The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1914-04-22
the republic OF Mexico.
Might GrOW Worse.


The manifest danger Of such a sit
uation was that such offcnscs might
grow from bad to worse until some
thing happened Of SO gross and intol-
cradle q sort as to lead directly and
inevitably to armed conflict. 1t was
necessary that the apologies of Gen.
Ertrta and his representatives should
so much further, that they should be
such as to attract the attention OF the
Whoic population to their Significance,
and such as to Impress upon Gen.
hurrta himself the necessity OF see
Ing to 1t that no further occasion for
explanations and professed regrets
should arise. | therefore feel il my
duty to sustain Admiral Mayo in the
whole Of his demand and to insist
that the flag OF the United States
Saould be saluted in such way as to
Indicate new spirit and attitude on
the part OF the Hucrtistas.
Such salute Gen. Huerta has re-
fused and ! have come to ask your
approval and support in the course
| 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 If we
stitution. 1t has no government. Gen.
Huerta has set his power up in the
city Of Mexico, such as it is, without
right and by methods for which there
can be no justification. Only part of
the country is undcr his control. If
armed conflict should unhappily come
as result Of his attitude Of personal
resentment towards this government,
we should be fighting only Gen. Huer-
to and those who adhere to him and
give him their support, and our object
would be only to restore to the people
OF the distracted republic the oppor-
tunity to set up again their own laws
and their own government.
Hopes for Peace.
But | earnestly hope that war IS
not now in question. 1 believe that
| 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 and
genuine friendship and everything
that we have so far done or rcfrained
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
arc entitled to settle their own do
mestic affairs in their own way, and
we sincerely desire to respect their
right. The present situation need
nave none Of the grave implications
OF interference If we deal with it
promptly, firmly and wisely.
mo doubt could do what is neces-
sary In the circumstances to enforce
respect for our government without
recourse to the congress, and yet not
exceed my constitutional powers as
president; but | do not wish to act in
matter possibly Of so grave consc-
quence except In close conference and
cooperation with both the senate and
house. therefore come to ask your
approval that | shonld use the armed
forces Of the United States in such
ways and to such an extent as may
be necessary to obtain from Gen
Huefta and his adhcrents the full st
RECOGNITION Of the rights and diHn,uy
OF the United States, even amidsl tho
Distressing conditions now unhappily
hfaining ! Mexico.
There can in what we do be no