Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1913-08-22
HUERTA DEF|ES
UNITED STATES
Turns Down Wilson's Prof
fer of Mediation.
REFUSES ALL OUTSIDE AID
o'shaushnessy, Acting American AM
bassador at Mexico City, Is Given
His Passports by Huerta
Government.

w a S n n O or Aug. W19 = Nelson
o'shaughnessy, acting American embas-
sador at Mexico City, was given his pass
ports sharply at midnight last night by
the Mexican government. They are to
take effect today.
Washington, Aug. 1e.-A dispatch from
Nelson O'Shauehnessy received here was
taken to the White House by Secretary
Bryan, where he conferred with the
president over the new situation. The
president was awakened for this purpose.
In view of the rejection Of the proposals
by Huerta It Is understood now tn at the
president, In order to lay the case before
the whole people, Will make public today
his instructions to MIR. Lind and also the
answers of Huerta.
II Is expected that the fact that pass
ports have been handed to O'Shaugh-
messy will be followed by similar action
by this government In handing passports
to the Mexican charge d'affalres at Wash
lngton at once. In the majority of cases
such action by both governments, espe-
clally under the high tension which ex-
lists In the present case, means that the
next step will be war. AS congress Is In
session there now seems to be no doubt
that the president viii communicate to 1t
the action of Huerta In publicly insulting
the American government.
Mexico, City, Aug 19.-Gen. Huerta
has defied the United States. His
answer to the propositions of Presi-
dent Wilson was made known to Spe-
cial Envoy John Lind Monday. 1t
refuses all proffers of mediation or
any similar suggestion from a for
eign government" Envoy Lind has
forwarded Huerta's reply to Washing
ton and will take no further action un-
til he gets instructions from the
American state department.
Following the rejection of the
American proposals it was officially
stated that the United States would
have until midnight last night to rec
ognize the existing government in
Mexico. 1t was stated that this ulti-
matum had come directly from Gen.
Huerta. No alternative was set forth
in the ultimatum, but the usual action
in case of this kind is the notifica-
tion of the government involved that
no longer desired.
Defiance Causes Surprise.
News of Gen. Huerta's defiance Of
the United States through his fiat
and unconditional refusal to accept
any and all offers Of mediation pre-
sented by Envoy Lind occasioned the
greatest surprise here, in view of the
tenor of the reports in diplomatic cir
cles since the arrival of President
Wilson's envoy.
1t was considered almost certain
that the provisional president would
meet half way the proffered aid and
advice of the republic to the north
and many foresaw not only an end to
the crisis in the relations between the
two countries which has existed now
since practically the beginning of the
present Washington administration,
but also the end to the internal strife
which is causing so much loss to life
and property in Mexico and not lit
tie anxiety to the United States and
other foreign countries.
Huerta's defiance not only disrupts
these hopes but 1t is believed strains
the relationsl between the countries to
far greater point than yet reached
in the long continued crisis.
That the provisional president is
backed in his stand by the great ma.
jority of Mexicans loyal to the ad.
ministration there can be no doubt.
Recent demonstrations here to ex-
press public approval of his declara.
tion that he would submit to no med.
ding by an outside nation in his
country's affairs settled this.
1t was intimated at the time that
Huerta availed himself of the oppor.
tunity to use the patriotism of his
countrymen further to strengthen his
regime and for no other purpose.
May Hasten Intervention.
Another point which is receiving
grave consideration by thoughtful
men in Mexico is the manner in
which this latest defiance will be re-
ceived in Washington. Reports of
speeches in congress by anti-admin-
istration members calling for deter
mined stand in Mexican affairs have
reached here. That this party will
be further strengthened by Mondays
happening is admitted generally. 1t
Is also feared that more pacific men,
bers, deeming the mediation policy of
President Wilson doomed to ultimate
failure because of the arrogant stand
of the Mexican executive, will join
those who favor intervention in one
form or another.
According to an American citizen
who arrived here recently from Du-
range, the rebels are straining every
nerve and pulling every string to
bring about intervention on the part
of Washington.