p. 9 | Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 19, 1914

Note and Comment

Affairs in Mexico

President Wilson, by an executive order dated February 2, removed all restrictions against the exportation of munitions of war into Mexico from the United States, placing the contending elements there on a basis of equality with respect to the purchase of firearms and supplies in this country. The executive order emphasized the desire of the United States to be in the same position of neutrality toward the contending factions in Mexico as are the other powers.

The long-expected uprising against Provisional President Huerta began during the night of February 6. The garrison in Guadeloupe, a suburb of Mexico City, revolted and marched on the national palace. Loyal troops rushed to the scene, patrols were established along the principal streets, and machine guns mounted on roofs. It is hinted that Felix Diaz, the man who by the seizure of the ciudadela last February paved the way for the overturning of the Madero administration, is behind a secret movement to overthrow his former friend and ally, Huerta. General Blanquet and the provisional president have immured themselves in the national palace under heavy guard, and are taking every possible precaution against any military coup d'état.

It is reported that a decree is awaiting Huerta's signature doubling duties on all imports from the United States. The Mexican government has commandeered virtually the entire oil-fuel supply at Vera Cruz, for the operation of its railroad. Considerable fear is entertained that the railroads operated by the government will soon be without fuel, and that Mexico City, on this account will be cut off from railway communication with the port of Vera Cruz.