New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1913:
Before the Senate Committee He Urges a Policy of Recognition with Conditions.
HEARERS MUCH IMPRESSED
Resent Administration's Failure to Send Facts — Diaz to be Candidate for President.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 30.— A new complication that may have important bearing on future developments was added to the already tangled Mexican situation to-day when Henry Lane Wilson, American Ambassador to Mexico, laid before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations a detailed statement of Mexican conditions. Besides reciting to the committee the history of recant events in Mexico as he understood them, the Ambassador gave the Senators in response to their questions his conception of what the American policy toward Mexico should be. That policy Mr. Wilson has submitted to Secretary of State Bryan and President Wilson in writing. Neither the President nor the Secretary invited the Ambassador to discuss his plan for the solution of the Mexican difficulty but the Senators who heard it to-day were impressed deeply by it.
The Committee on Foreign Relations heretofore has been guided entirely by the wishes ot the Administration, and it is not thought any course will be adopted to which the President does not give his approval. But after listening to Ambassador Wilson for over three hours arid questioning him closely as to conditions in Mexico, his part in internal Mexican affairs, and his plan for their improvement. Senators expressed amazement that this fund of information had not been put at their disposal by the Department, of State. There was some wonder, too, that after bringing the Ambassador all the way from Mexico to obtain his personal report his personal conference with the President and the Secretary of State had been limited to fifty minutes, while his recommendations were reduced to writing and were not referred to in conversation.
Resentment In Committee.
A feeling of resentment on the part of the committee toward the Administration seemed to be sharpened by an impression certain Senators received that the President and Secretary Bryan had not wished the committee to hear the Ambassador. The committee, however, was eager for first-hand information and procured the Ambassador's attendance by a formal resolution. When the committee arose this afternoon after a continuous session of three hours and a half the Senators were so eager to hear more that they invited the Ambassador to appear before them again to-morrow. That invitation was accepted, but shortly afterward, in view of the pressure of other engagements, the committee decided to postpone the meeting for several days.
The plan submitted to the committee by Ambassador Wilson seems to have undergone severe revision in the last few days. Mediation was scouted as much as ever as being entirely unacceptable to both Mexican factions, while intervention even in the limited form of the armed pacification of the northern States with the consent of the Mexican authorities was suggested only as a remote contingency. The Ambassador's plan, however, still hinges directly on the immediate recognition of Provisional President Huerta, ana that central feature has been absolutely rejected by the President and the Secretary of State.
The plan put forward by the Ambassador involves recognition of Gen. Huerta with certain conditions precedent, which, in the Ambassador's view, would increase its value to Americans with Mexicans interests, would tend to restore the shattered prestige of the United States below the Rio Grande, and would insure a fair election in October of a constitutional successor to the provisional incumbent. It does not involve a stipulation that Gen. Huerta shall not be a candidate to succeed himself, though some Senators thought the plan might be modified to include that stipulation without nullifying its essential points.
Ambassador Wilson proposes that in agreeing to recognize the Provisional President this Government shall demand the routine promises of satisfactory settlement of the Chamizal and Colorado River disputes and an adjustment of reasonable American claims for damages. His most important proviso, however, calls for the immediate resignation of the Mexican Minister of Gufernacion, to be succeeded by some one in sympathy with constitutional government. This Cabinet officer, Mr. Wilson points out, absolutely controls Mexican elections, and the fairness of the election would depend more on him than on the personal feelings of the President in power.
Election Plan Surprises Them.
The committee was surprised to hear from the Ambassador that, in spite of continued disorder in many States, the election announced for October would be held at that time. That, in fact, was one of the points which he pressed as an urgent incentive for prompt action by the United States. Recognition of the existing Government, he said, with the stipulations he suggested, would give the United States a voice in directing the course of events. Demands could be made to the Provisional Government as a prerequisite to recognition which could not be presented otherwise, and the friendly interest of the successful candidate for the United States would be insured.
Whether recognition is granted or not, Senators are inclined to think that after an election in which at least the forms of constitutional government are observed, recognition could not longer be withheld by the United States. Even if Huerta is re-elected, it is pointed out that it would be almost unprecedented to withhold recognition simply on the ground of Gen. Huerta's alleged ethical deficiencies or because of improper incidents associated with his first elevation to power. After an election, it is argued, regardless of the manner in which the late President Madero met his death, Huerta would be precisely in the position of King Peter of Servia, who owed his accession to the assassination of King Alexander and Queen Draga. Peter's rule was not recognized at first because of moral objections, but as soon as he set up a government in accord with local constitutional form, recognition was given.
It was suggested that it might prove a calamity both to Mexico and to Americans with interests in the Latin republic for Gen. Huerta to be eliminated. Without discussing his moral qualifications. Ambassador Wilson said he was the strongest man in sight. Senators assented to that view and said that in the end it might be found necessary, in spite of his own known reluctance to stand for re-election, that he should retain control. According to Senators, though better men than Gen. Huerta might be discovered — such as Señor Calero, formerly Ambassador to the United States — a stronger man yet had to show himself.
Sticks to Huerta Theory.
Ambassador Wilson was emphatic in asserting that unless the Provisional Presidency were recognized at once chaos far worse than anything yet known would result. He adhered to his original statement that Gen. Huerta's government was the only government worthy the name in Mexico; that a rebel government existed only in the northwestern State of Sonora, and that Gen. Huerta, with an army increased to 50,000 men, was doing real work toward the establishment of peace, but that unless the Provisional President could get large funds quickly his hold on the country would be lost.
These funds, said the Ambassador, could be procured only after the United States should grant recognition. From a financial point of view, according to Mr. Wilson, in spite of important military successes in the last month or so, the Huerta Government is in desperate straits. The daily deficit is enormous, business is at a standstill, and further loans cannot be floated. All that would change, said the Ambassador, if recognition should be given. Loans would realize quickly, the army would be increased, the rebellion would be put down, and business would leap to its normal speed in developing the great natural resources of the country.
In the detailed historical review of circumstances leading to the present situation, Mr. Wilson gave the committee an entirely new explanation of the death of President Madero and Vice-President Suarez. According to the Ambassador's theory — and he described it only as a theory — the two officials were slain, not by the followers of Gen. Huerta and Felix Diaz, but by the relatives and friends of prominent Mexicans, whom President Madero had ordered put to death in the last days of his Administration.
Revenge His Murder Theory.
The Ambassador told the committee that he believed those men were on the lookout for any opportunity for revenge. They heard that the prisoners were about to be removed for greater safety from their first quarters in the National Palace to the military prison, and they gathered in various streets in the hope of getting a shot at them as they passed. In that effort they were successful, and both officials were killed in the street leading to the prison.
After the arrest of President Madero and Vice President Suarez, the Ambassador, he said, called five times on Gen. Huerta in company with the German Minister, to demand that no violence be done. By Gen. Huerta, he related, every desired assurance was given. Mr. Wilson believes those assurances were sincere. In his opinion, there is no moral reason why President Huerta should not be recognized.
The conditions which the Ambassador suggested as forming the basis of recognition would, he believed, have far greater chances of being accepted by President Huerta now than when conditions of a somewhat similar sort were proposed in the Administration of President Taft. This is the first direct information that has come to light of overtures by the Taft Administration looking to recognizing Huerta. It was explained at the time that Mr. Taft wished to leave his successor in Washington free to choose a course.
The conditions which President Huerta rejected in the Taft Administration were somewhat more drastic than those now advocated by the Ambassador. The armed pacification of all Mexico north of the twenty-sixth parallel, it is thought, then was a more important stipulation, while guaranties of a kind to wound Mexican sensibilities were demanded.
The possibility of pacification of the Northern States by American troops is still proposed vaguely, but it is pushed off to a more remote day. Under no circumstances, said the Ambassador, should it be attempted without the hearty accord of the Mexican authorities. He believed that recognition would so strengthen the hands of the central Government that the assistance of the United States in restoring order would not be necessary. In any event, the necessity could be disclosed only by the request from the City of Mexico that American troops co-operate with Mexican columns in running bandits to earth.
Committee's Course Uncertain.
Although members of the Committee on Foreign Relations feel that conditions in Mexico have been presented to them in an entirely new light, which changes the whole aspect of affairs, it is not apparent just now how that conviction on their part will affect materially the course of American diplomacy. Recognition of a foreign Government is strictly an Executive act and outside the domain of control by Congress.
The State Department received this afternoon a delayed dispatch from Mr. O'Shaughnessy, Chargé d'Affaires in the City of Mexico, saying that Biesel and McDonald, the Americans connected with the San Patricio Mining Company in Parral, who were arrested, taken to Chihuahua, and sentenced to be shot, had been released. The men were in an automobile, going to the rescue of some friends, when they were seized.
A dispatch from Chihuahua reports the arrival there of E. E. Rawlins from Madera, who says that all Americans in Madera are perfectly safe and denies the reports that have been coming from El Paso for the last two weeks in regard to the colony there.
DOUGLAS, Ariz., July 30.— Saltillo, capital of Coahuila, is invested by insurgents, who plan to move from there against Monclova, recently taken by the Federals, according to the same advices.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Diaz Admits Candidacy.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1913:
Does Not Expect Huerta's Support for Presidency, He Declares.
Special to The New York Times.
SAN DIEGO, Cal., July 30.— Gen. Felix Diaz, who is on his way to San Francisco to take a steamer for Japan on a diplomatic mission from Mexico, reached San Diego to-day. Gen. Diaz said he expected to return to Mexico about Oct. 1. The Presidential election is to be held Oct. 28, according to present plans.
Gen. Diaz was asked if he was neglecting his political interests by the journey. He replied that his political interests were in the hands of his friends and that, while President Huerta was friendly to him, his partisan support was not expected, as it was not customary for Mexican Presidents to take sides in political campaigns. Asked if he felt that his election as President would result in more settled conditions Gen Diaz asked to be excused from answering.
"What do you think of the refusal of the United States to recognize the Huerta Government?" he was asked.
"The recognition of the present Government by the United States would only be the recognition extended by practically all other powers and would be appreciated by my Government," he replied.
"What does your Government think of the efforts of the American Ambassador to Mexico?"
"I feel that "the American Ambassador has rendered both his and my Government invaluable services."
"Is your mission to Japan solely for the purpose of extending the thanks of your Government to the Japanese Government for the courtesy of Japan in exhibiting at the centenary exposition in Mexico in 1910, or are you also charged with negotiating a closer trade or diplomatic treaty?"
"My sole mission is to extend the thanks of my Government to Japan — absolutely all," replied the General. "My visit to the United States is fraught with absolutely no significance. I came by the way of Salina Cruz to San Diego. Instead of by way of Vera Cruz to New York, solely to expedite travel and make more rapid time and for no other purpose."
Asked if he thought that intervention by the United States would be beneficial to Mexico, Gen. Diaz replied that he did not believe that the United States had any idea of interfering with Mexican affairs, especially as the latest reports indicated that conditions were rapidly mending.
Does Not Expect Huerta's Support for Presidency, He Declares.
Special to The New York Times.
SAN DIEGO, Cal., July 30.— Gen. Felix Diaz, who is on his way to San Francisco to take a steamer for Japan on a diplomatic mission from Mexico, reached San Diego to-day. Gen. Diaz said he expected to return to Mexico about Oct. 1. The Presidential election is to be held Oct. 28, according to present plans.
Gen. Diaz was asked if he was neglecting his political interests by the journey. He replied that his political interests were in the hands of his friends and that, while President Huerta was friendly to him, his partisan support was not expected, as it was not customary for Mexican Presidents to take sides in political campaigns. Asked if he felt that his election as President would result in more settled conditions Gen Diaz asked to be excused from answering.
"What do you think of the refusal of the United States to recognize the Huerta Government?" he was asked.
"The recognition of the present Government by the United States would only be the recognition extended by practically all other powers and would be appreciated by my Government," he replied.
"What does your Government think of the efforts of the American Ambassador to Mexico?"
"I feel that "the American Ambassador has rendered both his and my Government invaluable services."
"Is your mission to Japan solely for the purpose of extending the thanks of your Government to the Japanese Government for the courtesy of Japan in exhibiting at the centenary exposition in Mexico in 1910, or are you also charged with negotiating a closer trade or diplomatic treaty?"
"My sole mission is to extend the thanks of my Government to Japan — absolutely all," replied the General. "My visit to the United States is fraught with absolutely no significance. I came by the way of Salina Cruz to San Diego. Instead of by way of Vera Cruz to New York, solely to expedite travel and make more rapid time and for no other purpose."
Asked if he thought that intervention by the United States would be beneficial to Mexico, Gen. Diaz replied that he did not believe that the United States had any idea of interfering with Mexican affairs, especially as the latest reports indicated that conditions were rapidly mending.
Mob Diaz In Los Angeles.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1913:
Mexican Rebel Sympathizers Shout for General's Death.
LOS ANGELES, July 30— Shouting "Death to Diaz," a strong contingent of Mexican rebel sympathizers gave a riotous reception here to-night to Gen. Felix Diaz, who was a leader of the revolution in Mexico City against President Madero. A platoon of police with busy clubs drove back the excited crowd.
"Diaz, who arrived from San Diego by ship, was greeted by Consul Pena y Cuevas and a party of Huertista partisans, but their vivas were drowned by the shouts of their opponents, and the envoy was saved from possible attack when a platoon of police charged the shouting Constitutionalists and opened a path for the Ambassador.
"Viva Carranza" was the companion shout of "Muerto a Diaz," and these cries rang in the ears of Gen. Diaz until, escorted by the police, he entered an automobile and was driven away.
Mexican Rebel Sympathizers Shout for General's Death.
LOS ANGELES, July 30— Shouting "Death to Diaz," a strong contingent of Mexican rebel sympathizers gave a riotous reception here to-night to Gen. Felix Diaz, who was a leader of the revolution in Mexico City against President Madero. A platoon of police with busy clubs drove back the excited crowd.
"Diaz, who arrived from San Diego by ship, was greeted by Consul Pena y Cuevas and a party of Huertista partisans, but their vivas were drowned by the shouts of their opponents, and the envoy was saved from possible attack when a platoon of police charged the shouting Constitutionalists and opened a path for the Ambassador.
"Viva Carranza" was the companion shout of "Muerto a Diaz," and these cries rang in the ears of Gen. Diaz until, escorted by the police, he entered an automobile and was driven away.
Senators Call Correspondent to Testify About Mexico.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1913:
Special Cable to The New York Times.
HAVANA, July 30.— Fitzgerald Slocum, the Mexican correspondent of The Los Angeles Times, whom Gen. Victoriano Huerta, Provisional President of Mexico, recently deported, was summoned to Washington to-day for the purpose of testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Mr. Slocum has spent the last two years in Mexico. He describes conditions there as much worse than they have been represented.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
HAVANA, July 30.— Fitzgerald Slocum, the Mexican correspondent of The Los Angeles Times, whom Gen. Victoriano Huerta, Provisional President of Mexico, recently deported, was summoned to Washington to-day for the purpose of testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Mr. Slocum has spent the last two years in Mexico. He describes conditions there as much worse than they have been represented.
Americans Short Of Food.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1913:
Supplies Taken from Women and Children for Mexicans.
Special to The New York Times.
EL PASO, Texas, July 30.— American women and children in the town of Torreon, Mexico, are hungry and are being deprived of sufficient food by the soldiers, according to an American mining man who arrived here in a hack to-day from San Pedro and Torreon. When the American left there, the rebels had cut all the railroads, the food supply was almost exhausted, and the authorities had taken all that was left and were keeping most of it for the soldiers, giving the Americans and other civilians only enough to sustain life.
Conditions were even worse in the interior of the State of Durango, the mining man said, as the people were without money, the rebels having taken everything they owned. The narrative was reported to Consul Edwards in Juarez for investigation.
Supplies Taken from Women and Children for Mexicans.
Special to The New York Times.
EL PASO, Texas, July 30.— American women and children in the town of Torreon, Mexico, are hungry and are being deprived of sufficient food by the soldiers, according to an American mining man who arrived here in a hack to-day from San Pedro and Torreon. When the American left there, the rebels had cut all the railroads, the food supply was almost exhausted, and the authorities had taken all that was left and were keeping most of it for the soldiers, giving the Americans and other civilians only enough to sustain life.
Conditions were even worse in the interior of the State of Durango, the mining man said, as the people were without money, the rebels having taken everything they owned. The narrative was reported to Consul Edwards in Juarez for investigation.
Nanking Abandons Cause Of Rebels.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1913:
Announcement Made That Proclamation of Independence Has Been Canceled.
MERCY FOR SUN YAT-SEN
Other Revolutionary Leaders Must Flee for Their Lives, but It Is Likely That He Will Be Pardoned.
SHANGHAI, July 30.— Everything was quiet here to-day and there was no attack on the Wu-Sung forts. Government cruisers are still in the lower Yangtse River.
The recent fires in the native city caused great destruction. One block of houses one hundred yards long was completely destroyed.
The Chamber of Commerce of Nan-king telegraphed to-day to the Military Governor of the Province of Kiang-Su and also to a number of high officials at Shanghai the following dispatch:
Gen. Huang-Sing, the commander in chief of the Southern forces, has left Nanking. The proclamation of independence issued there has been canceled. The city is quiet.
A naval wireless dispatch to-day confirms the report of the return of Nanking to its allegiance to the Northern Government.
PEKING, July 30.— The return of Nanking to the side of the Peking Government is considered here as having taken away the cornerstone from the Southern rebellion.
The Senate to-day approved the nomination of Hsiung Hsiling, ex-Minister of Finance, as Premier, and it is believed that a permanent Cabinet will now be formed.
It is anticipated that all the rebel soldiers pledging their allegiance to the Government will be pardoned under the proclamation "To the misguided people," issued by President Yuan Shi-kai at the beginning of the rebellion. The leaders of the revolt, however, must flee for their lives.
Throughout China Dr. Sun Yat-sen has many sympathizers, both among the Chinese and foreigners, and it would not be surprising if President Yuan Shi-kai pardoned him. Dr. Sun's name was conspicuously absent from the recent Presidential order sentencing to death the other three instigators of the revolt.
HANKOW, July 30.— The United States gunboat Quiros, which went to Yo-Chow to investigate the recent firing on a Standard Oil Company boat, was also fired upon. The commander of the Quiros, being reluctant to engage in a combat, withdrew his vessel.
Northern troops captured the Hu-Kow forts last Friday after a fierce bombardment from a gunboat at Oliphant's Island. The troops landed below the forts under cover of the bombardment and rushed the position at nightfall.
The northern troops will now advance on Nan-Chang.
Announcement Made That Proclamation of Independence Has Been Canceled.
