New-York tribune., 1913-09-22
HUERTA HAS NO CHOICE
FOR PRESIDENT, HE SAYS
Declares Mexico's Elections
Will Be Fair and Held on Date
Originally Announced.
PROMISES TO HAVE ORDER
Will Call Out Troops if Neces-
sary, but Not for Coer-
cion-Wants ALI
Parties Free.
fBy Cable to The Tribune. !

Parties Free.
lBy Gable to The Tribune
Mexico City, Sept. 21.-That the
Presidential elections will be held
next month with perfect fairness and
that the government has no candidate
is the substance of a statement given
out to-day by Provisional President
Huerta. To a question as TO whether
the elections would be held on the
date originally fixed, Huerta said:
Undoubtedly they will. My chief
desire is that the nation as a whole
shall make its free choice Of the man
who is to guide its destinies.'
Asked whether there would be an
official candidate, Huerta said:
by no means. 1t would be anoma-
lous for the government, will not
say TO have an official candidate. but
even to favor or show the slightest
preference for any particular candi-
date. The attitude which the govern
ment ought TO take in such cases at
all times. but especially in the present
circumstances, is that Of absolute i'm
partiality, merely taking care TO pre-
vent perturbations OF public order.
1T should put down any disturbance
primarily through the police, whose
chief duty il is 10 repress disorders.
But II such disorders were 10 assume
more serious proportions all excesses
and outrages would be quelled by force
of arms. The army in such case would
not be used for purposes Of political
coercion, but as the champion Of pub
lie order seriously impaired, and as the
prop Of our democratic institutions
which are the foundation of our social
institutions.
Will Carry Out Pledges.
Il have TO declare once and for all
and in the face OF the entire nation,
that l will duly carry out the pledges
which ! have given. and which funda -
mentally look 10 the peace and safety
of the republic. but always giving lib-
erty 10 various political parties in order
that without government support OF
any kind they may launch their can
didacies, conduct their campaigns and
achieve their ideals. the government
conhning itself 10 preventing breaches
Of peace and perturbations OF public
order. so that every one may enjoy
amplest guarantees
The Catholic party to-day held the
first session of its convention in the
private house OF Gabriel Fernandez
Somellera. chairman Of the party's eX-
ecutive committee. Neither the public
nor representatives. Of the press were
admitted. The proceedings began with
prayer to implore divine guidance.
Late this evening the members OF
the party refused 10 give out any in
formation, but il is considered highly
probable that the party's nominee will
be General Joaquin Mass, present
Governor Of the State OF Puebla He is
the father Of a young officer OF the
same name who is operating against
General Carranistas in the northern
part Of the republic.
Party Bias DiscIaimed.
General Mass has more than once
been praised recently by the Catholic
organs of this city on the ground that.
though a military man, ne has ruled
the State of Puebla according TO the
principles Of civil government. Cen
eral Mass is the son Of German
merchant who established himself in
Mexico and died long ago. General
Mass has not been prominently as
sociated with the Catholic party. and
members Of that party say they have
chosen him not for party considera-
tions, but on broad, patriotic grounds.
The general was in Europe at the
time Of the military uprising last Feb
ruary, discharging a military commits
sion intrusted 10 him by the Madero
government. When he returned after
Madero's death ne swore allegiance 10
the new administration. because, he
SulG, ne TtbdIUtu IL dS TIE Olllg tbU-
stitutional regime existing in the coun-
try.
The Catholic party, il is thougt.
can elect its man. IL has a fine or
ganization. reaching all over the re-
public. The formal definite nomina-
ton is expected to be made to-day. II
Felix Diaz returns in time for the cleo
lions he will have the support Of many
liberal elements. who, while not re-
garding hin with particular favor, do
not want TO see the nominee of the
Catholic party elected TO the Presi-
dency.
Thus at last the electoral issue bids
fair to resolve itself into contest be-
tween the old historical parties of Mex
leo.
HUERTA WILL BE 0USTED,
HIS ENEMIES PREDICT