, the equipment of a large army under Villa with American guns which may yet be turned against American soldiers, is a stain upon the administra- tion. Let us hope that events will not prove it to have been little short of a crime against the nation. — New York "Herald." OF THE PRESIDENT'S MAKING The situation now has been wholly different. It is of the President's mak- ing. The people have had no eagerness for hostilities. Nor has he. Of his peace-loving proclivities we have no doubt. But he has from the start un- dertaken a policy — that of refusing to recognize the de facto Government of the republic, described by him as "watch- ful waiting" — which has inevitably point- ed to such a crisis as that which we have at last approached. And we must, as loyal and patriotic- Americans, take the consequences. These may be very seri- ous, not so much in a military way as in the civil problems liable to arise. For getting out of Mexico is likely to be much harder than getting in. — Boston "Herald." What a pitiful, what a petty culmina- tion of all our government's conversa- tion concerning the high moral duty of the United States toward Mexico. In- stead of going into Mexico on principle to free a downtrodden people, we will enter to- avenge a petty instjlt, already apologized for. And will it not be said, too, that we will be going in as a matter of revenge, and because all other meth- ods for getting rid of Huerta, the per- sonal enemy of our President, have failed? — Detroit "Free Press." AS ANGELL SEES MEXICO. Norman Angell, author of "The Great Illusion," and one of the foremost cham- pions of world peace, asserted recently that once intervention began in Mexico we could only expect that political mo- mentum would sweep us along until we reached the Panama Canal. That des- tiny would mean, said Mr. Angell, the absorption of from twenty to twenty- five million alien people not of our lan- guage, laws, or civilization. "Meaning," said he, "that for a gen- eration we will be occupying ourselves with these questions at the expense of the welfare of the people of the United States." "What does military intervention in Mexico mean?" Mr. Angell was asked. "It does not mean what military intervention in a case like Cuba did," he replied. "In the case of Cuba a whole population had risen against an alien government ; we helped the population to turn the alien government out and then withdrew. That is not the case in Mexico. It might have been somewhat analogous to that if a year ago we had intervened for the pur- pose of supporting the Constitutionalists as against the Federalists, had taken sides in Mexican politics, that is, in favor of one party as against another, as- sured the triumph of that party, and had then withdrew. That is not possible to- day. We certainly shall not send our army to Mexico for the purpose of plac- ing Gen. Carranza or Gen. Villa in power." What May Happen in Future. "We cannot take sides in Mexican politics and assume that one party, like the Constitutionalists, are the good peo- ple and the other party are the bad peo- ple. Even if it were possible to balance rights and wrongs, all the evidence goes to show that one party is very little better fitted than another party perma- nently to maintain good government and order in the Anglo-Saxon sense. If we intervened in Mexico, that intervention must have some meaning and some per- manent result. Merely to push our way to Mexico City, make a proclamation, es- tablish a Mexican party in power, and withdraw, would be to expose ourselves to the risk of having the imbroglio just as bad a year or five years hence. "If we go into Mexico we shall stay there, and the political momentum of the thing — the fact that when one gets start- ed full swing along a certain political road it is impossible to stop even if we wish— will carry us through to the Pan- ama Canal. Because our entrance into Mexico will not endear the United States to Spanish-Americans, and we shall find the American flag insulted, American citizens assaulted, and American prop- erty destroyed in Nicaragua, San Sal- vador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, San Domingo and Hayti, and sooner or later, since politics do not stand still, either go back or forward, and we shall not go back, we shall go forward. There is another factor of a purely military kind which has to be taken into consideration. The thing which has transformed modern warfare is not the great gun which can fire a ton twenty miles in the shells of apparently horrify- ing destructiveness. These things are spectacular, but as a matter of fact do little damage. What has really trans- formed warfare is the improved maga- zine rifle, having a much straighter tra- jectory than it had even thirty or forty years ago. Make the comparison with the earlier forms of warfare. Until the arrival of this instrument a body of men, . speaking roughly and generally, pushed its way through a territory by force of muscle — were stopped by force o.f mus- cle. The attack met the defence on equal terms. To stop a man you had to come into the open and hit him with a battle- axe, or get very near to him with a bow and arrow, or give him a chance to get near to you while you were reloading your breech-loader, or because you had missed him with an old-type rifle that shot in a circle instead of shooting straight. But when you have an instru- ment that is very cheap, easily obtain- able, quickly loaded, easily aimed, and that will kill a man a quarter of a mile away, the attack is no longer on equal terms with the defence. A hundred men advancing across a field are at the mercy of two men whom they cannot see shoot- ing at them from a ditch. It is this which has revolutionized warfare. With the recent past one long scries of mis- calculations, who will be so bold as to predict what a day may bring forth? Last December, President Wilson declared that Huerta was totter- ing to his fall. This was an estimate far out, as everybody can see to-day, though at the time most thought it accurate. And the Administra- tion's hopes and judgments to-day may be equally wide of the fact. All that we know is that if any people is proud and sensitive, the Mexicans are more so ; if any are ready to die for a fantastic sense of patriotic honor, they are in a higher degree. The beginning of the war is as the let- ting out of the waters, the end of which no man can foresee. What we do see is the tragedy of what has occurred, and the prospect of unnum- bered woes that looms behind the President's measures "short of war"— New York "Evening Post." Saturday, April 25, 1914. MEXICO Public Opinion---" SOMETHING ROTTEN IN DENMARK" THE WIDOW IN "TOWN TOPICS." This "treachery" or fear of being un- .