The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-04-29

This government feels bound in
candor to say that it's diplomatic rela-
tions with Mexico being for the pres
ent severed it is not possible to make
sure Of an uninterrupted opportunity
to carry out the plan of intermedia-
zion which you propose. It is, of
course, possible that some act Of ag-
gression on the part of those who con-
troll the military forces of Mexico
might Oblige the United States to act,
thus upsctting the hopes Of immediate
peace, but this does not justify us in
hesitating to accept your generous
suggestion. We shall hope for the
best results within brief time,
enough to relieve our anxiety, lest i'll
considered hostile demonstrations
should interrupt negotiations and dis
appoint our hopes of peace"
From those at tOnight's White
House conference it was learned that
while the president was not sanguine
Of the success Of the mediation plan,
he felt it the duty of the American
government to avail itself of the Of
fer of the South American countries
1t was suggested that the interim Of
negotiations. even though unsuccess-
full, might serve to repress anti
American Outbursts or afford an op-
pOrtunity Of Americans to depart from
Mexico.
The president had the subject un-
der discussion most of the day with
Secretary Bryan and other members
of the cabinet. The matter had been
. Informally discussed by the three
diplomats among themselves, and the
joint note was presented in person to
Mr.. Bryan early today. Late in the
afternoon Mr.. Bryan conferred about
the reply, and it was transmitted to
the diplomats at the State department.
just as the president began his con-
ference at the White House with the
leading Democrats and Republicans Of
the congressional committees in
charge Of foreign affairs. The senators
and representatives declined to be
quoted, but those who discussed it
believe it was right for the United
States to accept good offers, though
not agreeing in advance to any ces-
sation of it's preparations for emer-
gencies
The feature of the plan was the fact
that the United States was joining
hands with three big nations of this
hemisphere, emphasizing Pan-Ameri-
can solidarity and principles of the
Monroe doctrine, and at the same time
showing to Central and South Ameri-
ca the peaceful intentions of the
American government.
The fact that Argentina, Brazil and
Chile have stood with the United
States in refusing to recognize the
Huerta government is an element in
the situation which rose conspicuously
to the front in discussion of the new
situation turned official circles, for the
moment at least, from thoughts of
war to those Of peace. 1t generally
was realized that the task of the three
countries. would be difficult, for they
have been dealing with Huerta only
as de facto ruler, and could not be-
come involved in steps OF formal rec
ognition any more than the United
States in its refusal to sign a written
protocol for the adjustment OF the in
Cidcnts at TampicO and the demand
for a salute to the American flag.
The three diplomats met tonight af-
ter receiving the American govern
mcnts reply to their offer. While not
discussing It,, it is understood they
will endeavor to compose tho entire
Mexican situation in order to restore
constitutional government in Mexico.