The New Situation In Mexico.

New York Times 100 years ago today, October 18, 1912:
    Vera Cruz is the key of Mexico. Gen. Felix Diaz is a popular man with a large following, a well-trained soldier who has held aloof until now from all the revolutionary and rebellious movements which have occurred since the retirement of his uncle, Porfirio Diaz, from the Presidency. It does not seem likely that a man like Felix Diaz would place himself at the head of a movement against the Government without assurance of strong support. The garrison of Vera Cruz has joined him, and there seems no likelihood that the naval commander at that port will resist his occupancy of the city. In a manifesto, which from the summary we have received seems needlessly severe in its characterization of President Madero as "a murderous tyrant." Gen. Diaz promises peace to the Mexicans and honest elections. He also names as members of his provisional Cabinet eminent and reputable men like Alberto Granados and Francisco de la Barra.. Mr. de la Barra is now Governor of the State of Mexico, resident at Toluca. Gen. Diaz also names Gen. Bernardo Reyes, now in prison, as his Minister of War. It is believed that his forces will soon occupy Tampico, as well as Vera Cruz, and thus control both of Mexico's important Atlantic seaports. So far as can be learned from the dispatches, not only the soldiers but the citizens of Vera Cruz have received Felix Diaz cordially. The Custom House has been closed and the Collector of Customs has turned over to the revolutionary leader all the funds in his possession.
    Without relying upon various unconfirmed reports of the adhesion to the cause of Diaz of the whole State of Jalisco, one of the most populous and important in the republic; of the willingness of Orozco and Zapata to acknowledge the leadership of Diaz, and of new uprising's in sympathy with his movement in Yucatan and elsewhere, it must be admitted that this is a formidable revolution and that the downfall of the Madero Government is likely.
    The Administration of Madero has now lasted a year, and early in the Summer his troops defeated Orozco at Rachimba in a battle which should have been decisive. Orozco has since kept going in the Far North, though he has not accomplished much. Zapata has continued his depredations without serious molestation in Morelos and other States near the capital, and the promises of the Administration to restore order by severe measures have not been kept. There have been rumors of the disaffection of Gen. Huerta, the hero of Bachimba. Business has suffered, and there has been a sad lack of harmony in the National Legislature. Now, as a climax to the year of unrest, comes this well-planned revolution under reputable leadership, and with strong indications that the army will favor Diaz.
    There is some talk of impending battles, but we are inclined to believe that none will be fought. Madero declares that only death can remove him from the Presidency before his term expires, and expresses his official opinion that the uprising is not of great importance. As the Constitutional President he could say no less at this juncture. What he may be thinking is another matter. But it is tolerably certain that there will be no more foolish talk about American intervention.