New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-04-21


taliation for its refusal to recognize the
pretensions Of General Huerta TO be re-
garded as the constitutional Provi-
sional President OF the Republic Of
Mexico.
Might Grow from Bad to Worse.
The manifest danger Of such a stu
alton was that such offences might
grow from bad 10 worse until some
thing happened OF so gross and intol-
cradle a sort as 70 lead directly and
inevitably 70 armed conflict II was
necessary that the apologies Of Cen
eral Huerts and his representatives
should go much further, that they
should be such as attract the at
tention OF the whole population 10
their significance and such as TO i'm
press upon General Huerta himself the
necessity OF seeing TO 1t that no fur
Their occasion for explanations and pro-
fessed regrets should arise.
81 therefore felt IL my duty 70 sus
tain Admiral Mayo in the whole OF his
demand and TO insist that the flag OF
the United States should be saluted in
such a way as 10 indicate new spirit
and attitude on the part of Huertistas.
Such a salute General Huerta has
refused. and l have come TO ask your
approval and support in the course I
now purpose TO pursue.
No War Against Mexico.
This government can. l earnestly
hope, in no circumstances be forced
into war with the people Of Mexico.
Mexico is torn by civil strife. II we
are to accept the tests Of its own con-
stitution, II has no government. Gem
eral Huerta has set his power up IN the
city of Mexico such as It Is without
right and by methods for which there
can be no justification.
"Only part Of the country IL under
his control. II armed conflict should
unhappily come as a result OF his atti-
tude Of personal resentment toward
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 10
restore to the people Of the distracted
republic the opportunity TO set up again
their own laws and their own govern
ment
Friendship for Mexican People.
Spr. 7 aorpaotiv hopa that war "a
not now in question. / believe that
speak for the American people when
say that we do not desire to control in
any degree the affairs Of our sister re-
public. 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 do
ing has proceeded from our desire TO
help them, not to hinder or embarrass
them.
I'VE would not wish even 10 exercise
the good offices OF friendship without
their welcome and consent. The people
Of Mexico are entitled to settle their
own domestic affairs in their own way.
and We sincerely desire to respect their
right The present situation need have
none Of the grave complications OF in
reference If we deal with (. promptly,
firmly and wisely.
mo doubt I could do what Is neces-
sary in the circumstances 10 enforce
respect for our government without re-
course TO the Congress and yet not ex-
coed my constitutional powers as Pres
ident, but ] do not wish 10 act In
matter possibly Of so grave consequence
except I'm close conference and cooper
alton with both the Senate and House.
Asks Authority to Use Force.
Il, therefore, come 10 ask your ap-
prevail that I should use the armed
forces Of the United States in such
ways and TO such an extent as may be
necessary 10 obtain from General
Huerta and his adherents the fullest
recognition OF the rights and dignity OK
the United States. even amidst the dis
tressing conditions now unhappily OBJ
tanning in Mexico.
There can in what we DO be no
thought Of aggression or of selfish ag-
grandizement. We seek 10 maintain
the dignity and authority OF the United
States only because we wish always 10
keep our great influence unimpalred
for the uses Of liberty. both in the
United States and wherever else It may
be employed for the benefit OF man
kind"