Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1914-04-20

the Unlted SLaUeS. nave Hedfd VI no
complaints from other governments
of similar treatmenh. Subsequent
explanations and formal apolog:2s did
not, and could not alter the popular
impression, which it is possible it
has been the object of the huerta
authorities to create that the govern
nJent of the United States was being
singled out, and might be singled ont
with impunity for Sights and af-
fronts, in retaliation for its refusing
to recognize the pretentions Of Gener-
al Huerta to be regarded as the Con-
stitutional president of Mexico.
The manifest danger of such
situation was that such offenses
might grow from bad to worse until
something happens of so gross and
intolerable effect as to lead directly
and inevitably to armed conflict. It
was necessary that the apologies Of
Genral Huerta and his representa-
tives should go much further and
should be such as to attract the at
tention of the whole population to
their significance, and such as to
impress upon General Huerta him
self, the necessity of seeing to it
that no further occasion for explana-
ton and professed regret, should
arise.
|. therefore, felt it my duty to
sustain Admiral Mayo in the whole
of his demand and to insist that the
flag of the United States should be
saluted in such a way as to indicate
a new spirit and attitude on the
part of the Huertatas. (Applause.)
Such a salute General Hucrta has
refused, AID ha, e ectfe 20 ask
your approval and support in the
course now propose to pursue.
This government can, earnestly
hope, in no circumstances b. forced
into war with the people of Mexico.
Mexico is torn by civil strife. II we
are to accept the test of its own con-
stitution, it has no government. Gen
eral Huerta has set his power up III
the City of Mexico, such as it IS, with
out right ani :'y methd-s for which
there can be 10 Justification; only
part of the country. is under his con-
troll. If armed conflict should uphap-
piiv come as result Of his attitude
of personal resentment toward this
government. we should be fighting
only General Huerta and those who
adhere to him and give hlaa their sup
port, and our object can be only to
restore to the people of the distract
ed republic the oportunity: to set up
again their ow laws and their OWE
government (Apnlause.)
But l earnestly hope that war Is moi
now in question. l believe tnat l
speak for the American people When
I:say that we 90 not 'aesire to contr2:l
in any degree tie affairs OF our SIS
ter republic (Applause. y Olr feel
ing for the people of Mexico is one
of deep and genuine friendship, and
everything we have so far done OF re-
Trained from doing has proceeded from
our desire to help them not to hinder
or emba7rass them. We would not
wish even to exercise the good offices
of friendship without their welcome
and consent. The people o. Mexico
are entities; to settle their o~n CO.
>nestic affairs in their own way, and
we sincerely desire to respect their
rights. ! The present situation need
have none of the grave complications
of interference if we deal With i,
properly, firmly and wisely.
No doubt / could. do what is neces-
sarv in the circumstances to enforce
the respect for our government with
out recourse to the Congress, and ye
not exceed my constitutional powers
as President, but do not wish to act
ma II. matter possibly of so grave
/ consequence, except in close confer
I Fence with both the Senate and the
House I, therefore, come to ask your
approval that I should use the aHr'ee
forces of the United States in sue!
/ ways am: to such an extent as may be
necessary to obtain from General Hu
erta and his adherents the fullest!
recognition of the rights and dignity
of the United States, even amidst tn
distressing conditions now unhappliy
obtaining in Mexico.
i There can, in what We do, be ne
IToo+in,,a an nape FIVE