New York Times 100 years ago today, June 30, 1913:
Many Rumors of Arrival of Wounded at Tchatalja Stir Capital.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
CONSTANTINOPLE, June 29.— Persistent rumors of the arrival of wounded and indications of the lack of telegraphic communication show that matters at Tchatalja are reaching a crisis akin to civil war. No details, however, are obtainable.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
A Steel-Clad Airship.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 30, 1913:
Germany Negotiating for His Armored Machine, Says Unger.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
BERLIN, June 29.— Gustav Unger, a Hanoverian engineer, says the German Government is negotiating for the acquisition of his steel-clad airship, which is stated to be so strong that if it came into collision with a church tower the latter would give way first.
Outwardly the vessel looks like a Zeppelin, but inside it shows a complete difference, the framework being a series of steel tubes carried from stern to bow, the lowest forming a keel of cabin tubes brought together parabolically at the stern and bow, with the ends in nickel sheet steel caps.
Each gas balloonet is contained in a series of circular rings of sheet steel, connected with each other by a network of steel cables, supported by steel tubing, running fore and aft, and fastened also by sheet steel bands running around the whole body of the ship.
The Unger airship is stated to be able to withstand a wind blowing at forty-eight meters a second, and by an arrangement of its six screws can turn practically on its own axis.
Two five-centimeter quick-firers, machine guns, placed fore and aft, comprise the armament. The net lifting power of the airship is 11,000 pounds, its length is 460 feet, and its cost of construction about $100,000.
Germany Negotiating for His Armored Machine, Says Unger.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
BERLIN, June 29.— Gustav Unger, a Hanoverian engineer, says the German Government is negotiating for the acquisition of his steel-clad airship, which is stated to be so strong that if it came into collision with a church tower the latter would give way first.
Outwardly the vessel looks like a Zeppelin, but inside it shows a complete difference, the framework being a series of steel tubes carried from stern to bow, the lowest forming a keel of cabin tubes brought together parabolically at the stern and bow, with the ends in nickel sheet steel caps.
Each gas balloonet is contained in a series of circular rings of sheet steel, connected with each other by a network of steel cables, supported by steel tubing, running fore and aft, and fastened also by sheet steel bands running around the whole body of the ship.
The Unger airship is stated to be able to withstand a wind blowing at forty-eight meters a second, and by an arrangement of its six screws can turn practically on its own axis.
Two five-centimeter quick-firers, machine guns, placed fore and aft, comprise the armament. The net lifting power of the airship is 11,000 pounds, its length is 460 feet, and its cost of construction about $100,000.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Huerta's Spokesman Tells Problems That Face Mexico
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 29, 1913:
Señor Emeterio de la Garza, Jr., Writes for The Times of the Difficulties Confronting the Present Administration and Gives a Graphic Picture of Mexico City's Days of Tragedy.
The article printed below is by Señor Emeterio do la Garza, Jr., who has been commissioned by Gen. Huerta, head of the Government of Mexico to endeavor to give the American people a clearer idea of what kind of man Gen. Huerta is and what kind of problems he is facing in his administration of the neighboring republic.
Señor de la Garza was in the city or Mexico throughout the bombardment of last February when his residence was wrecked by artillery fire. He was one of the delegates who went to the American Embassy on the invitation of our Ambassador and conferred there on behalf of the Madero government with the delegates representing Gen. Félix Diaz, leader of the anti-Madero revolt. When Huerta and Diaz came to an understanding, Señor de la Garza threw in his lot with the former against Madero.
Señor de la Garza sums up the object of his mission in these words:
"A prompt solution of Mexico's problems by Gen. Huerta is impossible. The American people ought to understand that."
By Emeterio de la Garza, Jr.
THE time has come when I, because others do not know or do not dare, have to explain to the American people, whom I regard as the greatest and most just people of the world, the real situation in which we find ourselves, and I will say it regardless of diplomatic conventions, official statements, and friendly considerations, because the time has arrived when we have to decide fundamental problems, to protect the greatest national and international interests, and to save the country.
Three hundred years of Spanish rule in Mexico cannot be counted toward education, progress, or civilization; on the contrary, they were years of slavery, ignorance, and fanaticism. The struggle for independence was severe, and civil wars followed in its wake for sixty-three years.
It was an ocean of blood — fighting for principles, for religion, for nationality — fighting between the Creoles and Indians, between liberals and conservatives, always disputing the control of Mexican public affairs.
In 1876, Gen. Porfirio Diaz became President of Mexico and began a new era which, even if in the beginning it was not peaceable, was nevertheless the start of modern methods and strong military and political measures intended to establish Mexico on a new basis.
The Diaz regime lasted thirty-five years. Many good things and great material and industrial progress were accomplished while he was President, but, as a consequence of his many years of power, he became so terribly despotic that the country could not stand him any longer and was anxious for the change long due in justice to humanity.
Then the revolution of Madero, which arose from outraged public opinion, made not a bloody but a necessary change. Madero or anybody, provided there was a change! — and it was Madero because he and his family had the money necessary to finance the revolution.
A Good Man But Incapable.
Madero was mentally, morally, and physically incapable of ruling the country. We all knew that before political movements were started. His own family knew it, and in several public statements they let Gen. Diaz and the Mexican people know that they were not in accord with what Madero was doing. The sudden retirement of Gen. Diaz, which belied his ostentation and demonstrated his weakness, gave Madero full control of the situation — a very great surprise to him, to the government, and to the country, but not to us, who foresaw it long before. I wrote and published a book predicting the whole change one year before Madero took any active part in the politics of Mexico.
In a day he found himself a hero. He sincerely believed he was a victor, while the people rejoiced because of the change, and were entering on a new life. So Madero was proclaimed President of Mexico in a blaze of enthusiasm — Oh! let us call it an election — he actually received twenty thousand votes from a population of eighteen millions. It was a sort of delirium rather than anything else.
When the people of Mexico found that they had put in the chair a man who did not have any of the qualities necessary to rule the country, not even the physical aspect to command respect, their only thought and purpose was to seek how to remedy their great mistake. You will be surprised to learn that, three months after Madero had become President of Mexico, twenty-three out of the twenty-eight of his fellow-revolutionary leaders were either in jail or arrayed in arms and in the field against him.
Madero was a good man; an exceptionally good an for making a propaganda of altruistic ideas; he was a believer in democracy, a mystic and a puritan, and he had at heart the welfare of his people. I have not an unkind word to say against the man. He did what he could — he attempted more than he could do — his only fault was the acceptance of an office which he ought to have known was beyond his power and, I dare say, beyond his ambition.
He was altogether radical, and the old conservative society of Mexico, the good and intelligent people of Mexico, and the methods and conditions of the country could not stand the shock. When Madero took possession of the Government of Mexico he did not have men capable of forming a government, and he gave the cabinet offices and the most delicate duties to the members of his family, not because of their ability, but because he believed them loyal, which created a very peculiar state of affairs, since they attempted to rule Mexico as they had administered one of their old "haciendas." This, of course, could not be done.
Orozco's Rebellion.
Orozco, Madero's lieutenant and right-hand man, was the first who raised arms against his old friend. Madero had to rely on the Federal Army, which he had so bitterly fought and opposed, to save him and his new government. The army was faithful, quickly responded to the call of duty and, commanded by the Minister of War, Gen. Gonzales Salas, advanced to meet Orozco and his troops. They had a very bloody battle at Rallano, where neither got the better of the other, but each, contrary to usual military custom, thought itself defeated. The Minister of War, not being able to endure his supposed defeat, committed suicide on the field. The shock of the news of this battle caused such alarm and anxiety throughout the whole Republic that the people lost all their confidence in the Madero government and believed it could not last three days more.
Then Madero and his government placed themselves in the hands of Gen. Victoriano Huerta, the bravest and most celebrated man in the army, who promptly reorganized the disbanded army and advanced to meet Orozco, who had marched south as far as Conejos, near Torreon. Gen. Huerta gave battle at Conejos and defeated Orozco altogether.
Then the revolutionists returned to Rallano, where Gen. Huerta met Orozco and again crushed him. Then Orozco fortified himself in the Cañon of Bachimba, his last stronghold, which he believed to be impregnable.
Gen. Huerta followed his enemy to the foot of the mountains at Bachimba, defeated him absolutely, and later drove him out of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juarez.
I need not state that after such great victories Gen. Huerta was the man of the hour, the hero of the army, and the most popular man in Mexico. He was first and above all the savior of the Madero government. Yet, on returning to the City of Mexico, he received as his only recompense a cold reception and an immediate discharge.
He retired to his home in poverty and distress, but the army could not forget the outrage nor its General, and since that moment every soldier in Mexico desired to see Gen. Huerta in the place where he belonged — where he is.
The unsuccessful revolutions of Gen. Bernardo Reyes and of Gen. Félix Diaz had taken place about that time, and both were in prison, a thing which also hurt the army.
The whole country was in a state of revolt. Zapata, another of Madero's strongest lieutenants, had risen in the State of Morelos. The Congress, lately elected as Maderistas, was, as a whole, inimical to the young and incompetent President, because of his continuous errors; under such conditions and in such times a plot was started on the ninth of February, 1913, against the Madero government.
Gen. Manuel Mondragon, inventor of the celebrated Mondragon gun, who had been in command of the artillery of the Mexican Army for twenty years, had convinced his subordinates that it was necessary to free Gen. Reyes and Gen. Diaz from prison. So they went to the prison of Santiago, in the City of Mexico, freed Gen. Reyes, and put him at the head of the movement. Then Gen. Reyes went to the penitentiary of the City of Mexico and freed Gen. Félix Diaz, with the understanding that Reyes was to make an attack on the National Palace, while Diaz and Mondragon were to seize the arsenal. Reyes was shot and killed just as he was entering the National Palace — thirteen machine-gun bullets entered his body. Diaz and Mondragon, without knowledge of Reyes's death, were successful in seizing the arsenal.
Madero, having been awakened and notified, called Gen. Huerta, who was living at the time as a private citizen in his home, and begged him to save him once more. Gen. Huerta once more placed himself at the orders of the government, proceeded with Madero to the National Palace, and prepared a plan of defense.
Then an artillery duel began between the two opposing forces at the National Palace and the arsenal, and a fearful and horrible scene ensued.
The continuous bombardment lasted from Sunday, Feb. 9. until Tuesday, the 19th, ten bloody days. During all that time everything was closed — banks, churches, hotels, shops, and houses. We had no money, food, or sleep; no tramways, taxicabs, carriages, telephones, electric lights; no policemen, courts, or authorities — nothing!
Up to the tenth day no regular battle had been fought between the two combatants, who had only engaged in local street affairs and were just taking position. Yet up to that day the Red Cross Society and the police stations reported 6,400 dead, more than half of them being non-combatants, women or children, who had been forced to go into the streets, starving to death, for food.
On Sunday morning, the 16th of February, just a week after the trouble began, I was with Gen. Huerta in his military headquarters at the National Palace, discussing the general situation, and I learned from him that at the request of the Diplomatic Corps, headed by the United States Ambassador, Hon. Henry Lane Wilson, an armistice had been agreed upon, which was to expire at 2 o'clock on the following Monday morning. Mr. Gustavo Madero came in at that time, and soon after Vice President Pino Suarez and Señor Jaime Gurza, Minister of Communications and Public Works.
We were speaking of the best means to protect the telegraph offices, when the Military Attaché of the American Embassy in Mexico, carrying in his right hand a big American flag, and followed by Dr. Ryan, called on Gen. Huerta, asking for an interview on urgent matters and that somebody who could speak English should be present during the meeting. Madero, Pino Suarez, and Gurza left the rooms, and I was about to follow their example when Gen. Huerta asked me to remain and act as interpreter.
Wilson Asks Armistice.
The Military Attaché began by saying that His Excellency, the Ambassador, was pleased and thankful because an armistice had been granted, but, unfortunately, it had been granted on Sunday, and that did not cover the necessities of the city and of the people, especially of foreigners desirous of moving or of leaving the country; that his idea was to give the city a business day, during which banks, stores, and shops might remain open, and all kinds of transactions be possible. Therefore, in the name of His Excellency, the American Ambassador, who was acting as the representative of the whole Diplomatic Corps, Gen. Huerta was requested to extend the armistice through the next day, Monday, Feb. 17, until 8 P.M.
The attaché furthermore stated that he had spoken with Gen. Félix Diaz at the Arsenal, and that he was willing to extend the armistice through Monday if the Government would agree to it.
I translated all this into Spanish to
Gen. Huerta, who promptly gave a favorable answer. Then the attaché said that he was also instructed in case of agreement, to request Gen. Huerta to appoint two delegates, who should meet two representatives from Gen. Diaz at the American embassy in order to hold a conference and to fix the details of the extended armistice, as both parties were claiming that the other's soldiers had taken advantage of the suspension of hostlities. Gen. Huerta named Gen. José Delgado and myself as the Government Commissioners, and the Military Attaché, Gen. Delgado, Dr. Ryan, and myself left the palace for the embassy.
When we arrived there we were met by the Ambassador in person, who thanked us. The Military Attaché and Dr. Ryan proceeded to the Arsenal to report to Gen. Diaz that the Government had consented to extend the armistice and that its delegates were at the embassy waiting for his Commissioners. Soon after the attaché and Dr. Ryan came, accompanied by Mr. Fidencio Hernandez and Col. Barrios Castro, and the session began, the American Ambassador presiding.
Madero Will Not Listen.
Mr. Hernandez and I exchanged credentials. He, on behalf of the Arsenal troops, and I, on behalf of the Government, did all the talking. The credentials issued by Gen. Diaz, which Mr. Hernandez presented to me, included full powers to negotiate peace and to settle the whole armed rebellion. The credentials that Gen. Delgado and myself had were only for the purpose of fixing the details of the extension of the armistice during Monday, the 17th of February, up to 8 P.M.
Mr. Hernandez found some objection to the limitations of our credentials and I, while admitting them, requested him not to break off the negotiations because, the city having taken in good faith the announcement of the extended armistice, the streets were full of people moving from one part to the other, and it would have been an awful thing to resume hostilities, the Government having pledged itself to suspend operations until 2 A.M. I also suggested that if the representatives of Gen. Diaz would kindly wait at the embassy a couple of hours Gen. Delgado and myself would go to the palace and bring as broad and ample credentials as they had, because the limitations of our credentials were due, in my judgment, to the fact that the Military Attaché of the embassy had only spoken to Gen. Huerta of the extension of the armistice, and had never said a word regarding peace or settling of the general difficulties. This the Military Attaché, who was present, confirmed before the Ambassador. The idea seemed to suit all concerned, so Gen. Delgado and myself left for the National Palace, promising to return within two hours with full credentials.
When Gen. Delgado and myself arrived at the National Palace we found President Francisco I. Madero there, together with Ernesto Madero, Minister of Finance, and Gustavo Madero, who, though not having any official title, was the power behind the throne.
I explained to the President what we had done at the embassy and that we had returned to get credentials similar to those furnished to the other parties, of which I had a copy. President Madero positively, emphatically, and wrathfully answered me that he would not hear or listen or in any way consider such a proposition. I told him most respectfully that we were not asking for credentials to negotiate or to arrange peace, but just in order to hear the propositions that Gen. Diaz and his representatives were willing to present. But the President would not consent to it.
Then Gen. Delgado told Mr. Madero that the Government could find out certain interior conditions of the Arsenal by listening to these peace propositions, and he recommended that credentials should be granted to us, as an advantageous military measure, but President Madero again refused to consider the case. Then Gen. Huerta spoke for himself, telling the President that even in the case that he considered the peace propositions from the Arsenal as an insult to him, he ought to listen to them, because such action would in no wise be to endure the insult.
The President then went to another room with Messrs. Ernesto and Gustavo Madero and Gen. Huerta. Soon after they returned, and the President absolutely refused to issue such credentials as were asked for, thereby closing the matter. I went as far as to tell the President that I regarded it as a matter of honor to return to the embassy, because we had pledged our word to go there and the representatives of Gen. Diaz were waiting for us, but I got no satisfaction.
The President furthermore stated that he had been told that the troops of Gen. Diaz had during the early part of the armistice advanced and placed a machine gun on the top of a house in advance of their former position, and that he did not consider himself any longer obliged to respect the armistice until 2 A.M. next morning.
The Armistice Violated.
He issued orders to Gen. Huerta to open fire at once, the time being 4 P.M., Sunday, regardless of the printed notices which the Government had affixed in prominent places and circulated all through the city, to the effect that the armistice was effective until 2 A.M. Monday.
I had not yet left the National Palace when the guns of the Government began to fire. The armistice was violated at that hour by order of President Madero, and firing continued until noon on Tuesday, the 19th of February.
On the eighth day the news reached the City of Mexico that American battleships had arrived at Vera Cruz and Tampico on the Gulf, and at Mazatlan and Acapulco on the Pacific Coast, and that marines were about to land and proceed to the City of Mexico to protect the legations. We all realized that if the bluejackets should arrive, trouble would begin right there. Intervention would have become a fact within twenty-four hours.
Madero, who was insane, would not stop to reason and had given orders to all the garrisons protecting the other cities and States of the Republic of Mexico to come immediately to the capital, thereby leaving the whole Republic in the hands of revolutionists and bandits. These, immediately after the Federal troops had departed, entered the cities and began to loot and massacre, throwing the whole country into a state of anarchy.
Under the circumstances, Pedro Lascurain, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Madero Cabinet, decided to call the Senate to a special session. There he reported the state of affairs and asked in the name of the country and of God that some solution be found for the terrible situation. The Senate, after deliberation, concluded that a meeting of the best military men of Mexico should be held immediately to report on the measures to be taken. All our best Generals got together and, after a thorough examination of the case, unanimously decided that in order to take the arsenal it would be necessary to attack with a force of no less than thirty thousand men, of whom fifteen to twenty thousand would undoubtedly perish in the assault, and that it would be necessary at the same time to dynamite the whole central part of the City of Mexico in order to reach the arsenal, which is a one-story building, surrounded by high buildings; otherwise the attacking parties must approach through the streets, where they would be wholly at the mercy of artillery so placed as to command every street.
Madero Arrested.