MERCY FOR SUN YAT-SEN
Other Revolutionary Leaders Must Flee for Their Lives, but It Is Likely That He Will Be Pardoned.
SHANGHAI, July 30.— Everything was quiet here to-day and there was no attack on the Wu-Sung forts. Government cruisers are still in the lower Yangtse River.
The recent fires in the native city caused great destruction. One block of houses one hundred yards long was completely destroyed.
The Chamber of Commerce of Nan-king telegraphed to-day to the Military Governor of the Province of Kiang-Su and also to a number of high officials at Shanghai the following dispatch:
Gen. Huang-Sing, the commander in chief of the Southern forces, has left Nanking. The proclamation of independence issued there has been canceled. The city is quiet.
A naval wireless dispatch to-day confirms the report of the return of Nanking to its allegiance to the Northern Government.
PEKING, July 30.— The return of Nanking to the side of the Peking Government is considered here as having taken away the cornerstone from the Southern rebellion.
The Senate to-day approved the nomination of Hsiung Hsiling, ex-Minister of Finance, as Premier, and it is believed that a permanent Cabinet will now be formed.
It is anticipated that all the rebel soldiers pledging their allegiance to the Government will be pardoned under the proclamation "To the misguided people," issued by President Yuan Shi-kai at the beginning of the rebellion. The leaders of the revolt, however, must flee for their lives.
Throughout China Dr. Sun Yat-sen has many sympathizers, both among the Chinese and foreigners, and it would not be surprising if President Yuan Shi-kai pardoned him. Dr. Sun's name was conspicuously absent from the recent Presidential order sentencing to death the other three instigators of the revolt.
HANKOW, July 30.— The United States gunboat Quiros, which went to Yo-Chow to investigate the recent firing on a Standard Oil Company boat, was also fired upon. The commander of the Quiros, being reluctant to engage in a combat, withdrew his vessel.
Northern troops captured the Hu-Kow forts last Friday after a fierce bombardment from a gunboat at Oliphant's Island. The troops landed below the forts under cover of the bombardment and rushed the position at nightfall.
The northern troops will now advance on Nan-Chang.
Castro Is Leading Venezuelan Revolt.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1913:
The Country Is Being Invaded at Various Points on the Colombian Frontier.
EX-PRESIDENT WITH TROOPS
Reported to Have Landed in Venezuela on Tuesday — Two of His Nephews Sail from Curacao.
BOGOTA, July 30.— Active revolutionary movements in Venezuela and the invasion of that country simultaneously at various points on the Colombian frontier by adherents of ex-President Cipriano Castro are reported by the newspapers here.
The Colombian Government is observing complete neutrality.
WILLEMSTAD, July 30.— Rumors have reached here that the town of Coro, in the State of Falcon, Venezuela, has been occupied by Castro's partisans and that Gen. Leon Jurado, Governor of Falcon, has been taken prisoner by them.
It is also rumored that Castro landed in Venezuela yesterday.
A number of Castro's followers, including two of his young nephews, clandestinely embarked here to-day, bound for Coro.
The political situation in Venezuela has become most critical. Scores of important personages have been imprisoned.
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, July 30.— It is reported here that a small party of Venezuelan revolutionists made an unsuccessful attack on Monday on the port of Cristobal Colon, and that Gen. Bustamente, on board a Government warship, is now in pursuit of them.
Cristobal Colon is a port on the Peninsula of Paria, in the northeastern part of Venezuela. The town lies at the western end of Aricagua Bay.
Confirmation of the reports that Cipriano Castro has begun revolutionary activities in Venezuela was received here yesterday in a cablegram to Gen. José Manuel Hernandez, leader of the National Liberal Party in Venezuela, now a political exile in this country. The message, dated Tuesday, and sent by one of the General's agents at Cucuta, Colombia, near the Venezuelan border, read: "Castro's followers have begun invasion."
"This is what I expected," said Gen. Hernandez last night, "but I have no further information of Castro's activities."
Gen. Hernandez, who is popularly known as "El Mocho," is opposed both to Castro and the present Gomez Government, and is said to be waiting an opportunity to return to his native land and lead a revolution of his own party against Gomez. He issued the following statement last night:
Gen. Hernandez, as the recognized leader of the National Liberal Party of Venezuela, has with him the backing of the great majority of the country, and in the present state of affairs he can only say that he is closely watching events to see what can and must be done at the proper time and when due opportunity presents itself. With reference to Gomez and Castro, both are hated and distrusted both at home and abroad, and therefore there is no doubt that both will be forced to disappear from the political scene by public opinion. What the country wants is not merely a change of men, but a change in the whole, rotten system. The last definite news of the whereabouts of Castro was his arrival in Berlin from New York. After he left the German capital he was reported to have reached the Canary Islands, whence he disappeared. He was later supposed at various times to have been in Key West, in Curacao, and at Panama. Later he was said to have departed for Colombia, whither his brother, Carmelo, had preceded him.
The political situation in Venezuela has attracted attention for some time, owing to the flight from that country of prominent politicians, some of whom arrived in Curaçao and at other points in the West Indies, where they took refuge from threatened imprisonment by President Gomez.
Rumors have been current that many shipments of arms have been sent to Venezuela for distribution among Castro's partisans.
The Country Is Being Invaded at Various Points on the Colombian Frontier.
EX-PRESIDENT WITH TROOPS
Reported to Have Landed in Venezuela on Tuesday — Two of His Nephews Sail from Curacao.
BOGOTA, July 30.— Active revolutionary movements in Venezuela and the invasion of that country simultaneously at various points on the Colombian frontier by adherents of ex-President Cipriano Castro are reported by the newspapers here.
The Colombian Government is observing complete neutrality.
WILLEMSTAD, July 30.— Rumors have reached here that the town of Coro, in the State of Falcon, Venezuela, has been occupied by Castro's partisans and that Gen. Leon Jurado, Governor of Falcon, has been taken prisoner by them.
It is also rumored that Castro landed in Venezuela yesterday.
A number of Castro's followers, including two of his young nephews, clandestinely embarked here to-day, bound for Coro.
The political situation in Venezuela has become most critical. Scores of important personages have been imprisoned.
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, July 30.— It is reported here that a small party of Venezuelan revolutionists made an unsuccessful attack on Monday on the port of Cristobal Colon, and that Gen. Bustamente, on board a Government warship, is now in pursuit of them.
Cristobal Colon is a port on the Peninsula of Paria, in the northeastern part of Venezuela. The town lies at the western end of Aricagua Bay.
Confirmation of the reports that Cipriano Castro has begun revolutionary activities in Venezuela was received here yesterday in a cablegram to Gen. José Manuel Hernandez, leader of the National Liberal Party in Venezuela, now a political exile in this country. The message, dated Tuesday, and sent by one of the General's agents at Cucuta, Colombia, near the Venezuelan border, read: "Castro's followers have begun invasion."
"This is what I expected," said Gen. Hernandez last night, "but I have no further information of Castro's activities."
Gen. Hernandez, who is popularly known as "El Mocho," is opposed both to Castro and the present Gomez Government, and is said to be waiting an opportunity to return to his native land and lead a revolution of his own party against Gomez. He issued the following statement last night:
Gen. Hernandez, as the recognized leader of the National Liberal Party of Venezuela, has with him the backing of the great majority of the country, and in the present state of affairs he can only say that he is closely watching events to see what can and must be done at the proper time and when due opportunity presents itself. With reference to Gomez and Castro, both are hated and distrusted both at home and abroad, and therefore there is no doubt that both will be forced to disappear from the political scene by public opinion. What the country wants is not merely a change of men, but a change in the whole, rotten system. The last definite news of the whereabouts of Castro was his arrival in Berlin from New York. After he left the German capital he was reported to have reached the Canary Islands, whence he disappeared. He was later supposed at various times to have been in Key West, in Curacao, and at Panama. Later he was said to have departed for Colombia, whither his brother, Carmelo, had preceded him.
The political situation in Venezuela has attracted attention for some time, owing to the flight from that country of prominent politicians, some of whom arrived in Curaçao and at other points in the West Indies, where they took refuge from threatened imprisonment by President Gomez.
Rumors have been current that many shipments of arms have been sent to Venezuela for distribution among Castro's partisans.
Arrange Balkan Armistice.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1913:
Peace Delegates Meet at Bucharest — Russian Fleet Alarms Turks.
BUCHAREST, July 30.— The Peace Conference was convened this afternoon at the Foreign Office.
The Rumanian Premier, M. Majoresco, was elected Permanent President of the conference.
The only business transacted to-day was the agreement to a five days' armistice by the delegates of Rumania, Servia, Greece, Montenegro, and Bulgaria.
CONSTANTINOPLE, July 30.— A Russian fleet which has been cruising in the vicinity of the Black Sea entrance to the Bosphorus was engaged to-day in making soundings in the Harbor of Zonguldak, a port in Asia Minor, about 150 miles from Constantinople.
The news of the operations of the Russian fleet has greatly excited the populace of the capital, but it has apparently made no impression on the Government officials. They declare that a good deal more than a naval demonstration will be required to induce the Porte to abandon the Fortress of Adrianople.
SOFIA, July 30.— A semi-official report issued to-night says that the Bulgarians have taken the offensive against the Greeks and made themselves masters of the upper Bregalnitza River and of the plain of Lechovo, thus separating the Greek and Servian Armies.
The report says also that the Bulgarians defeated the Greeks in the Mesta Valley, thereby completely clearing the Raslog plain of Greeks.
LONDON, Thursday, July 31.— The alacrity with which the Greek and Servian delegates to the Balkan peace conference at Bucharest consented yesterday to a five-day truce bears out the reports from Greek sources that transport difficulties were hampering the Greek operations and that the recent fighting had been more favorable to the Bulgarians than the Greeks were willing to admit.
This seems to be further confirmed by the Sofia semi-official dispatch stating that the Bulgars had won victories on the upper Bregalnitza River and elsewhere.
It is expected that the conference at Bucharest will last two or three weeks, and the chances are said to be in favor of peace.
The Government informed Parliament yesterday that Great Britain would take no separate action against Turkey in the Balkan dispute.
Peace Delegates Meet at Bucharest — Russian Fleet Alarms Turks.
BUCHAREST, July 30.— The Peace Conference was convened this afternoon at the Foreign Office.
The Rumanian Premier, M. Majoresco, was elected Permanent President of the conference.
The only business transacted to-day was the agreement to a five days' armistice by the delegates of Rumania, Servia, Greece, Montenegro, and Bulgaria.
CONSTANTINOPLE, July 30.— A Russian fleet which has been cruising in the vicinity of the Black Sea entrance to the Bosphorus was engaged to-day in making soundings in the Harbor of Zonguldak, a port in Asia Minor, about 150 miles from Constantinople.
The news of the operations of the Russian fleet has greatly excited the populace of the capital, but it has apparently made no impression on the Government officials. They declare that a good deal more than a naval demonstration will be required to induce the Porte to abandon the Fortress of Adrianople.
SOFIA, July 30.— A semi-official report issued to-night says that the Bulgarians have taken the offensive against the Greeks and made themselves masters of the upper Bregalnitza River and of the plain of Lechovo, thus separating the Greek and Servian Armies.
The report says also that the Bulgarians defeated the Greeks in the Mesta Valley, thereby completely clearing the Raslog plain of Greeks.
LONDON, Thursday, July 31.— The alacrity with which the Greek and Servian delegates to the Balkan peace conference at Bucharest consented yesterday to a five-day truce bears out the reports from Greek sources that transport difficulties were hampering the Greek operations and that the recent fighting had been more favorable to the Bulgarians than the Greeks were willing to admit.
This seems to be further confirmed by the Sofia semi-official dispatch stating that the Bulgars had won victories on the upper Bregalnitza River and elsewhere.
It is expected that the conference at Bucharest will last two or three weeks, and the chances are said to be in favor of peace.
The Government informed Parliament yesterday that Great Britain would take no separate action against Turkey in the Balkan dispute.
Kaiser Thanks Committee.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 31, 1913:
Considers Appeal for Rumanian Jews, Emancipators Hear.
Word has been received in this country that Emperor William is considering seriously the appeal made to him by cable by the American Rumanian Jewish
Emancipation Committee to use his good offices to compel Rumania to live up to her promises in the Treaty of Berlin of 1878 to grant to her 250,000 Jewish subjects full rights of citizenship and to recognize their religious and social rights.
Henry Green, Executive Secretary of the committee, has received this letter from Count von Bernstorff, the German Ambassador:
Newport, R.I., July 22, 1913.
My Dear Mr. Green: The telegram which the members of the American Rumanian Jewish Emancipation Committee have sent to his Majesty the German Emperor on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his reign has been submitted to his Majesty. I am directed to transmit to the members of your committee his Majesty's thanks for this kind attention.
Yours very sincerely,
S. BERNSTORFF,
German Ambassador.
"While the letter from Ambassador Bernstorff is gratifying to the committee," Mr. Green said yesterday, "inasmuch as it shows that Emperor William has taken official cognizance of the matter, advices which I have received from Berlin privately make me even more hopeful that the Emperor is considering taking action as we suggested in our cable. I feel certain that once the matter is properly brought to his Majesty's attention — as the committee proposes to do by sending a delegation to lay the facts before him and the German Reichstag — the matter will be taken up with the Rumanian Government in a manner that will leave King Charles I. no option but to do what we are working for."
The committee's cable message to the Emperor was sent at a meeting held at the Waldorf-Astoria several weeks ago and was signed by Champ Clark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, as President of the Committee, by Mr. Green, and other members of the committee.
Considers Appeal for Rumanian Jews, Emancipators Hear.
Word has been received in this country that Emperor William is considering seriously the appeal made to him by cable by the American Rumanian Jewish
Emancipation Committee to use his good offices to compel Rumania to live up to her promises in the Treaty of Berlin of 1878 to grant to her 250,000 Jewish subjects full rights of citizenship and to recognize their religious and social rights.
Henry Green, Executive Secretary of the committee, has received this letter from Count von Bernstorff, the German Ambassador:
Newport, R.I., July 22, 1913.
My Dear Mr. Green: The telegram which the members of the American Rumanian Jewish Emancipation Committee have sent to his Majesty the German Emperor on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his reign has been submitted to his Majesty. I am directed to transmit to the members of your committee his Majesty's thanks for this kind attention.
Yours very sincerely,
S. BERNSTORFF,
German Ambassador.
"While the letter from Ambassador Bernstorff is gratifying to the committee," Mr. Green said yesterday, "inasmuch as it shows that Emperor William has taken official cognizance of the matter, advices which I have received from Berlin privately make me even more hopeful that the Emperor is considering taking action as we suggested in our cable. I feel certain that once the matter is properly brought to his Majesty's attention — as the committee proposes to do by sending a delegation to lay the facts before him and the German Reichstag — the matter will be taken up with the Rumanian Government in a manner that will leave King Charles I. no option but to do what we are working for."
The committee's cable message to the Emperor was sent at a meeting held at the Waldorf-Astoria several weeks ago and was signed by Champ Clark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, as President of the Committee, by Mr. Green, and other members of the committee.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Huerta's Removal Essential To Peace.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 30, 1913:
Braniff, His Friend, Starts for Mexico City to Urge the Provisional Ruler to Resign.
PRESIDENT WILSON IS FIRM
Won't Recognize Madero's Slayer — Vasquez Tagle Mentioned to Head Administration.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 20.— All the developments in the Mexican situation here to-day were confirmatory of the statements in a Washington dispatch sent to The Times last night that efforts were being made to bring about a restoration of normal conditions in Mexico through inducing President Huerta to retire from office and permit the installation of a provisional President who would be satisfactory to the warring factions. Friends of Gen. Huerta who have been making an investigation in this city, have ascertained that President Wilson is opposed to recognition of the Huerta Government on account of the circumstances through which, it came into power. In the knowledge that Mr. Wilson is obdurate in his refusal to listen to suggestions that Huerta receive formal recognition from this Government, the men who are working here and in Mexico toward a restoration of peace have leached the conclusion that the easiest escape from the difficulty is to appeal to Huerta to step down and out.
Perhaps the most important development to-day was the departure for Mexico City of Oscar .T. Braniff, a friend of Huerta, who was sent to this country, according to the understanding in official circles, as Huerta's personal and financial representative. Mr. Braniff, after being in New York several months, came to Washington recently, and in the last few days has had conferences with Henry Lane Wilson, the American Ambassador to Mexico, who arrived here last Saturday morning.
Thinks Intervention May Come.
It is understood Mr. Braniff learned enough yesterday to convince him that if the present status of Mexican affairs did not change the Government of the United States would be forced to adopt a policy of intervention. Although he declined to say why he was returning to Mexico, no doubt is felt in the best-informed quarters here that he has gone to make a report to Huerta that should convince the Provisional President that his retention in power is the stumbling block in the way of a settlement of the troubles that gradually are bringing financial and industrial ruin on the southern republic.
Meanwhile an effort has been begun to select a prominent Mexican public man who will be accepted by the Huertistas and the Constitutionalists as Huerta's successor until Constitutional elections can be held for choosing a new President and a- Congress. The name of Vasquez Tagle who was Minister of Justice in the Cabinet of President Madero, has been mentioned. It is understood the suggestion of his name for the Provisional Presidency comes from Constitutionalist sources.
The argument in favor of the selection of Vasquez Tagle is that he was the Constitutional successor to the Presidency after President Madero and Vice President Pino Suarez were killed last February. With Madero and Pino Suarez dead, the succession fell legitimately to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and after him to the Minister of the Interior. Pedro Lascurain was the Foreign Minister and Rafael Hernandez Minister of the Interior in the Madero Cabinet, but both resigned at the time Madero and Pino Suarez were forced to retire from office, just prior to the latter men's violet deaths.
It is asserted, therefore, that Vasquez Tagle is entitled to the provisional Presidency as the man who was in direct line of succession to the Presidency after the deaths or resignations of the four chief officers of the Government who preceded him in official seniority. Telegrams are being exchanged to-day between the Constitutionalists' agents here and their leaders in Mexico, and it is reported that efforts are being made by the latter men to bring the suggestion of Vasquez Tagle's name to the attention of Huerta and his advisors.
Vasquez Tagle is not in Mexico City. Nothing has appeared to indicate that he is obnoxious politically to the Huerta Government.
Committee to Hear Envoy.
Ambassador Wilson had another conference in the State Department to-day with Secretary Bryan. He will appear to-morrow before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and it is thought he will be asked to express at length his views, not only in regard to present conditions in Mexico, but as to the remedies. Mr. Wilson has not received a hint that his resignation would be accepted by the President at the end of his present business here. His future movements are uncertain, but nothing is known in official circles to change the understanding there that he will not return to his post in a political capacity.
