The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-24
MEXICAN AFFAIRS , RAPIDLY REACHING
 POINT OF CLIMAX Leaders in Washington Can- not FOresee Early With
 drawal of Troops
HUERTA'S SITUATION
 IS MORE DESPERATE
The Crash in the Mexican Capital Is Hourly Expected and It Is Sure to Add Great Many New
 Complications
By c. E. STEWART


 Washington. May 23.-(pecial)-No one has been lulled to sleep, or is indulging in any very great hope that the efforts of the A. B. C. powers at Niagara Falls will result in the United States withdrawing from Mexico and escaping the responsi- bility of policing that country during it's convalescence from Huerta.
 If we escape even as lightly as this. we will have cause to congratulate our selves, in the opinion of leaders in Wash ington.
 President Wilson is hopeful and his hopes are shared by Secretary Bryan, that if the constituencies are success ful in driving Huerta out of Mexico, and completely destroying the dictators s power in Mexico Villa will live up to his ? protestations of friendliness toward the United States, and that he will at the same time be equal to the task of har- monizing all the conflicting interests in Mexico, and bring order to that distracted country.
 Even now, however, as the negotiations at Niagara Falls are pending, there is the keenest anxiety felt in Washington concerning the situation at the Mexican capital. If Zapata reaches Mexico City first, or if Huerta's own supporters turn against him, there may be a repetition of the scenes of carnage, riot and murder in Mexico City, only in far greater pro- portion, than existed there when Diaz and Buerta accomplished the overthrow of Madero. If this should happen, appre- henson is felt that the nationals of all nations represented at the Mexican capi- tai would be in great danger, and it would at once become imperative that the army at Vera Cruz march to Mexico City and protect foreigners and property.
 Hard to Escape Complications
 If this step is ever taken, the United States will be committed to an enterprise that will take the greatest skill in diplo- macy to extricate this government from. It is hard to conceive, is the belief here, if this contingency arises. how we can escape complications with Villa and Car ranza. Such action on our part will put Villa to the very hardest test in living up to his boasted friendship of the United States. It will also increase the responsibility of this country, because, once at the Mexican capital. if we with draw, which action will certainly be de- manded of us by the constitutionalists. in the eyes of the world we will be held responsible for the ability of Villa to take care Of the situation alone and unaided. On the other hand, if we refuse to with draw. we are certain to have Villa to reckon with.
 The crash in Mexico City is almost hourly expected Huertas supporters are deserting him like rats leave sinking ship But the determined old Indian fighter holds on. and terrorizes the rem nants of his army to submission. His last stand 1t is believed will be a des- perate one, and the indiscriminate loss of life. to say nothing of destruction of prop erty in Mexico City. will be appalling
 Can Move at Moments Notice
 In anticipation of this situation arising the army is ready at a moments notice to proceed to Mexico City. Funston will promptly be given endorsements on an elaborate scale, and every preparation for rushing men and equipment to Vera Cruz has been worked out to the last de- tail by the war department and the gen. eral staff.
 Of course, the possibility still remains that Huerta will flee the country and thus lessen the danger, but few believe that he will do so. Just what can be accom- plished at Niagara Falls, if Huerta per sists in his refusal to resign cannot be imagined. With Villas victorious army approaching Mexico City from the north and Zapata threatening the capital from the southwest. Huertr-has little left to
 
 is certain and sure. The only hope now is that in his downfall he will not force the United States to a further invasion of Mexico because of the havoc that will be wrought.
 In spite of Villas unsavory record. he has his supporters here. There are many who believe the 'Napoleon of Mexico" feeling the responsibility of his position as the 'man of the hour in that coun- try may develop into as strong a per- sonality in politics he has been as a military leader. and realizing the folly of antagonizing the United States. will accept the situation. whatever it may be. at the time of Huerta's elimination and refuse to become involved with this coun- trv. Others believe that Villa. inflamed with success will yield to Mexican preiu- dice against the United States and make demands of us which may prove difficult to comply with and escape a responsibility which lies heavily upon us.
 Altogether the Mexican situation has reached very interesting and an exceed \ inrly dangerous point The climax is rap H idly approaching and the question of H whether or not we will have to throw an army into that country will soon be set- tied.