The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-10-18

HAaluS, anu 1nlfU, termination OF
Relations With Huerta.
Washington, Oct. 15.-Administra-
ton officials up to the hour of closing
the government departments today
were without advices as to the result
of the reported conference in Mexico
City of the entire diplomatic corps.
This developmnt in the situation,
following closely upon President Will
sons sharp note declaring that the
United States was shocked at the
"lawlessness" of Gen. Huerta in as
suming dictatorship over Mexico,
was taken here to mean that foreign
governments might bring pressure to
bear in an effort to compose the situ-
alton.
Gen. Huertas decree, taking unto
himself legislative as we'll as execu-
tive powers, has swept aside all hope
here that the Huerta regime would
ment or be able to cope with the in
creasingly vigorous fighting of the
constitutionalists.
Both President Wilson and Secre-
tary Bryan are turning over in their
minds the possibility of a more ag-
gressive course of action by the Unit
ed States. Three methods of dealing
with the situation are being suggest
ed as open to the Washington govern
ment:
First, there is the ever recurrent
suggestion in official circles of a mill
tary and naval demonstration which
would serve as precautionary move
in case a fOrcible policy later is re-
quired. For the present, the presi-
dent and his advisers are concentrat-
ing OH a conservative solution by the
use OF peaceful measures.
Second, many officials think a Sc
rfes o. strong demands made upon the
authorities at Mexico City, to force
the immediate elimination of Gen.
Huerta, would complete the record of
the United States in attempting to
assist as 1.-The nearest nejghbor" in
solving the difficulties of the South
ern Republic.
Some officials here suggested that,
Oh nd, ho
American government would be justi-
fed in throwing it's support to the
cOnstitutionalists in the North.
Third. the United States formally
could announce absolute termir alton
of it's relations with the Huerta Off
Gals, leaving it to the influence both
various liberal elements in Mexico
City to secure the eleminatiOn Of HUI
reta and the establishment of a pro-
visiOnal government, with which the
constitutionalsts would negotiate for
peace and arrange a free election in
compliance with Mexican law.
. Secretary Bryan tonight left here
for Waterloo, Iowa, and before his
departure told callers he did not ex-
pect the American government to take
any further steps for a few days at
least.
The dispatch Of an additional Ger
man warship to Mexican waters did
not provoke comment, as the Wash
ingtOn administration looks upon such
action. as we'll as on The conference
Of the diplomats today in Mexico City,
as the beginning of a series of mani
festatiOns by the governments of the
world generally that may have a So
bering effect on Huerta.
The arrest of Gen. Mas, Mexican
Federal commander. on a civil war
rant while travelling through the
United States to get from Piedras Ne
gras, Mexico, to NuevO Laredo, Mex
leo, excited attention chiefly because
the war department permission was
overriden. AS the general was re-
leased on ball. however, it is not be-
lieved the Huerta government will
make any representations in the mat
ter.