\merican goes farther. One can under- stand and be patient with the ignorance of men in high official position who must learn the intricacies in diplomatic relations. The thing that makes the inner conviction in me war against the outer is what looks like a willingness among some of these newspaper correspondents —or perhaps it is the publisher back of them for which these representatives must suffer — to help out in this "saving the face" of those who have made mis- takes. And it is not all in the "saving the face." That could have some merit — some loyalty— some God's Country virtue. This unwilling conviction that bears one down with evidence — perhaps circumstantial — assumes the criminal proportion that somewhere — here — at home — there is an invisible hand of the "dollar diplomacy" — money, money, money — when in the issue there stands the sacrifice of thousands of human lives. Is the .American business interest so great in Mexico — in oil and in mining— that we who pose for humanity can make the lives of thousands of our sol- diers and the sacrifice and capture of a foreign country of minor importance? There's certainly something "rotten in the State of Denmark." General Huerta is certainly doing mighty well without the help of Presi- dent Wilson. Both Church and State stand ready with the money necessary to protect his Government. He is cau- tious, clever, conservative in speech. None of these stories about his dissipa- tions is true. And not one of his most intimate associates has heard him ex- press an unkind or vindictive word against President Wilson. The most he says is that it would be quite impossible for him to produce the assassin of Ma- dero as for President Wilson to change from his position of non-recognition. He will not resign, and he will work out the peace and order for Mexico if only ihe United States will not throw any more stumbling blocks in his way. The was critical for the rebels, and that it was advisable for the press to sustain the fall of that place and prevent thus the opportune arrival there of the Fed- eral reinforcement." This statement cannot be denied, as that telegrapm is here in the archives of the Government officers. Mexicans! There are half a million so-called Mexicans and fourteen million peaceful home-loving Indians. As I have said before, this is an Indian coun- try. These Indians are everywhere— the laborers of the country — the "people." They are not at all like our North Amer- ican Indians — our savages who recog- nize the privileges of the white man and weigh them against the wrongs ot the red man. They are like children, with the undeveloped characteristics o\ children — kind, impulsive, appreciative, cruel in anger or selfishness, but all with one desire: land, a home of their own. started across the Texas border. They may feel that the pretext for an im- broglio with Huerta is pitifully small. But with war once begun they must sup- port the Government of the United States. This does not mean that they must indorse the war or approve the course of the Government. They must make the best of a bad situation which they cannot prevent and which they cannot combat without making matters worse. They mus; stand behind Mr. Wilson be- cause for the time being, through their suffrage, he represents their Govern- ment, which is greater than any Presi- dent; and that Government finds itself in the midst of a great emergency. — De- troit "Free Press." WAR WITH A PEACEFUL INTEN- TION. Will there be no end of hypocrisy and humbug in dealing with Mexico? We are making war on Mexico and we arc not making war on Mexico — because no one in this administration has ever had the courage or the sincerity to look the facts in the face. History will have no mercy for all this humbuggery. If unsettled questions have no mercy for the peace of nations, neither have befogged questions. We shall work out in blood this muddle of war with a peaceful intention 1 — New York "Evening Mail." It the controversy was with a great power, there would be some sense in ap- plying the old motto,' "Our country, right or wrong," which seems to be sound international ethics, but to get up any national excitement over a small rumpus with poor Mexico is utterly ridiculous. It is worse than that, for we have been wrong from the beginning, and. in the case of Mexico, it is not only more honest but more dignified to con- fess it and act accordingly. And the one man to blame is the President of 'he United States. — San "Chronicle." But if the authorities at Washington could abandon the idea that some duty to the cause of popular government re- quires them to support Villa's bandits ard could adopt 'he sane view that the only interest of the United States THE GHOULS The Evening Post is in receipt of a letter from a gentleman passing through the city who exults over the outbreak of war, jeers at Wilson, and adds: Cheer up! We won't find time during the next ten years to confiscate either the telegraph lines or the railroads. So It might be worse." Talk about the ghouls who haunt battle-fields! They are respectable compared with men who glory m fighting because a foreign war takes all the time and energy and mon- ey of a nation and prevents it from at- tending to the work of humanity and justice at home. But this is one of the terrible risks which President Wilson ran by suddenly making the country's thoughts bloody. He has had a Trust bill on his programme, but who cares anything about that now? He has said that the passage of a bill for rural cred- its was urgent, but what attention can he get now for anything except war credits.' As for the rest of his plans tor domestic legislation, they will all go ghmmenng if we fall into a prolong- ed war with Mexico. And, meanwhile the promoters of social injustice, the men who were afraid that he was about ... to hnd methods to expose and end their Francisco unlawful and oppressive practices, will gleefully rub their hands as the" think that they have escaped by means of the Mexican war.