New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-02-10


Washington Feb wild rumors Of
the overthrow Of the Madcro government
in Mexico and riotous conditions iu MoN-
leo City reached Washington to-day. but
the only official Information received boy
either the Department OF State or the
War Department came from Consul
Aonzo 3. Barrett, at Nucvo Laredo. The
Consul said that a mob had stormed the
JAIN at the capital and had liberated Cen
eral Felix Diaz, the rebel chief. and Gen
eral Bernardo Reyes. the latter being
killed soon after his escape.
Consul CARROTS message was repeatcd
to the American Embassy at Mexico city.
with instructions TO investigate and report
fully.
Rumors of the plot 10 free Diaz have
been received by the State Department for
several weeks. even after he had been
transferred under heavy guard from
Vera Cruz to Mexico city. The Develop
ment Of the conspiracy does not surprise
officials here. Many vague and unofficial
rumors were received by state Depart
ment officials to-day. and much anxiety
was caused. Until Consul CARROTS mes
sage came tonight there was no definite
information.
Secretary Knox is III and unable TO leave
his home. but such news as was received
was sent TO his residence by messenger
President Taft was Informed by secre-
| taries Of the situation rs 1t developed in
press dispatches from the Mexican cap
| ital.
Such adVices as were received indicated
] that a situation akin TO anarchy prevailed
throughout the republic, particularly
about Mexico City. a development not al
together unexpected BY officials here who
! have closely followed the course Of events
| in the last few weeks The state Depart
mont has known for some time that the
Madero government has been facing diff
| fcult situation, and that the republic has
virtually been honeycombod with plots
The recent reports Of Ambassador Henry
Lane Wilson from Mexico City have in
formed the administration Of the gravity
Of the situation.
Battleships probably will lie dispatched
to Mexican waters within the next TWEEN
ty-fOur hours TO protect American inter
ests and TO afford a refuge for enddh-
gercd Americans and other foreigner. n
the repeats OF the overthrow Of the gov
eminent should be confirmed.
II Americans We're threatened in Mex
leo. the American Ambassador would de-
mand Of the de facto government, whether
II be regular or rebel, the fullest meas
ure of protection. and II injury were in
nlcted on Americans ample reparation
would be cXacted.
II is unlikely that there will be any
relaxation in President Taft's policy not
TO interfere. Mr. Tafts hope has been
that he would not find it imperative to
devlate from his intention, but rather
would be able TO leave the Mexican
problem for his successor.
should drastic action be demanded Of
this government. President Taft is sure
TO act with a view To the approaching
change of administration, as he is anX-
ious to turn over the problem in such
shape as not to embarrass President
elect Wilson.
Brigadier General l.. Il. Steeyer, com
manding the department OF Texas. sent
the first report about the rumor that
Madero had been overthrown. lie stated
in his dispatch 10 Major General Wood,
chief Of staff, that he had been unable TO
confirm the rumor but sent it for what 1t
was worth. The situation along the Dor
der is somewhat disquieting because OF
the reports Of wild disorder at the MeXi-
can capital.
The Mexican situation may be discussed
at the special meeting Of the Cabinet to-
morrow. and additional protective and pre-
cautionary measures may be adopted.