The Washington Administration will mark time in the hope that the get-together efforts to ward the Huertistas and revolutionists will be successful. It is not thought likely President Wilson's mediation idea will be pressed as long as there is a chance that the programme which contemplates the retirement of Huerta and the installation of a Provisional President will be adopted. Officials of the Administration are fairly hopeful that the extra-official activities of persons who are supposed to have influence with Hxierta will be received with encouragement by him.
Washington is swarming with persons interested in the Mexican affairs. Most of them have arrived since Ambassador Wilson came to the capital on Saturday. There has been a marked addition to the Constitutionalist forces, while business men and others who have much at stake in Mexico have served to swell the number of unofficial agents eager to get the facts of the situation or to use their influence to bring about mediation, intervention, recognition of Huerta, or his retirement from office, or any of the several things suggested. Among those who have come here in connection with Mexican affairs is Alfonso Madero, a brother of the slain President.
At the meeting of the Committee on Foreign Relations this morning, there was only the most informal reference to Mexico. Until Ambassador Wilson is heard to-morrow, the committee is suspending judgment. Though one member of the committee may have seen a draft of the Ambassador's recommendations, the committee as a whole still is uninformed as to his views.
Senator's Sympathy for Rebels.
Sympathy with the fight of the Mexican rebels was expressed to-day in a resolution introduced by Senator Sheppard of Texas, directing the Committee on Foreign Relations to report as to the wisdom of recognizing their belligerency. The resolution did not specify any faction, but it was supposed Mr. Sheppard meant the Constitutionalists under the nominal leadership of Gov. Carranza of Coahuila.
Mr. Sheppard's resolution, which was referred without discussion to the Committee on Foreign Relations, ran:
"Whereas. Every true American citizen feels an instinctive sympathy with any people who are pouring out their blood and treasure in order to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity; therefore be it
Resolved. That the Committee on Foreign Relations is hereby requested to advise the Senate whether, in their opinion, this nation should recognize the belligerency of the revolutionists in Mexico and accord them the proper international status to which they may be entitled.
That the President and Secretary of State, if not incompatible with the public interests, are hereby requested to lay before the Senate such information as they may possess as to the cause and progress of the present revolution in Mexico.
Wants Congress Inquiry.
Representative Stephens of Texas presented in the House to-day a joint resolution calling for a general Congress investigation of the Mexican situation. Representative Smith of the same State proposed a joint resolution for the repeal of the act of March 14, 1912, by which the President was invested with power to prohibit the exportation of arms into any American country where disorder existed. The revolutionary representatives here are in favor of the Smith resolution.
Charles Biesel and Bernard McDonald, the mine managers arrested by Federal troops in Chihuahua and reported to be under sentence of death, have been ordered released by President Huerta, according to a statement made to Secretary Bryan by the Mexican Embassy today.
Braniff, His Friend, Starts for Mexico City to Urge the Provisional Ruler to Resign.
PRESIDENT WILSON IS FIRM
Won't Recognize Madero's Slayer — Vasquez Tagle Mentioned to Head Administration.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 20.— All the developments in the Mexican situation here to-day were confirmatory of the statements in a Washington dispatch sent to The Times last night that efforts were being made to bring about a restoration of normal conditions in Mexico through inducing President Huerta to retire from office and permit the installation of a provisional President who would be satisfactory to the warring factions. Friends of Gen. Huerta who have been making an investigation in this city, have ascertained that President Wilson is opposed to recognition of the Huerta Government on account of the circumstances through which, it came into power. In the knowledge that Mr. Wilson is obdurate in his refusal to listen to suggestions that Huerta receive formal recognition from this Government, the men who are working here and in Mexico toward a restoration of peace have leached the conclusion that the easiest escape from the difficulty is to appeal to Huerta to step down and out.
Perhaps the most important development to-day was the departure for Mexico City of Oscar .T. Braniff, a friend of Huerta, who was sent to this country, according to the understanding in official circles, as Huerta's personal and financial representative. Mr. Braniff, after being in New York several months, came to Washington recently, and in the last few days has had conferences with Henry Lane Wilson, the American Ambassador to Mexico, who arrived here last Saturday morning.
Thinks Intervention May Come.
It is understood Mr. Braniff learned enough yesterday to convince him that if the present status of Mexican affairs did not change the Government of the United States would be forced to adopt a policy of intervention. Although he declined to say why he was returning to Mexico, no doubt is felt in the best-informed quarters here that he has gone to make a report to Huerta that should convince the Provisional President that his retention in power is the stumbling block in the way of a settlement of the troubles that gradually are bringing financial and industrial ruin on the southern republic.
Meanwhile an effort has been begun to select a prominent Mexican public man who will be accepted by the Huertistas and the Constitutionalists as Huerta's successor until Constitutional elections can be held for choosing a new President and a- Congress. The name of Vasquez Tagle who was Minister of Justice in the Cabinet of President Madero, has been mentioned. It is understood the suggestion of his name for the Provisional Presidency comes from Constitutionalist sources.
The argument in favor of the selection of Vasquez Tagle is that he was the Constitutional successor to the Presidency after President Madero and Vice President Pino Suarez were killed last February. With Madero and Pino Suarez dead, the succession fell legitimately to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and after him to the Minister of the Interior. Pedro Lascurain was the Foreign Minister and Rafael Hernandez Minister of the Interior in the Madero Cabinet, but both resigned at the time Madero and Pino Suarez were forced to retire from office, just prior to the latter men's violet deaths.
It is asserted, therefore, that Vasquez Tagle is entitled to the provisional Presidency as the man who was in direct line of succession to the Presidency after the deaths or resignations of the four chief officers of the Government who preceded him in official seniority. Telegrams are being exchanged to-day between the Constitutionalists' agents here and their leaders in Mexico, and it is reported that efforts are being made by the latter men to bring the suggestion of Vasquez Tagle's name to the attention of Huerta and his advisors.
Vasquez Tagle is not in Mexico City. Nothing has appeared to indicate that he is obnoxious politically to the Huerta Government.
Committee to Hear Envoy.
Ambassador Wilson had another conference in the State Department to-day with Secretary Bryan. He will appear to-morrow before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and it is thought he will be asked to express at length his views, not only in regard to present conditions in Mexico, but as to the remedies. Mr. Wilson has not received a hint that his resignation would be accepted by the President at the end of his present business here. His future movements are uncertain, but nothing is known in official circles to change the understanding there that he will not return to his post in a political capacity.
The Washington Administration will mark time in the hope that the get-together efforts to ward the Huertistas and revolutionists will be successful. It is not thought likely President Wilson's mediation idea will be pressed as long as there is a chance that the programme which contemplates the retirement of Huerta and the installation of a Provisional President will be adopted. Officials of the Administration are fairly hopeful that the extra-official activities of persons who are supposed to have influence with Hxierta will be received with encouragement by him.
Washington is swarming with persons interested in the Mexican affairs. Most of them have arrived since Ambassador Wilson came to the capital on Saturday. There has been a marked addition to the Constitutionalist forces, while business men and others who have much at stake in Mexico have served to swell the number of unofficial agents eager to get the facts of the situation or to use their influence to bring about mediation, intervention, recognition of Huerta, or his retirement from office, or any of the several things suggested. Among those who have come here in connection with Mexican affairs is Alfonso Madero, a brother of the slain President.
At the meeting of the Committee on Foreign Relations this morning, there was only the most informal reference to Mexico. Until Ambassador Wilson is heard to-morrow, the committee is suspending judgment. Though one member of the committee may have seen a draft of the Ambassador's recommendations, the committee as a whole still is uninformed as to his views.
Senator's Sympathy for Rebels.
Sympathy with the fight of the Mexican rebels was expressed to-day in a resolution introduced by Senator Sheppard of Texas, directing the Committee on Foreign Relations to report as to the wisdom of recognizing their belligerency. The resolution did not specify any faction, but it was supposed Mr. Sheppard meant the Constitutionalists under the nominal leadership of Gov. Carranza of Coahuila.
Mr. Sheppard's resolution, which was referred without discussion to the Committee on Foreign Relations, ran:
"Whereas. Every true American citizen feels an instinctive sympathy with any people who are pouring out their blood and treasure in order to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity; therefore be it
Resolved. That the Committee on Foreign Relations is hereby requested to advise the Senate whether, in their opinion, this nation should recognize the belligerency of the revolutionists in Mexico and accord them the proper international status to which they may be entitled.
That the President and Secretary of State, if not incompatible with the public interests, are hereby requested to lay before the Senate such information as they may possess as to the cause and progress of the present revolution in Mexico.
Wants Congress Inquiry.
Representative Stephens of Texas presented in the House to-day a joint resolution calling for a general Congress investigation of the Mexican situation. Representative Smith of the same State proposed a joint resolution for the repeal of the act of March 14, 1912, by which the President was invested with power to prohibit the exportation of arms into any American country where disorder existed. The revolutionary representatives here are in favor of the Smith resolution.
Charles Biesel and Bernard McDonald, the mine managers arrested by Federal troops in Chihuahua and reported to be under sentence of death, have been ordered released by President Huerta, according to a statement made to Secretary Bryan by the Mexican Embassy today.
Czar As Private Soldier.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 30, 1913:
Marched Seven Miles, Carrying All the Outfit of an Infantryman.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
LONDON, Wednesday, July 30.— The Daily Telegraph's St. Petersburg correspondent, under the title "A Crowned Private," sends interesting particulars, just published in Russia, relating to a march made by Emperor Nicholas as a fully accoutred private in order to gain personal experience of the toils and duties of a Russian common soldier.
There is a well-known portrait of the present Russian monarch as an ordinary infantryman, tramping along the coast of the Crimea. His Majesty is dressed in the rank and file uniform of the Sixteenth Company of Emperor Alexander III.'s regiment.
The Czar was attired as a rifleman by a subaltern, who strapped on his Majesty's shoulders and waist the usual rolled overcoat, pouches with 120 rounds or ammunition, trenching spade, ration bag, &c., altogether weighing- nearly three-quarters of a hundredweight, exclusive of the weight of the rifle.
After the subaltern had instructed the Emperor as to the proper use and meaning of each article, his Majesty shouldered his rifle and marched up hill and down dale for seven miles, giving the salute of a private soldier to the officers whom he met on the way. When he returned to the palace his soldier's tunic was saturated with perspiration.
The next day the Czar entered himself, according to the regulations on the regimental roll, as "Private Nicholas Romanoff, married, of the Orthodox faith, coming from Tsarskoe-Selo."
Marched Seven Miles, Carrying All the Outfit of an Infantryman.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
LONDON, Wednesday, July 30.— The Daily Telegraph's St. Petersburg correspondent, under the title "A Crowned Private," sends interesting particulars, just published in Russia, relating to a march made by Emperor Nicholas as a fully accoutred private in order to gain personal experience of the toils and duties of a Russian common soldier.
There is a well-known portrait of the present Russian monarch as an ordinary infantryman, tramping along the coast of the Crimea. His Majesty is dressed in the rank and file uniform of the Sixteenth Company of Emperor Alexander III.'s regiment.
The Czar was attired as a rifleman by a subaltern, who strapped on his Majesty's shoulders and waist the usual rolled overcoat, pouches with 120 rounds or ammunition, trenching spade, ration bag, &c., altogether weighing- nearly three-quarters of a hundredweight, exclusive of the weight of the rifle.
After the subaltern had instructed the Emperor as to the proper use and meaning of each article, his Majesty shouldered his rifle and marched up hill and down dale for seven miles, giving the salute of a private soldier to the officers whom he met on the way. When he returned to the palace his soldier's tunic was saturated with perspiration.
The next day the Czar entered himself, according to the regulations on the regimental roll, as "Private Nicholas Romanoff, married, of the Orthodox faith, coming from Tsarskoe-Selo."
Huerta Promises Safety.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 30, 1913:
Wires Washington He'll Protect Americans — Regrets Dixon Case.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 29.— President Huerta of Mexico promised the United States Government to-day in a dispatch from his capital to Washington that in future no American should be treated with violence or other injustice with his cognizance so long as he should remain at the head of the Mexican Government. He expressed regret for the shooting of Charles B. Dixon, United States Immigration Inspector, by Mexican Federal soldiers in Juarez last Saturday, and asserted that he was not responsible for the murderous attack. The dispatch in which the Provisional President made the promise and the apology was sent by him directly to the State Department in this city. Following its receipt this statement was given out by the department for publication:
President Huerta has expressed himself as regretting very much that the American Government should ascribe to the influence of the Mexican Government any action which might be construed as antagonistic to Americans during his occupancy of the Executive authority, and desire the State Department to be assured that no injustice or violence shall be done to Americans with his cognizance while he is in his present position.
Through the Mexican Foreign Office another dispatch was received forwarding a dispatch from Carlos Palafox, the Mexican Consul in El Paso, stating that the Dixon incident was closed, the whole affair having been arranged satisfactorily. Both the local military authorities in Juarez and the Government in the City of Mexico have expressed a desire to have the men who attacked Dixon punished in an exemplary manner, and the trial of the assailants by court-martial probably will be held in a few days. In every way possible, it is promised, the Mexican authorities will endeavor to meet the wishes of the United States Government.
Wires Washington He'll Protect Americans — Regrets Dixon Case.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 29.— President Huerta of Mexico promised the United States Government to-day in a dispatch from his capital to Washington that in future no American should be treated with violence or other injustice with his cognizance so long as he should remain at the head of the Mexican Government. He expressed regret for the shooting of Charles B. Dixon, United States Immigration Inspector, by Mexican Federal soldiers in Juarez last Saturday, and asserted that he was not responsible for the murderous attack. The dispatch in which the Provisional President made the promise and the apology was sent by him directly to the State Department in this city. Following its receipt this statement was given out by the department for publication:
President Huerta has expressed himself as regretting very much that the American Government should ascribe to the influence of the Mexican Government any action which might be construed as antagonistic to Americans during his occupancy of the Executive authority, and desire the State Department to be assured that no injustice or violence shall be done to Americans with his cognizance while he is in his present position.
Through the Mexican Foreign Office another dispatch was received forwarding a dispatch from Carlos Palafox, the Mexican Consul in El Paso, stating that the Dixon incident was closed, the whole affair having been arranged satisfactorily. Both the local military authorities in Juarez and the Government in the City of Mexico have expressed a desire to have the men who attacked Dixon punished in an exemplary manner, and the trial of the assailants by court-martial probably will be held in a few days. In every way possible, it is promised, the Mexican authorities will endeavor to meet the wishes of the United States Government.
Villa To Attack Juarez.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 30, 1913:
Ortega Ordered to Join Him — Rebels Massing for Fight.
EL PASO, Texas, July 29.— Col. Toribio Ortega, Constitutionalist Commander at Guadalupe, forty-five miles southeast of Juarez, told American newspaper men who visited him to-day that he had been ordered by Gen. Francisco Villa, in a message sent by courier, to break camp to-night and begin the march to effect a junction with Villa's main body at a point south of Juarez, with the object of beginning the projected assault on Juarez.
Ortega, professes to have 1,100 cavalrymen. He says the reinforcements that have been received by Villa from Sonora, under Col. Juan Dozal, makes the total strength in the main column 2,000. The combined troops are 3,200, according to this estimate. They are said to have several machine guns, but no field artillery.
Advices to the United States Army headquarters to-day say that several small bands of Villa's men have been seen at Palomas in the last few days. About half of them were at Guzman, seventy-five miles southwest of Juarez, two days ago, according to a Mexican cattleman.
John A. Wright, general agent in Juarez for the Mexican National Railways, said this evening that the passenger, freight, and troop trains which started from Juarez last Friday reached Chihuahua City on Sunday without mishap, except the third freight train, which was brought back to Juarez from a point near Samalayuca, after its locomotive failed. No trains have been run over the National since, except for Federal scouting parties halted a short distance from Juarez.
Federal officers in Juarez admit there was a skirmish with rebels near Samalayuca in connection with the recovery of the last freight train, but they minimize the reports of wounded and killed.
Ortega Ordered to Join Him — Rebels Massing for Fight.
EL PASO, Texas, July 29.— Col. Toribio Ortega, Constitutionalist Commander at Guadalupe, forty-five miles southeast of Juarez, told American newspaper men who visited him to-day that he had been ordered by Gen. Francisco Villa, in a message sent by courier, to break camp to-night and begin the march to effect a junction with Villa's main body at a point south of Juarez, with the object of beginning the projected assault on Juarez.
Ortega, professes to have 1,100 cavalrymen. He says the reinforcements that have been received by Villa from Sonora, under Col. Juan Dozal, makes the total strength in the main column 2,000. The combined troops are 3,200, according to this estimate. They are said to have several machine guns, but no field artillery.
Advices to the United States Army headquarters to-day say that several small bands of Villa's men have been seen at Palomas in the last few days. About half of them were at Guzman, seventy-five miles southwest of Juarez, two days ago, according to a Mexican cattleman.
John A. Wright, general agent in Juarez for the Mexican National Railways, said this evening that the passenger, freight, and troop trains which started from Juarez last Friday reached Chihuahua City on Sunday without mishap, except the third freight train, which was brought back to Juarez from a point near Samalayuca, after its locomotive failed. No trains have been run over the National since, except for Federal scouting parties halted a short distance from Juarez.
Federal officers in Juarez admit there was a skirmish with rebels near Samalayuca in connection with the recovery of the last freight train, but they minimize the reports of wounded and killed.
Ship Escapes Air Bombs.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 30, 1913:
Aviator Under Fire in Attack on Mexican Gunboat Tampico.
AT THE FRONT, ABOVE GUAYMAS, Mexico. July 28 (Delayed In transmission.)— Didier Masson, from his big biplane, dropped bombs this afternoon around the gunboat Tampico, lying in Guaymas Harbor. Four bombs were dropped, one striking within a few feet of the Federal gunboat. This probably gave rise to the report that the boat had been struck.
The French aviator operated under heavy fire as he circled over the town and the bay, but returned unharmed.
The Southern Pacific of Mexico Railway being operated by the insurgents as far as San Blas.
Aviator Under Fire in Attack on Mexican Gunboat Tampico.
AT THE FRONT, ABOVE GUAYMAS, Mexico. July 28 (Delayed In transmission.)— Didier Masson, from his big biplane, dropped bombs this afternoon around the gunboat Tampico, lying in Guaymas Harbor. Four bombs were dropped, one striking within a few feet of the Federal gunboat. This probably gave rise to the report that the boat had been struck.
The French aviator operated under heavy fire as he circled over the town and the bay, but returned unharmed.
The Southern Pacific of Mexico Railway being operated by the insurgents as far as San Blas.
Britain Afraid To Coerce Turkey.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 30, 1913:
Indignation Meetings in India to Protest Against Driving Her From Adrianople.