- New York "Evening Post. THE PECULIARITY. One peculiarity of the resolutions embodying lifting of the embargo and furnishing Mexico is to stop the war and protect Houle"' ^"'°"'' '"'""''• '' "''*' "'""' *' the rebels with arms and ammunition retarded the progress that might have been giving glimpses of full Government control to-day. In the retirement of Consular Agent George C. Carothers, the representative of the United States at Torreon. it is open talk that his interest in the im- pression going out that Villa and the rebels were victorious lies in the fact that Intervention means millions of dol- lars to him. Rebel victory and Interven- tion are synonymous. In explanation of the retirement is given this: "From El Paso, Texas, it is reported that Consul Carothers telegraphed to a high official of the American Govern- ment stating that the battle of Torreon foreigners, it would be of no concern to us who becomes President of Mexico. —Buffalo "Express." PITIFULLY SMALL There is only one thing that can be done The people may deplore the con- flict. They may be acutely conscious that a mistake has been made and that a great wrong is being committed in moving against the Huerta regime while continuing in friendly relations with the infinitely worse Villa regime. They may feel that the supposed offenses of Huer- ta fade into insignificance besiile the in- sults offered by Villa to the .American Government and his outrages on .Ameri- can citizens, and that if a military move- ment was to be made it should have they are directed against a man and not against a foreign stale, or its head. It IS doubtful if any searching of the records will disclose any similar case. Jefferson had a great deal to say about George III., but no attempt was thereby made to differentiate him from the nation of which he was King.— Boston "Herald." DRIFTING INTO WAR. It would appear that th. to make a show of war tha of war. We purpose is rather to commit an act going to impress Huerta with our might and the folly of resisting it. But there is no- telling what will happen when advo- cates of peace lose their tempers. The serious thing about this affair is that we are drifting into war with Mexico — the very thing which the Administration has professed to be most anxious to avoid — and this is happeing rather because of our attempt to take sides in Mexican politics rather than because of any consistent attempt to defend our own or other foreign interests — Buf- falo "Express." MEXICO Saturday, April 25, 1914. "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran. 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium going to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York IS THERE A WAY OUT? Is is novir too painfully obvious that the business of the Administration in dealing with Mexico during the last year has not been the business of protecting American lives and property, but rather the promotion of the fortunes of Villa and Carranza. In the limited field in which we have moved as a consequence of our limited resources, we have endeavored to give to the Administration and the people the benefit of a knowledge born of long experience in Mexican affairs. We have done this because we firmly beheved that the only immediate solution of the Mex- ican problem was the recognition of the Huerta Government. We firmly believed, furthermore, that if the Government of the United States did not deem it proper to recognize that of Mexico, it should not have taken sides in the armed strife which was devastating our neighbor. That the consequence of non-recognition and of aid to anarchy could be only one: War. War is now in the balance. It is no con- solation to hold a post-mortem thought that events have shaped themselves and succeeded each other as we have foreseen and predicted from week to week for the last nine months. As judges of Mex- ican affairs we might feel a vain satis- faction in saying "We told you so," yet we must frankly confess that our at- tempt to enlighten Washington, at least, has been a miserable failure. Had we had the means of reaching a majority of the American public we might have been successful in opening their eyes, but even then we doubt if this could have prevented a war which is of a few men's making and in which the coimtry has no heart. Our confi- dence in the effectiveness of our exposi- tion of facts is derived from the unanim- ous encouragement we have received from our readers. In case of war -the support which we have received from Mexicans and Americans alike must necessari- ly cease and even though such support should continue we confess we would not have the heart, while the country is at war, to pursue a campedgn of criticism against an Administration that has plunged us into irretrievable evil. We have put heart in this work and that heart is saddened. Would that the President had shown, in dealing with Mexico, more of human heart and less of personal pride and vindictiveness. He knows now and we pity his conscience. CARNEGIE PITIES MEXICAN PEOPLE. Sadly, as a man who has seen a life- long dream wither at the touch of facts, Andrew Carnegie spoke to the New York Tribune of Mexico. He gazed mournfully out of his study window, whispering softly to himself: "It is too sad, too sad, too sad to think of. 1 can't talk of it at all, at least not till something happens — some decisive event which will change the situation and bring about peace. And oh! I pity Mexico." "Do you think the President justified in his course of action?" asked the re- porter. "Don't ask me that," he pleaded, turn- ing his chair a little more toward his questioner. "I do not want to say. I can scarcely believe that the chief Amer- ican republic, which has a larger popu- lation than all other American republics together, is to become involved in war with little Mexico, of only fourteen mil- lions of people. Mexico is to be pitied, deeply sympathized with, ever since Ma- dero lost his control." He closed his eyes and shook his head slowly from side to side. I can't help pitying .Mexico and wish- ing that our monster republic had kept its hands off. The foreign governments of Europe felt it their duty to recognize Huerta; we alone refused, which meant that we embarrassed ourselves in Mexi- can affairs and put ourselves in opposi- tion to all other countries. "No, no, we had no right to interfere with the internal conditions of Mexico, and all our troubles spring from doing so.. When we found that all other na- tions recognized Huerta as the proper President of Mexico, there was every reason why we should have quietly con- curred and kept oiu: hands off. We should have followed other governments in getting on with him as peaceably as we could and giving him a fair trial. When we left other nations and took up a different position, a grave mistake was committed, as is now clearly shown. He was silent a minute, then said, very slowly: "If we had it to do over again you may rest assured we would have co-operated wi'h other nations, but you may be sure that the President acted with the best intentions, and is still doing so. Do you get all I say — every word? You see, I want to be careful, for sometimes I go too fast and people don't follow me. "Even the Senate had to conclude that our intervention must be olaced upon a different footing, but I still cling to the hope that the President's policy of en- deavoring to find Huerta more reason- able may triumph, though the time for such a change is short. I hope that the European governments which recog- nozed him may be able to persuade him to remove those obstacles which bar us from peace. "Meanwhile I can't drive from my breast the r^ainful feeling at the sight of a monster republic of 100,000,000 attack- ing an adjoining republic of not one- seventh its population or one-twentieth its strength, and without army or navy, and totally incapable of electing a Presi- dent by peaceable appeal to the people." Mr. Carnegie then leaned back in his chair, shaking his head a little, as if in sadness at what he said. "A friend who knows Mexico thoroughly assures me that there hasn't been and can't be such an election by the Mexican people as would rank with us as tolerable. Mexico is to be pitied, not driven, by our advanced and irresistible republic. It is well to have a giant's power, but it is tyranny to use it as a giant. I pity Mexico from the bottom of my heart." WE ARE NOT FIGHTING FOR THE FREEDOM OF A PEOPLE. A PEOPLE IS FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM AGAINST US. « « • IS THAT THOROUGHLY UNDER- STOOD? ' * * * Among the little causes of great wars, let us not forget: * * * WILLIAM BAYARD HALE, an ex- reverend and Wilson's fulsome bio- grapher. * * * JOHN LIND— enough said. * * ♦ GEORGE D. CAROTHERS, State Department agent and Villa's partner. * * * HENRY ALLEN TUPPER, D.D., Peace Forum misrepresentative, em- ployed by Carranza. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Editor of MEXICO. Deal Sir: It is to be regretted that your paper has not a wider circulation, for to each person to whom I have shown it, it has excited keen in- terest. They feel that something is wrong, and in many of the articles in your paper it explained to them in an intelligent manner what they were in doubt about. This prettnse of a reason for dreadnaughts to go to Mexico has created great indignation everywhere in the West, and few believe there is necessity for such action, and most feel there is some hidden motive back of it all; it is too pitiful to think about, and personally my resentment and indignation at such an un- called-for move is simply beyond expression. One thing I DO KNOW: that in all Mexico there is not ONE representative business man but is consumed with indignation against the last act of the WILSON-BRYAN FACTION (not the United States), and President Huerta has more friends in Americans in Mexico to-day over this act than he had before. The injustice of it all appeals to all that is best in us. You couldn't drive my relatives out of Mexico City and they with all the beterr Americans endorse Huerta, and have from the first. There is little satis- faction in having a kindly feeling towards Mexico and its President, and be in no position to help, and there are many that WOULD. Yours very truly, Kansas City, Mo. N. D. G. MEXICO A Weekly to Promote Intelligent Discussion of Mexican Affairs VOL. II— No. 37. Error Runs Swiftly Down the Hill While Truth Climbs Slowly.— Oriental Proverb NEW YORK, SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1914. FIVE CENTS THE SEA OF BLOOD. Bryan may or may not succeed in foist- ing on the Mexican nation Carranza, Villa, et al. If he does it will be because he has not hesitated to employ all the means in his power, including the Ameri- can Army and Navy. But whether Carranza, Villa, et al., seize the Government of Mexico or fail, they will go down in Mexican history as traitors to their country. If they seize the power they will not be able to hold it. Mexicans high and low will execrate them. For they shall know that these traitors in order to win accept- ed American money, American gunners, American advice and guidance as to their military and diplomatic movements. They shall know that when American forces seized Vera Cruz at the cost of hundreds of Mexican lives. Villa de- clared Americans had done a fine thing and Carranza acquiesced. As if Vera Cruz belonged to Huerta and not to the Mexican nation! Any man or group of men who, blinded by personal ambition, hatred or lust for revenge have accepted and welcomed the invasion of national territory by American forces, will for- ever live in the memory of their country- men as traitors. Nothing they can do or say now can save them. They may "get Huerta," they may rule the country for a while, drowning it in a sea of blood, but they Will eventually faU and meet the end reserved to traitors. Meanwhile the Mexican problem will not be settled, Mexico will not have peace, Mexicans will continue to suffer and the United States will still face the same situation. Even at this late date we do not hesi- tate in saying that there are only two ways out of the mire: Recognition of Huerta, or complete intervention. A STAB IN THE BACK .>. MEXICO Saturday, May 2, 1914. KERR KNEW TOO MUCH. There seems to be something revolu- tionary in the very air of Mexico. Even the supposedly calm and deliberate American temperament is affected by it. Here we are carrying the blessings of peace lo the Mexicans and offering to that distressed people our aid in estab- lishing a stable Government; and, not- withstanding it all, our first official ap- pointment to high station lasted just twen.y-four hours. Last Wednesday Robert J. Kerr was appointed Civil Governor of Vera Cruz by Admiral Fletcher and General Fun- ston, Thursday he opened offices and issued a proclamation. Nobody does anything in Mexico without a proclama- tion. Friday the Governor was "fired" upon cabled instructions from Washing- ton. But cheek by jowl with Mr. Kerr's declaration of good purpose, published in Thursday's "American," is the report of a speech delivered by him in Chicago March 7, Speechmaking is always peril- ous. Sometimes candidates for Presi- dent warmly indorse platform planks which they later repudiate. Ambassa- dors occasionally make presents of val- uable public property, like interoceanic canals, to the nation whose amicable wine they sip. Presidents can't be pun- ished. Ambassadors