Evening star., 1914-07-17


Orozco of the clan of northern revolu-
tionaries. was the lone notable figure
among the diSaffected who declared for
the new government
President Taft, nearing the end of his
term, left to his successor the problem
of adjusting diplomatic relations with
Mexico. To Woodrow Wilson Huerta sent
felicitations on the day of the American
Presidents inauguration.
Difficulty in Raising Funds.
Hampered at the outset of his admin
istration by the refusal of the United
States to recognize him. Huerta soon
faced growing difficulties in raising funds
to run his government. His uneasy hold
upon affairs was weakened by minor con-
stitutionalist victories in the north and
by recurring rumors OF break with
Felix Diaz. nephew Of Porfirio Diaz and
Huerta's attorney in the overthrow of
Madero.
May / Huerta announced that he would
urge congress to call elections in Oc-
tober to choose his successor. Congress
voted October Is as the date Of the cleo
ton and a decree to that effect was is
sued by Huerta June 3. Felix Diaz. who
had announced himself as a candidate
for the presidency, was sent to Japan
July IL.
Henry Lane Wilson. American ambas-
sador. was recalled to Washington and
Nelson o'Shaughnessy. charge danaires.
was left In charge of American interests
in Mexico.
Early in August it became known that
President Wilson intended to send John
Lind, ex-governor Of Minnesota, to Mex
leo as his personal representative in an
endeavor to arrange basis for the re-
public's peace Huerta announced that
he would not tolerate foreign interference.
Nevertheless. Mr.. Lind delivered his
note from President Wilson. Huerta re-
jected all proposals made by the Ameri-
can government. chief Of which were the
suggestions that he resign and that he
not be candidate on election day. Rela-
tions between Mexico and the United
States became acute. President Wilson
proclaimed his policy in an address before
Congress. to which was attached the
correspondence between Mr.. Lind and
the Huerta administration.
Criticises Huerta; Disappears.
Huerta was attacked In the Senate
October by Senator Dominguez, who
had the hardihood to speak what was in
the minds Of himself and some Of his
colleagues. Dominguez disappeared. The
chamber of deputies adopted a resolution
calling for an investigation.
To. this Huerta's reply was dramatic
and swift. He marched a column. of
troops to the deputies chamber. seized
10 of them and threw them into prison.
Next he dissolved congress and took to
himself the legislative authority, calling
for the election Of new members Oc-
tober 26. Through Mr.. O'Shaughnessy.
the United States made representations
against violence to the imprisoned depu-
ties. In the election campaign certain in
fluences close to the dictator worked for
his return to the presidency. with Gen.
Banquet as his running mate. and lent
color to the persistent report that
Huerta really desired to be elected and
that his pretenses to the contrary were a
sham.
When it became certain that the cleo
tons had resulted in no constitutional
choice on account of the failure Of voters
to 20 to the polls. the American govern
ment peremptorily called on him to re-
sign. In a statement to the diplomatic
corps November 0 he announced he
null and ordered another election.
November II Huerta refused to ac-
cede to the American demand for his
resignation. and John Lind left Mexico
city for Vera Cruz
warships to the Mexican coast and Amer
leans continued to leave Mexico
Definite proposals were made by the
herents- Several of the European pow
crs. notably Great Britain. Germany and
France, gave. strong support to the policy
Of the United States. The constitution
alists grew stronger and continued their
advance to the south. They captured
Victoria. Chihuahua, Juarez and Culia-
IAN.
Foreign Warships Sent to Scene.
The situation became critical that
Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain
and Japan ordered warships to Mexican
waters.
Fighting continued at Tampico and
many other centers. and Torreon was
taken by the constitutionalists.
An embargo placed on the expectation
of arms from the United States to Mex
leo was raised early in February of the
present year.
a large number of American troops
concentrated on the American Dor.
der and the American fleet III Mexican
waters was strengthened.
The constitutionalists advanced or
Torreor and Monterey. and the former
place was captured early in April.
Then came the departure of John Lind
from Vera Cruz and the arrest of a
party of American bluejackets al
Tampico. for which an apology and
salute were demanded by the United
States and refused by Huerta-
April II bluejackets and marines were
landed and occupied Vera Cruz in con
sequence of the reported approaching
arrival of a large consignment of arms
and ammunition for Huerta. A number
Of Americans were killed i'll the street
lighting. The Mexicans retired and de.
stroyed a portion of the railway.
Shortly afterward mediation propose
from Argentina. Brazil and Chile wa,
accepted. and conference ensUed a,
Niagara Falls.