The Senate, in view of these reports, and judging the attitude of Madero as that of a most despotic and cruel tyrant, or of a crazy man, arrived at the conclusion that he must resign.
They went in a body to see the President, who refused to receive them. Then they called on Gen. Huerta, Commander-in-Chief of the Government forces, and asked him repeatedly to take hold of the situation and save the city and the country from a national calamity which would, in a few hours, involve us in an international war. Gen. Huerta hesitated for a long time, but was finally convinced that it was the only possible solution, that his sacred duty to the country required him to take charge.
Knowing very well the tremendous responsibilities that would be his, and the blame that friends and enemies were sure to place on him. Huerta decided to arrest Madero, Pino Suarez, and the Cabinet if need be. Col. Jimenez Riverol and Izquierdo were ordered to ask the President in the name of the army for his resignation, and, in case of absolute refusal, to arrest him.
They went to the President's rooms and explained the case to him. He drew his revolver and fired, starting a general shooting affray, which ended in the death of Cols. Riverol, Izquierdo, and Marcos Hernandez, and the wounding of others.
Then Gen. Blanquet, now Minister of War, went to Madero's office and arrested him at the point of his revolver. By that time Congress was in session, the Diplomatic Corps had got together, and everybody was in a state of excitement.
Gen. Huerta proceeded to the arsenal and invited Gens. Diaz and Mondragon to come to the National Palace and end the fighting. When this was announced to the people there was jubilation in the City of Mexico. People marched through the streets, kissing each other, bells rang out, all felt as if they were beginning a new life. No national celebration, no religious festivity, no event of any kind, has ever been more greatly enjoyed and applauded than the end of the atrocious bombardment.
Madero and Pino Suarez tendered their resignations. It has been said that the resignations of both were obtained by violence. I repeat what I have said before — that of course a belligerent, having been defeated, does not spontaneously accede to the dictation of the conqueror, but, this being admitted, it is very different from employing personal violence or threats to enforce the consequences of defeat.
Messrs. Madero and Pino Suarez were visited personally and frequently by the Ministers of Spain and Japan, by Mesdames Madero and Pino Suarez, and by Ernesto Madero, late Secretary of the Treasury, and they all speak of the resignations without any mention of force or violence. Madero and Suarez would certainly have complained to those visitors of any violent acts against them, but no such claims have ever been heard of. Pedro Lascurain, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madero's best friend, and the man in whom be trusted so implicitly as to make him head of his Cabinet and send him to the United States on a confidential mission, was the bearer of Madero's resignation to Congress.
Had there been no such resignation, or had it been forced from Madero by personal violence, Mr. Lascurain, in behalf of his protector and friend, could have denounced such a crime to Congress, which was by no means under the control of Gen. Huerta, who at that time was not invested with any superior office or power.
I am sure that Congress would have willingly acceded to any of Mr. Lascurain's requests, as the majority of the representatives were elected as Maderistas.
To allege that force or violence were employed to secure Madero's resignation is not a reflection on Gen. Huerta, who was not then President, nor even a member of the Cabinet, but is equivalent to alleging that Madero himself, his friends and his family, Mr. Lascurain and the Cabinet, the Supreme Court and Congress, were all implicated in the plot.
I am not especially partial to Gen. Huerta, nor am I a blind supporter of the new government. I am not an enemy, but a friend, of the Madero family. I am a Mexican and a patriot, and I sincerely believe that the present government of the Republic of Mexico is the only and the best political organization left in the country -- a legal and a good government, under the circumstances. Furthermore, I think that Gov. Carranza, though he is a good friend of mine and a man of principles and of high standing in Mexico, is thoroughly mistaken in the attitude that he has taken, because, even admitting all the alleged grievances against President Huerta and his government. Carranza has no right to ruin his country and throw Mexico back two or three generations; to wreck trains, burn bridges, cut telegraph and telephone wires, sack towns, and destroy property. These are no arguments against the government of Huerta, nor do they entitle him to call himself a constitutionalist.
If he thinks that President Huerta is guilty of any crime, he can impeach him before the Congress of Mexico, before the courts of Mexico, before the Congress and courts of all the nations of the world, before public opinion, and demand universal condemnation. He ought to get the proofs together and publish them widely and openly, so as to call him to account. But he has no right to make Mexico, his country, suffer for the errors of any politician, because, no matter what has happened, Mexico, as a whole, is not to blame for it.
He does not show much love for his country by his actions. Personal ambition seems to be the predominating motive. Félix Diaz has renounced personal ambitions for his country's good. De la Barra proposes to leave his country for its benefit. Carranza appears to think that the way to avenge Madero is by killing thousands of innocent people, led like lambs to the slaughter, with no knowledge of why they are killing their brothers or being killed by them.
Carranza's Attitude.
Carranza appears to think that the way to enforce constitutional laws is by burning, wrecking, looting, stealing, and spreading death and desolation broadcast. This is the reason why I cannot be in accord with, or be a political friend of, or lend any aid to Gov. Carranza and his followers. Besides, it would not do any good to the country should Carranza win. Such a result would be followed by three or four more revolutions. He has not discovered the formula for solving the many and great problems which pacification of Mexico involves, and, if he cannot accomplish, good, he ought not to seek the destruction of the whole, the more so when he has proved himself unable to prevent his men, who sarcastically call themselves constitutionalists, from killing and looting.
The pacification of Mexico involves problems more difficult than in any other country. Do you suppose that the men who are now living the irresponsible lives of soldiers on two pesos a day, with rifles, horses, and women at their disposal, drinking and looting, and winning what they call glory, will return to the peonage system at 50 cents a day? Cannot you see that the victory or defeat of Carranza cannot restore peace in Mexico?
On the other hand, can the government of Huerta, or any other government of Mexico, accomplish any fundamental thing or restore peace, with a neighboring country furnishing its enemies with arms, ammunition, money, and moral support, and not enforcing the neutrality laws?
You want us to restore peace immediately, as a condition for obtaining your friendship. Furthermore, you want us to hold elections -- not any kind of elections, but that sort which you call elections, according to your ways and methods, your principles, your level of political education!
Señor Emeterio de la Garza, Jr., Writes for The Times of the Difficulties Confronting the Present Administration and Gives a Graphic Picture of Mexico City's Days of Tragedy.
The article printed below is by Señor Emeterio do la Garza, Jr., who has been commissioned by Gen. Huerta, head of the Government of Mexico to endeavor to give the American people a clearer idea of what kind of man Gen. Huerta is and what kind of problems he is facing in his administration of the neighboring republic.
Señor de la Garza was in the city or Mexico throughout the bombardment of last February when his residence was wrecked by artillery fire. He was one of the delegates who went to the American Embassy on the invitation of our Ambassador and conferred there on behalf of the Madero government with the delegates representing Gen. Félix Diaz, leader of the anti-Madero revolt. When Huerta and Diaz came to an understanding, Señor de la Garza threw in his lot with the former against Madero.
Señor de la Garza sums up the object of his mission in these words:
"A prompt solution of Mexico's problems by Gen. Huerta is impossible. The American people ought to understand that."
By Emeterio de la Garza, Jr.
THE time has come when I, because others do not know or do not dare, have to explain to the American people, whom I regard as the greatest and most just people of the world, the real situation in which we find ourselves, and I will say it regardless of diplomatic conventions, official statements, and friendly considerations, because the time has arrived when we have to decide fundamental problems, to protect the greatest national and international interests, and to save the country.
Three hundred years of Spanish rule in Mexico cannot be counted toward education, progress, or civilization; on the contrary, they were years of slavery, ignorance, and fanaticism. The struggle for independence was severe, and civil wars followed in its wake for sixty-three years.
It was an ocean of blood — fighting for principles, for religion, for nationality — fighting between the Creoles and Indians, between liberals and conservatives, always disputing the control of Mexican public affairs.
In 1876, Gen. Porfirio Diaz became President of Mexico and began a new era which, even if in the beginning it was not peaceable, was nevertheless the start of modern methods and strong military and political measures intended to establish Mexico on a new basis.
The Diaz regime lasted thirty-five years. Many good things and great material and industrial progress were accomplished while he was President, but, as a consequence of his many years of power, he became so terribly despotic that the country could not stand him any longer and was anxious for the change long due in justice to humanity.
Then the revolution of Madero, which arose from outraged public opinion, made not a bloody but a necessary change. Madero or anybody, provided there was a change! — and it was Madero because he and his family had the money necessary to finance the revolution.
A Good Man But Incapable.
Madero was mentally, morally, and physically incapable of ruling the country. We all knew that before political movements were started. His own family knew it, and in several public statements they let Gen. Diaz and the Mexican people know that they were not in accord with what Madero was doing. The sudden retirement of Gen. Diaz, which belied his ostentation and demonstrated his weakness, gave Madero full control of the situation — a very great surprise to him, to the government, and to the country, but not to us, who foresaw it long before. I wrote and published a book predicting the whole change one year before Madero took any active part in the politics of Mexico.
In a day he found himself a hero. He sincerely believed he was a victor, while the people rejoiced because of the change, and were entering on a new life. So Madero was proclaimed President of Mexico in a blaze of enthusiasm — Oh! let us call it an election — he actually received twenty thousand votes from a population of eighteen millions. It was a sort of delirium rather than anything else.
When the people of Mexico found that they had put in the chair a man who did not have any of the qualities necessary to rule the country, not even the physical aspect to command respect, their only thought and purpose was to seek how to remedy their great mistake. You will be surprised to learn that, three months after Madero had become President of Mexico, twenty-three out of the twenty-eight of his fellow-revolutionary leaders were either in jail or arrayed in arms and in the field against him.
Madero was a good man; an exceptionally good an for making a propaganda of altruistic ideas; he was a believer in democracy, a mystic and a puritan, and he had at heart the welfare of his people. I have not an unkind word to say against the man. He did what he could — he attempted more than he could do — his only fault was the acceptance of an office which he ought to have known was beyond his power and, I dare say, beyond his ambition.
He was altogether radical, and the old conservative society of Mexico, the good and intelligent people of Mexico, and the methods and conditions of the country could not stand the shock. When Madero took possession of the Government of Mexico he did not have men capable of forming a government, and he gave the cabinet offices and the most delicate duties to the members of his family, not because of their ability, but because he believed them loyal, which created a very peculiar state of affairs, since they attempted to rule Mexico as they had administered one of their old "haciendas." This, of course, could not be done.
Orozco's Rebellion.
Orozco, Madero's lieutenant and right-hand man, was the first who raised arms against his old friend. Madero had to rely on the Federal Army, which he had so bitterly fought and opposed, to save him and his new government. The army was faithful, quickly responded to the call of duty and, commanded by the Minister of War, Gen. Gonzales Salas, advanced to meet Orozco and his troops. They had a very bloody battle at Rallano, where neither got the better of the other, but each, contrary to usual military custom, thought itself defeated. The Minister of War, not being able to endure his supposed defeat, committed suicide on the field. The shock of the news of this battle caused such alarm and anxiety throughout the whole Republic that the people lost all their confidence in the Madero government and believed it could not last three days more.
Then Madero and his government placed themselves in the hands of Gen. Victoriano Huerta, the bravest and most celebrated man in the army, who promptly reorganized the disbanded army and advanced to meet Orozco, who had marched south as far as Conejos, near Torreon. Gen. Huerta gave battle at Conejos and defeated Orozco altogether.
Then the revolutionists returned to Rallano, where Gen. Huerta met Orozco and again crushed him. Then Orozco fortified himself in the Cañon of Bachimba, his last stronghold, which he believed to be impregnable.
Gen. Huerta followed his enemy to the foot of the mountains at Bachimba, defeated him absolutely, and later drove him out of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juarez.
I need not state that after such great victories Gen. Huerta was the man of the hour, the hero of the army, and the most popular man in Mexico. He was first and above all the savior of the Madero government. Yet, on returning to the City of Mexico, he received as his only recompense a cold reception and an immediate discharge.
He retired to his home in poverty and distress, but the army could not forget the outrage nor its General, and since that moment every soldier in Mexico desired to see Gen. Huerta in the place where he belonged — where he is.
The unsuccessful revolutions of Gen. Bernardo Reyes and of Gen. Félix Diaz had taken place about that time, and both were in prison, a thing which also hurt the army.
The whole country was in a state of revolt. Zapata, another of Madero's strongest lieutenants, had risen in the State of Morelos. The Congress, lately elected as Maderistas, was, as a whole, inimical to the young and incompetent President, because of his continuous errors; under such conditions and in such times a plot was started on the ninth of February, 1913, against the Madero government.
Gen. Manuel Mondragon, inventor of the celebrated Mondragon gun, who had been in command of the artillery of the Mexican Army for twenty years, had convinced his subordinates that it was necessary to free Gen. Reyes and Gen. Diaz from prison. So they went to the prison of Santiago, in the City of Mexico, freed Gen. Reyes, and put him at the head of the movement. Then Gen. Reyes went to the penitentiary of the City of Mexico and freed Gen. Félix Diaz, with the understanding that Reyes was to make an attack on the National Palace, while Diaz and Mondragon were to seize the arsenal. Reyes was shot and killed just as he was entering the National Palace — thirteen machine-gun bullets entered his body. Diaz and Mondragon, without knowledge of Reyes's death, were successful in seizing the arsenal.
Madero, having been awakened and notified, called Gen. Huerta, who was living at the time as a private citizen in his home, and begged him to save him once more. Gen. Huerta once more placed himself at the orders of the government, proceeded with Madero to the National Palace, and prepared a plan of defense.
Then an artillery duel began between the two opposing forces at the National Palace and the arsenal, and a fearful and horrible scene ensued.
The continuous bombardment lasted from Sunday, Feb. 9. until Tuesday, the 19th, ten bloody days. During all that time everything was closed — banks, churches, hotels, shops, and houses. We had no money, food, or sleep; no tramways, taxicabs, carriages, telephones, electric lights; no policemen, courts, or authorities — nothing!
Up to the tenth day no regular battle had been fought between the two combatants, who had only engaged in local street affairs and were just taking position. Yet up to that day the Red Cross Society and the police stations reported 6,400 dead, more than half of them being non-combatants, women or children, who had been forced to go into the streets, starving to death, for food.
On Sunday morning, the 16th of February, just a week after the trouble began, I was with Gen. Huerta in his military headquarters at the National Palace, discussing the general situation, and I learned from him that at the request of the Diplomatic Corps, headed by the United States Ambassador, Hon. Henry Lane Wilson, an armistice had been agreed upon, which was to expire at 2 o'clock on the following Monday morning. Mr. Gustavo Madero came in at that time, and soon after Vice President Pino Suarez and Señor Jaime Gurza, Minister of Communications and Public Works.
We were speaking of the best means to protect the telegraph offices, when the Military Attaché of the American Embassy in Mexico, carrying in his right hand a big American flag, and followed by Dr. Ryan, called on Gen. Huerta, asking for an interview on urgent matters and that somebody who could speak English should be present during the meeting. Madero, Pino Suarez, and Gurza left the rooms, and I was about to follow their example when Gen. Huerta asked me to remain and act as interpreter.
Wilson Asks Armistice.
The Military Attaché began by saying that His Excellency, the Ambassador, was pleased and thankful because an armistice had been granted, but, unfortunately, it had been granted on Sunday, and that did not cover the necessities of the city and of the people, especially of foreigners desirous of moving or of leaving the country; that his idea was to give the city a business day, during which banks, stores, and shops might remain open, and all kinds of transactions be possible. Therefore, in the name of His Excellency, the American Ambassador, who was acting as the representative of the whole Diplomatic Corps, Gen. Huerta was requested to extend the armistice through the next day, Monday, Feb. 17, until 8 P.M.
The attaché furthermore stated that he had spoken with Gen. Félix Diaz at the Arsenal, and that he was willing to extend the armistice through Monday if the Government would agree to it.
I translated all this into Spanish to
Gen. Huerta, who promptly gave a favorable answer. Then the attaché said that he was also instructed in case of agreement, to request Gen. Huerta to appoint two delegates, who should meet two representatives from Gen. Diaz at the American embassy in order to hold a conference and to fix the details of the extended armistice, as both parties were claiming that the other's soldiers had taken advantage of the suspension of hostlities. Gen. Huerta named Gen. José Delgado and myself as the Government Commissioners, and the Military Attaché, Gen. Delgado, Dr. Ryan, and myself left the palace for the embassy.
When we arrived there we were met by the Ambassador in person, who thanked us. The Military Attaché and Dr. Ryan proceeded to the Arsenal to report to Gen. Diaz that the Government had consented to extend the armistice and that its delegates were at the embassy waiting for his Commissioners. Soon after the attaché and Dr. Ryan came, accompanied by Mr. Fidencio Hernandez and Col. Barrios Castro, and the session began, the American Ambassador presiding.
Madero Will Not Listen.
Mr. Hernandez and I exchanged credentials. He, on behalf of the Arsenal troops, and I, on behalf of the Government, did all the talking. The credentials issued by Gen. Diaz, which Mr. Hernandez presented to me, included full powers to negotiate peace and to settle the whole armed rebellion. The credentials that Gen. Delgado and myself had were only for the purpose of fixing the details of the extension of the armistice during Monday, the 17th of February, up to 8 P.M.
Mr. Hernandez found some objection to the limitations of our credentials and I, while admitting them, requested him not to break off the negotiations because, the city having taken in good faith the announcement of the extended armistice, the streets were full of people moving from one part to the other, and it would have been an awful thing to resume hostilities, the Government having pledged itself to suspend operations until 2 A.M. I also suggested that if the representatives of Gen. Diaz would kindly wait at the embassy a couple of hours Gen. Delgado and myself would go to the palace and bring as broad and ample credentials as they had, because the limitations of our credentials were due, in my judgment, to the fact that the Military Attaché of the embassy had only spoken to Gen. Huerta of the extension of the armistice, and had never said a word regarding peace or settling of the general difficulties. This the Military Attaché, who was present, confirmed before the Ambassador. The idea seemed to suit all concerned, so Gen. Delgado and myself left for the National Palace, promising to return within two hours with full credentials.
When Gen. Delgado and myself arrived at the National Palace we found President Francisco I. Madero there, together with Ernesto Madero, Minister of Finance, and Gustavo Madero, who, though not having any official title, was the power behind the throne.
