The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1914-04-24

| occur only against representatives Oi
the United States. | have heard Of nc
complaints from other governments oil
isimilar treatment. Subsequent expla-
nations and formal apologies did not
alter the popular impression which it is
possible it had been the object Of the
Huertista authorities to create that the
government OF the United States was
being singled out and might be singled
out with impunity for sights and af-
fronts in retaliation for its refusal to
recognize the pretentions Of Gen. Huerta
to be regarded as the constitutional pro-
visional president Of The republic Of
Mexico.
MIGHT GET WORSE.
The manifest danger OF such sit
uation was that such offenses might
grow from bad to worse until some-
thing happens Of so gross and intol-
cradle sort as to lead directly and in
eyitably to armed conflict. 1t was nec-
essary that the apologies OF Gen. Huerta
and bis representatives should 20 much
further, that they should be such as to
attract the attention Of the whole pop
ulation to their significance and such as
to impress upon Gen. Huerta himself
the necessity Of seeing to it that no
further occasion for explanations and
professed regrets should arise. ! there-
fore felt 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 new spirit and attitude
on the part Of the Huertistas.
Such salute Gen. Huerta has re-
fused and / have come to ask your APP
proyal and support in the course | now
purpose to pursue.
This government can, earnestly
hope, in no circumstances be forced into
war With the people Of Mexico. Mexico
isstorn by civil strife. II we arctic ac-
cept the tests Of its own constitution,
it has no government. Gen. Huerta
has set his power up ID 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 under
bis control. II armed conflict should
unhappily come as result of bis atti-
tude Of personal resentment toward this
government, we should be fighting only
Gen. Huerta and those who adhere to
him and give him their support, and
our object would be only to restore to
the people nf the distracted republic the
to set up again their own
laws and their own government.
WANT NO CONTROL.
but I earnestly hope that war is not
now in question. / believe that speak
or the American people when ! say
hat we do not desire to control in any
legree the affairs OF our sister republic.
Dur feeling for the people Of Mexico is
me Of deep and ssnuine friendship, a
md everything we have so far done or
efrained from doing has proceeded
rom our desire to help them, not to
Under or embarrass them. We would
lot even wish to exercise the good offices Ii
i friendship without their welcome and ,
onsent. The people Of Mexico are en-
tiled their own domestic affairs in their 4
wn way, and we sincerely desire to re-
pect their right. j
The present situation need have none :
the grave complications OF interfer-
nee il we deal with it promptly, firmly
nd wisely. 9
No doubt | could do what is neces- Z
sry in the circumstances to enforce re-
rect for our government without re- !.
purse to the Congress and yet not ex-
led my constitutional powers as Presi- Y
snt; but do not wish to act on mat 4
II of 10 grave consequence except 10 I
ose conference and cooperation with 81
,th the Senate and House. q
ASKS FOR APPROVAL. I I
II therefore come to ask your APP al
oval that I should use the armed Il
rces Of the United States in such ways W
ID to such IN extent az may be neces- al
ry to obtain from Gen. Huerta and as
j advocates the fullest recognition Of VI
9 rights and dignity Of the United
ates, even against the distressing con-
lions now unhappily obtaining in
exico. AL
There can in what we do be no hi
ought OF aggression or Of selfish az iii
andizemenf. We ask ID maintain the SO
gnity and authority 6f the United 3r
sfes only because We wish always to | al
ep our great influence unimpaired for ial
] uses Of liberty, both III The United ! W