SOFIA IS QUITE ISOLATED
Last Connecting Link of Railway Cut by Servians — Another Fierce Greek-Bulgarian Battle.
LONDON, Wednesday, July 30.— The Ambassadorial conference yesterday settled the status of the new Albania.
A Prince will be nominated six months hence to rule over the new State. In the meantime a commission of control, composed of one representative of each power, will organize the administration with the aid of a gendarmerie, with Swedish officers.
The conference has done nothing officially in the direction of coercing Turkey, and as the strongest feeling is being manifested at indignation meeting throughout India against any attempt to drive the Turks from Adrianople, it is not likely that the British Government would be anxious to initiate such coercion.
The Greeks are still operating by sea and by land. The Bulgarians who were defeated recently at Kresna Pass turned upon the pursuing Greeks to the north-west of Djuma. Furious fighting followed, the reinforced Bulgarians making a desperate attempt to recapture their lost position. The battle lasted throughput Sunday. The Greeks were thrice ejected at the point of the bayonet from one position. The fighting took place over an extended front and both sides suffered heavily.
According to a Greek account of the battle, neither side had gained a decisive advantage at nightfall on Sunday, but under cover of darkness the shaken Bulgars retired after abandoning and setting fire to the town of Djuma, which the Greeks occupied later.
A correspondent with the Greeks says that their losses in the previous battle for the possession of the Kresna defiles were 2,500 men killed or wounded. The losses in Sunday's battle are not given.
The correspondent adds that except for rear guard actions the Bulgars can make no further stand beyond Dubnitza, twenty-two miles south of Sofia, and that now not a single Bulgarian soldier remains in Macedonia except the prisoners.
The Greek fleet has occupied the ports of Lagos, Maronia, and Makri on the coast of Thrace, and a Greek force has captured the town of Oumurjina, twelve miles inland from the Aegean Sea and about sevenly-five miles northwest of Adrianople.
BELGRADE, July 29.— The investment of Sofia is complete, the last connecting link of the railway having been cut by the Servian troops.
The Bulgarian forces concentrated in Sofia as well as the inhabitants of the capital are threatened with famine, and the Bulgarian Government has therefore asked Rumania to consent to the opening of the railroad line running from Varna to Sofia in order that provisions may be brought into the city.
It is expected that Rumania will consent to this arrangement.
Indignation Meetings in India to Protest Against Driving Her From Adrianople.
SOFIA IS QUITE ISOLATED
Last Connecting Link of Railway Cut by Servians — Another Fierce Greek-Bulgarian Battle.
LONDON, Wednesday, July 30.— The Ambassadorial conference yesterday settled the status of the new Albania.
A Prince will be nominated six months hence to rule over the new State. In the meantime a commission of control, composed of one representative of each power, will organize the administration with the aid of a gendarmerie, with Swedish officers.
The conference has done nothing officially in the direction of coercing Turkey, and as the strongest feeling is being manifested at indignation meeting throughout India against any attempt to drive the Turks from Adrianople, it is not likely that the British Government would be anxious to initiate such coercion.
The Greeks are still operating by sea and by land. The Bulgarians who were defeated recently at Kresna Pass turned upon the pursuing Greeks to the north-west of Djuma. Furious fighting followed, the reinforced Bulgarians making a desperate attempt to recapture their lost position. The battle lasted throughput Sunday. The Greeks were thrice ejected at the point of the bayonet from one position. The fighting took place over an extended front and both sides suffered heavily.
According to a Greek account of the battle, neither side had gained a decisive advantage at nightfall on Sunday, but under cover of darkness the shaken Bulgars retired after abandoning and setting fire to the town of Djuma, which the Greeks occupied later.
A correspondent with the Greeks says that their losses in the previous battle for the possession of the Kresna defiles were 2,500 men killed or wounded. The losses in Sunday's battle are not given.
The correspondent adds that except for rear guard actions the Bulgars can make no further stand beyond Dubnitza, twenty-two miles south of Sofia, and that now not a single Bulgarian soldier remains in Macedonia except the prisoners.
The Greek fleet has occupied the ports of Lagos, Maronia, and Makri on the coast of Thrace, and a Greek force has captured the town of Oumurjina, twelve miles inland from the Aegean Sea and about sevenly-five miles northwest of Adrianople.
BELGRADE, July 29.— The investment of Sofia is complete, the last connecting link of the railway having been cut by the Servian troops.
The Bulgarian forces concentrated in Sofia as well as the inhabitants of the capital are threatened with famine, and the Bulgarian Government has therefore asked Rumania to consent to the opening of the railroad line running from Varna to Sofia in order that provisions may be brought into the city.
It is expected that Rumania will consent to this arrangement.
Shanghai On Fire By Bombardment.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 30, 1913:
The Native City Burning in Three Places — A Long War Is Expected.
HU-NAN JOINS THE REVOLT
Hostilities on the Borders of Tibet and Mongolia Continue — Wu Ting-fang Blames Both Sides.
LONDON, Wednesday, July 30.— The Daily Telegraph's' Shanghai correspondent says the native city there is on fire in three places as a result of the terrific cannonading of the arsenal.
The correspondent reports a most critical situation at Chapei. The police, he says, refused to permit the foreign guards to remain. Late in the afternoon the foreign volunteers, who had returned to Shanghai, marched back to Chapei, and were met by armed native police. Several shots were exchanged between the volunteers and the police, but the foreigners were uninjured, and after disarming a small number of natives the expedition returned to Shanghai.
The correspondent had an interview with Dr. Wu Ting-fang, ex-Minister at Washington, who thinks President Yuan Shih-kai's uncompromising policy dangerous, but blames both sides for rejecting proposals for a compromise.
In another interview with the correspondent Dr. Sun Yat-sen declared that he would leave for the South in a few days on business. He was quite unconcerned, according to the correspondent, with the threat of expulsion against him. He said he regarded Wu Ting-fang's peace mission as hopeless.
"The Southerners, profiting by their earlier mistakes, are repairing defects and getting in large supplies of ammunition," says The Daily Telegraph's Peking correspondent. He adds:
"A long and wearisome war seems certain. I understand that 100 Japanese officers will join the Canton army, which consists of 40,000 good troops."
The outstanding feature of the revolt, says The Times's Peking correspondent, is the failure of the Southerners to obtain any success or increase of support calculated to render the movement a serious military danger to the Government.
SHANGHAI, Wednesday, July 30. (1:30 A. M.)— Northern army reinforcements estimated to number 4,000, with two cruisers, arrived in the Yang-Tse River yesterday and began landing twenty miles below Wu-Sung, apparently with a view to marching to the Arsenal here.
Practically all the civilians have left Wu-Sung for Shanghai, expecting a bombardment, which up to this time has been inexplicably delayed. Shanghai is thus exposed to an influx of refugees from the south and north.
Considerable damage has been done to the native city by fires, which were partly due to bursting shells and partly to incendiaries, with a view to looting, which has been extensive. The foreign settlement, however, has been comparatively free from this evil.
There was no serious fighting yesterday. The rebels abandoned two of their camps, but this is not thought to be a guarantee that they will not resume hostilities.
SU-CHOW, July 29.— Between 15,000 and 20,000 northern troops arrived here to-day and were dispatched southward, some by rail and some by way of the Grand Canal, for Chin-Kiang, forty-five miles northeast of Nanking.
PEKING, July 29.— The Province of Hu-Nan seceded from the Peking Government on July 25, according to a Consular report just received here. The strength of the Hu-Nan forces at present on the border of the Province of Hu-Pe is variously reported as from 1,500 to 8,000 men.
Gen. Li Yuen-heng, Vice President of the republic, who is conducting operations in Central China from Wu-Chang, declared recently that his forces were capable of dealing with the revolt in both Kiang-Si and Hu-Nan, but today's report announces also the defection of a small body of troops on the Han River above Wu-Chang.
Four of the southern Provinces—Kwei-Chow, Kwang-Si, Yun-Nan, and Che-Kiang — although surrounded by seceders, remain loyal, but Ho-Nan, in the north, is believed to be loyal only because of its geographical position.
The Native City Burning in Three Places — A Long War Is Expected.
HU-NAN JOINS THE REVOLT
Hostilities on the Borders of Tibet and Mongolia Continue — Wu Ting-fang Blames Both Sides.
LONDON, Wednesday, July 30.— The Daily Telegraph's' Shanghai correspondent says the native city there is on fire in three places as a result of the terrific cannonading of the arsenal.
The correspondent reports a most critical situation at Chapei. The police, he says, refused to permit the foreign guards to remain. Late in the afternoon the foreign volunteers, who had returned to Shanghai, marched back to Chapei, and were met by armed native police. Several shots were exchanged between the volunteers and the police, but the foreigners were uninjured, and after disarming a small number of natives the expedition returned to Shanghai.
The correspondent had an interview with Dr. Wu Ting-fang, ex-Minister at Washington, who thinks President Yuan Shih-kai's uncompromising policy dangerous, but blames both sides for rejecting proposals for a compromise.
In another interview with the correspondent Dr. Sun Yat-sen declared that he would leave for the South in a few days on business. He was quite unconcerned, according to the correspondent, with the threat of expulsion against him. He said he regarded Wu Ting-fang's peace mission as hopeless.
"The Southerners, profiting by their earlier mistakes, are repairing defects and getting in large supplies of ammunition," says The Daily Telegraph's Peking correspondent. He adds:
"A long and wearisome war seems certain. I understand that 100 Japanese officers will join the Canton army, which consists of 40,000 good troops."
The outstanding feature of the revolt, says The Times's Peking correspondent, is the failure of the Southerners to obtain any success or increase of support calculated to render the movement a serious military danger to the Government.
SHANGHAI, Wednesday, July 30. (1:30 A. M.)— Northern army reinforcements estimated to number 4,000, with two cruisers, arrived in the Yang-Tse River yesterday and began landing twenty miles below Wu-Sung, apparently with a view to marching to the Arsenal here.
Practically all the civilians have left Wu-Sung for Shanghai, expecting a bombardment, which up to this time has been inexplicably delayed. Shanghai is thus exposed to an influx of refugees from the south and north.
Considerable damage has been done to the native city by fires, which were partly due to bursting shells and partly to incendiaries, with a view to looting, which has been extensive. The foreign settlement, however, has been comparatively free from this evil.
There was no serious fighting yesterday. The rebels abandoned two of their camps, but this is not thought to be a guarantee that they will not resume hostilities.
SU-CHOW, July 29.— Between 15,000 and 20,000 northern troops arrived here to-day and were dispatched southward, some by rail and some by way of the Grand Canal, for Chin-Kiang, forty-five miles northeast of Nanking.
PEKING, July 29.— The Province of Hu-Nan seceded from the Peking Government on July 25, according to a Consular report just received here. The strength of the Hu-Nan forces at present on the border of the Province of Hu-Pe is variously reported as from 1,500 to 8,000 men.
Gen. Li Yuen-heng, Vice President of the republic, who is conducting operations in Central China from Wu-Chang, declared recently that his forces were capable of dealing with the revolt in both Kiang-Si and Hu-Nan, but today's report announces also the defection of a small body of troops on the Han River above Wu-Chang.
Four of the southern Provinces—Kwei-Chow, Kwang-Si, Yun-Nan, and Che-Kiang — although surrounded by seceders, remain loyal, but Ho-Nan, in the north, is believed to be loyal only because of its geographical position.
More Nations For Peace.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 30, 1913:
Salvador and Costa Rica Accept Secretary Bryan's Plan.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 29.— Secretary Bryan has not forgotten his peace programme in the conferences over Mexico. He announced to-day with evident satisfaction that he had received messages from the Governments of Costa Rica and Salvador accepting the peace plan and expressing a willingness to enter into a special treaty with the United States along the lines of the stipulations made public by the Secretary of State several weeks ago.
This treaty would provide for a waiting period of one year in case of a desire to go to war, so an international commission might investigate the basis of the contention between two nations and make a report. The accession of Costa Rica and Salvador swells the list of the "peaceables" to twenty-five out of the thirty-nine countries invited into the compact.
Mexico was not invited, owing to the present relations between the United States and that country.
Salvador was the first country to accept the proposal definitely on the basis of Secretary Bryan's amplification of the original statement of the proposal made by President Wilson.
Salvador and Costa Rica Accept Secretary Bryan's Plan.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 29.— Secretary Bryan has not forgotten his peace programme in the conferences over Mexico. He announced to-day with evident satisfaction that he had received messages from the Governments of Costa Rica and Salvador accepting the peace plan and expressing a willingness to enter into a special treaty with the United States along the lines of the stipulations made public by the Secretary of State several weeks ago.
This treaty would provide for a waiting period of one year in case of a desire to go to war, so an international commission might investigate the basis of the contention between two nations and make a report. The accession of Costa Rica and Salvador swells the list of the "peaceables" to twenty-five out of the thirty-nine countries invited into the compact.
Mexico was not invited, owing to the present relations between the United States and that country.
Salvador was the first country to accept the proposal definitely on the basis of Secretary Bryan's amplification of the original statement of the proposal made by President Wilson.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Shelling Shanghai Foreign Quarter.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 29, 1913:
Rebels Believed to be Deliberately Training Guns on It — Boy Mortally Wounded.
SHANGHAI, July 28 (midnight).— After two nights of quiet, firing was resumed here at 9 o'clock to-night.
Shells burst over the band-stand in the foreign settlement. A Portuguese boy received mortal injuries and other foreigners had narrow escapes.
At this hour the firing continues. The Northerners are holding their ground.
It is suspected that the rebels are deliberately training their guns on the foreign settlement in revenge for the disarming by Shanghai volunteers of 300 soldiers and twelve officers at Chapei on Saturday.
Panic prevails among the Chinese, crowds of whom are flocking into the foreign settlement from the native city.
All the boundaries of the settlement are constantly patrolled by foreign detachments.
The Japanese Admiral, who is the ranking officer of the foreign fleet, refuses to allow any bluejackets to enter Chapel to aid the volunteers on the ground that he does not desire to march troops into Chinese territory.
Rebels to the number of 2,000 started a fierce attack on the Arsenal and maintained a brisk fusillade. The Government warships shelled the rebel position, but many of the shells fell in the foreign settlement.
Wu-Sung has not yet been bombarded, although the foreign Consuls were warned that the warships would open fire against the forts to-night.
HANKOW, July 28.— The rebels have dispersed southward from the Hu-Kow forts on both sides of the lake.
The Northerners are following them.
KONGKONG, July 28.— The British river steamers at Canton have been ordered by the Consul to have steam up, in readiness, if necessary, to embark the women and children from the suburb of Shameen, where most of the foreigners reside.
There was a great exodus to-day of better-class Chinese from Canton to Hongkong.
PEKING. Tuesday, July 29.— Gen. Huang-Sing, commander of the Southern forces, has tentatively declared for the separation of the North and South and the abandonment of the "Punish Yuan" expedition northward.
Several columns of Southerners, aggregating about 3,000 men, arrived today at Nanking and later proceeded for Yangr-Chow, Province of Kiang-Su, with the supposed intention of threatening an attack on Gen. Hsu and his 3,000 men with a view to inducing them to join the Southerners.
The Northerners meanwhile are converging on Nanking, while up the river, after recapturing the Hu-Kow forts, they are steadily dispersing the rebels, whose leaders are endeavoring with only partial success to prevent wholesale deseitions.
Roger S. Greene, the American Consul General at Hankow, in a telegram to the legation here says that a Standard Oil Company boat and a British boat have been fired upon near Yo-Chow, on the Yang-Tse River, in the Province of Hu-Nan. This would indicate that the troops in that province are rebellious. It is notable that, although the maritime province of Che-Klang is surrounded by rebellious provinces, it still remains loyal to the Government.
Rear-Admiral Nicholson, commander of the United States Asiatic fleet, who is proceeding up the Yang-Tse River on the cruiser Saratoga, telegraphs to the legation here that the situation at Ku-Ling has been relieved by the departure of the rebels.
Amos P. Wilder, American Consul General at Shanghai, has advised the legation that American volunteers are participating with other foreigners in guarding the foreign settlement there.
The diplomatic body in Peking met yesterday and agreed to fulfill the request of the Chinese Government that Chinese be no longer permitted to reside within the legation quarter, such residence being contrary to the protocol under which the quarter was established. The Government fears that plotters or assassins might lodge in the hotel.
A number of members of Parliament belonging to the Kwo Ming Tang party, the radical revolutionary party in China, have departed from Peking. Those remaining will absent themselves from the Senate, where they have a majority, and prevent the confirmation of Hsiung Hsi-ling as Premier. Hsiung Hsi-Ling, who is an ex-Minister of Finance, is the nominee of President Yuan Shih-kai for the Premiership.
The Government continues its work with half the Cabinet offices vacant.
The Diplomatic Corps has refused the Chinese Government's request for permission to search foreign ships and foreign residences and to court-martial foreigners caught within the Chinese military lines.
Much filibustering is going on, and there are persistent reports that Japanese officers are aiding the rebels. Vice President Li Yuen-heng is quoted as saying in an interview that Japanese concessionaires paid $5,000,000 for mining and other rights in the Province of Hu-Nan, and that with this money the rebels financed the present uprising.
WASHINGTON, July 28.— Reports to the State Department to-day indicate that the Chinese Republic is making steady advances toward suppressing the revolution, and that the revolt will, it is expected, collapse because it is not supported by the commercial classes in the South.
Rear Admiral Nicholson reported the arrival at Kiu-Kiang to-day of his flagship, the cruiser Saratoga, and the cruiser Cincinnati. His dispatches indicate that Americans and other foreigners there are safe.
Rebels Believed to be Deliberately Training Guns on It — Boy Mortally Wounded.
SHANGHAI, July 28 (midnight).— After two nights of quiet, firing was resumed here at 9 o'clock to-night.
Shells burst over the band-stand in the foreign settlement. A Portuguese boy received mortal injuries and other foreigners had narrow escapes.
At this hour the firing continues. The Northerners are holding their ground.
It is suspected that the rebels are deliberately training their guns on the foreign settlement in revenge for the disarming by Shanghai volunteers of 300 soldiers and twelve officers at Chapei on Saturday.
Panic prevails among the Chinese, crowds of whom are flocking into the foreign settlement from the native city.
All the boundaries of the settlement are constantly patrolled by foreign detachments.
The Japanese Admiral, who is the ranking officer of the foreign fleet, refuses to allow any bluejackets to enter Chapel to aid the volunteers on the ground that he does not desire to march troops into Chinese territory.
Rebels to the number of 2,000 started a fierce attack on the Arsenal and maintained a brisk fusillade. The Government warships shelled the rebel position, but many of the shells fell in the foreign settlement.
Wu-Sung has not yet been bombarded, although the foreign Consuls were warned that the warships would open fire against the forts to-night.
