The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-04-20
A Positive Refusal to Comply
With the Demands Made.
n LONG Statement ISSUED
By the Mexican Minister Of
Foreign Affairs
In Which He Defends the
Course of His Chief.

Mexico City. Mex, april 20.-The
Mexican capital awaited with in
tense interest today the next word from
Provisional President Huerta to COM
ply with the demand Of the United
States. All the morning papers pub
lished lengthy statement by the Mex
lean foreign minister. Senor Hojas,
outlining the reason for the position
General Huerta had taken, namely that
the American flag was net flying on the
boat when the blue Jackets were ar
rested on shore at Tampico, that there
fore the flag had not been insulted, and
that compliance with the demand for
an unconditional salute would be hu-
initiating to Mexico.
This statement was followed by Z
statement from President Huerta ad.
vising Mexicans to refrain from DEM
onstrations which might embarrasD
possible future negotiations.
Many American residents have made
preparations to stay in the Mexican
capital. whatever be the outcome Of
the present crisis. unless they are or
dered to leave by the Mexican author
tiles. They express belief that they
will not be harmed in any eventuality.
Others are going to Vera Cru4 or arc
making preparations to~leave II neces-
sary.
Words Instead of Salute.
Mexico City, April 20.-The formal
reply by the Mexican government to
the demands Of the United States was
/ handed to Nelson O'Shaughnessy. the
American charge d'affaires at exactly
six o'clock last evening, at the foreign
Office. The charge however had been
made aware previously of the nature
of the document.
Mr.. O'Shaughnessy had seen Senior
Porttllo y Rojas late in the afternoon
in the suburbs Of Coyocan, where he
had gone to dine with some friends
Provisional President Huerta dis
played comparative indifference to the
crisis and passed several hours last
evening listening to the military band
playing in -Chapultepec park. =
Several hundred American residents
spent the evening at the American
club where q dinner and entertain
ment were given.
The Day in Congress.
Washington, April Ex-senator
Chamberlain introduced bill to appro-
pirate $50, 100000 for national defense
and other purposes. Arranged to meet
in joint session at p. m. with house
to hear president on Mexican situation.
House arragned joint session with
Mexican situation.
McGillicuddy workmen's compensa-
ton bill ordered favOrably reported by
judiciary committee. Foreign affairs
committee arranged for meeting Inn
mediately after presidents address.
The senate passed the volunteer
army bill for taking into the regular
service militia regiments time of war.
The bill already has passed the house.
The Chamberlain bill provides:
THAT the president Of the United
States be, and hereby is. authorized to
expend in his discretion for the ma
tional defense and for each and every
purpose connected Herewith the sum
Of fifty million dollars out of any
moneys in the treasury not otherwise
appropriated, which sum shall remain
available until expended"
This is identical to the bill passed
before the war with Spain.
Congress VIII Do What Is Asked.
Washington, April 20-Speaker Clark
and Chairman Flood. or the foreign at
fairs committee, conferred with Demo-
cratic Leader Underwood and arranged
that as soon as the president shall have
read his message the foreign affairs COM
a resolution. Underwood, after telephon-
Congress will do whatever the presi-
dent asks, which probably will be q
blockade of the Mexican ports and steps
| to protect American lives and property"
CONTINUED on Page Two.)