RECENT EVENTS IN MEXICO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1569, 27 June 1916, Page 4

RECENT EVENTS IN MEXICO.

ANARCHY AND CIVIL WAR

AMERICAN INTERVENTION

ENCOUNTERS ON THE BORDER

PUNITIVE EXPEDITIONS

The state of anarchy which at present prevails in Mexico dates from the expulsion of President Porflrio Diaz in 1911, and the simultaneous overturning of a settled administration which had brought prosperity to the country during the 30 years immediately preceding that date. The United States Government, however, was not directly interested in the revolution which placed Madero at the head of a new Government. It was the subsequent assassination of Madero in 1913. After his chief subordinate, General Huerta, had joined forces with Felix Diaz, leader of a second revolt, that first caused the States to become deeply concerned in (he progress of Mexican events.

Huorta proclaimed himself Provisional President in February, 1913, but, although he promised (hat an election should be held at the end of the year, and by his strong rule introduced an improved administration, the otlicial recognition of the latter was delayed by the United States on the ground “that it would foster the tendency to indiscriminate rebellions against; lawful authority.” President "Wilson laid down as conditions for a settlement an immediate cessation of fighting, an early free election, and an undertaking by Huerta, that he would not bo a candidate. These conditions requiring an assent which it was considered impossible to give, the situation remained unsatisfactory at (he end of (he year. However, the revolutionaries continued their activities, and the presidential election was finally declared void through an alleged insufficiency of votes. FLEET SEIZES VERA CRUZ.

The elimination of General Huerta avas aeeomplished in 1914, though not without difficulty. In April, 1015, the United States determined to put an end to ihe policy of “watchful waiting.” This was precipitated by the Tampico incident, when the Federals arrested the crew of a United States launch. The American admiral, Mayo, sent an ultimatum demanding an apology and the reply being coisidored unsatisfactory, the Atlantic Fleet seized the Mexican port of Vera Cruz. An offer on the part of the South American republics to mediate was accepted, and as a rseult of negotiations a protocol was signed providing for the establishment of a provisional government in Mexico, to be recognised by the United States. In duly, 19.1.4, Huerta resigned and went into exile. Senor Carbajal was chosen successor, only to be exiled in August, by Generals Carranza and Villa, the leaders of the “Constitutionalist” rebel party of the north. Carranza became President, whereupon a quarrel broke out between himself and Villa, which was complicated by the raising of a third rebel army under General Zapata. Meanwhile the American troops were withdrawn.

Anarchy continued throughout Mexico until June, 1915, when President Wilson issued a warning to the leaders of the several parties to desist. He then pursued a policy of vacillation, being uncertain whether to intervene or not. A Pan-American conference was arranged in August, but met with little success. On August 11th, American naval forces were again ordered to Vera Cruz. Desiring to avoid war, the Wilson Administration finally recognised Carranza's administration in October, with the concurrence of Great Britain. AMERICANS MASSACRED. The rebel forces under General Villa, however, continued to oppose Carranza’s troops, especially in Northern Mexico. Finally, at midnight on March Bth last a, hand of Villa’s troops crossed the American border at Columbus, destroyed (he town, and barbarously butchered the majority of the inhabitants, afterwards retiring again into Mexican territory. The United States immediately ordered a small advance force to enter Mexican territory and pursue Villa’s band. A few days later a punitive expedition of 5,000 troops, under General Pershing, crossed the international frontier to effect the capture of the rebel leader, who was held personally responsible tor the attack on Columbus.

The retreating’ outlaws massacred Americans indiscriminately, and demonstrations hostile to the interventionists occurred in the chief Mexican towns. At the same time fears were early expressed as to Carranza’s goodwill, although the Mexican Minister for War had issued a proclamation declaring the raiders outlaws. By April 12th it was generally acknowledged that Villa had eluded his pursuers, and thereupon General Carranza, demanded that the United States should leave the matter in the hands of the Mexican Government. General Pershing refused to retire, hut instead pushed southward and entered the town of Parra 1, where his army was actually fired on by 300 of Carranza’s troops.

The situation was furl her complicated by a. second raid by Villa’s bandit forces on a Texan town on May 7th, which resulted in the death of several American citizens. After further hostile demonstrations against American residents had been reported from Tampico, the National Guard was called out in three Slates, and all available troops sent to the border. General Carranza’s appearance near the border at the head of 25,000 troops emphasised (he seriousness of the situation. Finally, on dune 17th, the Mexican President issued an ultimatum to the United States forbidding a thriller advance into Mexico. The American tacit refusal has led by swift steps to the present declaration of war.