Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1911-03-09
TROOPS AND SHIPS
RUSH TO BORDER
III Texas 10000 Men Are to Be
Assembled At Once.
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NAVAL VESSELS TO THE GULF
Only War Game 10 the Official
Word But Protection to Mexico
y, In a Crisis is Public
Belief.
NAVAL VESSELS TO THE GULF

Washington, Mar. 8.-The president
gave orders for the immediate as
sembling In the department Of Texas
near the Mexican border, Of 2O,OOt
troops and the dispatch on rush or
ders Of 1000 marines to Guantanamo
by the transports Prairie and Dixie
and the rendezvousing of the great
cruisers Tennessee, Montana, North
Carolina and Washington in the Gull
Of Mexico.
Administration officials from the
president down describe the spectacu-
sar and momentous movement OF
troops Of the army and navy as the
result Of plan long since made for
maneuyers and war game OF the
army and the navy.
Mexico Must Have Known.
While It 10 well understood that no
other statement could be prudently
made to the public, the facts contra
dict the oflcial theory. Had the plans
been made long ago 1t would not have
been necessary for midnight and
early morning emergency work In the
commissary department and the guar
4ermasters department Of the army
DiHicials In both these bureaus were at
work on their extraordinary orders
antil three o'clock in the morning on
the Mexican campaign. 1t can be
stated on authority, which is official,
that this mobilization Of army and
navy on the Mexican land and shore
lines is intended as a friendly act 10
Mexico and is so understood by Mex
eco.
1t was pointed out distinctly that II
Mexico were not previously advised
Of the concentration Of troops 80 near
her border at this particular juncture,
Mexico would have the right to de-
mand instant explanation from the
United States and regard the acts as
. declaration Of war.
Protecting Foreign lntereSta
It is known that some nations Great
Britain for instance, have intimated
20 the state department that In case
Of uncontrolled disorder In Mexico,
British interests would have to be
taken care Of. This appears to have
been answered promptly and effec-
lively by the United States govern
ment by a reference to its traditional
policy as demonstrated recently In
Honduras in Nicaragua and San
Domingo. The answer is that the
United States feels bound to and can
take care Of all foreign interests on
khe Western continent.
The motive Of the administration,
% far as 1t can be definitely learned
ID to have massed and ready for ac-
sion sufficient number Of naval and
military forces to preserve the peace
ln Mexico, II President Diaz should
EOr any reason be obligated to aban-
lacn tie helm Of public affairs. Am
ple and perfect faith Is never the lefs
Reid In the ability Of the federal gov
nrnment to guard its own interests
and those Of the United States with
In the Mexican republic.
Ready With q Rush.
Rush orders were issued BY the
navy department for the concentra-
8Ion Of about l,4OO marines at Phlla-
dlslphia, en- route to Guantanamo,
where they will be Joined by 600 more |
nnarines, to be detached from the
warshlps. The two regiments Of ma
zines the United States formed at
Huanatanamo, will be commanded by
Col. Barnette and Col. Moses. The
Frnire Is expected to leave Philadel-
phiA on Thursday and the Dixie on
friday. The navy department compl-
uneuted the marine officers on the ex-
wsdition with which they had worked
On few hours notice.
The orders which were issued from
Governors Island for the movement
e troops from Fort Meyer were re-
csived at Sill. Within Is minutes
after the receipt Of the order the S4S
artillerymen at that post, had packed
I'D and were ready to take the train
Cor Fort Sam Houston. Zach man
unrrisd 200 rounds Of ammunition and