The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-11-08
viii Involve Warlike Operations


That some action involving warli1e op-
erations will be undertaken by the United
States i'll the very near future Is generally
accepted in Washington.
Conformation of this belief is empha-
sized In the minds of most observers here
through the consistent attitude of Sen
ator Bacon, chairman of the Senate for
eign relations committee. Mr.. Bacon
plainly stated yesterday, following a con
ference with Mr.. Bryan the Secretary OF
State, that the Mexican situation was
coming to head
On the floor of the Senate the day be-
fore, Senator Bacon made known the in
timation that Congress would be called
upon to act in the Mexican matter in the
near future.
'.The time has not yet come when this
matter may be properly discussed, but
the time is not far distant when we must
discuss it."
Stress was laid on the statement that
no thought of acquisition of territory in
Mexico was being considered.
That President Wilson will soon. in a
message to Congress, lay the entire mat
kter before that body for action, is ac-
Icepted here without sembance of denial
Whether the Presidents message will
outline the joint expedition procedure, as
advanced by the government official here
in referred to, or will ask Congress Il
give some definite instruction as to the
lifting of the ban on munitions of wal
so that the contending factions may fight
it out or will recommend plain wal
against Mexico for the loss of Amer
lean lives and property in that country
is not known.
Secrecy of the strictest sort is main
tanned at the White House and at the
department of state as to Mexican af-
fairs. Officials at both places seem tc
be in competition to see who can say
the least.
This was demonstrated i'll the ultimatun
sent to Huerta several days ago. Knowl-
edge of this action did not emanate from
Washington, but from Mexico City.
All Depends on Huerta
In the final summing up, all depends
upon Huerta. If he will consent to elimi-
nate himself the situation will be saved
without armed force.
Should he refuse, and the executive and
Legislative branches of the government lift
the ban OIL munitions of war, Huerta will
have to prove his ability TO retain the
role of dictator with the Mexican people
II Huerta declares the recent election
null and void, and attempts to remain al
the head of the provisional government
he will have the United States to con-
tend with, as President Wilson is ire
VocaDiN committed TO MS elhiiliduoil, dio
possibly the leading European powers.
In the event the ban on munitions oi
war is lifted, and Huerta be successful
in defeating the constitutionalist move
ment, the situation will again swing back
to its. present status, with the alternative
of war with the United States or the
armed intervention in the interests OF
peace by all foreign powers interested.
Better War Footing Than Ever
That the United States is in a better
position now then ever before in its his
tory to go to war is conceded on al
sides The establishment OF supply
depots has been under way for severa
years. and recently large stores of ord
nance and quartermaster supplies have
been purchased.
Arrangements have been made by th'
war and navy departments for taking
over merchant vessels for the transport