The Washington herald., 1914-04-23
president WILL
WATCH CARRANzA
Wants to Determine How Far
He May Be Able to Rely
on Rebels.
PROVES DARK HORSE"
Another Reason for Halhng Fighting
Is to Ascertain Attitude
of Huerta.

Having taken possession OF Vera Cruz,
there will be no new movement against
Mexico for several days. Only the ne
cessity Of protecting American lives win
lead to further firing by United States
fsailors and marines.
This breathing spell has been ordered
for two reasons. President Wilson first
wants to determine how far he may relv
upon Carranza and Villa The Presi-
dent had had no inlSling from the con-
stitutionalist leaders as to what their
attitude would be toward the American
invasion Of Mexico.
Attitude of Fuerta.
The other purpose was to ascertain
the attitude of Huerta. II Huerta shows
any disposition to WELD. there is no doubt
that the Mexican incident would be
closed.
| Those who know Huerta are certain
that he will be more defiant now than
ever, and that President Wilson will not
be able to halt at less than sending an
army into Mexico City.
1t is CarranZa's attitude that is now
giving the administration concern. Sec
retary Bryan and others were disposed
to find encouragement in some features
OF Carranza's communication to the
State Department. but on the whole. IT
was regarded as indicating an intention
which may bring the United States into
serious difficulties in the northern part
Of Mexico.
1t has been predicted In Washington
that an invasion of the southern repub-
lie by the United States would result in
solidifying the entire republic against
this country. Carranza shows that he is
out Of sympathy with the action Of the
Wilson administration.
An open break with Carranza is the one
thing that President Wilson and his ad-
visers desire to avoid.
Would Sap Huerta's Strength.
The plan of the United States has been
TO seize Vera Cruz first. and give Huerta
time IN which to meet the demands of
this government. Then the United
States naval forces were to proceed
against Tampico, seize il. and establish
blockade. This was to be followed by
the seizure of all the important ports on
the west coast OF Mexico.
With this accomplished. the President
and his advisers had hoped to cease
aggressive operations by sapping the
strength of Huerta. through cutting OF
his ammunition and revenues and to
allow Villa and his followers to sweep on
to Mexico City and do the actual fight
ing.
This explains why the President was
averse to including anything In his ad-
dress to Congress which nsigiat be con-
strued as a condemnation OF the consti-
tutionalists. This explains too, why the
administration officials are at present
greatly embarrassed over their course Of
action in regard to the shipment of arms
and ammunition across the Rio Grande
into Mexico.
The difficulty that confr0nts the United
States government now, is that Carranza
will be offended il his supply OF arms
from American sources is again cut of.
So far as was learned last night no de-
cision has yet been reached in regard to
a renewal of the embargo.
The delivery here of the Carranza note
has served to strengthen the fears oil
some depreciation on American life or 4
property along the border
IT was learned yesterday that this fear
is entering very considerably into con- |
siderations as to the moving of troops
now stationed in Texas and New Mex |
leo. There are about eO,OO0 of these
troops and they will be the ones TO be
called upon first for service in Mexico |