The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-08-15

The latter power is said to be the
only cloak he wears which might pre-
vent the Mexican government, should
it resent in any particular Mr.. Lind's
activities in Mexico. from taking dras-
tic action.
Complexities of New Policy.
1t has been obvious for some time
past that the new policy of the admin
istration does not contemplate in any
way a recognition of the Huerta gov
ernment, and thus it becomes most
complex by reason of the devious
method employed to solve the Mexi-
can problem. Up to this time the
Huerta government has received no
official recognition from the United
States, which is now, in effect asking
that government to retire in the inter
est of permanent peace in Mexico. AS
previously stated, Mr.. Lind has no Off
cial status and is not, in fact, repre-
sentative of the government of the
United States, but of the president
personally. So far as the Mexican
government is concerned, it was re-
Gently stated by a member of the SEN
ate committee on foreign relations in
Washington, Mr.. Lind has no more
standing in Mexico than any other
American citizen except that conferred
upon him by the president. This min
Cling of the official and unofficial nee
essarily imposes new responsibilities
on all concerned which are not cover
ed fully by law or treaty obligations.
The policy of the administration in
sending Ex-Governor Lind to the Mex
lean capital in this quasiofficial fash
ion, is a new one, so far as this coun-
try is concerned. The nearest approach
to 1t was the mission Of James Blount
| of Georgia, who was sent to Hawaii
in 1892 by President Cleveland as
paramount commissioner. The re-
suit of his trip was the restoration of
the monarchy in those islands. Presi-
| dent Wilson and Secretary Bryan are
| believed by those in touch with affairs
of state in Washington to have worked
out the policy over the protests Of ad-
visers in the state department who are
we'll versed in international law. That
the policy is an experiment still seems
to be the opinion of Washington.
Lind's Instructions.
Officials close to the administration
have asserted since Mr.. Lind's depart
ure that Mr. Lind carried to Mexico a
complete plan Of action, including in
structions to bring the friendly ad-
vances of President Wilson to the at
tention Of President Huerta, If posi-
BILE. In addition, Mr.. Lind is said to
be qualified by instructions to consult
generally In Mexico with a view to es-
tablishing peace and a constitutional
government at the same time, and
these instructions have been interpret
ed to mean that he may consult the
Constitutionalist leaders II need be. 1t
Is believed by Washington officials that
the administration has acted with due
regard to recent advices received from
Mexico City as to the progress Of inter
nal efforts In Mexico to bring about q
peaceful solution Of the difficulties
there
Members of congress who recall Mr.
Iind's distinguished services in the
house a few years ago look upon his
selection for the delicate Mexican mis-
sion with favor. They believe Mr.
Lind will make good If any one can
At the same time, they point out that
as a member of congress, Mr.. Lind was
extremely independent at times, ever
breaking with his party when its deci
sions did not accord with his own
Some of his former colleagues go SC
far as to say that he was lmpulsive
and not always tactful in his legisla
tive methods. but all unite in praising
the honesty and integrity and complete
good faith with which he entered upoI
and conducted the legislative contest
in which he played prominent part.
First Task Difficult.
Mr.. Linds first task now will be tc
ascertain the exact attitude of Genera
Huerta and his followers concerning
mediation and incidentally to express
the view that the resignation of Huer
ia, whose name is inseparably linked
with the murder of Madero, would bC
wise and would make a truce between
the federals and the rebels possible
The attitude of Huerta has already
shown this to be difficult If not i'm
possible task.
II he succeeds Mr.. Lind will ther
approach the other factions In an eff
fort to bring on an armistice and {
constitutional election under the super
vision Of a provisional president wh'
would be satisfactory to both sides.