HANKOW, July 28.— The rebels have dispersed southward from the Hu-Kow forts on both sides of the lake.
The Northerners are following them.
KONGKONG, July 28.— The British river steamers at Canton have been ordered by the Consul to have steam up, in readiness, if necessary, to embark the women and children from the suburb of Shameen, where most of the foreigners reside.
There was a great exodus to-day of better-class Chinese from Canton to Hongkong.
PEKING. Tuesday, July 29.— Gen. Huang-Sing, commander of the Southern forces, has tentatively declared for the separation of the North and South and the abandonment of the "Punish Yuan" expedition northward.
Several columns of Southerners, aggregating about 3,000 men, arrived today at Nanking and later proceeded for Yangr-Chow, Province of Kiang-Su, with the supposed intention of threatening an attack on Gen. Hsu and his 3,000 men with a view to inducing them to join the Southerners.
The Northerners meanwhile are converging on Nanking, while up the river, after recapturing the Hu-Kow forts, they are steadily dispersing the rebels, whose leaders are endeavoring with only partial success to prevent wholesale deseitions.
Roger S. Greene, the American Consul General at Hankow, in a telegram to the legation here says that a Standard Oil Company boat and a British boat have been fired upon near Yo-Chow, on the Yang-Tse River, in the Province of Hu-Nan. This would indicate that the troops in that province are rebellious. It is notable that, although the maritime province of Che-Klang is surrounded by rebellious provinces, it still remains loyal to the Government.
Rear-Admiral Nicholson, commander of the United States Asiatic fleet, who is proceeding up the Yang-Tse River on the cruiser Saratoga, telegraphs to the legation here that the situation at Ku-Ling has been relieved by the departure of the rebels.
Amos P. Wilder, American Consul General at Shanghai, has advised the legation that American volunteers are participating with other foreigners in guarding the foreign settlement there.
The diplomatic body in Peking met yesterday and agreed to fulfill the request of the Chinese Government that Chinese be no longer permitted to reside within the legation quarter, such residence being contrary to the protocol under which the quarter was established. The Government fears that plotters or assassins might lodge in the hotel.
A number of members of Parliament belonging to the Kwo Ming Tang party, the radical revolutionary party in China, have departed from Peking. Those remaining will absent themselves from the Senate, where they have a majority, and prevent the confirmation of Hsiung Hsi-ling as Premier. Hsiung Hsi-Ling, who is an ex-Minister of Finance, is the nominee of President Yuan Shih-kai for the Premiership.
The Government continues its work with half the Cabinet offices vacant.
The Diplomatic Corps has refused the Chinese Government's request for permission to search foreign ships and foreign residences and to court-martial foreigners caught within the Chinese military lines.
Much filibustering is going on, and there are persistent reports that Japanese officers are aiding the rebels. Vice President Li Yuen-heng is quoted as saying in an interview that Japanese concessionaires paid $5,000,000 for mining and other rights in the Province of Hu-Nan, and that with this money the rebels financed the present uprising.
WASHINGTON, July 28.— Reports to the State Department to-day indicate that the Chinese Republic is making steady advances toward suppressing the revolution, and that the revolt will, it is expected, collapse because it is not supported by the commercial classes in the South.
Rear Admiral Nicholson reported the arrival at Kiu-Kiang to-day of his flagship, the cruiser Saratoga, and the cruiser Cincinnati. His dispatches indicate that Americans and other foreigners there are safe.
May Ask Huerta To Quit Office.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 29, 1913:
United States Would Recognize a Provisional Government, Pending Election.
WILL NOT RECOGNIZE HIM
Ambassador Wilson's Retirement from His Post Considered Inevitable.
HIS VIEWS NOT ACCEPTED
Reported Change of Front in Matter of Excluding Arms from the Rebels.
FEDERAL GUNBOAT BLOWN UP
Oscar Braniff and Other Friends of Huerta Watching Trend of Events at Washington.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 28.— Henry Lane Wilson, Ambassador to Mexico, was at the White House fifty minutes this afternoon, where the President and Secretary Bryan listened to his report of affairs in the turbulent republic.
While nothing definite was made public after the conference it was hinted in well-informed circles that a new policy was being considered by the President and his advisers which would involve the resignation of the Provisional President of Mexico and the installation of a Mexican Government that this Government could see its way clear to recognize.
There were reports to-night that President Wilson was provoked with his namesake of the diplomatic service and that the Ambassador had been made aware that his resignation would be accepted soon. These reports could not be confirmed. The Ambassador said that he had been treated with the greatest courtesy by President Wilson and that he had been pleased with his interview. There has been a general understanding in Washington in official circles for more than a week that Mr. Wilson would not return to Mexico in a diplomatic capacity.
Considerable significance is attached to the attitude shown by President Wilson toward Ambassador Wilson. The Ambassador arrived in Washington on Saturday, but the President did not receive him until this afternoon, and then gave him a hearing lasting not quite an hour.
Only Sought Facts.
Only facts in connection with the Mexican situation were discussed, and the President did not ask for Mr. Wilson's views as to the policy he thought the United States should adopt to bring about the restoration of order in Mexico. It was learned late to-night that the President's interest in the Ambassador's plans for bringing peace to Mexico was not sufficient to cause him to read the memorandum left with him by tho Ambassador embodying the latter's views on the subject. Nor has Secretary Bryan, in his several conferences with the Ambassador, questioned him as to what Mr. Wilson thought should be done to end Mexico's state of perturbation.
This negative attitude on the part of the Administration is construed here as indicating that the Ambassador will not be permitted to return to Mexico as a representative of the United States. Additional significance is attached to a statement by the Ambassador that he did not know whether he would see President Wilson again.
President Wilson will not recognize the de facto government of Mexico under present conditions, as long as Huerta remains at its head. His whole attitude has shown that and it was reported that at the conference with the Ambassador he emphasized his determination in that particular. In the President's opinion, it is said, the assassination of Madero brings a moral element into the situation that operates against Hureta's recognition.
The Ambassador wants Huerta recognized on certain conditions which he laid before President Wilson in a prepared statement to-day. His insistence that Huerta actually is in control of most of Mexico and that the only revolution worthy of the name is in the State of Sonora has been backed up by reports from various persons who have been furnishing to the President and the State Department information concerning conditions in Mexico. These reports have surprised Administration officials in view of advices that Huerta was on his last legs and that the revolutionary movement in northern Mexico was stronger than ever.
Personal agents of Huerta are in Washington and it is asserted that some of them have become convinced that unless Huerta resigns and establishes a provisional Government that will be acceptable to the United States drastic action may follow. There is a belief here that advice of this character sent directly to Huerta by men who are on the ground here will have a marked effect on any course that he may contemplate.
The knowledge that the Wilson Administration feels that it cannot afford to give formal recognition to the Huerta government was emphasized to-day just as strongly as ever. Ambassador Wilson's desire to have the President adopt a plan that includes such recognition has not served to change the President's policy in any particular. There is good reason to believe that Huerta has been informed of this by telegraph, and there is a growing expectation that he will be forced to the conclusion that he alone stands in the way of an adjustment of the situation.
Washington is full of persons who recently have come here on business in connection with the Mexican situation. Agents of the revolutionists and personal representatives of Huerta are among them and all have been exceedingly busy all day. Representatives of big business interests in Mexico also are here. One of the men whose presence in the capital has attracted attention is Oscar Braniff, a wealthy citizen of Mexico, who is regarded as a personal friend and agent of Huerta. Mr. Braniff has been in New York for some time and arrived in Washington yesterday. He had a talk with Ambassador Wilson last night and saw the Ambassador several times to-day.
Braniff's Views Significant.
In view of his friendliness to Huerta and the understanding that he was sent to this country as the confidential agent of Mexico's Provisional President, a statement made to-night by Mr. Braniff is regarded as having a significant bearing on the belief that an effort is being made to induce Huerta to retire.
"Among the responsible classes in Mexico who have been more or less indifferent to the progress of events," said Mr. Braniff, "there is a large and growing sentiment in favor of a cessation of hostilities and an agreement on some candidate sufficiently acceptable to both sides to permit the holding of an election."
Mr. Braniff added that he felt there was a good chance that something along this line would be accomplished, and that he believed the United States Government would be in accord with it.
Another visitor in Washington in connection with Mexican affairs is Edward N. Brown, President of the National Railways of Mexico. He arrived in New York on board the same steamer with Ambassador Wilson last Friday and reached Washington this morning. In the course of the day Mr. Brown had a long conference with Secretary Bryan, but neither would discuss what was said during the interview.
"I am willing simply to say," said Mr. Brown, "that I did have a long talk with the Secretary of State and I told him as well as I could what I knew of the present conditions in Mexico. We did not discuss any plan or policy in the slightest degree. It was purely a talk about conditions, which are very bad. That is all I can possibly say. I expect to remain here for a few days in case I should be called on for further information."
Mr. Brown had a long conversation to-night with Ambassador Wilson.
According to the statements made by Secretary Bryan and Ambassador Wilson the conversation with the President to-day did not embrace any reference to plans of the Ambassador for bringing about a restoration of normal conditions in that country. After he left the President the Ambassador dictated the following statement:
"The discussion related entirely to the facts of the situation and not at all to any question of policy. All my views have been placed in the hands of the President for consideration and will receive consideration in due time."
Ambassador Wilson left with the President a prepared statement giving his views of the manner in which the United States should attempt to settle the Mexican question. He indicated afterward that these views did not accord with the summarization of the policy that had been attributed to him, which embraced the recognition of the Huerta Government under certain conditions, one of which was that the United States would undertake to pacify Northern Mexico, or, failing to induce Huerta to agree to this proposal, the United States should intervene in Mexico by the inauguration of a bottling-up policy. It was inferred from the guarded remarks made by the Ambassador after he had seen President Wilson that he had modified his original plan to some extent.
To See Senate Committee.
President Wilson indicated to the Ambassador that he thought the latter should go away from Washington for a short time, but should keep within call so that he might be summoned here at any time. The Ambassador agreed to the suggestion, and was making arrangements for a trip out of town when he got word that the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations would like to examine him, and Mr. Wilson therefore remained in town. He is expected to appear before the committee to-morrow.
Members of the committee said to-day that the proposals of Ambassador Wilson for an adjustment of the Mexican situation were in accord with a plan he had laid before the Taft Administration late last Winter. This plan was considered by President Taft and his advisers and was viewed with some favor, but on account of the fact that the Administration would soon give way to that of President Wilson it was decided that it would be unfair to the incoming President to undertake a radical policy with which President Wilson might not agree and which would embarrass him considerably.
President Wilson's apparent hope is that he will be able to get both factions in Mexico to accept the mediatory offices of the United States, if the situation is not relieved sooner by the retirement of Huerta. The Ambassador's idea that the first step by the United States should be the formal recognition of the Huerta Government upon assurances by Huerta that he would be able to reestablish order south of the 26th parallel, the United States in turn to undertake the pacification of the territory north of the 26th parallel, does not meet with the President's favor. The Ambassador's understood intervention policy would contemplate removing every American citizen from Mexico and then blockading all Mexican ports and establishing a patrol of both coast lines, and the whole United States-Mexican frontier, so as to prevent the shipment of arms and ammunition and other supplies into Mexican territory.
The Ambassador said earlier in the day that the plan of action attributed to him was entirely unauthorized. Later he made a stronger statement indicating that the views which he was supposed to hold in regard to a remedy for bringing an end to the present situation in Mexico had not been correctly stated. In fact, he seemed to repudiate them altogether. From these statements of the Ambassador it seems to be clear that before putting his plan of action to President Wilson this afternoon he made certain modifications in it.
Arms for Both Sides.
There were indications to-day that the Administration was not regarding entirely with its former disfavor the suggestion that the neutrality bars be thrown down and shipments of war supplies permitted to be made from this country into Mexico, to the revolutionists as well as to the Huerta forces. When this suggestion was made to President Wilson at a conference with the Chairmen of the Congressional committees having to do with foreign affairs, he declined to consider it, and indicated that his own idea was that if anything were done along this line, it should be in the direction of stopping the shipment of arms to the Huerta Government.
To-day, however, there was some reason to believe that the Administration ultimately might adopt the course of letting the revolutionists have arms and ammunition from this country, so that both factions in Mexico would have a chance to fight it out on a fair basis of equality.
Among Democrats of the Committee on Foreign Relations intervention of any sort is viewed with absolute disfavor. One prominent Senator on the committee said that as things stood mediation was the first thing to be attempted, but he did not seem to expect large results from that plan. This mediation, he said, should be undertaken by a commission of notable Americans, whose first duty would be an inquiry into whether mediation would be acceptable to the contending Mexican factions.
If mediation failed, as he seemed to think it would, the Senator thought the best solution of the difficulty would be to raise the embargo on the shipment of arms and give the contending tactions every opportunity to settle the question of their supremacy by a severe process of elimination. In this way, he said, the strongest faction ultimately would win and recognition then could be extended to the victor.
This Senator thought the recognition of any faction at present or even the recognition of the belligerency of the rebels would be unwise. Such recognition at once would place in jeopardy American claims for damages, because American losses would be set down as the unavoidable incidents of a state of war, and in any event neither faction could be held responsible for the depredations of the other.
It became known through official sources to-day that the diplomatic representatives who recently met in the City of Mexico and adopted an identical dispatch to their Governments setting forth that the condition of affairs in the country was deplorable and suggesting that the Government of the United States should take action were the representatives of Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium. The British Government forwarded the dispatch to the Government of the United States. It was said that two other Governments of those named also laid the dispatch before the State Department.
The German diplomatic representative in Mexico City, it was learned, declined to join in the representations of his European colleagues.
It was said to-night that telegrams came to Washington to-day from revolutionary leaders in the northern Mexican States denying Ambassador Wilson's assertion that there was no organized revolt against Huerta. In each message was a request that it be laid before President Wilson.
Two of the messages, it was said, were from Gov. Pesquiera of Sonora and Gov. Lucio Blanco of Tamaulipas. Both of them. It was asserted, declared their allegiance to Carranza, and said they were acting under his direct command for the Constitutionalists' cause.
All the advices received at the State Department to-day ware distinctly favorable to the Huerta cause. The most important news was from El Paso to the effect that two trains had come into Juarez over the National Railway from Chihuahua. This road has been in a bad way for weeks and all communication over it has been suspended over a month. To-day, however, a military train and a construction train were able to get through and a train loaded with provisions was sent back to Chihuahua. The managers of the road said that permanent service was uncertain, however, because conditions are still unreliable, although they claimed they were better than they had been for some time.
Americans in Madera Still in Peril.
Representations were made to Secretary Bryan to-day that there was no truth in the report sent to the State Department by Thomas D. Edwards. Consul at Juarez, that the Americans who are being besieged at Madera by a force of bandits, and were believed to be in danger of death by starvation or violence, had been rescued and were on their way to El Paso.
Representative W. R. Smith of Texas asked Mr. Bryan to remove Edwards for alleged incompetency in failing to relieve the distressed Americans at Madera. Several telegrams received by Mr. Smith and other members of the Texas delegation, said that fourteen American men and twenty-one American women and children were still at Madera and when last heard from they were in the greatest danger. Representative Smith laid before Mr. Bryan charges that Consul Edwards had refused to permit a relief party of fifty Americans to go to Madera.
"I told Mr. Bryan that as long as we did not recognize the Huerta faction, we should not encourage it by permitting it to obtain arms from this country. We should give arms to both factions or neither."
Late this afternoon Representative Smith received a long telegram from Turney & Burges of El Paso, which accused Consul Edwards of misrepresenting conditions in the State of Chihuahua, and asserting that thirty-five Americans were still in peril at Madera.
Urgent appeals were made to Secretary Bryan to-day by Senator Pomerene of Ohio and Representative Linthicum of Maryland to make every effort to save the life of Bernard McDonald, who is held captive in Chihuahua, and is reported, to be under sentence of death. McDonald, who is a British subject, is manager of the San Patricia Mining Company in the Parral district of Mexico. He has influential business and financial friends in Maryland and Ohio who have been told that his captors have threatened to execute him.
United States Would Recognize a Provisional Government, Pending Election.
WILL NOT RECOGNIZE HIM
Ambassador Wilson's Retirement from His Post Considered Inevitable.
HIS VIEWS NOT ACCEPTED
Reported Change of Front in Matter of Excluding Arms from the Rebels.
FEDERAL GUNBOAT BLOWN UP
Oscar Braniff and Other Friends of Huerta Watching Trend of Events at Washington.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 28.— Henry Lane Wilson, Ambassador to Mexico, was at the White House fifty minutes this afternoon, where the President and Secretary Bryan listened to his report of affairs in the turbulent republic.
While nothing definite was made public after the conference it was hinted in well-informed circles that a new policy was being considered by the President and his advisers which would involve the resignation of the Provisional President of Mexico and the installation of a Mexican Government that this Government could see its way clear to recognize.
There were reports to-night that President Wilson was provoked with his namesake of the diplomatic service and that the Ambassador had been made aware that his resignation would be accepted soon. These reports could not be confirmed. The Ambassador said that he had been treated with the greatest courtesy by President Wilson and that he had been pleased with his interview. There has been a general understanding in Washington in official circles for more than a week that Mr. Wilson would not return to Mexico in a diplomatic capacity.
Considerable significance is attached to the attitude shown by President Wilson toward Ambassador Wilson. The Ambassador arrived in Washington on Saturday, but the President did not receive him until this afternoon, and then gave him a hearing lasting not quite an hour.
Only Sought Facts.
Only facts in connection with the Mexican situation were discussed, and the President did not ask for Mr. Wilson's views as to the policy he thought the United States should adopt to bring about the restoration of order in Mexico. It was learned late to-night that the President's interest in the Ambassador's plans for bringing peace to Mexico was not sufficient to cause him to read the memorandum left with him by tho Ambassador embodying the latter's views on the subject. Nor has Secretary Bryan, in his several conferences with the Ambassador, questioned him as to what Mr. Wilson thought should be done to end Mexico's state of perturbation.
This negative attitude on the part of the Administration is construed here as indicating that the Ambassador will not be permitted to return to Mexico as a representative of the United States. Additional significance is attached to a statement by the Ambassador that he did not know whether he would see President Wilson again.
President Wilson will not recognize the de facto government of Mexico under present conditions, as long as Huerta remains at its head. His whole attitude has shown that and it was reported that at the conference with the Ambassador he emphasized his determination in that particular. In the President's opinion, it is said, the assassination of Madero brings a moral element into the situation that operates against Hureta's recognition.
