Jasper County Democrat, Volume 16, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 February 1914 — U. S. WON'T LAND FORGE IN MEXICO [ARTICLE]

U. S. WON'T LAND FORGE IN MEXICO

President Says It Would Be an Act of War. LEGATION GUARD NOT NEEDED Governor Colquitt of Texas Refused Permission to Send Rangers Into Republic—Wants to Capture v '. Slayers of Ranchman. Austin, Tex., Feb. 27.—Governor Colquitt asked President Wilson by telegraph for permission to send Texas rangers into Mexico to demand the surrender by Huerta forces of the ‘‘abductors and murderers" of Clemente Vergara, a Texas ranchman. Bryan Denies Colquitt's Request. Washington, Feb. 27. —Secretary Bryan denied Governor Colquitt’s request. He said the federal government was doing all that could be done to effect the punishment of Vergara’s slayers. Marines Won’t Land. Washington. Feb. 27.—President Wilson takes the position that for the United States to send marines or armed forces of any kind into Njexico without the consent of the governing authorities there would be an act of war. He declared that permission never had been sought either of General Huerta or General Carranza, and indicated no request of that character would be made in the near future. The president announced, too, that no change in the policy of the American government toward Mexico had been decided on.

Wilson Disputes Huerta. Mr. Wilson had been asked about reports that American troops might be sent across the border to recover the body of William S. Benton, British subject executed by Villa at Juarez, and concerning published dispatches that the United States contemplated sending marines to Mexico City to guard the American embassy. One press dispatch saying Huerta declared that he had refused permission to the United States to send 2,000 marines to Mexico City was shown to President Wilson, who said it was untrue that such a request had been made. Held U. S. Marines Not Needed. President Wilson said that when Great Britain and Germany sent marines to Mexico City to guard their legations the United States was apprised of the step and offered no objections. There was then a disposition to determine whether the American government should take similar action. The president’s information, however, was that Mexico City was quiet and that there was no danger to foreigners. Wfflle Charge O’Shaughnessy and Rear Admiral Fletcher were asked for their opinion about an embassy guard, both advised that such a step was not necessary. It was realized by the administration, that to ask the Huerta government for permission to land marines would involve a recognition of that government.

Believes Huerta Near Fall. The president views the general situation in Mexico as far as the progress of the revolution is concerned as but little changed. Huerta’s resources, he thinks, have been weakened, and he has learned of an undertone of dissatisfaction among Mexicans in the territory controlled by Huerta at the latter’s arbitrary exactions of funds. He let it be known that he had inquired Into various reports about American financial aid to Carranza, and was convinced that that there was no barter in concessions between Carranza and American financiers.

On the Benton episode specifically the president had little information to reveal. He said the United States was slowly finding out the details and that its course meantime must necessarily be a patient one. Asks Drastic Policy. Discussion of the Mexican situation in congressional circles was continued. Members of the senate were disposed to suspend judgment and speeches until all the facts had been gathered, but in the 'house Representative Kahn; Republican, of California, made a speech arguing for a more drastic policy by the American government. The house committee on foreign affairs will consider behind closed doors today the resolution of Representative Ainey concerning protection for Americans in Mexico.