The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1911-03-23
TAFT TURNS HOSE
ON THE WAR SCARE
Continued from PAGE One.


ing through the air. He was shown clip
pings from various newspapers of the
country predicting war with Japan, and
was asked If it could be possible that he
had not heard all these rumors while in
Augusta. The President told his visitors
that such reports were ridiculous and un-
warranted.
Taft DispeIs Speculation.
1t cannot be denied that a host of
irresponsible theories, based upon little
beyond the fact that there were several
japanese in Mexico. have been afioat of
late. Apparently these have had a ten
cency to worry somewhat the subjects
cf the Mikado, for the Japanese Am
hassador several days ago gave out an
interview in which he thok pains to
nail some of the reports, so far as
mis- countrymen were concerned. He also
reiterated the old statement that condi-
tons between the two nations, Japan
and the United States, were absolutely
friendly, and that the japanese were
PANIED over the war stories that con-
t;rually persisted in getting afioat
The fact that President Taft had not
seized an opportunity to ''jubilatc'' in
person with the japanese Ambassador
over the new treaty since its adoption
furnished the vehicle for the felctation
talk which the President apparently con-
sidered advisable
The scheduled call of Baron Cchida,
announced in the morning occasioned
quite a stir at first. President Taft
promptly set all speculation at rest by
announcing the direct purpose Of the Am
bassador's visit. and frankly causing 1t
to be known that enough of that diplo-
matte commodity known as assurance"
would be advanced to make it officially
clear that the United States government
was not giving the slightest heed to the
fresh flow of war theories.
1t is predicted that the official cOnfab
will have the effect which both President
Taft and Ambassador Uchida ardently
desire. namely. the cessation Of the pro-
cession Of bOgy men which self-classed
International experts have seen nit re-
Gently to exhibit.
Cabinet Discusses Maneuvers.
The Mexican tangle was taken up by
the Cabinet yesterday. 1t was the first
meeting of the Presidents official family
in two weeks. but other business was of
secondary Importance compared to the dis
CUsSion OF the Texas maneuvers and the
situation in the republic south of the
Rio Grande.
1t was decided at tho Cabinet meeting
that it is now time for this government
to stand pat. Affairs in Mexico and in
Texas just at present at in status quo.
and no further demonstration OF any
kind is now contemplated. The admins
tration advisers feel that there Is moth
ing that this government can do at pres
ent. and that ii is best that Mexico
he left entirely free 20 see if she cannot
work out her own salvation.
There was a feeling among some MEM
bNrs Of the Cabinet, at least. that the
two factions in Mexico will get together
despite the announcements to the con-
trary OF the insurrecto juntas in various
cities in the United States.
There also was expressed a belief that
President DiaZ and his government are
not in such bad shape as has henn re-
ported. Notwithstanding this belief. there
Is great interest in official circles as to
who might succeed Diaz According TO
men familiar with the situation in Mex
iCo there are half dozen strong men"
who might ably fill the shoes % Diaz. and
not the least among them is Senior En-
rique Creel. former Amba ssador from
Mexico to the United States.
Gomez Issues Statement.
DR.. Francisco Gomez. the diplomatic |
n -tilN III " mn : NOlt VI iIf ItNpIul loU-
airy government. issued another state |
ment yesterday. He expressed the |
hope that peace would soon be restored |
in Mexico. Or. Gomez insisted that |
peace would not come to Mexico I'M
til the Diaz government had been driv- |
en- from power.
Complying with orders issued at the |
instance of the President, Gen. Carter |
in command of the forces in the field |
Yesterday advised the War Department
Of his purpose to authorize movements
Of the troops.
There has been n good deal OF COM
ment as to the cost of the present ma
neuverS. Some estimates have been |
as high as $4,000. 900. Progressives in
Congress have declared that the gov
nrnment has no funds available to de-
fray the expense of the present mill
larry operations. and that il would be
put to the necessity of asking for a
deficiency" appropriation.
Administration officials say the cost |
Of the maneuvers will not be as large
as has been represented. They say that
II a deficiency appropriation is solicited
It will be a small one, covering only
the items of transportation. An I'M
official estimate is that the transporta-
lion will average 800 a man to and
rom San Antonio. This would mean
3, 900, 900 spent in railroad transporta-
ion. Government officials say that
funds arc at hand to pay the greater