The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-14
how the Admiral's demand was to be en-.

how the Admiral's demand was to be en-.
forced.
The explanation offered Is that Presi-
dent Wilson wired from White sulphur
Springs his approval Of Admiral Mayo's
action at Tampico. putting starch into the
attitude Of Washington. Had II not been
for the complacency with which officials
In Washington at first accepted the stu
alton 1t Is said the salute would have
been rendered as Admiral Mayo demanded
not later than 8 o'clock Friday last.
There Is no doubt that the Administra.
tion has been smarting under charges that
1t has been delinquent In maintaining the
prestige Of the United States and Of
American citizenship In Mexico. The OPP
ponents Of the tolls exemption repeal al
ready have charged that the Administra-
ton Is surrendering to Great Britain and
this charge was renewed when the gen.
erai provisions Of the Colombian treaty
became known. The Tampico Incident
was therefore seized upon. 1t Ia explained d,
as splendid opportunity for vigorous
action by which to disprove the charge
that the present Government Is supine In
Its task Of guarding the reputation of the
United States and the safety Of its citi-
Gems abroad.
1t has been already made clear that
were ready to turn on the Executive Its
much Wanted solicitude for the national
honor" II there was q backdown in the
situation at Tampico.
Special efforts were made to-day by
men in high authority to convince some
Of the critics Of the ADMINISTRATORS Mex
lean policy that Secretary Bryan had all
along been most vigorous in his attitude
tow9rd the Tampico affair. Their en-
deavors. however. were not entirely sue
cessful. and the impression remains that
the Secretary OF State was disposed to
let the matter rest on the basis of Huerta' g
apologize statement and his promise Of
full investigation. and punishment Of the
subordinate official responsible for the ar
rest of the Americans at Tampico.
Mayo Could Have settled Question.
Had the matter been lief, in Admiral
Mayos hands little doubt is felt here
that the salute would have been Aired
before now. II would have been simple
for the Admiral, with all the vessels at
his command, to have frightened the Fed
eral commander into firing the salute
demanded in prompt fashion. The train
ing OF the guns OF the warships on one OF
the Federal eunboats at Tampico or on
the Federal barracks would have been
enough. 1t Is believed. TO bring a speedy
response.
Huerta. however. Is not accessible to
the Administration warshps Should he
refuse TO yield on the point there is no
way in which the United States can COM
pei submission except by actual force. 1t Is
pointed out that having taken the matter
up with Huertd there would he no salts
faction in this Government turning back
to Gen. Zaragosa and making him fire
the salute. whether Huerta orders him to
do so or not.
II Is not beyond the Mexican President,
II his past performances are any
criterion, to refuse to yield and defy the
United States TO make him. especially as
ne and all Mexico seems satisfied that
Washington never intends to resort to
force to exert its will In Mexico.
Even IL the Tampico incident is settled
satisfactorily within the next few hours
by the submission of Huerta there will
remain the situation In the north of Mex
leo to plague Mr.. Bryan. No substantial
progress has been made In the efforts of
the United States to obtain from the rebel
authorities "A proper respect for the rights
Of the Spaniards in Torreon and else
where In rebel territory.