can be. bu' seldom are. But in the case of a mere civil Governor see how swiftly the penalty followed the discovery of the crime. In his Chicago speech Mr. Kerr said: "We find the United States Gov- ernment favoring the Government, or the set of individuals, or the political party, or ihe mob of ban- dits pledged, if they get into power, to do things which will be favorable to the Standard Oil Company's in- terests. "I am not making the char.ge that President Wilson or any member of his Administ'-ation is takina: any po- sition because of the influence of Standard Oil. but I do say that it is a most remarkable fact that the in- terests of Standard Oil and the moral ideas of the Democratic Ad- ministration happen to coincide." These utterances were printed in "The American" Thursday. Friday the offi- cial head of Governor Kerr dropped in^ to the basket. General Funston is quoted as saying that Mr. Kerr was appointed because he seemed to know more about the Mex- ican situation than any man on the spot. Undoubtedly his knowledge is wide, ac- curate and precise. But it is evidently possible for a man to know too much to be serviceable in Mexico just now. — New York "American." PUBLIC OPINION— Continued facts as they stand here. The difference between the Mexican situation and the Chinese trouble — when the Allies went to the rescue — is that the special corres- pondents in China were allowed the privilege of deduction and personal view-point. Here the newspaper rep- resentative mus; make good on some- thing that not only fills in the time of watchful waiting — the pace of the pres- ent Administration — but he must get his newspaper spaces filled with sensa.ions that will hustle the dignified, scholastic, theoretical, calm E.xecutive into some kind of a trot of activity. For various reasons — which are quite as diplomatic as an actual blocking because of cut wires — it has been impossible to get news efficiency — but news (?) has been sent just the same. J- his news, if America's reading public only will think as it reads, has been always from the rebel side — statements, press-agent work of Villa's movements — wide open, boastful and of moving-pic- ture effect. There has been at no time even a hint or sugges ion that the Fed- eral army, under direction of good gen- eralship, with true militarism, might be working and engineering a campaign that would tend to ultimate victory — with God and humanity williiig — any- way, with the hope of success because the commander, General Huerta. was not holding open gates of information for the enemy to block or to use. The Torreon situation was adroitly worked up and her:^lded as a decisive turning point. Why? Because the representa- tives of the American press arc, or ap- pear to be, agents of interven ion! In- tervention means but one thing in this country: The necessity of coming im- mediately to the rescue of the Govern- ment, of Huerta as President, as com- manding General of his army, and of all foreigners if the rebels win. There is not a press represen.ative, not a mem- ber of the diplomatic circle, which rep- resents all countries, not a layman nor business man — merchant, mining man. or one interested in oil, or other am- bitious for wealch — 'who does not believe — and express his opinions — if he can and not overstep wisdom — that with Carranza-Villa marauders plowing their way '0 victory and the slaughter of the Federal forces, intervention would be compelled. There are other Richmonds in the field who want to rule in Mexico. With the downfall of Huerta and his marvelous rule, Carranza and Villa would be lost in the shuffle. The United States army would be rushed here to cut through various hordes whose lead- ers would be trying to be firs' at the National Palace. — The Widow in "Town Topics." IN VERA CRUZ. I had not been on shore two hours at Vera Cruz before it was evident to me that the facts of the daily press of the United States and the real situation in Mexico — at least in Southern Mexico — were at variance. An explanation of it comes in the mass, the pot pourri, of rumor that fills the air — the precon- ceived idea, foregone conclusions, per- sonal interests that are seasoned over- much with personal characteristics — that are let to fly in this atmosphere — and gathered up as news items. This con- glomeration, without much sifting, or deduction, or searching out for the nucleus that starts tiTe rumor, is cabled to the States and published with more respect paid to the political policy of the American newspaper than to the PRESIDENT WILSON'S MISTAKE. "My view has been from the first that President Wilson made a mis- take in not recognizing Huerta. Other Governments were recognizing him, but we declined to do so because we assumed the right to decide whether or not he had the proper credentials to the Presi- dency of Mexico. "It had never occurred to me that the Monroe Doctrine has anything to do with the question of whether this or that man shall be recognizd as the head of the Government of a South American State. Up to the present time it had always been our position that the South and Central Americans were entitled to the same treatment as other nations and to have the benefit of the same rules of in- ternational intercourse. "In dealing with other nations I never supposed it to be our. business to inquire how a man came to be the head of the Government, and I supposed the same rule held good in our relations with South American countries. "The simple inquiry was made, not how he came to be the head of the Gov- ernment, but whether he was the head of the Government. If he was, it was our duty to recognize him as such. That was all there was of it; that was the rule. "It was not for us to consider, weigh evidence, and determine whether he had been illegally elected to the office or whether there were irregularities in his election which raised a question about its validity. That was supposed to be a question for the country itself to settle, not for us." — By General Benjamin F. Tracy, Ex-Secretary of the Navy, in New York "Times." A SCOUNDREL ALLY. Villa is a scoundrel and everybody knows it. He will probably have to be crushed out by whatever agency as- sumes control of the Mexican situation. The mediators will be as "wise" on that situation as is the intelligent opinion of America to-day. The Cabinet is al- ready divided on the question, Secre- tary Garrison resisting the Bryan policy of friendliness to Villa. The latter's cot- ton transactions, in which he has tried to dispose of millions of dollars