I explained to the President what we had done at the embassy and that we had returned to get credentials similar to those furnished to the other parties, of which I had a copy. President Madero positively, emphatically, and wrathfully answered me that he would not hear or listen or in any way consider such a proposition. I told him most respectfully that we were not asking for credentials to negotiate or to arrange peace, but just in order to hear the propositions that Gen. Diaz and his representatives were willing to present. But the President would not consent to it.
Then Gen. Delgado told Mr. Madero that the Government could find out certain interior conditions of the Arsenal by listening to these peace propositions, and he recommended that credentials should be granted to us, as an advantageous military measure, but President Madero again refused to consider the case. Then Gen. Huerta spoke for himself, telling the President that even in the case that he considered the peace propositions from the Arsenal as an insult to him, he ought to listen to them, because such action would in no wise be to endure the insult.
The President then went to another room with Messrs. Ernesto and Gustavo Madero and Gen. Huerta. Soon after they returned, and the President absolutely refused to issue such credentials as were asked for, thereby closing the matter. I went as far as to tell the President that I regarded it as a matter of honor to return to the embassy, because we had pledged our word to go there and the representatives of Gen. Diaz were waiting for us, but I got no satisfaction.
The President furthermore stated that he had been told that the troops of Gen. Diaz had during the early part of the armistice advanced and placed a machine gun on the top of a house in advance of their former position, and that he did not consider himself any longer obliged to respect the armistice until 2 A.M. next morning.
The Armistice Violated.
He issued orders to Gen. Huerta to open fire at once, the time being 4 P.M., Sunday, regardless of the printed notices which the Government had affixed in prominent places and circulated all through the city, to the effect that the armistice was effective until 2 A.M. Monday.
I had not yet left the National Palace when the guns of the Government began to fire. The armistice was violated at that hour by order of President Madero, and firing continued until noon on Tuesday, the 19th of February.
On the eighth day the news reached the City of Mexico that American battleships had arrived at Vera Cruz and Tampico on the Gulf, and at Mazatlan and Acapulco on the Pacific Coast, and that marines were about to land and proceed to the City of Mexico to protect the legations. We all realized that if the bluejackets should arrive, trouble would begin right there. Intervention would have become a fact within twenty-four hours.
Madero, who was insane, would not stop to reason and had given orders to all the garrisons protecting the other cities and States of the Republic of Mexico to come immediately to the capital, thereby leaving the whole Republic in the hands of revolutionists and bandits. These, immediately after the Federal troops had departed, entered the cities and began to loot and massacre, throwing the whole country into a state of anarchy.
Under the circumstances, Pedro Lascurain, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Madero Cabinet, decided to call the Senate to a special session. There he reported the state of affairs and asked in the name of the country and of God that some solution be found for the terrible situation. The Senate, after deliberation, concluded that a meeting of the best military men of Mexico should be held immediately to report on the measures to be taken. All our best Generals got together and, after a thorough examination of the case, unanimously decided that in order to take the arsenal it would be necessary to attack with a force of no less than thirty thousand men, of whom fifteen to twenty thousand would undoubtedly perish in the assault, and that it would be necessary at the same time to dynamite the whole central part of the City of Mexico in order to reach the arsenal, which is a one-story building, surrounded by high buildings; otherwise the attacking parties must approach through the streets, where they would be wholly at the mercy of artillery so placed as to command every street.
Madero Arrested.
The Senate, in view of these reports, and judging the attitude of Madero as that of a most despotic and cruel tyrant, or of a crazy man, arrived at the conclusion that he must resign.
They went in a body to see the President, who refused to receive them. Then they called on Gen. Huerta, Commander-in-Chief of the Government forces, and asked him repeatedly to take hold of the situation and save the city and the country from a national calamity which would, in a few hours, involve us in an international war. Gen. Huerta hesitated for a long time, but was finally convinced that it was the only possible solution, that his sacred duty to the country required him to take charge.
Knowing very well the tremendous responsibilities that would be his, and the blame that friends and enemies were sure to place on him. Huerta decided to arrest Madero, Pino Suarez, and the Cabinet if need be. Col. Jimenez Riverol and Izquierdo were ordered to ask the President in the name of the army for his resignation, and, in case of absolute refusal, to arrest him.
They went to the President's rooms and explained the case to him. He drew his revolver and fired, starting a general shooting affray, which ended in the death of Cols. Riverol, Izquierdo, and Marcos Hernandez, and the wounding of others.
Then Gen. Blanquet, now Minister of War, went to Madero's office and arrested him at the point of his revolver. By that time Congress was in session, the Diplomatic Corps had got together, and everybody was in a state of excitement.
Gen. Huerta proceeded to the arsenal and invited Gens. Diaz and Mondragon to come to the National Palace and end the fighting. When this was announced to the people there was jubilation in the City of Mexico. People marched through the streets, kissing each other, bells rang out, all felt as if they were beginning a new life. No national celebration, no religious festivity, no event of any kind, has ever been more greatly enjoyed and applauded than the end of the atrocious bombardment.
Madero and Pino Suarez tendered their resignations. It has been said that the resignations of both were obtained by violence. I repeat what I have said before — that of course a belligerent, having been defeated, does not spontaneously accede to the dictation of the conqueror, but, this being admitted, it is very different from employing personal violence or threats to enforce the consequences of defeat.
Messrs. Madero and Pino Suarez were visited personally and frequently by the Ministers of Spain and Japan, by Mesdames Madero and Pino Suarez, and by Ernesto Madero, late Secretary of the Treasury, and they all speak of the resignations without any mention of force or violence. Madero and Suarez would certainly have complained to those visitors of any violent acts against them, but no such claims have ever been heard of. Pedro Lascurain, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madero's best friend, and the man in whom be trusted so implicitly as to make him head of his Cabinet and send him to the United States on a confidential mission, was the bearer of Madero's resignation to Congress.
Had there been no such resignation, or had it been forced from Madero by personal violence, Mr. Lascurain, in behalf of his protector and friend, could have denounced such a crime to Congress, which was by no means under the control of Gen. Huerta, who at that time was not invested with any superior office or power.
I am sure that Congress would have willingly acceded to any of Mr. Lascurain's requests, as the majority of the representatives were elected as Maderistas.
To allege that force or violence were employed to secure Madero's resignation is not a reflection on Gen. Huerta, who was not then President, nor even a member of the Cabinet, but is equivalent to alleging that Madero himself, his friends and his family, Mr. Lascurain and the Cabinet, the Supreme Court and Congress, were all implicated in the plot.
I am not especially partial to Gen. Huerta, nor am I a blind supporter of the new government. I am not an enemy, but a friend, of the Madero family. I am a Mexican and a patriot, and I sincerely believe that the present government of the Republic of Mexico is the only and the best political organization left in the country -- a legal and a good government, under the circumstances. Furthermore, I think that Gov. Carranza, though he is a good friend of mine and a man of principles and of high standing in Mexico, is thoroughly mistaken in the attitude that he has taken, because, even admitting all the alleged grievances against President Huerta and his government. Carranza has no right to ruin his country and throw Mexico back two or three generations; to wreck trains, burn bridges, cut telegraph and telephone wires, sack towns, and destroy property. These are no arguments against the government of Huerta, nor do they entitle him to call himself a constitutionalist.
If he thinks that President Huerta is guilty of any crime, he can impeach him before the Congress of Mexico, before the courts of Mexico, before the Congress and courts of all the nations of the world, before public opinion, and demand universal condemnation. He ought to get the proofs together and publish them widely and openly, so as to call him to account. But he has no right to make Mexico, his country, suffer for the errors of any politician, because, no matter what has happened, Mexico, as a whole, is not to blame for it.
He does not show much love for his country by his actions. Personal ambition seems to be the predominating motive. Félix Diaz has renounced personal ambitions for his country's good. De la Barra proposes to leave his country for its benefit. Carranza appears to think that the way to avenge Madero is by killing thousands of innocent people, led like lambs to the slaughter, with no knowledge of why they are killing their brothers or being killed by them.
Carranza's Attitude.
Carranza appears to think that the way to enforce constitutional laws is by burning, wrecking, looting, stealing, and spreading death and desolation broadcast. This is the reason why I cannot be in accord with, or be a political friend of, or lend any aid to Gov. Carranza and his followers. Besides, it would not do any good to the country should Carranza win. Such a result would be followed by three or four more revolutions. He has not discovered the formula for solving the many and great problems which pacification of Mexico involves, and, if he cannot accomplish, good, he ought not to seek the destruction of the whole, the more so when he has proved himself unable to prevent his men, who sarcastically call themselves constitutionalists, from killing and looting.
The pacification of Mexico involves problems more difficult than in any other country. Do you suppose that the men who are now living the irresponsible lives of soldiers on two pesos a day, with rifles, horses, and women at their disposal, drinking and looting, and winning what they call glory, will return to the peonage system at 50 cents a day? Cannot you see that the victory or defeat of Carranza cannot restore peace in Mexico?
On the other hand, can the government of Huerta, or any other government of Mexico, accomplish any fundamental thing or restore peace, with a neighboring country furnishing its enemies with arms, ammunition, money, and moral support, and not enforcing the neutrality laws?
You want us to restore peace immediately, as a condition for obtaining your friendship. Furthermore, you want us to hold elections -- not any kind of elections, but that sort which you call elections, according to your ways and methods, your principles, your level of political education!
Instead Of Review, Ships To Go To Sea.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 29, 1913:
Entire Atlantic Fleet Scheduled to Visit European Ports.
STOPS HUDSON RIVER SHOW
Summer Manoeuvres, However, Will Take Place as Usual, as Joint Army and Navy Affair.
The Hudson River naval mobilization, which has attracted so many thousands of visitors to New York in the last two years, will not take place this year. The plans for the 1913 review by the President and Secretary of the Navy called for the mobilization at New York in October of all the vessels in the Atlantic Fleet, three reviews in all being on the tentative programme, two by the President, and one by the Secretary of the Navy.
This plan has been abandoned, and following a suggestion from Rear Admiral Charles J. Badger, the new Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, a cruise by the entire fleet of twenty-one dreadnoughts and first-line battle-ships will be made to European waters in the coming Fall. The cruise will begin some time in October, and will end about Christmas time, the ships returning in time to give officers and men a chance to spend the holidays on shore.
Rear Admiral Fiske, the aid for operations in Washington, is working out the programme of the cruise which will be submitted shortly to the Secretary of the Navy for his approval. In addition to the dreadnoughts and battle-ships, it is said that one or more flotillas of torpedo-boat destroyers from the Atlantic Torpedo Fleet may accompany the armorclads on their visit to European ports.
But while New York will be deprived of the big naval show this year, the annual Summer manoeuvres off the Long Island Coast will take place as usual the first of August. The work this year will be a joint navy and army affair, and will call into action the coast artillerymen from all of the fortifications on the Atlantic seaboard, as well as most of the ships of both the battleship and torpedo organizations.
The land operations will be directed from the forts in the Long Island-Narragansett Coast Artillery Districts, Major William Chamberlaine, Coast Artillery Corps, U.S.A., having been designated to map out the programme to be followed by the artillerymen. The manoeuvre will last about a week, and, theoretically, a lot of big towns, including New York, will figure in the battles, which will show just how efficient are the sea and land arms of the service.
Within the next few weeks there will be a shift of many flagships in the Atlantic Fleet. In the first division the new and bigger superdreadnought Arkansas will supplant the Florida as the flagship of Rear Admiral Cameron McR. Winslow, the division commander. The Louisiana will take the place of the Vermont as flagship of the second division, and the Rhode Island will become flagship of the third division, in place of the Virginia.
Entire Atlantic Fleet Scheduled to Visit European Ports.
STOPS HUDSON RIVER SHOW
Summer Manoeuvres, However, Will Take Place as Usual, as Joint Army and Navy Affair.
The Hudson River naval mobilization, which has attracted so many thousands of visitors to New York in the last two years, will not take place this year. The plans for the 1913 review by the President and Secretary of the Navy called for the mobilization at New York in October of all the vessels in the Atlantic Fleet, three reviews in all being on the tentative programme, two by the President, and one by the Secretary of the Navy.
This plan has been abandoned, and following a suggestion from Rear Admiral Charles J. Badger, the new Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, a cruise by the entire fleet of twenty-one dreadnoughts and first-line battle-ships will be made to European waters in the coming Fall. The cruise will begin some time in October, and will end about Christmas time, the ships returning in time to give officers and men a chance to spend the holidays on shore.
Rear Admiral Fiske, the aid for operations in Washington, is working out the programme of the cruise which will be submitted shortly to the Secretary of the Navy for his approval. In addition to the dreadnoughts and battle-ships, it is said that one or more flotillas of torpedo-boat destroyers from the Atlantic Torpedo Fleet may accompany the armorclads on their visit to European ports.
But while New York will be deprived of the big naval show this year, the annual Summer manoeuvres off the Long Island Coast will take place as usual the first of August. The work this year will be a joint navy and army affair, and will call into action the coast artillerymen from all of the fortifications on the Atlantic seaboard, as well as most of the ships of both the battleship and torpedo organizations.
The land operations will be directed from the forts in the Long Island-Narragansett Coast Artillery Districts, Major William Chamberlaine, Coast Artillery Corps, U.S.A., having been designated to map out the programme to be followed by the artillerymen. The manoeuvre will last about a week, and, theoretically, a lot of big towns, including New York, will figure in the battles, which will show just how efficient are the sea and land arms of the service.
Within the next few weeks there will be a shift of many flagships in the Atlantic Fleet. In the first division the new and bigger superdreadnought Arkansas will supplant the Florida as the flagship of Rear Admiral Cameron McR. Winslow, the division commander. The Louisiana will take the place of the Vermont as flagship of the second division, and the Rhode Island will become flagship of the third division, in place of the Virginia.
Fits Aeroplane For Firing Torpedoes.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 29, 1913:
A Swoop from the Sky and Missile Is Sent on Its Way.
DROPS AT HIGH SPEED
Naval Guns of the Present Day Unable to Hit an Aeroplane Under Such Conditions.
Rear Admiral Bradley A. Fiske, until recently in command of the first division of the Atlantic fleet, now on duty as aid for operations in the Navy Department at Washington, has invented an apparatus which is believed to make possible the firing of submarine torpedoes from aeroplanes. The device can be fitted to any type of aeroplane. Naval officers who have seen the model in The Patent Office in Washington are enthusiastic over the possibilities of the Fiske invention as a means of defense. The torpedo which the aeroplane attachment is designed to discharge may be of any of the standard types, and is carried in chocks on the bottom or lower frame of the aeroplane. A strap connected with the aeroplane passes below the torpedo, holding it. and is then again connected with the operating part of the aeroplane proper. The torpedo is held rigidly in place, its bow pointing in the same direction as the airship. The projectile is released by a lever apparatus operated by the foot of the aviator, the torpedo falling horizontally out of the chocks into the water and then speeding on its way to the ship against which it is aimed.
In directing and delivering the attack the naval aviator flies at a comparatively high altitude to a point about 1,500 yards distant from the target. He then swoops downward at a high rate of speed, and, as nearly vertically as possible until within ten or fifteen feet of the water, directing his flight so that on reaching the desired low elevation the bow of the torpedo bears on the target. The aviator then throws his lever which starts the propelling mechanism in the torpedo, after which the projectile drops into the water and thereafter performs its work.
The advantages of the Fiske invention are that the torpedo is held firmly to the airship, and practically becomes a part of it, so that the directing of the aeroplane toward the target also directs the torpedo. It is suspended in the position which it assumes in the water — that is, horizontal — and retains that position after being released. The releasing device is under the control of the aviator at all times.
The advantage of approaching the target at a relatively high elevation and then rapidly descending to a lower one before releasing the torpedo is, supposing the target to be a battleship, that it is practically impossible with present-day naval guns to hit an object falling from a great height, owing to the resulting change in range and the consequent elevation of the guns. The advantages obtained by proceeding to within about 1,500 yards of the enemy are that the chances of the torpedo getting home are increased, and the aeroplane is able to carry torpedoes of lighter than ordinary weight, since torpedoes designed for long ranges are much heavier than those fired at shorter distances.
While the Fiske invention is attracting the attention of naval officers here and abroad, there comes news of still another wonderful invention, the object of which is to protect war vessels from torpedo attack. This invention is of German origin. It is an "illuminated shell" loaded with calcium carbide. The shell is fired in the usual way. On striking the water the shell sinks a few feet and the water entering the shell through apertures, sets up chemical action which generates gas, the resulting buoyancy driving the shell back to the surface, after which the gas is automatically ignited, .shedding an equal light over a large area. The light is equal to 1,000 candle power and will burn for an hour. The object of the inventor is to surround a battleship at night with these illuminated shells, thus rendering practically impossible the unobserved approach of torpedo craft of all types.
A Swoop from the Sky and Missile Is Sent on Its Way.
DROPS AT HIGH SPEED
Naval Guns of the Present Day Unable to Hit an Aeroplane Under Such Conditions.
Rear Admiral Bradley A. Fiske, until recently in command of the first division of the Atlantic fleet, now on duty as aid for operations in the Navy Department at Washington, has invented an apparatus which is believed to make possible the firing of submarine torpedoes from aeroplanes. The device can be fitted to any type of aeroplane. Naval officers who have seen the model in The Patent Office in Washington are enthusiastic over the possibilities of the Fiske invention as a means of defense. The torpedo which the aeroplane attachment is designed to discharge may be of any of the standard types, and is carried in chocks on the bottom or lower frame of the aeroplane. A strap connected with the aeroplane passes below the torpedo, holding it. and is then again connected with the operating part of the aeroplane proper. The torpedo is held rigidly in place, its bow pointing in the same direction as the airship. The projectile is released by a lever apparatus operated by the foot of the aviator, the torpedo falling horizontally out of the chocks into the water and then speeding on its way to the ship against which it is aimed.
In directing and delivering the attack the naval aviator flies at a comparatively high altitude to a point about 1,500 yards distant from the target. He then swoops downward at a high rate of speed, and, as nearly vertically as possible until within ten or fifteen feet of the water, directing his flight so that on reaching the desired low elevation the bow of the torpedo bears on the target. The aviator then throws his lever which starts the propelling mechanism in the torpedo, after which the projectile drops into the water and thereafter performs its work.
