Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-15
Government Resents Mistreatment of
American Citizens.
BOTH PARTIES ARE NOTIFIED
Ultimatum Presented to Federals
and Rebels-Taft Authorizes
Another Shipment
of Arms.

is now believed by even the most con.
servative observers to be practically
inevitable, unless both parties to the
CONNECT in that country heed the
warning given by President Taft and
reform their methods of warfare by
paying more respect to the rights and
interests of Americans and other for
eigners in that country
There is no other meaning to be given to
the Presidents declaration that the Unit
ed States will hold Mexico and the Mexi-
can people, federals as well as rebels.
responsible for all wanton or illegal acts
sacrificing or endansering American life
or damaging American property or in
terests." and by the further declaration
that any maltreatment of American citi-
zens will be deeply resented by the Amer
lean government and people. and must be
fully answered for by the Mexican peo-
ple'
In issuing the above statements Hunt
ington Wilson, acting Secretary of State.
took occasion to say that Intervention
was not contemplated by the United
States" That statement is generally &C
cepted, however, as a mere diplomatic in
timation that the warning served on both
President Madero and Gen. Orozco. lead
sufficient for its purpose. and that the
employment of the armed forces of the
United States will not become necessary
for the protection of the lives and inter-
ests of Americans in Mexico
Resent Summary Executions.
The officials of the administration are
keenly resentful OF the summary execu-
ton of American prisoners of war by the
af he tad
declaration OF one of President Madero's
generals that all captured Americans
serving the rebels will be similarly exc
cuted. President Taft has served notice
on both Mexican leaders that American
when taken prisoners must
be given humane treatment In accordance
with the International rules of war;
That the State Departments forceful
note to the contending factions in Mexico
has brought the relations between the
United States and Mexico to the critlcal
point Is believed to be a fair deduction
from the past experience and traditions
of the State Department. notably and re-
Gently in the case of Cuba. 1t is recall
ed that just such warnings as TINS pre-
ceded the Spanish war, eliminating in
the famous message of President Mckin-
ley, which referred to the ''intolerable
conditions existing at our doorway.
Authorizes Shipment of Arms.
In response to an appear from tho
American consul at Guadalajara. Mexico.
President Taft has authorized the expor-
tation of 100 rifles and $4,000 rounds of
ammunition for arming the citizens OF
the United States in that district.
This is the second step by this govern
ment to permit Americans in Mexico to
receive munitions of war for self-protec-
ton, Americans in Mexico city ALREADY
H. wing heen similarly armed
The President also gave his consent
to the expectation of 400 rifles, 10000
cartridges and large mass OF mis-
cellaneous gun parts for the Mexican
government.
Conditions Growing Worse.
At present it seems that the next
step must be taken by either the rebel
leader. Orozco, or by President Madero.
from whom some kind of answer TO
the State Departments representations
may be Forthcoming. But, as one OF
the officials put it, actions speak
louder than words" and consequently
the leaders must be judged by their
deeds rather than by their promises.
Meanwhile, conditions throughout
Mexico undoubtedly have become worse
within the past week, and the State De-
partments advices from IT'S various
that the area Of turbulence and violence
has now extended to dangerous proper
lions. Conditions in the provinces of
Michoacan, Pueblo and Morelos, forming
a semi-circle closely adjoining the state
Of Mexico, are reported to be becoming
worse. Similar reports come from the
vast states Of Sonora and Sinaloa, COM
prising most of the western boundary
of Mexico. while the disturbance in the
state of Vera Cruz threatens the At
antic communication with Mexico City.
Wilson's Text of Ultimatum.
The text of the ultimatum sent to AM
bassador Wilson by telegraph yesterday
follows:
Washington, April II, 1912.
American Consul. Ciudad Juarez:
Forward following to consul, Chihua.
hua:
Department sending following telegram
to embassy. Mexico City:
"To the American embassy. Mexico
City:
you will Immediately communicate the
following to the minister for foreign AT.
fairs:
The enormous destruction constantly
increasing of valuable American proper
ties in the course Of the present unfortu-
nate disturb anceS; the taking OF Ameri-
can life contrary to the principles gov
erning such matters among all civilized
the increasing dangers to which
all American cltlzenS In mexico are SUD-
jected and seemingly possible indefinite
OF this unfortunate situation
compel the government OF the United
States to give notice that it expects and
must demand that American life and
within the Republic of Mexico be
Justly and adequately protected. and that
this government must hold Mexico and
the Mexican people responsible for all
wanton or Illegal acts sacrificing or en-
oangering American life. or damaging
American property or interests there
situated.
Working Against Mexico.
Meanwhile. 1t should be apparent to
all sections OF the Mexican people that
those who spread bassIeSs rumors or pro.