The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-02-16
Prolonged Session of Presi-
dent and Cabinet Last
Night-Reaffirm Nom
Intervention Attitude
OFFICIALS SAY THE
ADMINISTRATION HAS
NOT CHANGED POLICY
Revolution Has Caused United States
Big Expenditures in Preparing
for Intervention and in Pro-
tecting Americans in
Mutinous City

Washington, February 16.-"Hands
off, Mexico for the present was the
decision of President Taft and the
cabinet, reached at prolonged ses-
sion which lasted until the early hours
of this morning.
Mr.. Taft and seven of his advisers
gathered in the White House, after
reviewing the situation from every
angle, and particularly the proposal
of an armistice in Mexico City during
which noncombanants are to be re-
moved with the creation of neutral
zone for the American embassy, de-
termined to reaffirm the noninterven-
ton attitude of the United States,
but meanwhile keeping the army and
navy ready for instant action.
1t was practically determined that no
further communication would go to Pres
ident Madero at this time.
The cabinet broke up after l2;5o o'clock,
Secretary Knox announced Secretary
Hilles would give out any statement.
Other members of the cabinet also res
| ferred to Mr. Hilles. Mr.. HiIies' state.
ment follows;
No Basis for Change
"At a cabinet meeting tonight extend-
ing into the morning various Mexican
dispatches were considered, and 1t was
decided that the information so far re-
ceived afforded no basis for a change
in the policy OF the government Of the
United states. already indicated many
times in the last two years"
One OF the first things taken up at the
cabinet meeting was reply to Presi-
dent Maderos personal appeal that in
tervention or landing of troops be de-
layed. AT the end of the first half hour
tho President sent for a stenographer
and It was presumed that the reply was
being drafted.
The reply to President Madero as final
ly framed was in diplomatic terms a
reaffirmation of the attitude of the Uni
ted States as expressed to Mexico in
previous correspondence, indicating a dis
, position not to interfere in Mexican ar
fairs. but reasserting determination 10
keep United States forces in positions
where they might speedily be used for
protection of American citizens. There
was an impression at the White House
! that the reply might not be sent to-
night, If at ALL
The President said he hoped that the
disquieting dispatches from Mexico would
not arouse the American people, and that
the pressure upon Congress would not
become so great that majority would
feel called upon TO respond to a demand
for Intervention. According to his latess
information. there is but slight sentiment
In Congress for Intervention.
A troop movement to Mexico probably
will be made by merchant vessels when
given in a few hours notice as arranged
for by the state department and In
force some time The drafts would be
made from the army posts In the bor-
der at which troops have been on
marching orders for months. Tho
troops available for quick movement
are the Thirteenth cavalry, Ell Paso
Second cavalry, First battalion, Eight
Ieenth infantry, and the Twenty second
infantry, Port Bliss; one troop Third
cavalry at Sierra Blanco and one troop
lat Shafter, Tex: one troop Fourteenth
cavalry, Fort Clark. one troop Four
teenth cavelry, Eagle Pass; one squad
ron Fourteenth cavalry. Fort Mcintosh:
several troops Third cavalry and two
battalions OF the Third field artillery
at Fort San Houston.
In posts in Arizona. New Mexico. Kan
sas, Wyoming and Oklahoma are sew
eral regiments of infantry and field
ARTILLERY.
In addition TO this force there are
available at the Guantanamo naval sta
tion $500 to 5000 marines which could
be transported to Mexican ports within
10 hours. Ten battleships of the At
lantic fleet also could land approx
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