The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-17

Navy Department authorities con-
scented only the acknowledgment OF
an apology. such as one gentleman
would make to another after satlsfac-
ton had been rendered.
There In one feature OF the proposed
settlement of the crisis. however, in
which this Government has no
precedent for guidance. SO far as
authorities here have been able to
ascertain this will be the first instance
where salutes Of this character have
Neen exchanged between nations. one Of
which has refused to recognize the
existing Government of the other.
There was some very fine splitting Of
hairs to-day In arguments advanced to
show that this salute by Huerta's troops
and the return OF twenty-one guns by
the United States would not constitute
an act Of recognition Of the Huerta
Government. II was contended that
the United States in accepting the
salute from Huerta's men would be
dealing with the Mexican nation and not
with the Huerta Government. Like
wise the United States in replying to
the salute would be acknowledging the
flag as the symbol OF the nation and
not Of the Huerta Government.
II Huerta's reparation s carried
through without a hitch the United
States will still find itself confronted
with the fundamentals Of the Mexican
problem that have kept the interna-
tional pot boiling for almost two years.
IT was indicated plainly here to-day
that in the event Of the successful dis
posal Of the present acute situation the
Administration would return to the
policy which 1t has heretofore pursued
In Mexico.
In other words, President Wilson has
no intention Of making the present
difficulties a pretext for armed inter-
vention IL satisfaction is given to wipe
out the insults to the American flag
and the American uniform.
Back TO Old Policy.
In reverting again to watchful walt
ing. however. there will be this differ
ence: Huerta and the other Mexican
leaders. including Carranza, Villa and
company. will have had a wholesome
lesson and will be disposed to regard
with greater respect and consideration
representations made by this Govern
ment in regard to the lives and property
Of Americans and other foreigners In
Mexico.
Huerta and the Constitutlonalists will
find too that President Wilson will be
more prompt to assert the power OF the
United States and to rely upon threats
Of force to carry out the obligations Of
this country to the rest Of the world.
The first tntimation that the crisis had
passed came about II o'clock this morn
ing. when Secretary Bryan hurried from
the State Department to the White House.
He was smiling. The Secretary had been
glum for the last three days over the inn
minence Of war and everybody read good
news In his changed appearance.
Mr.. Bryan bore a message which had
Just been translated from the code by ex-
perts at the State Department. This
message contained Charge d'Ahaires
o Shaughnessy's report of an interview he
had had with President Huerta at the
National Palace early to-day. President
Wilson was in conference with Senator
shively. the acting chairman Of the Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations. when
Mr.. Bryan hurried in. Secretary Bryan
was with the President half an hour He
refused to discuss the situation when he
left the White House. but the smile he
had worn when he entered had broadened
. In few minutes Senator Shively came
out OF the Presidents Office. He dropped
the hrst real intimation OF a change In
Huerta's attitude, He said he had reasons
for believing that the situation would now
be adjusted in accordance with the wishes
Of the United States. Then came Secre
tary Tumulty with the information thai
the President had received information Of
. most encouraging character.
Return salute Demanded.
Aftsr that the news quickly spread tina
Huerta had actually signifed 10 O'Shaugh
messy his Willingness to order the nationa
salute fired at Tampico. but had addressed
an inquiry as to whether the Unitec
States would consent to fire a salute I,
the nag In acknowledgment, The matte
therefore hinged upon President Wilson,
decision as to the return OF the salute.
The Navy Department was tmmediatel!
called upon for a report on the signif
canoe OF the return OF a salute. All Off
Gals OF the Department agreed that tn
return of the salute by the United State
was necessitated by the customs of navle
the world over. The President was in
formed that the question OF recognition o
the de facto Government OF Mexico coul
not be involved In the return OF the salut
according to international practice as un
derstood by tho United States navy OH
cials.
The President thereupon lost no time 4
informing Charge d'Affaires OShaugh
messy that the United States would. O
course observe all the formalities pre-
scribed by established practices In &C
knowledging the salute.
Secretary Bryan after consultation wit
tho President prepared a despatch
O'Shaughnessy. which was translated int
code and then put on the wires The mes
sage was started shortly after 2 o'clocl