The advantages of the Fiske invention are that the torpedo is held firmly to the airship, and practically becomes a part of it, so that the directing of the aeroplane toward the target also directs the torpedo. It is suspended in the position which it assumes in the water — that is, horizontal — and retains that position after being released. The releasing device is under the control of the aviator at all times.
The advantage of approaching the target at a relatively high elevation and then rapidly descending to a lower one before releasing the torpedo is, supposing the target to be a battleship, that it is practically impossible with present-day naval guns to hit an object falling from a great height, owing to the resulting change in range and the consequent elevation of the guns. The advantages obtained by proceeding to within about 1,500 yards of the enemy are that the chances of the torpedo getting home are increased, and the aeroplane is able to carry torpedoes of lighter than ordinary weight, since torpedoes designed for long ranges are much heavier than those fired at shorter distances.
While the Fiske invention is attracting the attention of naval officers here and abroad, there comes news of still another wonderful invention, the object of which is to protect war vessels from torpedo attack. This invention is of German origin. It is an "illuminated shell" loaded with calcium carbide. The shell is fired in the usual way. On striking the water the shell sinks a few feet and the water entering the shell through apertures, sets up chemical action which generates gas, the resulting buoyancy driving the shell back to the surface, after which the gas is automatically ignited, .shedding an equal light over a large area. The light is equal to 1,000 candle power and will burn for an hour. The object of the inventor is to surround a battleship at night with these illuminated shells, thus rendering practically impossible the unobserved approach of torpedo craft of all types.
Huertain Collector Fight.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 29, 1913:
Objection to Possible Texas Appointment Astonishes Washington.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 28.— The Huerta Government of Mexico has protested to the United States Government against the suggested appointment by President Wilson of Frank Rabb of Brownsville as Collector of Customs on the lower Rio Grande. The cause of this unusual procedure of a foreign Government protesting against a possible appointment by this Government to a domestic office has not been learned.
Secretary Bryan when asked to-night about the matter said that he has been advised that an objection has been filed by the Mexican Government, but he has not seen the document, and does not know on what grounds the objection was based. He declined to say what notice, if any, the American Government would take of the protest.
Frank Rabb is the leader of the Progressive Democrats on the lower Rio Grande, and is being pressed by that element of the party for Collector in the customs district which has its headquarters at Laredo. He is backed by Senator Sheppard, but Senator Culberson has so far declined to support him. The opposition to Rabb is said to come in the main from men who opposed Wilson in the Presidential primaries.
How Huerta has become involved in the clash between the factions of Texas Democrats over the Collectorship is not clear. On the frontier, however, Mexican politics and Texas politics are often interwoven. The break between Huerta and Diaz appears to have become very wide of late. While Mr. Rabb's sympathies in the Mexican situation are not known. Marshall Hicks of San Antonio, one of Rabb's principal supporters, was the legal adviser of the Diaz-Reyes coalition which began the fight on Madero while Huerta was Madero's leading General.
Objection to Possible Texas Appointment Astonishes Washington.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 28.— The Huerta Government of Mexico has protested to the United States Government against the suggested appointment by President Wilson of Frank Rabb of Brownsville as Collector of Customs on the lower Rio Grande. The cause of this unusual procedure of a foreign Government protesting against a possible appointment by this Government to a domestic office has not been learned.
Secretary Bryan when asked to-night about the matter said that he has been advised that an objection has been filed by the Mexican Government, but he has not seen the document, and does not know on what grounds the objection was based. He declined to say what notice, if any, the American Government would take of the protest.
Frank Rabb is the leader of the Progressive Democrats on the lower Rio Grande, and is being pressed by that element of the party for Collector in the customs district which has its headquarters at Laredo. He is backed by Senator Sheppard, but Senator Culberson has so far declined to support him. The opposition to Rabb is said to come in the main from men who opposed Wilson in the Presidential primaries.
How Huerta has become involved in the clash between the factions of Texas Democrats over the Collectorship is not clear. On the frontier, however, Mexican politics and Texas politics are often interwoven. The break between Huerta and Diaz appears to have become very wide of late. While Mr. Rabb's sympathies in the Mexican situation are not known. Marshall Hicks of San Antonio, one of Rabb's principal supporters, was the legal adviser of the Diaz-Reyes coalition which began the fight on Madero while Huerta was Madero's leading General.
Rebels Attack Guaymas.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 29, 1913:
Mexican Insurgents Pursue Many Bands of Ojeda's Federals.
NOGALES, Arizona, June 28.— The Constitutionalistas began an attack on Guaymas this morning, according to a dispatch which reached Nogales late today. Didier Masson, the French aviator associated with the insurgents, was reported to have made a flight over Guaymas and its harbor, returning with the information that Mexican Federal officials and sympathizers were being taken aboard the gunboats Guerrero, Morelos, and Martinez. Gens. Ojeda and Barron, the Federal leaders, were believed to be fleeing toward Bacatete. Gen. Obregon's rebels pursued many bands of retreating Federals capturing some in a demoralized condition.
DOUGLAS, Ariz., June 28.— The hope of the Mexican Constitutionalistas of entering Guaymas without a struggle ended to-day, when the Federal garrison of 700 at that place refused to surrender. The rebels, numbering 2,000 and headed by Gen. Obregon, immediately began an attack. This information was received at The Constitutionalist junta here, with the prediction that the rebels soon would be in command of Guaymas.
SAN DIEGO, Cal., June 28.— With accommodations for fifty passengers, the Mexican steamer Benito Juarez arrived here to-day from Mazatlan and Guaymas, Mexico, with 115 refugees. Smallpox was raging in Guaymas, the price of food was prohibitive, and the Mexican troops made life unbearable for Americans, the refugees assert.
Among the Americans on the steamer were H. H. Haas and Mrs. Haas of Guaymas. Mr. Haas is the agent of an express company. He said the company still was attempting to do business, but owing to the hostility of the Mexican populace he deemed it best to bring his wife to the United States.
Five members of a party of thirty-five Americans who walked 250 miles to Guaymas through the war zone arrived on the steamer. They asserted they were escorted into Guaymas by troops, robbed of all their money, and left to shift for themselves. According to their count, there were 3,500 rebels in the territory through which they passed.
Thirteen women and children of the Yberri family of Guaymas, said to be the wealthiest on the West Mexican Coast, arrived for an indefinite stay in the United States. They said the spread of the smallpox epidemic caused them to leave their home.
MEXICO CITY, June 28.— Col. Venustiano Carranza, rebel Governor of Coahuila, proposes as a basis of peace between his followers and those of the Administration that the permanent Cabinet Ministers as well as a candidate for the Presidency, be named at a convention of representatives of all the political parties in combination with rebel delegates.
It is suggested that President Huerta name immediately a Presidential candidate and a Minister for Foreign Affairs and then resign office, after which the choice of the convention would succeed constitutionally to the Provisional Presidency.
Mexican Insurgents Pursue Many Bands of Ojeda's Federals.
NOGALES, Arizona, June 28.— The Constitutionalistas began an attack on Guaymas this morning, according to a dispatch which reached Nogales late today. Didier Masson, the French aviator associated with the insurgents, was reported to have made a flight over Guaymas and its harbor, returning with the information that Mexican Federal officials and sympathizers were being taken aboard the gunboats Guerrero, Morelos, and Martinez. Gens. Ojeda and Barron, the Federal leaders, were believed to be fleeing toward Bacatete. Gen. Obregon's rebels pursued many bands of retreating Federals capturing some in a demoralized condition.
DOUGLAS, Ariz., June 28.— The hope of the Mexican Constitutionalistas of entering Guaymas without a struggle ended to-day, when the Federal garrison of 700 at that place refused to surrender. The rebels, numbering 2,000 and headed by Gen. Obregon, immediately began an attack. This information was received at The Constitutionalist junta here, with the prediction that the rebels soon would be in command of Guaymas.
SAN DIEGO, Cal., June 28.— With accommodations for fifty passengers, the Mexican steamer Benito Juarez arrived here to-day from Mazatlan and Guaymas, Mexico, with 115 refugees. Smallpox was raging in Guaymas, the price of food was prohibitive, and the Mexican troops made life unbearable for Americans, the refugees assert.
Among the Americans on the steamer were H. H. Haas and Mrs. Haas of Guaymas. Mr. Haas is the agent of an express company. He said the company still was attempting to do business, but owing to the hostility of the Mexican populace he deemed it best to bring his wife to the United States.
Five members of a party of thirty-five Americans who walked 250 miles to Guaymas through the war zone arrived on the steamer. They asserted they were escorted into Guaymas by troops, robbed of all their money, and left to shift for themselves. According to their count, there were 3,500 rebels in the territory through which they passed.
Thirteen women and children of the Yberri family of Guaymas, said to be the wealthiest on the West Mexican Coast, arrived for an indefinite stay in the United States. They said the spread of the smallpox epidemic caused them to leave their home.
MEXICO CITY, June 28.— Col. Venustiano Carranza, rebel Governor of Coahuila, proposes as a basis of peace between his followers and those of the Administration that the permanent Cabinet Ministers as well as a candidate for the Presidency, be named at a convention of representatives of all the political parties in combination with rebel delegates.
It is suggested that President Huerta name immediately a Presidential candidate and a Minister for Foreign Affairs and then resign office, after which the choice of the convention would succeed constitutionally to the Provisional Presidency.
Brown Insists On Demands.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 29, 1913:
Tells Huerta Without Them He Won't Run Mexican Roads.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
MEXICO CITY, June 28.— President Brown of the Mexican National Railways has not agreed to remain at the head of the system, although it is understood that Gen. Victoriano Huerta, Provisional President of the republic, insists that he shall do so. Mr. Brown exacts the granting of all the demands which he has made in the last seven years that have not been granted. He also requires the signing of a contract with the company.
Among the demands made by the railway President is the repeal of the Limantour circular, which began the Mexicanization of the national lines, providing for preference to Mexican employes in promotions. Mr. Brown also has stated that he demands the right to reinstate the American engineers who walked out over a year ago as a result of the compulsory Spanish reports of examinations.
It is rumored here that bankers in Wall Street and also in Europe have informed Provisional President Huerta that the retention of President Brown is imperative, if the Mexican loan is to he floated in the open market. On the other hand, it is believed that compliance with the demands of Mr. Brown might result in a general strike and also in the resignation of David de la Puente, Mexican Minister of Communications and Public Works, and in that of Alberto Robles Gil, the Minister whose portfolio includes the National Department of Labor.
No statement was available to-night from those officials to or from President Huerta. A rumor was current here that the Presidency of the lines has been offered to Lundro Fernandez, who was Minister of Communications and Public Works under President Porfirio Diaz. That rumor, however, was launched before the action by the bankers.
Tells Huerta Without Them He Won't Run Mexican Roads.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
MEXICO CITY, June 28.— President Brown of the Mexican National Railways has not agreed to remain at the head of the system, although it is understood that Gen. Victoriano Huerta, Provisional President of the republic, insists that he shall do so. Mr. Brown exacts the granting of all the demands which he has made in the last seven years that have not been granted. He also requires the signing of a contract with the company.
Among the demands made by the railway President is the repeal of the Limantour circular, which began the Mexicanization of the national lines, providing for preference to Mexican employes in promotions. Mr. Brown also has stated that he demands the right to reinstate the American engineers who walked out over a year ago as a result of the compulsory Spanish reports of examinations.
It is rumored here that bankers in Wall Street and also in Europe have informed Provisional President Huerta that the retention of President Brown is imperative, if the Mexican loan is to he floated in the open market. On the other hand, it is believed that compliance with the demands of Mr. Brown might result in a general strike and also in the resignation of David de la Puente, Mexican Minister of Communications and Public Works, and in that of Alberto Robles Gil, the Minister whose portfolio includes the National Department of Labor.
No statement was available to-night from those officials to or from President Huerta. A rumor was current here that the Presidency of the lines has been offered to Lundro Fernandez, who was Minister of Communications and Public Works under President Porfirio Diaz. That rumor, however, was launched before the action by the bankers.
All Untrue, Says Senator.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 29, 1913:
Except That He Does Own Property in Mexico.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 28.— The United States Senator accused by Mexican Government officials of having contributed to Mexican revolutionary funds chuckled several times to-night while he read a dispatch telling of his alleged revolutionary activities.
He said that the whole report was a lie except that he did own considerable property in Chihuahua. He never contributed a cent either directly or indirectly to any revolutionary agent, in any of the Mexican revolutions, he said.
As to Félix Diaz, he said that he never met him and never communicated with him either directly or indirectly.
He said he could think of no business transaction with any Mexican that might have been misunderstood as a subscription to a revolutionary fund. For several years, he said, he had done no business in Mexico on a large scale. The only single deal involving anything like $200,000, he said, occurred about eight years ago in the City of Mexico. And in that case, instead of giving a check, he paid part in bonds. Later he sold these bonds for the man to whom he had given them, through the Pearson Syndicate, and the Pearsons paid the money for him.
The Senator has always spoken freely of his former relations with Pascual Orozco, Jr., who headed the second revolution against Madero and who has now made his peace with the Huerta regime. Orozco was a contractor for forwarding mining properties, and as such had relations with many Americans, his friendship with the Senator being particularly close.
But the Senator said to-night that the last time he had seen Orozco was about five months before his outbreak against Madero. At that time Orozco asked his recommendation in obtaining some of his old work. The recommendation was given and the work obtained.
When Attorney General McReynolds was seen at the Department of Justice a few minutes before midnight and told of the report that the Department of Justice had photographic records alleged to show that the Senator had contributed a large sum to the Orozco revolution party in Mexico, he replied:
"I don't know a thing about it. If there are any records of the sort in the department, and, mind you, I don't say there are not, because there might be without my knowledge, I have never heard of them and know nothing of the matter. I think it is highly improbable that there is any evidence of the kind indicated in the possession of the department."
Except That He Does Own Property in Mexico.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 28.— The United States Senator accused by Mexican Government officials of having contributed to Mexican revolutionary funds chuckled several times to-night while he read a dispatch telling of his alleged revolutionary activities.
He said that the whole report was a lie except that he did own considerable property in Chihuahua. He never contributed a cent either directly or indirectly to any revolutionary agent, in any of the Mexican revolutions, he said.
As to Félix Diaz, he said that he never met him and never communicated with him either directly or indirectly.
He said he could think of no business transaction with any Mexican that might have been misunderstood as a subscription to a revolutionary fund. For several years, he said, he had done no business in Mexico on a large scale. The only single deal involving anything like $200,000, he said, occurred about eight years ago in the City of Mexico. And in that case, instead of giving a check, he paid part in bonds. Later he sold these bonds for the man to whom he had given them, through the Pearson Syndicate, and the Pearsons paid the money for him.
The Senator has always spoken freely of his former relations with Pascual Orozco, Jr., who headed the second revolution against Madero and who has now made his peace with the Huerta regime. Orozco was a contractor for forwarding mining properties, and as such had relations with many Americans, his friendship with the Senator being particularly close.
But the Senator said to-night that the last time he had seen Orozco was about five months before his outbreak against Madero. At that time Orozco asked his recommendation in obtaining some of his old work. The recommendation was given and the work obtained.
When Attorney General McReynolds was seen at the Department of Justice a few minutes before midnight and told of the report that the Department of Justice had photographic records alleged to show that the Senator had contributed a large sum to the Orozco revolution party in Mexico, he replied:
"I don't know a thing about it. If there are any records of the sort in the department, and, mind you, I don't say there are not, because there might be without my knowledge, I have never heard of them and know nothing of the matter. I think it is highly improbable that there is any evidence of the kind indicated in the possession of the department."
U. S. Senator Is Accused Of Aiding Rebels.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 29, 1913:
Mexican Government Officials Charge He Has Given Large Sums.
HAS INTERESTS IN REPUBLIC
Photographs of Letters He Sent to Revolutionists Asserted to be in Washington.
DYNAMITE FIGURES IN TALE
National Lawmaker Alleged to Have Promoted Shipment of Explosive Rebels Got.
AMERICANS LEAVING MEXICO
Alarmed by Effect of Senator Bacon's Suggestion That "White Men" in Capital Take Arms.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
MEXICO CITY, June 28.— Reports of the speech made by Senator Albert B. Fall of New Mexico in the United States Senate yesterday, in which he denounced Gen. Victoriano Huerta, Provisional President of the Mexican Republic, as a "traitorous and treacherous assassin" and demanded repeal of the joint resolution permitting the President of the United States to forbid shipment of arms or ammunition into Mexico, caused a sensation here to-day.
Almost as much excitement resulted from the assertion made by Senator Augustus O. Bacon of Georgia in the upper house of the American Congress that the solution of the present difficulties in this country lay in the white men of the Republic constituting the educated classes, taking up arms to establish order, and that there were enough white men in this capital to establish order throughout Mexico.
Americans Flee Mexican Capital.
Senator Bacon's statement demoralized Americans here. Many citizens of the United States living in Mexico City left the capital in consequence of the Senator's remarks on the floor of the Senate in Washington. It was reported that the American Smelting and Refining Company was making inventories of its properties, preparatory to depositing them with the American Consuls in various parts of the republic and withdrawing from Mexico.
Particular interest was expressed here in that part of Senator Fall's remarks in which he said that the American President's order prohibiting shipments of arms into Mexico had destroyed the friendship for Americans that formerly prevailed here, and that he was convinced no money had been sent from the United States to finance Mexican revolutionists. As a member of the committee, headed by Senator William Alden Smith of Michigan, appointed to investigate charges that American capitalists had financed both of the recent revolutions in Mexico, Senator Fall said his conviction that no American money had been sent to the rebels here was based on information from private sources which he dared not divulge.
Officials of the Mexican Government stated to-day that not only had American money been used to foment revolution in Mexico, but also that a United States Senator from a Southwestern State had contributed large amounts and was implicated personally.
Senator's Big Stake in Mexico.
This Senator is interested personally in Mexico, having large property interests here.