worth of that product stolen from the Torreon region, have helped to bring his true character to light. There is a saying that an incipient war once stopped does not start up- again. This is hopeful. The mediation project has at least arrested the drift toward war. This has been done so effectively that all the howling degenerates who have been trying to rush this country in- to war for war's own sake — to see blood flow and to sell papers — are now yell- ing with the rage of a stage villain foiled in his plot. — Boston "Herald." NO. 26 BROADWAY. Fred Warren, editor of the "Appeal to Reason," attacking the landing of ma- rines at Vera Cruz, aroused the greatest enthusiasm of the evening, particularly when he indulged in a half hour's defini- tion of what the American flag really stands for. At one period of his ad- dress, when he declared that the "sub- sidized editors" should be sent to war, along with the President and Congress, to fight for the flag, which represented to him a series of really alarming dis- honors, everybody got up and yelled and red bandannas were waved. "The cause, the beginning and the end of the war in Mexico can be found at No. 26 Broadway," Mr. Warren shouted. "The cause but not the beginning of the war in Colorado begins in the same place." — New York "Evening Telegram."' Saturday, May 2, 1914. MEXICO ON THE BRINK OF WAR. From the moment he entered the White House, President Wilson's treatment of the Mex- ican situation has been based upon the highest personal ethics, governed by the best intentions —and predestined to failure. The error which causes us the present alarms and excursions. «nd may cost blood and treasure too, has been one of misunderstanding the Mexican tempera- ment and the actual conditions. Hating inter- vention above all things, Mr. Wilson adopted a policy whose logical end was intervention. De- testing war and foreign aggression, he has been compelled to call upon the army and navy. Two courses were open to the President ; he might have recognized the Hucrta regime (no worse m its origins and morals than most oi those which preceded it), or he and his Sec- retary of State might, in withholding that recog- nition, have impressed Mexico with continuity and firmness of policy. There has been the same diflficulty in dealing with this situation that is found in handling a high-strung, ill-bred child, with the added difficulty that this child is armed and insolent and that there are several millions of him. Mr. Wilson's striking achievements in domestic politics cannot be gainsaid, but they are, momentarily at least, obscured. — "Collier's Week- ly" A BEGGAR AMONG THE NATIONS. Sooner than anyone expected the chickens of "grape juice" diplomacy are coming home to roost. For more than a year President Wilson, through his Secretary of State, has been beg- ging help of the world in his war upon Vic- toriano Huerta. When the T*resident finally made up his mind not to recognize the Huerta govern- ment, he appealed to European Powers who were still considering the matter to withhold recogni- tion. To the London and other Governments which had, upon the recommendation of their diplomatic representatives in Mexico City, ex- tended formal recognition, the President appealed to withdraw it. When John Lind was despatched to Mexico, on a mission foredoomed to failure, we again find Secretary Bryan in the name of the President begging help for this unaccredited and unequipped envoy from the London, Paris and Berlin Governments. Wheii Huerta easily sur- vived the Lind visitation the Administration at Washington again became a suppliant of the world powers and begged their help in preventing Huerta irom borrowing any more money. Latterly, when our blundering into war at Vera Cruz forced Americans to flee for their lives, we are treated to the humiliating spectacle of our Government appealing to the British and German commanders in Mexican waters to rescue our nationals from the wrath of the Mexicans, kindled by our war upon the only government they have. To most of these appeals, especially to the latest, the world powers have responded with markedly prompt maj-nanimity. This, too, in spite of our refusal to let them lift a hand either to protect their own nationals or to colnpose Mexico, and in the face of our failure to do this work ourselves, a task imposed on us by the Monroe Doctrine and by our position as nearest neighbor But now we see Europe appealed to by Latin America to bring pressure to bear upon the President of the United States to curb his wrath against Huerta and leave the ABC Powers a free hand in adjusting the differences between the several factions in Mexico. The President may be indifferent to the significance of this appeal, but the American people will, we be- lieve, not be slow to feel the sting of its hu- miliation. Our proud position of primacy in this western world is for the time being wiped out. Latin America appeals unitedly to the Old World for help against a next-door neighbor. How can President Wilson object if the chancelleries of Europe respond to this appeal? Have me' not for a year been going in debt to them for help in a task that rightly belongs to us, the task of helping stricken Mexico to her feet? Be- tween them the President and his Secretary of PUBLIC OPINION-Continued State have by a year of blunders brought the United States to the low estate of a beggar among the nations. And now in this appeal of Latin America to Europe to take a hand in Pan- American affairs we see tlie chickens of the Wilson-Bryan diplomacy coming home to roost. — Boston "Evening Transcript." Villa's maudlin attempt to appear a jolly good friend of the Gringoes somehow lacks convinc- ing qualities. — Boston "Herald." In the meantime, it may be necessary for Venezuela or Colombia to step in and restore order in Colorado.— Boston "Herald." DESTROYING HIS PARTY. CHICAGO, April 24.