The Ambassador wants Huerta recognized on certain conditions which he laid before President Wilson in a prepared statement to-day. His insistence that Huerta actually is in control of most of Mexico and that the only revolution worthy of the name is in the State of Sonora has been backed up by reports from various persons who have been furnishing to the President and the State Department information concerning conditions in Mexico. These reports have surprised Administration officials in view of advices that Huerta was on his last legs and that the revolutionary movement in northern Mexico was stronger than ever.
Personal agents of Huerta are in Washington and it is asserted that some of them have become convinced that unless Huerta resigns and establishes a provisional Government that will be acceptable to the United States drastic action may follow. There is a belief here that advice of this character sent directly to Huerta by men who are on the ground here will have a marked effect on any course that he may contemplate.
The knowledge that the Wilson Administration feels that it cannot afford to give formal recognition to the Huerta government was emphasized to-day just as strongly as ever. Ambassador Wilson's desire to have the President adopt a plan that includes such recognition has not served to change the President's policy in any particular. There is good reason to believe that Huerta has been informed of this by telegraph, and there is a growing expectation that he will be forced to the conclusion that he alone stands in the way of an adjustment of the situation.
Washington is full of persons who recently have come here on business in connection with the Mexican situation. Agents of the revolutionists and personal representatives of Huerta are among them and all have been exceedingly busy all day. Representatives of big business interests in Mexico also are here. One of the men whose presence in the capital has attracted attention is Oscar Braniff, a wealthy citizen of Mexico, who is regarded as a personal friend and agent of Huerta. Mr. Braniff has been in New York for some time and arrived in Washington yesterday. He had a talk with Ambassador Wilson last night and saw the Ambassador several times to-day.
Braniff's Views Significant.
In view of his friendliness to Huerta and the understanding that he was sent to this country as the confidential agent of Mexico's Provisional President, a statement made to-night by Mr. Braniff is regarded as having a significant bearing on the belief that an effort is being made to induce Huerta to retire.
"Among the responsible classes in Mexico who have been more or less indifferent to the progress of events," said Mr. Braniff, "there is a large and growing sentiment in favor of a cessation of hostilities and an agreement on some candidate sufficiently acceptable to both sides to permit the holding of an election."
Mr. Braniff added that he felt there was a good chance that something along this line would be accomplished, and that he believed the United States Government would be in accord with it.
Another visitor in Washington in connection with Mexican affairs is Edward N. Brown, President of the National Railways of Mexico. He arrived in New York on board the same steamer with Ambassador Wilson last Friday and reached Washington this morning. In the course of the day Mr. Brown had a long conference with Secretary Bryan, but neither would discuss what was said during the interview.
"I am willing simply to say," said Mr. Brown, "that I did have a long talk with the Secretary of State and I told him as well as I could what I knew of the present conditions in Mexico. We did not discuss any plan or policy in the slightest degree. It was purely a talk about conditions, which are very bad. That is all I can possibly say. I expect to remain here for a few days in case I should be called on for further information."
Mr. Brown had a long conversation to-night with Ambassador Wilson.
According to the statements made by Secretary Bryan and Ambassador Wilson the conversation with the President to-day did not embrace any reference to plans of the Ambassador for bringing about a restoration of normal conditions in that country. After he left the President the Ambassador dictated the following statement:
"The discussion related entirely to the facts of the situation and not at all to any question of policy. All my views have been placed in the hands of the President for consideration and will receive consideration in due time."
Ambassador Wilson left with the President a prepared statement giving his views of the manner in which the United States should attempt to settle the Mexican question. He indicated afterward that these views did not accord with the summarization of the policy that had been attributed to him, which embraced the recognition of the Huerta Government under certain conditions, one of which was that the United States would undertake to pacify Northern Mexico, or, failing to induce Huerta to agree to this proposal, the United States should intervene in Mexico by the inauguration of a bottling-up policy. It was inferred from the guarded remarks made by the Ambassador after he had seen President Wilson that he had modified his original plan to some extent.
To See Senate Committee.
President Wilson indicated to the Ambassador that he thought the latter should go away from Washington for a short time, but should keep within call so that he might be summoned here at any time. The Ambassador agreed to the suggestion, and was making arrangements for a trip out of town when he got word that the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations would like to examine him, and Mr. Wilson therefore remained in town. He is expected to appear before the committee to-morrow.
Members of the committee said to-day that the proposals of Ambassador Wilson for an adjustment of the Mexican situation were in accord with a plan he had laid before the Taft Administration late last Winter. This plan was considered by President Taft and his advisers and was viewed with some favor, but on account of the fact that the Administration would soon give way to that of President Wilson it was decided that it would be unfair to the incoming President to undertake a radical policy with which President Wilson might not agree and which would embarrass him considerably.
President Wilson's apparent hope is that he will be able to get both factions in Mexico to accept the mediatory offices of the United States, if the situation is not relieved sooner by the retirement of Huerta. The Ambassador's idea that the first step by the United States should be the formal recognition of the Huerta Government upon assurances by Huerta that he would be able to reestablish order south of the 26th parallel, the United States in turn to undertake the pacification of the territory north of the 26th parallel, does not meet with the President's favor. The Ambassador's understood intervention policy would contemplate removing every American citizen from Mexico and then blockading all Mexican ports and establishing a patrol of both coast lines, and the whole United States-Mexican frontier, so as to prevent the shipment of arms and ammunition and other supplies into Mexican territory.
The Ambassador said earlier in the day that the plan of action attributed to him was entirely unauthorized. Later he made a stronger statement indicating that the views which he was supposed to hold in regard to a remedy for bringing an end to the present situation in Mexico had not been correctly stated. In fact, he seemed to repudiate them altogether. From these statements of the Ambassador it seems to be clear that before putting his plan of action to President Wilson this afternoon he made certain modifications in it.
Arms for Both Sides.
There were indications to-day that the Administration was not regarding entirely with its former disfavor the suggestion that the neutrality bars be thrown down and shipments of war supplies permitted to be made from this country into Mexico, to the revolutionists as well as to the Huerta forces. When this suggestion was made to President Wilson at a conference with the Chairmen of the Congressional committees having to do with foreign affairs, he declined to consider it, and indicated that his own idea was that if anything were done along this line, it should be in the direction of stopping the shipment of arms to the Huerta Government.
To-day, however, there was some reason to believe that the Administration ultimately might adopt the course of letting the revolutionists have arms and ammunition from this country, so that both factions in Mexico would have a chance to fight it out on a fair basis of equality.
Among Democrats of the Committee on Foreign Relations intervention of any sort is viewed with absolute disfavor. One prominent Senator on the committee said that as things stood mediation was the first thing to be attempted, but he did not seem to expect large results from that plan. This mediation, he said, should be undertaken by a commission of notable Americans, whose first duty would be an inquiry into whether mediation would be acceptable to the contending Mexican factions.
If mediation failed, as he seemed to think it would, the Senator thought the best solution of the difficulty would be to raise the embargo on the shipment of arms and give the contending tactions every opportunity to settle the question of their supremacy by a severe process of elimination. In this way, he said, the strongest faction ultimately would win and recognition then could be extended to the victor.
This Senator thought the recognition of any faction at present or even the recognition of the belligerency of the rebels would be unwise. Such recognition at once would place in jeopardy American claims for damages, because American losses would be set down as the unavoidable incidents of a state of war, and in any event neither faction could be held responsible for the depredations of the other.
It became known through official sources to-day that the diplomatic representatives who recently met in the City of Mexico and adopted an identical dispatch to their Governments setting forth that the condition of affairs in the country was deplorable and suggesting that the Government of the United States should take action were the representatives of Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium. The British Government forwarded the dispatch to the Government of the United States. It was said that two other Governments of those named also laid the dispatch before the State Department.
The German diplomatic representative in Mexico City, it was learned, declined to join in the representations of his European colleagues.
It was said to-night that telegrams came to Washington to-day from revolutionary leaders in the northern Mexican States denying Ambassador Wilson's assertion that there was no organized revolt against Huerta. In each message was a request that it be laid before President Wilson.
Two of the messages, it was said, were from Gov. Pesquiera of Sonora and Gov. Lucio Blanco of Tamaulipas. Both of them. It was asserted, declared their allegiance to Carranza, and said they were acting under his direct command for the Constitutionalists' cause.
All the advices received at the State Department to-day ware distinctly favorable to the Huerta cause. The most important news was from El Paso to the effect that two trains had come into Juarez over the National Railway from Chihuahua. This road has been in a bad way for weeks and all communication over it has been suspended over a month. To-day, however, a military train and a construction train were able to get through and a train loaded with provisions was sent back to Chihuahua. The managers of the road said that permanent service was uncertain, however, because conditions are still unreliable, although they claimed they were better than they had been for some time.
Americans in Madera Still in Peril.
Representations were made to Secretary Bryan to-day that there was no truth in the report sent to the State Department by Thomas D. Edwards. Consul at Juarez, that the Americans who are being besieged at Madera by a force of bandits, and were believed to be in danger of death by starvation or violence, had been rescued and were on their way to El Paso.
Representative W. R. Smith of Texas asked Mr. Bryan to remove Edwards for alleged incompetency in failing to relieve the distressed Americans at Madera. Several telegrams received by Mr. Smith and other members of the Texas delegation, said that fourteen American men and twenty-one American women and children were still at Madera and when last heard from they were in the greatest danger. Representative Smith laid before Mr. Bryan charges that Consul Edwards had refused to permit a relief party of fifty Americans to go to Madera.
"I told Mr. Bryan that as long as we did not recognize the Huerta faction, we should not encourage it by permitting it to obtain arms from this country. We should give arms to both factions or neither."
Late this afternoon Representative Smith received a long telegram from Turney & Burges of El Paso, which accused Consul Edwards of misrepresenting conditions in the State of Chihuahua, and asserting that thirty-five Americans were still in peril at Madera.
Urgent appeals were made to Secretary Bryan to-day by Senator Pomerene of Ohio and Representative Linthicum of Maryland to make every effort to save the life of Bernard McDonald, who is held captive in Chihuahua, and is reported, to be under sentence of death. McDonald, who is a British subject, is manager of the San Patricia Mining Company in the Parral district of Mexico. He has influential business and financial friends in Maryland and Ohio who have been told that his captors have threatened to execute him.
Huerta Heeds Our Demands.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 29, 1913:
Promises to Punish Dixon's Assailants and Free Captives.
MEXICO CITY, July 28.— With assurances that so long as he is President the Mexican Government never will sanction outrages against American citizens, President Huerta to-day replied to representations made to him on behalf of the United States by Nelson O'Shaughnessy. Chargé d'Affaires of the American Embassy.
Mr. O'Shaughnessy had presented to President Huerta the demands of his Government that the officers and soldiers responsible for the shooting of Charles B. Dixon, Immigration Inspector at Juarez, be arrested and punished. President Huerta willingly acceded to this demand, and also to a further demand that the detention by Mexicans of two Americans at Santa Rosalia be investigated.
President Huerta assured Mr. O'Shaughnessy that those guilty of the shooting of Mr. Dixon would be punished and the Americans at Santa Rosalia would be released.
Promises to Punish Dixon's Assailants and Free Captives.
MEXICO CITY, July 28.— With assurances that so long as he is President the Mexican Government never will sanction outrages against American citizens, President Huerta to-day replied to representations made to him on behalf of the United States by Nelson O'Shaughnessy. Chargé d'Affaires of the American Embassy.
Mr. O'Shaughnessy had presented to President Huerta the demands of his Government that the officers and soldiers responsible for the shooting of Charles B. Dixon, Immigration Inspector at Juarez, be arrested and punished. President Huerta willingly acceded to this demand, and also to a further demand that the detention by Mexicans of two Americans at Santa Rosalia be investigated.
President Huerta assured Mr. O'Shaughnessy that those guilty of the shooting of Mr. Dixon would be punished and the Americans at Santa Rosalia would be released.
Held For Dixon Shooting.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 29, 1913:
Inspector Says Lieut. Saenz Was His Actual Assailant.
Special to The New York Times.
EL PASO, Texas, July 28.— United States Immigration Inspector Charles B. Dixon, who was shot at Juarez Saturday, is now in the El Paso Hospital, and the doctors have given him fresh assurances that he will live. In Juarez the men who were implicated in his arrest are being held by the Federal military authorities, and an investigation has been ordered by President Huerta. Lieut. Saenz, the half-breed Mexican negro, is being held as the one who fired the shot which passed through Dixon's body.
Dixon was able to-day to tell the story of the shooting. He says he was trying to reach the office of the Mayor, Guillermo Cruz, in the Municipal Building, when shot. With a bullet through his body he outran his guards and fell only half a block from the Municipal Building. He says Saenz fired all four of the shots from the high-power rifle which he carried, the others of the squad having only six-shooters.
Arthur Walker, the negro who is supposed to have framed up the arrest of Dixon and to have planned his subsequent execution, has also been arrested. The case against Dixon for kidnapping will not be tried for at least four weeks, if at all.
The Americans who planned an invasion of Juarez to get Dixon to the American side Saturday night were persuaded not to make the attempt by friends of Dixon, who insisted that he would be killed in the attempt.
Inspector Says Lieut. Saenz Was His Actual Assailant.
Special to The New York Times.
EL PASO, Texas, July 28.— United States Immigration Inspector Charles B. Dixon, who was shot at Juarez Saturday, is now in the El Paso Hospital, and the doctors have given him fresh assurances that he will live. In Juarez the men who were implicated in his arrest are being held by the Federal military authorities, and an investigation has been ordered by President Huerta. Lieut. Saenz, the half-breed Mexican negro, is being held as the one who fired the shot which passed through Dixon's body.
Dixon was able to-day to tell the story of the shooting. He says he was trying to reach the office of the Mayor, Guillermo Cruz, in the Municipal Building, when shot. With a bullet through his body he outran his guards and fell only half a block from the Municipal Building. He says Saenz fired all four of the shots from the high-power rifle which he carried, the others of the squad having only six-shooters.
Arthur Walker, the negro who is supposed to have framed up the arrest of Dixon and to have planned his subsequent execution, has also been arrested. The case against Dixon for kidnapping will not be tried for at least four weeks, if at all.
The Americans who planned an invasion of Juarez to get Dixon to the American side Saturday night were persuaded not to make the attempt by friends of Dixon, who insisted that he would be killed in the attempt.
Vales Accuses H. L. Wilson.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 29, 1913:
Ambassador a Huerta Partisan, Yucatan Governor Wires President.
EAGLE PASS, Texas, July 28.— This statement about Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson was telegraphed to-day to President Wilson by Gov. Vales of the State of Yucatan, Mexico, now in Piedras Negras, the Constitutionalists' provisional capital:
"I am the brother-in-law of Vice President Pino Suarez, and was in Mexico City with my family during the February revolution, when on the 19th it became necessary for me to flee to save my life. My wife subsequently called on Ambassador Wilson, and he told her that it was necessary that she should telegraph me at once and urge me strongly to recognize Gen Huerta as President of the republic."
Vales's telegram declared the Ambassador threatened him with what would happen if Vales did not recognize Huerta. The telegram also specified other alleged actions of the American Ambassador to which Vales said Mexicans objected.
Ambassador a Huerta Partisan, Yucatan Governor Wires President.
EAGLE PASS, Texas, July 28.— This statement about Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson was telegraphed to-day to President Wilson by Gov. Vales of the State of Yucatan, Mexico, now in Piedras Negras, the Constitutionalists' provisional capital:
"I am the brother-in-law of Vice President Pino Suarez, and was in Mexico City with my family during the February revolution, when on the 19th it became necessary for me to flee to save my life. My wife subsequently called on Ambassador Wilson, and he told her that it was necessary that she should telegraph me at once and urge me strongly to recognize Gen Huerta as President of the republic."
Vales's telegram declared the Ambassador threatened him with what would happen if Vales did not recognize Huerta. The telegram also specified other alleged actions of the American Ambassador to which Vales said Mexicans objected.
Air Bomb Wrecks Gunboat.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 29, 1913:
Rebels Report Aviator Has Destroyed a Federal Warship.
NOGALES, Ariz., July 28.— The Mexican Federal gunboat Tampico was destroyed to-day by a bomb dropped from an aeroplane over Guaymas Harbor, says an official insurgent message. It was said that the aviator, Didier Masson, made three flights over the harbor before he succeeded in hitting the boat.
Rebels Report Aviator Has Destroyed a Federal Warship.
NOGALES, Ariz., July 28.— The Mexican Federal gunboat Tampico was destroyed to-day by a bomb dropped from an aeroplane over Guaymas Harbor, says an official insurgent message. It was said that the aviator, Didier Masson, made three flights over the harbor before he succeeded in hitting the boat.
Gomez Arrives In Havana.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 29, 1913:
Former Candidate for Mexican Presidency to Stay in Cuba.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
HAVANA, July 28.— Francisco Vasquez Gomez, formerly a candidate for the Presidency of Mexico, has arrived here from the United States after having conferred with Gen. Carranza in Northern Mexico.
He refuses to discuss conditions in Mexico, and says he intends to stay in Havana indefinitely.
Former Candidate for Mexican Presidency to Stay in Cuba.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
HAVANA, July 28.— Francisco Vasquez Gomez, formerly a candidate for the Presidency of Mexico, has arrived here from the United States after having conferred with Gen. Carranza in Northern Mexico.
He refuses to discuss conditions in Mexico, and says he intends to stay in Havana indefinitely.
Most Brutal Of Wars.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 29, 1913:
View of Lafayette Young, Who Has Arrived in London from Balkans.
LONDON, July 28.— Ex-United States Senator Lafayette Young arrived here to-night from the Servian Army headquarters at Nish, which he left last Thursday. He said he was glad to reach London and to be able to dine in a hotel after weeks spent with Maddin Summers, United States Consul at Belgrade, in the war zone, traveling in freight cars, sleeping on the ground because of the lack of tents, and eating black bread.
Mr. Young said that, from the number of mutilated wounded men he saw, the war in the Balkans must be the most brutal ever fought. Americans, he said, could not appreciate the intense hatred existing between the Bulgars, Servians, and Greeks. Foreigners in the Balkans, he added, spoke slightingly of the fighting ability of the warring factions, declaring that their boastings were disproportionate to their achievements.
"The most serious situation for the Balkans," said Mr. Young. "is the utter absence of anything for the people to live on when Winter comes. Wheat and oats are rotting in the fields and corn is being strangled by weeds. The army is taking all the hay for the thousands of oxen engaged in transport service."
Mr. Young said that cholera was prevalent among the soldiers everywhere in the war zone.
Beyond a report from Sofia that Turkey has expressed readiness to open peace negotiations with Bulgaria, there are no fresh developments in the Balkan situation.
The Porte has dispatched Osman Nizami Pasha, the Minister of Public Works, to London on a special mission, the object of which is not known.
It is officially announced from Bucharest that the advance guard of the Rumanian Army has halted close to Sofia in the east.
