The Herald And News

HAS MADE PROGRESS IN MEXICAN PUZZLE

SUBSTANTIAL ADVANCE MADE BY LIND IN SOUTHERN REPUBLIC

Possible That Special Envoy's Representations Will Bring the Huerta Government into a More Amiable Frame of Mind,

Washington, Aug. 16.-Substantial progress has been achieved, in the judgment of administration officials here, by John Lind, in the discharge of his delicate mission to Mexico.

They feel the American embassy's adviser at least has made a breach in the wall, which theoretically had been erected by the Mexican government to obstruct his negotiations. The presentment he already has made is understood to be only of a preliminary character and will be followed by others setting out more in detail the object which the American administration had in mind in dispatching him to Mexico City.

The delivery of these supplementary communications either orally or in writing, will depend entirely upon the reception which the Mexican government accords the first communication. This is now under consideration, a fact regarded as of the utmost promise for the ultimate success of the negotiations.

Should Take Action.

It is understood that while there is nothing in these views in the nature of a demand for the withdrawal of Gen. Huerta from the presidency or for the arbitrary fixing of the date for a general election, there is nevertheless a distinct intimation of the administration's belief that some conclusion should be made by the Huerta government to terminate the present insurrection and to insure the ascendancy of a truly popular government.

If these fundamentals are accepted, the way will be open for conferences to define the means from which the desired results could be brought about.

It is expected at the State department that the next step in the negotiations will not be taken before Monday. The request of the Mexican government for time to consider Mr. Lind's presentation practically conveyed that idea. Meanwhile it is deemed essential that the principals to the negotiations shall surround them with the utmost secrecy at this interesting phase.

Nothing for Europe.

Not the slightest intimation of Mr. Lind's communication has reached any of the representatives of foreign powers. It is expected, however, that as soon as the Mexican government reaches a decision as to whether further overtures are to be received at all, steps will be taken to acquaint the foreign powers representatives in Mexico with the nature of Mr. Lind's mission.

The same information probably will be conveyed to the diplomatic representatives accredited to the United States from foreign countries.

Senator Lodge had a long talk with Secretary Bryan today about Mexican affairs. In view of his formal declaration in the senate of his purpose to stand squarely behind the president, providing the Mexican difficulty could be kept from the field of politics, this is believed to foreshadow a better entente between the democratic and republican members of the foreign relations committee than existed yesterday.

Henry Lane Wilson, retired ambassador to Mexico, remains in Washington, still undecided as to his future movements.

Democratic members of the senate foreign relations committee have determined that if the investigation of Mexican border conditions and American financial support of the revolutionists is to be continued by the special subcommittee that worked along the border last year, that committee will be reorganized so that its control rests with democratic senators.

The investigation conducted last year was under direction of Senator Smith of Michigan and Senator Fall, both republicans, who are now preparing reports. Prior to the end of the last congress Senator Smith obtained permission to continue the investigation into present conditions.

The foreign relations committee will determine next week as to whether the investigation is to be carried on.

What our octogenarians seem to need most is not old-age pensions, but easier divorce laws.