The assertion was made to-day that there existed in the files of the Department of Justice in Washington photographic records of letters from this Senator to revolutionary leaders who figured in Mexico's affairs in the uprising headed by Gen. Pascual Orozco, Jr., and also records of letters that passed between Mexicans, and which implicated the Senator.
It also was stated that a stenographic record of a meeting of a revolutionary junta existed in which a prominent revolutionist said:
"Don't be afraid of —. He is with us."
The further charge was made in this city that the Department of Justice had a photograph of a check signed by the Senator and made payable to a man known to be an agent of the revolutionists. It was stated that the check was for a large amount — equivalent to $200,000.
Say He Aided Dynamite Shipments.
Nor were the foregoing the only statements made in defense of President Huerta's Administration. In what purported to be a review of the Senator's alleged connection with Mexican affairs it was asserted that e was instrumental in procuring shipments of dynamite to mines, which shipments were confiscated by the Mexican rebels.
On one occasion, it was said to-day, this United States Senator accompanied a representative of the mining company, who showed to the State Department in Washington a letter in Gen. Orozco's writing guaranteeing protection for a shipment of dynamite from El Paso, Texas, to the mines. The State Department authorized the shipment, it was related, on the strength of that letter. As a result, five carloads of dynamite were sent under a heavy rebel guard from El Paso.
The text of Gen. Orozco's promise was carried out, it was stated, inasmuch as the five cars full of dynamite, guarded by rebel troops, reached the mines safely. As had been guaranteed by the insurgent leader, the big shipment of dynamite was delivered to the company official in charge of the mines. But that same shipment was confiscated by the rebels two hours after its arrival.
Accused of Writing to Diaz.
The Senator, it was asserted, was known to be corresponding at the present time with Gen. Félix Diaz, nephew of the ex-Dictator, and to be attempting to obtain the allegiance of Gen. Diaz to the cause of Col. Venustiano Carranza, rebel Governor of the State of Coahuila.
Evidence against the Senator, it was said, was collected by the Department of Justice of the Mexican Republic in the Administration of Francisco I. Madero, Jr., who was deposed from the Presidency by Gen. Huerta and Félix Diaz. It was related that on a certain occasion the personal secretary of President Madero attempted to induce a news association in the United States to distribute a so-called exposure of the Senator, but was unsuccessful.
A strong intimation was given today that the evidence collected by the Mexican Department of Justice against the Senator might be made public by the Huerta Administration. It also was believed to be possible that the alleged correspondence between the Senator and Gen. Diaz would be given out for publication by the General.
Mexican Government Officials Charge He Has Given Large Sums.
HAS INTERESTS IN REPUBLIC
Photographs of Letters He Sent to Revolutionists Asserted to be in Washington.
DYNAMITE FIGURES IN TALE
National Lawmaker Alleged to Have Promoted Shipment of Explosive Rebels Got.
AMERICANS LEAVING MEXICO
Alarmed by Effect of Senator Bacon's Suggestion That "White Men" in Capital Take Arms.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
MEXICO CITY, June 28.— Reports of the speech made by Senator Albert B. Fall of New Mexico in the United States Senate yesterday, in which he denounced Gen. Victoriano Huerta, Provisional President of the Mexican Republic, as a "traitorous and treacherous assassin" and demanded repeal of the joint resolution permitting the President of the United States to forbid shipment of arms or ammunition into Mexico, caused a sensation here to-day.
Almost as much excitement resulted from the assertion made by Senator Augustus O. Bacon of Georgia in the upper house of the American Congress that the solution of the present difficulties in this country lay in the white men of the Republic constituting the educated classes, taking up arms to establish order, and that there were enough white men in this capital to establish order throughout Mexico.
Americans Flee Mexican Capital.
Senator Bacon's statement demoralized Americans here. Many citizens of the United States living in Mexico City left the capital in consequence of the Senator's remarks on the floor of the Senate in Washington. It was reported that the American Smelting and Refining Company was making inventories of its properties, preparatory to depositing them with the American Consuls in various parts of the republic and withdrawing from Mexico.
Particular interest was expressed here in that part of Senator Fall's remarks in which he said that the American President's order prohibiting shipments of arms into Mexico had destroyed the friendship for Americans that formerly prevailed here, and that he was convinced no money had been sent from the United States to finance Mexican revolutionists. As a member of the committee, headed by Senator William Alden Smith of Michigan, appointed to investigate charges that American capitalists had financed both of the recent revolutions in Mexico, Senator Fall said his conviction that no American money had been sent to the rebels here was based on information from private sources which he dared not divulge.
Officials of the Mexican Government stated to-day that not only had American money been used to foment revolution in Mexico, but also that a United States Senator from a Southwestern State had contributed large amounts and was implicated personally.
Senator's Big Stake in Mexico.
This Senator is interested personally in Mexico, having large property interests here.
The assertion was made to-day that there existed in the files of the Department of Justice in Washington photographic records of letters from this Senator to revolutionary leaders who figured in Mexico's affairs in the uprising headed by Gen. Pascual Orozco, Jr., and also records of letters that passed between Mexicans, and which implicated the Senator.
It also was stated that a stenographic record of a meeting of a revolutionary junta existed in which a prominent revolutionist said:
"Don't be afraid of —. He is with us."
The further charge was made in this city that the Department of Justice had a photograph of a check signed by the Senator and made payable to a man known to be an agent of the revolutionists. It was stated that the check was for a large amount — equivalent to $200,000.
Say He Aided Dynamite Shipments.
Nor were the foregoing the only statements made in defense of President Huerta's Administration. In what purported to be a review of the Senator's alleged connection with Mexican affairs it was asserted that e was instrumental in procuring shipments of dynamite to mines, which shipments were confiscated by the Mexican rebels.
On one occasion, it was said to-day, this United States Senator accompanied a representative of the mining company, who showed to the State Department in Washington a letter in Gen. Orozco's writing guaranteeing protection for a shipment of dynamite from El Paso, Texas, to the mines. The State Department authorized the shipment, it was related, on the strength of that letter. As a result, five carloads of dynamite were sent under a heavy rebel guard from El Paso.
The text of Gen. Orozco's promise was carried out, it was stated, inasmuch as the five cars full of dynamite, guarded by rebel troops, reached the mines safely. As had been guaranteed by the insurgent leader, the big shipment of dynamite was delivered to the company official in charge of the mines. But that same shipment was confiscated by the rebels two hours after its arrival.
Accused of Writing to Diaz.
The Senator, it was asserted, was known to be corresponding at the present time with Gen. Félix Diaz, nephew of the ex-Dictator, and to be attempting to obtain the allegiance of Gen. Diaz to the cause of Col. Venustiano Carranza, rebel Governor of the State of Coahuila.
Evidence against the Senator, it was said, was collected by the Department of Justice of the Mexican Republic in the Administration of Francisco I. Madero, Jr., who was deposed from the Presidency by Gen. Huerta and Félix Diaz. It was related that on a certain occasion the personal secretary of President Madero attempted to induce a news association in the United States to distribute a so-called exposure of the Senator, but was unsuccessful.
A strong intimation was given today that the evidence collected by the Mexican Department of Justice against the Senator might be made public by the Huerta Administration. It also was believed to be possible that the alleged correspondence between the Senator and Gen. Diaz would be given out for publication by the General.
Friday, June 28, 2013
America And Peace.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
Secretary Bryan announces that eighteen Governments have now accepted in principle the proposal of the United States to submit all differences to a commission of inquiry before pronouncing- them incapable of peaceful settlement, the latest assenting Government being the Spanish. No Government has, however, as yet offered to open negotiations. Meanwhile the United States Department of State has formed its tentative plan for the composition of the commissions of inquiry. Each party to a treaty of this sort is to name two of its own citizens and two Commissioners selected from other nationalities, and the fifth member of the commission is to be chosen jointly by the two Governments. It is the hope of Mr. Bryan that each commission thus formed will be a continuing body prepared to take cognizance of whatever matters may arise for its study.
The element of continuity is an important one. The work of inquiry would undoubtedly gain in efficiency with the experience of the Commissioners engaged in it; «-these would naturally develop guiding principles in each inquiry that might be of use in subsequent ones, and as the results of their labors would have added weight with each successful effort, there would tend to arise a body of precedents and of doctrine that would define and strengthen International law in general. It would be desirable, and would not be impracticable, that the various commissions acting for the United States with the different Powers should establish some degree of communication and conference. It might even be found practicable that the same Commissioners named by this country should act in different cases. In that event it is probable that they would gradually acquire some of the prestige of a permanent court. It is not, of course, intended that the commissions shall make decisions. Their prime function will be that of inquiry. But they would necessarily consider the facts in any case submitted to them in the light of the obligations and the rights established by international law as they understand it. Their reports would embody their interpretation of that law, and so far as they should influence the action of the Governments concerned, this interpretation would tend to shape the accepted provisions of that law.
It will be remembered that the avowed aim of the treaties with Great Britain and France negotiated by President Taft was to promote the establishment of an international tribunal which ultimately would have jurisdiction over all disputes arising between the parties to the treaties. And it was the expectation of Mr. Taft, should the treaties with these two Powers work well, that other Powers would accede to the same plan and gradually the general tribunal would be evolved. It was an essential part of Mr. Taft's plan that there should be the commissions of inquiry which Mr. Wilson's plan also provides for. Mr. Taft had an opportunity, after his proposed treaties were modified, to secure these commissions — and much more — but for reasons that have never been explained he did not avail himself of it. Now that there is a fair probability that Mr. Wilson will be able to attain this measure, it is extremely desirable that it shall be made to contribute as much as possible to the accomplishment of the broader design.
If it should come about that the two Commissioners who are citizens of this country and the two selected by our Government from other nationalities, in the first case arising between the United States and, say, Great Britain, should be retained for service in questions arising between the United States and other countries with whom differences should occur, it is plain that with each successive case the labors of the commissions in which they took part would tend to become more effective, to shape international usage, which is the basis of international law, and to educate public opinion as well as to influence the action of Governments. There would be the beginning of something like judicial adjustment of international differences. From that beginning subsequent steps in advance would be progressively easy.
Secretary Bryan announces that eighteen Governments have now accepted in principle the proposal of the United States to submit all differences to a commission of inquiry before pronouncing- them incapable of peaceful settlement, the latest assenting Government being the Spanish. No Government has, however, as yet offered to open negotiations. Meanwhile the United States Department of State has formed its tentative plan for the composition of the commissions of inquiry. Each party to a treaty of this sort is to name two of its own citizens and two Commissioners selected from other nationalities, and the fifth member of the commission is to be chosen jointly by the two Governments. It is the hope of Mr. Bryan that each commission thus formed will be a continuing body prepared to take cognizance of whatever matters may arise for its study.
The element of continuity is an important one. The work of inquiry would undoubtedly gain in efficiency with the experience of the Commissioners engaged in it; «-these would naturally develop guiding principles in each inquiry that might be of use in subsequent ones, and as the results of their labors would have added weight with each successful effort, there would tend to arise a body of precedents and of doctrine that would define and strengthen International law in general. It would be desirable, and would not be impracticable, that the various commissions acting for the United States with the different Powers should establish some degree of communication and conference. It might even be found practicable that the same Commissioners named by this country should act in different cases. In that event it is probable that they would gradually acquire some of the prestige of a permanent court. It is not, of course, intended that the commissions shall make decisions. Their prime function will be that of inquiry. But they would necessarily consider the facts in any case submitted to them in the light of the obligations and the rights established by international law as they understand it. Their reports would embody their interpretation of that law, and so far as they should influence the action of the Governments concerned, this interpretation would tend to shape the accepted provisions of that law.
It will be remembered that the avowed aim of the treaties with Great Britain and France negotiated by President Taft was to promote the establishment of an international tribunal which ultimately would have jurisdiction over all disputes arising between the parties to the treaties. And it was the expectation of Mr. Taft, should the treaties with these two Powers work well, that other Powers would accede to the same plan and gradually the general tribunal would be evolved. It was an essential part of Mr. Taft's plan that there should be the commissions of inquiry which Mr. Wilson's plan also provides for. Mr. Taft had an opportunity, after his proposed treaties were modified, to secure these commissions — and much more — but for reasons that have never been explained he did not avail himself of it. Now that there is a fair probability that Mr. Wilson will be able to attain this measure, it is extremely desirable that it shall be made to contribute as much as possible to the accomplishment of the broader design.
If it should come about that the two Commissioners who are citizens of this country and the two selected by our Government from other nationalities, in the first case arising between the United States and, say, Great Britain, should be retained for service in questions arising between the United States and other countries with whom differences should occur, it is plain that with each successive case the labors of the commissions in which they took part would tend to become more effective, to shape international usage, which is the basis of international law, and to educate public opinion as well as to influence the action of Governments. There would be the beginning of something like judicial adjustment of international differences. From that beginning subsequent steps in advance would be progressively easy.
Diaz Denies Plotting.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
Huerta, Too, Says His Associate Has Not Conspired Against Him.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
MEXICO CITY, June 27. — A sensational story representing Gen. Felix Diaz as being in a plot against Gen. Victoriano Huerta, Provisional President of the Mexican Republic, with whom he co-operated after downfall of Francisco I. Madero, Jr., was condemned to-night as a complete fabrication.
Denial of the story was made not only by Gen. Diaz, but also by President Huerta. It was asserted that the absence of Gen. Mondragon precluded the possibility of such a plot.
Huerta, Too, Says His Associate Has Not Conspired Against Him.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
MEXICO CITY, June 27. — A sensational story representing Gen. Felix Diaz as being in a plot against Gen. Victoriano Huerta, Provisional President of the Mexican Republic, with whom he co-operated after downfall of Francisco I. Madero, Jr., was condemned to-night as a complete fabrication.
Denial of the story was made not only by Gen. Diaz, but also by President Huerta. It was asserted that the absence of Gen. Mondragon precluded the possibility of such a plot.
Many Leave Vera Cruz.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
Prominent Mexicans on Government Missions or Joining Rebels.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
VERA CRUZ, June 27. — Great activity is being displayed by the Government these days, which apparently foresees a crisis in its fortunes. Each outgoing steamer carries many prominent persons, going either on Government missions or seeking affiliations with the rebels.
Gen. Mondragon, who left here on an American steamer, was subject to strict surveillance during his stay at this port. On the same boat departed Pedro Castillo, a cousin of the revolutionary Governor of Campeche. He went to Campeche to try to persuade his cousin to give up the fight.
Gen. Luis Torres, ex-Governor of the State of Sonora, sailed on a Spanish steamer this afternoon. He goes to Arizona, by way of Havana and Texas, to take charge of the Government forces near the American border.
Prominent Mexicans on Government Missions or Joining Rebels.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
VERA CRUZ, June 27. — Great activity is being displayed by the Government these days, which apparently foresees a crisis in its fortunes. Each outgoing steamer carries many prominent persons, going either on Government missions or seeking affiliations with the rebels.
Gen. Mondragon, who left here on an American steamer, was subject to strict surveillance during his stay at this port. On the same boat departed Pedro Castillo, a cousin of the revolutionary Governor of Campeche. He went to Campeche to try to persuade his cousin to give up the fight.
Gen. Luis Torres, ex-Governor of the State of Sonora, sailed on a Spanish steamer this afternoon. He goes to Arizona, by way of Havana and Texas, to take charge of the Government forces near the American border.
Rebel Victory At Ortiz.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
Obregon Reports Capturing 39 Cannon and 30 Carloads of Ammunition.
DOUGLAS, Ariz., June 27. — Gen. Obregon, one of the rebel commanders at the battle of Ortiz, wired to the Constitutionalist junta to-day as follows:
"Battle ended at 8: 30 o’clock Thursday morning after seven days' fighting. Our forces captured 39 cannon and 5 machine guns from the Federals. We also captured 30 carloads of ammunition for field and machine guns. Several hundred Mauser rifles were thrown away by Ojeda's men in their flight. Ojeda’s automobile was captured on the field, and we picked up the bodies of 200 Federals. We have a large number of wounded prisoners. Our losses are not yet known exactly. "
TUCSON, Ariz., June 27. — In a wireless message sent from the United States cruiser Pittsburgh at Guaymas and relayed from San Diego, Francisco Garcia, the Federal Governor of Sonora, informed the Mexican Consul here that Gen. Ojeda had fallen back to Guaymas and was prepared to give the rebel State troops battle at that place.
Obregon Reports Capturing 39 Cannon and 30 Carloads of Ammunition.
DOUGLAS, Ariz., June 27. — Gen. Obregon, one of the rebel commanders at the battle of Ortiz, wired to the Constitutionalist junta to-day as follows:
"Battle ended at 8: 30 o’clock Thursday morning after seven days' fighting. Our forces captured 39 cannon and 5 machine guns from the Federals. We also captured 30 carloads of ammunition for field and machine guns. Several hundred Mauser rifles were thrown away by Ojeda's men in their flight. Ojeda’s automobile was captured on the field, and we picked up the bodies of 200 Federals. We have a large number of wounded prisoners. Our losses are not yet known exactly. "
TUCSON, Ariz., June 27. — In a wireless message sent from the United States cruiser Pittsburgh at Guaymas and relayed from San Diego, Francisco Garcia, the Federal Governor of Sonora, informed the Mexican Consul here that Gen. Ojeda had fallen back to Guaymas and was prepared to give the rebel State troops battle at that place.
Brands Huerta As An Assassin.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
Senator Fall Would Lift the Ban on Shipments of Arms to Mexico.
SAYS IT INSPIRES HATRED
Senator Smith Suggests Cession of Territory to Compensate Americans for Losses.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 27. — In a speech bitterly denouncing Provisional President Huerta of Mexico as a "traitorous and treacherous assassin, " Senator Pall of New Mexico to-day argued for the repeal of the joint resolution permitting the President to forbid the shipment of arms and ammunition into that country. Senator Fall has large mining interests in Mexico, and is a member of the select committee headed by Senator William Aiden Smith, appointed to investigate charges that American capitalists had financed both of the Mexican revolutions.
That committee has made no report, but Senator Fall said to-day that information received by the committee and from private sources which he dared not divulge had convinced him that no money had been sent from the United States to the revolutionists. The effect of the President’s order preventing the shipment of arms, he said, had been to destroy the feeling of friendship for Americans that formerly prevailed.
