The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-04-25


emptorily demanded by our charge
danaires in person. So far as l can
learn. such wrongs and annoyances
have been suffered to occur only
against representatives OF the United
States. I have heard Of no complaints
from other governments of similar
treatment. Subsequent explanations
and apologies did not and could not
alter the popular impression, which
1t Is possible 1t had been the object of
the Huertista authorizes to create.
that the government OF the United
States was being singled out and might
be singled out with immunity for
sights and affronts in retaliation for
Its refusal to recognize the pretensions
OF Gen. Huerta to be regarded as the
constitutional provisional president Of
tho republic Of Mexico.
THE manifest danger of such a sit
uation was that such offenses might
grow from bad to worse until some-
thing happened of so gross and intol-
cradle a sort as to lead directly and
inevitably to armed conflict. 1t was
necessary that the apologies OF Gen.
Huerta and his representatives should
so much further. that they should be
such as to attract the attention of the
whole population to their significance.
and such as to impress upon Gen.
Huerta himself the necessity of see
ing to 1t that no further occasion for
explanations and professed regrets
should arise. therefore feel 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 q new spirit and attitude on
the part OF the Huertistas.
Such salute Gen. Huerta has
refused and i have come to ask your
approval and support in the course
l now purpose to pursue.
This government can, I earnestly
hope. In no circumstances, be forced
into war with the people Of Mexico.
Mexico Is torn by civil strife. II we
are to accept the tests OF It's own con-
stitution. II has no government. Gen.
Huerta has set his power up in the
City OF Mexico. such as II Is, without
right and by methods for which there
can be no justification. Only part
OF tho country Is under his control.
IL armed conflict should unhappily
como as result Of his attitude Of
personal resentment towards this
government. we should be lighting
only Gen. Huerta and those who ad-
here to him and give him their sup
port. and our object would be only to
restore to the people of the distracted
republic the opportunity to. set up
again their own laws and their own
government.
But i earnestly hope that wlr Is
not now in question. 1 believe that
l speak for the American people when
say that we do not desire to con-
troll In any degree the affairs OF our
sister republic. Our feeling for The
people OF Mexico is one Of deep ard
genuine friendship and everything
that We have SO far done or refrai led
from doing has proceeded from our
desire to help them, not to hinder
or embarrass them. We would not
wish even to exercise the good Offices
Of friendship without their welcome
and consent. The people Of Mexico
are entitled to settle their own do
mestic affairs I'm their own way. and
We sincerely desire to respect their
right. The present situation need
have none of tn grave implications
OF interference If we deal with it
promptly. firmly and wisely.
"No doubt could do what is neces-
sary in the circumstances to enforce
respect for our government without
'NSOthoV W tiiC Nou6 COO, Yet HOI
exceed my constitutional powers as
president; but do not wish to act in
a matter possibly Of SO grave conse-
quence except In close conference and
cooperation with both the senate and
house. therefore come to ask your
approval that 1 should use the armed
forces Of the United States In such
ways and to such an extent as may
be necessary to obtain from Gen.
IIucrta and his adherents the full. at
recognition Of the rights and dignity
Of the United States. even amidst the
distressing conditions now unhappily
obtaining i'm Mexico.
There can in what we do I've no
though of aggression or OF selfish as-