The Washington times., 1913-07-23
NEUTRALITY LAWS
MAY Be REPEALED
administration Reluctant to
Take Move Which Would
Only Increase BIoodShed.
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Continued from First Page.)
' the bandits. Two Mexicans were am
pushed and in the engagement two
Mexicans were killed, two wounded and
ts advised that there is little danger in
the situation except to the persons re-
sponsible for killing the Mexicans.
General Villa, Of the constitutionalisi
forces, is reported to be taking an in.
tSrest In the safety of the Americans,
the federal government being without
troops in the district.
Railway Service Stopped.
The National railroad of Mexico has
suspended communication between Sal
I, tillo and Monterey and Paredon, accord
ing to these official advices. The rev.
oiutionists are reported as having met
Geteat in a small engagement west Of
1Gxpam on the l4th, but a larger force
or rebels is reported near Victoria, and
railway communication between Tampi-
Co and San Luis POtos was again in
terrupted last week, but has been re-
stored. About 100 refugees are expected
TO be sent from Tampico TO Galveston
on the steamer Texas today or tomor-
row.
Reluctant to Increase Bloodshed
Effect of aunulment of the neutrality
laws, it is admitted, would be to put
guns and powder in practically unlinit-
ed Quankties into the hands of those
opposing the Huerta rule. The Admins
, tration is reluctdnt to take this step
because of the certainty of increased
bloodshed and added strife in Mexico.
But close advisers of the President
are urging such action in spirit OF
tair play They contend that, by max
ing munitions of war contraband, this
Government is defeating the very object
OF the neutrality laws; that by deSSiv-
Ing the Constitutionalists of opportunity
70 secure munitions. they are actively
aiding Huerta.
II this Government is not to recog-
nize the Huerta regime. in all fairness.
these Democratic leaders maintain, aid
should not be given Huerta by depriv-
Ing his foes Of arms and ammunition
through enforcement of the neutrality
laws. Their operation, it is declared.
affords Huerts's provisional govern
ment every chance to secure munitions
while denying equal rights to his foes.
Taft Issued Proclamation.
There is now in force a neutrality
pact with Mexico. entered into during
the Taft Administration. which pro-
hihits the Importation of war munitions
into the republic. President Taft also
issued a neutrality proclamation, under
which many seizures of cartridges and
rifles for Mexican insurrectos were
made
Repeal Of the proclamation could be
effected by executive order. but an
nulment of the neutrality laws affecting
Mexico would require action by both the
Senate and House
4Acnordfnxr n thasa rararfs NM a al |
official to be sure, many Americans in |
Mexico are in extreme danger, and, !
with the destruction of telegraph wires,
II is believed that the fate Of others
will not be learned for some time
The most alarming Of these reports
has come from the big lumber camp at
MADEIRA, where more than a score Of
Americans with their wives and child
ren are said TO be in danger Of exter-
mination at the hands Of El Mocho
Martinez band of brigands. 1t is an
ominous fact that although the State
Department took steps last Sunday to
seek protection for these Americans
through officials at El Paso, the consul |
bassy at Mexico City, no word as TO |
their safety had been received at the |
department up to this morning. 1t is |
equally significant that the gunboat |
Wheeling was yesterday added to the |
American fleet now in Mexican waters I
and was ordered to Frontera, Tabasco |
state, where American-Owned planta- |
tons have been occupied and pillaged |
bv Mexican rebels and the lives of their |
owners threatened.
Americans Flee Country.
AS the situation becomes more serious |
the tide Of refugees across the border |
IS becoming stronger More than 100 !
American citizens, made paupers by |
the warfare now in progress in Mexico, |
were embarked yesterday from Tam
pico.
In the absence of Secretary Bryan,
John Bassett Moore, counselor to the
State Department and Acting Secretary,
is at the helm of the State Department,
endeavoring to bring order out Of the
chaos Of conflicting reports from
Mexico. and attempting to keep the
President advised of latest develop
ments
Senator Lodges declaration that fall
ure to pass the resolution would be con-
strued in Mexico as meaning that this
country did not intend to protect its
citizens there has disturbed many of the
Democrats
Senator Lewis, whip on the Demo-
cratic side, tried yesterday to give the
discussion a partisan turn, but with
little success. Many of the Democrats,
as well as many of the Republicans. are
in favor of a vigorous declaration OF
policy in view of the revelations which
are coming to light concerning the out
RACES on American citizens.
Lives of Americans