The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-02-24
ALL MYSTERY MUST
Be CLEARED AWAY
Otherwise, Diplomats Will Not
Accept Invitation of
De la Barra.
SITUATION VERY GRAVE
Government Must Show Blood
of Late Rulers Is Not
ON Its Hands
SITUATION VERY

Washington. February 23.-Ambas-
sador Henry Lane Wilson tclegraphed
to the State Department tonight that
Francisco dc Ia Barra, Minister for
Forc1Bn Affairs, had invited all for
ciSn diplomats in Mexico City TO take
luncheon with him tomorrow. The
ambassador stated that none OF the
diplomats would attend tic luncheon
unless the tragic death carly to-day
OF former President Madcro and for
MGR Vice President Suarez is cleared
of mystery
This decision on tho part of the Dip
lom;ttic corps in the Mexican capital in
dicates the gravity of the situation,
which will confront the lIucrta gov
eminent should IL fail to clear the
mystery envcloping the killing OF Ma
dcro and SuarcZ.
No Official comment was forthcom
Ing here Tonight on the statements re-
latinG to the tragedy made by Sonora
dc Ia Barra and Provisional President
iIuerta, but IL was taken for granted
that If the late leaders were brutally
murdered rs the result OF "a plot the
present government would be called
upon for an explanations, when 1t seeks
political recognition from the United
states
Au Added Problem.
Thus 1t may develop that in addl-
ton To showing itself equal to the i'm
incnse problems of reconstruction be-
fore it including the establishment
OF law and order in states so long
torn by revolution. Mexico will be
asked TO show that the blood of it's
late rulers is not upon it's hands.
President Taft. upon his return from
New York to- might. found a telegram
from Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson,
at Mexico City. telling OF the killing
OF Afadcro and Suarcz.
r aS nj ", hot
bassy WAS informed Of the double
tragedy last night by Minister for
Foreign Affairs De In Barra, who said
that the dcposed leaders had been kill
ed while being transferred from the
National Palace TO the pcnitcntiary.
Scnor De La Barra asserted that the
transfer was being made in behalf Of
the Mexican government. The Ameri-
cans. To show their appreciation OF this
recognition then decorated the statue
or the Mexican hero. Bcnito Juarez
The spirit OF rejoicing, the ambassador
declares, gave way TO horror, as the
ncws OF the tragedy spread through
out the city.
Rcar-.id,niral Fletcher. In command
Of tho battlcship squadron at Vera
cruz, in brief dispatch to the Navy
Department tonight, also confirmed
the tragedy. Consul Canada, at Vera
Cruz. reported that friendly spirit
pcrvaded the city on Washingtons
birthday. the American battleships the
Cuban cruiser and the Mexican war
ships in the harbor all being in gala at
tire and firing salutcs in honor OF the
great American. The government
buildings displayed flags. and in the
Afternoon the officials of the port call
ed upon Admiral Fletcher.
No Further Comment.
The late messages bearing upon the
Mexican situation were all laid before
President Taft tonight and carefully
read by him az soon az he reached the
White House. The President, who, be-
fore leaving New York. saw in the
present deplorable occurrence, no cause
for intervention, made no further com
mert on the tragedy which was enact
cd In the Mexican capital, after the
United states had given the Huerta
government to understand that ii would
look with disfavor upon any summary
measures against Madero and Suarez
Consular reports received NJ the State
Department to-n night indicated general
adhesion to the Huerta regime at the
city OF Mexico. with the exception of
Chihuahua and Sonora, where the local
situation does not seem to be. wholly
developed. IL is reported that in
Chihuahua the military authorities
nave taken stringent measures to put
an end to the activities OF the former
Maderista officials. The consul at SAL
tillo says Governor Carranza, who. ac-
cording to earlier reports, had refused
10 acknowledge the now government in
Mexico City. has now declared his al
leeiance to the new regime
Consul General Shanklin at Mexico
City, reports that Warren Il. Cobean is
safe. and that Charles S. Dolly. about
whom he also had been asked to i'm
qutre, left Mexico some time ago