The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-08-13
MEXICAN SITUATION. :
REBUFF no LIND
CAUSES WILSON SERIOUS
THOUGHT.
Hucrta's DcnunicatiOn OF Washington
Administration Plans for Peace
Brings Affairs Closer To Crisis. vii.
son Realizes Gravity of Conditions.

van government tOnlsnt was confront
ed by what officials in Washington re-
garded as the most delicate situation
In its relations with Mexico that has
developed since revolution disturbed
the peace of the Southern republic.
The threatened rebuff from the
Huerta administration to the mission
of John Lind, personal representa-
tive Of President Wilson, en- route to
MEXICO City to express the hopes of
the United States for a suspension of
hostilities and an orderly constitu-
tional election in Mexico, drew from
Senator Bacon, chairman Of the for
eign relations committee, q declaration
on the floor of the senate today that
the present situation was the "gravcst
in years, much graver than confronted
us when the Cuban question was
here"
President Wilson realizes the grav-
ity OF the situation and manifested his
displeasure at the attitude of some
members of the minority party in con-
gress, telling callers that he believed
certain Republicans were making it
difficult for him to handle the stu
alton in a peaceful manner.
On this account, Mr.. Wilson justi-
fled tonight the strong and emphatic
language Of Senator Bacon, who in
q debate in the senate on the reso-
luton of Senator Clark of Wyoming
(Republcan), demanding general
investigation of Mexican affairs, had
referred to the resolution as openly
"disrespectful," and "founting in the
face of the president" while the lat
ter was endeavoring to put into effect
peace policy. The resolution finally
was forced off the days calendar.
President Wilson was unmoved by
advices from Mexico City depicting
the Huerta government as inimical to
Mr. Lind's mission. He let 1t be
known, too. that so far as he was
able to learn, there was not the
slightest demand from the American
people for Intervention. and declined
to discuss alternatives that might be
used in the event the efforts Of the
American government to help restore
peace in Mexico were rejected.
The president is hopeful of q peace
aple solution of the Mexican trouble
He made 1t plain to callers that until
advised officially to the contrary he
would continue to regard as incred-
ible the statements issued on behalf
of President Huerta, declaring Mr..
Lind's presence in Mexico undesir-
able. While there is little disposition
to doubt the veracity of the news
dispatches describing the attitude of
the Huerta government against Mr..
Lind. there is hope that upon mature
reflection no such intimations form
ally will be conveyed to the Washing
ton authorities.
The president is known to hold the
opinion that the Huerta administra-
tion would Wake a vital mistake to
refuse at this stage of the situation to
receive an envoy from the chief eX-
ecutive of the United States, even
though the emissary lacked diplomatic
status. Mr.. Lind. it was pointed out,
was purposely sent without credentials
so he might deal freely with PROPOSE
tions of all factions in Mexico who
might inquire as to the views Of the
Washington administration. 1t is ex-
pected an announcement of the pur-
poses of the Washington government
in sending Mr.. Lind to Mexico will
be made on his arrival in the Mexican
capital and meantime there is no
formal expression from the admins
tration.
1t is known, however, that Mr..
Lind is instructed to convey the earn
est wishes of the United States gov
eTnInent IOT restoration OF peace in
Mexico and will make his represen-
tations largely through the charg d.
affaires of the American embassy.
Should the efforts Of the United
States be attacked by open remon-
STRANGE against Mr.. Lind's visit, vari-
Gus suggestions for procedure are ad-
vanced by officials but none of them
rejecting any definite plan. 1t was
pointed oat that If the Huerta govern
ment refused to deal with a repre-
scntatiI Of the president Of the
United States or turn deaf ear to
his representations. recognition of the
bclligcrency Of the constitutionalsts
would follow as a natural consequence
The thing that hitherto has blocked
any movement for recognition of the
constitutiOnalists has been the realiza-
tion that the American government by