On The Verge Of Anarchy.

New York Times 100 years ago today, February 19, 1913:
    The man on horseback, wearing a plain blue serge suit, who has been crying havoc and letting the dogs of war slip in the City of Mexico for ten days, must either give way now to two men on horseback, wearing the full uniform of general officers, or join with them against a common enemy. To the legions of "istas" in our sister republic are now added the Blanquistas and the Huertistas, and it seems that the Felicistas no longer hold the key to the situation.
    The details, however, do not matter just now. Francisco Madero, and the men who have stood by him, are in jail, as it was inevitable that they would be before long, from the moment of the attack on the National Palace by Felix Dias and poor Reyes. Our neighbors who have been arguing that mediation of some sort might save the Constitutional Government have been arguing without much regard for recent history in Mexico.
    Congress has opposed Madero consistently since his term began. He has had eighteen months of trial, and latterly the drift of public sentiment has been against him. He has been too weak for the task circumstances have thrust upon him, and his deposition was inevitable. The outcome of the civil war in the capital, however, is not encouraging.
    Whether Gen. Victoriano Huerta, who is a good soldier, or another is to be provisional President, it is not to be denied that the country seems to be on the very verge of anarchy. The events of the next few hours may clear the air somewhat, but we must bear in mind that besides the rival "istas" in Mexico City, there are Zapatistas, Orozistas, Asquistas, Genovistas, and Fozovistas to be reckoned with elsewhere in the country, and it needs a man as strong as Porfirio Diaz in his prime to restore order out of the chaos they have made.
    It is significant that when Huerta and Blanquet suggested a parley with Felix Diaz yesterday a sharp battle in the streets ensued.