The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-04-20
LAID Before CONGRESS.
(continued from PAGE one,

Continued from Page One.l
was withheld by the authorities of the
telegraphic service until peremptor1iy
demanded by our charge dsaffaires IN
person. So far as I can learn such
fered only to occur against represen-
tatives of the United States. have
heard of no complaints from Otner
governments of similar treatment.
Subsequent explanations and for
NAL apologies did not and could not
alter the popular impression, which 1t
is possible It had been the object OF
the Huertaista authorities to create.
that the government OF the United
States was being singled out and
for sights and affronts, in retaliation
for it's refusal to recognize the pre-
tentions Of General Huerta to be re-
garded as the constitutional provision
n president of the republic OF Mexico.
Asks for Approval.
1.-THE manifest danger of such q
situation was that such Offenses
might grow from bad to worse until
something happened of SO gross and
intolerable a sort as to lead directly
and inevitably to armed conflict. 1t
was necessary that the apologies OF
General Huerta and his representa-
tives go so much further that they
should be such as to attract the at
tention of the whole population to
their Significance, and such as to I'M
press upon General Huerta himself
the necessity Of seeing to it that no
further occasion for explanations and
professed regrets should arise.
II, therefore, felt it my duty to sus-
tain Admiral Mayo in the whole of his
demand and to insist that the flag OF
such a way as to indicate new spirit
and attitude on the part OF the Huerta-
istas. Such a salute General Huerta
has refused and 1 have come to ask
your approval and support in the
course 1 now purpose to pursue.
This government can, l 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 its own con-
stitution 1t has no government. Gen
eral Huerta has set his power up in
the City of Mexico, such as it is. with
out right and by methods for which
there can be no justification. Only
part Of the country is under his con-
troll. If armed conflict should unhap-
PLY come, as result OF his ATTITUDE
of personal resentment towards this
government, we should be fighting only
General Huerta and those who adhere
to him and give him their support. ana
our object would be only to restore to
the people of the distracted republic
own laws and their own government.
Hopes for Peace.
But I earnestly hope that war is
not now in question. l believe that
speak for the American people when 1
say that we do not desire to control
in any degree the affairs of our sis
ter republic. Our feeling for the peo-
pie of Mexico is one of deep and genu-
inc friendship and everything that we
have so far done or RETAINED from do
ing 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 domestic affairs, in
their own way, and we sincerely desire
to respect their right. The present
Complications Of interference if we
deal with it promptly. firmly and
wisely.
mo doubt could do what is necee-
sary to enforce respect for our gov
eminent without recourse to the con-
gress and yet not exceed my cOnstitu
tional powers, as president, but I do
not wish to act in a matter, possibly
of so grave consequence, except in
close conference and cooperation with
both the senate and house, I there
fore, come to ask your approval that
I 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. Huerta and his
adherents the fullest recognition Of
the rights and dignity. of the United
States, even amidst the distressing
conditions now unhappily obtaining
in Mexico.
There can, in what we do, be no
thought of aggression or of selfish
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. We seek to MAIN
tain the dignity and authority of the
United States only because we wish
unimpaired for the uses Of liberty,
both in the United States and wher-
ever else 1t may be employed for the
benefit of mankind"