The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-10-29
A Policy Regarding Mexico Is
Being Worked Out.
MAY DEMAND new ELECTION
With the Elimination of Huerta
From Public Affairs.
What to Do With Diaz Is a
Present Problem.


Bryan said today that formal note
had been sent to all the European
governments asking them to suspend
the formulation of policy toward
Mexico until the United States had
defined its attitude. While England,
France and Germany, he said, had al
ready been heard from, it is expected
that the other governments will follow
the three great powers in awaiting the
decision of the United States as to the
next step in bringing peace in Mexico.
President Wilson had an early con-
ference with Secretary Bryan today
and the secretary stated afterward
that they were at work on the next
step in the policy that will be pur-
sued. 1t is expected that the United
States will make formal demand for
the elimination of Huerta and the
conduct of fair and free elections,
possibly with some safeguard to sys-
tematize the election machinery.
There was absolutely no comment
forthcoming, however, from executive
quarters as to just what was intended
by the United States, but it was gen
orally agreed in official circles that
some positive action looking toward a
solution of the problem would be in
line with the expectations of the
powers.
May Be New Election.
Steps tc secure a new election
would involve negotiations with the
constitutionalists and there is con-
fidence among administration officials
that if guarantees for free cam
paign can be arranged through the
establishment of a provisional author-
ity at Mexico City acceptable to the
constitutionalists, the latter are likely
to fall into line. Secretary Bryan said
that the state department had not yet
decided what disposition would be
made of General Felix D1az, refugee
aboard the battleship Louisiana.
The sailing today of four American
battleships from Hampton Roads to
relieve those at Vera Cruz marks the
States toward complying with the re-
cent declaration of Huerta that for
eign ships had been too long in Mex-
can waters.
The battleships Rhode Island, Vir-
ginia. Nebraska and New Jersey of the
third division of the Atlantic fleet will
relieve the four vessels of the second
division which have been on duty in
Mexican waters for several months,
and they are expected to come north
upon the arrival of the ships which
leave Hampton Roads today.
Rear Admiral Fletcher will continue
to command the squadron in Mexican
waters because of his familiarity with
the situation. 1t is expected the ships
of the third division will reach Vera
Cruz next Monday.
Only meagre reports have reached
the state department of the recent cleo
tions. Consular dispatches reported
Monterey still in the hands of the
federals after fighting in which no
Americans were injured.
Small groups of federalS arriving at
Mazatlan reported disastrous defeat
after four days fighting, about ten
miles from the city.
The Ward liner Moro Castle, with
Mrs. John Lind and ten refugees
aboard, is due in New York tomorrow
from Vera Cruz. A laconic message
from Rear Admiral Fletcher today said:
General Felix Diaz and his party were.
abroad the battleship Louisiana, and
that all is quiet
Diaz Is Anxious.
Vera Cruz, Oct. 29.-No advices as to
what is to be done with Felix Diaz and
his fellow refugees on board the Uni
ted States battl-ship Louisiana had, UP
to a late hour this morning come from
Washington to John Lind, Consul Will
liam Canada or Rear Admiral Fletcher
The fugitives expressed some anxiety
as to their disposition. No sign of pro-
test against the granting of an asylum
to the refugees on board an American
warship has been made by the Mexi-
can authorities