That order, said Senator Fall, had always been in favor of one of the two contending factions. Mexicans realised, he said, that intervention was not contemplated, so that the feeling of animosity aroused by the restriction of shipments had been unrestrained by fear. American property, he said, had been ruthlessly destroyed, while the property of citizens of other countries had been scrupulously guarded.
Senator Fall said he believed the Madero revolt had been financed, in part at least, with $350,000 which Gustavo Madero had obtained by a bond issue, ostensibly to build the Mexico Central Railroad in Zacatecas.
By withholding exportations of arms to the revolutionists after Madero came into power, Mr. Fall said the United States had earned the enmity of 80 per cent. of the Mexican population, with the result that Americans there had been held for ransom and outraged.
Mr. Fall was interrupted by a suggestion from Senator Smith of Arizona. Mr. Smith said emphatically that depredations against Americans and the imperiling of American lives must cease. Admitting the inability of Mexico to pay pecuniary claims at this time, Mr. Smith suggested that all claims of Americans against Mexico be settled by the cession to the United States of some of Mexico's valuable mining lands along the northern frontier in the States of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.
At the request of Senator Bacon, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, the resolution was referred to that committee.
Senator Fall Would Lift the Ban on Shipments of Arms to Mexico.
SAYS IT INSPIRES HATRED
Senator Smith Suggests Cession of Territory to Compensate Americans for Losses.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 27. — In a speech bitterly denouncing Provisional President Huerta of Mexico as a "traitorous and treacherous assassin, " Senator Pall of New Mexico to-day argued for the repeal of the joint resolution permitting the President to forbid the shipment of arms and ammunition into that country. Senator Fall has large mining interests in Mexico, and is a member of the select committee headed by Senator William Aiden Smith, appointed to investigate charges that American capitalists had financed both of the Mexican revolutions.
That committee has made no report, but Senator Fall said to-day that information received by the committee and from private sources which he dared not divulge had convinced him that no money had been sent from the United States to the revolutionists. The effect of the President’s order preventing the shipment of arms, he said, had been to destroy the feeling of friendship for Americans that formerly prevailed.
That order, said Senator Fall, had always been in favor of one of the two contending factions. Mexicans realised, he said, that intervention was not contemplated, so that the feeling of animosity aroused by the restriction of shipments had been unrestrained by fear. American property, he said, had been ruthlessly destroyed, while the property of citizens of other countries had been scrupulously guarded.
Senator Fall said he believed the Madero revolt had been financed, in part at least, with $350,000 which Gustavo Madero had obtained by a bond issue, ostensibly to build the Mexico Central Railroad in Zacatecas.
By withholding exportations of arms to the revolutionists after Madero came into power, Mr. Fall said the United States had earned the enmity of 80 per cent. of the Mexican population, with the result that Americans there had been held for ransom and outraged.
Mr. Fall was interrupted by a suggestion from Senator Smith of Arizona. Mr. Smith said emphatically that depredations against Americans and the imperiling of American lives must cease. Admitting the inability of Mexico to pay pecuniary claims at this time, Mr. Smith suggested that all claims of Americans against Mexico be settled by the cession to the United States of some of Mexico's valuable mining lands along the northern frontier in the States of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.
At the request of Senator Bacon, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, the resolution was referred to that committee.
Germans Revolt At Taxes.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
Government Flooded with Angry Protests Against Increased Imposts.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
LONDON, June 27. — The Daily Chronicle’s Berlin correspondent telegraphs that Germany’s new increased taxes, necessitated by the extraordinary increased annual army expenditure, and now certain to become law, are arousing a great storm of protest all over the empire, especially those on the income of property and inheritance.
Enormous public meetings are being held everywhere. Opposition is daily growing, especially in the agrarian centres. Already no fewer than 118 petitions protesting against the imposts have been received by the Government from powerful associations of all kinds in every part of the country. Such a number of petitions on one subject has never before been known in Germany, and the agitation is only beginning.
Government Flooded with Angry Protests Against Increased Imposts.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
LONDON, June 27. — The Daily Chronicle’s Berlin correspondent telegraphs that Germany’s new increased taxes, necessitated by the extraordinary increased annual army expenditure, and now certain to become law, are arousing a great storm of protest all over the empire, especially those on the income of property and inheritance.
Enormous public meetings are being held everywhere. Opposition is daily growing, especially in the agrarian centres. Already no fewer than 118 petitions protesting against the imposts have been received by the Government from powerful associations of all kinds in every part of the country. Such a number of petitions on one subject has never before been known in Germany, and the agitation is only beginning.
New Danish Wireless Plan.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
Poulsen Patents to be Used in Scandinavian-American Service.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
COPENHAGEN, June 27. — A far-reaching scheme to make practical use of Valdemar Poulsen’s invention is about to be brought to fulfillment by the establishment of the Danish Radio-Telegraph Company, with stations in Denmark, Greenland, and Canada. Stations will eventually be established along the Norway Coast, in the Danish West Indies, and in Panama.
A committee has bought from the Universal Radio Syndicate of London the patents for Denmark and the sole right of using this system between Scandinavia and America.
A capital of $550, 000 will suffice for the present, and the route will be opened next Spring.
Poulsen Patents to be Used in Scandinavian-American Service.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
COPENHAGEN, June 27. — A far-reaching scheme to make practical use of Valdemar Poulsen’s invention is about to be brought to fulfillment by the establishment of the Danish Radio-Telegraph Company, with stations in Denmark, Greenland, and Canada. Stations will eventually be established along the Norway Coast, in the Danish West Indies, and in Panama.
A committee has bought from the Universal Radio Syndicate of London the patents for Denmark and the sole right of using this system between Scandinavia and America.
A capital of $550, 000 will suffice for the present, and the route will be opened next Spring.
New Marconi Contract.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
British Government to Make Fresh Deal for "All Red" Wireless.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
LONDON. Saturday, June 28. — The Times this morning says that it is understood that the Government has acquiesced in the Marconi Company’s repudiation of the agreement which was negotiated last year, and will proceed to negotiate for a fresh contract with that company for the establishment of an "all-red" wireless system.
British Government to Make Fresh Deal for "All Red" Wireless.
By Marconi Transatlantic Wireless Telegraph to The New York Times.
LONDON. Saturday, June 28. — The Times this morning says that it is understood that the Government has acquiesced in the Marconi Company’s repudiation of the agreement which was negotiated last year, and will proceed to negotiate for a fresh contract with that company for the establishment of an "all-red" wireless system.
Canal Gates Firm.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
Water at Sea Level at Gatun and Full Pressure On.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
PANAMA, June 27. — The Atlantic waters which have been allowed to run slowly against the lower gates at Gatun reached sea level this afternoon. The large gates are being put to the actual test of full pressure for the first time.
The engineers are watching the rise of the water with interest, and they report that the gates are watertight. The water is at the 50-foot stage.
Water at Sea Level at Gatun and Full Pressure On.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
PANAMA, June 27. — The Atlantic waters which have been allowed to run slowly against the lower gates at Gatun reached sea level this afternoon. The large gates are being put to the actual test of full pressure for the first time.
The engineers are watching the rise of the water with interest, and they report that the gates are watertight. The water is at the 50-foot stage.
Induces Heart Beat In Dead Subject.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 28, 1913:
Paris Doctor Restores Pulsations for 35 Minutes After Instant Killing.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
PARIS, June 27. — Dr. Bouchon, following in the footsteps of Dr. Carrel, recently succeeded in reviving the normal action of the heart ten minutes after death. In a paper which he will read at the next meeting of the Academy of Medicine Dr. Bouchon says:
"After a motor car accident I was called in, and immediately perceived that the victim had been killed instantaneously. Despite my assurance that there was no doubt as to his death, the friends of the victim insisted that a desperate attempt should be made at resuscitation, and about ten minutes after the last breath I decided upon a surgical operation, having diagnosed traumatic rupture of the heart.
"I opened the thorax, and in fifty seconds laid bare the heart. I immediately found about a pint of blood in the pericardium and a heart wound about two and one-half inches long on the inner surface of the left ventricle. After suture I proceeded to apply my method of reviving heart action.
"After filling all the cardiac cavities with a special organic liquid I made a rapid tracheotomy and introduced oxygen by the tracheal tube, while my assistant performed artificial respiration tractions. I then began alternate rhythmic auricular massage of the heart, and at the end of about a minute I clearly perceived that the heart had resumed its physiological tonicity, and, to my great surprise, it continued to contract by its own true action. Radical pulsation then became perceptible, and after I had closed the thoracic flap the heart continued to contract for thirty-five minutes. At the end of this time the contractions suddenly ceased and all subsequent efforts to re-establish them were in vain.
"The autopsy was very significant, showing the tearing away of the lower cardiac nerves, the bursting of the right kidney and liver, and a part of the intestine, proving the case an exceptionally violent one of traumatism. Had there been merely cardiac traumatism by a dagger thrust, followed by instantaneous death, I think my method of revival, applied under favorable conditions, might possibly have given an appreciable prolongation of life; but this is merely hypothesis.
"I consider that this case has given valuable information from a scientific standpoint, as it was not merely a desperate one, but a confirmed case of death. "
Paris Doctor Restores Pulsations for 35 Minutes After Instant Killing.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
PARIS, June 27. — Dr. Bouchon, following in the footsteps of Dr. Carrel, recently succeeded in reviving the normal action of the heart ten minutes after death. In a paper which he will read at the next meeting of the Academy of Medicine Dr. Bouchon says:
"After a motor car accident I was called in, and immediately perceived that the victim had been killed instantaneously. Despite my assurance that there was no doubt as to his death, the friends of the victim insisted that a desperate attempt should be made at resuscitation, and about ten minutes after the last breath I decided upon a surgical operation, having diagnosed traumatic rupture of the heart.
"I opened the thorax, and in fifty seconds laid bare the heart. I immediately found about a pint of blood in the pericardium and a heart wound about two and one-half inches long on the inner surface of the left ventricle. After suture I proceeded to apply my method of reviving heart action.
"After filling all the cardiac cavities with a special organic liquid I made a rapid tracheotomy and introduced oxygen by the tracheal tube, while my assistant performed artificial respiration tractions. I then began alternate rhythmic auricular massage of the heart, and at the end of about a minute I clearly perceived that the heart had resumed its physiological tonicity, and, to my great surprise, it continued to contract by its own true action. Radical pulsation then became perceptible, and after I had closed the thoracic flap the heart continued to contract for thirty-five minutes. At the end of this time the contractions suddenly ceased and all subsequent efforts to re-establish them were in vain.
"The autopsy was very significant, showing the tearing away of the lower cardiac nerves, the bursting of the right kidney and liver, and a part of the intestine, proving the case an exceptionally violent one of traumatism. Had there been merely cardiac traumatism by a dagger thrust, followed by instantaneous death, I think my method of revival, applied under favorable conditions, might possibly have given an appreciable prolongation of life; but this is merely hypothesis.
"I consider that this case has given valuable information from a scientific standpoint, as it was not merely a desperate one, but a confirmed case of death. "
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Servians For Peace.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 27, 1913:
BELGRADE, June 26.— The Skupshtina met in secret session to-day. Premier Pasitch will announce the result of the deliberations at an open meeting tomorrow.
It is understood that the Premier obtained a majority for his arbitration policy, and that he will shortly go to St. Petersburg to attend the proposed conference of the Premiers of the four Balkan States.
BELGRADE, June 26.— The Skupshtina met in secret session to-day. Premier Pasitch will announce the result of the deliberations at an open meeting tomorrow.
It is understood that the Premier obtained a majority for his arbitration policy, and that he will shortly go to St. Petersburg to attend the proposed conference of the Premiers of the four Balkan States.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
German Dentist A Spy.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 26, 1913:
Resident of Portsmouth Is Sent Prison for Five Years.
WINCHESTER, June 25. — William Klare, a German dentist, residing at Portsmouth, was found guilty at the Assizes here to-day of espionage at Portsmouth, England's chief naval station. He was sentenced to five years' penal servitude.
Torpedoes and submarines, it was shown at the trial, were the special subjects of Klare's observations.
Resident of Portsmouth Is Sent Prison for Five Years.
WINCHESTER, June 25. — William Klare, a German dentist, residing at Portsmouth, was found guilty at the Assizes here to-day of espionage at Portsmouth, England's chief naval station. He was sentenced to five years' penal servitude.
Torpedoes and submarines, it was shown at the trial, were the special subjects of Klare's observations.
A Triumph For Poincaré.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 26, 1913:
Ovation in London — He Speaks of Anglo-French Friendship.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
LONDON, June 25. — "To-day the friendship between the two nations becomes, if possible, strengthened and reaffirmed. Co-operation continues between them which does not exclude the co-operation of any other power, but which tends, on the contrary, to the maintenance of European peace and establishes between Great Britain and France fraternal confidence and common good-will. "
This was the keynote of an eloquent speech which President Poincaré delivered at a luncheon in his honor in the Guild Hall to-day. It is further emphasized in a stirring message which M. Poincaré has given to the British nation.
The President’s visit to the city was a personal triumph. He received a great ovation as he drove through densely crowded streets.
To-night M. Poincaré entertained King George at the French Embassy.
The banquet was in every respect French, the viands, the valuable plate, the decorations, and even the chefs coming from across the Channel.
United States Ambassador Page was among the Ambassadors at the table at which the King and the President were seated.
LONDON, June 25. — The city was in gala array to-day, when President Poincaré was the guest at luncheon of the Lord Mayor and Corporation of the City of London, while the ancient Guild Hall was a blaze of color.
The scene during the luncheon was brilliant. The hall was crowded with members of the royal family, Cabinet Ministers, naval and military officers, and high State and civic dignitaries, their uniforms glittering with decorations.
Ovation in London — He Speaks of Anglo-French Friendship.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
LONDON, June 25. — "To-day the friendship between the two nations becomes, if possible, strengthened and reaffirmed. Co-operation continues between them which does not exclude the co-operation of any other power, but which tends, on the contrary, to the maintenance of European peace and establishes between Great Britain and France fraternal confidence and common good-will. "
This was the keynote of an eloquent speech which President Poincaré delivered at a luncheon in his honor in the Guild Hall to-day. It is further emphasized in a stirring message which M. Poincaré has given to the British nation.
The President’s visit to the city was a personal triumph. He received a great ovation as he drove through densely crowded streets.
To-night M. Poincaré entertained King George at the French Embassy.
The banquet was in every respect French, the viands, the valuable plate, the decorations, and even the chefs coming from across the Channel.
United States Ambassador Page was among the Ambassadors at the table at which the King and the President were seated.
LONDON, June 25. — The city was in gala array to-day, when President Poincaré was the guest at luncheon of the Lord Mayor and Corporation of the City of London, while the ancient Guild Hall was a blaze of color.
The scene during the luncheon was brilliant. The hall was crowded with members of the royal family, Cabinet Ministers, naval and military officers, and high State and civic dignitaries, their uniforms glittering with decorations.
Russia As An Air Power.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 26, 1913:
Chief of Army Staff Tells Duma of Great Progress Made.
ST. PETERSBURG. June 25. — The development of the aerial armament of Russia is making immense progress, according to the Chief of the Army Staff, who to-day, in debate in the Duma, related some interesting details of what had been done in this direction.
He said the Ministry of War would not rest until a flying squad had been established in every army corps. The Government, he continued, had doubled the number of dirigibles recently. It had acquired airships known as "aerial dreadnoughts, " which were provided with machine guns, bomb-throwers, and wireless telegraphy. It was true, he concluded, that the German, army possessed eleven dirigibles but only eight of them came up to the standard of the six Russian army dirigibles.
Chief of Army Staff Tells Duma of Great Progress Made.
ST. PETERSBURG. June 25. — The development of the aerial armament of Russia is making immense progress, according to the Chief of the Army Staff, who to-day, in debate in the Duma, related some interesting details of what had been done in this direction.
He said the Ministry of War would not rest until a flying squad had been established in every army corps. The Government, he continued, had doubled the number of dirigibles recently. It had acquired airships known as "aerial dreadnoughts, " which were provided with machine guns, bomb-throwers, and wireless telegraphy. It was true, he concluded, that the German, army possessed eleven dirigibles but only eight of them came up to the standard of the six Russian army dirigibles.
Servians Defeat Bulgars In Battle.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 26, 1913:
King Ferdinand's Troops Flee, Leaving Many Dead — Serbs Also Lose Heavily.
DECLARE WAR HAS BEGUN
Belgrade Papers' View of the Fight — A Report That Rumania Will Aid in Fighting Servia.
BELGRADE, June 25. — Bulgarians have been defeated in a battle with Servians at Zletovo, Macedonia.
An official report says that the Servians went into action only when heavy forces of Bulgarians began to cross the river at 1 o’clock this morning and commenced an unprovoked attack.
After desperate fighting the Bulgarians broke and fled, leaving behind many dead and wounded and abandoning all the positions they had seized in Servian territory.
The Servians also suffered considerable losses. The Servian artillery was employed in the battle.
The Bulgarian attack on the Servians has created a dangerous state of excitement here. The newspapers publish special editions declaring in large type, "War has begun."
The streets and cafés are filled with excited crowds.
According to advices received here, 12, 000 Bulgarian troops with 500 bomb-throwers attacked the Servian positions at Zletovo. Eventually the Servians charged with fixed bayonets all along the line and the Bulgarians hurriedly retreated.
The combined losses exceed 500 men.
LONDON, Thursday, June 26. — What, according to Servian reports, was a serious battle was fought yesterday at Zletovo, near Istib, between the Servians and Bulgarians.
Whether this outbreak will obstruct the projected Russian arbitration by strengthening the war party in Servia will be seen when Premier Pasitch with his reconstructed Ministry meets the Skupshtina in extraordinary session to-day.
A rumor gained currency in Belgrade yesterday that the Pasitch Cabinet had again resigned, but this is not confirmed.
It is quite possible that the reports of the Zletovo battle, of which no news has been received from the Bulgarian side, are greatly exaggerated.
The Montenegrin Premier has arrived at Belgrade, ready to accompany Premier Pasitch to St. Petersburg, where the proposed meeting of the Balkan Premiers would be held, but, in view of recent developments, the result of the meeting of the Skupshtina is awaited.