View of Lafayette Young, Who Has Arrived in London from Balkans.
LONDON, July 28.— Ex-United States Senator Lafayette Young arrived here to-night from the Servian Army headquarters at Nish, which he left last Thursday. He said he was glad to reach London and to be able to dine in a hotel after weeks spent with Maddin Summers, United States Consul at Belgrade, in the war zone, traveling in freight cars, sleeping on the ground because of the lack of tents, and eating black bread.
Mr. Young said that, from the number of mutilated wounded men he saw, the war in the Balkans must be the most brutal ever fought. Americans, he said, could not appreciate the intense hatred existing between the Bulgars, Servians, and Greeks. Foreigners in the Balkans, he added, spoke slightingly of the fighting ability of the warring factions, declaring that their boastings were disproportionate to their achievements.
"The most serious situation for the Balkans," said Mr. Young. "is the utter absence of anything for the people to live on when Winter comes. Wheat and oats are rotting in the fields and corn is being strangled by weeds. The army is taking all the hay for the thousands of oxen engaged in transport service."
Mr. Young said that cholera was prevalent among the soldiers everywhere in the war zone.
Beyond a report from Sofia that Turkey has expressed readiness to open peace negotiations with Bulgaria, there are no fresh developments in the Balkan situation.
The Porte has dispatched Osman Nizami Pasha, the Minister of Public Works, to London on a special mission, the object of which is not known.
It is officially announced from Bucharest that the advance guard of the Rumanian Army has halted close to Sofia in the east.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Lisbon Revolt Rumored.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 28, 1913:
1,600 Bombs Have Been Found in the Streets Since July 20.
LONDON, Monday, July 28.— A rumor was current in Madrid last night that a serious uprising had occurred in Lisbon. The Daily Mail estimates that 1,600 bombs of various sizes have been found in the streets of Lisbon since the organized attempt at bomb-throwing was frustrated by the police there Sunday, July 20. The paper adds that, since the publication of a book last year, giving direction for their manufacture, all the revolutionary societies have been busy making and hiding bombs of all sizes.
1,600 Bombs Have Been Found in the Streets Since July 20.
LONDON, Monday, July 28.— A rumor was current in Madrid last night that a serious uprising had occurred in Lisbon. The Daily Mail estimates that 1,600 bombs of various sizes have been found in the streets of Lisbon since the organized attempt at bomb-throwing was frustrated by the police there Sunday, July 20. The paper adds that, since the publication of a book last year, giving direction for their manufacture, all the revolutionary societies have been busy making and hiding bombs of all sizes.
Our Demand Has Set Dixon Free.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 28, 1913:
Mexican Soldiers Who Shot American Official at Juarez Have Been Jailed.
WILSON WROTE MESSAGES
Bryan Modified Ambassador's Language, Then "O. K.'d" Them — Consul Did Rest.
MEDIATION TALK STRONG
President Still Leans That Way — Confers with the Ambassador To-day.
Special to The New York Times.
EL PASO, Texas, July 27.— Following the demand of the Washington Government through its Chargé d'Affaires in Mexico City, and through United States Consul Thomas D. Edwards in Juarez, the Mexican Administration released to-day Charles B. Dixon, the American Immigration Inspector, who was shot in the back by Mexican Federal soldiers last Saturday afternoon.
The Mexican officials also informed Consul Edwards that, in compliance with the demand of the United States, Arthur Walker, the negro whom Inspector Dixon had sought in Juarez in a "white slave" case before the shooting, had been placed in a cell. They also said that the soldiers who tried to kill Mr. Dixon had been put in jail.
Inspector Dixon was brought to this side of the border by the Consul and was placed under the care of competent surgeons, who said he probably would recover.
Consul Edwards accomplished the release of Mr. Dixon and the reported arrest of Walker and the soldiers only after much difficulty. In the end he had to adopt strong language to the authorities on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande to make them understand the earnestness with which the American Government insisted on reparation in the case of the attempt on the immigration officer's life. He said at last to the Mexican authorities in Juarez:
Strong Warning to Mexicans.
"I do not merely request the arrest of these men, but in the name of the United States Government, which I have the honor to represent. I demand their immediate arrest and their trial and punishment for this crime. My Government will hold the military authorities of Juarez personally responsible for failure to obey this command."
The Inspector, on his arrival here, told of inhuman treatment he had suffered at the hands of the Mexican authorities. After he was wounded, he said, in his attempt to escape from the Federal soldiers — who, he believed, were going to put him to death because they were taking him toward the outskirts of the city — he was removed from the hospital. There he was placed under a guard or three soldiers. Nurses who wished to dress his wounds were forbidden to remove his blood-soaked clothing. It was not until the arrival of Dr. Tappan of the United States Immigration Office that the Mexicans permitted Mr. Dixon's clothing to be cut sufficiently for the surgeon to treat the wound.
Mr. Dixon was held as a prisoner in the hospital from Saturday afternoon until the late hour to-day when he was brought to this city. Great indignation was expressed by Americans here when the details of the Inspector's experience became known. Their relations with their Mexican neighbors became critical. Interest was expressed in a report that Villa's Constitutionalists soon would attack Juarez for the double purpose of strengthening their chance of recognition by Washington and of avenging the attempt on the life of Inspector Dixon.
Made Demand on Gen. Castro.
Mr. Edwards found it necessary to visit Gen. Francisco Castro and Col. Juan N. Vasquez of Provisional President Huerta's forces in Juarez to achieve the release of the Immigration Inspector and the arrest of the persons concerned in the murderous assault. He put plumply to them a demand in the name of the President of the United States that Mr. Dixon De set free from the typhus hospital in Juarez, where the victim had been a prisoner after the shooting.
The Consul made it plain to the Mexican Army officers that he was weary of arguing with the lesser military authorities, and with the civil officials of the town. He had been informed by the municipal officers and the subordinate military commanders that Inspector Dixon was held in Mexico on "the grave charge of attempting to kidnap" the negro Walker. Following the earlier demands by Mr. Edwards, the civil authorities had insisted on detaining the Inspector, the military men had said the case was out of their jurisdiction, and the representatives of the Mexican Federal Government had declined to interfere in behalf of the American captive.
Consul Edwards finally made his demand to Gen. Castro and Col. Vasquez so imperative that the General sent the Colonel to the hospital to order Mr. Dixon's release, and the paper containing the signatures of his bondsmen was torn up. The Inspector was brought to the El Paso side in an ambulance, and the arrests of Walker and several women accomplices were reported as having followed.
A formal apology is to be made to the State Department. Mr. Dixon was much improved to-day and his recovery was predicted by the attending doctors. The bullet, which passed through his body, failed to pierce the intestines.
Negro Blamed for Trouble.
E. W. Berkshire, Supervising Inspector of Immigration for the United States, said to-night he made no demand on the Mexican officials, but reported the facts to his superiors concerning the arrest of himself and Inspector Clarence Gatley when they went to Juarez on Saturday, following the shooting of Mr. Dixon.
Mr. Berkshire said that from what he had been able to ascertain the negro, Walker, when he learned that Inspector Dixon was in Juarez investigating a "white slave" case in which Walker had been implicated, informed the Mexican officials that Dixon was there with a bottle of chloroform ready to chloroform and kidnap him. It was said the negro then bought drinks for the soldiers who were to make the arrest.
Mexican Consul Miranda and Guillermo Porras, ex-Secretary of State of Chihuahua, interceded for the release of Mr. Dixon, after conferences with United States officials, who represented to the Mexicans the grave impression that — had been produced in Washington by the news of the shooting of the Inspector.
A Federal troop train bearing the Red Cross flag came back to Juarez early this morning with thirty wounded Federals who were shot during an engagement at Rancheria, on the Mexican Central below Juarez. The Federals were manning a troop train, guarding a train of Americans, when the rebels of Ortega's command opened fire from a wood near the track. The Federals answered the fire, the fight lasting more than two hours. Five rebels were seen to fall, and several others were wounded. Five Federals were killed.
Mexican Soldiers Who Shot American Official at Juarez Have Been Jailed.
WILSON WROTE MESSAGES
Bryan Modified Ambassador's Language, Then "O. K.'d" Them — Consul Did Rest.
MEDIATION TALK STRONG
President Still Leans That Way — Confers with the Ambassador To-day.
Special to The New York Times.
EL PASO, Texas, July 27.— Following the demand of the Washington Government through its Chargé d'Affaires in Mexico City, and through United States Consul Thomas D. Edwards in Juarez, the Mexican Administration released to-day Charles B. Dixon, the American Immigration Inspector, who was shot in the back by Mexican Federal soldiers last Saturday afternoon.
The Mexican officials also informed Consul Edwards that, in compliance with the demand of the United States, Arthur Walker, the negro whom Inspector Dixon had sought in Juarez in a "white slave" case before the shooting, had been placed in a cell. They also said that the soldiers who tried to kill Mr. Dixon had been put in jail.
Inspector Dixon was brought to this side of the border by the Consul and was placed under the care of competent surgeons, who said he probably would recover.
Consul Edwards accomplished the release of Mr. Dixon and the reported arrest of Walker and the soldiers only after much difficulty. In the end he had to adopt strong language to the authorities on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande to make them understand the earnestness with which the American Government insisted on reparation in the case of the attempt on the immigration officer's life. He said at last to the Mexican authorities in Juarez:
Strong Warning to Mexicans.
"I do not merely request the arrest of these men, but in the name of the United States Government, which I have the honor to represent. I demand their immediate arrest and their trial and punishment for this crime. My Government will hold the military authorities of Juarez personally responsible for failure to obey this command."
The Inspector, on his arrival here, told of inhuman treatment he had suffered at the hands of the Mexican authorities. After he was wounded, he said, in his attempt to escape from the Federal soldiers — who, he believed, were going to put him to death because they were taking him toward the outskirts of the city — he was removed from the hospital. There he was placed under a guard or three soldiers. Nurses who wished to dress his wounds were forbidden to remove his blood-soaked clothing. It was not until the arrival of Dr. Tappan of the United States Immigration Office that the Mexicans permitted Mr. Dixon's clothing to be cut sufficiently for the surgeon to treat the wound.
Mr. Dixon was held as a prisoner in the hospital from Saturday afternoon until the late hour to-day when he was brought to this city. Great indignation was expressed by Americans here when the details of the Inspector's experience became known. Their relations with their Mexican neighbors became critical. Interest was expressed in a report that Villa's Constitutionalists soon would attack Juarez for the double purpose of strengthening their chance of recognition by Washington and of avenging the attempt on the life of Inspector Dixon.
Made Demand on Gen. Castro.
Mr. Edwards found it necessary to visit Gen. Francisco Castro and Col. Juan N. Vasquez of Provisional President Huerta's forces in Juarez to achieve the release of the Immigration Inspector and the arrest of the persons concerned in the murderous assault. He put plumply to them a demand in the name of the President of the United States that Mr. Dixon De set free from the typhus hospital in Juarez, where the victim had been a prisoner after the shooting.
The Consul made it plain to the Mexican Army officers that he was weary of arguing with the lesser military authorities, and with the civil officials of the town. He had been informed by the municipal officers and the subordinate military commanders that Inspector Dixon was held in Mexico on "the grave charge of attempting to kidnap" the negro Walker. Following the earlier demands by Mr. Edwards, the civil authorities had insisted on detaining the Inspector, the military men had said the case was out of their jurisdiction, and the representatives of the Mexican Federal Government had declined to interfere in behalf of the American captive.
Consul Edwards finally made his demand to Gen. Castro and Col. Vasquez so imperative that the General sent the Colonel to the hospital to order Mr. Dixon's release, and the paper containing the signatures of his bondsmen was torn up. The Inspector was brought to the El Paso side in an ambulance, and the arrests of Walker and several women accomplices were reported as having followed.
A formal apology is to be made to the State Department. Mr. Dixon was much improved to-day and his recovery was predicted by the attending doctors. The bullet, which passed through his body, failed to pierce the intestines.
Negro Blamed for Trouble.
E. W. Berkshire, Supervising Inspector of Immigration for the United States, said to-night he made no demand on the Mexican officials, but reported the facts to his superiors concerning the arrest of himself and Inspector Clarence Gatley when they went to Juarez on Saturday, following the shooting of Mr. Dixon.
Mr. Berkshire said that from what he had been able to ascertain the negro, Walker, when he learned that Inspector Dixon was in Juarez investigating a "white slave" case in which Walker had been implicated, informed the Mexican officials that Dixon was there with a bottle of chloroform ready to chloroform and kidnap him. It was said the negro then bought drinks for the soldiers who were to make the arrest.
Mexican Consul Miranda and Guillermo Porras, ex-Secretary of State of Chihuahua, interceded for the release of Mr. Dixon, after conferences with United States officials, who represented to the Mexicans the grave impression that — had been produced in Washington by the news of the shooting of the Inspector.
A Federal troop train bearing the Red Cross flag came back to Juarez early this morning with thirty wounded Federals who were shot during an engagement at Rancheria, on the Mexican Central below Juarez. The Federals were manning a troop train, guarding a train of Americans, when the rebels of Ortega's command opened fire from a wood near the track. The Federals answered the fire, the fight lasting more than two hours. Five rebels were seen to fall, and several others were wounded. Five Federals were killed.
Quick Action On Dixon.
New York Times 100 years ago today, July 28, 1913:
Washington Demands Speedy Trial of Mexicans Who Shot Him.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 27.— The shooting of Charles B. Dixon, a United States Immigration Inspector, by Mexican Federal troops in Juarez, Mexico, has assumed an international importance that is significant of the growing tension between this Government and its Southern neighbor. Whereas such an affair always would be regarded as raising a serious issue between nations, the circumstances of the shooting of Inspector Dixon and the fact that it occurred at this time of bitter feeling against Americans among President Huerta's followers have served to invest it with all the characteristics of a case that is likely to have a marked effect on the relations of Mexico and the United States.
Official reports to the State Department and the Department of Labor today bore out the press accounts of the shooting, although they were not given in such detail. The State Department acted quickly. At Secretary Bryan's direction instructions were telegraphed to Nelson O'Shaughnessy, Secretary of Embassy and Chargé d'Affaires of the United States at Mexico City, to demand the immediate arrest of those responsible for the shooting and their trial without delay. It was said in official circles that this meant that the United States Government expected the accused soldiers to be placed on trial as early as tomorrow. Mr. O'Shaughnessy was directed also to protest to the Mexican Government and demand an investigation and explanation of the affair.
Insists on Mexicans' Arrest.
Instructions to repeat the demand for the arrest of those concerned in the shooting and make an investigation of all the circumstances were telegraphed also to Thomas D. Edwards, the United States Consul in Juarez. Mr. Edwards was directed to arrange for having Mr. Dixon released from arrest and taken across the Rio Grande to EI Paso, Tex., for medical treatment. The Department of Labor sent instructions to Chief Immigration Inspector Berkshire in El Paso to make a separate inquiry. It is thought the Department of Justice also will order an investigation.
Before taking any action in regard to the case of Mr. Dixon officials of the State Department consulted Ambassador Wilson, and it is understood he made the original drafts of the messages sent to Chargé d'Affaires O'Shaughnessy and Consul Edwards in regard to the shooting of Inspector Dixon.
Those dispatches, it was said, were sent to Secretary Bryan at his residence. Mr. Bryan regarded them as being couched in terms that were too strong, and he modified them somewhat and directed that they be sent to Mexico City and Juarez over his signature.
Protection of Biesel Ordered.
In response to urgent requests from officers of the Mines Company of America, Secretary Bryan also sent a strong message to Mr. O'Shaughnessy directing him to prevent any drastic measures being taken by the Mexican Government against Charles Biesel, General Manager of the company, under arrest in Chihuahua. Mr. O'Shaughnessy, in addition, was instructed to insist that no harm should be done to Bernard McDonald, a British subject, General Manager of the San Patricio Mining and Milling Company, of Chihuahua, who was arrested when Mr. Biesel was taken into custody.
A report from El Paso that Gen. Pascual Orozco of the Federal forces in Chihuahua had threatened to put Biesel to death caused the State Department to direct Mr. O'Shaughnessy to make strong representations to the Mexican Government. According to information received here, Mr. Biesel had requested Gen. Orozco to give him an escort for $400,000 in bullion which he desired to remove from Santa Rosalia, near Chihuahua. It is reported that Orozco agreed to provide the protection, but insisted that he should receive 5 per cent. of the value of the bullion — $20,000.
Mr. Biesel is reported to have rejected Gen. Orozco's suggestion and to have endeavored to make arrangements with revolutionists to give him the guard desired. Orozco professed to have ascertained that Mr. Biesel was dealing with the insurgents and the manager's arrest followed. Mr. McDonald was with Mr. Biesel, and he, too, was seized.
A dispatch was sent by the State Department to United States Consul Letcher in Chihuahua instructing him to make an investigation of the arrests and to do everything in his power to prevent any harm from being done to either prisoner.
Thinks Trouble Must End.
What makes the shooting of Mr. Dixon of particular importance just now is that the Wilson Administration has come to the conclusion that something should be done by the United States to bring to an end the perturbed conditions in Mexico. The Dixon incident will serve to increase the friction that already was apparent in the dealings between this Government and that of President Huerta.
Should the Huerta Government show a disinclination to give proper punishment to the soldiers who shot Inspector Dixon and who are reported to have been drunk at the time, or to treat the affair as an ordinary incident, it is hard to say what it may develop as far as American feeling and governmental policy are concerned. It was said to-night that it would be emphasized by the presentation of a resolution in the Senate tomorrow, calling on President Wilson for the facts and a statement as to what steps had been taken by him to procure redress for the effort to kill a United States official, and the seeming affront to the United States Government in that effort.
Nothing occurred in Washington today beyond the representations made to the Huerta Government in regard to the shooting of Mr. Dixon to change the present Mexican situation in its bearing on the relations between the nations. Henry Lane Wilson, the American Ambassador to Mexico, who arrived here yesterday from the Mexican capital to make a personal report of conditions in the republic, passed most of the day at a country club. He was in the State Department for half an hour, but did nothing there beyond reading dispatches from Consuls in Mexico. Mr. Wilson did not see Mr. Bryan, who was not in the department. It was arranged to-day that he should have his first interview with President Wilson at 2:30 o'clock to-morrow afternoon.
Messages Please Ambassador.
The Ambassador was gratified by the tone of a flood of telegrams that came to him from American citizens in Mexico. Those were based on what he had said in New York on Friday and in Washington yesterday as to the Mexican situation. Sixty telegrams were received by the Ambassador, and they came from many places in Mexico. It was said they were all in the line of enthusiastic commendation of the Ambassador's assertion that there was no real revolution in Mexico.
