Mexico and Her Troubles

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 6, 1913

Mexico and Her Troubles

The situation in Mexico may still be fitly described as “difficult and dangerous.” President Madero’s brief term of office expired in a manner even more tragic than that of the man whom he deposed. The release of Felix Diaz from prison was followed immediately by fierce attacks by his followers upon the buildings occupied by the government, and the terrific bombardment by high-power guns within the city itself for nine days created conditions that are impossible to describe, and resulted in untold damage to property. It is stated that of the many hundreds killed the larger portion were non-combatants, including men, women, and children. President Madero professed belief in his ability to put down the insurrection up to the hour of his capture and imprisonment at the hands of his own generals. General Huerta was chosen provisional president, a new cabinet was selected, and the prospects of peace after so much turmoil were gladly welcomed by the distressed inhabitants of the city and by foreign governments. But the selection of General Huerta has not proved acceptable in all parts of Mexico, and the reports indicate that further trouble may be expected. There seems to be dissatisfaction with the selection in both the north and the south. Fearing that the deposed president might be summarily executed, the government of the United States requested that the new government of Mexico give Francisco Madero a fair trial. This was promised; but while he and the vice-president were being conveyed from the government palace to the penitentiary, his guards were attacked, and in the exchange of shots both the former president and vice-president were killed. This has had a bad effect throughout Mexico, as Madero still had many sympathizers. While the new government disavows any complicity in the death of these two men, it is very evident that foreign governments are not ready to excuse the new Mexican government from all blame in the matter. The various diplomats in Mexico have declined an invitation to dine with the new minister of foreign affairs, thus indicating their governments’ feelings of disapproval or dissatisfaction over the course of events. In a late despatch, however, American Ambassador Wilson wires his belief in the innocence of General Huerta. With a number of the rebel leaders declaring that they will not accept the new régime, and even governors of some states declaring against General Huerta’s selection, the outlook is not promising. The United States government is despatching troops to the number of nearly 10,000 to Galveston to be ready in case developments in Mexico should make it seem necessary for the United States to intervene. The British press is urging the United States to do so, and in several of our State legislatures bills have been introduced urging intervention, although it is realized that such a step would mean a long and costly war.