The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1914-04-24

In an atmosphere VI suppressed ex-
citemcnt, rejecting grave tension
and patriotic fervor, the president
asked congress in person for approval
OF his plan. It was the first time
since the war with Spain that the
president had placed so grave an In
ternational crisis before the national
legislature.
Wilson Appears.
Mr.. Wilson spoke in solemn tones
When he entered the house chamber,
the cheers and applause that greeted
him were wildly entbusiastic--an out
burst of the tension that has prevail.
ed in the national capital for the last
"a hours AS he read his message
the applause came largely from the
Democratic side, many Republicans
remaining conspicuously silent. II
presaged an opposition TO the presi-
dents request which was not long in
making its appearance:
Speeches in the house and opposi.
tion in the senate committee on for
eign relations showed that the pros.
pect of passing Immediately the joint
resolution approving the presidents
course was by no means as bright as
it had seemed.
President Wilson had pointed out
that under precedents he did not need
the authority to act, but merely
sought their counsel, advice and ap.
proval 'in matter possibly of SO
grave consequence"
While congress deliberated and
Majority Leader Underwood urged
prompt action, so that IL American
forces were fired on they would be
free to act, the executive branch Of
the government issued orders to the
army and navy with systematic Tegu-
larity. The army was cautioned to
be on the alert and active prepara-
tions to use the militia as volunteer
forces in case of further emergency
were begun.
The warships of the navy were or
dered to concentrate on Tampico
and Vera Cruz as their first objec-
tive. Plans were made to seize these
ports. American merchant vessels
were ordered out of Mexican harbors.
The president conferred at the
White House with the secretaries of
state, war and navy about the sue
cessive steps to be taken TO force rep
aration from Huerta. Major General
Wood, chief of staff of the army;
Rear Admiral Victor Blue, chief Of
the navy bureau of navigation; Rear
Admiral Fiske, chief OF the bureau of
4 operations, and John Lind, the presi-
dents personal representative in
Mexico, were called into the confer
ence.
Clerks and secretaries in the state,
war and navy buildings are being
kept on duty "a hours and everything
is on war basis" Social engage
ments are being Cancelled by govern
ment officials; members of congress
are hesitant to leave Washington
while the crisis is on.
! Wilson Against War.
! The president in statement to
the Washington correspondents, said
he had no enthusiasm for war; that
he hoped to avert it, but that ne was
taking forceful steps to stop those
indignities which might lead TO armed
conflict. lie drew a distinction he
tween the Huerta faction and the
great body of Mexican people who
had refused to recognize General iHu-
erta as their president. The presi.
dent, in deprecating the war spirit
! that had arisen, said I'm no conceiv-
able circumstances will we fight the
people of Mexico"
Measures short of war" are plan
ned by the president, such as the
seizure of customs houses, the occu
patton of coast towns, the taking OF
Mexican warships and blockade Of
Mexico's commerce with the United
States.