South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-04-20

as to impress upon Gen Huerta him
self the necessity Of seeing to it that
no further occasion for explanations
and professed regrets should arise.
'I. therefore, felt it my duty TO
sustain Admiral Mayo and the whole
of his demand and TO insist that the
flag OF the United States should be sa-
luted in such a way as to indicate a
new spirit and attitude on the part
of the Huertistas.
such a salute General Huerta has
refused and L have come to ask your
approval and support in the course 1
now purpose to pursue.
Doesn't Want War.
This government can, L earnestly
hope, in no circumstances be forced
into war with the people of Mexico.
Mexico is torn by civil strife. If We
are TO accept the tests Of its Owr con-
stitutiOn, il has no government. Gen.
eral Huerta has set his power up in
the city of Mexico, such as ii is, with
out right and by methods for which
there can he no justification. only
part of the country is under his con-
troll. If armed conflict should unhap-
PLY come as a result of his attitude
OF personal resentment towards this
government, we should be fighting
only General Huerta and those who
adhere to him and give him their sup
port, and our object would be only
To restore to the people of the dis
tracted republic the opportunity to
set up again their own laws and their
own government
But l earnestly hope that war is
not now in question. ] believe that l
speak for the American people when
l say that we do not desire to control
in any degree the affairs of our sister
republic. Our feeling for the people
of Mexico is one of deep and genuine
friendship, and everything that we
have so far done or refrained from
doing has proceeded from our desire
TO help them, not TO hinder or em-
barraSs them. We would not wish
even 10 exercise the good Offices Of
friendship without their welcome and
consent.
1.-The people of Mexico are entitled
to settle their own domestic affairs in
their own way and we sincerely de-
sire to respect their right. The pres
ent situation need have none of the
grave implications Of interference if
we deal with it promptly, firmly and
wisely.
''No doubt I could do what is neces-
sary in the circumstances to enforce
respect for our government without
recourse 10 the congress, ana yet not
exceed my constitutional powers as
president; but l do not wish TO act in
a matter possibly of so grave cOnSe-
quence except in close conference and
cooperation with both the senate and
house
Asks Use of Armed Forces.
II. therefore. come TO ask your ap-
prOval that L should use the armed
forces of the United States in such
ways and to such an extent as may be
necessary to obtain from General
Huerta and his adherents the fullest
recognition of the rights and dignity
of the United states even amidst the
distressing conditions now unhappily
obtaining in Mexico.
There can in what we do be no
thought Of gression or OF selfish
aggrandizeme E. We seek TO main
tain the dignity and authority of the
United States only because we wish
always TO keep our great influence
unimpaired for the uses Of liberty,
both in the United States and wher-
ever it may be employed for the ben
eft of mankind"