“When I go back to England,” said the Englishman, as the interview was approaching an end, “I shall be asked to explain your Mexican policy.  Can you tell me what it is?”

President Wilson looked at him earnestly and said, in his most decisive manner: 

“I am going to teach the South American Republics to elect good men!”

This was excellent as a purpose, but it could hardly be regarded as a programme.

“Yes,” replied Sir William, “but, Mr. President, I shall have to explain this to Englishmen, who, as you know, lack imagination.  They cannot see what is the difference between Huerta, Carranza, and Villa.”

The only answer he could obtain was that Carranza was the best of the three and that Villa was not so bad as he had been painted.  But the phrase that remained with the British diplomat was that one so characteristically Wilsonian:  “I propose to teach the South American Republics to elect good men.”  In its attitude, its phrasing, it held the key to much Wilson history.

Additional details of this historic interview are given in Colonel House’s letters: 

     From Edward M. House

     145 East 35th Street,

     New York City.

     November 4, 1913.

     DEAR PAGE: 

     Your cablegram, telling me of the arrival of Sir William Tyrrell on
     the Imperator, was handed me on my way to the train as I left for
     Washington.

     The President talked with me about the Mexican situation and it
     looks as if something positive will be done in a few days unless
     Huerta abdicates.

It is to be the policy of this Administration henceforth not to recognize any Central American government that is not formed along constitutional lines.  Anything else would be a makeshift policy.  As you know, revolutions and assassinations in order to obtain control of governments are instituted almost wholly for the purpose of loot and when it is found that these methods will not bring the desired results, they will cease.

The President also feels strongly in regard to foreign financial interests seeking to control those unstable governments through concessions and otherwise.  This, too, he is determined to discourage as far as it is possible to do so.

This was a great opportunity for England and America to get together.  You know how strongly we both feel upon this subject and I do not believe that the President differed greatly from us, but the recent actions of the British Government have produced a decided irritation, which to say the least is unfortunate.

Faithfully yours,

E.M.  HOUSE.

145 East 35th Street,
New York City. 
November 14, 1913.

DEAR PAGE: 

Things have happened quickly since I last wrote to you.  I went to
Washington Monday night as the guest of the Bryans.  They have been
wanting me to come to them and I thought this a good opportunity.