REVOLT IN MEXICO

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 29

REVOLT IN MEXICO

FOREIGNERS HELD AS HOSTAGES.

TERRIBLE MASSACRE

ABSENCE OF FRACTION,

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT WILSON

AMERICA’S DESIRE

LONDON, October 23

Nothing is known in London of any unsatisfactory development in the AngloAmerican relations respecting Mexico. Views are repeatedly exchanged between Sir E. Grey and Mr Page, but there is no friction in any direction, nor have the communications from Washington possessed the comminatory character attributed to them by some of the American reports. * October* 26. President Wilson’s speech at Swarthmore is attracting attention in view of the state of affairs in Mexico. Speaking near Penn’s landing spot, he declared that it was the profound purpose of American colonists to see that every foot of that land should be the home of free, self-governing people. He would like to believe that the western hemisphere was devoted to the same sacred purpose, and that nowhere should any Government endure which was stained with bloody or supported by anything but the consent of the governed. MEXICO CITY, October 22. The rebel leader Sorreon, at Vilta, is holding 12 British, 40 French, and 43 Germans as hostages. He declares that he will sacrifice them if the Federals attempt to retake the city. October 23. General Diaz landed at Vera Cruz despite General Huerta’s orders forbidding him to do so. He announced his intention of contesting the Presidency. Twelve arrests jvere made as the result of disturbances caused by General Diaz speaking from an hotel balcony. The revolutionists massacred the entire population of the village of Cheran, at Zicurin, in the State of Michaocan. The villagers defended themselves, but the revolutionaries burned ei/ery house and killed every inhabitant. The torturing of captured Federal soldiers has been reported. ' * October 24. General Huerta has issued a statement solemnly asserting his intention to use his power solely to re-establish peace and then hold fair elections. Ho says ho is fully determined to protect tho lives an 1 property of foreigners. He declares that the difference between the American and Mexican races is so fundamental that they aro not likely to understand each other properly. Referring to his non-recognition by the United States, he says that the Washing ton oflieials have no right to commit their country to an unjust and disastrous course. October 26. General Diaz, M. Gambon, M. Calero, and M. Delafuenta, the Presidential candidates, met under General Huerta’s direction and solemnly agreed to abide by the result of the elections. The defeated candidates promised tho new President they would pacify the country. October 27. There are indications that the vote will be insufficient legally to elect a President. The Catholics claim that M. Gamboa will top the poll. It is believed that General Diaz will be second, but no official announcement has been made. VERA CRUZ, October 25. General Huerta has invited General Diaz to proceed to the capital, guaranteeing his safety. It is not known if General Diaz will accept the invitation. Fierce fighting is proceeding at Monterey, where the rebels were defeated with heavy lose. October 26. Though the warships have ostensibly departed for a Mediterranean cruise, it is believed that each commander has been ordered to keep in touch with Mexican affairs through wireless communication with the naval stations. President Wilson has reiterated his intention of not recognising the Mexican elections. 1 WASHINGTON, October 24. President Wilson declined to make a

statement to press correspondents regard, ing the Mexican situation, declaring that it required reticence. The press harshly - criticises Britain's, failure to repudiate the British Minister's action in recognising General Huerata by presenting his credentials immediately after General Huerta had declared a die- . tator ship. Government officials urge the necessity ' for notifying European Governments that interference in Mexico is not desired by the United States. There is much irritation in Government circles over the attitude.