New-York tribune., 1913-11-17
WILSON PREPARING
FOR QUICK ACTION
From The Tribune Bureau

Washington, Nov. 16.-It. was plain
from outward manifestations to-day
that the Mexican situation was regard
ed here as critical. General Huerta's
evident intention Of maintaining his de-
fant attitude toward President Wilson
is expected to bring on a quick crisis.
The administration long ago decided
that unless Huerta yielded definite
action would be necessary, and for
more than a week President Wilson
and the Secretary of State have been
making preparations and laying plans
for action in the event of an emergen-
cv. The administration has been lifted
10 a point Of great optimism and
sudden drop will not improve the tenn
per of the Washington government.
II is. rather, likely to cause President
Wilson to take speedy and drastic ac-
ton.
Secretary Bryan visited the White
House this afternoon and had long
conference with the President, who
broke his usual rule Of not engaging in
public business on Sunday. The Presi-
dent failed to attend church this morn
ing on account of the Mexican situa-
tion.
Telegrams were received at the State
Department from Nelson O'Shaugh-
messy, Charge d'Affaires at Mexico
City, and from John Lind, the Presi-
dents personal representative, at Vera
Cruz. These kept Mr.. Bryan at the de-
partment until late hour. The Secre-
tary said that conditions were such at
this moment that they could not be dis
Cussed. He intimated that il would be
dangerous to the success Of the admin
istration's policy if he were to divulge
the facts.
There is every reason TO believe that
if Huerta continues to show that he
has no intention of complying with the
American demands the President win
break diplomatic relations with MeX.co
by.recalling Nelson O'Shaughnessy and
probably handing his passports to
Senor Algara, the Mexican Charge
dAffaires here. 1t is likely that the
administration will then wait to see
the effect of this move on Huerta, in
the hope that the stubborn general will
realize how thoroughly in earnest the
President is and will weaken.
. News of the resignation of SefOr
Aldape from Huerta's Cabinet was re-
ceived with great interest in Wash
ington. 1t has been known here that
Aldape has tried to bring Huerta to
the point of yielding to President Will
sons demands. Those familiar with
the situation in Mexico City say that
Aldape is one of the most modern Of
the men Huerta has had around him.
1t is believed that he probably has a
better realization Of the strength and
power of the United States than any
of Huertas advisers. knowing that
the United States could smash Huerta
II IL once started TO do so-a point on
which Huerta seems never TO have
been fully convinced-it is believed
, here that Aldape may have tried to IN
duce Huerta to get out to save Mexico.
=. a feature of the situation which at
Tracts attention in diplomatic circles ls
the peculiar position in which some OF
the diplomatic representatives in Mex
go City are placed by the support their
cp< vernments are giving to the Ameri-
can policy. 1t is an open secret that
some OF these diplomats have totally
disagreed with President Wilson's
course, and their reports TO their gov
ernments had much to do with the en-
barrassing situation which arose when
il was discovered that several Euro
pean countries were not in accord with
this government. This came to the
knowledge Of Huerta in due course, and
from il he derived much courage.
Throughout the Mexican trouble the
administration here has been greatly
embarrassed by the diplomatic body in
Mexico City, and when the crisis is
over there is no doubt that the State
Department will take steps to clear
I'D certain unfortunate actions of for