The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-10-24

Latin American diplomats are amaz-
ed ut the statement in President VIII
sons speech of acceptance: $50 long
as the power Of recognition rests with
me the Government Of the United
States will refuse to extend the hand
power In u sister republic by treuchery
and violence"
This is the Presidents explanation
Of his refusal to recognize Huerta and
Of his Mexican policy. Yet the rec
ords show that President Wilson has
deliberately violated this dIctum in
several instances since the case of
Huerta arose.
The most fragrant example was the
Presidents recognition extended to
Col. Benavldes, head of the revOlu-
tlOnary Government In Peru, In Febru-
AIRY, 1914. His Government was found
ed on assassination, established by
assassination and had no vestige of
constitutional authority back of 1t. II
came Into power on February 4, 1914,
when Col. Benavides led the garrison
troops against the national palace ut
Lima, imprisoned President Billing
hurst and assassinated the Minister
of War and all others who opposed
the coup d'etat.
More fragrant Than Mexico.
Minister McMillin reported these
facts fully to Washington and assum-
ed that this Government would de-
cline to sanction the newly establish
ed regime. The case was identical
with the Huerta case in Mexico, ex-
cept much more fragrant violation
Of the spirit OF popular government
Huerta had MaderO and Vice-Presi-
dent Suarez imprisoned, but he be-
came President of Mexico under pro-
visions of the constitution providing
for the succession of the Minister of
Foreign Affairs upon the disability of
the President. Huerta's accession to
the Presidency was confirmed by the
Mexican Congress.
Benavides came into power simply
by killing those who opposed him.
His acts had no basis whatever in the
constitution of his country and were
not confirmed by the Peruvian Con-
gress. His sole backing was junta
of conspirators who forced their
will on the unapprovlng people by
means Of ready rifle bullets. Under
these circumstances Minister McAlil-
lin naturally assumed that Presi-
dent Wilson would have nothing to
do with Benavides and his junta.
The President shortly before this had
stated In speech at Mobile, Ala:
1--WE must follow the course Of high
principle, not expediency, no matter
what the pressure. To do otherwise
would be untrue to ourselves"
Envoy Is Surprised.
Mr.. McMillin was therefore mildly
surprised when he was instructed by
President Wilson to call on the newly
established Benavides and graciously
confer the recognition of the United
States Government upon him.
In explaining this the President
simply said that "expediency dictated
the recognition Of the revolutionary
government of Peru" He told his ad-
visers that he had not liked the per-
sonality Of Billinghurst. He was cha
grined also with the news that Bill
llnghurst had intended to dissolve
the Peruvian Congress, which the
President said would have been an
unconstitutional act.
Latin American diplomats at the
time were astonished to learn of the
Presidents action In Peru. They
found that 1t was impossible to know
where the President stood on any mat
ter Of principle, and Informed their
governments that the Presidents per-
sonal whlms doubtless were to be his
guidance In conducting this Govern
ment's Latin-Amerlcan policy.