Huerta Placates Chiefs Of Factions.

New York Times 100 years ago today, February 23, 1913:
Mexico Much Calmer Under His Policy of Restoring Peace at All Hazards.
MADERO CLOSELY CONFINED
He Is Put in Penitentiary Incommunicado — Huerta Refuses to Reassure His Wife.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    MEXICO CITY, Feb. 22.— President Huerta is getting the situation well in hand. Many Governors of States at first were obdurate, but are now recognizing the provisional Government. It is believed here that trouble throughout the nation will soon be over. Gen. Huerta issued a manifesto to-day, in which he stated that his policy was for peace at any cost and that those who were not willing to help in gaining it and continued hostilities would be dealt with severely.
    Reports being brought to the capital state that the forces of former rebels are inactive in all parts of the country. It is believed that most of them will recognize Huerta. The one-eyed rebel, Gen. Morales, who has been operating in Puebla and Oazaca, has already yielded and offered to assist the Government in every way to end the disturbances.
    Business men, natives and foreigners, have all agreed to do everything to support the Huerta Administration and bring about peace, order, and better business conditions.

Fear Taft Will Hinder Peace.
    Fear is expressed, however, that President Taft will be unwilling to act on Ambassador Wilson's advice in some matters, and may place many difficulties in the way of the Government, thus hindering the quick action necessary to bring order out of chaos before there is a chance of further discontent and plotting.
    It is considered desirable to establish peace before any political element gets power and starts possible difficulties. Evidence of the force of the reasoning is beginning to be seen. Pulling of wires by several candidates for minor offices and posts is well under way. The Government departments are thronged with officeseekers, who are hampering the work of reorganization.
    Gen. Mondrogon states that the demoralization of the army in the last few months was due to a lack of efficient direction, and that work will be begun at once looking to such reorganization of the army as will place it on a basis for dependable service against malcontents, if necessary.
    Gen. Huerta is known among military men as having an iron hand and being an inflexible disciplinarian. It is thought that he will be able to assist Montagen greatly. It is probable that the Maderista forces, known as irregulars or volunteers, will be eliminated from the army. They will possibly be replaced by some of Orozco's and Zapata's forces.

Huerta Appeals to the People.
    Reports from the country were more satisfactory to-day, although there was much disorganization still resulting from delays in the transmission of official communications.
    Gen. Huerta's manifesto, issued tonight, said:

    "In assuming, through the operation of the law, the office of Provisional President of the republic by virtue of the resignation of the President and Vice President, I must make an appeal to the patriotism of all good Mexicans that they come forward and co-operate with the new Government in the re-establishment of the public peace.
    "The country, in the terrible crisis through which it is passing, needs the united effort of all its sons in order to save it from the anarchy which menaces it. "In order to assist me in my administration duties I called to my side men of good will without distinction as to political parties. I have no desire for revenge, and no other aspiration than that of putting an end to the fratricidal strife which was destroying us and of restoring the guarantees of the lives and property of foreigners throughout the republic. I trust all Mexicans will aid me in the patriotic work of saving our very nationality, which is jeopardized, and restoring to the country the tranquility which is so much needed for the development of our resources.
    "I also hope the methods of conciliation which the Government is initiating will suffice for the end which we propose, but if, unfortunately, bad citizens blinded by passion, insist on prolonging the strife or opposing obstacles to the Government by violent means, I shall not hesitate an instant in adopting the measures of rigor that may be necessary for the rapid restoration of the public peace if the welfare of our country demands it.
    "W. VICTORIANO HUERTA."

     This Administration is considered the last chance of the Mexicans to save their country's autonomy. Diplomats state that if it fails now they may as well pack up and get out.