LATIN AMERICA: Words vs. Action

The past week in Mexico was one of preparation by both the Obregon and the Revolutionary forces.

Fighting was verbal rather than physical. President Obregon praised U. S. President Coolidge for backing the arms sale. General de la Huerta protested against the decision and as a counter-move issued a decree claiming the oil taxes in the name of the Revolution and under the provisions of the Huerta-Lamont agreement. Physical fighting was confined to unimportant engagements, the largest of which resulted in the defeat of the Revolutionary General, Romula Figueroa, and the loss of 500 men.

The two leaders passed pertinent criticism upon the revolution:

President Obregon: “All my life I have been in critical situations, but this situation is not bad. Two weeks ago things were different, but now it is only a question of time. One naturally does not hurry preparations when conditions are against the enemy. That is what is happening now. All things are against the rebels. . . . My wife said that I would surely die if I took the field. My answer was that I would sooner die on the field as a soldier than be caught in bed. Really, this revolt has improved my health. The change from civilian clothes to my old military uniform seems to have acted as a tonic. I am feeling much better than for many months.”

General Adolfo de la Huerta: “The minute the Mexican revolution succeeds I, Adolfo de la Huerta, will step down from leadership and will become a plain citizen of Mexico, without title and without office. Then I will announce my candidacy for the office of President of Mexico, pledged on my honor to uphold the Constitution and all constitutional guarantees.

“If the votes of the majority of my fellow Mexicans are against me I will retire cheerfully to private life.

“We of the revolution are not fighting to make Adolfo de la Huerta—or any other man—President of Mexico by force of arms. I would not take the Presidency unless elected to it by the votes of my fellow citizens.”