Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1913-08-29

washington, Aug. 27.-President
Wilson played his trump card
In the Mexican situation today when
he appeared at 1:01 O'Clock in the
house of representatives and read to
a joint session of congress a special
message on the situation growing
out of the assassination of President
Madero and the assumption of pow
er by Victoriano Huerta. The pres
ident's message advised
That all Americans be earnestly
urged to leave Mexico Immediately
That Mexico be informed that ex-
emplary punishment will follow II
American lives are endangered.
That the Mexican factions be per-
mitted to fight out their troubles.
The president must prohibit ship
ment Of arms to both Mexican feder-
ais and rebels to ensure the neutral
ity of the United States.
The failure of John Lind's negotia-
tions was reported by the president,
but he said the door still was not
closed to further peace overtures.
Peace Outlook Not Hopeful.
The president regards the situa-
tion as critical. His address to con-
gress breathed friendship to the
Mexican people but extreme pessim-
ism concerning the outlook for i'm
mediate peace because Huerta had
rejected the American plan of medi-
alton.
In part, the president said.
1T is clearly my duty to lay be-
fore you fully and without reserva-
tion the facts concerning our present
relations with Mexico. do not need
to describe the deplorable posture OF
Mexican affairs, but it is my duty to
speak most frankly of what the Unit
ed States government has done and
what | should seek to do in fulfill
ment of our obligations to Mexico as
a friend and neighbor and also as
to the American citizens whose lives
and interests are affected.
What We do must be rooted on
patience and done with calm and
disinterested deliberation. Impa.
tience on our part would be childish
and fraught with every risk OF
wrong and folly. We can afford to
exercise the restraint of a great ma
tion, realizing our strength, but
scorning to use 1t. 1t was our duty
to offer assistance. Now it is our
duty to show what neutrality will dc
to enable the Mexicans to set their
affairs in order and to await further
opportunity to offer friendly coun.
sells.
THE door is not closed to re-
sumption OF negotiations upon Mex
ico's initiative or ours. While we
wait the contest of the rival forces
undoubtedly for while will be sharp
er than ever because it is plain that
an end must be made to the existing
situation and with the increased ac-
tivity of the combatants 1t is to be
feared there will be increased danger
to non-combatants.
THE outsiders position is always
most trying and full of hazard where
there is civil strife and a country Is
upset.
1--WE should urge all Americans to
leave Mexico Immediately and to as
sist them as far as is possible-not
because we mean to slacken our eff
forts to safeguard their lives and in
terests, but because it is imperative
that we take no unnecessary risks.
"We should advise everybody ex-
ercising authority in Mexico in the
most unequivocal way that We are
watching yigilantly the fortunes OF
those Americans who are unable to
leave the country and that we in
tend to hold to reckoning any one
who causes them suffering or loss.
No Assistance Across Border.
1T is my duty to exercise the au-
thority conferred on me by the law
Of March 4. 1912, and to see that
neither side receives assistance from
the American side OF the border.
shall forbid all expectation Of arms
and munitions OF war from any part
OF the United States to Mexico. the
policy suggested by precedents and
dictated by manifest considerations
OF expediency.