New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-03-12
WILSON TO CONTINUE
PREDECESSORS POLICY
Issues Formal Statement Of
Views on Relations with Gen.
trail and South America.
SAYS NOTHING OF MEXICO
But One Significant Declaration
Is Regarded by Many as
Meaning He Frowns on
Huertas Government.
LErom Ihe 7,rIbune Rnreanl

Washington March f.-PTesident VIII
sons policy toward the Central and
South American republics. as enunciated
In formal and somewhat elastic state
ment issued this afternoon. will be practi-
cally a continuation of the Taft policies,
Mr.. Wilson's declaration of principles
being in many respects an echo OF the ut
,erances of his predecessor
The statement. which Secretary Bryan
declined to amplify or discuss, is as fol
,ows:
one of the chief objects Of my admins
1ratiOu viii be to cultivate the friendship
md deserve the confidence of our sister
republics OF Central and South America,
and 10 promote in every proper and non
Urable way. the interests which are com
mon 10 the peoples of the two continent.
j earnestly desire the most cordial under
standing and cooperation between the
peoples and leaders of America, and
therefore deem Il my duty 10 make this
brief statement:
Co-operation is possible only when sup
ported at every turn by the orderly proc
csseS of just government based upon law
not upon arbitrary or Irregular force.
We hold. as / am sure all thoughtiuI
leaders of republican government every
where hold. that Just government rests
always upon the consent of the governed
and that there can be no freedom without
order based upon law ana upon lhe p"Oli'
conscience and approval
We shall look TO make these princ-
plies the basis CT mutual intercourse
respect and helpfuness between our
sister republics and ourselves.
We shall lend our influence OF every
kind to the realization OF these principles
In fact and practice, knowing that dis
order. personal intrigue and defiance OF
constitutional rights weaken ana dis
credit government and injure none 50
much as the people who are uniOrtundle
enough TO have their common lille ana
their common affairs 80 tainted and dis
turbed.
We can have no sympathy with
those who seek to seize the power OF
government to advance their own per
sonal interests or ambition We are
the friends of peace, but we know
that there can be no lasting or stable
peace in such circumstances.
As friends. therefore, We shall prefer
those who act in the interest of peace and
honor who protect private rights ana
respect the restraints OF constitutional
provision Mutual respect seems to us the
indispensable foundation Of friendship be-
fween states as between individuals.
The United States has nothing 10 seek
On Central and South America except the
lasting interests of the peoples OF the
two continents. the security of govern
. ments intended for the people and Tor 10
\ special group or interest. and the deNel-
II
Ships between the two continents which
shall rebound TO the profit and advantage
Of both and interfere with the rights and
liberties OF neither.
From these principles may be read 50
much of the future policy Of this govern
nent as IL is necessary now 10 forecast;
and i'm the spirit of these principles may,
I hope. be permitted with as much conl-
deuce as earnpStnesS to extend to the gov
ernments of all the republics Of America
the hand of genuine dlslnterested friend
ship and 10 pledge my own hOnor ana the
honor Of my colleagues 10 every enter
prise Of peace and amlty that fortunate
future may disclose.
it is noteworthy thai President Wilson
cautiously avoids any reference 10 Mex
leo. Confining his utterances To Central
and South American countries, but there
is this significant declaration which is
generally regarded as directed at the
Huerta regime and tie overthrow Of the
Madero administration:
1--WE can have 10 sympathy with those
who seek 10 10 seize tie power Of govern
ment TO advance their own personal inter
ests or ambition. We are the friends Of
peace. but we know that there can be 10
lasting or stable peace in such circum-
stances.
May Be Aimed at Huerta.
The minority view Of this br.suing
declaration is that 1t refers 20 CipEano
Castro, exiled dictator Of Venezuela, and
his ilk. but the generally accepted YER
sion is that President Wilson is inclined
10 frown on the Huerta-Diaz government.
which many regard as accurately de-
scribed by the language used.
Added to- the conviction that President
Wilson docs not intend TO swerve from
the Taft policy of protecting American in
1erests f. Central and South American
countries and Mexico. even 10 the extent
OF military or naval invasion II neces-
sary, IS the fact that the precautionary
feet IN Mexican waters, the battleships
IN Central American ports and the mill
tary forces at Galveston and along the
border will be maintained. 1t is pointed
out that there would have been imme-
date relaxation of these precautions 10
protect American lives and property had
there been any intention Of repudiatins
the Taft policies.