The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-09-20

O"p wv Will I'cOplc OF United
States"
washington, Sept. 17.-So far as
the Washington administration is
concerned, 1t became known tonight.
no move is contemplated in the Mex
lean situation at present. The elec-
tions Of October &c are awaited here
with deep interest and the next step
in the policy of the United States
is likely to make it's appearance there
after.
Administration officials read long
reports of Gen. Huerta's message to
the Mexican congress published here
today, but no formal comment was
made. 1t is understood that the ad.
ministratiOn does not attach much
Importance to the document though
there are passages in it which did not
pass without careful notice.
Huerta's statement that "the tense
ness of diplomatic relations with the
government of the United States, al
though luckily not with that people"
invoked little attention as the same
sentiment had been previously voiced
by the Mexican officials and the an
swer from here was the enthusiastic
reception which President Wilson re-
ceived when he addressed congress,
and the speeches supporting him
made by Republicans and Democrats
in congress.
The references to the expiration OF
the period during which American
warships were authorized to remain
in Mexican waters caused some dis
cussion. Inasmuch as the ships are
permitted to remain another month
or until after the general elections
are held, no statement Of policy in
this connection Is likely to be made
until that time. Informally officials
let 1t be known that the vessels
would be kept in Mexican waters in
definitely IL the United States deem
ed 1t necessary for the protection OF
American lives and property.
Secretary Bryan sent cablgram
to John Lind at Vera Cruz. advising
him of the governments view of the
Huerta Message but the contents Of
the dispatch were not disclosed.
Huerta's declaration also that he
hoped to turn over the ad interim
government to q successor. while not
giving any direct information as to
his intention, not to be a candidate
strengthened the belief here that he
would not figure in the coming cleo
tiOn.
In some quarters here there is
a strong disposition to doubt whether
there will be a constitutional election
in Mexico on October &c.
Should an election be held, the at
titude the United States would take is
doubtful Recognition will under no
circumstances be accorded Victoriano
Huerta. This is known from unques-
toned sources. Reports that Huerta
Intended to secure the election Of
some friend who might subsequently
appoint Huerta to post in the cab
met and resign in his favor are caus-
ing some uneasiness, for If the cleo
ton Is constitutional, the position of
the United States towards Huerta
then might be embarrassing. 1t is
said to he quite probable, however,
that no matter who is elected next
month the Washington government
will hold aloOf for some time until it
is convinced that stability and peace
have been accomplished and that the
choice of an executive is approved
by the Mexican people.
State department. officials consider
good omen the absence of any re-
ports of disorders or anti-American
demonstrations in Mexico in connec.
tion with the celebration of the Mex.
lean Independence anniversary.
COsul Alger at MaZatlan today con-
tirmed reports of the killing of Morris
p. Root of POttstown, Pa, in the
State Of Tepic. Consul Alger added
that the governor of Topic in response
to Representations has promised to-
bend every effort to apprehend the
murderers.