New-York tribune., 1916-04-28
MEXICAN POLICY
ASSAILEDBY KNOX
Former Secretary Attacks
Wilson for Not Having
Recognized Huerta.

Pittsburgh. April 27.-The foreign
poljev Of the Wilson Administration
especially that affecting Mexico, was
severely criticised by speakers at the
annual Grant Day banquet OF the
Americus Club here tonight.
Pbilander c. Knox, Secretary OF state
IN President Taft's Cabinet. explained
why Mr.. T.f. die not recognize Cen
eral Huerta as President Of Mexico
and replied TO the assertion that freSl-
dent Wilson inherited the troublesome
Mexican situation from mis- predecessor,
while United States Senator Boies Pen
rose. OF Pennsylvania. declared the
management of international affairs in
the case Of Mexico constituted "one
of the most deplorable chapters in our
diplomatic history
at has been asserted time and again
b. the apologists." said Mr.. Knox. "for
the Democratic blundering IN Mexico
that President Wilson inherited the
Mexican situation from President TAFT.
Nothing could be further. from the
truth than this statement, ms review
Of the situation will conclusivoly dis
close
At the time Mr. Taft assumed Office,
Mr. Knox declared. Mexico was pros
porous. Two years later the Madero
revolution broke out and drove Por-
frio Diaz from the dictatorship and
the country.
Although Madero was formally rec
ognized by the United States and other
powers. he was not recognized oy
powerful factions in Mexico. These
plotted his downfall. Finally. in febru-
ary. 1913. Felix Diaz carried the war
into Mexico City itself. and Madero
saw at once that his regime was
doomed.
Madero Resigns.
"Whon Madero resigned on Febru'
ary 10, 1913, the Minister Of Foreign
Affairs under the Mexican constitution
became President" said Mr.. Knox
This was Pedro Lascurain. ne
APPOINTED General Huerta Minister OF
War. The Minister Of Foreign Affairs
then resigned and the Office devolvec
on Huerta. and this was on February
10. 1918. II is important 70 mark these
dates
at has been attempted. with a grea'
measure OF success, TO make the Amer
lean people believe that Huertn beam
President through Madaro's death
Perhaps 90 per cent of intelligent
Americans so understand II. But this
is not true. Huerta became Presidon'
through Madcro and Lascurain's res
ignations. Maderos death lid TO
occur until some days later. as 70
ctal Of the sequence Of events VII
now make clear.
February IL, the government o
Nadero was overthrow: February ~
Madero resigned; February -, Huert'
became Provisional President; Febru
arv %. about midnight, Madero wa'
killed while being transferred from me
palace TO the penitentiary.'
Huerta asked for recognition. an'
the Taft Administration asked for th'
customary proof and assurances tha
the Huerta government could take rs
place among all self-respecting an'
/ self-capable governments.
II was in the consideration Of these
assurances and these proofs that IN
remaining twelve days OF Mr.. Ia;t
! administration passed before decision
/ could be reached This is why Iaf
did not recognize Huerta. declared Mr.
| Knox. The speaker continued:
what Mr.. Wilson inherited from Mr
/ Taft was an outstanding unanswere'
diplomatic request TO the de facto gov
ernment at Mexico City for defnit
assurances for the security of Amer
lean rights and the adjustment o
American claims. As a preliminary 4
/ the consideration of the question o
recognition, what Mr.. Wilson did wa
/ TO repudiate the policy OF his prcdo
/ cessor in this as in all other things
/ and create situation that made ih
adjustment Of American rights impos
| sible"