Evening star., 1914-04-24

Grande for many weeks at
Ell Paso and Juarez.
Hope had revived at the White
House today that, after all, the
position OF this government that
Huerta is the sole object of opera
tions in Mexico at this time would
be accepted by most of the Mex
ican people, and particularly by
the constituencies, thus freeing
the outlook from serious compli-
cations and giving the United
States the opportunity to show its
purpose of Furnishing Huerta and
his supporters only.
President Wilson today told
Chairman Fitzgerald OF the
House committee on appropria-
tions, who had gone to the White
House to learn if any war funds
were needed. that no appropria-
ton was required "for the pres
ent.''
Visitors who talked with the
President were greatly impressed
with the fresh tone of optimism
shown in his words and manner,
but they got no idea Of the base
Of the renewed hopefulness.
Speculation appeared to credit
remarks of Gen. Villa as having
much to do with the White House
views.
Consular Agent Carothers Of the State
Department, who is reputed to be pretty
close to Villa, sent q long report to the
State Department Of an extended confer
ence he had late yesterday with Villa.
This report corresponds to degree with
reports Of remarks made by Villa to
newspaper correspondents in which he
expressed high regard for Americans and
said he could not be drawn into war with
this country. at the same time denounc-
ing Huerta. 1t is also understood that
Carothers sent confidential information
that Villa and Carranza do not view the
seizure of Vera Cruz in the same way
and that Villa thinks Carranza is talk
ing to the galleries.
Villas Sincerity Doubted.
The doubt in some circles today was
whether Villa was sincere in his words
to Carothers. His reputation for tricki-
ness casts suspicion upon his motives,
but the administration evidently accepts
Carothers' Interpretation of the interview
tn hnY of,r1 11o CHI f<J4
to remain neutral while this country is
settling its scores with Huerta, even if
Carranza should join with Huerta, the
outlook would be far more encouraging
in official circles than it has been during
the last day or two.
1t is recognized by the President that
the clamor is growing all over the United
States to lose no time in going straight
to Mexico City and forestalling dire
things, but in spite of this clamor the
President will persist in eXhausting every
opportunity to contine the operations to
Huerta and his part of Mexico only. He
earnestly and honestly wishes the Mexi-
can people to understand that he pro-
poses to confine military and naval move
ments to a portion of their territory only,
unless forced by circumstances to broaden
the scope and field. The whole thing has
come so suddenly that a few days must
be given for consideration to the words
and statements of the President Villas
influence. If he is really sincere, will be
a tremendous factor in the carrying out
Of the original White House program.
There was little Of a warlike nature
around the White House today. The
President clearly indicated that there
would not be further aggressive move
ments by this government for while
unless compelled to another course. He
confirmed the view that has prevailed at
the White House for some days that If
permitted to do SO he will stand pat with
the operations at Vera Cruz and the gen.
eral preparations going on to meet event
ualities.
Cabinet Not Excited.
The cabinet meeting was held at the
usual hour, II o'clock, and lasted for two
and the excitement around the executive
offices SO noticeable all week. Several
congressional callers who dropped in saw
confining operations to what has been
done, with such other plans as may be in
view for reaching Huerta himself
The unanimous opinion Of callers was
that If Huerta can be eliminated the
United States will quickly withdraw and
long as he is supported there will be no
security Of feeling as to peace. The
view spread that something would turn
up that would prevent general war.
but nobody could explain the source of
the feeling. 1t was one of the psycholog-
ical waves that is not explainable.
President Wilson Is declining to make
appointments to see political and other
visitors. He Is reserving every minute
of time for emergency visits by Secreta-
ries Bryan, Daniels, Garrison and 9TH
ers having to do with the Mexican situa-
ton. They are free to visit him at any
time. Practically no nominations. to
| federal positions are being made except
postmasters. Postmaster General Burle-
L