The St. Petersburg correspondent of The Times learns that in the event of war Rumania will take the field in support of Bulgaria.
King Ferdinand's Troops Flee, Leaving Many Dead — Serbs Also Lose Heavily.
DECLARE WAR HAS BEGUN
Belgrade Papers' View of the Fight — A Report That Rumania Will Aid in Fighting Servia.
BELGRADE, June 25. — Bulgarians have been defeated in a battle with Servians at Zletovo, Macedonia.
An official report says that the Servians went into action only when heavy forces of Bulgarians began to cross the river at 1 o’clock this morning and commenced an unprovoked attack.
After desperate fighting the Bulgarians broke and fled, leaving behind many dead and wounded and abandoning all the positions they had seized in Servian territory.
The Servians also suffered considerable losses. The Servian artillery was employed in the battle.
The Bulgarian attack on the Servians has created a dangerous state of excitement here. The newspapers publish special editions declaring in large type, "War has begun."
The streets and cafés are filled with excited crowds.
According to advices received here, 12, 000 Bulgarian troops with 500 bomb-throwers attacked the Servian positions at Zletovo. Eventually the Servians charged with fixed bayonets all along the line and the Bulgarians hurriedly retreated.
The combined losses exceed 500 men.
LONDON, Thursday, June 26. — What, according to Servian reports, was a serious battle was fought yesterday at Zletovo, near Istib, between the Servians and Bulgarians.
Whether this outbreak will obstruct the projected Russian arbitration by strengthening the war party in Servia will be seen when Premier Pasitch with his reconstructed Ministry meets the Skupshtina in extraordinary session to-day.
A rumor gained currency in Belgrade yesterday that the Pasitch Cabinet had again resigned, but this is not confirmed.
It is quite possible that the reports of the Zletovo battle, of which no news has been received from the Bulgarian side, are greatly exaggerated.
The Montenegrin Premier has arrived at Belgrade, ready to accompany Premier Pasitch to St. Petersburg, where the proposed meeting of the Balkan Premiers would be held, but, in view of recent developments, the result of the meeting of the Skupshtina is awaited.
The St. Petersburg correspondent of The Times learns that in the event of war Rumania will take the field in support of Bulgaria.
Navy Sues To Guard Torpedo Secrets.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 26, 1913:
Court Asked to Restrain Bliss Company from Telling England How We Handle Missiles.
Assistant United States Attorney General Malcolm A. Coles asked Judge Veeder in the United States District Court in Brooklyn yesterday to "protect the right arm of the nation’s defense — the navy," by granting the request of the Government for a preliminary injunction to restrain the E. W. Bliss Company from revealing to the British Government the secrets of the torpedoes manufactured by that concern and used in our navy. Decision was reserved.
The Government contended that if the court refused to grant the injunction the Bliss Company would be enabled to sell the torpedoes to foreign countries. The company has patents on the torpedoes it manufactures in its own name in Japan, France, and England, but owing to a stipulation in the company’s contracts with the Government, which binds the concern to secrecy in regard to the operation of the torpedoes, none of them has been sold abroad.
The Bliss Company, which is a West Virginia corporation, owns a large plant at the foot of Plymouth Street in Brooklyn, where it manufactures torpedoes for our navy. The contracts with the Government were made in 1905 and 1912. On May 9 the company notified Secretary of the Navy Daniels by letter that after June 1 it proposed to demonstrate the complete operation and construction of the Bliss-Leavitt torpedo to Whitehead & Co. of England.
Under instructions from the Navy Department, transmitted by Attorney General McReynolds, Mr. Youngs was directed to begin an action to restrain the Bliss Company from doing what they proposed to do.
In his application for the injunction Mr. Youngs alleges that the secrets the defendants proposed to reveal consisted of "information of a confidential character that cannot be made public without detriment to the Government." The complaint alleges that since the Bliss Company has been making torpedoes for the Government improvements which have been patented have been made in the missiles. Pending argument on the motion for a preliminary injunction Judge Veeder issued a restraining order against the Bliss Company preventing it from disclosing information concerning the torpedoes.
"This torpedo is the principal weapon of our national defense," said Assistant United States Attorney General Coles yesterday. "The right arm of the nation's defense — the navy — calls upon this court to protect its rights. The defendants contend that the precise point in this case is the balanced turbine and its intended disclosure. This is not so. The company's letter to the Navy Department reads that the Bliss Company intends to disclose the 'complete construction and operation' of the Bliss-Leavitt torpedo. If this is done, Japan or any other country can obtain these torpedoes in the open market, an act which would work irreparable injury to the United States that could not be estimated in dollars."
In opposing the Government's application, Arthur C. Fraser, counsel for the Bliss Company, asserted that the only public right the Government held over the torpedo was its share in the invention of the balanced turbine. Against the Government’s contentions that Lieut. G. C. Davison patented this invention, the attorney for the defense held that F. M. Leavitt, chief engineer of the Bliss Company, had perfected the balanced turbine patented by Mr. Davison. Mr. Fraser asserted that Mr. Davison patented his idea, which was improved by Mr. Leavitt, and then assigned his patent rights to the Government. It was some time later, according to the lawyer, that the Bliss Company purchased from Mr. Davison his foreign rights and filed its patents covering the improved devices in Japan, France, and England.
"If the Government wanted secrecy about this balanced turbine," Mr. Fraser said, "why did it patent it through Davison, thereby disclosing its operations to the whole world? The very thing they set up in their complaint and ask us to keep secret is no secret at all. We gave the Government an opportunity to purchase the universal rights to the Bliss-Leavitt torpedo, and it did not take it. This torpedo has put the United States in a peculiarly advantageous condition. The Government ought to buy it and keep it for the exclusive use of its navy."
Mr. Coles, replying to the statements of the attorney for the Bliss Company, said:
"The Government has put up $1, 500, 000 to help the company perfect this invention, and has paid into the company's treasury more than $6,000,000 besides on contracts, practically keeping the company alive."
Court Asked to Restrain Bliss Company from Telling England How We Handle Missiles.
Assistant United States Attorney General Malcolm A. Coles asked Judge Veeder in the United States District Court in Brooklyn yesterday to "protect the right arm of the nation’s defense — the navy," by granting the request of the Government for a preliminary injunction to restrain the E. W. Bliss Company from revealing to the British Government the secrets of the torpedoes manufactured by that concern and used in our navy. Decision was reserved.
The Government contended that if the court refused to grant the injunction the Bliss Company would be enabled to sell the torpedoes to foreign countries. The company has patents on the torpedoes it manufactures in its own name in Japan, France, and England, but owing to a stipulation in the company’s contracts with the Government, which binds the concern to secrecy in regard to the operation of the torpedoes, none of them has been sold abroad.
The Bliss Company, which is a West Virginia corporation, owns a large plant at the foot of Plymouth Street in Brooklyn, where it manufactures torpedoes for our navy. The contracts with the Government were made in 1905 and 1912. On May 9 the company notified Secretary of the Navy Daniels by letter that after June 1 it proposed to demonstrate the complete operation and construction of the Bliss-Leavitt torpedo to Whitehead & Co. of England.
Under instructions from the Navy Department, transmitted by Attorney General McReynolds, Mr. Youngs was directed to begin an action to restrain the Bliss Company from doing what they proposed to do.
In his application for the injunction Mr. Youngs alleges that the secrets the defendants proposed to reveal consisted of "information of a confidential character that cannot be made public without detriment to the Government." The complaint alleges that since the Bliss Company has been making torpedoes for the Government improvements which have been patented have been made in the missiles. Pending argument on the motion for a preliminary injunction Judge Veeder issued a restraining order against the Bliss Company preventing it from disclosing information concerning the torpedoes.
"This torpedo is the principal weapon of our national defense," said Assistant United States Attorney General Coles yesterday. "The right arm of the nation's defense — the navy — calls upon this court to protect its rights. The defendants contend that the precise point in this case is the balanced turbine and its intended disclosure. This is not so. The company's letter to the Navy Department reads that the Bliss Company intends to disclose the 'complete construction and operation' of the Bliss-Leavitt torpedo. If this is done, Japan or any other country can obtain these torpedoes in the open market, an act which would work irreparable injury to the United States that could not be estimated in dollars."
In opposing the Government's application, Arthur C. Fraser, counsel for the Bliss Company, asserted that the only public right the Government held over the torpedo was its share in the invention of the balanced turbine. Against the Government’s contentions that Lieut. G. C. Davison patented this invention, the attorney for the defense held that F. M. Leavitt, chief engineer of the Bliss Company, had perfected the balanced turbine patented by Mr. Davison. Mr. Fraser asserted that Mr. Davison patented his idea, which was improved by Mr. Leavitt, and then assigned his patent rights to the Government. It was some time later, according to the lawyer, that the Bliss Company purchased from Mr. Davison his foreign rights and filed its patents covering the improved devices in Japan, France, and England.
"If the Government wanted secrecy about this balanced turbine," Mr. Fraser said, "why did it patent it through Davison, thereby disclosing its operations to the whole world? The very thing they set up in their complaint and ask us to keep secret is no secret at all. We gave the Government an opportunity to purchase the universal rights to the Bliss-Leavitt torpedo, and it did not take it. This torpedo has put the United States in a peculiarly advantageous condition. The Government ought to buy it and keep it for the exclusive use of its navy."
Mr. Coles, replying to the statements of the attorney for the Bliss Company, said:
"The Government has put up $1, 500, 000 to help the company perfect this invention, and has paid into the company's treasury more than $6,000,000 besides on contracts, practically keeping the company alive."
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Armenians Grateful.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 25, 1913:
To the Editor of The New York Times:
In these eternally dark days of our exiled life when we Armenians read unexpectedly a kind word for our cause in an American paper we can't help having a real tear of joy and hope in our eyes and a heartfelt gratitude in our hearts for all those who think of an oppressed and persecuted people, as Miss Blackwell does.
Oh, when will come the day of peace and freedom, when we shall live and die in Armenia as we live and die in America?
AN ARMENIAN.
Orange. N. J., June 23, 1913.
To the Editor of The New York Times:
In these eternally dark days of our exiled life when we Armenians read unexpectedly a kind word for our cause in an American paper we can't help having a real tear of joy and hope in our eyes and a heartfelt gratitude in our hearts for all those who think of an oppressed and persecuted people, as Miss Blackwell does.
Oh, when will come the day of peace and freedom, when we shall live and die in Armenia as we live and die in America?
AN ARMENIAN.
Orange. N. J., June 23, 1913.
Must Be Second Seapower.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 25, 1913:
Admiral Dewey Says Only England Should Outstrip This Country.
WASHINGTON, June 24. — An adequate American Navy means a fleet second only to that of Great Britain, and "inadequacy is an invitation to war, " in the opinion of Admiral Dewey, ranking naval officer of the United States.
"I believe it is the duty of each generation to pay its own insurance and not to thrust its burdens upon the generations that come after; and the insurance for peace is a navy strong enough to compel it, " says the Admiral in an article written for the programme for Navy Day at Newport, R. I., on July 2. and made public to-day. "The only function and justification for the existence of a navy is the preservation of peace. To perform this function the navy must be adequate; and, though so much discussed in these recent times, the word 'adequate, ' as applied to the navy, has but one meaning, and that is: An 'adequate navy' is a navy of a strength sufficient to meet and defeat any probable enemy. This strength is not absolute, but is relative and varies from period to period as the other naval powers of the world vary. At the present period 'adequacy' on our part calls for a navy second in strength to that of England only.
"We ourselves, through lack of foresight of our fathers and grandfathers, paid the penalty of our generation in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, and our sons and grandsons have been paying the costs of the billions of dollars wasted and the hundreds of millions in pensions for which they were mortgaged; and they still continue to pay.
"We are paying to-day for the navy, as an insurance which does not insure us, roughly $1. 00 per capita per annum. Besides what has already been paid in lives and money, we are still mortgaged, by lack of foresight in our fathers, to the extent of the national debt and the additional $1.80 per capita per annum that we are paying in pensions.
"Shall our lack of foresight continue this system of mortgaging the coming generations, or shall we add the relatively small sum needed to the insufficient insurance we all pay to make that insurance adequate? "
Admiral Dewey Says Only England Should Outstrip This Country.
WASHINGTON, June 24. — An adequate American Navy means a fleet second only to that of Great Britain, and "inadequacy is an invitation to war, " in the opinion of Admiral Dewey, ranking naval officer of the United States.
"I believe it is the duty of each generation to pay its own insurance and not to thrust its burdens upon the generations that come after; and the insurance for peace is a navy strong enough to compel it, " says the Admiral in an article written for the programme for Navy Day at Newport, R. I., on July 2. and made public to-day. "The only function and justification for the existence of a navy is the preservation of peace. To perform this function the navy must be adequate; and, though so much discussed in these recent times, the word 'adequate, ' as applied to the navy, has but one meaning, and that is: An 'adequate navy' is a navy of a strength sufficient to meet and defeat any probable enemy. This strength is not absolute, but is relative and varies from period to period as the other naval powers of the world vary. At the present period 'adequacy' on our part calls for a navy second in strength to that of England only.
"We ourselves, through lack of foresight of our fathers and grandfathers, paid the penalty of our generation in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, and our sons and grandsons have been paying the costs of the billions of dollars wasted and the hundreds of millions in pensions for which they were mortgaged; and they still continue to pay.
"We are paying to-day for the navy, as an insurance which does not insure us, roughly $1. 00 per capita per annum. Besides what has already been paid in lives and money, we are still mortgaged, by lack of foresight in our fathers, to the extent of the national debt and the additional $1.80 per capita per annum that we are paying in pensions.
"Shall our lack of foresight continue this system of mortgaging the coming generations, or shall we add the relatively small sum needed to the insufficient insurance we all pay to make that insurance adequate? "
Ready To Make A Russian Treaty.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 25, 1913:
Bryan Denies Report That the Czar’s Government Has Been Rebuffed.
PLEA FOR RUMANIAN JEWS
Moore Asks State Department to See if Berlin Treaty Is Being Violated.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 24. — Secretary Bryan denied to-day the story coming from St. Petersburg that this Government had declined Russia’s request for a renewal of the treaty of commerce which was abrogated by President Taft. The status of the negotiations between the two countries is that Russia last February asked this Government to take up the matter of making a new treaty, and that last week Secretary Bryan authorized a reply to the effect that the United States was perfectly willing to make one.
Not a word as to the terms of the proposed treaty or the matter of passports for Jewish citizens of this country has yet passed between the two Governments with reference to the new treaty. Mr. Bryan said the negotiations for the new treaty would take place in Washington.
Representative J. Hampton Moore of Pennsylvania to-day directed the attention of the American Government to the situation of the Jews in Rumania, introducing a resolution and following it up with a speech in the House, calling upon the Secretary of State for information as to whether the Berlin treaty of 1878 was being violated by Rumania.
Mr. Moore told the House of reports indicating that the Rumanian Government had failed to observe the article of the treaty providing that religion should be no bar to the rights and privileges of citizenship. He desires Secretary Bryan to inform the House whether any communication has been had with the Rumanian Government or the powers signatory to the Berlin treaty relative to its observance or with respect to a naturalization convention between the United States and the Rumanian Government. If there have been such exchanges, and no conclusions have been reached, Mr. Moore wishes to have the House informed by the Secretary whether the United States has interests with respect to the Berlin treaty and its operations that will make further diplomatic negotiations desirable.
Mr. Moore's speech aroused the House and developed interruptions from Representatives Harrison, Goldfogle, and Calder of New York, and Sabath of Illinois, in which it was pointed out that there were now about 250, 000 Jews in Rumania, and that while they were compelled to serve in the army, they did not have the rights and privileges of citizenship to which they were entitled in Rumania under the Berlin treaty.
Mr. Moore spoke for half an hour in support of his resolution, which was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Complaints on behalf of Rumanian Jews were officially recognized by Secretary Hay in 1902, Mr. Moore said. Diplomatic correspondence ensued, without bringing relief. As late as 1904 it was reported to the Secretary of State that a better feeling existed between the so-called "indigenous Jews" and the Government, and that certain Jewish newspapers advised "against any measures from outside in behalf of Rumanian Jews. " Mr. Moore said little had been done since 1904 by the United States or any other country to induce Rumania to accord treaty privileges to Jews. It was estimated by Mr. Hay in 1902 that the number of Jews in Rumania did not exceed 400, 000. "It appeared, " said
Mr. Moore, "that the Rumanians, numbering 7, 000, 000 or 8, 000, 000, were fearful of being overrun, and that this constituted the real objection to the observance of the Berlin treaty with regard to the Jews. "
Mr. Moore pointed out that Secretary Hay had declared that even in countries where anti-Semitism had no foothold it was difficult for these fleeing Rumanian Jews to obtain lodgment. America was their only refuge. Mr. Moore said that since Secretary Hay made this statement there had been a steady flow of Rumanian Jewish immigration into the United States, until not more than 250, 000 or 300, 000 indigenous Jews continued to live in Rumania.
The chief complaints of the Rumanian Jews are:
At the Berlin congress of 1878 the contracting powers agreed that religion should bar none from the full enjoyment of the rights and privileges of citizenship in Rumania; but to this date the Government has failed to execute the provisions of the article, by denying its native subjects of Jewish faith the rights and privileges of citizenship enjoyed by the rest of the population.
The present political status of the native Jews is defined by the Government as that of "aliens not subject to any foreign protection. "
More than 200 governmental restrictions are now in force against the native Jewish inhabitants, which. Mr. Moore says, deny them every human right and close to them every avenue of earning a livelihood in Rumania.
Bryan Denies Report That the Czar’s Government Has Been Rebuffed.
PLEA FOR RUMANIAN JEWS
Moore Asks State Department to See if Berlin Treaty Is Being Violated.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 24. — Secretary Bryan denied to-day the story coming from St. Petersburg that this Government had declined Russia’s request for a renewal of the treaty of commerce which was abrogated by President Taft. The status of the negotiations between the two countries is that Russia last February asked this Government to take up the matter of making a new treaty, and that last week Secretary Bryan authorized a reply to the effect that the United States was perfectly willing to make one.
