MEXICO.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15047, 15 August 1914, Page 14

MEXICO.

HUEBTA'S DOWNFALL.

PACIFICATION OP THE

REPUBLIC

UNCLE SAJrS HARD TASK

(raou ora sncui* cokbesto^dkvt.)

SAN FRANCIbOO, July 21

The obvious comment on the resignation and flight of Hnerta, the Sexican dictator, who rose to power over tho murdered body of President Madero, is that it is a triumph for President Woodrow Wilson. Unquestionably, Huerta'e downiall is the result of the steady and relentless pressure of the American Government, over a period of more than a year, in the face of recognition accorded the dictator by European nations. But it is far from probable that President Wilson looks at the latest development in the Mexican situation in the light ox' a triumpn for himself. Ail tho portencs would indicato that thero are troublous times etili in store for Mexico, and the responsibility of tne United States for tho luturo of tne neighbouring Republics is now greater than cvor. Tno elimination of Jtauerta by no moans implies the certain pacification of Mexico, although it does involve the removal of one of tho chief obstacles to that end. Possibility of further strife lies in the known e» trangement between Carranaa, chief of the Constitutionalist or rebel party, and his successiiU general, Villa. Villa is a man of no education and no gifts but those for military leadership. It is duo to his successful warfare that the Constitutionalist causo has gained such headway that the Government will shortly be turned over to that faction. Villa does not want tho Presidency, but it is doubtful if he will bo willing to see Carranza elevated to that post. It is said that he favours General Angeles, a brilliant organiser and leader of cavalry in tho rebel forces, for President. This is ono of the obstacles to peace. Another is tho action of General Orozoo in starting a counter-revolution within the last few days, and taking to the mountains with 400 troops; while the renewed guerilla warfare on the west coast, and the activities of Zapata are also causing concern. However, tho departure of Haerta from Mexico is about the best thing that could have happened to the KepubHc. That he had reached the end o« his tether is beyond doubt. The Treasury is depleted, and signs of revolt in Mexico. City havo not been wanting. It also had been demonstrated that his army was no match for the Villa forces, and the latter would certainly have driven him from Mexico City sooner or later. ■ In resigning Huerta did not tail to make a thrust at the United States and President Wilson. "You aU know," he said, addressing the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, "the immense difficulties which my Government hae encountered owing to a scarcity of funds, as welt as to the manifest and decided protection wlfich a great power of this Continent has afforded to the rebels—so much so that when the revolution hae been broken pp, seeing that ita chief leaders were, and continued to be divided, the power in question sought a pretext to intervene ttireotly in , the conflict, and tho result of this "was the outrage committed at Vera Cruz, by the American Fleet. . . In conclusion, I will say that 1 abandon the Presidency of the Republic, carrying with mc the highest sum of human wealth, for I declare that I have arraigned at tho bar of universal conscience the honour of a Puritan, whom I as a gentleman challenge to wrest from mc that possession." •

The provincial presidency was handed over to Francisco Carbajal. The understanding at Washington is that Carbajal will hold office only until euch timo as satisfactory arrangements can be made for the entry into Mexico City of Caranza. Carbajal seems to have no desire to perpetuate himself in the presidency. He has stated that hie one desire is to arrange an amnesty co as to conserve tho lives of those who supported Huerta. Carranza is willing enough to agree to this, but Villa, who also has to Dβ consulted, has a savage etrain in his nature that calls for taking of bloody revenge on his enemies. It is just here that tho United (States is still playing an aotivo part in the game. John B. Silliman, the personal representative of President Wilson at the constitutionalist headquarters, has, under instructions from Washington, urged upon Carranza that further fighting wouid be useless on account of the readiness of the Carbajal Government to surrender its power. Carranza was also counselled against the execution of prisoners, or any other atrocities which tho spirit of revenge might arouse in a conquering army. The United States will recognise a darranza Government that ia the result of a compromise or agreement with Carbajal, tho present provisional president.

Villa eeems to feel tho disappointment of a wild boast from whose grasp his prey has escaped. "I would much prefor that Huerta had remained in the chair, or in Mexico City t until we could get our hands on him," eaid Villa when informed of the dictator's resignation. It is euch remarks by the lobol genaral, and reports of coldblooded murders committed with his own hands, that impel eorno critics of President Wilson to express doubt whether in causing a transfer of power fron , , Huerta to Villa ho has achieved any improvement. Should Villa prove the real power in the new government, as he Itais in tho military operations that have brought his party to its preeent commanding position, there is every possibility of some bloody reprisals being taken.