Friends of Ambassador Wilson say he is the only man of high official position concerned in the Mexican situation who has a definite policy for bringing about the restoration of peace and order. That he is prepared to make a stiff contest for the adoption of his views is understood among those friends. They say Mr. Wilson has everything at stake, and that he will not mince words in pointing out to President Wilson and Secretary Bryan the state of affairs in Mexico, in the hope that his more intimate knowledge of conditions in the country will convince them that he is right as to the methods to be pursued.
From what the Ambassador said yesterday, it is apparent that he hears that the Washington Administration has been getting a mass of advice and description as to Mexican affairs that does not represent conditions as they are. He indicated also that he resented the supposed action of Secretary Bryan in sending ex-State Senator Francisco Del Valle of Los Angeles, Cal., to Mexico as a Special Commissioner for the purpose of making a separate report of the situation, and supposedly to ascertain what position the Ambassador occupied with reference to the contending factions.
In the knowledge that President Wilson is considering a definite policy with a view of attempting to meet the Mexican situation, public men here are giving attention to the various methods that have been or are to be proposed for adoption by the President. Many of the suggestions made are regarded as impracticable, and have not been taken into serious account in the discussion now going on between officers of the Administration and Senators and Representatives in Congress.
The main idea in President Wilson's mind is that the United States Government should offer its services as mediator between the Huerta Government and the factions that are opposing Huerta. The constitutionalist or revolutionary agents here have asserted that their party would not accept mediation, and telegrams from their leaders in Mexico have backed them up in this. Ambassador Wilson is credited with having said that the Huerta Government would decline to accept the services of the United States in a mediatory capacity, although he modified the statement originally attributed to him in that connection to the extent of saying that he had supposed the mediation suggested was of the character proposed last February by John Barrett, Director General of the Pan-American Union.
Mr. Barrett's idea was that the offer of mediation should come from the United States and some of the Latin-American republics, acting jointly. Ambassador Wilson said last night that a mediation proposal would have no force unless it came from the President of the United States, but there seems to be no doubt that both the Huertistas and the Constitutionalists would he inclined in their present frame of mind to reject an offer from this Government to act as mediator.
According to Senators and Representatives who profess to know his views President Wilson is giving consideration also to the question of suspending the privilege now given to the Huerta Government of importing arms, ammunition, and other munitions of war from the United States. The idea on which the suggestion of that action by the President is based is that it would leave the Huertistas and the Constitutionalists to fight it out among themselves without aid from this country.
Enemies on Equal Footing.
The argument in support of the effectiveness of this method is that the Huertistas and the revolutionaries would be placed on an equal footing and that the struggle would be likely to terminate in a comparatively short time, with success to the side which was supported by the greater number of the male population of the republic. The Constitutionalists are greatly in favor of this plan, which they believe would help their cause materially.
The answer to the argument is that with the ability of the Huerta Government to keep Vera Cruz and Tampico, its Gulf ports, free from interference by the revolutionists, it could import directly from Europe all the arms and war stores that it needed. This phase of the matter has been brought forward by men having some knowledge of the Mexican situation, who assert that Huerta has been placing orders in European countries for arms and ammunition, and is importing them regularly through Vera. Cruz.
Another suggestion that has received consideration is that both the Federals and the Constitutionalists shall have the right of receiving munitions of war from the United States. That method is advocated by several members of Congress and by many American citizens living in Texas and Arizona who have interests in Mexico. The sympathies of those persons mainly is with the revolutionists. They assert that if there were no restrictions on the exportation of arms and ammunition from the United States for the use of the revolutionists the Huerta Government would pass in history in a very short time.
In his two talks with Secretary Bryan yesterday Ambassador Wilson was not asked to suggest any method which he believed would be effective in bringing Mexico's trouble to an end. Nor did Mr. Wilson include in the statement which he prepared at Mr. Bryan's request for the information of President Wilson any discussion of what would be necessary, in his opinion, to restore law and order throughout the Southern republic.
It is thought, however, that at the conference which he is to have with President Wilson to-morrow, or in subsequent conferences, the Ambassador will give expressions to his views as to the method or methods which he believes should be adopted by the United States in its future dealings with Mexico. If the President should not give him the opportunity of imparting his observation, experience, and thought along that line the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will bring out all he has in mind on the subject.
Would Blockade Ports.
It is the understanding in Washington that the Ambassador is firmly convinced that, failing in other methods to produce conciliation, the United States Government should undertake a policy of "peaceable" intervention. That policy, a preliminary to which would be the removal of all American citizens from Mexican territory, contemplates a close blockade of all Mexican ports, as well as a patrol of the coast lines of the country and a use of the entire available American army to guard the border line between the United States and Mexico, and prevent the ingress or egress of individuals and the shipment of supplies of any character into Mexican territory.
Although such a policy would have to be conducted under actual war conditions and doubtless would result in a declaration of war against the United States by the Huerta Government, at least, it might be conducted, it is contended, without much spilling of American blood. In a measure, it would be a starvation method of bringing about peace in Mexico, for it is contended that without supplies of any sort from the outside world the weaker side in the present hostilities soon would be obliged to succumb. This idea of intervention contemplates preventing any foreign country from sending supplies into Mexico.
Further understanding of what Ambassador Wilson would like to propose is that before intervention of any character should be attempted an effort to bring about a restoration of normal conditions in Mexico should be made by the United States through the recognition of the Huerta Government under certain conditions that Huerta would be obliged to accept as preliminaries to recognition. One of these, and the main condition, would be that satisfactory assurances should be given by the Huerta Government of its ability to pacify the greater part of Mexico, the United States giving in return the assurance that whatever measures it might feel obliged to take to bring about the pacification of the smaller part of the country would not be followed in any circumstances by the accession of any Mexican territory to the United States.
Plans May Have Early Hearing.
All the various plans suggested are expected to come up for consideration in the White House and the Capitol this week. President Wilson has shown that he did not care to make any change of policy toward Mexico unless he had the approval of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs at least. Senators and Representatives are being sounded as to their opinion of the mediation proposal, and also the suggestion that the President should withdraw the privilege possessed by the Huerta Government of procuring munitions of war from the United States
As to the idea of intervention, it always has been considered in the light of actual war with Mexico to compel the submission of all Mexican armed forces and the restoration of order through the services of an American, army of occupation and pacification. The proposal of peaceable intervention, the "bottling-up" policy, has not been taken formally to the attention of Senators and Representatives, and therefore there has been virtually no discussion of it.
The proposal to recognize the Huerta Government has had only passing consideration in Washington, but that has been due to the fact mainly that no statement of the conditions under which it would be accomplished had been made. It has been the general understanding here that Ambassador Wilson merely wished ordinary recognition of the Huerta Administration as the de jure Government as well as de facto.
Washington Demands Speedy Trial of Mexicans Who Shot Him.
Special to The New York Times.
WASHINGTON, July 27.— The shooting of Charles B. Dixon, a United States Immigration Inspector, by Mexican Federal troops in Juarez, Mexico, has assumed an international importance that is significant of the growing tension between this Government and its Southern neighbor. Whereas such an affair always would be regarded as raising a serious issue between nations, the circumstances of the shooting of Inspector Dixon and the fact that it occurred at this time of bitter feeling against Americans among President Huerta's followers have served to invest it with all the characteristics of a case that is likely to have a marked effect on the relations of Mexico and the United States.
Official reports to the State Department and the Department of Labor today bore out the press accounts of the shooting, although they were not given in such detail. The State Department acted quickly. At Secretary Bryan's direction instructions were telegraphed to Nelson O'Shaughnessy, Secretary of Embassy and Chargé d'Affaires of the United States at Mexico City, to demand the immediate arrest of those responsible for the shooting and their trial without delay. It was said in official circles that this meant that the United States Government expected the accused soldiers to be placed on trial as early as tomorrow. Mr. O'Shaughnessy was directed also to protest to the Mexican Government and demand an investigation and explanation of the affair.
Insists on Mexicans' Arrest.
Instructions to repeat the demand for the arrest of those concerned in the shooting and make an investigation of all the circumstances were telegraphed also to Thomas D. Edwards, the United States Consul in Juarez. Mr. Edwards was directed to arrange for having Mr. Dixon released from arrest and taken across the Rio Grande to EI Paso, Tex., for medical treatment. The Department of Labor sent instructions to Chief Immigration Inspector Berkshire in El Paso to make a separate inquiry. It is thought the Department of Justice also will order an investigation.
Before taking any action in regard to the case of Mr. Dixon officials of the State Department consulted Ambassador Wilson, and it is understood he made the original drafts of the messages sent to Chargé d'Affaires O'Shaughnessy and Consul Edwards in regard to the shooting of Inspector Dixon.
Those dispatches, it was said, were sent to Secretary Bryan at his residence. Mr. Bryan regarded them as being couched in terms that were too strong, and he modified them somewhat and directed that they be sent to Mexico City and Juarez over his signature.
Protection of Biesel Ordered.
In response to urgent requests from officers of the Mines Company of America, Secretary Bryan also sent a strong message to Mr. O'Shaughnessy directing him to prevent any drastic measures being taken by the Mexican Government against Charles Biesel, General Manager of the company, under arrest in Chihuahua. Mr. O'Shaughnessy, in addition, was instructed to insist that no harm should be done to Bernard McDonald, a British subject, General Manager of the San Patricio Mining and Milling Company, of Chihuahua, who was arrested when Mr. Biesel was taken into custody.
A report from El Paso that Gen. Pascual Orozco of the Federal forces in Chihuahua had threatened to put Biesel to death caused the State Department to direct Mr. O'Shaughnessy to make strong representations to the Mexican Government. According to information received here, Mr. Biesel had requested Gen. Orozco to give him an escort for $400,000 in bullion which he desired to remove from Santa Rosalia, near Chihuahua. It is reported that Orozco agreed to provide the protection, but insisted that he should receive 5 per cent. of the value of the bullion — $20,000.
Mr. Biesel is reported to have rejected Gen. Orozco's suggestion and to have endeavored to make arrangements with revolutionists to give him the guard desired. Orozco professed to have ascertained that Mr. Biesel was dealing with the insurgents and the manager's arrest followed. Mr. McDonald was with Mr. Biesel, and he, too, was seized.
A dispatch was sent by the State Department to United States Consul Letcher in Chihuahua instructing him to make an investigation of the arrests and to do everything in his power to prevent any harm from being done to either prisoner.
Thinks Trouble Must End.
What makes the shooting of Mr. Dixon of particular importance just now is that the Wilson Administration has come to the conclusion that something should be done by the United States to bring to an end the perturbed conditions in Mexico. The Dixon incident will serve to increase the friction that already was apparent in the dealings between this Government and that of President Huerta.
Should the Huerta Government show a disinclination to give proper punishment to the soldiers who shot Inspector Dixon and who are reported to have been drunk at the time, or to treat the affair as an ordinary incident, it is hard to say what it may develop as far as American feeling and governmental policy are concerned. It was said to-night that it would be emphasized by the presentation of a resolution in the Senate tomorrow, calling on President Wilson for the facts and a statement as to what steps had been taken by him to procure redress for the effort to kill a United States official, and the seeming affront to the United States Government in that effort.
Nothing occurred in Washington today beyond the representations made to the Huerta Government in regard to the shooting of Mr. Dixon to change the present Mexican situation in its bearing on the relations between the nations. Henry Lane Wilson, the American Ambassador to Mexico, who arrived here yesterday from the Mexican capital to make a personal report of conditions in the republic, passed most of the day at a country club. He was in the State Department for half an hour, but did nothing there beyond reading dispatches from Consuls in Mexico. Mr. Wilson did not see Mr. Bryan, who was not in the department. It was arranged to-day that he should have his first interview with President Wilson at 2:30 o'clock to-morrow afternoon.
Messages Please Ambassador.
The Ambassador was gratified by the tone of a flood of telegrams that came to him from American citizens in Mexico. Those were based on what he had said in New York on Friday and in Washington yesterday as to the Mexican situation. Sixty telegrams were received by the Ambassador, and they came from many places in Mexico. It was said they were all in the line of enthusiastic commendation of the Ambassador's assertion that there was no real revolution in Mexico.
Friends of Ambassador Wilson say he is the only man of high official position concerned in the Mexican situation who has a definite policy for bringing about the restoration of peace and order. That he is prepared to make a stiff contest for the adoption of his views is understood among those friends. They say Mr. Wilson has everything at stake, and that he will not mince words in pointing out to President Wilson and Secretary Bryan the state of affairs in Mexico, in the hope that his more intimate knowledge of conditions in the country will convince them that he is right as to the methods to be pursued.
From what the Ambassador said yesterday, it is apparent that he hears that the Washington Administration has been getting a mass of advice and description as to Mexican affairs that does not represent conditions as they are. He indicated also that he resented the supposed action of Secretary Bryan in sending ex-State Senator Francisco Del Valle of Los Angeles, Cal., to Mexico as a Special Commissioner for the purpose of making a separate report of the situation, and supposedly to ascertain what position the Ambassador occupied with reference to the contending factions.
In the knowledge that President Wilson is considering a definite policy with a view of attempting to meet the Mexican situation, public men here are giving attention to the various methods that have been or are to be proposed for adoption by the President. Many of the suggestions made are regarded as impracticable, and have not been taken into serious account in the discussion now going on between officers of the Administration and Senators and Representatives in Congress.
The main idea in President Wilson's mind is that the United States Government should offer its services as mediator between the Huerta Government and the factions that are opposing Huerta. The constitutionalist or revolutionary agents here have asserted that their party would not accept mediation, and telegrams from their leaders in Mexico have backed them up in this. Ambassador Wilson is credited with having said that the Huerta Government would decline to accept the services of the United States in a mediatory capacity, although he modified the statement originally attributed to him in that connection to the extent of saying that he had supposed the mediation suggested was of the character proposed last February by John Barrett, Director General of the Pan-American Union.
Mr. Barrett's idea was that the offer of mediation should come from the United States and some of the Latin-American republics, acting jointly. Ambassador Wilson said last night that a mediation proposal would have no force unless it came from the President of the United States, but there seems to be no doubt that both the Huertistas and the Constitutionalists would he inclined in their present frame of mind to reject an offer from this Government to act as mediator.
According to Senators and Representatives who profess to know his views President Wilson is giving consideration also to the question of suspending the privilege now given to the Huerta Government of importing arms, ammunition, and other munitions of war from the United States. The idea on which the suggestion of that action by the President is based is that it would leave the Huertistas and the Constitutionalists to fight it out among themselves without aid from this country.
Enemies on Equal Footing.
The argument in support of the effectiveness of this method is that the Huertistas and the revolutionaries would be placed on an equal footing and that the struggle would be likely to terminate in a comparatively short time, with success to the side which was supported by the greater number of the male population of the republic. The Constitutionalists are greatly in favor of this plan, which they believe would help their cause materially.
The answer to the argument is that with the ability of the Huerta Government to keep Vera Cruz and Tampico, its Gulf ports, free from interference by the revolutionists, it could import directly from Europe all the arms and war stores that it needed. This phase of the matter has been brought forward by men having some knowledge of the Mexican situation, who assert that Huerta has been placing orders in European countries for arms and ammunition, and is importing them regularly through Vera. Cruz.
Another suggestion that has received consideration is that both the Federals and the Constitutionalists shall have the right of receiving munitions of war from the United States. That method is advocated by several members of Congress and by many American citizens living in Texas and Arizona who have interests in Mexico. The sympathies of those persons mainly is with the revolutionists. They assert that if there were no restrictions on the exportation of arms and ammunition from the United States for the use of the revolutionists the Huerta Government would pass in history in a very short time.
In his two talks with Secretary Bryan yesterday Ambassador Wilson was not asked to suggest any method which he believed would be effective in bringing Mexico's trouble to an end. Nor did Mr. Wilson include in the statement which he prepared at Mr. Bryan's request for the information of President Wilson any discussion of what would be necessary, in his opinion, to restore law and order throughout the Southern republic.
It is thought, however, that at the conference which he is to have with President Wilson to-morrow, or in subsequent conferences, the Ambassador will give expressions to his views as to the method or methods which he believes should be adopted by the United States in its future dealings with Mexico. If the President should not give him the opportunity of imparting his observation, experience, and thought along that line the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will bring out all he has in mind on the subject.
Would Blockade Ports.
It is the understanding in Washington that the Ambassador is firmly convinced that, failing in other methods to produce conciliation, the United States Government should undertake a policy of "peaceable" intervention. That policy, a preliminary to which would be the removal of all American citizens from Mexican territory, contemplates a close blockade of all Mexican ports, as well as a patrol of the coast lines of the country and a use of the entire available American army to guard the border line between the United States and Mexico, and prevent the ingress or egress of individuals and the shipment of supplies of any character into Mexican territory.
Although such a policy would have to be conducted under actual war conditions and doubtless would result in a declaration of war against the United States by the Huerta Government, at least, it might be conducted, it is contended, without much spilling of American blood. In a measure, it would be a starvation method of bringing about peace in Mexico, for it is contended that without supplies of any sort from the outside world the weaker side in the present hostilities soon would be obliged to succumb. This idea of intervention contemplates preventing any foreign country from sending supplies into Mexico.
Further understanding of what Ambassador Wilson would like to propose is that before intervention of any character should be attempted an effort to bring about a restoration of normal conditions in Mexico should be made by the United States through the recognition of the Huerta Government under certain conditions that Huerta would be obliged to accept as preliminaries to recognition. One of these, and the main condition, would be that satisfactory assurances should be given by the Huerta Government of its ability to pacify the greater part of Mexico, the United States giving in return the assurance that whatever measures it might feel obliged to take to bring about the pacification of the smaller part of the country would not be followed in any circumstances by the accession of any Mexican territory to the United States.
Plans May Have Early Hearing.
All the various plans suggested are expected to come up for consideration in the White House and the Capitol this week. President Wilson has shown that he did not care to make any change of policy toward Mexico unless he had the approval of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs at least. Senators and Representatives are being sounded as to their opinion of the mediation proposal, and also the suggestion that the President should withdraw the privilege possessed by the Huerta Government of procuring munitions of war from the United States
As to the idea of intervention, it always has been considered in the light of actual war with Mexico to compel the submission of all Mexican armed forces and the restoration of order through the services of an American, army of occupation and pacification. The proposal of peaceable intervention, the "bottling-up" policy, has not been taken formally to the attention of Senators and Representatives, and therefore there has been virtually no discussion of it.
The proposal to recognize the Huerta Government has had only passing consideration in Washington, but that has been due to the fact mainly that no statement of the conditions under which it would be accomplished had been made. It has been the general understanding here that Ambassador Wilson merely wished ordinary recognition of the Huerta Administration as the de jure Government as well as de facto.
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