The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-08-27

Washington, Aug 23.-Great Bri-
tain, France and japan are among
the nations which have interposed
their influence upon the Huerta ad
ministratiOn in Mexico in spite Of the
efforts of the United States to bring
about a peaceful settlement Of the
revolution.
While administration officials were
silent today regarding this phase Of
the situation there was a lively inter
est manifested in diplomatic circles
here as to the probable effect of for
eign pressure on the Huerta govern
ment
1t was learned that the Mexican
authorities hoped President Wilson
would not read his message to con-
gress next Tuesday as he had planned,
and showed a disposition to prolOng
the negotiations. Unless some tan
gible overtures, however, are receiv-
ed within forty eight hours from the
Huerta officials, indicating a desire to
accept the fundamental proposals Of
the United States the President will
proclaim to congress and to the world
the attitude of this government to-
ward the Southern Republic.
The fact that diplomats from some
of the very countries which not only
have formerly recognized Huerta, but
whose bankers hitherto have floated
loans for him. are using their influence
on the Mexican administration, is cal
culated to produce something definite
shortly. Official reports to the Wash
ingtOn administration show the
Hureta regime to be in desperate
financial straits with little prospect OF
getting funds anywhere to meet the
running expenses of the government,
or pay its troops, already restive be-
cause of deferred payments
So important is this aspect Of the
situation regarded that an air of tense
expectancy prevailed tonight in Off
cial circles where it was believed some
announcement would be forthcoming
from Mexico City before President
Wilson finally determined to commu-
nicate his message to congress.
The insistence Of the United States
on constitutional election and the
elimination of Huerta was reiterated
positively by administration officials
a position which Mr.. Lind has been in
structed to emphasize. Only conces-
sions by the Huerta government, it is
believed here now, would persuade
Wilson to hold up the presentation of
his message.
The president finished the document
today, read it over to Secretary Bry-
an and will discuss it Monday with
members Of the senate and house
committees on foreign relations. III
the meantime officials will await word
from Mexico City as to possible
change of attitude
The sending of a special envoy from
Mexico to Washington TO discuss the
situation with President Wilson is re-
garded here as n dilatory move 1t is
known that the Washington govern
ment has made it clear that such a
procedure would not alter the views
expressed in its first note. 1t is be-
lieVed, however, that the Huerta Off
cials now have abandoned the idea of
sending an envoy and are seeking to
develop new basis for negotiation.
With only three American soldiers
available for the protection of each
mile OF the Mexican border and GER
tain knowledge that quantities of arms
and ammunition are being smuggle,i
across the line, consideration has been
givn in military circles to the dis
patch of fresh troops.
The possibility that as a result of
the steady northward movement of
Federal troops in Mexico the numer-
Gus constitutiOnalist bands may be
| tempted to cross into Texas ard Ari-
!
taken into consideration. and though
no orders have been issued, plans of
the army have been fully developed to
| largely increase the force under Gen
| Carter
Owing to the considerable number
OF troops sent to Hawaii and the Ca
nal Zone the detention in China of
some military force. and the main
tonance of an army of about 1900
men in the Philippines, the total
strength of the mobile army remain
ing in the United States over and
above the coast artillery force, which
must he maintained at their posts, is
only about $4,000 men. OF these IL
600 are now under Gen. Carter i'm Tex
Sa and to bring the strength of his