If a newspaper could get an interview with him it would be a 'scoop,' but the work was inclined to be dangerous for the interviewer, since Americans were being murdered rather profusely in Mexico at the time in spite of the astute assurances of Mr.Bryan, and no matter how substantial his references the correspondent was likely to meet some temperamental and touchy soldier with a loaded rifle who would shoot first and afterward carry his papers to some one who could read them.
"One of the newspapers taking the stories by Mr.Davis from the syndicate had a staff man at Vera Cruz as well, and thought to 'scoop' the country by sending this representative to see Huerta, in this way 'beating' even the other subscribers to the Davis service.

An interview in Mexico City was consequently arranged and the staff man was cabled and asked to make the trip.

He promptly cabled his refusal, this young man preferring to take no such chances.

It was then suggested that Mr.Davis should attempt it.

By pulling some wires at Washington it was arranged, through the Brazilian and English Ambassadors at the Mexican capital, for Mr.Davis to interview President Huerta, with safe conduct (this being about as safe as nonskid tires) to Mexico City.