New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-04-21


judgment and said that the President
was embarking on a mission unknown
TO international law by making dis
tinction between Hucrta and the MeXi-
can people, or between Huerta and his
adherents and the rest Of the Mexican
people.
Others were reserved in their opin-
ions. and did not want TO make known
their views until they had given mature
and judicious consideration TO the prob
lem. But II was distinctly noticeable
that the Presidents proposal was not
quickly accepted, nor was its meaning
at once clear, nor could these experts
quickly determine that mis- action was
in accordance with or justified by pre-
cepts of the past.
1t was generally agreed however,
that under the circumstances the
President can do pretty much as he
pleases, whether presidents Of bygone
days justify his course or not, which
makes legal argument on the point
bootless, unless. perchance, the argu-
ment comes from within the United
States and forces the administration
10 alter its course.
The proposition that the President
will find It impossible TO make war on
Huerta without making war on the
Mexican people furnished the main
cause of the criticism which sprang
up. How blockade can fail TO af-
feet the Mexican people as whole,
or at least that portion In tho dis
tricts controlled by Huerta, where live
two-thirds OF Mexico's entire popula-
ton, is not clear.
And q blockade IL generally con-
sidered reprisal and q reprsal such
as this. with a nation as large as Mex
leo. is looked upon as an act of war.
With a more Inferior nation than
Mexico blockade might be considered
otherwise than an act of war, but
never has action been taken against
such a nation as Mexico without its
being considered a warlike measure.
Cabinet Members Busy.
There were a dozen conferences or
more on the Mexican situation to-day.
Cabinet officers rushed to the White
House to the Cabinet meeting and then
those directly concerned like the Sec
retarIes Of State War and Navy,
spent most of the day in running
around to each others offices or to the
White House TO see the President.
When they were not doing that they
were at the Capitol TO hear the Presi-
dent deliver his message. Mr.. Bryan
saw the President very early. Later
he saw Mr.. Daniels, and then they all
met at the Cabinet meeting. Later in
the day Mr.. Bryan arrived with the
leaders Of Congress. seeking to induce
them TO support the administration
policy.
There was also an important meeting
Of the Joint Army and Navy Board on
National Defence, presided over BY Ad-
miral Dewey. The gray-haired adj
niral and generals talked over plans
IF attack and forward movement. but
none. however, of defence. This may
rot be war, but It assuredly looks the
part with all the activity now going on. /
1t is said that when the President
stepped from the train from West Vir- .
,inia at 7:15 o'clock this morning his
was a vivid picture Of
,rim, answering determination" He
speedily repaired to the White House
md ate his breakfast. Joseph p. 1'u- /
nulty, his private secretary, was there |
md gave 10 the President the latest /.
developments.
Strain Telling on Bryan.
The Presidents first caller was the
Secretary Of State, who came before
o'clock. after only few hours Of sleep.
Mr.. Bryan looked pale and weary and
gave evident traces OF indisposition.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the
Secretary Of State Is far from well, but
he is constantly at work.
In the mean time the President had
looked at the morning papers. He was
shocked at the headlines. They said
that war with Mexico was inevitable.
II had been previously announced as
early as last night. that the regular
morning conference with the
Washington newspaper correspondents
would not be held. The President. how
ever. after reading the morning papers
decided to sec the newspaper men. He
discussed the situation frankly, ex-
pressing a belief that q wrong impress
sion had been created. The following
out for quotation:
81 want TO say to you, gentlemen, do
not get the impression that there Is
about to be war between the United
States and Mexico. That isn't tho out
look at present at all.
In the first place. In no conceivable
circumstances would We fight the peo-
pie of Mexico. We are their friends.
and We want to help them in every
way that We can 10 recover their
rights and their government and their
laws: and for the present am going to
Congress 10 present special situation
and seek their approval to meet that
special situation. II is only an issue
between this government and person
calling himself the President OF Mexico.