The Washington herald., 1913-10-12
Huerta's Latest Move
Causes Little Comment

Beyond expressions OF great interest in
the situation which has developed in
Mexico City as a result Of Huerta's dis
solution of the Congress and imprison-
ment of more than 100 members Of the
lower house, the events of the last
twenty-four hours in the Mexican Capital
brought forth no response in the way Of
action by the Washington administra-
ton. The situation is admitted, however,
to be crucial. as to the outcome OF which
no one could be found willing to venture
a prediction.
Officials at the State Department in
dicated that they saw nothing in the
new turn TO the political situation in
Mexico which called for any action upon
the part Of this government 1t has been
rumored that Lind, who has been at
Vera Cruz since the rejection Of his pro
posals by the Mexican government would
return TO Mexico City to observe the
situation at closer range. No confirma-
ton of these reports was obtainable,
however.
POstPcncment May Come.
That Huerta has disposed of Congress
for the present was conceded here on the
basis OF messages received from the
American Embassy at Mexico City. 1t
is believed that his position will be little
short OF that of a dictator for an indefi-
mite period. That he has ordered a new
election of Senators and Deputies how
ever, is taken as an indication that he
intends to hold the Presidential elections
as planned, the Congressional elections
having been set for the same date, Octo-
Der 26 The postponement of the elections
would hot surprise officials here in the
least, however, as they regard the Situa-
ton in Mexico City so chaotic and so
subject to Kaleidoscope changes that no
man can safely predict what will happen
next.
BY both diplomatic officers and mill
tary men in Washington the attitude of
the Federal forces in Mexico City is re-
garded as the key TO the situation as
far as future developments are concerned
The slightest detection of any OF the
military organizations in the Mexican
capital, from Huerta to the opposition
faction in Congress, or in any other 1irec-
ton, will, ii is believed here, precipitate
another cataclysm such as resulted in
Madero's downfall last February.
The federal garrison in Mexico City and
vicinity has been greatly reduced in the
last few weeks, the majority of the troops
having been sent north against the rebels,
especially since the capture of the i'm
portant city of Torreon by the insur-
rectos. Yet the remaining forces are
today the sole means by which Huerta
is supporting himself and enforcing his
dictatorial policy with respect to the
rebellious House OF Deputies.
Should any contingent of Deputies sue
ceed in winning over the leaders of one
OF these military organizations to their
cause against Huerta Il is believed that
a breach could be effected in Huerta's
stronghold. There then would follow, ac-
cording to opinion here, another such 4
battle as was fought last winter within |
the capital.
Popularity Is Waning.
No official information has been re-
ceived here regarding the temper of the
Federal troops In Mexico City. From
Huerta's personal popularity has been
waning considerably in the last few
weeks. Some OF the measures he has
taken as part of his stern policy of re-
pressing the opposition have aroused
much resentment Imprisonments and
have become frequent, il |
is said. and new enemies to the pro-
visional President have been created !
daily.
Of officials here that Huerta has not hes !
itated to do anything he felt necessary /
for the enforcement of his will an the |
of open opposition. 1t Is be- |
lieved quite within the range Of possi-
bility that disaffectlon may break out
among the Federal troops, especially as
Huerta has by his action with respect
to Congress brought into being a faction i
which will be willing to resort to des- !
Derate measures to retalIate.
No comment was made by officials yes |
terday on the letter of commendation and |
support presented to President Huerta by
a group Of American residents in Mexi-
co City. The matter has not been brought |
to the attention OF the administration IN
any official manner. The Maj. Gillette i
who. II was reported, had been a leading
spirit in the movement resulting in the
letter which not only praised Huerta, but
the policy Of President Will
son, is no longer an officer of the United
States army. He resigned from the serv-
Ice altogether, instead Of going on the
retired list. and consequently Is not, as /
was intimated yesterday. subject to the
discipline of the secrstary Of war.