Not a word as to the terms of the proposed treaty or the matter of passports for Jewish citizens of this country has yet passed between the two Governments with reference to the new treaty. Mr. Bryan said the negotiations for the new treaty would take place in Washington.
Representative J. Hampton Moore of Pennsylvania to-day directed the attention of the American Government to the situation of the Jews in Rumania, introducing a resolution and following it up with a speech in the House, calling upon the Secretary of State for information as to whether the Berlin treaty of 1878 was being violated by Rumania.
Mr. Moore told the House of reports indicating that the Rumanian Government had failed to observe the article of the treaty providing that religion should be no bar to the rights and privileges of citizenship. He desires Secretary Bryan to inform the House whether any communication has been had with the Rumanian Government or the powers signatory to the Berlin treaty relative to its observance or with respect to a naturalization convention between the United States and the Rumanian Government. If there have been such exchanges, and no conclusions have been reached, Mr. Moore wishes to have the House informed by the Secretary whether the United States has interests with respect to the Berlin treaty and its operations that will make further diplomatic negotiations desirable.
Mr. Moore's speech aroused the House and developed interruptions from Representatives Harrison, Goldfogle, and Calder of New York, and Sabath of Illinois, in which it was pointed out that there were now about 250, 000 Jews in Rumania, and that while they were compelled to serve in the army, they did not have the rights and privileges of citizenship to which they were entitled in Rumania under the Berlin treaty.
Mr. Moore spoke for half an hour in support of his resolution, which was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Complaints on behalf of Rumanian Jews were officially recognized by Secretary Hay in 1902, Mr. Moore said. Diplomatic correspondence ensued, without bringing relief. As late as 1904 it was reported to the Secretary of State that a better feeling existed between the so-called "indigenous Jews" and the Government, and that certain Jewish newspapers advised "against any measures from outside in behalf of Rumanian Jews. " Mr. Moore said little had been done since 1904 by the United States or any other country to induce Rumania to accord treaty privileges to Jews. It was estimated by Mr. Hay in 1902 that the number of Jews in Rumania did not exceed 400, 000. "It appeared, " said
Mr. Moore, "that the Rumanians, numbering 7, 000, 000 or 8, 000, 000, were fearful of being overrun, and that this constituted the real objection to the observance of the Berlin treaty with regard to the Jews. "
Mr. Moore pointed out that Secretary Hay had declared that even in countries where anti-Semitism had no foothold it was difficult for these fleeing Rumanian Jews to obtain lodgment. America was their only refuge. Mr. Moore said that since Secretary Hay made this statement there had been a steady flow of Rumanian Jewish immigration into the United States, until not more than 250, 000 or 300, 000 indigenous Jews continued to live in Rumania.
The chief complaints of the Rumanian Jews are:
At the Berlin congress of 1878 the contracting powers agreed that religion should bar none from the full enjoyment of the rights and privileges of citizenship in Rumania; but to this date the Government has failed to execute the provisions of the article, by denying its native subjects of Jewish faith the rights and privileges of citizenship enjoyed by the rest of the population.
The present political status of the native Jews is defined by the Government as that of "aliens not subject to any foreign protection. "
More than 200 governmental restrictions are now in force against the native Jewish inhabitants, which. Mr. Moore says, deny them every human right and close to them every avenue of earning a livelihood in Rumania.
Russia To Increase Army.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 25, 1913:
Country Asked for Heavy Sacrifices, Owing to German Preparations.
ST. PETERSBURG. June 24. — The Duma to-day discussed the war estimates.
Referring to Germany’s increased military preparations, the Chief of the General Staff enumerated the measures the Russian Government is taking to insure defensive efficiency. These include a considerable strengthening of the infantry, cavalry, and artillery. They will impose on the country in the future heavy sacrifices in men and money.
Country Asked for Heavy Sacrifices, Owing to German Preparations.
ST. PETERSBURG. June 24. — The Duma to-day discussed the war estimates.
Referring to Germany’s increased military preparations, the Chief of the General Staff enumerated the measures the Russian Government is taking to insure defensive efficiency. These include a considerable strengthening of the infantry, cavalry, and artillery. They will impose on the country in the future heavy sacrifices in men and money.
Balkan Outlook Brighter.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 25, 1913:
Report That Bulgaria Will Now Consent to Russian Arbitration.
LONDON, Wednesday, June 25. — The prospect that the Balkan dispute will be submitted to Russian arbitration and that the Premiers of the four Balkan States will meet in St. Petersburg is much brighter.
The reconstruction of Premier Pasitch’s Ministry indicates that Servia has yielded to Russian advice, and it is even reported that Bulgaria is now ready to accept unconditional Russian arbitration.
This peaceful turn of events is attributed to pressure from Russia and the other powers.
Report That Bulgaria Will Now Consent to Russian Arbitration.
LONDON, Wednesday, June 25. — The prospect that the Balkan dispute will be submitted to Russian arbitration and that the Premiers of the four Balkan States will meet in St. Petersburg is much brighter.
The reconstruction of Premier Pasitch’s Ministry indicates that Servia has yielded to Russian advice, and it is even reported that Bulgaria is now ready to accept unconditional Russian arbitration.
This peaceful turn of events is attributed to pressure from Russia and the other powers.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Fleet’s Voyage Put Ahead.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 24, 1913:
Will Start on Mediterranean Cruise In November — Return In February.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 23.— It was announced to-day at the Navy Department that the Atlantic fleet will sail on the contemplated Mediterranean cruise in November, instead of December, as heretofore planned. The fleet will stop at Gibraltar and all the principal ports of the Mediterranean. In February the fleet will return to Guantanamo for Winter battle and target practice.
As far as possible crews will have shore leave wherever the fleet is anchored.
Will Start on Mediterranean Cruise In November — Return In February.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, June 23.— It was announced to-day at the Navy Department that the Atlantic fleet will sail on the contemplated Mediterranean cruise in November, instead of December, as heretofore planned. The fleet will stop at Gibraltar and all the principal ports of the Mediterranean. In February the fleet will return to Guantanamo for Winter battle and target practice.
As far as possible crews will have shore leave wherever the fleet is anchored.
Mexico To Ask Our Aid.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 24, 1913:
Wants Mail to Revolutionists Held Up — Fillbuster Successful.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
HAVANA, June 23.— The Mexican Government hopes to arrange with the United States some means of intercepting mail directed to the revolutionists, according to Pedro Enriquez, a Mexican Postal Inspector, who arrived to-day from Vera Cruz. Enriquez is going to Washington to-morrow to take up the matter with the Government. He says he has an easy plan whereby the mail can be intercepted at the frontier.
Revolutionists arriving from Mexico to-day say that the expedition which left Havana on June 13 with arms has safely landed at Campeche.
DOUGLAS, Ariz., June 23.— Reports that Gen. Pedro Ojeda, the Federal commander in Sonora, had surrendered after a four-day battle at Ortiz were denied to-day by the Constitutional junta in Douglas. Official messages from Hermosillo said the battle was resumed to-day. Junta, members asserted, however, that Ojeda was surrounded and cut off from his base of supplies.
EAGLE PASS, Texas, June 23.— A "third degree" with loaded rifles was given to C. H. Rippeteau, an American traveling salesman of Dallas, Texas, who was released to-day by the Constitutionalists at Piedras Negras, Mexico, and escorted safely to this city. Rippeteau had been held for several days charged with carrying Federal messages through the Constitutionalists' lines in Coahuila State.
Thursday night, at Columbia, Mexico, he said, efforts were made to get him to confess that he had been laying dynamite about Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, the scene of recent fighting. He denied the charges. At 3 A.M., he said, he was aroused from sleep and questioned again about the dynamite.
A firing squad then escorted him several hundred yards from the camp where he was a prisoner and told him he would be shot immediately. His watch and money were taken from him and he was asked to give the name of some one to whom he wished them sent. Then the squad leveled their rifles at his breast, keeping him standing, he said, for what seemed to him several minutes, awaiting the command "Fire." The order was not given. Instead, after a long wait, rifles were lowered and he was escorted back to camp. He was then brought to Piedras Negras and released.
Wants Mail to Revolutionists Held Up — Fillbuster Successful.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
HAVANA, June 23.— The Mexican Government hopes to arrange with the United States some means of intercepting mail directed to the revolutionists, according to Pedro Enriquez, a Mexican Postal Inspector, who arrived to-day from Vera Cruz. Enriquez is going to Washington to-morrow to take up the matter with the Government. He says he has an easy plan whereby the mail can be intercepted at the frontier.
Revolutionists arriving from Mexico to-day say that the expedition which left Havana on June 13 with arms has safely landed at Campeche.
DOUGLAS, Ariz., June 23.— Reports that Gen. Pedro Ojeda, the Federal commander in Sonora, had surrendered after a four-day battle at Ortiz were denied to-day by the Constitutional junta in Douglas. Official messages from Hermosillo said the battle was resumed to-day. Junta, members asserted, however, that Ojeda was surrounded and cut off from his base of supplies.
EAGLE PASS, Texas, June 23.— A "third degree" with loaded rifles was given to C. H. Rippeteau, an American traveling salesman of Dallas, Texas, who was released to-day by the Constitutionalists at Piedras Negras, Mexico, and escorted safely to this city. Rippeteau had been held for several days charged with carrying Federal messages through the Constitutionalists' lines in Coahuila State.
Thursday night, at Columbia, Mexico, he said, efforts were made to get him to confess that he had been laying dynamite about Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, the scene of recent fighting. He denied the charges. At 3 A.M., he said, he was aroused from sleep and questioned again about the dynamite.
A firing squad then escorted him several hundred yards from the camp where he was a prisoner and told him he would be shot immediately. His watch and money were taken from him and he was asked to give the name of some one to whom he wished them sent. Then the squad leveled their rifles at his breast, keeping him standing, he said, for what seemed to him several minutes, awaiting the command "Fire." The order was not given. Instead, after a long wait, rifles were lowered and he was escorted back to camp. He was then brought to Piedras Negras and released.
Says Servia Has Yielded.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 24, 1913:
Report in Sofia — Bulgaria Declines Czar’s Invitation.
LONDON, Tuesday, June 24.— It is reported from Sofia that Servia has yielded to the exhortations of Russia and the powers and that she will accept Russia’s arbitration on the basis of the ante-bellum treaty. This has not yet been confirmed from Belgrade, where the Cabinet crisis, which arose through the refusal of the Ministers of War and Justice to consent to such a course, continues. It is rumored that a new Cabinet will be formed by M. Protics, Minister of the Interior in the old Cabinet, who is strongly anti-Bulgarian.
Greece is taking a determined stand by the side of Servia. In reply to Russia’s request that she intervene at Belgrade in favor of peace, Greece points out that she is not a party to the Servian-Bulgarian treaty, which was arranged unknown to her and without regard to her interests.
The Greek Foreign Minister has issued a long statement explaining the attitude of the Greek Government. He complains of Bulgaria’s provocative attitude throughout, and declares that the only possible solution is the reference of all disputed questions to arbitration. He strongly opposes the Bulgarian demand that that country settle the partition of territory with each of the Allies separately.
VIENNA, June 23.— A dispatch from Sofia says that Bulgaria has definitely declined the Russian Emperor’s invitation for a meeting of the Premiers of the Balkan States at St. Petersburg to discuss the critical situation.
Report in Sofia — Bulgaria Declines Czar’s Invitation.
LONDON, Tuesday, June 24.— It is reported from Sofia that Servia has yielded to the exhortations of Russia and the powers and that she will accept Russia’s arbitration on the basis of the ante-bellum treaty. This has not yet been confirmed from Belgrade, where the Cabinet crisis, which arose through the refusal of the Ministers of War and Justice to consent to such a course, continues. It is rumored that a new Cabinet will be formed by M. Protics, Minister of the Interior in the old Cabinet, who is strongly anti-Bulgarian.
Greece is taking a determined stand by the side of Servia. In reply to Russia’s request that she intervene at Belgrade in favor of peace, Greece points out that she is not a party to the Servian-Bulgarian treaty, which was arranged unknown to her and without regard to her interests.
The Greek Foreign Minister has issued a long statement explaining the attitude of the Greek Government. He complains of Bulgaria’s provocative attitude throughout, and declares that the only possible solution is the reference of all disputed questions to arbitration. He strongly opposes the Bulgarian demand that that country settle the partition of territory with each of the Allies separately.
VIENNA, June 23.— A dispatch from Sofia says that Bulgaria has definitely declined the Russian Emperor’s invitation for a meeting of the Premiers of the Balkan States at St. Petersburg to discuss the critical situation.
Airman-Inventor Drowned.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 24, 1913:
Was Trying Machine in Which He Projected Transatlantic Flight.
LONDON, June 23,— An aviator named Fairbairns was drowned off Shoeburyness this evening. He had flown from Brooklands, experimenting with a new type of machine, with which he projected a transatlantic flight in July.
Fairbairns fell into the sea from a height of 1,000 feet and sank before a friend who was cruising in the vicinity was able to rescue him.
The machine, which was of 350 horse power, was completely inclosed and was provided with a glass conning tower.
Was Trying Machine in Which He Projected Transatlantic Flight.
LONDON, June 23,— An aviator named Fairbairns was drowned off Shoeburyness this evening. He had flown from Brooklands, experimenting with a new type of machine, with which he projected a transatlantic flight in July.
Fairbairns fell into the sea from a height of 1,000 feet and sank before a friend who was cruising in the vicinity was able to rescue him.
The machine, which was of 350 horse power, was completely inclosed and was provided with a glass conning tower.
Airman Dies In Lake Keuka.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 24, 1913:
Fred F. Gardiner Drowns When His Aeroplane Capsizes Over Water.
Special to The New York Times.
BATH, N.Y., June 23.— An aeroplane which Fred F. Gardiner was operating over Lake Keuka turned turtle at an altitude of 100 feet this afternoon, and Gardiner was drowned. His body has not been recovered.
Gardiner, who was 24 years old and a resident of Hannastown, Penn., had been engaged in aeronautics at the lake for the last six weeks. In making a turn to-day he brought the aeroplane around at too sharp an angle, and it turned over. Gardiner struck the water under the wreckage of the machine, and nothing more was seen of him. A flying boat hurried to the spot, and Francis Wildman and C. C. Witner dived to the bottom of the lake several times in search of the body.
Fred F. Gardiner Drowns When His Aeroplane Capsizes Over Water.
Special to The New York Times.
BATH, N.Y., June 23.— An aeroplane which Fred F. Gardiner was operating over Lake Keuka turned turtle at an altitude of 100 feet this afternoon, and Gardiner was drowned. His body has not been recovered.
Gardiner, who was 24 years old and a resident of Hannastown, Penn., had been engaged in aeronautics at the lake for the last six weeks. In making a turn to-day he brought the aeroplane around at too sharp an angle, and it turned over. Gardiner struck the water under the wreckage of the machine, and nothing more was seen of him. A flying boat hurried to the spot, and Francis Wildman and C. C. Witner dived to the bottom of the lake several times in search of the body.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Rumanian Jews.
New York Times 100 years ago today, June 23, 1913:
M. Clemenceau, with the zeal and energy on which years seem to have no effect, has taken up the cause of the Rumanian Jews. As the influence of France can be brought to bear directly on the signatories of the Berlin treaty, which Rumania has for years persistently violated, and as the voice of M. Clemenceau is one to which French Ministers do well to listen, it may be that something really will be done in the matter.
The case is very simple. The treaty of Berlin required, in substance, that the Jews in Rumania, being subjected to the obligations of citizenship, and meeting these loyally, should have equal rights with other citizens. Not even the most rabid anti-Semite will assert that the Jews of Rumania have not performed all their duties. They are, as a class, law-abiding, industrious, self-supporting, and, in the army, have been faithful soldiers. Yet, with the exception of a few for whom special laws have been passed and of those in Dobrondja and Silistria, they are treated as foreigners. As M. Clemenceau says:
They are foreigners, although they, belong to no other nation and can claim no protection from any other Power, thus forming an international monstrosity by having no country.
The Jewish Rumanian soldier who shed his blood on the field of battle is not allowed to enter a workshop, because he is a foreigner. His children are not admitted to school, because they are also foreigners.
The United States is not a party to the treaties which Rumania has so long scouted, but it has a light to use what influence it can upon the public opinion of the world to induce action that shall right this obvious and long-continued wrong. A strong organization for that purpose has just been formed. Men of all parties and of various forms of religious belief, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, are joining it. The immediate objective will be, of course, to secure action by the Governments which are parties to the treaty of Berlin, and to this the vigorous arguments and appeals of M. Clemenceau are sure to contribute.
M. Clemenceau, with the zeal and energy on which years seem to have no effect, has taken up the cause of the Rumanian Jews. As the influence of France can be brought to bear directly on the signatories of the Berlin treaty, which Rumania has for years persistently violated, and as the voice of M. Clemenceau is one to which French Ministers do well to listen, it may be that something really will be done in the matter.
The case is very simple. The treaty of Berlin required, in substance, that the Jews in Rumania, being subjected to the obligations of citizenship, and meeting these loyally, should have equal rights with other citizens. Not even the most rabid anti-Semite will assert that the Jews of Rumania have not performed all their duties. They are, as a class, law-abiding, industrious, self-supporting, and, in the army, have been faithful soldiers. Yet, with the exception of a few for whom special laws have been passed and of those in Dobrondja and Silistria, they are treated as foreigners. As M. Clemenceau says:
They are foreigners, although they, belong to no other nation and can claim no protection from any other Power, thus forming an international monstrosity by having no country.
The Jewish Rumanian soldier who shed his blood on the field of battle is not allowed to enter a workshop, because he is a foreigner. His children are not admitted to school, because they are also foreigners.
The United States is not a party to the treaties which Rumania has so long scouted, but it has a light to use what influence it can upon the public opinion of the world to induce action that shall right this obvious and long-continued wrong. A strong organization for that purpose has just been formed. Men of all parties and of various forms of religious belief, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, are joining it. The immediate objective will be, of course, to secure action by the Governments which are parties to the treaty of Berlin, and to this the vigorous arguments and appeals of M. Clemenceau are sure to contribute.
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