New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-18

W Of the Confederate general. anc
Mrs. Longstreet, interviewing
Ex-Dictator. Thinks Him Guilt
less of Madero's Death-F1e
Refuses to Criticise Wilson, but
Calls Vera Cruz Incident Futile
Loves Villa and Carranza
About Alike.
Mrs. Helen Dortci LoHgstreet,
uho vas the second r.. ot the Con-
tederate General Jrres LongStreet,
tcas inspired to sech on intervielc
pith General II ortG because she felt
that both Of them had been Uictims
of President Wilson's policies.
Mrs. Loagstreet 1Cos the Reptbh-
can oppoiatee as postmaster at
Gane3riHe. Gq., and her Ousting by
the President against the desires to
the majority Of Gainesvilie citizens,
uho had not forgotten her husbands
heroic services in the Grill War, IS
stW fresh IN the public memory.
Bv HELEN DORTCH LONGSTREET.
It was not the soldier Of iron and
blood. the grim victor Of many hard
folds. nor the eXiled President, sor-
row-worn for the bloodshed and de-
vastation In the land of the Monte
zumas. who bowed over my hand in his
suite at the Ansonia yesterday after
noon and thanked me for coming.
II was Huerta, the man of sympa-
thetic appreciation, quick understand
ing and impulsivc responsiveness, who,
DESPITE p career whose warriors course
had been unbroken, seemed we'll fitted
TO whisper sef-nothings in Rosalind's
boudoir.
Nv first impression OF the man was
mis- kindlness, mis- softness of manner,
his magnetism, his wonderful viGor.
lie is as erect as West '-nter, and
exhibits the virile strength O, ne av-
erage man of fifty.
He is not fierce and hard like mis-
pictures Looking at him more IN
tently. | read the shadows of wor.d-old
burdens in his eyes. But he is man
whom one would single out to give
weary traveller a draught of cool water
on the dusty highway. One would
never pick him for the midnight as
sassin whom the writer of this story
proclaimed him following the murder
Of Madero.
Huerta says he did not instigate the
assassination Of Madero. and was not,
directly or indirectly, accessory to the
crime.
II was not 50 important that he
should deny responsibility. as that, af-
ter enjoying the longest interview with
MeXicos eX-President which he has
granted since landing in New York, |
should believe him guiltless of Ma
deros murder.
Huerta Salutes Flag.
America, wearied of the mad doings
of kings and captains on the battle
fields Of Europe, finds diversion in the
presence in New York Of Nictorlans
Huerta, depoSed ruler Of Mexico.
How do you like the welcome our
people have given you, and did YOU
salute Old Glory when you stepped
ashore ," | inquired Of General Huerta
as he bowed over my hand with stately
Old World grace of manners. He had
entered the reception room OF his
suite. where | was waiting for him,
with the quick, vigorous tread Of man
in mis- prime.
General Huerta does not speak a
word of English. His Spanish secre-
tary. in the soft tones of Southern
countries. acted as interpreter.
Tell the serora." he said. that |
have been greatly pleased with the
greetings her countrymen have given
me, and salute her country's flag with
all my homage. 1t stands for great
ness and freedom and justice"
A fusillade of questions was tired
az General Huerta. Again and again
he would say: "To answer that ques-
ton judiciousiy would require much
careful thought
At last | fell upon an easy ques-
zion: What do you consider the
strongest ana What lne NedhcNt poluL
in our governments Mexican policy"
He spoke sharply. and then !apsed
INTO silence which no persuasion could
break: Il will not discuss Washing
ton politics. Charming and versatile
as YOU American women are, you can
not induce me TO criticse your coun-
try's politics"
But" ! said. that is just what
want YOU 70 talk about. Representing
a host Of my cOuntrymen who have
never believed that our government
had the slightest right TO Interfere in
the internal affairs of Mexico or that
history can ever Justify our occupation
Of Vera Cruz; for the satisfaction of
millions Of my countrymen VINO DO not
believe in the Mexican policy OF the
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