The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-04-16
WILLING TO SWAP.

WIuIUO III SWATs
Continued From Page One.)
forces Il not Invaded they will take NO
Offensive action. On the other hand
they realize that the International sttu-
alton in Mexico would be gravely conn
plfcated IL General Huerta should re-
gard American reprieals for the Tampl-
co incident as sufficient provocatton Tor
/, war and call upon the people OF Mexico
i to rally to the national defense. The
constitutionali3ts. however, do not rec
ognize as legally organized the senate
in Mexico City to which General Huerta
has submitted the American demand
and from whom he II understood to be
seeking authorization to formally oher
arbitration.
situation L. Serious.
Information as to just what Huerta
discussed in his executive session with
the Mexican senate was still lacking
early today, but speculation was freely
heard in official circles that he had
decided to adopt an unyielding course
and that serious eventua1ities were In
prospect. The delicate position OF
bility that he might be given his pass
ports was frequently commented upon.
Those familiar with Gen. Huerta's
disposition professed the belief that he
would fatty refuse to fire q salute
and would attempt to carry his case
before other foreign governments, dis
putting under international law the
right OF American bluejackets to be
on short anywhere in Mexico. mas
much az he had not renewed permis-
in Mexican waters or granted the
United States bluejackets and marines
permission to land.
Since the United States does not rec
ognize the legality Of General Huerta's
government It has ignored his right to
extend Or refuse permission for Amert-
can war vessels to stay In Mexican
waters and has kept Its men OF war
there on the ground that q condition OF
anarchy in Mexico justified under in
presence Of the vessels az q measure
Of protection to foreign residents.
No Dilatory Tactics.
It was evident today that while Cen
eral Huerta might seek to prolong and
complicate the questions growing out
Of the incident at Tampico, the Ameri-
can government would not brook dfla-
the Atlantic fleet arrived off Tampico
before advancing its policy to eli
max. President Wilson already has
emphatically pointed out to General
that while conciliatory methods and
diplomatic correspondence might have
been accepted in the past, the time has
!, come when a definite answer must
shortly be given to the demand for a
salute to the American flag and repa-
ration made for other repeated Of
lenses to Americans in towns held by
the federals.
General Huerta had Informally sug-
gested to the United States that the
dispute at Tampico growing out Of the
right of American blue jackets to be
q a he e,xvH,~ kn4
to arbitration. Administration off,
Gals consider his suggestion as an at
tempt to evade the main issue and do
not regard as. subjects for arbitration
studied indignitfes against the Ameri-
can flag and the American uniform,
regardless of the fact that formal ar
bitration might involve recognition Of
the Huerta government.
Unresemffng Determination.
The position Of tho Washington
government as described by high ON
Gals OF the administration Is one Of
unrelenting determination to compel
accession to the American demand un-
der penalty of the prompt use Of the
American navy to seize custom houses
at Tampico and Vera Cruz, withhold
customs receipts and declare a Pacific
blockade cutting off southern Mexico
from commercial intercourse with the
United States. Not alone tho affront
to the cOlors must be atoned for. sac-s
cording to the determination of the
washington government, but satisfac-
tory reparation will be sought for the
recent arrest at Vera Cruz of the or
DERBY from the fleet who was carrv-
ing mail, as well as for a series of Of
lenses which President Wilson be-
iieves have been directed exclusively
at the United States while the men Of
other foreign vessels have been al
lowed to go about on Mexican soil
without molestation.
The house committee on foreign affairs
Was cailed to meet today when Chairman
Il was outlined to hdm yesterday BY Pres
1dent Wilson.
In Touch With Congress.
Congress- is being kept closely Informed
that any act requiring authorization from
the legislative branch of tho government
may be promptly obtained. The president
| ents fof the landing Of marines. the &C.
cupation Of custom houses and even the
sneilng OF towns should the emergency
arise. wherein quick action IL desirable.
| II the situation grows even more compli-
Gated message from President Wilson il
confidently expected by the leaders Of
congress before more extensive action Of
an aggressive character IL undertaken.
The order for the Pacific fleet to pro-
| coed to Mexican waters following 70
closely upon the dispatch Of the Atlantic
OF possibilities upon which to speculate
Constitutionalists were interested to learn
trate at ports held by the federals or at
Topolobampo. held by the rebels as WELL
Iampico. as well as most Of the towns
| on the Pacific side. is not fortified and
according to the rules of civilized war
| fare. uncefended towns would not be
bombarded. It IL generally believed that
aside from the moral value of the dis
patch Of SO large a naval force to
Mexican waters. the chief purpose of it IL
to place there large forces of blue Jackets
and marines for expeditionafy movements
in case of emergency.
The Michigan Passes Out.
Delaware Breakwater, Del, April
16.-The battleship Michigan which
left the Philadelphia navy yard yes