The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1914-04-30
HUERTA SUPPOSED >
WILSON BLUFFING

Vera Cruz, April 29.-Here Is Nelson
O'Shaughnessy's w story OF how he
argued the Tampico incident with GEN
Huerta.
1T became apparent early in the de-
yelopments arising from the Tampico
flag incident that the situation was
fraught with ominous possibilities, al
though II was my opinion almost to the
last minute hat Huerta would recede
from a position that made II impossible
for Washington to adjust matters as
Huerta wanted them adjusted.
You must understand that, a
Huerta waived his insistence upon a
return salute to the Mexican flag by
the United States-which act would
have implied a recognition by our gov
ernment-the Tampico incident would
have been unquestionably closed.
THE situation vas rapidly getting
worse in the country and Huerta was
growing less able to resist successfully
the rebels to say nothing Of making
Roadway against them when l received
the first information of the arrest Of
the Dophin's sailors and of Admiral
Mayo's demands-which, by the way,
came to me first through the Mexican
foreign office-it was too late to do
anything.
"That was Friday, April 10, and &C
cording to the time limit ixed by Ad-
miral Mayo, satisfaction had to be
given by 6 o'clock that night.
Husrta Was Asleep.
Everyone who has had experience in
dealing with Mexican officials knows
how difficult it is to stir them to quick
action under the most favorable con-
ditions.
After several hours search I finally
caught up with HueTta at his house,
where he was taking a siesta. Not ever
strongest representations of the
extremity and urgency OF the case
could induce his aids to arouse him, so
/ was forced to go away and return
again in an hour
when I finally did see Hureta, we
discussed the Tampico incident most
amicably, His expressions Indicated a
considerable displeasure that the ar
rest of the Dolphins' people should
have been permitted.
HE gave me the impression that he
was much incensed at the stupidity of
the officer who was responsible for 1t
and who had added to Huerta's
troubles by his laundering step.
1T is interesting to note that, in spite
Of his frequent public explosions
10 kAAAo NNA - AAAAA ~ AAAo
outward attitude of defiance and indif-
ference to anything we might do, HUI
erta was always very careful to allow
nothing to be done that would bring
about an open break between Wash
ington and his government.
Thought II Bluff.
"Huerta sent for me and we talked
for a long time. I went away with a
distinct impression that he had
receded from his position regarding
recognition and thai he would come to
a satisfactory understanding with my
government. and I so communicated to
Washington.
Later L ascertained that I had ap-
parently misunderstood what Huerta
had said. This threw negotiations
back to the original status; so we got
nowhere.
II firmly believe that Huerta was
skeptical that Washington would not
press matters to the point OF armed
occupation Of either Tampico or Vera
Cruz. I think he had probably the
mental reservation that. If Snings grew
too cloudy, he would draw back at the
last moment.
"Palpabiy, he had not the slightest
appreciation OF the considerations
which had prevented Washington from
taking decisive steps in Mexico be-
fore this point had been reached"