Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-02-24
WASHINGTON ON GUARD.

washington, Feb. 23.-Ambassador
Henry Lane Wilson telegraphed to
the state department, tonight, that
Francisco De La Barra. minister for
foreign affairs, had invited all for
eien diplomats in Mexico City to take
luncheon with him, tomorrow. The
ambassador stated that none of the
diplomats would attend the luncheon
unless the tragic death, early today. of
Former President Madero and Former
Vice President Suarez, is cleared of
mystery.
President Taft, upon his return
from New York, tonight, found a tel
egram from Ambassador Henry Lane
Wilson at Mexico City, telling of the
killing of Former President Madero
and Former Vice President Suarez.
Mi Wilson explained that the en-
bassy was informed of the double
tragedy last night, by Minister for
Foreign Affairs De La Rarra, who said
the deposed leaders were Killed while
being transferred from the national
palace to the penitentiary. Senior De
La Barra asserted that the transfer
was being made to afford greater se-
euflty for the two prisoners, pending
the abatement of political excitement
and because they could be better quar-
tered in the penitentiary, which is of
modern construction.
The embassy further states that. ac-
cordinS 10 reports published. this
morning, by the authorities in the
Mexican capital, the fatal attack was
made upon the prisoners, about mid
night. General Huerta, Provisional
President, declared to tile American
ambassador that there would be a rig
i'll judicial investigation OF all the cir
ctimstances.
came as tragic consequence to the
celebration of washington's birthday
hy the American colony.
THIS gathering was the first which
had taken place since the subsistence
OF the stirring events of the last fort
night and was hoped to be a prelude
to the return Of peace Ambassador
Wilson reported that he addressed the
Americans and others who comprised
The assemblage and laid a wreath on
the statute of Washington. Senior De
La Barra, who later was to carry to
the embassy the news of the midnight
assassination. participated in the ex-
ereises and made an address in behalf
OF the Mexican government. The Amer
leans, to show their appreciation of
this recognition, then decorated the
statue of the Mexican hero, Benito
Juarez. The spirit of rejoicing, the am
bassador declares. gave way to hor-
ror as the news of the tragedy spread
throughout ;se city.
Rear Admiral Fletcher in command
of the battleship squadron at Vera
cruz, in brief dispatch to the navy
department.. tonight, also confirmed the
tragedy. Consul Canada, at Vera Cruz.
reported that friendly spirit pervaded
the city, Washington's birthday, the
American battleships, the Cuban cruis-
Ell and the Mexican warships in the
harbor all being in gala attire and
firing salutes in honor of the great
American The government buildings
displayed flags and in the afternoon
the officials of the port called upon
Admiral Fletcher.
The late messages bearing upon the
Mexican situation were al laid before
President Taft, tonight, and carefully
read by him as soon as he reached the
White House. The President, who, be-
that he saw in the present deplorable
occurrence no cause for intervention,
made no further comment on the trag-
edy which was enacted in the Mexican
capital, after the United States had
given the Huerta government TO I'M
derstand that it would look with dis
favor upon any summary measures
against Madero and Suarez.
Consular reports received at the
state department, tonight Indicated
general adhesion TO the Huerta regime
at the city of Mexico. with the excep-
ton of Chihuahua and Sonora, where
the local situation does not seem to be
wholly developed. 1t is reported that
in Chihuahua the military authorities
have taken stringent measures to put
an end TO the activities of the former
| Maderista officials. The consul at SAL
| tillo SAYS Gov. carranza, who, accord
ing to earlier reports. had refused to
| acknowledge the new government i'm
| Mexico City has now declared his al
leglance to The new government.
Consul General Shanalin at Mexico
| City reports that Warren E. Cobean is
safe and that Charles f, Dolly, about
whom he also had been asked to in
quire. left Mexico some time ago.
This decision on the part of the Dip
lomatie corps in the Mexican capital (
| indicates the gravity of the situation
which will confront the Huerta gov7
eminent, should it fail to clear the
mystery in which the killing of Ma
, dero and Suarez still is enveloped.
Continued on Page Seven