New-York tribune., 1913-10-14
Mexican President Warned to
Deal Fairly with the In
prisoned Deputies.
MAY MEAN INTERFERENCE
American Message the First in
Which Anything Has Been
Said Relative 20 Treat
ment of Mexicans.
From The Tribune Bureau !

I
.,.e-,rent that the government of the
,.,,.ed states would view with grave DIS
,,aesr-e any harm that might come to
,ss Deputies Of the Mexiean Congress
..so have been imprisoned. He has been
..,l in reply b. the Mexican Minister of
Foreign Affairs that the Deputies are not
-, danger. and will not be. The message,
,sic, was transmitted by Mr. O'Shaugh-
.sssv in behalf Of the State Department
q. considered tantamount to a warning
"a Huerta not 20 repeat such dongs as
tho murder OF Prcsiden; Madero and Vice
President Suarez. In case Huerta fails
"a heed this warning il will be necessary
,o- this government TO take drastic ac-
ton.
II Is understood here that there are only
sichty-four Deputies in the pententiary
in Mexico City. How long Huerta will
keep them there no one IN Washington
seems to know. 1t is considered possible
that they will stay in jail until after
the election. on October 26.
Further advices TO the State Depart
ment from Mexico City complicate the
situation to Il degree. President Wilson
sald to visitors to-day that he did not
see how constitutional election could be
held The election has been set for
week from next Sunday. II IT Is held the
President succeeding Huerta will undoubt-
edly seek the immediate recognition Of the
United States. In his present frame Of
mind President Wilson will not be likely
even to consider recognizing an executive
chosen under such circumstances If he
does not the situation will be back where
Il was months ago, and with the only
hope Of settlement lying in a complete
victory Of the revolutionists and the es-
Enlistment of an entirely new regime
through force OF arms
The only alternative OF this would seem
to be conditions growing so bad as TO
necessitate American Intervention.
Question Of Arry's Loyalty.
Ofhcials here consider that perhaps the
most important feature OF the situation
al the moment is the loyalty Of Huerta's
amy. If his soldiers remain loyal he has
chance Of retaining control Of certain
sections II is believed, however, that
recent events in Mexico City will be seized
upon by his political opponents. and that
thsre will be defections which will weaken
us position. This might enable the revo-
hdonists to win through force OF arms
Il is doubtful II the rebels can win
Unless Huerta is weakened in some ma
,erial way. At the same time, the Fed
elal forces are not likely to make much
headway, IL for no other reason than
lack Of funds Where Huerta has pro-
cured his money 30 far is matter OF
wonder in Washington.
Another important feature Of the SIT
uation is the extent TO which President
Wilson intends TO go In his insistence
hat Huerta shall refrain from baroarous
tactics His warning that no harm should
some to the Deputies is by far the long
st step toward actual interference IN
Nexicos affairs that the President has
AIKEN. Plenty OF warnings have been
sent 70 the American Embassy that
American citizens must be protected, but
this is the first time anything has been
said about treatment to be accorded 10
Mnicans
The President is in far better position
With Americans pretty well cleared out
Of Mexico, TO take a firm stand than
b. was before the general exodus. state
Department officials estimate that there
are now about 300 Americans in Mexico.
There were once considerably more than
5000. In dealing with the Huerta gov
Eminent the administration has always
been compelled to keep in mind the pres
ence OF large numbers Of Americans IN
Isolated places where an outburst OF an
d.Americanism might easily cost Amer
lean lives. Now the situation is diner
tnt and the President unquestionably mas
treer hand.
Senator Bacon, chairman OF the Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations, called
Al the White House to-day and discussed
ne Mexican situation with the President.
He said that he did not see how there
could be a constitutional election IN
Mexico. but added that he spoke his own
opinion and was not talking for the
President The President however, eX-
Pressed somewhat similar views.
Thinks Election a Farce.
I DO not see how there can be a con-
Mlutional election in Mexico" Senator
Bacon said, I'm view Of the action of
General Huerta in arresting members OF
congress and dissolving that body. / do
no' see how It would be possible 10 hold
Tree and untrammelled expression OF
we public will and desire when no man
would dare make issue with General
haerta. The election will simply be
is'te that will not command respect
huerta has lost. in the opinion Of Of
a0ss here, an opportunity to get out OF
|s imbroglio with much grace, unless
"' Was forced 10 dissolve Congress as
natter OF self-protection and preservation
MS government. 1t has been apparent
e'e that this administration was quite
Guy 10 recognize the government set up
'o'o"ing the elections OF october 26.
'"en would assure the success of that
so'ernment, IN all probability. and then
uerta could have retired with honor In
e eyes Of his countrymen But as things
y" are recognition Of any government
SSnhg out Of the proposed elections Is
Questionable.
~ message 10 Congress several
sAs ago Huerta spoke of the undesired
e'ence Of American warships in Mexi-
' waters. and said that the permission
@'ied them TO be there expired on Octo-