— President Woodrow Wil- son as president is making precisely the same mistake he made as president of Princeton uni- versity. He thinks he is the whole thing. Princeton would have made him resign if he had stayed another year. He stopped the organi- zation of the post-graduate college. As soon as he was gone the post-graduate college was or- ganized, the magnificent buildings were erected, and his name was not mentioned in the proceed- ings of the inauguratior^ of the college and dedi- cation of the buildings. He is repeating himself. President Wilson has been successful for a few months, because he has appealed to the people over the heads of congress to sustain his per- sonal views and plans. But the people are get- ting their eyes open to his schemes. They are deserting him. They will reorganize and unite the Republican party, which for fifty years has directed the policies of the country. — ^J. M. Linn, in Chicago "Tribune." been pictured recently in the embraces of Villa. Carothers was sent there by the secretary of state. Bitter Attack on Villa. "Who is Villa? He was first heard of when the American ambassador demanded his arrest for the looting of American ranches. If he can read now, he learned in the penit'entiary. This gentlemanly bandit wanted to attack an unde- fended town. For that Huerta ordered him shot. Villa lives because he begged his life of Huerta on his knees and Huerta yielded. "Now I have no objections to Carothers fond- ling and caressing Villa if he likes that kind of a man. But I do object to his representing this nation while so doing. When the American navy is upholding the honor of the nation the secre- tary of state is negotiating peace with this bandit, who began hfe looting American property. The secretary of state asked him if he would please modify his order driving the Spaniards out of Torreon. Villa replied in effect that he would do as he darned pleased. "This is the kind of procedure on the part of officials of this government which is em- barrassing endeavors to settle the Mexican ques- tion peacefully." IN THE HOUSE. Representative Mondell began his attack on the administration by calling attention to official dispatches to the state department by United States Consul Canada, stationed at Vera Cruz. "Amid all the rumors of war and warlike prep- arations," he said, "American citizens have been protected in their liberties, rights, and property to a remarkable degree throughout the territory under the control of the Federal government of Mexico. But there has been a studied effort to create a false impression that such protection has not been afforded. Little has been said of the repeated outrages upon Americans perpetrated in the territory under the control of the so-called Constitutionalists. "Now it is not to be wondered at that yel- low journals should seize upon and distort every dispatch reporting the arrest, the insulting, and putting to death of American citizens in Fed- eral territory. But it is a different and more serious matter when we find on the part of United States officials the same disposition to magnify the troubles in Mexico and to empha- size the difficulties American citizens have had." Assails Reports of Canada. "In this connection I wish to call attention to the official dispatches of Consul Canada and in- terviews attributed to him. The yellow press dis- patches from all Mexico fail to equal the lurid dispatches of this gentleman." "What about the consul at Monterey who was arrested by Federals?" interjected Representative Thompson of Oklahoma, Democrat. In that case you find suppression of the out- rages committed by tlie Constitutionalists," Mr. Mondell said. "When the Constitutionalists took Monterey they tore down American flags which had becri placed over doors to protect American citizens. They trampled American flags and in- sulted American citizens throughout the city. "But some cannot see outrages committed by the Constitutionalists. Mr. Carothers, another consular representative of our government, baa Villa and Carranza have succeeded in fooling a few Americans in high places, but they do not fool the American people. — Washington "Post." LOOK OUT FOR VILLA. Ground for suspicion appears in the division of counsels of Carranza and Villa. The former has openly espoused the cause of his country, while Villa professes friendliness to the United States, implying that its forces and his own should in a measure work together. If we will take and hold the gulf ports he promises to go forward and dislodge Huerta from Mexico City. May not these professions of friendship have an ul- terior purpose? May he not want us to let him have arms across the border? May he not be trying "to work us," to use a current phrase? No one in authority in Washington should longer take stock in Villa. He is tlie worst scoundrel, according to the indisputable evidence, In the whole Mexican affair. By comparison Huerta is a saint. He has generally protected the lives of Americans and other foreigners in the territory over which he has held control. His record in this respect stands out in marked con- trast with conditions prevailing under the ban- dits of the north, of whom Villa is the worst. The pathetic phase of this whole Mexican affair is that our policy should have so steadily played into the hands of such « miserable wretch.— Boston "Herald." While Villa is in such a loquacious mood he might be induced to tell the facts about Benton*s murder. — Hartford "Courant." Gen. Carranza's state papers are not very definite. He has the bad habit of losing himself in his own writing fluid. — Hartford "Courant." It is no time to rely on the friendly assurances of cut-throats and hired as- sassins, such as Villa and his whole out- fit have shown themselves to be. Sooner would we see the Government enter into an alliance with a successful Jesse James, for at least that outlaw spared women, whom Villa has made the vic- tims of the most brutal and hideous crimes that the annals of warfare can show in this or any other age. — Boston "Evening Transcript." MEXICO Saturday, May 2, 1914, y "MEXICO" Published every Saturday by UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE Managing Editor, Thomas O'Halloran. 