Both Sides Refuse to Compromise.

New York Times 100 years ago today, February 16, 1913:
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    MEXICO CITY, Feb. 15.— Hopes of peace held out last night were not realized to-day. A full week of artillery fighting ended with no real evidence that the forces of President Francisco Madero and Gen. Felix Diaz intended to give way to the interests of the people or the demand of foreign governments that the reign of terror stop. Pressure by members of the National Congress, the diplomatic corps, and leaders of parties that have had no concern in the warfare availed nothing.
    Madero insisted that Diaz should surrender as a condition of compromise, and Diaz insisted that Madero should resign before he would give way.
    Neither would consent to the terms of the other.
    So from early morning until night the cannon of the rival leaders played on various parts of the city, and from time to time the opposing forces met in street fights.
    In line with the efforts of Señor de la Barra and the foreign diplomats to find some way to end the reign of terror that has existed in the city for six days, a large proportion of the National Senate brought its influence to bear to-day. While conferences designed to bring about a compromise that would lead to a satisfactory settlement in the Nation were going on among the diplomats and the National leaders not aligned with either of the factions, fourteen Senators held a caucus at the home of Senator Sebastian Comacho.
    All these Senators were of the Opposition. Others who had been invited to the conference did not respond. It was realized that what these fourteen might do would not influence the Government, but it was felt that many of the members of the upper house who had been allied with Madero had become convinced that he was not capable of restoring order, and that they would probably unite in a plan which would bring a conciliatory administration into power. A formal call for an extraordinary session of the Senate was therefore issued. In view of the altitude of President Madero in refusing to give way to representations that had been made to him by others, the Senators in caucus thought it would be undesirable to meet in the Senate Chamber in the National Palace, where the Madero forces were concentrated. The session was therefore called for the green room of the Chamber of Deputies in the Department of Mines.

Call on Madero to Resign.

    Only twenty-five members were present when the Senate met in secret session at 7:30 o'clock this morning. At that time the artillery of the opposing forces had renewed in earnest the bombardment that had shaken the capital for six days, and there was no sign that either was prepared to give way. Few of the Administration Senators had responded to the call and there was no quorum, although a majority of the Chamber of Deputies was present.
    The Senators were informed that the President was waiting in the National Palace to learn what their attitude might be. Señor de la Barra, who is a Senator, informed them of the gravity of the situation in view of the possibility that intervention of the United States would come if the anarchy continued much longer. A resolution was then unanimously adopted calling for the resignation of President Madero and his Cabinet as a means of bringing tranquillity.
    Gumecindo Enriques, 70 years old, the leader of the independent group, and José Diego Fernandez, the same age, the leader of the Administration block and one of the few Maderists present, were appointed a committee to inform the President of the attitude of the Senate. On their way to the National Palace they met three other members of the Senate who are in sympathy with the Maderists and informed them what had been done. They refused to agree with the action taken, but accompanied the two leaders to the palace.
    On their arrival at the stronghold of Madero the Senators met with a cool reception, although they had been led to believe that what they had to say would be heard respectfully. Instead of seeing the President they had to deliver their message to Ernesto Madero, his brother, who is Minister of Finance, and Señors Gurza and Bonilla, the Ministers of Communication and Agriculture.
    Although it was afterward learned that President Madero was then in the palace, Ernesto Madero informed the deputation that the Chief Executive was out inspecting the positions of the Government forces, and so could not receive them. Señor Enriquez insisted that the Senators had an appointment with the President, and asked if Madero had told his Ministers to say he was not there. The aged Senator got no satisfaction.
    Senator Fernandez then made a speech, informing the Ministers of the action by the Senate, and insisting that the President must give way if graver evils were to be averted. He awaited a reply from the Cabinet members, but got none. The delegation then went away. They expressed doubt of their ability again to convene the Senate and get a quorum to take action on the situation.

Madero's Change of Front.

    The Senators were greatly surprised by their reception at the palace. They had been led to understand that President Madero was ready to listen to counsels of conciliation, and that if the Senate were to seek his resignation he would place it in the hands of that body so that it could be used to bring about the end of the bombardment.
    It is generally believed that Madero had come to the conclusion that the time had come to surrender as the only means of averting foreign intervention, but that his attitude changed in the night because of advices from Washington showing that President Taft was set against intervention, except as a measure to be taken in the last extremity, only when complete anarchy and ruthless slaughter of Americans had come.
    The report that Madero had changed his mind in this fashion caused the utmost dismay and indignation among the foreigners here The President of the United States was openly condemned in the streets, his attitude being said to be due to cowardice. The result was the first anti-foreign demonstration since the trouble in the capital began.

Diaz Declines a Truce.

    Before the Senators had called on him, however, President Madero had shown that he was willing to make terms with the rebels if a basis of agreement could be reached short of his retirement from office. Señor de la Barra and Gen. Angeles, a Federal commander, called on him this morning and had a discussion on the seriousness of the situation. It was then that Madero expressed his willingness to hear the advice of the Senate. He was also willing to make a truce with Diaz, pending the Discussion of terms.
    A communication to this effect was sent to Diaz at the arsenal. The rebel commander, who felt that he was tricked into surrender at Vera Cruz by the apparent readiness of Government troops to treat with him, sent his chief of staff to make an investigation and conduct de la Barra to the arsenal if the move was considered safe. The staff officer was convinced of the sincerity of the mediator and went back with him. The rebels let the party approach, but the Government troops did not know of the meaning of the mission and a Federal sharpshooter killed one of the escort on their way to the arsenal.
    Señor de la Barra found Diaz as stubborn as the President, The revolutionary leader refused to listen to any terms that did not include the unconditional resignation of the President, Vice President, and Cabinet.
    De la Barra then returned to the palace and informed President Madero of the ultimatum of Gen. Diaz. He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Laseurian. Madero advised them to get the opinion of the Senate on the situation, and the meeting of that body followed. The inability of the pacificators to get a majority is believed to be the reason why the President refused to see the committee sent to him.
    A plan was afoot this morning to call the Chamber of Deputies together, but it was realized that a quorum could not be obtained, the members being widely scattered.
    Persons close to President Madero explained during the morning that he would kill all the persons who stood by him and die himself before he would resign his post. Yet he would permit his Cabinet to resign if the members wished to do so.
    Gustavo Madero, the President's brother, is credited with the determination that has caused the Executive to take this attitude. He has been looked upon as the power behind the throne, and is regarded as the cause of the present trouble because of his policy as Finance Minister. He has set himself against the resignation of the President, and is understood to have great influence with his brother.