The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-28
Capture Not Important

Mexico City, February 2-The taking of Juarez today lacks the importance that the same occurrences had when Madero wrested it from Diaz's troops last May, in the opinion of administration officials. Then it was the crowning event of long series of operations at a time when the entire country was in sympathy with an organized revolution it is contended, while today the same circumstances do not ex- tst
 As to the method of its taking, Consul Llorante carried out instructions given for the purpose of avoiding complications with the United States government, when he ordered the garrison to offer no resist ance.
 What the next step on the part of the Mexican government will be was not made public tonight. Unofficialy it was stated that an effort would be made to starve out the rebels by cutting off food supplies, this to be accomplished, it is hoped, through the cooperation of the American authorities.
 Will Animate Rebels
 Notwithstanding the lack of importance Sn the days events as viewed by the administration, the occupation of the bor- der town Is looked upon by many, both Mexicans and foreigners, as likely to go far toward putting new animation into the revolutionary movement. It is even re- ported in special dispatches from Fl Paso that this constituted the real beginning of the revolution, and that Emilio Vasquez Gomez is expected soon in Juarez to take active charge of the revolution. However, Gomez, in a statement given out at San Antonio said such was not his intentions.
 Americans in the capital who yesterday were on the verge of panic were reassured for the time being at least by the turn of events, though many have made prepa- rations to leave the country, and will im- prove the time to get out Steamer book ings are said to have been unusually heavy within the last few days.
 Wilson Is Satisfied
 The American ambassador expressed satisfaction over the clearing up of the situation and added in his opinion that the Mexican government is en- titled to great credit for prudence and self boise in extremely difficult times
 The following signed statement was given out by the President, upon be- ing shown press dispatches announc- ing the surrender. of which al the time he had not received official advice:
 "Thc government does not consider Cindad Juarez to be of particular stra- tc-ic importance. The proof of this is the fact that it has maintained there neither large military force nor mu- nitions of war and has made no at tempt to defend the point would have been the case had Juarez been place of decisive or even considerable importance to the country.
 Reason for Sacrifice
 "The delicate situation which a fight at Juarez would have precipitated moved the government to telegraph the Mexican consul at Fl faso orders tc take any action he deemed advis- able to prevent the possibility of shots being fired by the combatants across the International boundary. His orr cers gave him authority to sacrifice the possession of Jusrez. if necessary to carry out these instructions.
 Tn view of those orders II Is evil dent that Consul Llorante has only car red out his instructions.
 "The political impoi tance of the e'tak- ing of Juarez is not the same nor does II in any way approac ch the character which the capture of hat city had when led the Maderista revolution. There (CONTfNUED ON FACE O