Can't Force Recognition.

New York Times 100 years ago today, May 9, 1913:
Mexico Unable to Drag a Promise from American Government.
Special to The New York Times.
    WASHINGTON, May 8.— The effort of the Huerta Government in Mexico recently to obtain from this Government a declaration of intentions in the matter of recognition has failed. Several reports have been published in regard to the question, none of which has been pronounced true by the State Department. Owing to the presence of many citizens of the United States in Mexico and the relations of this country as a neighbor, the aim has been to get Washington to recognize the new Government, and, with the advantage of that recognition, to obtain the same relations with the powers of Europe.
    To this the answer has been given distinctly that no Government in Mexico would be recognized until there had been a constitutional election, expected for October. In the meantime this Government through its Ambassador in the City of Mexico will deal with the Huerta administration as a de facto government. No other course has been considered.
    The status of Ambassador Wilson in the City of Mexico is not annoying the Wilson Administration. To appoint a new Ambassador to Mexico would involve accrediting him to the Huerta Government in a manner that would equal recognition. That is being avoided by retaining Henry Lane Wilson at his post. The statement has been made that there had been overtures by the United States to recognize the Huerta Government on condition that claims of Americans for damages in the Madero revolution should be adjusted. That was denied distinctly in the State Department to-day.