The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-12-20
MISSION OF HORNET
 STILL 4 MYSTERY
Vessel Leaving New Orleans Is
 Fully Equipped
SAILS AS. MERCHANT
Hornet Gets Clearance Papers Without Interference Hut There Is Much Mystery About the ships Destination


 mer United States gunb boat Hornet, re- 1 ported to have been purchased by HoI- duran revolutionists, cleared from this port tonight for Cape Gracias, with a crew of 20 men, 200 tons of coal and provisions for 30 days. Included among the crew are several men who are said to have been connected with previous 1 flibustering expeditions directed ! against Central American republics.
 When the clearance papers were se- cured the Hornet was anchored in tn river several miles above the custom house, remote from any regular landing or wharf. At o'clock the Hornet had up full head of steam and it was an nounced she would sail during the aft | ernoon.
 | Custom officials admitted that the fact that the Hornet was intended to be used in a revolutionary movement against Honduras had been brought to their attention, but her pa pers were regular and there would be no interference with her movements.
 Denials Reiterated | Manuel Bonilla, former president of | noted American soldier of fortune, whose names have been coupled with the alleged expedition, reiterated their denial of knowledge of the pur- pose of the Hornets departure. Their names do not appear in the clearance papers and they were not seen in the vicinity of the boat today 1 Notwithstanding the denials made b J Bonilla and Christmas, there Is feel ing of certainty in the local Central American colony and among those well informed in Central American affairs, these two fighters are to head the most complete revolutionary expedition that ever left this port. The Hornet has recently undergone extensive repairs and has been fitted with a modern cleo tric plant, including powerful search lights
 A secret agent of the Davia admin istration, who has been in New Or leans for three weeks, kept a carefpl watch on the Hornet today. Because of this reason and the United States authorities are watching the vessels movements closely, Bonilla and Christ mas, it is said, will make their de- parture later and join the Hornet later either at Cape Gracias or Puerto Bar rios.
 Not Revolutionary Vessel The Hornet was cleared as a mer- chant vessel by G. W. Reuff, Jr., agent for the owner, who is given as Joseph l W. Beer, head of a line. of schooners now in the Central American tra1e. Mr. Reuff branded as false the report | that the trim little steamer was in l J,,o
 Capt. c. Johnson the master, has been employed by the Estrada government in Nicaragua for several months. and until recently was commander of the little Me araguan gunboat Yula. David P. Row | land, the chief engineer, has seen service in Central American waters
 The other members of the crew are r. Phillips, first mate; John Bergs, Henry Hoffman, Thomas Knudson, Charles Weingmeg, Otto Ahlborn, John Began, Thomas Walsh, o. Gammoerer B. Mur- phy, P. Kelly, A. Shirk, J. Sikinburg, c. Aimsholes, Thomas Lyons.
 Although the clearance papers were se- cured shortly after noon. Captain John son had not shown up at the boat at an early hour tonight Announcement was made at o'clock that the Hornet probably would sail after midnight.
 Inspected Thoroughly | The revenue cutter Davy was dashed to | the Hornets side all morning and n thorough inspection was made of the trim little craft and her supplies. The gov ernment agents even moved and exam ined many of the bags of coal with which the boat is lined.
 The members of the Hornets crew are under contract for ''90-day voyage" with guarantee of first-class return passage 10 New Orleans or bonuses in case they de- sire to remain longer with the craft. Some of the members of the crew frank ly admitted to Associated Press rep resentative this afternoon that they be- lieve the Hornet was destined for Hon. duras.
 Late this afternoon two unknown Cen tral Americans boarded the boat and re- mained several hours awaiting Captain Johnson. They finally departed without having seen him.