The record-union., 1895-01-26
Special to the REcoRD-UNIox.

CITY OF MEXICO, Jan. % via Laredo,
Tex. That the situation has been re-
garded as critical is evidenced by the fact
that in the Mexican arsenal at the citadel
there are being manufactured weekly
from 10000 to $4,000 Remington cartridges
by orders from the War Department.
They are also engaged night and day
upon other work, in order that all of the
artillery shall be completed and ready at
moments notice with full compliments
OF all kinds of ammunition. In the
arsenal it is notable the extreme activity
of the operatives, who do not rest IN o.
ment, in order that all armament may be
ready and in frst-class order and in
proper condition for the use of an army
about entering into campaign.
The War department thinks of send
ing the Fourth Battalion of Infantry to
Acapulco, but as yet has not issued the
marching orders. 1t is also rumored that
two battallons of artillery, completely
equipped, Will also leave within a few
days with full batteries of steel cannon.
1t Is also assumed that the Government
has purchased two steamers which nayi-
gate in the Gulf of Mexico, which they
will arm with the necessary artillery for
use as transports.
There Is an extraordinary activity in
every department, but as yet nothing has
transpired for publicity, although it is
easy to understand that the question Of
Guatemala IS what originated the extra
ordinary activity.
The mobilization of troops to strategic
points for an invasion OF Guatemala con-
tlnues daily. Up to date it is known
lS,OOO troops have been sent out, and the
mODiIlZatlon continues necessarily, 1t is
also known that telegraph orders have
been sent for additional rations for the
troops on the Guatemala frontier, and it
Is also we'll known here that the Govern
ment has sent Hon. Matthias Romero, the
representative in Washington, secret and
delicate instructions relative to the ques-
ton OF Guatemala.
The Mexican Congress is in secret ses-
sion tonight.
The United States has undertaken to
play the part Of peacemaker between
Mexico and Guatemala to prevent war if
possible. 4 telegram has been received
here from Secretary Gresham, expressing
the nope that Guatemala and Mexico will
agree between themselves upon some
method OF settling the dispute over the
boundary, but If this should not be DOS
siDle, the United States suggests that the
two countries agree to submit their diff
terences to arbitration by some friendly
nation. This communication from y tIa-
ton with which Mexico enjoys such inti-
mate and friendly relations has caused a
profound impression upon the Govern
ment, and undoubtedly accounts in part
for the decision of the Minister of Foreign
Affairs to withhold for five or six daVs
at least, the uItimatum be was about to
dispatch IN answer to the note from Qua
temala.
MEXICAN TROOPS ANXIOUS FOR WAR.
CITY OF MEXICO, Jan. 25.-The War
Department in this Capital is all activity.
The entire Office forces are working over
hours and an unusual spirit Of life and
general animation is seen on every hand.
The number OF troops already on the
frontier is Is, 900 and several brigades are
IN readiness TO be pushed to the frontier
at days notice.
Throughout the republic the same ac-
tivity is noted aud there is no doubt that
Mexico could put 81, 900 men on the Qua
tema!an frontier within week or ten
days should occasion demand.
The general health and equipment of
the Mexican troops now in the south are
very good and reports from the probable
seat OF war are that the soldiers and OFF,
GERS are in high spirits and anxious to
push forward at the command from head
quarters.
Considerable feeling is manifested in
this city over the visit to the national
arms factory OF member of the Guate-
malan Legation in company with the
Italian Minister. The parties appeared
at the factory without previously an
nouncing their intention. Being without
instructions, the commander OF the fac
tory telephoned to headquarters for in
formation.
The reply was that under existing cir
cums.ances 1t would be inconvenient that
the diplomats be given admission, and
while the commander nrnfnSa
apologies the visitors had to go away as
ignorant as they came in regard to the
operations Of hleXico's big killing estab-
lishment and the figure it might cut in
the near future.
Trial practice has been given the range
cannon as perfected by Senors Mondragon
and Perez, two officers of the Mexican
army. The improvements are notable
and materially affect the rapidity of fire,
accuracy and general effectiveness of the
cannon now in use in the army.
PREPARING FOR AN INVASION.
SALINA CRUZ State of Oaxaca). Jan.
25.-It is reported here that arrangements
are being quietly made by the Mexican
war authorities for the Guatemalan inva-
sion as soon as hostilities are declared.
The theory IS that the armed coryette
Laragosa, the gunboat Oaxaca and all the
Mexican boats on the Pacific Coast will
be employed in landing troops at San
Jose, Guatemala, or at some other conve-
nient point.
immediately on landing the forces will
be pushed with all possible speed across
the country toward the capital, which lies
only about fifty miles from the coast. and
where, it is naturally expected, the hard
fighting will occur.
At the game time the famed Mexican
rural forces will be ready to start from
the various points on the border now oc-
cupied by Mexican troops and cavalry.
sweeping through the country like a
whirIwind.
The rurales will aim to tear up things
as they go and be on hand and ready to
cooperate with the sea forces by the time
they have arrived before the city OF Qua
temala.
The artillery and other heavy guns will
be shipped by sea, and as the Guatemalans
will probably do all in their power TO pre-
vent landing Of the Mexican forces. it is
evident that the artillery mounted on the
Mexican ships and that designed for be-
sieging service will be Immediately
brought into play.
In this event, as there are several GOOD
landing places along the Guatemalan
coast, there will be no difficulty in elud
ing the opposition should it be shown mt
the regular harbor. The Guatemalan
forces are altogether TOO small to put up
good fight at more than one or two points
and so Mexico will have probably little
trouble in gaining land.