The Wind that Swept Mexico by Anita Brenner

HUERTA, THE MASK-FACED MAN whom Ambassador Wilson ushered to the presidential chair in February, 1913, brought sweet sleep to the right people. This elderly Indian saloon tough had earned his army rank killing Indians for Díaz, but he had never counted for much among the politicians or the military. The Strong Man build-up began for Huerta when he swung troops against Zapata, almost successfully trapping Madero; when he came back victorious over Orozco, he was military leader Number One. That made him Ace of Spades in the political game. In the "Ten Tragic Days" he had outplayed both his military friends and the Maderistas, and had raked in the backing of the foreigners, the high clergy, all the big money. Clearly, here was a contractor equipped to nail the Díaz system in again. A true Strong Man, a killer with cunning.

Since Mexican governments stand or fall ultimately according to what is decided in Washington, it was first necessary to convince President Taft that Huerta's position was in accord with due process of law and to show the incoming Wilsonian Democrats that the Mexican people were very happy to have had Madero removed and Huerta elevated. At the same time the Mexicans had to be shown that Huerta was their man-had the strongest backing, had access to money, and was approved by high men in all the civilized world. All hands rallied to the job. Sermons extolled the Huerta peace. Bankers prepared to make funds available. The Church lent a million pesos. The Kaiser sent word that Huerta was "a brave soldier, who would save his country with the sword of honor. " The leading cigarette company, French-Mexican, wrapped up a new brand with Huerta's face on it suitably framed in laurels.