The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-02-20
WASHINGTON WILL
TAKE NO CHANCES
1t Proposes to Be Prepared for
Any Emergency i'll
Mexico.
AWAITS DEVELOPMENTS
S DEVEL 0PM ENT S
Recognition OF New Government
Depends on Establishment of
Normal Conditions.

Washington, February 19.-Reaction
from the severe strain under which
tho diplomatic, naval and military
branches OF the government have been
laboring for the last ten days because
of the Mexican revolt, was marked by
the comparative letnnrSy prevailing
in these departments to-day.
hasty consultation between the
heads OF the various departments,
conducted to some extent by subordi-
mates, resulted in general decision
10 maintain the existing attitude to-
ward Mexico, not only in 4 diplomatic
sense, but so far as that involves the
preparation OF the army and navy to
meet any emergency mat might arise.
Stiii Prepared for Trouble.
Though naturally Gratiiied at the
termination OF the almost continuous
battle that has ragged within the heart
OF Mexico city for so long n period
of time, it was deemed to be unwise
TO permit that sentiment TO affect the
progress OF arrangements that are be-
ing made adequately TO protect the
lives of foreigners In Mexico, in case
the situation should get beyond con-
troll or the new temporary government
Original orders to the army officers
10 have the soldiers ready to move at
snort notice and TO the transports to
proceed TO their assigned destina tions.
"nere they were to embark troops
ana marines. were allowed to remain
In force, officials reasoning that sorne
Denent is TO be derived from the eS-
perience that is gained through this
attempt at mobilization, even if there
should be no occasion to give il n
practical turn.
Probably some reply will be made
by President TAFT to TIE personal mes-
sage from General Nictoriano Huerta,
who signed himself commander-in.
chief, announcing he had overthrow n
thc Madero government, but it will be
of such 4 nature RS not TO constitute
q political recognition of the new GOV
ernment.
Ambassador Wilson is expected to
communicates freely with Military Gov
crhor liuerta, 10 transact the ordinary
business of the embassy. and his ex-
ample. it is expected. will be folIowcd
by the diplomatic representatives Of
the other powers. all such exchanges
being on n de facto basis
Depends on Developments.
W'tmin week at the longest, the
new Mexican Congress should lac H..
session. in conformity with the call
just issued by the military governor
pom The extent TO which General Uu
erta and his group transfers TO the
congress the powers of gover1,pcnt
VII dehend tho attitude of the United
StateS towards tho do facto governments
of Mexico.
lf constitutional forms arc observed
II 'he Congress is allowed without du-
reSs to DISCHARGE It's lawful duty OF
selecting n provisional President. il
In an orderly way the Congress pro-
woes FOR the holding of general clec-
tions throughout Mexico. after a ren-
sonable period OF time, at which all the
people may have n free chance to in
dicate their choice for permanent
President. the Washington govern
ments decision can be relied upon to
give cordial and sympathetic support
TO the efforts of those now in cont rol
In tho Mexican capital to establish a
government OIL II permanent basis.
Meanwhile the attitude of the admins
tration hero will remain one OF p&s-
siVe, though interested observation.