15 BROAD ST., NEW YORK Single Copies, 5c. By the Year, $2.00 TO ADVERTISERS: We offer a distinctive medium gomg to the best class of buyers in the United States and Latin-American countries. Send for rates to UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SERVICE 15 Broad Street, New York LEST WE FORGET. In the sudden exodus of Americans from Mexico not one of many thousands v^ras killed or injured, although the pop- ulace v^as maddened by the seizure of Vera Cruz. * » » The Mexican Government took extra- ordinary precautions to protect Ameri- cans. * » * But the casual reader of the daily papers would get the impression that "Huerta's men" were killing, harrassing and torturing Americans. To protect them from mob violence it was in some cases necessary to hold the refugees in a place of safety. The reports from Vera Cruz and the efforts of the State Department were di- rected to create the impression that these Americans were "arrested" and in some cases that they v/ould be executed. * * * Allowing for the hysteria of the time, is it not obvious to any fair-mind-ed per- son that the unfairness of the Mexican news is only outdone by the palpable unfairness of the Washington Adminis- tration? * • * Blacken Huerta and whitewash Villa— that's the game of Wilson, Bryan, Lind, Daniels, et al, and their sycophantic echoes. * * * . <■ ' 1. They know it is safe to do it, for the average citizen doesn't give a hang for any Mexican faction. In other words, they do not telieve in fairness, truth and justice when it is possible to "get away with" unfairness, lies and injustice. Which is the very essence of hypoc- risy. Better to trust a Villa than trust that kind of person. But they are 'all honorable men. THE DREAM. It is a sort of fashion to preface criti- cism of the Administration's Mexican policy by protesting faith in the Presi- dent's high ideals and good intentions. Without referring unnecessarily to the torrid region paved with such intentions, we are forced to conclude that the fol- lowing fairly well sums up what our esteemed President has in mind regard- ing Mexico: The spirit of peace and good-will animating every Mexican, from the highest to the lowest. A diapason of sweet reasonableness rising in ever-swelling bursts of na- tional concord. Every Mexican able to read "The New Freedom." Pancho Villa, chief of a rural police, with nothing to do. Mrs. Lind personally conducting dox- ology-singing bands of American mis- sionaries, hailed as spirits of light by a heaven-aspiring populace. A white-whiskered sonorous-voiced Presidente in the National Palace ut- tering platitudes, received daily from Washington by long-distance telephone. John Lind sitting at the President's counsel table and planning new Chau- taqua routes for Bryan. The oil gushers of Tampico and Tux- pam gurglingly offering from the heart of nature a gift of great wealth to all men of good words. A lean, austere man in the White House, serene after many storms,^ a pent- up volcano of emotion, from his ivory tower of thought looking on all with a Cheshire smile and murmuring: " 'Tis well, my children." THE REALITY. Murder. Rape. Pillage. Desolation. War. Hell. THE REMEDY. Have a real man guide the destinies of your nation and buy your poetry. THE SCHOOLMASTER. (Continued from Page S.) Takes None Into Confidence. It is a fact that during the entire period of waiting President Wilson has not once taken into his confidence any lead- er in the House or the Senate. He has asked members of the foreign relations committee to come to the White House and has told them certain things he would like to have done, and, without regard to party feeling or their own po- litical prospects, they have consented to take the necessary steps to carry out his policies. Men like Root and Loijge, fa- miliar by years of training with diplo- matic procedure, have been called to the White House only to be treated, after responding to the call, with little more consideration than would be given a White House employe entrusted with the delivery of a written message to the Senate. None of the men to whom the President had appealed for support in Congress has received from him an inti- mation of his real reasons for inaction and delay. For all that they have learned from him they would have no more con- ception of what was going on than a messenger or clerk. It now appears that through his own emissaries and those of the secretary of state he has been in al- most continuous communication with the revolutionary party in the north of Mexico, encouraging them to believe that they would have the moral support of the United States in their endeavor to unseat Huerta and get possession of the capitol, while at the same time he has persisted in withholding from Huerta the recognition which was essential to financing his government and confirming it in control. All his energies have been bent toward perpetuating revolution and anarchy where a simple word of recogni- tion might have resulted in the restora- tion of peace and order. The catastrophe which has followed seems to have been foreseen by everyone conversant with the situation excepting- only the vision- aries and parasites whom he relied upon for information and adv'ce. I have talked in the past day or two with many newspaper correspondents who have been in Mexico during the past year, some of the keenest and most im- partial observers in the United States to-day. They all unite in saying that not since the departure of Diaz have condi- tions in the City of Mexico and the sur- rounding country, been so good as since Huerta gained control. Under Madero, the visionary whom many believe to have been insane, anarchy prevailed throughout the country and life and property were utisafe within five milei of the capital, but under Huerta, who, whatever may be his moral character, is at least the head of an organized gov- ernment, law and ordfr have held re- spect. In the territory where Huerta has had unchallenged control — and this includes by far the greater part of the territory of Mexico — American lives and property have been as free from inter- ference as they would be in Worcester or Lynn. Up to a few hours before our marines landed in Vera Cruz, Ameri- cans were working in American-owned mines, within a radius of 6o miles of the capital, as peacefully and regularly as anvAvhere in the world. But in the country to the north, where Villa and Carranza .had driven out the federal troops with ammunition shipped across the border with the approval of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bryan, Americans had been subject to spoliation and put to death, and there was no regard for lives or property. Yet it is into the peace- ful territory controlled by Huerta that the administration has gone "to restore order." No one here questions the sincerity of Mr. Wilson's motives. Every one ad- mits that he is doubtless actuated by a real desire to do what he believes is right. But he has gone into this busi- ness with the mistaken notion that to him has been entrusted the, duty of regu- lating the form of government which shall prevail in Mexico. He has ignored the principle which has prevailed hith- erto in the United States, as in every other civilized nation, that our only con- cern with the internal affairs of another country is in seeing that American lives and property have adequate protection, that American interests are not discrim- inated against and that the American flag is treated with respect. Beyond that he had no right to go. LLAc